Southern Heartbeat

30 days - from $2395

This would have to be one of the best four-week trips in southern Africa, combining of our extremely popular 'Wild Africa' and 'Vic Falls to Cape Town' safaris. The architectural wonder of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins sets our safari off to a cultural start. Antelope Park whets our wildlife appetite as we walk with lions in this unique private reserve. Balancing granite boulders form a stunning backdrop for wildlife at Matobo National Park, which is particularly famous for its white rhino population. Wildlife-viewing opportunities abound in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's premier game reserve. Arriving in Victoria Falls we have three days to check out some of the more popular optional activities, such as whitewater rafting or bungy jumping. From the magnificence of Victoria Falls we head off to explore the game-rich areas of Chobe National Park and the Chobe River. The marvellous wetlands of the Okavango Delta in Botswana are truly spectacular, not to mention the wonderful wildlife areas around the Etosha Pan. The breathtaking sand dunes of Sossusvlei are the essence of Namibia, whilst the sheer size and majesty of Fish River Canyon never fails to impress. We cross into South Africa at the Gariep (Orange) River and make our way to Cape Town, one of the world's most spectacular cities - a great place to end our remarkable journey.

Highlights

• Great Zimbabwe Ruins
• Antelope Park
• Walk with lions
• Matobo National Park
• Hwange National Park
• Victoria Falls
• Chobe National Park
• Okavango Delta
• Etosha National Park
• Spitzkoppe
• Cape Cross
• Namib-Naukluft National Park
• Sesriem & Sossusvlei
• Deadvlei Bushman Walk
• Fish River Canyon
• Gariep (Orange) River
• Winelands
• Cape Town

Itinerary:

Day 1 Pretoria/Johannesburg2-3 Great Zimbabwe Ruins4-5 Antelope Park - Gweru6 Matobo National Park7-8 Hwange National Park9-11 Victoria Falls12-13 Chobe National Park14-17 Okavango Delta18-20 Etosha National Park21 Spitzkoppe22-23 Cape Cross - Swakopmund24-25 Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park26 Fish River Canyon27 Orange River28 Cederberg Region29-30 Cape Town

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the 'must see' sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included: An experienced safari guide and camp cook whilst on safari; local specialist guides in Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Matobo National Park, Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, Namib-Naukluft National Park and the Okavango Delta; all park fees; all camping equipment; 24 nights camping, 2 nights bungalow, 2 nights lodge, 1 night houseboat; transport in custom-built safari vehicle during safari, 4WD vehicles, mokoro, by boat and on foot.
Not Included: International flights, local payment, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, all other meals, drinks, sleeping bag, pillow, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights (unless specified).
Meals: Allow US$120 for meals not included in the itinerary.
Valid From: 11 Jan 09
Notes: We travel in a custom-built safari vehicle that can take a maximum of 24 clients. There are large opening windows, providing unrestricted game viewing and photographic opportunities, and on-board we have useful reference books about the flora and fauna that you may encounter during your safari. The large dome tents are spacious and quick to erect with the sides covered in mosquito netting and foam mattresses provided to enable you to sleep in comfort. A comfortable folding chair is also supplied for each passenger. In addition, all communal camping equipment is carried on board together with on-board cool boxes. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and it is also recommended that you bring a pillow or purchase one locally for added comfort. Please note there are no laundry services available whilst camping, but sometimes when we stay at a campsite for at least two consecutive nights, there may be the opportunity to do some hand-washing. A special feature of the safari is that in addition to our safari guide and professional driver we have a camp cook who plans, budgets and prepares all included meals. This trip is a combination of the Wild Africa and the Vic Falls to Cape Town tours. As a result some travellers may be departing the trip part way through and others joining. You may also experience a change of crew and vehicle in Victoria Falls. Gecko's strongly advises you to carry sufficient USD cash with you to cover your time in Zimbabwe. You will not be able to withdraw USD cash by any means once you have entered Zimbabwe (including use of ATMs, credit cards and travellers cheques) so please ensure you have sufficient money prior to your arrival for all your expenses including tourist visa, spending money and any optional activities you may choose to do in Victoria Falls. Road Conditions and Infrastructure in Africa Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. The infrastructure in Africa is not always what we are used to and travelling on their roads can sometimes be very bumpy experiences. The travelling times indicated in our Trip Notes is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders.
Starts/Ends: Pretoria / Johannesburg to Cape Town
Trip Reference: GASH