Southern African Odyssey

50 days - from $4250

This is an incredible seven-week odyssey that explores the far corners of southern Africa, combining the 'South Africa Explorer' with the 'Overland from Cape to Falls' and 'Waterfalls & Wildlife' safaris, beginning and ending near Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Our first encounter with the wildlife of southern Africa is in world-renowned Kruger National Park, which forms one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and offers some of the continent's best game-viewing. In Swaziland we meet local artisans skilled in the age-old tradition of glassblowing and spend time interacting with local people at a craft market, before for heading into Zululand to learn more of the customs and culture of the proud Zulu people. A full-day game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, in search of the endangered white rhino, and further game drives in Addo Elephant National Park ensure unforgettable experiences with Africa's wildlife! We walk amidst the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains to view the rock paintings of the San Bushmen and walk the beginning of the famous Otter Trail in Tsitsikamma National Park - the most renowned hiking trail in the country. We can choose from a range of adrenaline-fuelled activities to get our hearts racing or just kick back and relax on a glorious sandy beach and watch an African sunset. We explore pristine stretches of coast and seaside towns on the Garden Route, traverse our way through the underground wonderland of Cango Caves and get up close and personal to the giant ostrich. Making our way into the beautiful Western Cape, we sample the local produce that the region is famous for - wine! The vibrant and captivating city of Cape Town, cradled between the imposing Table Mountain and the expansive Atlantic Ocean, must surely be also one of the most beautiful in the world.

The lush mountain ranges, winelands and orchards of the Western Cape give way to a more desolate north, as the Gariep River cuts a green swathe forming the natural border between South Africa and Namibia. The incredible natural beauty and diversity of Namibia is a highlight of this journey. From the size and majesty of Fish River Canyon to the breathtaking sand dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, you experience the true essence of this beautiful country. Swakopmund, the adrenaline centre of the country, provides a stark contrast to the surreal feel and spirit of Spitzkoppe. Continuing north, Namibia continues to impress with the beautiful scenery of Damaraland and the amazing wildlife of Etosha National Park. Leaving Namibia through the fertile north completes a picture of the incredible natural diversity that Namibia offers each visitor. The marvellous wetlands of the Okavango Delta in Botswana are truly spectacular and provide a great opportunity to experience true wilderness. From here we explore the game-rich areas of Chobe National Park and the Chobe River.

Upon reaching Zambia and Zimbabwe, we witness the awesome and inspirational power of Victoria Falls. Journeying through Zimbabwe animal viewing opportunities abound at Hwange National Park and Antelope Park at Gweru. Here we get up really close to the wildlife, as this is the place where we get to walk with lions! Finally Zimbabwe's rich cultural history unfurls before us as we visit the largest man-made structure in sub-Saharan Africa - the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Watching the sunset here provides a fitting climax to our time in Zimbabwe. Re-entering South Africa to complete our journey we return to Kruger National Park and beautiful Blyde River Canyon, before finally reaching Pretoria/Johannesburg to end this brilliant and highlight-filled safari.

Highlights

• Blyde River Canyon
• Kruger National Park
• Mlilwane Nature Sanctuary
• Zulu Culture
• Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park
• Drakensberg Mountains
• Umtata - Birthplace of Nelson Mandela
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Tsitsikamma National Park
• Cango Caves
• Ostrich Farm
• Winelands
• Cape Town
• Langa Township Tour
• Fish River Canyon
• Namib-Naukluft National Park
• Deadvlei Bushman Walk
• Swakopmund
• Cape Cross
• Spitzkoppe
• Etosha National Park
• Okavango Delta
• Chobe National Park
• Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls)
• Victoria Falls
• Hwange National Park
• Antelope Park
• Walk with lions
• Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Itinerary:

Day 1-2 Arrive in Pretoria/Johannesburg. Travel to Blyde River Canyon region.3-4 Game drives in Kruger National Park.5 Visit recycled glass factory and Swazi craft market. Continue to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. 6-7 Zulu kraal and lunch visit. Continue to St Lucia. Full day game drive Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park.8-9 Drakensberg Mountains World Heritage Site. Hike to Bushmen paintings.10-11 Travel to Umtata, birthplace of Nelson Mandela, on South Africa's Wild Coast. Continue along Wild Coast to Cintsa East.12 Travel to Addo Elephant Park, Afternoon and morning game drives.13-14 Tsitsikamma National Park. Hike the start of the Otter Trail. Explore the region.15-16 Explore Plettenberg Bay and Knysna before reaching Wilderness National Park. Travel to Outsdhoorn. Visit Cango Caves and Ostrich Farm17-18 Wine tasting in Western Cape. Continue onto Cape Town. Day at leisure in Cape Town. 19-20 Cape Town Township Tour. Overnight at Cederberg. Continue onto Gariep (Orange) River.21 Explore the Fish River Canyon. 22-23 Travel to Sesreim. Explore the sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib-Naukluft National Park.24-25 Continue to the Namibian coast for two days of leisure at Swakopmund.26 Visit the Cape Cross seal colony. Experience bushman art at Spitzkoppe.27-29 3 days game viewing in Etosha National Park.30-31 Depart Etosha for Rundu before travelling onto Sepupa.32-34 2 days and nights spent exploring Okavango Delta.35-36 Travel along the Caprivi Strip. Explore Chobe National Park.37-38 Travel to Livingstone. Two days at leisure. 39 Cross the Zambezi River to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.40-41 Game drives in Hwange National Park.42-43 Continue onto Antelope Park and walk with lions.44-45 Travel to Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Continue to Tshipse Hot Springs.46-47 Two days of game driving in Kruger National Park.48 Explore the Blyde River Canyon region. 49-50 Continue onto Pretoria. Tour ends after breakfast on the final day.

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 at the Cango Caves, in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Hwange National Parks and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins; all park fees; all camping equipment; 43 nights camping, 3 nights lodge, 2 nights bungalows, 1 night houseboat; transport in custom-built safari vehicle, 4WD vehicles, mokoro, boat, ferry 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$160 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. 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. This trip is a combination of the South Africa Explorer, Overland from Cape to Falls and the Waterfalls and Wildlife 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 Cape Town and again in Livingstone. 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 money in any form 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.
Starts/Ends: Pretoria / Johannesburg to Pretoria / Johannesburg
Trip Reference: GASO