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

• Canoe the Okavango Delta
• The Chobe riverside, Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Dawn in Etosha National Park
• Sandboard the world’s biggest dunes, Namibia
• See (and smell) the seals at Cape Cross
• Sesriem Canyon
• Spend time with the San Bushmen, Namibia
• Sunrise at Sossusvlei Dunes
• Take the ultimate Namibia photo at Dead Vlei
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Cintsa East, the Wild Coast
• Explore Cape Town’s historic heart
• Greater Kruger National Park
• Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains
• Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park
• Lunch in Zululand
• Ride an ostrich, South Africa
• Swot up on Mandela
• The Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon
• Explore Swaziland’s craft markets
• Mlilwane Nature Sanctuary
• Camp by the Great Zimbabwe ruins
• Overload the senses in Victoria Falls
• Walk with lions in Antelope Park, Zimbabwe
• Watch the watering hole, Hwange National Park

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Pretoria/Johannesburg - Blyde River Canyon3-4: Kruger National Park5: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland)6-7: Zululand - St Lucia8-9: Drakensberg Mountains10-12: Umtata - Wild Coast - Addo Elephant National Park13-14: Tsitsikamma National Park15-16: Plettenberg Bay - Knysna - Oudtshoorn17-18: Winelands - Cape Town19-20: Cederberg Region - Gariep (Orange) River21: Fish River Canyon22-23: Sesriem & Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park24-26: Swakopmund - Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe27-29: Etosha National Park - Bushmanland30-31: Bushmanland - Sepupa32-34: Okavango Delta35-36: Caprivi Strip - Chobe National Park37-38: Livingstone (Victoria Falls)39: Victoria Falls40-41: Hwange National Park42-43: Antelope Park - Gweru44-45: Great Zimbabwe Ruins - Tshipse Hot Springs46-48: Kruger National Park - Blyde River Canyon49-50: Pretoria/Johannesburg

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: 48 breakfasts, 42 lunches, 40 dinners
EquipmentIncluded: 02 Sep 10
Valid From: 11 Jan 09
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Starts/Ends: Johannesburg to Johannesburg
Trip Reference: GASO