Spirit of Africa

45 days - from $3785

Capture the spirit of Africa on this overland journey from Cape Town to Nairobi. We travel from South Africa to Namibia and then Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and finally Kenya. Along the way we meet the warm and friendly people of this unique continent and encounter much of its amazing array of wildlife. From the beats of the drums to the roars of the lions, the spirit of Africa awaits!

Highlights

• Cape Town
• Langa Township Tour
• Gariep (Orange) River
• Fish River Canyon
• Namib-Naukluft National Park
• Sesriem & Sossusvlei
• Deadvlei Bushman Walk
• Swakopmund
• Cape Cross
• Spitzkoppe
• Etosha National Park
• Okavango Delta
• Chobe National Park
• Livingstone (Victoria Falls)
• Game Drives in Open Vehicles
• South Luangwa National Park
• Lake Malawi
• Baobab Valley
• Zanzibar
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater

Itinerary:

Day 1 Cape Town2 Cape Town - Cederberg3 Gariep (Orange) River4 Fish River Canyon5-6 Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park7-8 Swakopmund9 Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe10-12 Etosha National Park13-14 Rundu - Sepupa15-17 Okavango Delta18-19 Caprivi Strip - Chobe National Park20-22 Livingstone (Victoria Falls)23-24 Lusaka - Chipata25-26 South Luangwa National Park27 Chipata28-29 Senga Bay (Lake Malawi)30-31 Chintheche - Chitimba (Lake Malawi)32-33 Iringa - Baobab Valley - Dar es Salaam34 Stone Town (Zanzibar)35-37 Nungwi (Zanzibar)38-39 Dar es Salaam - Pangani40-41 Arusha - Mto Wa Mbu42 Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park43 Serengeti National Park43-44 Serengeti Crater - Arusha45 Nairobi

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 driver, safari guide and camp cook whilst on safari; park fees; local specialist guides join us in Sossusvlei, the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, South Luangwa National Park and the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area; all camping equipment; transport in custom-built safari vehicle during safari, 4WD vehicle during safari, mokoros, 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$170 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 Overland from Cape to Falls and the African Wanderer 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.
Starts/Ends: Cape Town to Nairobi
Trip Reference: GASP