Ultimate Africa

59 days - from $5310

This is the ultimate African adventure that takes us from the jungles of Rwanda to the savannahs of East Africa, the tropical beaches on the Indian Ocean, mighty Victoria Falls, the desert splendours of Namibia and ultimately Cape Town - the Mother City. At every juncture of this epic journey, the kaleidoscope that is Africa unfurls before us in what is surely the experience of a lifetime.

Highlights

• Kigali City Tour & Genocide Museum
• Gorilla Trekking Parc National des Volcans
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel Launch Trip
• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• Nile River
• East Africa Mission Orphanage
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• School Visit
• Lake Naivasha
• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Serengeti National Park
• Zanzibar
• Baobab Valley
• Lake Malawi
• South Luangwa National Park
• Victoria Falls
• Chobe National Park
• Okavango Delta
• Etosha National Park
• Spitzkoppe
• Cape Cross
• Swakopmund
• Namib-Naukluft National Park
• Sesriem & Sossusvlei
• Deadvlei Bushman Walk
• Fish River Canyon
• Gariep (Orange) River
• Winelands
• Cape Town

Itinerary:

Day 1 Kigali2 Kigali - Ruhengiri3 Parc National des Volcans (Gorilla Trek) - Kisoro4-5 Queen Elizabeth National Park6 Entebbe7-8 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Jinja (Nile River)9 Kericho Tea Estates10 East Africa Mission Orphanage11 Lake Nakuru National Park - East Africa Mission Orphanage 12 Lake Naivasha13-14 Masai Mara National Reserve15 Nairobi16 Arusha17 Mto Wa Mbu18-19 Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park20 Arusha21 Pangani 22 Dar es Salaam23 Stone Town (Zanzibar)24-26 Nungwi (Zanzibar)27 Dar es Salaam28 Baobab Valley - Iringa29-30 Chitimba - Chintheche (Lake Malawi)31-32 Senga Bay (Lake Malawi)33 Chipata34-35 South Luangwa National Park36 Chipata37 Lusaka38-40 Victoria Falls41-42 Chobe National Park43-46 Okavango Delta - Rundu47-49 Etosha National Park50 Spitzkoppe51-52 Cape Cross - Swakopmund53-54 Namib-Naukluft National Park - Sossusvlei55 Fish River Canyon56-57 Gariep River - Western Cape58-59 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 driver, safari guide and camp cook whilst on safari; all park fees; one pre-purchased gorilla permit; local specialist guides for gorilla trek and in Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and Sossusvlei; all camping equipment; transport in custom-built safari vehicle during safari, 4WD vehicle during safari, mokoros, ferry, 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$220 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. 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. 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. 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. 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: Kigali to Cape Town
Trip Reference: GAUA