Botswana & Zimbabwe Adventure

21 days - from $1780

Over three incredible weeks we explore parts of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining the ‘Backroads of Botswana’ and ‘Waterfalls and Wildlife’ safaris.

Contrasting the fantastic wildlife at Chobe National Park with the stunning scenery of the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls makes this one of the best trips on offer. We travel from Pretoria to Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where we experience our first sightings of African wildlife. There is a chance to learn more about this community-based conservation effort through our local site guides, as well as enjoying an optional night drive. Travelling along the back roads of Botswana we arrive at the Okavango Delta. Here we explore the most spectacular floodplain in the world, both in traditional mokoros (dug-out canoes) and on foot. The birdlife is prolific and the sunsets are simply spectacular. Travelling past the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans we continue to Chobe National Park, spending our day game viewing in open four-wheel drive vehicles and by boat. We watch large herds of elephants rolling in the mud, hippos relaxing at the water's edge, antelopes frolicking through the grasslands and, hopefully, lions keeping a watch on their territory. We then travel to Victoria Falls, where a smorgasbord of adrenaline-fuelled activities are on offer (such as whitewater rafting or bungy jumping). Take time to experience the magnificence of the actual falls themselves, as the Upper Zambezi River spills over the 1.7km wide chasm. Wildlife viewing opportunities continue at Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier game reserve. From there we travel to the Antelope Park, where we get to walk with lions in this great private reserve. Our safari then takes on an architectural and cultural focus as we visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins - the largest sub-Saharan, man-made structure and once the focal point of a powerful kingdom. We leave Zimbabwe as South African beckons us with its rejuvenating hot springs and scenic canyon. The wonderful Kruger National Park provides a fitting climax to this brilliant and highlight-packed safari.

Highlights

• Hwange National Park - home to the second largest population of elephants in the world
• Walk with lions in Antelope Park - the world’s first lion rehabilitation and release into the wild program
• ‘The smoke that thunders' - Victoria Falls
• Wildlife safari in Greater Kruger National Park
• Camp by the Great Zimbabwe ruins
• Blyde River Canyon - the largest green canyon in the world
• Khama Rhino Sanctuary
• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
• Okavango Delta by 'mokoro'
• Nxai Pan National Park's fossil lakebed and baobabs
• Chobe National Park's river

Itinerary:

Day 1: Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary (Botswana)3: Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Maun (Botswana)4-6: Okavango Delta Excursion - Maun (Botswana)7-8: Chobe National Park (Botswana)9-10: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)11-12: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)13-14: Antelope Park - Gweru (Zimbabwe)15: Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Zimbabwe)16: Tshipise Hot Springs (South Africa)17-18: Kruger National Park (South Africa)19: Kruger National Park - Blyde River Canyon - Graskop (South Africa)20: Pilgrim's Rest - Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)21: Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)

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:

• Gecko’s experienced English-speaking local safari leader, professional driver, and camp cook who will prepare all included meals.

• Gecko’s specialist English-speaking local site guides in Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park and at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

• Transport in a custom-built safari vehicle with large opening windows for unrestricted game viewing (maximum of just 24 clients).

• 18 nights camping in large dome tents, with mosquito netting and a foam mattress provided. Camp sites include: inside Khama Rhino Sanctuary; in Victoria Falls Township; at Tshipse Hot Springs; in Kruger National Park; and at Graskop, on the edge of the highveld escarpment.

• 1 night in tented bush camp inside Chobe National Park.

• 1 day in Khama Rhino Sanctuary, 3 days in the Okavango Delta, 1 day in Chobe National Park, 2 days in Hwange National Park, 2 days in a private wildlife reserve and 2 days in Kruger National Park (including all park entrance fees, where applicable).

• Game drives in open 4WD vehicles in Hwange National Park and Chobe National Park.

• 3 day excursion on the Okavango Delta by mokoro (dugout canoe) and on foot, guided by an expert poler from the Okavango Polers Trust.

• Rhino Trail lead by rangers based at the sanctuary, and walk with the lions at Antelope Park.

• Sightseeing of Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Blyde River Canyon and Pilgrim’s Rest.

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).