Southern Heartbeat

32 days - from $2885

This would have to be one of the best four-week trips in southern Africa, combining of our extremely popular 'Waterfalls & Wildlife (Reverse)' and 'Vic Falls to Cape Town' safaris. The architectural wonder of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins sets our safari off to a cultural start. Antelope Park whets our wildlife appetite as we walk with lions in this unique private reserve. Balancing granite boulders form a stunning backdrop for wildlife at Matobo National Park, which is particularly famous for its white rhino population. Wildlife-viewing opportunities abound in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier game reserve. Arriving in Victoria Falls we have three days to check out some of the more popular optional activities, such as whitewater rafting or bungy jumping. From the magnificence of Victoria Falls we head off to explore the game-rich areas of Chobe National Park and the Chobe River. The marvellous wetlands of the Okavango Delta in Botswana are truly spectacular, not to mention the wonderful wildlife areas around the Etosha Pan. The breathtaking sand dunes of Sossusvlei are the essence of Namibia, whilst the sheer size and majesty of Fish River Canyon never fails to impress. We cross into South Africa at the Orange River and make our way to Cape Town, one of the world’s most spectacular cities - a great place to end our remarkable journey.

Highlights

• Wildlife safari in Greater Kruger National Park
• Camp by the Great Zimbabwe ruins
• ‘The smoke that thunders' - Victoria Falls
• Strike it lucky in Pilgrim’s Rest, South Africa
• Cape Town - South Africa's 'Mother City'
• Blyde River Canyon - the largest green canyon in the world
• Walk with lions in Antelope Park - the world’s first lion rehabilitation and release into the wild program
• Hwange National Park - home to the second largest population of elephants in the world
• The orange blaze of Sossusvlei's desert dunes
• Take the ultimate Namibia photo at Dead Vlei
• Chobe National Park's river
• Seaside holiday town of Swakopmund
• Sandboard the world’s biggest dunes, Namibia
• Okavango Delta by 'mokoro'
• Etosha National Park - game drives and floodlit waterholes
• Skeleton Coast's Cape fur seals
• Sesriem Canyon
• Fish River Canyon

Itinerary:

Day 1: Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)2: Blyde River Canyon Region (South Africa)3-4: Kruger National Park (South Africa)5: Tshipise Hot Springs (South Africa)6: Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Zimbabwe)7-8: Antelope Park - Gweru (Zimbabwe)9-10: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)11-13: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)14-15: Kasane - Chobe National Park (Botswana)16: Sepupa (Botswana)17-18: Okavango Delta (Botswana)19: Bagani (Namibia)20-21: Etosha National Park (Namibia)22: Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia)23: Himba Village - Twyfelfontein - Spitzkoppe (Namibia)24-25: Cape Cross - Swakopmund (Namibia)26-27: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park (Namibia)28: Fish River Canyon (Namibia)29: Orange River (South Africa)30: Cederberg Region (South Africa)31: Cape Town32: 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 safari guide, a professional driver and a camp cook whilst on safari; local specialist guides in Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and Namib-Naukluft National Park; all park fees; all camping equipment; 1 night lodge, 26 nights camping, 2 nights bungalow, 1 night houseboat and 1 night hotel; transport in custom-built safari vehicle and open game-viewing vehicles.

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).