Southern African Odyssey

55 days - from $4765

This is an incredible 55-day odyssey that explores the far corners of southern Africa, combining the 'African Mozaic' 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 go on another safari whilst in Mozambique we relax on the beach, 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, wineries and orchards of the Western Cape give way to a more desolate north, as the Orange 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

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mosi-oa-Tunya - Victoria Falls
• Cintsa East, the Wild Coast
• Ride an ostrich, South Africa
• Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park
• ‘The smoke that thunders' - Victoria Falls
• Strike it lucky in Pilgrim’s Rest, South Africa
• Drakensberg's flat-topped mountains
• Swot up on Mandela
• Mlilwane Nature Sanctuary
• Hwange National Park - home to the second largest population of elephants in the world
• Camp by the Great Zimbabwe ruins
• Wildlife safari in Greater Kruger National Park
• Walk with lions in Antelope Park - the world’s first lion rehabilitation and release into the wild program
• Cape Town - South Africa's 'Mother City'
• Skeleton Coast's Cape fur seals
• Chobe National Park's river
• Etosha National Park - game drives and floodlit waterholes
• Maputo - the nightlife capital of southern Africa
• Blyde River Canyon - the largest green canyon in the world
• Fish River Canyon
• Okavango Delta by 'mokoro'
• Sandboard the world’s biggest dunes, Namibia
• Sesriem Canyon
• The orange blaze of Sossusvlei's desert dunes
• Take the ultimate Namibia photo at Dead Vlei
• Seaside holiday town of Swakopmund
• Addo Elephant National Park

Itinerary:

Day 1: Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)2: Blyde River Canyon Region (South Africa)3-4: Kruger National Park (South Africa)5-6: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland)7: Maputo (Mozambique)8: Praia de Macaneta - Maputo (Mozambique)9-10: St Lucia Wetlands (South Africa)11-12: Zulu Village - Ballito (Durban) (South Africa)13-14: Drakensberg Mountains (South Africa)15-16: Coffee Bay (South Africa)17: Umtata - Cintsa (South Africa)18: Port Elizabeth (South Africa)19: Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa)20: Addo Elephant National Park -Tsitsikamma National Park (South Africa)21: Oudtshoorn (Cape Town)22: Oudtshoorn - Cape Town (Cape Town)23-24: Cape Town (South Africa)25: Cape Town Township Tour - Cederberg (South Africa)26: Orange River (South Africa)27: Fish River Canyon (Namibia)28-29: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park (Namibia)30-31: Swakopmund (Namibia)32: Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe (Namibia)33: Twyfelfontein - Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia)34-35: Himba Village - Etosha National Park (Namibia)36: Bangani (Namibia)37-39: Okavango Delta - Sepupa (Botswana)40-41: Chobe National Park (Botswana)42-44: Livingstone (Zambia)45-46: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)47-48: Antelope Park - Gweru (Zimbabwe)49: Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Zimbabwe)50: Tshipise Hot Springs (South Africa)51-52: Kruger National Park (South Africa)53: Kruger National Park - Blyde River Canyon - Graskop (South Africa)54: Pilgrim's Rest - Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)55: 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:

An experienced safari guide, a professional driver and a camp cook whilst on safari; local specialist guides at the Cango Caves, Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park and Great Zimbabwe Ruins; all park fees; all camping equipment; 47 nights camping, 2 nights bungalow, 1 night houseboat, 1 night lodge and 3 nights hotel; transport in custom-built safari vehicle during safari, 4WD vehicles, mokoro, boat, ferry and on foot.

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).