Spirit of Africa

41 days - from $3104

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

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mosi-oa-Tunya - Victoria Falls
• Game drives in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Serengeti
• The 'Garden of Eden' of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater
• The beaches, cultural diversity and slave history of the 'spice islands' of Zanzibar
• South Luangwa National Park - the birthplace of walking safaris
• Cape Town - South Africa's 'Mother City'
• The orange blaze of Sossusvlei's desert dunes
• Tented camp stays
• Okavango Delta by 'mokoro'
• Senga Bay on Lake Malawi
• Etosha National Park - game drives and floodlit waterholes
• Sandboard the world’s biggest dunes, Namibia

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cape Town (South Africa)2: Cape Town Township Tour - Cederberg Region (South Africa)3: Orange River (South Africa)4: Fish River Canyon (Namibia)5-6: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park (Namibia)7-8: Swakopmund (Namibia)9: Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe (Namibia)10: Twyfelfontein - Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia)11-12: Himba Village - Etosha National Park (Namibia)13: Bangani (Namibia)14-16: Okavango Delta - Sepupa (Botswana)17-18: Kasane - Chobe National Park (Botswana)19-21: Livingstone (Zambia)22-23: Lusaka - Chipata (Zambia)24-25: South Luangwa National Park (Zambia)26: Lilongwe (Malawi)27-29: Lake Malawi (Malawi)30: Iringa (Tanzania)31: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)32: Stone Town - Zanzibar (Tanzania)33-34: Nungwi - Zanzibar (Tanzania)35: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)36: Arusha (Tanzania)37: School of St Jude - Mto Wa Mbu (Tanzania)38: Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)39: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)40-41: Arusha - 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.

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).