Secrets of the South

32 days - from $2308

This is a great five-week trip that travels through southern Africa, combining the 'Overland from Cape to Falls' and 'Waterfalls & Wildlife' safaris and journeying from Cape Town to Pretoria, near Johannesburg.

The lush mountain ranges, winelands and orchards of the Western Cape give way to the more desolate north, where the Orange River cuts a green swathe as a natural border between South Africa and Namibia. The incredible natural beauty and diversity of Namibia is a real highlight of this journey, right from our first stop in Namibia – Fish River Canyon. From the size and majesty of this canyon to the breathtaking sand dunes of Namib-Naukluft National Park, you are sure to experience the true essence of Namibia. Swakopmund, the adrenalin-filled centre of Namibia provides a stark contrast to the surreal feel and spirit of remoteness found in Spitzkoppe. Continuing north, Namibia continues to impress with the beautiful scenery of Damaraland and the abundance of wildlife at Etosha National Park. Leaving Namibia through the fertile north gives a complete picture of the incredible natural diversity that this country 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 the delta we explore the game-rich areas of Chobe National Park and around the Chobe River. The awesome power of the Victoria Falls provides a fitting final view of the waterways of southern Africa.

Leaving behind the centre of activity that is Victoria Falls, we head off in search of Zimbabwe’s wildlife! Animal-viewing opportunities abound at Hwange National Park, the country's premier game reserve. From Hwange we travel to Gweru where we get you up really close to the wildlife at Antelope Park, as this is the place where you walk with lions. Travelling south to Masvingo, Zimbabwe’s rich history and culture unfurls before you as you experience the largest man-made structure in sub-Saharan Africa – the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Watching the sunset at here provides a fitting climax to our time in Zimbabwe.

We re-enter South Africa to complete our safari with one last wildlife reserve - the big one - Kruger National Park! After two days game-viewing here, we then take in the beauty of Blyde River Canyon before finally reaching Pretoria/Johannesburg to end this brilliant and highlight-filled safari.

Highlights

• Spend time with the San Bushmen, Namibia
• Okavango Delta by 'mokoro'
• Etosha National Park - game drives and floodlit waterholes
• Fish River Canyon
• Skeleton Coast's Cape fur seals
• Sesriem Canyon
• Seaside holiday town of Swakopmund
• Sandboard the world’s biggest dunes, Namibia
• Chobe National Park's river
• Take the ultimate Namibia photo at Dead Vlei
• The orange blaze of Sossusvlei's desert dunes
• Blyde River Canyon - the largest green canyon in the world
• Cape Town - South Africa's 'Mother City'
• Strike it lucky in Pilgrim’s Rest, South Africa
• 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
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mosi-oa-Tunya - Victoria Falls
• Camp by the Great Zimbabwe ruins

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cape Town (South Africa)2: Cape Town Township Tour - Cederberg (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: Spitzkoppe - Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia)11-12: Himba Village - Etosha National Park (Namibia)13: Bagani (Namibia)14-16: Okavango Delta - Sepupa (Botswana)17-18: Chobe National Park (Botswana)19-20: Livingstone (Zambia)21: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)22-23: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)24-25: Antelope Park - Gweru (Zimbabwe)26: Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Zimbabwe)27: Tshipise Hot Springs (South Africa)28-29: Kruger National Park (South Africa)30: Kruger National Park - Blyde River Canyon - Graskop (South Africa)31: Pilgrim's Rest - Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)32: 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 in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park and Great Zimbabwe Ruins; park fees; 1 night hotel, 27 nights camping, 2 nights bungalow and 1 night houseboat; transport in custom-built safari vehicles during safaris, 4WD vehicles, mokoro, boat and ferry.

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).