Waterfalls & Wildlife

12 days - from $1008

Zimbabwe is a must-see destination in southern Africa. Offering world-class game reserves, a diversity of landscapes, the beauty of Victoria Falls and a proud mosaic of cultures, this short safari gives you a real feel of the wonders of Zimbabwe. Capping all this off we also cover certain highlights of South Africa, notably Blyde River Canyon, the world's largest green canyon, and the iconic Kruger National Park. Our journey begins on the Zimbabwean side of the Victoria Falls, where a smorgasbord of exciting 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 begin 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. From wildlife the safari takes an architectural and cultural focus, as we reach the Great Zimbabwe Ruins - the largest sub-Saharan, man-made structural complex and once the centre of a powerful kingdom. Leaving Zimbabwe, South African beckons us with its rejuvenating hot springs and scenic canyon. The wondrous Kruger National Park provides a fitting climax to this brilliant and highlight packed safari.

Highlights

• Walk with lions in Antelope Park - the world’s first lion rehabilitation and release into the wild program
• ‘The smoke that thunders' - Victoria Falls
• Hwange National Park - home to the second largest population of elephants in the world
• Camp by the Great Zimbabwe ruins
• Strike it lucky in Pilgrim’s Rest, South Africa
• Wildlife safari in Greater Kruger National Park
• Blyde River Canyon - the largest green canyon in the world

Itinerary:

Day 1: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)2-3: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)4-5: Antelope Park - Gweru (Zimbabwe)6: Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Zimbabwe)7: Tshipise Hot Springs (South Africa)8-9: Kruger National Park (South Africa)10: Kruger National Park - Blyde River Canyon - Graskop (South Africa)11: Pilgrim's Rest - Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)12: 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 guide in Hwange 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).

• 11 nights camping in large dome tents, with mosquito netting and a foam mattress provided. Camp sites include: near Hwange National Park; by Tshipse hot springs; in Kruger National Park; and at Graskop, on the edge of a highveld escarpment.

• 2 days in Hwange National Park and 2 days in Kruger National Park (including all park entrance fees, where applicable).

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

• Walk with the lions at Antelope Park.

• Sightseeing of the 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).