Botswana & Zimbabwe Adventure

---

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 dinner

Today is an arrival day, so you may arrive at any time. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy at leisure before dinner, which is served at our lodge. This spacious lodge is located in a quiet rural area between Pretoria and Johannesburg. A transfer from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport need to be pre-booked and is strongly recommended. If you would like to but any South African rand, it is advisable to do this today as there will be no time to visit banks tomorrow. The airport is an ideal place to do this with its abundance of ATMs and forex bureaus in the arrival hall. There is a pre-departure meeting tonight at 6pm.

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary (Botswana)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 7 hours not including time at border) Leaving Pretoria early we travel north to Potgietersrus and then continue northwest to the Martins Drift border post. After exiting South Africa we cross the Limpopo River to enter Botswana before continuing on to Khama Rhino Sanctuary at Serowe. Tonight we camp inside the sanctuary at Mokongwo Camp, where each site is set out in the atmospheric shade of large mokongwa trees. In 1989 a group of Serowe residents conceived the idea of establishing a wildlife reserve near Serowe. One year later the Ngwato Land Board allocated the land around Serwe Pan to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust. Covering approximately 4300 hectares of Kalahari sandveld, the sanctuary is centred around Serowe Pan - a large grass-covered depression with several natural water holes. Serowe Pan provides prime habitat for white rhinoceros and other grazing animals, whilst the dense vegetation in the southern area of the sanctuary is favoured by browsing animals such as giraffe. The sanctuary is home to other wildlife that have either settled here naturally or were relocated. This includes a wide range of plains game, leopard, several varieties of smaller cats and a host of bird species. Best of all the sanctuary is a community trust governed by a board of trustees, who are elected from the local communities of Serowe, Paje and Mabeleapodi. Our visit here helps the local community to maintain this worthwhile project.

Day 3: Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Maun (Botswana)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) This morning we take an early morning game drive through Khama Rhino Sanctuary, which is guided by well trained and knowledgeable rangers who are based at the sanctuary. Following breakfast there may be time to further explore the sanctuary. The tour then continues to Maun, the safari capital of northern Botswana. We have time to explore the town in the afternoon, as well as stock up on supplies. Tonight we camp just outside Maun, which is our base to prepare for our upcoming Okavango Delta adventure.

Day 4-6: Okavango Delta Excursion - Maun (Botswana)

Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

No visit to this corner of Africa is complete without exploring the irresistible wilderness around the Okavango River. The third largest river in Africa snakes its way from the Angolan Highlands through Namibia and into Botswana, before spilling out and emptying into the vast sands of the Kalahari Desert. Often described as the river that never finds the sea, the Okavango loses 97% of its water to the great sands before joining the Thamalakane River in the south, near Maun. Arguably the best way to explore the delta is on a mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursion. During our three-day/two-night excursion we explore the area by mokoro and on foot. Laying back in a mokoro and being gently propelled through the tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta is a magical experience. We spend the nights camping in the wild under the stars of the southern skies, enabling us to experience the full majesty of the area. This excursion is operated through the Okavango Polers Trust, whose aim is to preserve and maintain the traditional lifestyle of the Batswana people who inhabit the delta region. This trust ensures that all members of the community are given the opportunity to become polers, which allows them to earn money through tourism. Poler and guides fees are set by the trust and additional income earned by the trust is used to assist various community projects in the area. On our final morning in the delta we enjoy a last mokoro trip before returning to the polers' station and our vehicle. Leaving the delta we head back to Maun, where we are welcomed by hot showers and cold beers. This afternoon you have the chance to take an optional sunset flight over the Okavango Delta in five-seater planes. This flight is one of the best in Africa and affords stunning views over the delta system and flying at low altitudes allow plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. For the two nights in the Okavango Delta you need to pack clothing and other personal items into a smaller overnight bag, as space is limited. There will be no access to showers and you will be away from the safari vehicle.

Day 7-8: Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 8 hours on Day 7; game drive times variable) This morning we drive for six to eight hours, travelling from Maun to Kasane and our campsite on the banks of the Chobe River, where we spend our first night in this area, with an option to do a sunset boat cruise. This drive takes us between two large salt pans - the Nxai Pan to our left and the Makgadikgadi Pan to our right. Keep an eye out for wildlife along this road – giraffe, ostrich, zebra and elephant are often sighted roaming freely! Two days in this region gives us ample opportunity to search for many of the fantastic wildlife in the Chobe National Park. Known throughout the world as Africa’s greatest elephant sanctuary, Chobe is also home to a wide variety of other animals including Cape buffalo, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra and many species of antelopes. With the help of a local site guide we explore the park in open 4WD vehicles on game drives, watching elephant and other animals coming down to drink.

Day 9-10: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

(Driving time: approx 2 hours not including time at border) Today we exit Botswana and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Upon arrival in Vic Falls, we set up camp for one night at our campsite located in Victoria Falls Township. From here your tour guide can assist you in arranging some of the optional activities that are available in the area. There are many to choose from including whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, elephant riding safaris and game drives. In addition there is also time to view the falls themselves and to explore the nearby craft markets, as well as the town. Victoria Falls town is well set-up with many restaurants and bars. No trip to southern Africa is complete without a visit to Victoria Falls and nothing will quite prepare you for this awesome sight. At its peak, it is estimated that five million cubic metres of water passes over the cataracts every minute!

Day 11-12: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 2 hours; game drive times variable) From Victoria Falls a two-hour drive takes us to Hwange National Park and our campsite for the next two nights. Hwange is rightly acclaimed as Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife sanctuary. It covers a massive 14,650 square kilometres and is home to large breeding herds of elephant, Cape buffalo and most of the antelope species, as well as predators such as lion. At Hwange we enjoy a full day of game viewing, exploring the park in open vehicles. At night we can hear nocturnal creatures chattering and grunting just outside our campsite, which is located just outside the park.

Day 13-14: Antelope Park - Gweru (Zimbabwe)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Leaving Hwange National Park we make our way through large swathes of countryside to Bulawayo and then on to the nearby Antelope Park, located just outside Gweru in the Zimbabwe midlands. Here we are treated to a truly unique experience - and we really do mean unique. After all, where else in the world can you go for a walk with lions? Afterwards we have plenty of time to relax and take in ambience of the African bush, but there are also many other activities we can partake in. Optional activities available include the chance to ride elephants (on land and also in water), go game viewing on horseback, on foot or in a vehicle, or canoeing and fishing in a wonderfully scenic dam! Besides lion and elephant, other species of wildlife seen here include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, tsessebe, waterbuck, blesbok, red hartebeest, impala, duiker, steenbuck and many more. There are also over 150 species of birds.

Day 15: Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Zimbabwe)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 3 hours) Leaving Antelope Park and its cuddly lion cubs behind, we travel south to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins at Masvingo. Here we spend the afternoon exploring this impressive archaeological site that gave the country its name. The ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe dates back to the 11th century and was once the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa. For decades these ruins have awed archaeologists and historians alike and there is a good chance we will be similarly inspired on our visit here.

Day 16: Tshipise Hot Springs (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) After a chance to watch the sunrise over the Great Zimbabwe Ruins we travel south to Beitbridge, the busy border post that separates Zimbabwe from South Africa. From here we drive to Messina and stock up on supplies, before reaching the hot springs of Tshipise. This campsite incorporates the hot springs with outdoor and indoor swimming pools, where you can lay back at night in the warmth of the spring waters and gaze up at the stars - a great way to relax!

Day 17-18: Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 4 hours; game drive times variable) This morning we travel southeast from Tshipse on well-maintained roads to Kruger National Park. The landscape around Kruger is varied and fascinating. Stretching for some 350 kilometres and sharing a common border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe, much of the park consists of flat grass and scrubby plains. It supports an enormous variety of wildlife and bird life, including elephant, giraffe, zebra, Cape buffalo, many antelope species and white rhino. If we are lucky we may see lion, leopard or the endangered Cape hunting dog. We spend two nights in the park and embark on game drives to explore the riverbanks and bush. At night we have the option to board an open safari vehicle and, with the help of a local site guide, embark on a night game drive in searching of nocturnal animals rarely seen during the day hours. Both nights are spent at campsites, located in the park.

Day 19: Kruger National Park - Blyde River Canyon - Graskop (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 3 hours) After a final morning game drive we bid farewell to Kruger National Park and drive out to Hazyview. Here we travel out of the lowveld and into the Panorama Region of Blyde River Canyon, the largest green canyon in the world. The centrepoint of the area are the Bourke's Luck Potholes, where a series of striking rock formations are found in the canyon walls, formed by the meeting of the Treur and Blyde Rivers. The canyon also boasts other viewpoints including God's Window, where we enjoy expansive views over the lowveld and the Kruger plains. Our campsite tonight is at Graskop, perched on the edge of the highveld escarpment.

Day 20: Pilgrim's Rest - Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Leaving Graskop we stop in Pilgrim’s Rest, a town that is now a national monument. Pilgrim’s Rest was once a major gold mining town, but when the gold was finally exhausted the town was sold to the government in 1972 as a historical village. Much of the main street has been restored and here we spend an hour or two browsing around the shops and exploring the many quaint old buildings. We arrive back at our lodge outside Pretoria in the early evening, but this time we pitch our tents for a final night of camping.

Day 21: Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Our tour ends this morning and you may depart at any time. Transfers to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport are available at additional cost and may be arranged prior to travel with Gecko’s or through the lodge itself.

---

Your Trip

About Gecko's

Sharing the adventure is all part of the fun. Our groups are large enough to remove the hassles of go-it-alone travel, yet small enough for you to enjoy the benefits and freedom of independent travel. The average tour has nine people, with a maximum of sixteen. The exception is Africa which has a maximum of 24 and an average of 17. On group trips you travel with a highly-trained local tour leader, who was raised in the region and can show you a side of their homeland that other travellers miss out on. We include the 'must see' sights, and on many trips we venture off the beaten track for some unforgettably unique and unusual experiences.

Nuts and Bolts

• 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 guides in Hwange National Park, Chobe 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).

• 18 nights camping in large dome tents, with mosquito netting and a foam mattress provided. Camp sites include: inside Khama Rhino Sanctuary; in Victoria Falls Township; at Tshipse Hot Springs; in Kruger National Park; and at Graskop, on the edge of the highveld escarpment.

• 1 night in tented bush camp inside Chobe National Park.

• 1 day in Khama Rhino Sanctuary, 3 days in the Okavango Delta, 1 day in Chobe National Park, 2 days in Hwange National Park, 2 days in a private wildlife reserve and 2 days in Kruger National Park (including all park entrance fees, where applicable).

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

• 3 day excursion on the Okavango Delta by mokoro (dugout canoe) and on foot, guided by an expert poler from the Okavango Polers Trust.

• Rhino Trail lead by rangers based at the sanctuary, and walk with the lions at Antelope Park.

• Sightseeing of Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Blyde River Canyon and Pilgrim’s Rest.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

• 4WD vehicle
• Boat
• Custom-built safari vehicle
• Mokoro

Accommodation

• 18 nights Camping
• 1 night Lodge
• 1 night Tented bush camp

Meals

• 20 breakfasts
• 16 lunches
• 18 dinners

Equipment Included

• camping equipment
• sleeping mat

Pick of the bunch

Antelope Park Walk

In Antelope Park, located just outside Gweru in the Zimbabwe midlands, go for a walk with lions! Watching the cubs learn to hunt as you accompany them across the savannah is an experience like no other!

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).

Optional Extras

• Antelope Park, Gweru - Canoeing
  US$5
• Antelope Park, Gweru - Elephant back ride and swim (1 hour)
  US$65
• Antelope Park, Gweru - Fishing
  US$30
• Antelope Park, Gweru - Game viewing on horseback
  US$35
• Antelope Park, Gweru - Guided Fishing Trip
  US$30
• Antelope Park, Gweru - Lion Cub Feeding
  US$15
• Antelope Park, Gweru - Lion Cub Viewing
  US$25
• Antelope Park, Gweru - Night Game Drive
  US$95 pp (Min 6)
• Antelope Park, Gweru - Swim with elephants (30 mins)
  US$30
• Antelope Park, Gweru - Tour of the Breeding Programme
  US$15
• Antelope Park, Gweru -Elephant back ride (30mins)
  US$35
• Kruger National Park - Evening Game Drive
  ZAR 160
• Kruger National Park - Morning game walk
  ZAR 310
• Maun - Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta
  US$200 (dependant upon numbers in plane)
• Victoria Falls - Entry to the falls
  US$30
• Victoria Falls - Full day upper Zambezi canoeing
  US$120 (+15 Park Fees to be paid at check-in point)
• Victoria Falls - Full-day white water rafting
  US$120 (+ US$15 Park Fees to be paid at check-in point)
• Victoria Falls - River boarding
  US$150

---

Local Payment

Visas and Permits

Botswana

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do not currently require a visa for Botswana. For other nationalities that do require a visa to enter into Botswana, this is no longer able to be purchased upon arrival. Visa will need to be pre-arranged - please contact your travel agent for assistance.

South Africa

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do not currently require a visa for South Africa. Upon arrival you will be given a free three-month multi-entry visa stamp. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Please note that you require six blank pages and your passport needs to have a minimum of six months validity to enter South Africa. Also note that to enter South Africa you may be required to show proof of onward travel plans and a valid yellow fever certificate (especially if entering or re-entering from East African countries).

Zimbabwe

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently require a visa for Zimbabwe. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. For trips to Zimbabwe you may require either a single or double entry visa. Both single and double entry visas are obtainable on arrival currently costing between US$30 and US$60 (depending on nationality). If you choose to travel to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls your Zimbabwe visa will not expire as long as you do not spend the night out of Zimbabwe.

---

Important Information

An experienced driver, guide and camp cook accompany us on this safari. Local site guides join us in the Okavango Delta, Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park and at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. It is recommended that you pre-book an arrival transfer, as our lodge is in a remote area between Johannesburg and Pretoria.We travel in a custom-built safari vehicle that can take a maximum of 24 clients. There are large opening windows, providing unrestricted game viewing and photographic opportunities, and on-board we have useful reference books about the flora and fauna that you may encounter during your safari.

The large dome tents are spacious and quick to erect with the sides covered in mosquito netting and foam mattresses provided to enable you to sleep in comfort. A comfortable folding chair is also supplied for each passenger. In addition, all communal camping equipment is carried on board together with on-board cool boxes. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and it is also recommended that you bring a pillow or purchase one locally for added comfort.

Please note there are no laundry services available whilst camping, but sometimes when we stay at a campsite for at least two consecutive nights, there may be the opportunity to do some hand-washing.

A special feature of the safari is that in addition to our safari guide and professional driver we have a camp cook who plans, budgets and prepares all included meals.

This trip is a combination of the Backroads of Botswana and the Waterfalls and Wildlife tours. As a result some travellers may be departing the trip part way through and others joining.
You may also experience a change of crew and vehicle in Victoria Falls.

Gecko’s strongly advises you to carry sufficient USD cash with you to cover your time in Zimbabwe. You will not be able to withdraw money in any form once you have entered Zimbabwe (including use of ATMs, credit cards and travellers cheques) so please ensure you have sufficient money prior to your arrival for all your expenses including tourist visa, spending money and any optional activities you may choose to do in Victoria Falls.

Road Conditions and Infrastructure in Africa
Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. The infrastructure in Africa is not always what we are used to and travelling on their roads can sometimes be very bumpy experiences. The travelling times indicated in our Trip Notes is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders.

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please ensure that you have the most up-to-date information for your trip. We recommend that you check the trip notes for your tour around one month before departure. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

3 November 2011

---