Secrets of the South

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town (South Africa)

Today is an arrival day and you may arrive at any time. The remainder of your day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. There is a pre-departure meeting tonight at 6.00pm. If you have not been to Cape Town before, we would recommend that you arrive a few days before the tour starts and book a couple of nights pre-tour accommodation in order to enjoy the many attractions of this great city. Not-to-be-missed excursions include catching the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), taking the ferry across to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, and a day trip down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope peninsula.

Day 2: Cape Town Township Tour - Cederberg (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) This morning we depart the heart of Cape Town for a short drive to Langa township. In 1923 the Urban Areas Act was passed, forcing black Africans to live in set locations. Langa, the first planned township to be created in the Cape Town region, was radically different to others in that it was planned to allow for maximum visibility of its residents by authorities, thereby enabling better scrutiny and greater control. We tour the township on foot and visit a variety of community projects, including a pottery/metalwork initiative framing; and music which gives students skills and qualifications to enable them to find work and set up small businesses. Another place we visit is a small migrant labourers' quarters, which house up to three families per room. All these give us incredible insights into modern black township living that so many of South Africa's people still endure on a daily basis. We enjoy lunch at bloubergstrand against the amazing backdrop of Table Mountain. This is where you can take the iconic mountain shot that all travellers to South Africa must have. We also have the opportunity to purchase locally-made arts and crafts, where 10% of all proceeds are reinvested back in the community. Leaving the township we head north to the Cederberg Region to set up for our first night of camping. We camp at either Ceres or Clanwillian, depending on the season.

Day 3: Orange River (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Travelling north, the landscape becomes more barren and rugged. After stopping for supplies at the mining town of Springbok we wind our way across a mountainous plateau to reach the Orange (Gariep) River, which marks the border between Namibia and South Africa. Our campsite is situated on the banks of this river on the South African side, where we enjoy great views across to Namibia.

Day 4: Fish River Canyon (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) This morning we have the option to take a canoe trip on the river and experience the harsh and arid scenery of the region. After lunch we cross the border into Namibia and travel to our campsite at Fish River Canyon. In a country of scenic superlatives, this canyon is perhaps the 'jewel in the crown'. Nearly 30 kilometres across and 160 kilometres in length, it is reportedly the second largest (and one of the least-visited) canyon in the world. We walk along the rim and, in the late afternoon, watch the canyon walls change colour as they are tinged with golden rays from the setting sun.

Day 5-6: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park (Namibia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 7 hours on Day 5, and approx 2 hours on Day 6) Sossusvlei, in the heart of the Namib Desert is probably the oldest desert on the face of this planet. The scenery in this harsh and primaeval area is spectacular to the extreme. We have a full day to explore the highest sand dunes in the world - some of which rise to an unbelievable 300 metres above the surrounding terrain. The effects of sunlight and the atmosphere combine to create a myriad of shades and hues on the sand dunes, so that the entire area seems to change complexion throughout the course of the day. Whilst in Namib-Naukluft National Park we watch the sunrise from the dunefields and then climb up one of these 'sand mountains' (hard work, but great fun) to watch the sunset. We also walk through this incredible landscape of dunes and shifting ridgelines and visit Sesriem Canyon. We drive from Sossusvlei to Deadvlei, along the way we are given an incredible insight into the geography and wildlife of the region, as well explain the unique lifestyle of the indigenous bushmen.

Day 7-8: Swakopmund (Namibia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Leaving behind the beauty of the dunes we journey through canyons as we continue our way through the Namib Desert. This desert stretches 100 kilometres inland along the 2000 kilometre long Namibian coastline and provides a unique buffer between the harsh Atlantic coastline and the arid interior. Our next two nights are spent on the coast at Swakopmund, a great spot to relax after all the wilderness we have encountered since Cape Town. There is a first-rate museum and aquarium to visit and there are also a number of optional activities, such as duneboarding and quadbiking. Lunch is included on our drive to Swakopmund, but only breakfast is provided during our two-night stay in town. Some of the full-day activities include lunch and there are many inexpensive cafes, restaurants and bars around town.

Day 9: Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) Driving north from Swakopmund we reach Cape Cross, where we witness the largest seal colony in Africa as a multitude of Cape fur seals bask in the sun on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is literally quite an experience for all the senses, including that of smell! Leaving behind the coast and the Namib Desert we reach our community campsite at Spitzkoppe. The 1728 metre high Spitzkoppe, a granite isleberg, is the remnant of an ancient volcano. Its distinctive shape has led to it being commonly referred to as The Matterhorn of Africa. One optional activity is a guided walk to Bushman's Paradise, but you are also free to spend time on your own exploring this beautiful area on foot. Spitzkoppe has long been of spiritual importance to the Bushmen and an evening spent under a million stars will surely be one that etches itself into your memory.

Day 10: Spitzkoppe - Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) Today we head north into Damaraland, an incredibly picturesque region with open plains, grasslands, rocky outcrops and distant mountains. Along the way we skirt around the base of the Brandberg Massif (2573 metres) - the highest peak in Namibia. We may also see several free-roaming wild animals that are living outside of the national parks, including desert elephant, black rhinoceros, ostrich and springbok. At the rock amphitheatre of Twyfelfontein, we stop to view some of the hundreds of rock engravings and imagine what life must have been like here thousands of years ago. Some of these etchings actually date back to the early Stone Age and are now UNESCO World Heritage listed. Some 2000 figures are engraved here into the rocks and they have helped archaeologists to uncover more information about the traditions, rituals and beliefs of local tribes. It is a bit of a climb up the rocks to reach some of the best etchings, but well worth the effort. We then continue a short distance towards Kamanjab, where we stay at the Otjitotongwe Lodge and Cheetah Park. Many cheetahs are being persecuted in Namibia by farmers because they pose a threat to livestock, so this centre helps to protect them and provide them with a home. A drive in a truck around the large enclosed areas out the back enables us to meet several cheetahs. We may also get a very close-up encounter with lodge's tame cheetah near the house.

Day 11-12: Himba Village - Etosha National Park (Namibia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 6 hour on Day 11 and 5 hours on Day 12; game park drives variable) Leaving our cheetah friends we stop to visit the Himba people in their village. Descendants of Herero herders, they are semi-nomadic people and are unique in that they have rejected modern ways in favour of traditional beliefs and methods. The women have elaborately plaited hair and incredibly smooth skins, due to an ointment that they make purely from natural products. The struggle for the Himbas will be retain their identity in the face of a modern world that is fast encroaching, bringing with it the inevitable changes. We then continue to Etosha National Park, the third largest wildlife sanctuary in the world and one of the most impressive national parks in Africa, especially in the dry season. The pan is a vast shallow depression 139 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide and a number of permanent springs are located along its southern edge. We spend our time exploring the park on morning and afternoon game drives, as we traverse the southern flank of the pan, observing zebra, oryx, elephant and rhino. We may also find time for a swim in the heat of the day. It is a magical place and, for many people, the highlight of the trip.

Day 13: Bagani (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) This morning we leave Etosha and head northeast into a region known as the Caprivi Strip - a thin slither of Namibia that divides Botswana from Angola. Here we camp for the night at a riverside lodge near the towns of Bagani and Divundu and on the banks of the Okavango River, which itself separates Namibia from Angola. The river is full of hippos and home to various water birds. Optional boat trips can be arranged at the lodge.

Day 14-16: Okavango Delta - Sepupa (Botswana)

Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) No visit to this corner of Africa is complete without exploring the irresistible wilderness of the Okavango Delta. Over the next three days we explore our surroundings on land and on the water. The real attraction here is the experience of travelling by mokoro (local dug-out canoe) and seeing how the people and animals share the wilderness, living as they have for hundreds of years. If we are lucky we may also have the bonus of seeing various antelopes and other animals in the area. We spend one night camping in the wild under the stars of the southern skies and experience the full majesty of the area, whilst the other night is spent on a houseboat on the waterways in the delta. A powerboat ride through the upper channels is a real highlight, as is the opportunity to take a walk though the village of the local Setswana people. On the third day we make our way back to Sepupa where we are reunited with our vehicle and set up camp on the banks of the Okavango River to the sounds of the hippos wallowing in the waters. For the two nights overnighting 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 17-18: Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 7 hours not including time at border; game drive times variable) We cross back into Namibia and continue east along the Caprivi Strip before crossing back into Botswana, where we camp on the banks of the Chobe River. We then head into the park with our local tour guides, travelling in open 4WD vehicles. Known throughout the world as Africa's greatest elephant sanctuary, Chobe National Park is also home to a wide variety of other animals including Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo and many different species of antelope. In the afternoon we take a magical sunset boat trip along the Chobe River and watch for elephants and other animals as they come down to drink – a great way to end our day! Tonight we have the option to rest at a mobile camp located inside Chobe National Park (optional - own expense).

Day 19-20: Livingstone (Zambia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) This morning we exit Botswana and take a short ferry ride across to the Zambian border, where we complete immigration formalities. Upon arrival in Livingstone we set up camp at our site located on the banks of the Upper Zambezi River. Here your tour guide can assist you in arranging some of the many optional activities that are available in the area. There is much to choose from, including whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, elephant riding safaris, and game drives. In addition there is also be time to view the falls themselves and explore the craft markets, as well as the town of Livingstone. No trip to southern Africa is complete without a visit to Victoria Falls and nothing quite prepares you for the awesome power of this natural phenomenon. At its peak, it is estimated that 5 million cubic metres of water pass over the cataracts every minute!

Day 21: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

This morning we cross over from Zambia into Zimbabwe. The remainder of your day and the following day is for you to enjoy at leisure. You may like to view the falls from the Zimbabwean side of the river, as well as explore the Victoria Falls township and its various craft markets. As this is the midpoint of the tour and new fellow travellers may be joining us for the remainder of our tour, there will be another tour briefing this evening at 6.00pm.

Day 22-23: 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 24-25: 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 26: 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 27: 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 28-29: 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, set out 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 30: 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 31: 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 32: 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 us or through the lodge itself.

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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

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.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

• Custom-built safari vehicle
• Ferry
• Houseboat
• Mokoro
• On foot
• Open 4WD vehicles

Accommodation

• 1 night Houseboat
• 1 night Hotel
• 2 nights Bungalow
• 27 nights participatory camping

Meals

• 31 breakfasts
• 26 lunches
• 25 dinners

Equipment Included

• camping equipment
• sleeping mat

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 -Elephant back ride (30mins)
  US$35
• Kruger National Park - Evening Game Drive
  ZAR 160
• Kruger National Park - Morning game walk
  ZAR 310
• Livingstone - Entry to the falls
  US$30
• Livingstone - Full-day white water rafting
  from US$155
• Livingstone - Lion Cub Interaction
  from US$90
• Livingstone - Steam Train
  US$160
• Livingstone - Walk with the Lions
  from US$140
• Maun - Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta
  US$200 (dependant upon numbers in plane)
• Swakopmund - 1 hour Quad Biking
  N$300
• Swakopmund - 2 hour Quad Biking
  N$500
• Swakopmund - Sandboarding
  N$350

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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.

Namibia

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do not currently require a visa for Namibia. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. For those nationalities that do require a visa these need to be obtained prior to arrival in Namibia.

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).

Zambia

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently do require a visa for Zambia. A visa can be purchased at the airport or on the border on arrival. The visa must be paid in cash in USD. If you are entering Zambia more than once it is suggested that you request a multiple entry visa. The cost for a single entry visa is US$50 and a double entry visa is US$80. A multiple entry visa must be obtained prior to arrival. A day visa is US$20. If obtaining the visa on arrival, please check that you have been given enough days to cover your stay in Zambia. If you overstay the dates on your visa, then you will be charged an additional US$250 per person, per day. Please ensure you have US dollars cash and that the notes are series 2001 or later in issue.

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.

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Important Information

An experienced driver, guide and camp cook accompany us on this safari. Local site guides join us in Langa Township, Deadvlei, the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park and Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

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.

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

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