Southern Heartbeat

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)

Today is an arrival day, so you may arrive at any time. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy at leisure. Our spacious lodge is located in a quiet rural area between Pretoria and Johannesburg. A transfer from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport needs to be pre-booked (at additional cost) and is strongly recommended. There is a pre-departure meeting tonight at 6pm.

Day 2: Blyde River Canyon Region (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) This morning we depart our lodge and head north-east through the farming regions of the highveld to Graskop, where we set up our first campsite at Panoramic Camp. The name of the camp is particularly apt as it is stunningly situated at the top of a deep gorge with incredible views over the lowveld. We spend the afternoon exploring the area around Blyde River Canyon, taking in the spectacular vista from God's Window and the lookout point over the Three Rondavels. We take time to explore Bourke's Luck Potholes – the spot where the Blyde and Treur Rivers have joined to gouge out holes into the rock strata.

Day 3-4: Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 3 hours on Day 3, and approx 3 hours on Day 4; game drive times variable) The landscape of Kruger National Park 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 that we may spot including elephant, giraffe, zebra, Cape buffalo, many antelope species, white rhino and, if we are lucky, lion and leopard. We spend two full days in the park exploring the riverbanks and bush. At night we have the option to board an open safari vehicle with a local site guide for a night game drive, searching for nocturnal animals rarely seen in daylight. Our nights are spent at campsites in the park.

Day 5: Tshipise Hot Springs (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving times: approx 4 hours) We make an early start from Kruger and drive due north towards the Zimbabwean border. It's a long day, but when we arrive at Tshipise Hot Springs, we can spend the evening soaking ourselves in wonderful outdoor pools.

Day 6: Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Zimbabwe)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving times: approx 4 hours) We continue our journey into Zimbabwe and on to Masvingo, where we spend the afternoon exploring the the 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 7-8: Antelope Park - Gweru (Zimbabwe)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 3 hours) After the chance to watch the sunrise over the Great Zimbabwe Ruins we travel to Antelope Park, 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 9-10: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 6 hours; game drive times variable) Bidding farewell to the Antelope Park we make our way to Hwange National Park, which 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, most of the antelope species and many predators, such as lion. We enjoy a day of game viewing, exploring the park in open vehicles. At night we can hear nocturnal creatures chattering and grunting away around our campsite, which is located just outside the park.

Day 11-13: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Meals included: 3 breakfasts

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) Nothing quite prepares you for the awesome power of Victoria Falls. At its peak it is believed that five million cubic metres of water pass over the cataracts every minute - that's a lot of water! We camp on the Zimbabwean side of the border in Victoria Falls township and from here your tour guide can help you arrange any of the optional activities that are on offer. There is much to choose from, including whitewater rafting, paddling canoe trails or bungy jumping. While in Victoria Falls only breakfast is included, but most of the optional full-day activities also include lunch. Victoria Falls town is well set-up with many restaurants and bars.

Day 14-15: Kasane - Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border; game drive times variable) There is time for a short activity this morning prior to our departure from Victoria Falls just after lunch. We leave Zimbabwe, cross the border into Botswana and travel on to Kasane, where we camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The following morning we meet with our local specialist guide, travelling in open 4WD vehicles through Chobe National Park. 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 enjoy a magical sunset boat trip on the Chobe River, watching elephants and other animals coming down to drink – a great way to end our day! We also have the option staying a night in a mobile camp located inside Chobe National Park (optional - at own expense).

Day 16: Sepupa (Botswana)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) Leaving Kasane we transit through parts of Chobe National Park before exiting Botswana at the Ngoma Bridge border. We enter Namibia and head west along the 500 kilometre long Caprivi Strip before re-entering Botswana. At Sepupa we set up camp on the banks of the Okavango River and prepare for our upcoming Okavango Delta excursion.

Day 17-18: Okavango Delta (Botswana)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

No visit to this corner of Africa is complete without exploring the irresistible wilderness of the Okavango Delta. Over the next two 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. This excursion explores the permanent water areas of the inner delta, also known as the panhandle section, which ensures an incredible experience year round regardless of rainfall and water levels in the Okavango Delta system. 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. 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 19: Bagani (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) Leaving behind the beauty of the Okavango Delta we rejoin our vehicle and travel west parallel to the Okavango River in a region known as the Caprivi Strip - a thin slither of Namibia that divides Botswana from Angola. 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 20-21: Etosha National Park (Namibia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 8 hours on Day 20, not including time at border, and approx 5 hours on Day 21; game drive times variable) We head to Etosha National Park and arrive in time to set up camp, before heading to the floodlit waterhole for some night time game viewing. Two days in the park allow for plentiful game opportunities in this enormous wildlife arena. Etosha is 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 safaris, as we traverse the southern flank of the pan observing zebra, gemsbok, 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 22: Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 6 hour; game drive times variable) After a morning safari drive as we depart Etosha National Park we 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 23: Himba Village - Twyfelfontein - Spitzkoppe (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) 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 the rock amphitheatre of Twyfelfontein 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. Driving south through the beautiful area of Damaraland, we take in views of Namibia's tallest peak, Brandberg (2573 metres), before reaching 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 24-25: Cape Cross - Swakopmund (Namibia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) We head west to the Namibian coastline 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! Cape Cross is also an important historic landmark, being the first place that European explorers set foot on Namibian soil. Our next two nights are spent on the coast at Swakopmund, a great spot to relax after all the wilderness we have encountered on our journey since Victoria Falls. 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 26-27: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park (Namibia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 5 hours on Day 26, and approx 2 hours on Day 27) 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 as an explaination of the unique lifestyle of the indigenous.

Day 28: Fish River Canyon (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) We travel from Sesriem to Hobas, our base for for exploring 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 29: Orange River (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) Today we cross the Orange (Gariep) River, which forms the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa. After clearing immigration and customs we set up camp on the South African side, by the banks of the river. We have the option to take a canoe trip on the river, which enables us to survey the harsh and arid surroundings.

Day 30: Cederberg Region (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Today we travel south, winding our way across a rugged mountainous plateau to reach the Cederberg Region. Depending upon the season, we make our final campsite at either Clanwilliam or Citrusdal. The scenery on today's drive is one of open, arid plains, dotted with the strange quiver trees, all of which produces an impression of rugged beauty and isolation. As we reach further south, mountain ranges emerge providing a more fertile environment for growing citrus fruit. After settling into our campsite, we spend the remainder of the day taste-testing some of the region's best produce; wine!

Day 31: Cape Town

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) Our final drive takes us into the heart of Cape Town, set dramatically at the foot of Table Mountain, where we check into our lodge located in the heart of the city. Cape Town is an exciting cosmopolitan city and our hotel is located just a stone's throw from the restaurant and nightlife hub of Long Street.

Day 32: Cape Town

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Our tour ends after breakfast and you are free to leave any time. If you have not been to Cape Town before and can spare the time, then its definitely worth extending your stay a few days to discover this vibrant city and its beautiful surrounding regions in depth. 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.

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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 Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and Namib-Naukluft National Park; all park fees; all camping equipment; 1 night lodge, 26 nights camping, 2 nights bungalow, 1 night houseboat and 1 night hotel; transport in custom-built safari vehicle and open game-viewing vehicles.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

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

Accommodation

• 26 nights Camping
• 1 night Lodge
• 2 nights Bungalow
• 1 night Hotel
• 1 night Houseboat

Meals

• 31 breakfasts
• 25 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
• 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
• Swakopmund - Sandboarding & Quad Biking
  N$600
• Victoria Falls - Bungy jumping
  US$115
• 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

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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).

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 Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and Deadvlei.

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.

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 US dollars cash by any means once you have entered Zimbabwe (including use of ATMs, credit cards and traveller's 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

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