Southern African Odyssey

Day 1: Pretoria/Johannesburg

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. Our spacious lodge is located in a quiet rural area between Pretoria and Johannesburg. A transfer from Johannesburg's Oliver 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

(Driving time: approx 5 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

(Driving time: approx 8 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 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: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland)

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Leaving Kruger National Park, we enter the Kingdom of Swaziland - a tiny country encompassed wholly within South Africa. Here we visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory, the only one of it's kind in Africa, and watch artisans practising the age-old craft of glassblowing. Each handmade piece of Ngwenya glass is crafted from recycled glass collected from all corners of the kingdom. We also visit a Swazi craft market where we have the opportunity to bargain for traditional African carvings, woven baskets and curios, before continuing to our campsite in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional game walk with a local guide in the hope of a close encounter with some of the large animals that reside in the sanctuary.

Day 6: Zululand - St Lucia

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Departing Swaziland we travel south to Zululand - home of the great zulu king, Shaka. We visit a traditional Zulu kraal to learn more about the cultures and customs of the Zulu people including the beehive huts, sangomas and spear-making traditions. There will be several great photographic opportunities and memorable interactions here. We partake in a traditional style Zulu lunch before continuing on to the coastal town of St Lucia, where we set up camp for the next two nights. An optional sunset cruise can be enjoyed in the World Heritage-listed St Lucia Wetlands Reserve, in the evening.

Day 7: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park

(Game drive times variable) Today we take a full-day game drive in nearby Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park. Originally two properties it was recently combined into one, totalling over 96,000 hectares. As separate parks they were declared game reserves in 1897, making them some of the oldest, not only in South Africa but in the world. The park has an extensive conservation program in operation and there is a strong emphasis on working with the local community in the region. It is well known for its conservation efforts to protect the white rhino and there is a good chance of seeing both black and white rhino within the park, as well as lion, elephant and various species of antelopes.

Day 8-9: Drakensberg Mountains

(Driving time: approx 8 hours on Day 8) Our next destination is Giant's Castle, located right in the heart of the magnificent Drakensberg Mountain range, where we spend our next two nights. The Drakensberg Mountains, or 'uKhahlamba' (the Barrier of Spears), is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We take a hike to view the ancient Bushmen rock paintings in this spectacular region. The rest of our time is free to do as we please. You may choose to walk on another of the numerous hiking trails in the region, all offering striking views of the dramatic landscape of the Drakensberg. You can be as active or sedentary as you please during your stay here, whilst taking in the beautiful scenery in this mountainous wonderland.

Day 10: Umtata (Wild Coast)

(Driving time: approx 4½ hours) Leaving the Drakensberg Mountain ranges we journey south to the city of Umtata, gateway to the rugged Wild Coast. Umtata is famous as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela or 'Madiba' (Father of the Nation), as he is affectionately known by the locals. We visit the Nelson Mandela Museum which covers three sites. In the Umtata building we hear the story of Mandela's 'long walk to freedom' before visiting his birthplace at nearby Mvezo and the village of Qunu, where he grew up (time permitting).

Day 11: Cintsa (Wild Coast)

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) We depart Umtata this morning and travel west along the Wild Coast to the seaside village of Cintsa. After setting up camp there is ample time to explore one of the many pristine beaches in the region, absorb the panoramic seaviews on a hiking trail or just settle ourselves in with a sundowner and watch the glorious African sunset.

Day 12: Addo Elephant National Park

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) Departing the Wild Coast, we venture inland to Addo Elephant Park. Originally proclaimed as a national park in 1931 with the only eleven elephants remaining in the region, Addo Elephant Park now offers sanctuary to more than 450 specimens. From our campsite located within the park,we take a late afternoon game drive in search of resident wildlife such as elephant, black rhino, Cape buffalo and various species of antelopes, including eland, kudu and hartebeest.

Day 13-14: Addo Elephant National Park - Tsitsikamma National Park

(Driving time: approx 4 hours on Day 13) This morning we depart Addo Elephant National Park and travel along the famous Garden Route to our next destination - Tsitskikamma National Park. En route we stop for lunch at the world renowned surfing Mecca of Jeffrey's Bay, which boasts the country's longest and fastest surfbreak known as Super Tubes, which stretches for almost two kilometres (time permitting and dependant upon game viewing this morning). Upon reaching Tsitsikamma National Park we set up camp at Storms River, which is our base to explore this wilderness region. Tsitsikamma National Park covers over 80 kilometres of rugged coastline with spectacular sea views and striking landscapes. Departing from the mouth of the Storms River we hike the beginning of the Otter Trail, following the rugged, rocky shoreline of the coast. We pause along the way to take in the stunning scenery and explore the base of a majestic waterfall, before hiking back to camp. One of the most impressive features of the park are the ancient giant trees that tower above the land to form an evergreen canopy. On your free time you can choose to take a guided treetop walk in the forest canopy. If you are after more of an adrenaline fix, you can choose from a plethora of activities to get the blood pumping - from abseiling and flying fox swings to the highest commercial bungy jump in the world.

Day 15: Plettenberg Bay - Knysna - Wilderness National Park

(Driving time: approx 3 hours) We spend the day meandering along the Garden Route, exploring the beautiful beaches and seaside towns of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. The most well-known attraction in Knysna is The Heads - two great sandstone cliffs that connect the lagoon to the sea. We can hike to a lookout point for commanding views over the Indian Ocean, explore Featherbed Nature Reserve or sample a variety of oysters - reportedly some of the tastiest in the world! We reach our destination of Wilderness National Park late in the afternoon. There's time to take a wander around the freshwater lakes in the park or relax and unwind at our campsite, located on the banks of the Touw River.

Day 16: Oudtshoorn

(Driving time: approx 3 hours) An adventure-filled day begins with a breathtaking drive over the Swartberg Mountains to visit Cango Caves. We take a guided tour through the vast limestone chambers, filled with stalactites, stalagmites and helictites. It is truly a natural underground wonderland that abounds with intriguing formations, some of which are over a million years old! For those with a keen sense of adventure there is the option to delve deeper into the cave complex via Jacob's Ladder - a long flight of stairs across a boulder chamber that leads to a smaller, although no less stunning, series of caves. But be warned, this section requires you to crawl along narrow tunnels that are at times only 45 centimetres wide and involves over 400 stairs, so it's definitely not for the faint-hearted! Once we emerge from our underground adventure we continue the short distance to Oudtshoorn, where we visit an ostrich farm to learn all there is to know about these huge, flightless birds and their many uses. Oudtshoorn is home to 97% of the world's ostrich population and here we have the opportunity to get up-close and personal to these curious creatures. The most daring amongst us may even want to try their hand at riding an ostrich!

Day 17-18: Winelands - Cape Town

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) Venturing further west we travel to the Stellenbosch area in the Western Cape - the oldest and most famous wine region in South Africa and home to a unique variety of grape called pinotage. We visit some wineries to sample the enticing local produce before continuing on to the 'Mother City' of South Africa and our final destination - Cape Town. Nestled at the foothills of the dramatic Table Mountain range with captivating views of the Altantic Ocean, Cape Town truly is one of the world's most beautifully located cities. A full day at leisure allows us to take in some of the sightseeing of the Cape Region and our guide is able to recommend several options on how to spend our day. Perhaps hike or take the cable-car up to Table Mountain, catch a ferry for a excursion to Robben Island, wander through the city's museums, take a day trip and mountain bike parts of the Cape Peninsula, simply wander through the city streets to explore the many quirky shops and cafes or pull out the credit card and shop up a storm at one of the many outlets on the Victoria & Albert Waterfront. As the day is at leisure you are free to dine out in one of the may excellent restaurants in town or head over to the Africa Cafe for some authentic African food and music. As we are coming to the end of the South African sector of our tour and new clients may be joining us for the remainder of the journey, there is another tour briefing scheduled for 6pm on Day 18.

Day 19: Cape Town Township Tour - Cederberg

(Driving time: approx 5 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 that gives students skills and qualifications to enable them to find work and set up small businesses. We also see a condom manufacturer who has set up free HIV testings and condoms and AIDS awareness programs, in an effort to tackle the HIV issue on a local level. Other places visited include a beading workshop, a small apartheid museum and 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. To complete this amazing experience we enjoy lunch in the township and 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 20: Gariep (Orange) River

(Driving time: approx 5 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 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 21: Fish River Canyon

(Driving time: approx 2½ 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 22-23: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park

(Driving time: approx 7 hours on Day 22, and approx 3 hours on Day 23)] 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 dune fields 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 have an option to take a walk from Sossusvlei to Deadvlei, accompanied by our local guide. This specialist guide will give us an incredible insight into the geography and wildlife of the region, as well explain the unique lifestyle of the indigenous bushmen.

Day 24-25: Swakopmund

(Driving time: approx 6 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. Our bungalow accommodation in Swakopmund will provide a welcome break from camping. 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: Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe

(Driving time: approx 6 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 27-29: Etosha National Park - Bushmanland

(Driving time: approx 6 hours on Day 27, and 5½ hours on Day 29; game park drives variable) Leaving Spitzkoppe we travel past Namibia's largest mountain (Brandberg, measuring 2573 metres) on our way through a beautiful region known as Damaraland en route to Etosha National Park. 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 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. One night is spent in the Omatako Valley. Here we enjoy an evening of traditional dance and music with the San (Bushmen) people. There are also many optional activities here included guided walks, tracking skills and gathering bush foods & medicines.

Day 30: Rundu

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) This morning we leave Etosha and head north to Rundu, where we camp for a night. Here we visit the local school and church, as well as the woodcarvers of the Kavango tribe (time permitting). Whilst Gecko's donates money to the school you are welcome to bring donations of school equipment, such as pens and pencils etc to give to the school, which is then distributed to the children as required.

Day 31: Sepupa

(Driving time: approx 5 hours not including time at border) Leaving Rundu we head east parallel to the Kavango River, which forms a natural as well as political border between Namibia and Angola. After crossing into Botswana, we set up camp on the banks of the Okavango River and make preparations for our following day's delta excursion to the sounds of the hippos resting in the river.

Day 32-34: Okavango Delta - Katimo Mulilo

(Driving time: approx 5½ hours on Day 34 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 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. On the third day we make our way back to Sepupa, cross back into Namibia and travel along part of the Caprivi Strip to reach Katimo Mulilo. 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 35: Chobe National Park - Kasane

(Driving time: approx 1½ hours not including time at border) This morning we continue east along the Caprivi Strip before crossing back into Botswana. From the border we transit through a large part of the Chobe National Park enroute to Kasane - our base for our first night in Botswana. We spend tonight camping on the banks of the Chobe River.

Day 36: Chobe National Park

(Game drive times variable) This morning we head into the park with our local leaders, 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 elephant 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. (own expense)

Day 37-38: Livingstone

(Driving time: approx 1½ 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 leader 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 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 39: Livingstone (Zambia) - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

This morning we cross over from Zambia into Zimbabwe, where the remainder of our day is free to enjoy at leisure. A view of the falls from the Zimbabwean side of the river offers a different perspective and there are many interesting shops and cafes in Victoria Falls townships, as well as various craft markets. As we are entering the final phase of the tour and new fellow travellers may be joining us for the journey through Zimbabwe and back into South Africa, there is another tour briefing in the evening at 6pm.

Day 40-41: Hwange National Park

(Driving time: approx 1½ hours) 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 within the park.

Day 42-43: Antelope Park - Gweru

(Driving time: approx 4½ 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 44: Great Zimbabwe Ruins

(Driving time: approx 4½ 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 45: Tshipse Hot Springs

(Driving time: approx 3½ 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 Tshipse. 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 46-47: Kruger National Park

(Driving time: approx 5 hours; game drive times variable) This morning we travel southeast from Tshipse on well-maintained roads to enter Kruger National Park for the second time. This time we enter the national park at a more central point and explore different areas of this massive reserve to those we visited seven weeks ago. It is always unpredictable as to what we see on game drives, so a return to Kruger provides a great opportunity to spot some of those species that have proven elusive so far. With the abundance of wildlife, there is always a chance we may spot something we haven't yet seen. Our evenings are again spent staying in campsites within the park, where we can keep our ears peeled for the calls of the night!

Day 48: Kruger National Park - Byde River Canyon

(Driving time: approx 3½ 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 back into the Panorama Region of Blyde River Canyon. Stopping again at the various scenic spots we come across several curio stalls selling all sorts of artefacts, including intricate woodcarvings. This is a great opportunity for last-minute shopping to purchase some souvenirs of Africa to take home, but do brush up on your bargaining skills as they will certainly be required here! Our campsite tonight is back at Graskop, perched on the edge of the highveld escarpment.

Day 49-50: Pilgrims Rest - Pretoria/Johannesburg

(Driving time: approx 5 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. Our tour ends after breakfast on our final day - an incredible 50 days after beginning this epic odyssey! Transfers to Johannesburg's Oliver Tambo International Airport are available at additional cost and may be arranged prior to travel with Gecko's or through the lodge itself.

Tour Grade: Moderate

A moderate level of fitness is required. These trips generally involve some physical activities and occasional long travelling days. Accommodation and travel conditions may be more basic.