This is an incredible seven-week odyssey that explores the far corners of southern Africa, combining the 'South Africa Explorer' with the 'Overland from Cape to Falls' and 'Waterfalls & Wildlife' safaris, beginning and ending near Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Our first encounter with the wildlife of southern Africa is in world-renowned Kruger National Park, which forms one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and offers some of the continent's best game-viewing. In Swaziland we meet local artisans skilled in the age-old tradition of glassblowing and spend time interacting with local people at a craft market, before for heading into Zululand to learn more of the customs and culture of the proud Zulu people. A full-day game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, in search of the endangered white rhino, and further game drives in Addo Elephant National Park ensure unforgettable experiences with Africa's wildlife! We walk amidst the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains to view the rock paintings of the San Bushmen and walk the beginning of the famous Otter Trail in Tsitsikamma National Park - the most renowned hiking trail in the country. We can choose from a range of adrenaline-fuelled activities to get our hearts racing or just kick back and relax on a glorious sandy beach and watch an African sunset. We explore pristine stretches of coast and seaside towns on the Garden Route, traverse our way through the underground wonderland of Cango Caves and get up close and personal to the giant ostrich. Making our way into the beautiful Western Cape, we sample the local produce that the region is famous for - wine! The vibrant and captivating city of Cape Town, cradled between the imposing Table Mountain and the expansive Atlantic Ocean, must surely be also one of the most beautiful in the world.

The lush mountain ranges, winelands and orchards of the Western Cape give way to a more desolate north, as the Gariep River cuts a green swathe forming the natural border between South Africa and Namibia. The incredible natural beauty and diversity of Namibia is a highlight of this journey. From the size and majesty of Fish River Canyon to the breathtaking sand dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, you experience the true essence of this beautiful country. Swakopmund, the adrenaline centre of the country, provides a stark contrast to the surreal feel and spirit of Spitzkoppe. Continuing north, Namibia continues to impress with the beautiful scenery of Damaraland and the amazing wildlife of Etosha National Park. Leaving Namibia through the fertile north completes a picture of the incredible natural diversity that Namibia offers each visitor. The marvellous wetlands of the Okavango Delta in Botswana are truly spectacular and provide a great opportunity to experience true wilderness. From here we explore the game-rich areas of Chobe National Park and the Chobe River.

Upon reaching Zambia and Zimbabwe, we witness the awesome and inspirational power of Victoria Falls. Journeying through Zimbabwe animal viewing opportunities abound at Hwange National Park and Antelope Park at Gweru. Here we get up really close to the wildlife, as this is the place where we get to walk with lions! Finally Zimbabwe's rich cultural history unfurls before us as we visit the largest man-made structure in sub-Saharan Africa - the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Watching the sunset here provides a fitting climax to our time in Zimbabwe. Re-entering South Africa to complete our journey we return to Kruger National Park and beautiful Blyde River Canyon, before finally reaching Pretoria/Johannesburg to end this brilliant and highlight-filled safari.

Highlights

Blyde River Canyon

Kruger National Park

Mlilwane Nature Sanctuary

Zulu Culture

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park

Drakensberg Mountains

Umtata - Birthplace of Nelson Mandela

Addo Elephant National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park

Cango Caves

Ostrich Farm

Winelands

Cape Town

Langa Township Tour

Fish River Canyon

Namib-Naukluft National Park

Deadvlei Bushman Walk

Swakopmund

Cape Cross

Spitzkoppe

Etosha National Park

Okavango Delta

Chobe National Park

Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls)

Victoria Falls

Hwange National Park

Antelope Park

Walk with lions

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Itinerary:

1-2 Arrive in Pretoria/Johannesburg. Travel to Blyde River Canyon region.3-4 Game drives in Kruger National Park.5 Visit recycled glass factory and Swazi craft market. Continue to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. 6-7 Zulu kraal and lunch visit. Continue to St Lucia. Full day game drive Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park.8-9 Drakensberg Mountains World Heritage Site. Hike to Bushmen paintings.10-11 Travel to Umtata, birthplace of Nelson Mandela, on South Africa's Wild Coast. Continue along Wild Coast to Cintsa East.12 Travel to Addo Elephant Park, Afternoon and morning game drives.13-14 Tsitsikamma National Park. Hike the start of the Otter Trail. Explore the region.15-16 Explore Plettenberg Bay and Knysna before reaching Wilderness National Park. Travel to Outsdhoorn. Visit Cango Caves and Ostrich Farm17-18 Wine tasting in Western Cape. Continue onto Cape Town. Day at leisure in Cape Town. 19-20 Cape Town Township Tour. Overnight at Cederburg. Continue onto Gariep (Orange) River.21 Explore the Fish River Canyon. 22-23 Travel to Sesreim. Explore the sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib-Naukluft National Park.24-25 Continue to the Namibian coast for two days of leisure at Swakopmund.26 Visit the Cape Cross seal colony. Experience bushman art at Spitzkoppe.27-29 3 days game viewing in Etosha National Park.30-31 Depart Etosha for Rundu before travelling onto Sepupa.32-34 2 days and nights spent exploring Okavango Delta.35-36 Travel along the Caprivi Strip. Explore Chobe National Park.37-38 Travel to Livingstone. Two days at leisure. 39 Cross the Zambezi River to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.40-41 Game drives in Hwange National Park.42-43 Continue onto Antelope Park and walk with lions.44-45 Travel to Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Continue to Tshipse Hot Springs.46-47 Two days of game driving in Kruger National Park.48 Explore the Blyde River Canyon region. 49-50 Continue onto Pretoria. Tour ends after breakfast on the final day.

Included: An experienced safari guide and camp cook whilst on safari; local specialist guides at the Cango Caves, in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Hwange National Parks and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins; all park fees; all camping equipment; 43 nights camping, 3 nights lodge, 2 nights bungalows, 1 night houseboat; transport in custom-built safari vehicle, 4WD vehicles, mokoro, boat, ferry and on foot.
Not Included: 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).
Meals: Allow US$160 for meals not included in the itinerary.
Valid From: 1/11/2007
Starts/Ends: Pretoria / Johannesburg/Pretoria / Johannesburg
Trip Reference: GASO