Africa by Leigh Barnes

AFRICA 2012-2013

· NAMIBIA · WI · MALI · Mozambique LA MA · A NY KE · A AN GH · INA FASO · THE GAMBIA · ZIMBABWE BENIN · BOTSWANA · BURK · TOGO · UGANDA · ZAMBIA IA AN NZ TA · ND ILA AZ H AFRICA · SW RWANDA · SENEGAL · SOUT

contents & prices 6

Travelling with Gecko’s

Gecko’s Online

Want your own Private Adventure?

Travelling Responsibly

Pg Days Tour Code

Trip

Southern Africa 12

7 GAKZ Kruger Cruiser 13 12 GAKC Kruger & Coast 14 10 GABB Backroads of Botswana 15 12 GAWW/R Waterfalls & Wildlife 16 12 GACC Coast to Cape 16 6 GAGP 17 11 GARM 17 5 GAMX 18 21 GACF 19 21 GAVC 20 23 GAAM 21 21 GABZ 22 32 GASH

Down the Garden Path Road to Mozambique Mozambique Beach Break Overland from Cape to Falls Vic Falls to Cape Town African Mozaic Botswana & Zimbabwe Adventure Southern Heartbeat

23 32 GASS Secrets of the South 24 44 GAAA Southern African Adventure 25 55 GASO Southern African Odyssey Overland Adventures 26 21 GAWN 27 41 GASP 28 47 GAAB

African Wanderer – Northbound

29 56 GAAE East Africa

Africa Encompassed

30 15 GAMG/R 31 22 GACE/R 32 8 GAGE 33 15 GAEA

Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas

34 22 GAGW 35 15 GAGO 36 8 GATT 36 11 GAIS/R

Gorilla & Wildlife Encounter

8 GAKR 6 GAZN

37 37

Spirit of Africa Absolute Africa

Complete East Africa Gorilla Express East Africa Safari Gorillas & Serengeti Tanzania Trails Safari & Spice Mt Kilimanjaro Trek

Gecko’s grassroots adventures in southern Africa, East Africa and West Africa Small groups, local guides, exciting destinations, affordable prices and real experiences... these combine to make an adventure with Gecko’s in Africa unforgettable. All the hard work in organising your next trip is taken care of – all you need to do is choose your adventure and pack your bag!

What’s Hot in Africa... a selection of our most popular journeys • Tanzania Trails (8 days – page 36); Spot leopards stalking their prey in the Serengeti • Backroads of Botswana (10 days – page 14); Watch playful elephants from a dugout canoe drifting through the Okavango Delta • Vic Falls to Cape Town (21 days – page 19); Feel the power of the 'The Smoke that Thunders' – Victoria Falls • Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas (15 days – page 30); Trek through lush forests and sit amongst the gorillas, meet the Masai warriors and discover Kenya’s famous national parks • African Mozaic (23 days – page 20); Spend two memorable days in St Lucia Wetlands spotting crocodiles, hippos, pelicans and flamingos • West African Wanderlust (42 days – page 44); Discover the Dogon, the music-mad city of Bobo-Dioulasso and the birthplace of voodoo in one amazing journey • Gold Coaster (10 days – page 47); Get caught up in the blissful beaches, fetish markets and voodoo magic of Ghana, Benin and Togo

Zanzibar Revealed

38 26 GAGZ/R Gorillas, Safari & Zanzibar Overland Adventures 39 22 GAWS 40 42 GACA 41 47 GAAO 42 56 GAUA

African Wanderer – Southbound

43 79 GAMA West Africa

Mama Africa

44 42 GAWL/R 45 12 GAMM/R 46 12 GASG/R 47 10 GAGC

West African Wanderlust

47 4 GAGX 48 23 GASM/R 49 22 GAVK/R 50 22 GAWI/R

Ghana Beach Break

Classic Africa Africa Overland Ultimate Africa

Mali Magic Senegal Safari Gold Coaster Best of Senegal & Mali Voodoo Kingdoms Wild West Africa

51 31 GARR/R West Africa Rhythm & Roots 52 Booking conditions How to book 53

welcome to africa

www.geckosadventures.com

Guaranteed departures EVERY DEPARTURE GUARANTEED All departures for our most popular trips are guaranteed to run. These trips will display the ‘every departure guaranteed’ symbol. You can arrange your flights and other travel arrangements at the time of booking any of these trips, safe in the knowledge the trip will run as scheduled.*

SELECT DEPARTURES GUARANTEED Trips with the ‘select departures guaranteed’ symbol have several dates that will definitely run as scheduled. The ‘G’ icons displayed on each trip’s ‘Dates and Availability’ page of the website denote the specific dates that are guaranteed. This list of departures is updated as new dates become guaranteed, so please check the website regularly.* *Subject to clause 4 in the standard terms and conditions. = Every Departure Guaranteed Photo Credits: Cover Image: E. Aquino Other Images: K. Croucher, G. Philactides, W. Gore, P. Lemon, S. Reeves, A. Jane, S. Rogers, L. Morgan, J. McGrath, S. Wroe, Images of the World, C & F Fussell, M. Hanka, C. Kavanagh, E. Eatwell, S. L. Scales, M. Armstrong, L. Campbell, K. Purnell, B. Lintott, L. Carter, D. McPherson, P. Miers, P. Ellinger, K. Lorimer,

Where & When to go Explore the cobbled streets and pastel facades of colonial Saint-Louis by horse and buggy.

Trek through the spectacular remote tribal lands of Dogon Country, witness intriguing tribes, unusual architecture, fetish worship and the famed masked dance ceremony.

Saint-Louis

Dakar

MALI

SENEGAL

Dogon Country

Djenne

KENYA UGANDA

BURKINA FASO

Bamako

THE GAMBIA

Gorillas in your midst! Trek through Parc National des Volcans or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and get up close to the magnificent mountain gorillas.

Ouagadougou Bobo Dioulasso

Kampala Jinja Queen Elizabeth NP Parc National des Volcans

BENIN

Get on down to drums, rhythm and roots in BoboDioulasso, home of jumping nightlife and the best music scene in West Africa.

East Africa Mission Orphanage

Mole National Park

TOGO

GHANA

Lake Ganvié

Accra

Kabale

Kigali

Masai Mara

Ngamba Island

Nairobi

The Serengeti and Masai Mara are home to the famous Great Migration, one of the most amazing wildlife events you will ever witness.

Serengeti NP Arusha Ngorongoro Crater The School of St Jude

RWANDA

Lomé

Lake Nakuru Lake Naivasha

Entebbe

Cape Coast

TANZANIA

Zanzibar Dar es Salaam

Drift far from the shore through the stilt village of Ganvié in a small boat and soak up the languid vibe of life on the lake – perfect for photography and watching locals trade in waterborne markets.

The magical spice island of Zanzibar offers peace and relaxation on picture-perfect, palm-fringed, white-sandy beaches.

Iringa

Bask in the sun and enjoy the tropical waters of Lake Malawi. Spend your days snorkelling, swimming, water skiing, kayaking and chilling out on the beach.

Lake Malawi

ZAMBIA

South Luangwa NP Lusaka

Witness the phenomenal ‘smoke that thunders’ at Victoria Falls.

MALAWI

Kasane

Chobe NP

NAMIBIA

ZIMBABWE

Cape Cross Swakopmund

Antelope Park

BOTSWANA

Sossusvlei

Cederberg

Cape Town

Keep your eyes open for the ‘Big Five’ – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino – at the world renowned Kruger National Park.

Durban

For all those adrenaline junkies out there, experience one of the highest commercial bungee jumps in the world at Bloukrans Bridge (216m high). Port Elizabeth

Tsitsikamma NP

ANIMAL MIGRATIONS

SEASONAL WEATHER PATTERNS F

Maputo

SWAZILAND

LESOTHO

Seasonal Weather patterns J

Tofo Beach

Drakensberg Mountains

SOUTH AFRICA Take the cable car up spectacular Table Mountain and soak in the view of beautiful Cape Town.

Kruger NP

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi NP

Fish River Canyon

Chill out in the sun, sand and sea paradise of Tofo Beach – the good times are back in Mozambique!

MOZAMBIQUE

Drift silently in a traditional dugout canoe as you spot wildlife in the world’s largest inland delta.

NamibNaukluft NP

The Sossusvlei sand dunes are the highest in the world. The landscape here is constantly changing − you can watch as the colours shift with the light and the wind alters the shape of the dunes.

Hwange NP

Okavango Delta

Spitzkoppe

Experts call this national park one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Amid its great density of wildlife and remote location you will soon see why!

Livingstone Vic Falls

Etosha NP

Chipata

ANIMAL MIGRATIONS J

Masai Mara, Kenya Serengeti*,Tanzania Etosha, Namibia Hwange, Zimbabwe

Kenya Tanzania Uganda Zimbabwe/Zambia Botswana Namibia South Africa - Kruger South Africa - Cape Town Malawi West Africa

Migration

Dry season

Shoulder season

Wet season

Light rains

Cold

*Migration continues throughout the year in different regions of the Serengeti.

Fold out for contents and prices â&#x17E;¤

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Travelling with gecko’s - Open your mind Gecko’s grassroots adventures are all about getting to the heart and soul of a country, not just scratching the surface. It’s about being immersed in different cultures and uncovering experiences you may not have found on your own. If you’re ready for an unforgettable trip at an awesome price then Gecko’s is for you!

Why choose gecko’s ? Great value Great experiences Over 30 years experience Expert local TOUR guides Small groups Free time to make your own discoveries Guaranteed departures (See page 3)

Great value Our trips include all the ‘must-haves’ and ‘mustsees’ for each Gecko’s destination. All transport and accommodation is included, a local tour guide and some of your activities.

Great experiences We embrace our destinations and don’t sanitise them. We aim for authentic experiences and affordability, which sometimes means you’ll be staying in off the beaten track accommodation like a remote village hut. For many of our clients these experiences are a trip highlight, as is getting from A to B using a variety of transport – mostly by safari truck but sometimes by riverboat and dugout canoe.

Expert local TOUR guides

Where do we stay?

Our tour guides are all born and raised in the regions we travel to, have strong connections with local communities and have a great understanding of your culture as much as their own; they can translate cultural and regional sensitivities as well as menus, and share with you genuine experiences far beyond what you might find on your own, or with a guide from your own country.

Most nights in Africa you’ll be camping – often in the middle of wildlife reserves, sometimes by the banks of mighty rivers or on village rooftops beneath the stars. Other times you might stay on a houseboat, in a small city hotel or on a boat sailing down a river.

Small groups Gecko’s 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 17 people, with a maximum of 24 (18 in West Africa).

Who travels with Gecko's? Gecko's trips are designed for younger travellers, with more than half under 30 years. Our travellers have an open mind, a sense of adventure and an easy going attitude.

Time to make your own discoveries We've taken care of all the nitty-gritty so you'll have lots of free time to do your own thing and get to see the best the region has to offer, but with the benefit of having an expert local tour guide to point you in the right direction.

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Our tents are easy to assemble and very spacious. Sleeping mattresses are thick and comfy, so you’ll get a good night’s sleep. Plus you’ll have your own camp chair to relax into the evenings. In remote areas, your accommodation will often be basic; sometimes this may mean sleeping under a blanket of stars on a rooftop in Djenné’s old town or camping on an island in the middle of the Okavango Delta. These unique experiences provide amazing opportunities to view wildlife and interact with villagers and understand their culture and way of life.

Getting around We use a fleet of custom-built safari vehicles on all our safaris. They are equipped for 28 passengers, though we cap the group size at 24. Our trucks are very comfortable, with plenty of leg room, a wide centre aisle for ease of movement and solid suspension for those rougher roads. We also like to use local transport when it adds to the experience. We like to travel in open 4WD vehicles, riverboats, ferries and canoes to get amongst the wildlife and the locals and their way of life. While travelling with Gecko’s in Africa you might find yourself on a ferry as you travel from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar or on traditional dugout canoe (mokoro) in the Okavango Delta.

Spacious seating with seatbelts

Large windows for fantastic game viewing

Good supply of fresh drinking water

Large forward-facing windows

Full camp kitchen and full-time camp cook

Hygenic facilities

Plenty of storage for your gear

Good suspension for when we travel on rough roads

Our quality vehicle fleet What is a local payment? Your Local Payment is the final part of your overall tour cost. It covers things along the way and can include such things as additional guides, site and park entrance fees, some meals and some forms of transport and accommodation. There can be times

when the things we do and places we stay are in remote areas so paying locally is the best option for everyone. For example, in Africa, most of the Local Payment amount is used to pay for the entrance fees to national parks.

Why we have them Local Payments allow us to provide you with a cheaper trip and also give you a little more time to save for your adventure. The Local Payment is paid in cash to your guide on Day 1 of your trip.

GECKO’S EXTRA INCLUSIONS IN AFRICA

Pre-purchased permits for gorilla trekking We couldn’t imagine anything more frustrating than joining a gorilla safari not knowing if there’s a permit for you to see them. Gecko’s pre-purchases gorillatrekking permits for our travellers, ensuring there is no down-time waiting for permits to, hopefully, come through. There are a limited number of permits available each day; they sell out quickly so please book early.

Spend time in all the iconic wildlife parks, entrance fees included Rather than just drive by the Masai Mara, we spend time in this classic park – one of the most iconic and wildlife-rich in Africa. We also stay in the Serengeti, Kruger, Okavango Delta, Etosha and Chobe parks, among others, and the remote South Luangwa National Park, renowned for its leopard population and for pioneering walking safaris. We include all ‘must-see’ entrance fees in the price too; we know you’ll want to go to the Serengeti, so why would we make it an option? Rather than constantly reaching into your pocket, you’ll be clicking away with your camera and simply soaking up the best wildlife-viewing in Africa.

Three crew on all safaris As well as a talented and experienced local tour guide, you’ll have a dedicated driver and camp cook – all local to the regions we travel through. There’s no roster system, so on Gecko’s trips you won’t have to wash down the truck or spend time shopping for supplies. You can choose to muck in if you want to – it’s often another fun part of life on the road – but you’ll be spending most of the time enjoying your surrounds rather than slaving around camp. The driver is experienced not just in getting you from A to B but in getting you as close to the action as possible. The cook has a fully-equipped kitchen at his disposal and, with his only job being to plan, prepare and present your meals, you’ll be well satisfied throughout the day. (Only two crew are used on our Gorilla Express trip.)

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dream, explore, discover... gecko's online! If you’re looking for inspiration or more detailed trip information about what’s included in your trip, our website has it covered. Visit geckosadventures.com for awe-inspiring pics, clips, interactive maps, full itineraries, trip notes, blogs, links to our Facebook page and more.

Planning more adventures?

Be inspired

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• Join us for five or more adventures – receive 10% off

• Download detailed trip notes to find out what’s included and what’s optional

Social media – we know everyone’s doing it these days but we are doing it in all the right ways and for all the right reasons! We are keeping you inspired, informed and interacted with our blogs, tweets, vids and much more…

This offer applies to the tour cost of your trip and conditions apply. Ask us for details when making your booking.

• Visit our Facebook page to meet other Gecko’s travellers or read feedback • View video clips from our trips all around the world

Book online To check departure dates and availability visit the web address located under the trip details in the brochure. Once you’ve chosen your trip and the departure date, just follow the links to make the booking and it’s done. It’s so quick, easy and convenient! If you are still considering which dates are the best for you, our online booking service can help you out. When you decide on your next adventure you can go through the booking process online and reserve a place on the trip by checking the ‘pay later’ box. This allows you to check out flight availability before confirming your trip so you can make sure all the details work for you before you have to pay a cent.

Facebook – competitions, join in the conversation and share your travel pics, tips and ask questions facebook.com/geckosadventures Twitter – up-to-date travel news and views @geckostales Subscribe to e-news – competitions, inspirational travel stories Gecko’s ‘The Kasbah’ blog – posts include everything travel-related: travel news, trip reviews, Q & As… geckosadventures.com/blog YouTube – be inspired with our Gecko’s videos youtube.com/geckosadventures Flickr – share your travel pics and view everyone else’s for inspiration iPhone and iPad Apps – free to download from iTunes: get expert advice via live chat and email, browse galleries and video

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We reward our loyal Gecko’s travellers Many Gecko’s travellers are now on their second, third and even 12th trip with us so we want to say thanks for your loyalty by offering you a better price. How your loyalty is rewarded: • Travel with us on a second, third or fourth tour – receive 5% off your trip

Ask us about competitive international airfares Gecko’s prides itself on running the best small group grassroots adventure tours. We can also arrange all your travel needs, including: competitive international flights, arrival and departure transfers, visas, travel insurance, pre and post tour accommodation, and optional tours and activities. One of our experienced, knowledgeable and professional travel consultants will be only too happy to help when you enquire about a trip.

20% OFF last minute deals If you’re the type of person who can drop everything and take off on an adventure, why not sign up for weekly bursts of inspiration with our last minute travel deals email? You’ll find some great trips that are leaving within 55 days and have been discounted by 20% and even more! Follow the links from our homepage.

want your own private adventure? Private Group Adventures

School Groups

Whatever your requirements we can tailor the perfect trip just for you and your family, friends or fellow club members.

We have many years experience taking school groups to various parts of the world, with an emphasis on fostering understanding and celebrating diversity. Our trips offer an exciting and safe educational travel experience, often focusing on interaction with local communities and developing a greater understanding of the diverse and rich cultural heritage of the countries visited.

Why is a Private Group Adventure so good? • We can run a private departure on one of our existing itineraries and add a visit to a place of special interest to you and your group • We can focus the whole trip on a particular activity or interest • Private Group Adventures can be arranged for groups of seven or more

Our educational journeys help students develop a sense of worth and self-esteem, along with a better understanding of team work, leadership and shared responsibility – all in addition to simply having fun!

All you have to do is choose your trip, think of how you would like the itinerary tailored to your needs and leave the rest up to us!

Visit geckosadventures.com/groups or email groups@geckosadventures.com to start planning your trip.

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We offset our carbon emissions

We minimise the negative impacts of travel and maximise the benefits to the regions we travel through by working with ethical service providers, employing locals and using locally owned lodgings. We help with grassroots projects and charities with services and funds through the Gecko’s Community Trust.

We work with Climate Care to use Gold Standard carbon offset projects (or accredited equivalent) to offset our emissions. In Australia, we utilise 100% green sourced power and offset the emissions from flights taken by our staff, and we ensure that our brochures are printed on paper from environmentally accredited sources.

Environmental and cultural sensitivity is important to us and we are constantly learning more and informing our clients how best to enjoy their travel experience without impinging on the regions we travel through. It doesn’t stop once the trips are complete; we offset our carbon emissions with gold-standard schemes for both our trips and our wider organisation. We find that travelling responsibly actually enriches the experience for our clients as they get to have more authentic interactions with locals and get a true feel for the region they are visiting.

This is the third year we’ve taken responsibility for the emissions created by our trips. We think that since it’s our tours that created the emissions then it’s our responsibility to do something about it; we don’t think it’s fair to simply transfer our responsibility to you.

What we’ve offset so far: Client travel 2009/10 – 8,636 tonnes of CO2 Client travel 2008/09 – 7,133 tonnes of CO2

Climate Care Projects From 2009-2010 we paid A$63,611 to offset our trips. The money goes towards projects like the Uganda Efficient Stoves Project, where efficient wood burning stoves are supplied to families and institutions in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and subsequently throughout the country. Other contracted projects include hydro and solar projects.

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MUN

Travelling responsibly is important to Gecko’s grassroots adventures. We travel in small groups, employ experienced local tour guides and have formal and casual links with local communities.

Travelling Responsibly The Gecko’s Community Trust

The Trust supports local charities, organisations and businesses that have a social, economic or environmental cause. It has been established as a way to provide funds for local projects and initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the countries we operate in. TR UST

Our Community Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with all funds donated by Gecko’s, our staff and our travellers, going to the nominated projects. The Trust was developed and is managed with the assistance of Charities Aid Foundation Australia cafaustralia.org.au You can contribute to the Gecko’s Community Trust by making an online donation to the project of your choice, visit geckosadventures.com/communitytrust. By donating you will help promote responsible and sustainable tourism and make a positive difference to communities now and into the future.

Gecko’s International Partnership

Gecko’s Community Trust projects in AFRICA

For six years we have teamed up with Plan International Australia to contribute to their work to help children reach their full potential in the developing world. This year we are encouraging travellers to read Plan’s Because I am a Girl report and find out how investment in girls can help break the poverty cycle. For more information on Plan and the Because I am a Girl campaign visit becauseiamagirl.com.au

East African Mission Orphanage The East Africa Mission Orphanage (EAMO), located near Nakuru in Kenya, was the first beneficiary of Gecko’s Community Trust. The orphanage currently provides full care for 195 orphans, although this number continues to grow. The goal of the orphanage is to treat the resident children as if they were their own. Many Gecko’s trips visit the orphanage and our groups camp in the grounds. The camping fees we pay go to the EAMO organisation to assist the orphanage. In addition, the Trust is raising funds for the construction of a purpose-built nursery. To donate, follow the links from the Community Trust webpage.

The School of St Jude The School of St Jude, founded by Australian woman Gemma Sisia, is 'fighting poverty through education' in Arusha, Tanzania. The school provides a free education to over 1500 students, these students are the poorest of the poor in the region. Gecko’s trips travelling through Arusha visit St Jude’s and spend time with the students and teachers at their weekly assembly or a school lunch. Meeting these bright kids, it’s hard not to be touched by their optimism and drive. And to put things into perspective. To donate, follow the links from the Community Trust webpage.

Child Wise For over six years we have partnered with Child Wise, an international child protection NGO committed to preventing the abuse, trafficking and exploitation of children around the world. Child Wise aims to prevent and protect children from the harmful effects of tourism. If you see or suspect child sex abuse in your travels overseas, in Australia, or online, please report it. Email helpline@childwise.net or freecall 1800 991 099.

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southern AFRI CA

Kruger Cruiser

7 Days

Spend a week on safari in South Africa and Swaziland. Observe the incredible wildlife on show in two renowned national parks – spot giraffes, elephants, rhinos, lions and leopards, and plenty of surprises too. Add to this the spectacle of the beautiful and verdant Blyde River Canyon and you have one of the best short adventures in Africa. Day 1 Pretoria/Johannesburg

Days 3-4 Kruger National Park Heading into the lowveld, we enter the famous Kruger National Park. We explore and search for wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives. There is also an option to take a guided night game drive in an open safari vehicle.

Blyde River Canyon

Days 5-6 Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Leaving Kruger National Park, we enter the culturally-rich Kingdom of Swaziland. We stay and enjoy a safari at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, the first protected area in Swaziland and a haven for several species, including zebras, giraffes and many species of antelope.

Pretoria/ Johannesburg

SOUTH AFRICA

Kruger NP

SWAZILAND

Mlilwane

Kruger Cruiser

Day 7 Johannesburg Our tour ends with a shuttle transfer back to Johannesburg airport.

Our trip starts today at our lodge in a remote area between Pretoria and Johannesburg. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Day 2 Blyde River Canyon Region Leaving Pretoria, we drive to the historic town of Graskop. The Blyde River intersects with the Treur River to form Blyde River Canyon – the world's largest green canyon. We explore this picturesque gorge and its wonderful lookouts by vehicle and on foot.

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gAKZ

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 5 nights participatory camping, 1 night basic lodge. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 2 days in Kruger National Park and 2 days in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$200 from each person on Day 1 in Pretoria. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Fri Thu 2012 13-Jan 19-Jan 27-Jan 02-Feb 17-Feb 23-Feb

09-Mar 30-Mar 13-Apr 04-May 25-May 15-Jun

15-Mar 05-Apr 19-Apr 10-May 31-May 21-Jun

29-Jun 20-Jul 10-Aug 31-Aug 05-Oct 16-Nov

05-Jul 26-Jul 16-Aug 06-Sep 11-Oct 22-Nov

21-Dec 2013 01-Feb 08-Mar 19-Apr

27-Dec 07-Feb 14-Mar 25-Apr

One of many highlights Kruger National Park The ‘Big Five’ can come easy in Kruger, and our safari drives hit many of the park’s highlights. Get your camera ready – there are 700 species of mammals, reptiles and birds here.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gakz

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southern AFRICA

Kruger & coast

12 Days

Journey from Johannesburg to Durban and experience three of southern Africa’s visually diverse countries. Encounter wildlife in world-famous Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park and Swaziland’s Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, all home to an incredible array of exotic animals. In Mozambique, bask on a beautiful Indian Ocean beach and dine on delicious seafood. Discover more aquatic life at St Lucia Wetlands, before winding up the adventure on the coast near Durban, South Africa's vibrant beach capital. Day 1 Pretoria/Johannesburg Our trip starts today at our lodge in a remote area between Pretoria and Johannesburg. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Days 5-6 Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Leaving Kruger National Park we enter the culturally-rich Kingdom of Swaziland. We stay and enjoy a safari at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, the first protected area in Swaziland and a haven for several species, including zebras, giraffes and many species of antelopes.

Day 7 Maputo

Blyde River Canyon Pretoria/ Johannesburg

MOZAMBIQUE Kruger NP Maputo

Mlilwane

SOUTH AFRICA

SWAZILAND

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi NP Durban

We cross into our third country, Mozambique, and make our way to its lively and evocative capital, Maputo, in search of its Portuguese legacies.

Kruger & Coast

Day 8 Praia de Macaneta – Maputo We spend a day amidst the sand dunes of a beautiful Mozambique beach and get a chance to taste some of the delicious seafood on offer.

Days 9-10 St Lucia Wetlands – HluhluweImfolozi National Park Leaving Mozambique, we return to South Africa and continue to St Lucia, our campsite for the next two nights. Take a sunset cruise through the World Heritage listed wetlands reserve – a haven for crocodiles, hippos, pelicans and flamingos. We also spend a day on safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, in search of white rhinos.

Days 11-12 Zulu Village – Durban We visit a Zulu village and learn about their customs and traditions, before continuing to our camp on the northern beaches of Durban where we spend our final evening.

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gAKC

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 8 nights participatory camping, 1 night basic lodge, 2 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 2 days in Kruger National Park, 2 days in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and 1 day in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$300 from each person on Day 1 in Pretoria. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Fri Tue 2012 13-Jan 24-Jan 27-Jan 07-Feb 17-Feb 28-Feb

09-Mar 30-Mar 13-Apr 04-May 25-May 15-Jun

20-Mar 10-Apr 24-Apr 15-May 05-Jun 26-Jun

29-Jun 20-Jul 10-Aug 31-Aug 05-Oct 16-Nov

10-Jul 31-Jul 21-Aug 11-Sep 16-Oct 27-Nov

21-Dec 2013 01-Feb 08-Mar 19-Apr

01-Jan 12-Feb 19-Mar 30-Apr

One of many highlights Praia de Macaneta (seafood lunch) Get beachside for your most memorable African meal – the freshest catch going is served up at Praia de Macaneta, Mozambique, right by the Indian Ocean. Fresh, fabulous flavours, stunning surrounds – unbeatable!

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gakc

www.geckosadventures.com

southern AFRI CA

ZAMBIA Kasane

Vic Falls

Chobe NP

ZIMBABWE

Maun

Okavango Delta

Makgadikgadi Pans

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

BOTSWANA

Pretoria/ Johannesburg

NAMIBIA

SWAZILAND

SOUTH AFRICA LESOTHO Backroads of Botswana

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gABB

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 7 nights participatory camping, 1 night tented bush camp, 1 night basic lodge. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 1 day in Chobe National Park, 3 days in the Okavango Delta and half a day at Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$300 from each person on Day 1 in Pretoria. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Thu Sat 2012 26-Jan 04-Feb 16-Feb 25-Feb 01-Mar 10-Mar 22-Mar 31-Mar 12-Apr 21-Apr

03-May 17-May 07-Jun 28-Jun 19-Jul 02-Aug 23-Aug 13-Sep

12-May 26-May 16-Jun 07-Jul 28-Jul 11-Aug 01-Sep 22-Sep

04-Oct 18-Oct 08-Nov 29-Nov 20-Dec 2013 03-Jan 24-Jan

13-Oct 27-Oct 17-Nov 08-Dec 29-Dec

14-Feb 07-Mar 21-Mar 11-Apr 02-May

23-Feb 16-Mar 30-Mar 20-Apr 11-May

12-Jan 02-Feb

One of many highlights Okavango Delta For a safari with a difference, get off the land and into a canoe. Floating through the Okavango Delta is a magical way to get up close with wonderful wildlife.

Backroads of Botswana Botswana is a name synonymous with wildlife and pristine wilderness. Travelling through its back blocks, we experience the spectacular beauty of the Okavango Delta, the wildlife wonderland of Chobe National Park and the majestic power of Victoria Falls. Day 1 Pretoria/Johannesburg Our trip starts today at our lodge near Pretoria. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Day 2 Khama Rhino Sanctuary We travel north to Botswana and across to Khama Rhino Sanctuary for our first night of camping under Botswanan skies. Tonight you may take an optional night game drive in the sanctuary.

10 Days Days 4-6 Okavango Delta â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Maun We travel through the waterways and camp for two nights on an island. We take game walks and mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) cruises. Upon returning to Maun, there may be a chance for an optional sunset flight over this incredible delta.

Days 7-8 Chobe National Park We travel past the Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pans National Park to Kasane, where we set up camp for one night on the banks of the Thebe River. Our second night is spent at a mobile camp inside Chobe National Park. An early morning game drive and an afternoon river cruise ensure a wealth of incredible wildlife experiences.

Days 9-10 Victoria Falls We leave Botswana behind, enter Zimbabwe and head to spectacular Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'The Smoke that Thunders'. Our tour ends on Day 10, after breakfast.

Day 3 Khama Rhino Sanctuary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Maun This morning we join the Rhino Trail to discover more about this community-run wildlife conservation centre. We continue to Maun, our base for the Okavango Delta excursion.

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Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gabb

southern AFRICA

TANZANIA

OLA

Waterfalls & Wildlife MALAWI

Days 6-7 Great Zimbabwe Ruins – Tshipise Hot Springs

ZAMBIA Vic Falls Hwange NP

ZIMBABWE Antelope Park Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Okavango Delta

BOTSWANA

Kruger NP Blyde River Canyon

Pretoria/ Johannesburg

12 Days

MOZAMBIQUE

SWAZILAND

SOUTH AFRICA LESOTHO

Waterfalls & Wildlife

From the magnificent wildlife and mesmerising waterfalls of Zimbabwe to the spectacular scenery and colourful cultures of South Africa, this safari offers the best of an action-packed region, including walking with lions. Day 1 Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Victoria Falls is astounding and a visit to the nearby national park is a must. If you plan to do any of the adrenalin-charged activities on offer in this adventure capital, we recommend you arrive a couple of days before the trip begins.

Days 2-3 Hwange National Park We drive east to Hwange National Park, where our camp is situated on the edge of the park. Morning and afternoon game drives in an open vehicle provide our first wildlife experiences.

Days 4-5 Antelope Park Visiting Antelope Park, a private reserve located near Bulawayo, you will have the chance to walk with lion cubs, go game-viewing atop an elephant or even swim with these majestic animals.

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins is a series of imposing enclosures, surrounded by great stone walls over an area of several square kilometres. After exploring the site, we continue to South Africa for a relaxing break at the outdoor hot spring pools of Tshipise.

Days 8-9 Kruger National Park We visit Kruger National Park for two days of game viewing. This park covers an area of 21,497 square kilometres and is home to 500 species of birds and 146 different types of mammals. We spend two nights camping within the park and we're given the option to take an evening game drive in an open safari vehicle.

Day 10 Blyde River Canyon Blyde River Canyon is reputedly the world's largest green canyon. After exploring the canyon and absorbing the breathtaking scenery of the area, we reach our campsite perched on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the Kruger lowveld.

Days 11-12 Pilgrim's Rest – Pretoria/ Johannesburg Today we journey through Pilgrim's Rest, a town which has been reconstructed as a living museum. We travel through the Panorama region towards Pretoria, where a beautiful campsite awaits us for our final night.

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gAWW

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 11 nights participatory camping. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 2 days in Hwange National Park and 2 days in Kruger National Park, as well as a private wildlife reserve. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$300 from each person on Day 1 in Victoria Falls. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 04-Feb 15-Feb 25-Feb 07-Mar 10-Mar 21-Mar 31-Mar 11-Apr 21-Apr 02-May

12-May 26-May 16-Jun 07-Jul 28-Jul 11-Aug 01-Sep 22-Sep

23-May 06-Jun 27-Jun 18-Jul 08-Aug 22-Aug 12-Sep 03-Oct

13-Oct 27-Oct 17-Nov 08-Dec 29-Dec 2013 12-Jan 02-Feb

24-Oct 07-Nov 28-Nov 19-Dec 09-Jan

23-Feb 16-Mar 30-Mar 20-Apr 11-May

06-Mar 27-Mar 10-Apr 01-May 22-May

23-Jan 13-Feb

Reverse Dates: GAWWR Starts Johannesburg, ends Victoria Falls Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 03-Jan 14-Jan 24-Jan 04-Feb 14-Feb 25-Feb 28-Feb 10-Mar 20-Mar 31-Mar

10-Apr 01-May 15-May 05-Jun 26-Jun 17-Jul 31-Jul 21-Aug

21-Apr 12-May 26-May 16-Jun 07-Jul 28-Jul 11-Aug 01-Sep

11-Sep 02-Oct 16-Oct 06-Nov 27-Nov 18-Dec 2013 01-Jan

22-Sep 13-Oct 27-Oct 17-Nov 08-Dec 29-Dec

22-Jan 12-Feb 05-Mar 19-Mar 09-Apr 30-Apr 21-May

02-Feb 23-Feb 16-Mar 30-Mar 20-Apr 11-May 01-Jun

12-Jan

One of many highlights Victoria Falls The mighty roar, the mist and rainbows, the thundering cascades – is there a better start to any trip than taking in Victoria Falls?

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaww www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gawwr

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SOUTH AFRICA

southern AFRI CA

Drakensberg Mountains Addo Elephant NP Oudtshoorn

Winelands

Durban Coffee Bay

Port Elizabeth

Tsitsikamma NP

Cape Town

Coast to Cape

TRIP INFO

Coast to Cape

12 Days

Travel along the fabled Wild Coast and the world-famous Garden Route and experience some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Africa. Our journey from Durban to Cape Town takes in charming hamlets, renowned surf towns and fascinating townships. Hike in the jagged Drakensberg Mountains, come face-to-face with South Africa’s wildlife on safari in Addo Elephant National Park and encounter ostriches up close in Oudtshoorn.

Tour Code:

gACC

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 10 nights participatory camping, 1 night basic lodge. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 7 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 1 day in Addo Elephant National Park and 1 day in Tsitsikamma National Park. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$300 from each person on Day 1 in Durban. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Tue Sat 2012 24-Jan 04-Feb 07-Feb 18-Feb 28-Feb 10-Mar

20-Mar 10-Apr 24-Apr 15-May 05-Jun 26-Jun

31-Mar 21-Apr 05-May 26-May 16-Jun 07-Jul

10-Jul 31-Jul 21-Aug 11-Sep 16-Oct 27-Nov

21-Jul 11-Aug 01-Sep 22-Sep 27-Oct 08-Dec

2013 01-Jan 12-Feb 19-Mar 30-Apr

Day 1 Durban

Day 8 Addo Elephant National Park

One of many highlights

Our trip starts today at a coastal resort village north of Durban. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

We depart for Addo Elephant National Park. This park is home to a population of about 450 elephants and a variety of other wildlife. Explore the park on an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle and camp the night within the park.

Coffee Bay

Days 2-3 Drakensberg Mountains We travel through the heart of Zululand to the Giant's Castle region of the Drakensberg Mountains, where we spend our next two nights. We take a hike in this spectacular region to view ancient Bushmen rock paintings.

Days 4-5 Coffee Bay Leaving the Drakensberg region, we travel south-west through the Transkei towards the famous coast. Chill out in Coffee Bay, the Wild Coast's travellers' beach haven. Relax on the beach, walk along the top of the cliffs, try snorkelling or take a surfing lesson.

Day 6 Umtata – Cintsa East We visit Umtata, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, then head south to the coastal town of Cintsa East, just outside East London. There is time to wander along the beach and absorb the stunning coastal landscape.

Day 7 Port Elizabeth We stop in the pleasant city of Port Elizabeth, the largest in the Eastern Cape, take a township tour and join the locals for a drink in a shebeen (local pub).

Down the Garden Path

Day 9 Addo Elephant National Park – Tsitsikamma National Park After a morning game drive, we pass the famous surf beach at Jeffrey's Bay and arrive at the mouth of Storms River, inside Tsitsikamma National Park. We hike the beginning of the Otter Trail to a majestic waterfall.

Day 10 Oudtshoorn (Cango Caves) Departing Tsitsikamma National Park, we drive along the heart of South Africa's picturesque Garden Route and continue to Oudtshoorn, where we explore the vast halls and towering formations of the spectacular underground Cango Caves.

Days 11-12 Oudtshoorn – Cape Town In the morning we visit an ostrich farm and learn about their many commercial uses. We can even try our hand at riding one! We then travel over the Swartberg Pass to the renowned winelands region of the Western Cape and enjoy some wine-tasting before reaching Cape Town, where we spend our final night.

6 Days

The Garden Route is Africa’s most famous coastal drive, connecting Port Elizabeth with Cape Town and offering something for everyone. Get up close to majestic elephants and other large African mammals in Addo Elephant National Park, walk beneath thick forest canopy in Tsitsikamma National Park and explore the mysterious subterranean world of Cango Caves. And for something completely different, ride an ostrich in Oudtshoorn! Tsitsikamma National Park. We hike the beginning of the Otter Trail Day 1 Port Elizabeth Our trip starts today in pleasant Port Elizabeth – the largest city in the Eastern Cape. Here we experience a township tour, where we join the locals for a drink in a shebeen (local pub).

Day 2 Addo Elephant National Park We depart for Addo Elephant National Park, which we explore on an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle. This park is home to a population of about 450 elephants and a variety of other wildlife. Our campsite is located within the park.

Day 3 Addo Elephant National Park – Tsitsikamma National Park After a morning game drive we travel past the famous surf beach at Jeffrey's Bay and arrive at the mouth of Storms River, inside

to a majestic waterfall.

Day 4 Oudtshoorn (Cango Caves) Departing Tsitsikamma National Park, we drive along the heart of South Africa's picturesque Garden Route and continue to Oudtshoorn, where we explore the vast halls and towering formations of the spectacular Cango Caves.

Days 5-6 Oudtshoorn – Cape Town In the morning we visit an ostrich farm and learn about their many commercial uses. We can even try our hands at riding one! We then travel over the Swartberg Pass to the renowned winelands region of the Western Cape and enjoy some wine-tasting before reaching Cape Town, where we spend our final night.

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12-Jan 23-Feb 30-Mar 11-May

Beach out at the Wild Coast’s beauty spot, an out-of-the-way place with gorgeous trails to wander, pounding surf, and a lovely low-key vibe among the locals and travellers.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gacc

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gAGP

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 4 nights participatory camping, 1 night hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 1 day in Addo Elephant National Park and 1 day in Tsitsikamma National Park. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$150 from each person on Day 1 in Port Elizabeth. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Tue Sat 2012 30-Jan 04-Feb 13-Feb 18-Feb 05-Mar 10-Mar

26-Mar 16-Apr 30-Apr 21-May 11-Jun 02-Jul

31-Mar 21-Apr 05-May 26-May 16-Jun 07-Jul

16-Jul 06-Aug 27-Aug 17-Sep 22-Oct 03-Dec

21-Jul 11-Aug 01-Sep 22-Sep 27-Oct 08-Dec

2013 07-Jan 18-Feb 25-Mar 06-May

12-Jan 23-Feb 30-Mar 11-May

One of many highlights Shebeen township experience The heart of an African township beats loudest in the local bar, known as a shebeen. Here we meet local people who may open up with a yarn and a few jokes.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gagp SOUTH AFRICA

Oudtshoorn Winelands

Cape Town

Addo Elephant NP Port Elizabeth

Tsitsikamma NP Down the Garden Path

Pretoria/ Johannesburg

Kruger NP Tofo Beach

Mlilwane

SOUTH AFRICA

Maputo

SWAZILAND Road to Mozambique

TRIP INFO

Road to Mozambique

Day 1 Pretoria/Johannesburg The trip starts today at our lodge in a remote area between Pretoria and Johannesburg. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

MOZAMBIQUE BEACH BREAK

Day 7 Maputo We cross into Mozambique and make our way to its lively and evocative capital, Maputo, in search of its Portuguese legacy.

Our trip starts today in Maputo, the lively and evocative capital of Mozambique. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Days 2-4 Tofo Beach Mozambique is famous for its magnificent coastline. We drive north to Tofo Beach and stay for three nights in beach bungalows, enjoying the chance to relax and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. There is a chance to do some optional diving or snorkelling. The waters here are famous for whale sharks – the world's largest fish.

Day 5 Tofo Beach The trip ends today after breakfast.

Start Finish Fri Mon 2012 13-Jan 23-Jan 27-Jan 06-Feb 17-Feb 27-Feb

09-Mar 30-Mar 13-Apr 04-May 25-May 15-Jun

19-Mar 09-Apr 23-Apr 14-May 04-Jun 25-Jun

29-Jun 20-Jul 10-Aug 31-Aug 05-Oct 16-Nov

09-Jul 30-Jul 20-Aug 10-Sep 15-Oct 26-Nov

21-Dec 2013 01-Feb 08-Mar 19-Apr

31-Dec 11-Feb 18-Mar 29-Apr

One of many highlights Tofo Beach Try not taking it easy here – fantastic marine life, a great beach scene and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. Tofo is a little pocket of coastal paradise.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/garm

Days 8-10 Tofo Beach Mozambique is famous for its magnificent coastline. We drive north to Tofo Beach and stay for three nights in beach bungalows, enjoying the chance to relax and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. There is a chance to do some optional diving or snorkelling. The waters here are famous for whale sharks – the world's largest fish.

Day 11 Tofo Beach The trip ends today after breakfast.

5 Days

TRIP INFO

Relax on a beautiful Indian Ocean beach in Mozambique and enjoy all the trappings of this tropical paradise. Perhaps go snorkelling with whale sharks, check out the local culture and dine out on sumptuous seafood. Day 1 Maputo

gARM

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 5 nights participatory camping, 1 night lodge, 1 night budget/tourist class hotels, 3 nights bungalows. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 2 days in Kruger National Park and 2 days in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$250 from each person on Day 1 in Pretoria. Prices: See page 3.

11 Days

This short adventure takes us to three countries, South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique, and showcases the continent’s abundant wildlife and magnificent beaches. Kruger National Park is home to a wealth of mammals, including great herds of elephants. Swaziland’s Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is more low-key but nonetheless enchanting, with many species of antelope. The tropical beaches of Mozambique are pure paradise and a perfect place to end your trip.

Tour Code:

gAMX

Transport: Local bus. Accommodation: 1 night hotel, 3 nights bungalow. Group size: Maximum 10. Meals: 4 breakfasts. Local Payment: There is no local payment for this extension. Prices: See page 3. Trip departs every Thursday.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gamx MOZAMBIQUE Tofo Beach

Maputo Mozambique Beach Break

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southern AFRICA

MOZAMBIQUE Blyde River Canyon

southern AFRI CA

Overland from Cape to Falls Stand atop the world’s highest sand dunes, sleep under a blanket of stars, explore the waterways of a vast inland delta and watch the interplay of the animal kingdom amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

21 Days

Days 11-12 Himba Village – Etosha National Park We stop to visit the Himba people and experience some of their very unique way of life. At Namibia's premier reserve, Etosha National Park, the wildlife-viewing opportunities are unbelievable and virtually unmatched elsewhere on the continent!

Day 13 Bagani

Days 1-2 Cape Town – Township Tour – Cederberg

Northeast from Etosha is the Caprivi Strip. Here we near the towns of Bagani and Divundu and by the banks of the Okavango River, which separates Namibia from Angola.

We begin in Cape Town before travelling to one of the oldest formal townships created in the region – Langa. We visit several inspiring projects there before travelling to the Cederberg region.

Days 14-16 Okavango Delta

Days 3-4 Orange River – Fish River Canyon We travel north through Namaqualand to Orange (Gariep) River. This waterway cuts a green swathe between Namibia and South Africa. Crossing the river we enter Namibia and head to Fish River Canyon and our camp at Hobas. We then enjoy a walk along the rim of world's second largest canyon.

Days 5-6 Sesriem – Sossusvlei – NamibNaukluft National Park We drive from Fish River Canyon to Sesriem and to the towering sand dunes seen throughout Namib-Naukluft National Park. We spend two nights here and experience the many facets of this dramatic area.

Days 7-8 Swakopmund

We then cross into Botswana and spend a few nights in the Okavango Delta. Riding a speedboat along the river, we look for hippos and crocodiles and travel by mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) to a remote island, where we bush camp. We also spend a night on a houseboat before completing our Okavango Delta excursion and setting up camp at Sepupa.

Days 17-18 Chobe National Park We cross the border again and travel along Namibia's fertile Caprivi Strip before re-entering Botswana. We then travel to the renowned Chobe National Park, which we explore by river cruise and 4WD.

Days 19-21 Livingstone (Zambia) We cross the Chobe River on a small ferry and reach Zambia. Our final short drive takes us along the Upper Zambezi River towards the magnificent Victoria Falls. Our campsite is located on the banks of the Upper Zambezi River.

Another scenic drive takes us through the Namib Desert and Kuiseb Canyon to the Atlantic Coast and the holiday town of Swakopmund. Two nights are spent here in the town and trying out some of the many optional adrenaline-pumping activities on offer.

Sepupa

Etosha NP

Cape Cross

Spitzkoppe Swakopmund

We drive north into the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross, where 200,000 Cape fur seals live. Turning inland, our destination is the community-run campsite set around the base of the 1784-metrehigh volcanic Spitzkoppe.

Namib Naukluft NP

Day 10 Spitzkoppe – Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park

Fish River Canyon

Driving north to astonishing Damaraland, we take in this incredibly picturesque region. We then proceed to Kamanjab and Otjitotongwe Lodge for close-up encounters with the rare and beautiful cheetah.

www.geckosadventures.com

Livingstone

Chobe NP

Himba Village/ Cheetah Park

Day 9 Cape Cross – Spitzkoppe

ZAMBIA Kasane

NAMIBIA

Overland from Cape to Falls Cape Town

Okavango Delta

BOTSWANA SOUTH AFRICA

Cederberg

LESOTHO

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gACF

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 16 nights participatory camping, 1 night houseboat, 1 night hotel, 2 nights bungalow. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 20 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 15 dinners. Parks: This trip includes half a day at Fish River Canyon, 2 days in Namib-Naukluft National Park, 2 days in Etosha National Park, 3 days in the Okavango Delta and 1 day in Chobe National Park. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$550 from each person on Day 1 in Cape Town. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sun Sat 2012 15-Jan 04-Feb 05-Feb 25-Feb 19-Feb 10-Mar 11-Mar 31-Mar 01-Apr 21-Apr

22-Apr 06-May 27-May 17-Jun 08-Jul 22-Jul 12-Aug

TANZANIA

12-May 26-May 16-Jun 07-Jul 28-Jul 11-Aug 01-Sep

02-Sep 23-Sep 07-Oct 28-Oct 18-Nov 09-Dec 23-Dec

22-Sep 13-Oct 27-Oct 17-Nov 08-Dec 29-Dec 12-Jan

2013 13-Jan 03-Feb 24-Feb 10-Mar 31-Mar 21-Apr

02-Feb 23-Feb 16-Mar 30-Mar 20-Apr 11-May

One MOZAMBIQUE of many highlights MALAWI

Namib-Naukluft National Park Be prepared to be blown away by Namibia’s towering sand dunes. See them at their mesmerising morning best, when they change from ink-black to purple then glorious blazing orange.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gacf

southern AFRICA

Vic Falls to Cape Town Combine excellent game viewing with pristine natural environments, add a dose of adrenalin-fueled activity and a splash of culture, and you’ve got a great value southern African safari! Days 1-2 Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

21 Days Days 13-14 Cape Cross – Swakopmund At Cape Cross we see the largest seal colony in Africa, before continuing to Swakopmund. Here you can choose from activities including dune-boarding, quad-biking, skydiving or a township tour. In the evening we hit the town to check out the nightlife.

Days 15-16 Namib-Naukluft National Park – Sossusvlei

We start our trip at Victoria Falls. This place is synonymous with adventure – take up the challenge of Grade 5 whitewater rafting or some of the many other activities on offer.

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest national park in Africa and certainly one of its most memorable. We explore the beautiful 'vleis' (inland lakes) as well as the spectacular Sesriem Canyon.

Days 3-4 Chobe National Park

Day 17 Fish River Canyon

We explore all facets of Chobe National Park, beginning with an early morning game drive in open-sided 4WD vehicles. We then take an afternoon sunset cruise along the river and watch the animals as they come to drink at the water's edge.

Days 5-8 Sepupa – Okavango Delta Exploring this wildlife-rich region is a sublime experience. We spend a night in Sepupa, then a few nights in the Okavango Delta. Riding a speedboat along the river, we look for hippos and crocodiles, before travelling by mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) to our bush camp on a remote island. We also spend a night on a houseboat before completing our Okavango Delta excursion and travelling west along the Okavango River to Bagani.

Days 9-10 Etosha National Park We continue to Etosha National Park, the third largest wildlife sanctuary in the world with an incredible diversity of mammal and birdlife that congregate at the drinking spots. The floodlit waterholes at each campsite maximise wildlife-viewing opportunities and complement our safari drives through the park.

Day 11 Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park After a morning game drive in Etosha, we proceed to Kamanjab and Otjitotongwe Lodge for close-up encounters with the rare and beautiful cheetah.

Day 12 Himba Village – Spitzkoppe We stop to visit the Himba people and experience some of their very unique way of life. Driving south we pass through the stunning scenery of Damaraland, as we make our way to the community-run campsite of Spitzkoppe. Tonight you get to sleep under a blanket of a million stars!

Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. Walk along the rim offers great views of this geological wonder and the sunsets here are stunning.

Day 18 Orange River The Orange (Gariep) River flows the mountainous kingdom of DEMfrom REPUBLIC Lesotho to the Atlantic Ocean and forms the natural border between OF CONGO Namibia and South Africa. An optional afternoon canoe trip is a Days 19-21 Winelands – Cape Town We drive south toward the fabled Winelands area of the Western Cape. Following a final night of camping in the Cederberg region we visit some of the nearby wineries before continuing to our Cape Town hotel for the final night of our journey.

ZAMBIA Kasane

Sepupa

Etosha NP Himba Village/ Cheetah Park Spitzkoppe Cape Cross Swakopmund

NamibNaukluft NP

Vic Falls

Chobe NP ZIMBABWE Okavango Delta

NAMIBIA BOTSWANA

Start Finish Sat Fri 04-Feb 25-Feb 10-Mar 31-Mar

24-Feb 16-Mar 30-Mar 20-Apr

21-Apr 12-May 26-May 16-Jun 07-Jul 28-Jul 11-Aug 01-Sep

11-May 01-Jun 15-Jun 06-Jul 27-Jul 17-Aug 31-Aug 21-Sep

22-Sep 13-Oct 27-Oct 17-Nov 08-Dec 29-Dec 2013 12-Jan

12-Oct 02-Nov 16-Nov 07-Dec 28-Dec 18-Jan

02-Feb 23-Feb 16-Mar 30-Mar 20-Apr 11-May 01-Jun

22-Feb 15-Mar 05-Apr 19-Apr 10-May 31-May 21-Jun

01-Feb

One of many highlights

MOZAMBIQUE MALAWI

Etosha National Park - campsite with floodlit waterhole Night descends, but you don’t miss a thing at Etosha – our campsite sits by a floodlit waterhole, meaning you can have a drink while the great animal congregation nearby has its.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gavc

Sossusvlei

SOUTH AFRICA

Fish River Canyon Vic Falls to Cape Town

gAVC

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 16 nights participatory camping, 1 night houseboat, 1 night hotel, 2 nights bungalow. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 20 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 15 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 1 day in Chobe National Park, 3 days in the Okavango Delta, 2 days in Etosha National Park, 2 days in Namib-Naukluft National Park and a half day at Fish River Canyon. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$550 from each person on Day 1 in Victoria Falls. Prices: See page 3. 2012 TANZANIA 14-Jan 03-Feb

great way to take in the scenery and absorb the serenity.

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

Cederberg

LESOTHO

Winelands Cape Town

www.geckosadventures.com

southern AFRI CA

ZIMBABWE

NAMIBIA

Blyde River Canyon

BOTSWANA

Kruger NP

MOZAMBIQUE

Pretoria/ Johannesburg

SOUTH AFRICA

Maputo

Drakensberg Mountains

Cape Town

St Lucia Durban

Coffee Bay Cintsa East

Addo Elephant NP Knysna

SWAZILAND

Mlilwane

Port Elizabeth

Tsitsikamma NP African Mozaic

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gAAM

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 19 nights participatory camping, 1 night basic lodge, 2 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 22 breakfasts, 20 lunches, 17 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 2 days in Kruger National Park, 2 days in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 day in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, 1 day in Addo Elephant National Park and 1 day in Tsitsikamma National Park. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$600 from each person on Day 1 in Pretoria. Prices: See page 3.

African Mozaic

23 Days

South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique offer some of the greatest wildlife viewing in southern Africa as well as breathtaking, unspoilt beaches and stunning coast. Come face to face with Zulu culture, explore underground worlds, walk famous hiking trails and discover why southern Africa’s many facets continue to dazzle adventure travellers and naturelovers alike. Day 1 Pretoria/Johannesburg Our trip starts today at our lodge in a remote area between Pretoria and Johannesburg. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Day 2 Blyde River Canyon Region Leaving Pretoria we drive to the historic town of Graskop. The Blyde River intersects with the Treur River to form Blyde River Canyon – the world's largest green canyon. We explore this picturesque gorge and its wonderful lookouts by vehicle and on foot.

Day 7 Maputo We cross into our third country, Mozambique, and make our way to its lively and evocative capital, Maputo, in search of its Portuguese legacy.

Day 8 Praia de Macaneta – Maputo We spend a day amidst the sand dunes on one of Mozambique's beautiful beaches and get a chance to taste some of the delicious seafood on offer.

Days 9-10 St Lucia Wetlands – HluhluweImfolozi National Park We return to South Africa and continue to St Lucia, our campsite for the next two nights. A sunset cruise can be taken in the World Heritage listed wetlands reserve – a haven for crocodiles, hippos, pelicans and flamingos. We also spend a day on safari in HluhluweImfolozi National Park, in search of white rhinos.

Start Finish Fri Sat 2012 13-Jan 04-Feb 27-Jan 18-Feb 17-Feb 10-Mar

09-Mar 30-Mar 13-Apr 04-May 25-May 15-Jun

31-Mar 21-Apr 05-May 26-May 16-Jun 07-Jul

29-Jun 20-Jul 10-Aug 31-Aug 05-Oct 16-Nov

21-Jul 11-Aug 01-Sep 22-Sep 27-Oct 08-Dec

21-Dec 2013 01-Feb 08-Mar 19-Apr

12-Jan 23-Feb 30-Mar 11-May

One of many highlights Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary We explore Mlilwane, a little-known jewel of a park in Swaziland, where the plains and bush are alive with birdsong, zebra, giraffe and antelope, and hiking gets you thrillingly among the wildlife.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaam

Days 11-12 Zulu Village – Durban

Day 19 Addo Elephant National Park

We visit a Zulu village and learn about their customs and traditions before continuing to our camp on the northern beaches of Durban.

We depart for Addo Elephant National Park, which we explore on an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle. This park is home to a population of about 450 elephants, and a variety of other wildlife. Our campsite is located within the park.

Days 13-14 Drakensberg Mountains We travel back through the heart of Zululand to the Giant's Castle region of the Drakensberg Mountains, where we spend our next two nights. We take a hike in this spectacular region to view ancient Bushmen rock paintings.

Days 15-16 Coffee Bay Leaving the Drakensberg region, we travel south-west through the Transkei towards the famous coastline of South Africa. Chill out in Coffee Bay, the Wild Coast's beach haven. Relax on the beach, walk along the top of the cliffs, try snorkelling or perhaps learn to surf.

Day 17 Umtata – Cintsa East We visit Umtata, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, then head south to the coastal town of Cintsa East, just outside East London. There is time to wander along the beach and absorb the stunning coastal landscape.

Day 18 Port Elizabeth We stop in the pleasant city of Port Elizabeth, the largest in the Eastern Cape, and experience a township tour where we join the locals for a drink in a shebeen (local pub).

www.geckosadventures.com

Day 20 Addo Elephant National Park – Tsitsikamma National Park After a morning game drive, we pass the famous surf beach at Jeffrey's Bay and arrive at the mouth of Storms River, inside Tsitsikamma National Park. We hike the beginning of the Otter Trail to a majestic waterfall.

Day 21 Oudtshoorn (Cango Caves) Departing Tsitsikamma National Park, we drive along the heart of South Africa's picturesque Garden Route and continue to Oudtshoorn, where we explore the vast halls and towering formations of the spectacular underground Cango Caves.

Days 22-23 Oudtshoorn – Cape Town In the morning we visit an ostrich farm and learn about their many commercial uses. We can even try our hand at riding one! We then travel over the Swartberg Pass to the renowned winelands region of the Western Cape and enjoy some wine-tasting before reaching Cape Town, where we spend our final night.

southern AFRICA

MIBIA

Botswana & Zimbabwe Adventure This safari offers a feast of wildlife interactions in some of southern Africa's premier reserves. Walk with lions, get up close to rhinos, enjoy game drives through Kruger National Park and cruise the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta.

21 Days

Days 7-8 Chobe National Park Chobe and Hwange National Parks form an interconnected stomping ground for large numbers of wildlife, including, most prominently, several thousand elephants. We have the option for an early morning game drive before ending the day with a relaxing afternoon cruise on the Chobe River.

Days 9-10 Victoria Falls

Our trip starts today at our lodge in a remote area between Pretoria and Johannesburg. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Victoria Falls is known by the local Kololo tribe as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' (the smoke that thunders). Enthusiasts of adrenalin rush activities may choose to do some of the optional adventure activities including bungee jumping, Grade 5 whitewater rafting and much more.

Days 2-3 Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Maun

Days 11-12 Hwange National Park

Khama Rhino Sanctuary is dedicated to preserving and breeding Botswana's last remaining rhino population. Our stopover here helps to support the Community Trust in paying for the maintenance of this unique project.

From Victoria Falls we then continue on to Hwange National Park for two days of wonderful wildlife-viewing.

Day 1 Pretoria/Johannesburg

Days 4-6 Okavango Delta – Maun We venture into the Kalahari sands and then the spectacular delta region. We enjoy game walks and mokoro (dug-out canoe) cruises before returning to Maun, where we have the chance to take an optional scenic flight over the delta.

ZAMBIA Kasane

Chobe NP

Vic Falls Hwange NP

ZIMBABWE

Makgadikgadi Pans

BOTSWANA

This is one of the most amazing places on the African continent. After all, where else can you walk in the African bush accompanied by lion cubs (and survive to tell the tale!)?

Day 15 Great Zimbabwe Ruins We spend a night camping just outside these colossal structures and then explore them with our local site guide, who will regale us with tales of their fascinating past.

Day 16 Tshipise Hot Springs

Maun

Okavango Delta

Days 13-14 Antelope Park

Antelope Park Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Kruger NP Blyde River Canyon

Pretoria/ Johannesburg SWAZILAND

SOUTH AFRICA LESOTHO

Botswana & Zimbabwe Adventure

Returning to South Africa we stop at Tshipise Hot Springs, near Messina. The natural sulphur hot springs have been channelled into two large outdoor pools, designed for complete relaxation.

Days 17-18 Kruger National Park You cannot visit South Africa without setting foot in Kruger National Park. We ensure you get your Kruger fix with two days exploring this immense game reserve in search of some of its many species of wildlife.

Days 19-21 Blyde River Canyon – Pilgrim's Rest – Pretoria/Johannesburg

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gABZ

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 18 nights participatory camping, 1 night basic lodge, 1 night tented bush camp. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 20 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 18 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 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. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$600 from each person on Day 1 in Pretoria. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Thu Wed 2012 26-Jan 15-Feb 16-Feb 07-Mar 01-Mar 21-Mar 22-Mar 11-Apr 12-Apr 02-May

03-May 17-May 07-Jun 28-Jun 19-Jul 02-Aug 23-Aug 13-Sep

23-May 06-Jun 27-Jun 18-Jul 08-Aug 22-Aug 12-Sep 03-Oct

04-Oct 18-Oct 08-Nov 29-Nov 20-Dec 2013 03-Jan 24-Jan

24-Oct 07-Nov 28-Nov 19-Dec 09-Jan

14-Feb 07-Mar 21-Mar 11-Apr 02-May

06-Mar 27-Mar 10-Apr 01-May 22-May

23-Jan 13-Feb

One of many highlights Walk with lions Take a spine-tingling walk with lions in Zimbabwe – watch cubs learn to hunt as you accompany them across the savannah is a safari experience like no other.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gabz

We travel through the Panorama region and stay overnight at a stunning campsite near Graskop. We explore the viewpoints in beautiful Blyde River Canyon and visit the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest, before continuing to our final camp near Pretoria.

www.geckosadventures.com

southern AFRI CA

ZAMBIA Sepupa

Etosha NP Spitzkoppe

Kasane

Chobe NP

NAMIBIA

ZIMBABWE Hwange NP

Antelope Park

Okavango Delta

Great Zimbabwe Ruins BOTSWANA NamibBlyde Kruger NP Naukluft NP River Canyon Pretoria/ Johannesburg SWAZILAND Fish River Canyon

Cape Cross Swakopmund Sossusvlei

Vic Falls

SOUTH AFRICA LESOTHO

Cederberg

Winelands Southern Heartbeat

Cape Town

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

SOUTHERN HEARTBEAT

32 Days

This trip showcases the magic of southern Africa. Gain an in-depth understanding of the people, history, culture and beauty of the region, while enjoying spectacular game viewing in eight national parks and wildlife reserves. Day 1 Pretoria/Johannesburg Our trip starts today at our lodge in a remote area between Pretoria and Johannesburg. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Day 2 Blyde River Canyon Region Leaving Pretoria we drive to the historic town of Graskop. The Blyde River intersects with the Treur River to form Blyde River Canyon. We explore this picturesque gorge and its wonderful lookouts by vehicle and on foot.

Days 5-6 Tshipise Hot Springs – Great Zimbabwe Ruins Driving north, we are rewarded by the relaxing hot springs found at Tshipise. From here we continue into Zimbabwe, reaching the World Heritage listed Great Zimbabwe Ruins, one of the most amazing architectural remains in Africa.

Days 7-8 Antelope Park The 3000 acres of Antelope Park are not only bursting with various species of animals but the reserve is also famous for its collection of lions. This place provides the perfect opportunity to take a walk with lion cubs or swim with elephants.

Days 9-10 Hwange National Park Hwange National Park, covering nearly 15,000 square kilometres, is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and many of the predators. Over two days we take game drives through this amazing park in open safari vehicles.

Days 11-13 Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Victoria Falls is known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'the smoke that thunders'. This place is synonymous with adventure – take up the challenge of a bungee jump, Grade 5 whitewater rafting or one of the many other activities on offer.

Days 14-15 Chobe National Park We explore all facets of the park, beginning with an early morning game drive in open-sided 4WD vehicles. We then take an afternoon sunset cruise along the river and watch the animals as they come to drink at the water's edge.

Days 16-19 Sepupa – Okavango Delta Exploring this wildlife-rich region is a sublime experience. We spend a night in Sepupa, then it’s into the Okavango Delta. Riding a speedboat along the river, we look out for hippos and crocodiles before travelling by mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) to our bush camp on a remote island. We also spend a night on a houseboat before completing our Okavango Delta excursion and travelling west along the Okavango River to Bagani.

Days 20-21 Etosha National Park We continue to Etosha National Park, the third largest wildlife sanctuary in the world with an incredible diversity of mammal and birdlife congregating at the drinking spots. The floodlit waterholes at each campsite maximise wildlife-viewing opportunities and complement our safari drives through the park.

Day 22 Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park After a morning game drive in Etosha, we proceed to Kamanjab and Otjitotongwe Lodge for close-up encounters with the rare and beautiful cheetah.

Day 23 Himba Village – Spitzkoppe We stop to visit the Himba people and experience some of their unique way of life. Driving south we pass through the stunning scenery of Damaraland, as we make our way to the communityrun campsite of Spitzkoppe. Tonight we sleep under a blanket of millions of stars.

Days 24-25 Cape Cross – Swakopmund At Cape Cross we see the largest seal colony in Africa, before continuing to Swakopmund. Here you can choose from activities including dune-boarding, quad-biking, skydiving or a township tour. In the evening we hit the town to check out the nightlife.

www.geckosadventures.com

GASH

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 26 nights participatory camping, 1 night basic lodge, 2 nights bungalow, 1 night hotel, 1 night houseboat. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 31 breakfasts, 25 lunches, 25 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 2 days in Kruger National Park, 2 days in Hwange National Park, 2 days in a private wildlife reserve, 1 day in Chobe National Park, 3 days in the Okavango Delta, 2 days in Etosha National Park, 2 days in Namib-Naukluft National Park and half a day at Fish River Canyon. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$850 from each person on Day 1 in Pretoria. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Tue Fri 2012 03-Jan 03-Feb 24-Jan 24-Feb 14-Feb 16-Mar 28-Feb 30-Mar 20-Mar 20-Apr

10-Apr 01-May 15-May 05-Jun 26-Jun 17-Jul 31-Jul 21-Aug

11-May 01-Jun 15-Jun 06-Jul 27-Jul 17-Aug 31-Aug 21-Sep

11-Sep 02-Oct 16-Oct 06-Nov 27-Nov 18-Dec 2013 01-Jan

12-Oct 02-Nov 16-Nov 07-Dec 28-Dec 18-Jan

22-Jan 12-Feb 05-Mar 19-Mar 09-Apr 30-Apr 21-May

22-Feb 15-Mar 05-Apr 19-Apr 10-May 31-May 21-Jun

01-Feb

One of many highlights Chobe National Park We 4WD in the morning then explore by boat in the evening – Chobe’s great for close encounters with wildlife, however you travel. Expect to see elephants – lots of them.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gash Days 26-27 Namib-Naukluft National Park – Sossusvlei The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest national park in Africa and one of its most memorable. Explore the beautiful 'vleis' (inland lakes) as well as the spectacular Sesriem Canyon.

Day 28 Fish River Canyon Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. A walk along the rim offers great views of this geological wonder and the sunsets here are stunning.

Day 29 Orange River The Orange (Gariep) River flows from the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho to the Atlantic Ocean and forms the natural border between Namibia and South Africa. An optional afternoon canoe trip is a great way to take in the scenery and absorb the serenity.

Days 30-32 Winelands – Cape Town We drive south toward the fabled Winelands area of the Western Cape. Following a final night of camping in the Cederberg region we visit some of the nearby wineries nearby before continuing to our Cape Town hotel for the final night of our journey.

ZAMBIA

Livingstone Kasane

ZIMBABWE

Vic Falls Hwange NP Etosha NP Antelope Park Chobe NP Spitzkoppe Okavango Great Cape Cross Delta Zimbabwe Swakopmund Kruger NP NamibNAMIBIA BOTSWANA Ruins Blyde River Naukluft NP Canyon Pretoria/ Sossusvlei Johannesburg SWAZILAND Fish River Canyon

LESOTHO

Cederberg

SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town

Secrets of the South

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

Secrets of the South

32 Days Days 11-12 Himba Village – Etosha National Park

Days 1-2 Cape Town – Township Tour – Cederberg

Day 13 Caprivi Strip

Days 3-4 Orange River – Fish River Canyon We travel north through Namaqualand to Orange (Gariep) River. This waterway cuts a green swathe between Namibia and South Africa. Crossing the river, we enter Namibia and head to Fish River Canyon and our camp at Hobas. Enjoy a walk along the rim of world's second largest canyon.

Days 5-6 Sesriem – Sossusvlei – NamibNaukluft National Park We drive from Fish River Canyon to Sesriem and on to the towering sand dunes throughout Namib-Naukluft National Park. We spend two nights here and experience the many facets of this dramatic area.

Days 7-8 Swakopmund Another scenic drive takes us through the Namib Desert and Kuiseb Canyon to the Atlantic Coast and the holiday town of Swakopmund. Try out some of the many optional adrenaline-pumping activities on offer.

Day 9 Cape Cross – Spitzkoppe We drive north into the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross, where 200,000 Cape fur seals live. Turning inland, our destination is the community-run campsite set around the base of the 1784-metrehigh volcanic Spitzkoppe.

Day 10 Spitzkoppe – Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park Driving north to astonishing Damaraland, we take in this incredibly picturesque region. We then proceed to Kamanjab and Otjitotongwe Lodge for close-up encounters with the rare and beautiful cheetah.

gASS

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 27 nights participatory camping, 1 night houseboat, 1 night hotel, 2 nights bungalow. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 31 breakfasts, 26 lunches, 25 dinners. Parks: This trip includes half a day at Fish River Canyon, 2 days in Namib-Naukluft National Park, 2 days in Etosha National Park, 2 days in the Okavango Delta, 1 day in Chobe National Park, 2 days in Hwange National Park and 2 days in Kruger National Park, as well as a private wildlife reserve. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$850 from each person on Day 1 in Cape Town. Prices: See page 3.

If you want incredible wildlife experiences, great opportunities for cultural interaction, spectacular scenery and an insight into five great southern African countries, this adventure is for you.

We begin in Cape Town before travelling to one of the first townships created in the region – Langa. We visit several inspiring projects there before travelling to the Cederberg region.

southern AFRICA

Rundu Sepupa

We stop to visit the Himba people and experience their unique way of life. At Namibia's premier reserve, Etosha National Park, the wildlife-viewing is incredible and often better than anywhere else on the continent.

Northeast from Etosha is the Caprivi Strip. Travel by the towns of Bagani and Divundu and the banks of the Okavango River, which separates Namibia from Angola.

Days 14-16 Okavango Delta We cross into Botswana and enter the unique Okavango Delta. Ride a speedboat along the river, look out for hippos and crocodiles and travel by mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) to a remote island, where we bush camp. We also spend a night on a houseboat before completing our Okavango Delta excursion and setting up camp at Sepupa.

Days 19-21 Livingstone – Victoria Falls We cross the Chobe River on a small ferry to reach Zambia. Our final short drive takes us along the Upper Zambezi River towards the magnificent Victoria Falls. Our campsite is located on the banks of the Upper Zambezi River. After two nights in Livingstone, we cross into Zimbabwe for our final night in the region.

Days 22-23 Hwange National Park We drive east to Hwange National Park where our camp is situated on the edge of the park. Morning and afternoon game drives in an open vehicle provide our first wildlife experiences in Zimbabwe.

Days 24-25 Antelope Park

Start Finish Sun Wed 2012 15-Jan 15-Feb 05-Feb 07-Mar 19-Feb 21-Mar 11-Mar 11-Apr 01-Apr 02-May

22-Apr 06-May 27-May 17-Jun 08-Jul 22-Jul 12-Aug

23-May 06-Jun 27-Jun 18-Jul 08-Aug 22-Aug 12-Sep

02-Sep 23-Sep 07-Oct 28-Oct 18-Nov 09-Dec 23-Dec

03-Oct 24-Oct 07-Nov 28-Nov 19-Dec 09-Jan 23-Jan

2013 13-Jan 03-Feb 24-Feb 10-Mar 31-Mar 21-Apr

13-Feb 06-Mar 27-Mar 10-Apr 01-May 22-May

One of many highlights Blyde River Canyon After a day’s exploring, relax at a campsite with million-dollar views: the Blyde River Canyon stretches out below you, an enormous winding gorge of escarpment and bushveld.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gass Days 28-29 Kruger National Park We visit Kruger National Park for two days of game viewing. This park covers an area of 21,497 square kilometres and is home to 500 species of birds and 146 different types of mammals. We spend two nights camping within the park and are given the option to take an evening game drive in an open safari vehicle.

Day 30 Blyde River Canyon Blyde River Canyon is reputedly the world's largest green canyon. After exploring the canyon and absorbing the breathtaking scenery, we reach our campsite perched on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the Kruger lowveld.

Days 31-32 Pilgrim's Rest – Pretoria/ Johannesburg Today we journey through Pilgrim's Rest, a town which has been reconstructed as a living museum. We travel through the Panorama region towards Pretoria, where a welcoming campsite awaits.

Visiting Antelope Park, a private reserve located near Bulawayo, you will have the chance to walk with lion cubs, go game viewing atop an elephant or even swim with these majestic animals!

Days 26-27 Great Zimbabwe Ruins – Tshipise Hot Springs The Great Zimbabwe Ruins is a series of imposing enclosures surrounded by great stone walls over an area of several square kilometres. After exploring the site, we continue to South Africa for a relaxing break at the outdoor hot spring pools of Tshipise.

www.geckosadventures.com

southern AFRI CA

Southern African Adventure

44 Days

Soak up the best of southern Africa on this comprehensive adventure. From amazing wildlife to breathtaking scenery, vibrant cultures to adrenalin-fuelled activities, this trip is an incredible natural high. Days 1-8 South Africa, Swaziland & Mozambique

Days 26-36 Namibia Cross the Orange River and head to Fish River Canyon, the world's second largest canyon. Experience the vast dunes in NamibNaukluft National Park. Drive the scenic route through the Namib Desert to Swakopmund, a Mecca for adventure enthusiasts. Travel up the Skeleton Coast to visit the Cape Cross fur seal colony. Enjoy close-up encounters with cheetahs and visit the unique Himba people. View wildlife in the waterholes of Etosha National Park and stay by the banks of the Okavango River.

Start in South Africa and go on safari in search of the Big 5 in Kruger National Park. Check out the spectacular views from atop Blyde River Canyon, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest green canyon, and track rhino on foot in the vibrant Kingdom of Swaziland. In Mozambique, soak up the lively capital of Maputo and dine on sumptuous seafood after a day on the beach.

Days 9-25 South Africa

Days 37-44 Botswana & Zambia

Take a wildlife cruise through St Lucia Wetlands Reserve and go on a safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park. Learn about the unique customs of the Zulu on a village visit and, in the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains, hike to view ancient Bushmen rock paintings. Travel along the spectacular Wild Coast, and learn to surf, or just chill out, in Coffee Bay. Pay homage to Nelson Mandela in Umtata, join the locals for a drink in a Port Elizabeth shebeen and search for elephants in Addo Elephant National Park. Hike through Tsitsikamma National Park and explore the Cango Caves. Discover cosmopolitan Cape Town and visit the township of Langa.

Sepupa

Discover the Okavango Delta by speedboat, houseboat and dug-out canoe, and camp on a remote delta island. Explore Chobe National Park by river cruise boat and 4WD. Cross by ferry to Zambia and drive along the Upper Zambezi River to the magnificent Victoria Falls.

For full details on this trip, please see: African Mozaic (p20) & Overland from Cape to Falls (p18).

Kasane

Etosha NP

Chobe NP

NAMIBIA

Cape Cross

Pretoria/ Johannesburg

Sossusvlei

SOUTH AFRICA

Fish River Canyon Cederberg

Cape Town

21-Apr 12-May 26-May 16-Jun 07-Jul 28-Jul

29-Jun 20-Jul 10-Aug 31-Aug 05-Oct 16-Nov

11-Aug 01-Sep 22-Sep 13-Oct 17-Nov 29-Dec

21-Dec 2013 01-Feb 08-Mar 19-Apr

02-Feb 16-Mar 20-Apr 01-Jun

St Lucia Coffee Bay Cintsa East

Addo Elephant NP

www.geckosadventures.com

One of many highlights Zululand

SWAZILAND

Mlilwane

Tsitsikamma NP Wilderness NP

MOZAMBIQUE Kruger NP Maputo

Drakensberg Mountains

Oudtshoorn Winelands Knysna

09-Mar 30-Mar 13-Apr 04-May 25-May 15-Jun

ZIMBABWE Blyde River Canyon

Okavango Delta NamibNaukluft NP BOTSWANA

Spitzkoppe

Swakopmund

gAAA

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 36 nights participatory camping, 1 night basic lodge, 1 night houseboat, 2 nights bungalow, 3 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 43 breakfasts, 36 lunches, 32 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 2 days in Kruger National Park, 2 days in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 day in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, 1 day in Addo Elephant National Park, 1 day in Tsitsikamma National Park, half a day at Fish River Canyon, 2 days in Namib-Naukluft National Park, 2 days in Etosha National Park, 3 days in the Okavango Delta and 1 day in Chobe National Park. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$1150 from each person on Day 1 in Pretoria. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Fri Sat 2012 13-Jan 25-Feb 27-Jan 10-Mar 17-Feb 31-Mar

Livingstone

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi NP

Southern African Adventure

The Zulu culture is fascinating â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we spend time with the Zulu people to learn all about it, from their craft-making to traditional ceremonies. Includes a traditional lunch.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaaa

southern AFRICA

Southern African Odyssey An epic journey covering seven countries in eight weeks, this adventure packs in all of southern Africa’s iconic attractions.

Days 1-8 South Africa, Swaziland & Mozambique Start in South Africa and go on safari in search of the Big 5 in Kruger National Park. Check out the spectacular views from atop Blyde River Canyon, the world’s largest green canyon, and track rhino on foot in the vibrant Kingdom of Swaziland. In Mozambique, soak up the lively capital of Maputo and dine on sumptuous seafood after a day on the beach.

Days 37-44 Botswana & Zambia Discover the Okavango Delta by speedboat, houseboat and dug-out canoe, and camp on a remote delta island. Explore Chobe National Park by river cruise boat and 4WD. Cross by ferry to Zambia and drive along the Upper Zambezi River to the magnificent Victoria Falls.

Days 9-25 South Africa

Days 45-55 Zimbabwe & South Africa

Sepupa

Etosha NP

Spitzkoppe

Swakopmund

Go on safari through Hwange National Park and walk with lion cubs in Antelope Park. Visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins then relax in South Africa’s Tshipise hot springs. Spend two final days on safari in Kruger National Park then continue through Blyde River Canyon and the ‘living museum’ town of Pilgrim’s Rest to end the trip in Pretoria.

For full details on this trip, please see: African Mozaic (p20), Overland from Cape to Falls (p18) & Waterfalls & Wildlife (p15). Livingstone

Kasane

Chobe NP

NAMIBIA

Cape Cross

55 Days

Vic Falls Hwange NP

ZIMBABWE

Great Okavango Delta Zimbabwe Ruins

Antelope Park

NamibNaukluft NP BOTSWANA

Pretoria/ Johannesburg

Sossusvlei

SOUTH AFRICA

Fish River Canyon Cederberg

Cape Town Knysna

Kruger NP Blyde River Canyon Maputo

SWAZILAND

Mlilwane

Drakensberg Mountains Oudtshoorn Winelands Wilderness NP

MOZAMBIQUE

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi NP

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gAso

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 47 nights participatory camping, 1 night basic lodge, 1 night houseboat, 2 nights bungalow, 3 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 54 breakfasts, 46 lunches, 41 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 4 days in Kruger National Park, 2 days in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 day in HluhluweImfolozi National Park, 1 day in Addo Elephant National Park, 1 day in Tsitsikamma National Park, half a day at Fish River Canyon, 2 days in Namib-Naukluft National Park, 2 days in Etosha National Park, 3 days in the Okavango Delta, 1 day in Chobe National Park, 2 days in Hwange National Park and 2 days in a private game reserve near Gweru. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$1450 from each person on Day 1 in Pretoria. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Fri Wed 2012 13-Jan 07-Mar 27-Jan 21-Mar 17-Feb 11-Apr

09-Mar 30-Mar 13-Apr 04-May 25-May 15-Jun

02-May 23-May 06-Jun 27-Jun 18-Jul 08-Aug

29-Jun 20-Jul 10-Aug 31-Aug 05-Oct 16-Nov

22-Aug 12-Sep 03-Oct 24-Oct 28-Nov 09-Jan

21-Dec 2013 01-Feb 08-Mar 19-Apr

13-Feb 27-Mar 01-May 12-Jun

One of many highlights Fish River Canyon Fish River Canyon comes as a shock – a gargantuan, snaking ravine appearing before you in the scorched earth. Our walk along its rim gets the most from this natural wonder.

St Lucia

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaso

Coffee Bay Cintsa East

Addo Elephant NP Tsitsikamma NP

Southern African Odyssey

www.geckosadventures.com

over land adve ntur es

African Wanderer - Northbound

21 Days

A journey of memorable highlights, our overland adventure from Livingstone to Nairobi covers some of the most spectacular experiences in Africa. Starting from mighty Victoria Falls, we travel through Zambia and Malawi, and relax into paradise on the spice island of Zanzibar. Back on the continent, nature abounds on the Serengeti Plains and within Ngorongoro Crater – two of the most incredible wildlife havens in the world. Ngambe Island

Day 12 Stone Town (Zanzibar)

KENYA

Nairobi

Mto Wa Mbu Serengeti The School of St Jude / Arusha Ngorongoro NP

Crater

TANZANIA Iringa

Sth Luangwa NP

ZAMBIA

Livingstone

Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam

Lake Malawi

Chipata

MALAWI

Lusaka

ZIMBABWE African Wanderer – Northbound

Day 1 Livingstone Our wanderings begin in Livingstone, on the Zambian side of the magnificent Victoria Falls, where we stay in a campsite on the banks of the Upper Zambezi River.

Days 2-3 Lusaka – Chipata Travelling further into Zambia, our next stop is the bustling capital city of Lusaka. We then continue to Chipata – gateway to the renowned South Luangwa National Park.

Days 4-5 South Luangwa National Park A remote location and an abundance of wildlife to experience during morning and afternoon game drives, with an optional night drive available.

Day 6 Lilongwe Leaving South Luangwa National Park, we cross into Malawi and spend a night sampling African city life in its capital, Lilongwe.

Days 7-9 Lake Malawi We continue to magnificent Lake Malawi – the third largest lake in Africa and home to memorable African sunsets and pristine beaches. Our days here are spent out by the lake snorkelling, fishing or simply relaxing.

Days 10-11 Iringa – Dar es Salaam

We farewell the truck for the next few days, we take the morning ferry to the spice island of Zanzibar, where we explore evocative Stone Town – a historic treasure trove of narrow winding streets and buildings with magnificently impressive doors.

Days 13-14 Nungwi (Zanzibar) We transfer to the village of Nungwi on the northernmost point of Zanzibar. This idyllic place is a great spot to chill out, relax on sandy beaches and swim in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.

Day 15 Dar es Salaam A ferry takes us back to Dar es Salaam, where we are reunited with our overland vehicle.

Days 16-17 Arusha – The School of St Jude – Mto Wa Mbu Arriving in Tanzania's 'safari capital', Arusha, we wander through town and visit The School of St Jude, which aims to 'fight poverty through education' and provides free schooling and support for some of the poorest children in the region. Afterwards, we travel to the village of Mto Wa Mbu, with an optional visit to a Masai village.

Day 18 Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti National Park Transferring to 4WD vehicles, we drive down to the floor of Ngorongoro Crater, where we spend the morning exploring this world famous wildlife sanctuary. In the afternoon we head to the inimitable Serengeti National Park.

Day 19 Serengeti National Park The Serengeti is home to more than three million large mammals spread over endless plains. We enjoy marvellous wildlife viewing all around us, with our camp set right in the heart of the animal-rich plains.

Day 20 Serengeti National Park – Arusha After our final game drive in the Serengeti, we make our way back to Arusha and spend a final night in Tanzania.

Day 21 Nairobi We cross into Kenya and travel to the capital city of Nairobi, where our tour ends on arrival.

We travel to the Swahili-speaking nation of Tanzania through mountainous countryside abundant with tea and banana plantations, before continuing to our seaside campsite at Dar es Salaam.

www.geckosadventures.com

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gAWN

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 17 nights participatory camping, 3 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 20 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 16 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 2 days in South Luangwa National Park and 3 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$750 from each person on Day 1 in Livingstone. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Fri Sat 2012 14-Jan 03-Feb 25-Feb 16-Mar

31-Mar 12-May 16-Jun 28-Jul 01-Sep

20-Apr 01-Jun 06-Jul 17-Aug 21-Sep

13-Oct 17-Nov 29-Dec 2013 02-Feb

02-Nov 07-Dec 18-Jan

16-Mar 05-Apr 20-Apr 10-May 01-Jun 21-Jun

22-Feb

One of many highlights Zanzibar After time on the road, Zanzibar’s the perfect place to kick back and relax – stunning golden beaches, bath-warm waters and Stone Town to explore. You won’t want to leave!

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gawn

overland adventures

Spirit of Africa

41 Days

Capture the spirit of Africa on this overland journey from Cape Town to Nairobi. Travel through seven countries, meet the warm people of a unique continent and encounter an amazing array of wildlife.

Days 19-25 Zambia

Days 1-3 South Africa

Sample African city life in Malawi's capital, Lilongwe. At Lake Malawi, snorkel, fish and bask away on pristine beaches and soak up memorable sunsets with a 'sundowner' in hand.

Explore Cape Town and visit South Africa’s oldest formal township of Langa on our way to the Cederberg region.

Days 4-13 Namibia

Drive along the Upper Zambezi River to the magnificent Victoria Falls. Discover the capital city, Lusaka then continue to the renowned South Luangwa National Park for more spectacular game viewing.

Days 26-29 Malawi

Days 30-41 Tanzania & Kenya Spend a night at a Tanzanian farmhouse nestled in the banana plantations and tea estates of the southern highlands. Camp by the Indian Ocean at Dar es Salaam. Visit the historic spice island of Zanzibar to explore the evocative alleyways of Stone Town and relax amid the sparkling turquoise waters of Nungwi Beach. From the safari capital of Arusha, head to the heart-warming School of St Jude and on to the village of Mto Wa Mbu, and the chance to meet the Masai. Explore the legendary wildlife sanctuaries of Ngorongoro Crater and the world-famous Serengeti National Park.

Cross the Orange River and head to Fish River Canyon, the world's second largest canyon. Experience the vast dunes in NamibNaukluft National Park. Drive the scenic route through the Namib Desert to Swakopmund, a Mecca for adventure enthusiasts. Travel up the Skeleton Coast to visit the Cape Cross fur seal colony. Enjoy close-up encounters with cheetahs and visit the unique Himba people. View wildlife in the waterholes of Etosha National Park and stay by the banks of the Okavango River.

Days 14-18 Botswana

For full details on this trip, please see: Overland from Cape to Falls (p18) & African Wanderer – Northbound (p26).

Discover the Okavango Delta by speedboat, houseboat and dug-out canoe, and camp on a remote delta island. Explore Chobe National Park by river cruise boat and 4WD.

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gAsp

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 33 nights participatory camping, 1 night houseboat, 2 nights bungalows, 4 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 40 breakfasts, 31 lunches, 31 dinners. Parks: This trip includes a half-day in Fish River Canyon; 2 days in Namib-Naukluft National Park; 2 days in Etosha National Park; 3 days in the Okavango Delta; 1 day in Chobe National Park; 2 days in South Luangwa National Park and 3 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$1300 from each person on Day 1 in Cape Town. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sun Fri 2012 05-Feb 16-Mar

11-Mar 22-Apr 27-May 08-Jul

20-Apr 01-Jun 06-Jul 17-Aug

12-Aug 23-Sep 28-Oct 09-Dec

21-Sep 02-Nov 07-Dec 18-Jan

2013 13-Jan 22-Feb 24-Feb 05-Apr 12-May 21-Jun

One of many highlights Ngambe Island

KENYA

Nairobi

Serengeti Ngorongoro NP Crater

TANZANIA Iringa

Sth Luangwa NP

ZAMBIA

Livingstone Kasane Sepupa

Etosha NP Spitzkoppe Cape Cross Swakopmund

Lusaka

Mto Wa Mbu The School of St Jude / Arusha

Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam

Lake Malawi

Swakopmund We drive through the desert to Swakopmund, Namibia’s adrenaline capital. Sandboard down dunes or hire a quad, fish for sharks or go ballooning at sunrise – there’s adventure for everyone here.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gasp

MALAWI

Chobe NP ZIMBABWE

NAMIBIA

Okavango Delta

Namib- BOTSWANA Naukluft NP

SWAZILAND

Sossusvlei

Fish River Canyon

LESOTHO

Cederberg

SOUTH AFRICA

Spirit of Africa

Cape Town

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over land adve ntur es

Absolute Africa

47 Days

A classic overland journey from Kigali to Johannesburg. Encounter incredible wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorillas, a diversity of landscapes ranging from tropical islands to awesome canyons, and ebullient locals set on showing you a good time. Days 1-3 Rwanda In Kigali, visit the Genocide Memorial then drive to Ruhengeri, where we trek into Parc National des Volcans to encounter the mountain gorillas.

Days 4-8 Uganda See the vast number of hippos in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the cheeky chimpanzees of Ngamba Island and the Bujagali Falls on the banks of the Nile.

Days 9-15 Kenya From the tea plantations of Kericho we head to the East Africa Mission Orphanage in Nakuru and learn more about the kids and their education. Go on full-day game drives through Lake Nakuru National Park and camp by lovely Lake Naivasha. Drive through the Great Rift Valley and spend two days on safari in the legendary Masai Mara, before a night in Nairobi.

Days 36-41 Zimbabwe Cross into Zimbabwe and camp a short stroll from Victoria Falls. Drive to Hwange National Park and go on safari to see an incredible array of wildlife. Visit Antelope Park and walk with lion cubs. Visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

Days 42-47 South Africa Take a relaxing break at the outdoor hot springs of Tshipise. Spend two more days on safari in Kruger National Park, including an evening game drive. Look out over scenic Blyde River, the world's largest green canyon, then journey through Pilgrim's Rest and the Panorama region to our final destination, Pretoria.

East Africa Mission Orphanage Lake KENYA Queen Nakuru Elizabeth NP Ngamba Masai Lake Naivasha Kabale Island Parc National Mara Nairobi des Volcans Lake Victoria Kigali RWANDA Mto Wa Mbu Serengeti NP The School of St Jude/ Arusha Ngorongoro Crater

UGANDA

Kampala Entebbe

Jinja Kericho

TANZANIA

Zanzibar

Iringa

Dar es Salaam

Days 16-26 Tanzania Camp in the heart of Serengeti National Park, go on safari and enjoy amazing wildlife viewing. Explore the wildlife Eden of Ngorongoro Crater then stop at Mto Wa Mbu, where we can meet the local Masai. Visit The School of St Jude then travel to the tropical Indian Ocean coast and the captivating spice island, Zanzibar. Get lost in the alleyways of Stone Town and bask at idyllic Nungwi Beach.

Days 27-30 Malawi Wander through markets, chill out on beaches and learn about daily life on Lake Malawi, and get another taste of African city life in Lilongwe.

Lake Malawi Sth Luangwa NP

ZAMBIA

MALAWI

Lusaka

www.geckosadventures.com

gAAB

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, 1 pre-purchased gorilla permit, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 39 nights participatory camping, 2 nights tented bush camp, 5 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 46 breakfasts, 39 lunches, 39 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 1 day trekking gorillas in Parc National des Volcans, 2 days in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a visit to a chimpanzee sanctuary, 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park, 2 days in Masai Mara National Reserve, 3 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 2 days in South Luangwa National Park, 2 days in Hwange National Park and 2 days in Kruger National Park, as well as a private wildlife reserve. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$1550 from each person on Day 1 in Kigali. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Sat 2012 21-Jan 07-Mar 25-Feb 11-Apr

07-Apr 12-May 23-Jun 28-Jul

23-May 27-Jun 08-Aug 12-Sep

08-Sep 13-Oct 24-Nov 29-Dec

24-Oct 28-Nov 09-Jan 13-Feb

2013 09-Feb 27-Mar 16-Mar 01-May 27-Apr 12-Jun

One of many highlights Hwange National park We visit Hwange and its extraordinary number of elephants – the world’s second largest population – with amazing closeups of huge herds gathering at waterholes.

Vic Falls Hwange NP

ZIMBABWE Antelope Park Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Days 31-35 Zambia Visit remote South Luangwa National Park for some of the wildest game viewing on the continent, before visiting the bustling Zambian capital, Lusaka, then Livingstone on the banks of the Zambezi, where there are plenty of exciting optional activities.

Chipata

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaab

Kruger NP Blyde River Canyon Pretoria/ Johannesburg

Absolute Africa

For full details on this trip, please see: Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas (p30), African Wanderer – Southbound (p39) & Waterfalls & Wildlife (p15).

Tour Code:

gAAE

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, 1 prepurchased gorilla permit, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 44 nights participatory camping, 2 nights houseboat, 2 nights tented bush camp, 2 nights bungalows, 5 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 55 breakfasts, 45 lunches, 44 dinners. Parks: This trip includes a half-day in Fish River Canyon; 2 days in Namib-Naukluft National Park; 2 days in Etosha National Park; 3 days in the Okavango Delta; 1 day in Chobe National Park; 2 days in South Luangwa National Park; 3 days in the Serengeti National Park/ Ngorongoro Conservation Area; 2 days in Masai Mara National Reserve; 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park; a visit to a chimpanzee sanctuary 2 days in Queen Elizabeth National Park and 1 day trekking gorillas in Parc National des Volcans. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$1800 from each person on Day 1 in Cape Town. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sun Sat 2012 05-Feb 31-Mar 11-Mar 05-May

Africa Encompassed

Days 41-48 Kenya

Days 1-3 South Africa Explore Cape Town and visit South Africa’s oldest formal township of Langa on our way to the Cederberg region.

Discover Jinja, where Lake Victoria empties into the Nile. Meet the cheeky chimpanzees of Ngamba Island. Go on safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park and take an amazing boat trip on the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.

Days 4-13 Namibia

Days 54-56 Rwanda

Cross the Orange River and experience Fish River Canyon before viewing the vast dunes in Namib-Naukluft National Park. Drive the scenic route through the Namib Desert to Swakopmund, a Mecca for adventure enthusiasts. On the Skeleton Coast, visit the Cape Cross fur seal colony. Enjoy close-up encounters with cheetahs and visit the unique Himba people. View wildlife in the waterholes of Etosha National Park and stay by the banks of the Okavango River.

Enter the Land of 1000 Hills and camp at Ruhengeri, before embarking on a trek to encounter the mountain gorillas. In the afterglow of the experience, explore the capital Kigali and the haunting Genocide Memorial before the trip ends.

31-Mar 25-May 12-May 06-Jul

09-Mar 20-Apr

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaae

Days 49-53 Uganda

For full details on this trip, please see: Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas (p30), African Wanderer – Southbound (p39) & Vic Falls to Cape Town (p19).

Entebbe

KENYA

UGANDA

Parc National des Volcans Kigali Serengeti NP RWANDA Ngorongoro Crater

Discover the Okavango Delta by speedboat, houseboat and dug-out canoe, and camp on a remote delta island. Explore Chobe National Park by river cruise boat and 4WD.

Nairobi Masai Mara Mto Wa Mbu

TANZANIA

Days 19-25 Zambia

Iringa

Drive along the Upper Zambezi River to the magnificent Victoria Falls. Discover the capital city, Lusaka then continue to the renowned South Luangwa National Park for more spectacular game viewing.

Sth Luangwa NP

ZAMBIA Livingstone

Days 26-29 Malawi

22-Dec 02-Feb

The residents of Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary are a cheeky bunch, and our forest walk has plenty of incredible encounters with these loveable, excitable little scamps. Guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Stay in a tented camp on the edge of the famous Masai Mara for unforgettable wildlife experiences. Visit hippo-rich Lake Naivasha and enjoy an optional activity, like a walking safari amongst giraffes. Visit the wonderful kids at the East Africa Mission Orphanage and take a full-day game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park where hundreds and thousands of pink flamingos reside. Visit western Kenya's tea-growing estates and Africa's largest lake – Lake Victoria.

Days 14-18 Botswana

Stay at a farmhouse in the southern highlands then camp by the Indian Ocean at Dar es Salaam. Explore the spice island of Zanzibar, with its famed Stone Town alleyways and unbeatable sparkling torquoise beaches. Visit The School of St Jude then stop at Mto Wa Mbu, where we can meet the local Masai. Explore the wildlife Eden of Ngorongoro Crater by 4WD. Go on safari in the heart of Serengeti National Park, and enjoy amazing wildlife viewing.

28-Oct 09-Dec 2013 13-Jan 24-Feb

Ngamba island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Travel overland from Cape Town through vineyards, canyons, deserts, salt pans, inland deltas, waterfalls, lakes, tropical islands, savannah and mountain rainforest. This myriad of terrains is well matched by the warmth and friendliness of the continent's people and the amazing density and diversity of its wildlife.

Days 30-40 Tanzania

16-Jun 21-Jul 01-Sep 06-Oct 17-Nov

One of many highlights

56 Days

Sample African city life in Malawi's capital, Lilongwe. At Lake Malawi, snorkel, fish and bask away on pristine beaches and soak up memorable sunsets with a 'sundowner' in hand.

22-Apr 27-May 08-Jul 12-Aug 23-Sep

overland adventures

TRIP INFO

Etosha NP

Sepupa

Kasane

Chobe NP

Spitzkoppe Cape Cross

NAMIBIA Swakopmund

Namib-Naukluft NP

Dar es Salaam

Lake Malawi

Chipata

Lusaka Vic Falls

Arusha/ The School of St Jude

Zanzibar

MALAWI

ZIMBABWE

Okavango Delta

BOTSWANA

Sossusvlei

SWAZILAND

Fish River Canyon

SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town

Africa Encompassed

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east AFRI CA

Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas

15 Days

If you dream of incredible wildlife experiences, sensational scenery, proud and passionate local people, tales of hope and resilience, and visiting the highly endangered mountain gorillas, this amazing adventure is perfect for you.

Day 10 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Day 1 Nairobi Our trip starts today in Nairobi. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

From Entebbe, we travel west to Queen Elizabeth National Park and our campsite for the next two nights. Here we take morning and afternoon game drives as well as an amazing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

Days 2-3 Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 13 Ruhengeri

Our first game-viewing destination is the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. We spend two nights in a permanent tented camp on the fringe of the Masai Mara and explore the wildlife with game drives.

Today we depart Queen Elizabeth National Park for the long drive through to the north of Rwanda, the Land of 1000 Hills. Ruhengeri is our site for our final two nights of camping and the base for our trek in search of gorillas.

Day 4 Lake Naivasha

Day 14 Parc National des Volcans – Gorilla Trekking

Lake Naivasha, one of Kenya's two Great Rift Valley lakes, is the centre of a thriving trade in cut flower exports and any number of optional adventure activities.

Day 5 Lake Naivasha – East Africa Mission Orphanage This morning, take part in an optional activity – perhaps mountainbiking or a walking safari amongst giraffes. Our campsite for the next two nights is located at the East Africa Mission Orphanage in Nakuru. Our visit helps support this incredible project. Dinner with the kids is an absolute highlight.

Leaving Jinja, the cheeky chimpanzees of Ngamba Island await as we take a boat from Entebbe to the island sanctuary. Meeting the apes we find out more about their history before heading back to Entebbe.

Days 11-12 Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today is the eagerly anticipated day when we come face to face with the highly endangered mountain gorillas. With just over 700 left in the world, it is indeed a real privilege to be allowed within metres of these gentle giants.

Day 15 Kigali We take the short drive south to Rwanda's capital city, Kigali. Our final activity is a visit to the haunting Genocide memorial. Our tour ends around lunch time.

Day 6 Lake Nakuru National Park We take a full day's game drive in neighbouring Lake Nakuru National Park. This park is set around the soda lake, the soapy waters attracting both greater and lesser flamingos in their millions.

Day 7 East Africa Mission Orphanage – Kericho This morning we spend time with the children in school, sitting in on lessons or enjoying an activity, before continuing on to the Kenyan Highlands. Time permitting, we will visit Kenya's tea growing estates after reaching our campsite at Kericho.

Kampala Queen Elizabeth NP Parc National des Volcans

RWANDA

Days 8-9 Jinja (Nile River) We cross the equator into the northern hemisphere and travel to Lake Victoria before entering Uganda. Our drive takes us through some very scenic landscapes before we reach the adventure capital of Jinja, the point where Lake Victoria empties into the Nile.

www.geckosadventures.com

Entebbe Kabale

UGANDA Jinja

Ngamba Island Lake Victoria

Kigali

Kericho

East Africa Mission Orphanage

Lake Nakuru KENYA Lake Naivasha Nairobi Masai Mara

TANZANIA Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gAMG

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, 1 pre-purchased gorilla permit, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 11 nights participatory camping, 2 nights tented bush camp, 1 night hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park, 1 day trekking gorillas in Parc National des Volcans, 2 days in Masai Mara National Reserve, 2 days in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a visit to a chimpanzee sanctuary. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$500 from each person on Day 1 in Nairobi. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 04-Feb 18-Feb 17-Mar 31-Mar 21-Apr 05-May

02-Jun 07-Jul 28-Jul 18-Aug 01-Sep 22-Sep

16-Jun 21-Jul 11-Aug 01-Sep 15-Sep 06-Oct

03-Nov 08-Dec 29-Dec 2013 19-Jan 23-Feb

17-Nov 22-Dec 12-Jan

06-Apr 20-Apr 11-May 25-May

02-Feb 09-Mar

Reverse Dates: GAMGR Starts Kigali, ends Nairobi Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 07-Jan 21-Jan 21-Jan 04-Feb 25-Feb 10-Mar

07-Apr 12-May 23-Jun 28-Jul 11-Aug 08-Sep

21-Apr 26-May 07-Jul 11-Aug 25-Aug 22-Sep

15-Sep 13-Oct 24-Nov 29-Dec 2013 12-Jan

29-Sep 27-Oct 08-Dec 12-Jan

09-Feb 16-Mar 27-Apr 01-Jun

23-Feb 30-Mar 11-May 15-Jun

26-Jan

One of many highlights Gorilla trekking in Parc National des Volcans We trek with our local national park guide to one of Africa’s greatest moments: seeing the mountain gorillas. Observing these majestic creatures is spellbinding – so familiar and captivating in their behaviour.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gamg www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gamgr

east AFRICA

Complete East Africa

22 Days

This East African experience includes spectacular savannah teeming with wildlife, beautiful birdlife, wonderful waterways, majestic mountain gorillas, cheeky chimpanzees, intriguing cultures and inspiring community projects. Day 1 Nairobi

Days 14-16 Kericho – Jinja (Nile River)

Our trip starts today in Nairobi. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Day 2 Nairobi – Arusha

Climb through Kenya's Central Highlands, visiting the tea growing estates of Kericho, after reaching the Nile River at Jinja in Uganda. For two nights we fall asleep to the sound of the Nile streaming out of Lake Victoria.

Venturing south into Tanzania, we head to the safari capital and bustling town of Arusha, shadowed by the twin peaks of Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro.

Day 17 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Day 3 The School of St Jude – Mto Wa Mbu

We venture to Lake Victoria and Ngamba Island, home to a very special collection of rescued chimpanzees. The chimps love visitors – their antics and familiar mannerisms are sure to entertain.

At The School of St Jude, learn some important life lessons from over 1000 students, a team of educators and one Australian woman who has turned her dream of making a real difference to the poorest of the poor into a successful and vibrant reality.

Days 4-5 Serengeti National Park Enjoy the hustle of the Mto Wa Mbu markets, or take an optional visit to a nearby Masai village before continuing on to the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park. Two full days are spent exploring this wonderful wildlife haven.

Days 6-7 Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha Leaving the Serengeti, we follow in the footsteps of some of our earliest ancestors, as we pass Olduvai Gorge on the way to our campsite on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. From here we descend into a miniature 'Garden of Eden' – an incredible wildlife safari highlight.

CENTRAL

Days 8-10 Arusha –AFRICA Nairobi – REPUBLIC Masai Mara National Reserve

Days 18-19 Queen Elizabeth National Park Our next wildlife destination, Queen Elizabeth National Park, is also set around water – a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is a scenic treat as are the morning and afternoon game drives.

Days 20-21 Parc National des Volcans – Gorilla Trekking We enter Rwanda and trek to see the magnificent mountain gorillas. A pre-purchased gorilla permit, combined with the knowledge and professionalism of the local trackers and guides, ensures we get to experience these gentle giants in their own environment.

Day 22 Kigali Leaving the towering volcanoes of the Parc National des Volcans, we drive the short distance to the capital, Kigali. A visit to the Genocide Memorial is a sobering experience. Our tour ends on arrival at our hotel, around lunchtime.

After one week amid the beauty of northern Tanzania, we travel back to Nairobi and on to our first Kenyan game park – the worldfamous Masai Mara National Reserve. Two nights are spent here in a permanent tented camp.

UGANDA

Day 11 Lake Naivasha From Masai Mara, we travel to the edge of Kenya's most famous freshwater lake – Lake Naivasha. Observe the astonishing birdlife and concentration of hippos that reside here, and take part in some optional activities in the area.

Days 12-13 East Africa Mission Orphanage – Lake Nakuru National Park We spend two nights camping on the grounds of the East Africa Mission Orphanage. Have dinner with the kids for some engaging, heart-warming fun. From our base here we also enjoy a full-day game drive in the renowned Lake Nakuru National Park.

Jinja

Kericho

Queen Elizabeth NP Ngamba Kabale Island Parc National des Volcans Lake

RWANDA

Kigali

Masai Mara

Serengeti NP Ngorongoro Crater

TANZANIA

Complete East Africa

East Africa Mission Orphanage Lake Nakuru Lake Naivasha Nairobi

Victoria

Tour Code:

gAce

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, 1 pre-purchased gorilla permit, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 17 nights participatory camping, 2 nights tented bush camp, 2 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 21 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 19 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park, 1 day trekking gorillas in Parc National des Volcans, a visit to a chimpanzee sanctuary, 2 days in Masai Mara National Reserve, 2 days in Queen Elizabeth National Park and 4 days in Serengeti National Park/ Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$800 from each person on Day 1 in Nairobi. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Sat 2012 28-Jan 18-Feb 10-Mar 31-Mar

14-Apr 26-May 30-Jun 21-Jul 11-Aug

05-May 16-Jun 21-Jul 11-Aug 01-Sep

25-Aug 15-Sep 27-Oct 01-Dec 22-Dec

15-Sep 06-Oct 17-Nov 22-Dec 12-Jan

2013 12-Jan 16-Feb 30-Mar 04-May

02-Feb 09-Mar 20-Apr 25-May

Reverse Dates: GACER Starts Kigali, ends Nairobi Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 07-Jan 28-Jan 21-Jan 11-Feb 25-Feb 17-Mar

07-Apr 12-May 23-Jun 28-Jul 11-Aug

28-Apr 02-Jun 14-Jul 18-Aug 01-Sep

08-Sep 15-Sep 13-Oct 24-Nov 29-Dec

29-Sep 06-Oct 03-Nov 15-Dec 19-Jan

2013 12-Jan 09-Feb 16-Mar 27-Apr 01-Jun

02-Feb 02-Mar 06-Apr 18-May 22-Jun

OneSOMALIA of many highlights

KENYA Kampala Entebbe

TRIP INFO

Arusha

THE School of St Jude A great cause that Gecko’s is proud to support, we spend a memorable morning with the kids of St Jude, learning about the school and maybe having a sing-along!

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gace www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gacer

The School of St Jude Mto Wa Mbu

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east AFRI CA CENTRAL Gorilla Express

8 Days

AFRICA REPUBLIC

Visiting the highland mountain gorillas of Uganda is an amazing experience. These giant apes are critically endangered, with just over 700 left in the world. Your visit provides a source of income that helps to protect them and their unique way of life. Day 1 Entebbe

Accommodated in hotels and tented camps

Day 8 Chimpanzee Sanctuary – Entebbe The chimpanzee sanctuary is situated on Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria – Africa’s largest lake. Travelling by boat to the island, we see several villages and the locals going about their everyday life before encountering the antics and familiar mannerisms of the chimps. In the afternoon we return to Entebbe, where our tour ends.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Our trip starts today in Entebbe. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Day 2 Entebbe – Kabale Heading west from Entebbe, we cross the equator before reaching the lively little market town of Kabale, where you can spend some time engaging with the locals.

DEM REPUBLIC

Day 3 Kabale – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Leaving Kabale, a spectacular drive with brilliant views over a beautiful mountain range takes us to Bwindi and the distinctly named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We make base camp at a beautiful tented camp for the following two nights.

OF CONGO

Lake Bunyoni Kabale

RWANDA

UGANDA Entebbe Ngamba Island Lake Victoria

TANZANIA Gorilla Express

KENYA

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gAGE

SOMALIA

Nuts & bolts: Includes 2 experienced local safari crew (driver & guide), private safari vehicle & 1 pre-purchased gorilla permit. Accommodation: 2 nights tented bush camp, 2 nights island camp, 3 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 14. Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 1 day trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and a visit to a chimpanzee sanctuary. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$450 from each person on Day 1 in Entebbe. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Sat 2012 14-Jan 21-Jan 28-Jan 04-Feb 03-Mar 10-Mar 07-Apr 14-Apr

19-May 16-Jun 07-Jul 21-Jul 04-Aug 18-Aug 01-Sep

26-May 23-Jun 14-Jul 28-Jul 11-Aug 25-Aug 08-Sep

22-Sep 27-Oct 08-Dec 22-Dec 2013 05-Jan 19-Jan

29-Sep 03-Nov 15-Dec 29-Dec

02-Feb 09-Mar 13-Apr 25-May 22-Jun

12-Jan 26-Jan

Day 4 Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

One of many highlights

This morning we meet our expert gorilla-trek guides. With permits pre-purchased and the trackers already on the gorilla trail, we set off through rugged jungle to meet these majestic animals.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Days 5-6 Bushara Island Bushara Island Camp in the middle of Lake Bunyoni, Africa’s deepest volcanic crater lake, is the perfect place to chill out after your gorilla trek. You can enjoy a cultural tour, canoe, windsurf, fish or simply relax in camp.

Day 7 Entebbe The drive back to Entebbe takes in the beauty of the Ugandan countryside and daily village life. In the evening, there's time to experience some rollicking local nightlife and a great meal.

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09-Feb 16-Mar 20-Apr 01-Jun 29-Jun

A walk in beautiful Bwindi Forest takes you to Uganda’s most stirring wildlife sight – families of mountain gorilla, with grand silverbacks playing protector and mothers caring for their playful children.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gage

COMOROS

east AFRICA

East Africa Safari

15 Days

Enjoy two of the best weeks of your life on this action-packed safari! We head off the beaten track to spend seven days in parks and conservation areas, experiencing an outstanding diversity of wildlife, staying at a local orphanage, interacting with local tribes and visiting a very special school. Day 1 Nairobi Our trip starts today in Nairobi. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Days 9-11 Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater We enjoy marvellous game viewing all around us here, as our two nights are spent camping in the heart of the game-rich Serengeti Plains. Traversing the Serengeti we enter the adjacent Ngorongoro Conservation Area and camp on the crater rim.

Day 12 Ngorongoro Crater – Mto Wa Mbu Transferring to 4WD vehicles we drive down to the crater floor where we explore this world-famous wildlife sanctuary. We then travel to our next campsite in Mto Wa Mbu. This colourful town is an interesting place to wander around and has a great market.

Day 13 Arusha

Day 2 East Africa Mission Orphanage – Nakuru

The morning will allow free time for an optional visit to a local Masai village to meet the Masai people, or simply wander around the local craft market. We continue on to Arusha for our final two nights together.

Heading west to Nakuru, we spend the next two nights camping at the East Africa Mission Orphanage. Here we can interact with the kids with the knowledge that our visit helps to support this worthy project. Dinner with the kids will be a major highlight!

Days 14-15 Arusha – The School of St Jude – Nairobi

Day 3 Lake Nakuru National Park We enter Lake Nakuru National Park for a day of game driving searching for lion, Cape buffalo, white rhino and the elusive leopard. Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingo population.

We visit a very special school in Arusha, The School of St Jude. We learn about the school, spend time with the children and experience the weekly school assembly. Memories of these encounters will surely be something to treasure. Our tour ends in Arusha after breakfast on Day 15. From Arusha, you can choose to take our free transfer back to Nairobi, arriving in the early evening.

Day 4 Lake Naivasha Travel to Kenya's most famous freshwater lake, Lake Naivasha. After setting up camp we have the afternoon to enjoy optional activities such as walking with giraffes, cycling in Hell's Gate National Park or visiting Elsamere.

RWANDA

Days 5-6 Masai Mara National Reserve We head south to the Masai Mara wildlife reserve. Our tented camp borders the park and we explore the open grasslands on a full-day game drive and watch a wonderful procession of Africa's wildlife.

Days 7-8 Kenyan Highlands – Lake Victoria Leaving the Masai Mara we head up amidst the tea estates of Kenya's central highlands and set up camp. Crossing into Tanzania we then camp on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake.

UGANDA

Lake Nakuru Lake Naivasha

East Africa Mission Orphanage

Lake Victoria

Masai Mara

Serengeti NP

TANZANIA

Ngorongoro Crater

gAEA

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 11 nights participatory camping, 2 nights tented bush camp, 1 night hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park, 2 days in the Masai Mara National Reserve and 4 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$550 from each person on Day 1 in Nairobi. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Sat 2012 07-Jan 21-Jan 04-Feb 18-Feb 10-Mar 24-Mar 14-Apr 28-Apr

26-May 23-Jun 14-Jul 28-Jul 11-Aug 25-Aug 08-Sep

09-Jun 07-Jul 28-Jul 11-Aug 25-Aug 08-Sep 22-Sep

29-Sep 03-Nov 15-Dec 29-Dec 2013 12-Jan 09-Feb

13-Oct 17-Nov 29-Dec 12-Jan

16-Mar 30-Mar 20-Apr 04-May 01-Jun 15-Jun

26-Jan 23-Feb

One of many highlights Masai Mara The name’s synonymous with spectacular safaris, and we get right amongst it, with Africa’s most fearsome predators and herds of zebra, wildebeest and gazelle all across the rolling plains.

KENYA

Musoma

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

Nairobi Mto Wa Mbu Arusha

The School of St Jude

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaea

East Africa Safari

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east AFRI CA

Gorilla & Wildlife Encounter

22 Days

Mountain gorillas, bird-rich freshwater lakes, inquisitive chimpanzees and all the great herds and predators of Kenya and Tanzania's best reserves – this trip has Africa's wildlife covered. Time at a Masai village, a special orphanage and a unique African school are other memorable highlights. Days 1-4 Entebbe – Gorilla Trekking

Day 19 Ngorongoro Crater

Setting off from Entebbe, we travel through the western half of Uganda, passing spectacular scenery, to reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We trek to meet, sit with and observe the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

The Ngorongoro Crater contains a wide variety of habitats and an abundance of wildlife, including the rare black rhino. We travel down the Great Rift Valley escarpment and camp in the village of Mto Wa Mbu.

Days 5-8 Bushara Island – Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Day 20 Arusha

Leaving Bwindi, we travel to the nearby Bushara Island Camp on Lake Bunyoni to chill out after our gorilla trek. Returning to Entebbe, our next stop is the chimpanzee sanctuary on Ngamba Island, home to a colony of orphaned chimps.

Days 9-11 East Africa Mission Orphanage – Rift Valley Lakes We travel to Kenya’s fourth largest city – Nakuru. Here we meet the kids of the East Africa Mission Orphanage.CENTRAL We also take game drives in search of wildlife at Lake Nakuru and visit freshwater AFRICA REPUBLIC Lake Naivasha.

After spending some time wandering around colourful Mto Wa Mbu, we have time for an optional visit to a Masai village, or to explore the local craft markets. Our camp for the final two nights is on the outskirts of Arusha.

Days 21-22 The School of St Jude – Arusha – Nairobi We spend half a day at The School of St Jude – a school 'fighting poverty through education'. Our tour ends in Arusha after breakfast but, if you like, you can transfer back to Nairobi with our Gecko's vehicle, arriving in the evening.

Days 12-13 Masai Mara National Reserve On game-viewing excursions in this reserve we spot huge numbers of plains animals and predators. We spend two nights in a comfortable tented camp, bordering one of Africa's most incredible wildlife arenas.

Days 14-15 Kenyan Highlands – Tanzanian Lakeshore We travel to the fertile highlands of Kenya’s tea-growing region, where we set up camp amidst a working tea estate. DEMDescending REPUBLIC into Tanzania, we camp on the banks of Lake Victoria and explore a small fishing community. OF CONGO

East Africa Mission Orphanage Nakuru Entebbe Lake Kabale Naivasha Ngamba Bwindi Island Impenetrable Nairobi Musoma Forest Lake Masai Mara Bunyoni RWANDA Serengeti NP

Days 16-18 Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area Entering through the famous 'western corridor', we spend two nights camping in the heart of the Serengeti National Park. We then enter the adjoining Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where we camp against the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley.

KENYA

UGANDA

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Ngorongoro Crater

Arusha

The School

Mto Wa Mbu of St Jude

TANZANIA Gorilla & Wildlife Encounter

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gAGw

Nuts & bolts: Includes experienced local safari crew (2 in Uganda/3 in Kenya/Tanzania), private safari vehicle, regional flight, 1 pre-purchased gorilla permit, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 11 nights participatory camping, 4 nights tented bush camp, 2 nights island camp, 4 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 21 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 18 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 1 day trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park, 2 days in Masai Mara National Reserve Area, 4 days in Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area and a visit to a chimpanzee sanctuary. Local payment: Your tour guides will collect local payment of US$450 from each person on Day 1 in Entebbe and US$550 on Day 8 in Nairobi. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Sat 2012 28-Jan 18-Feb 03-Mar 24-Mar 07-Apr 28-Apr

19-May 16-Jun 07-Jul 21-Jul 04-Aug 18-Aug

09-Jun 07-Jul 28-Jul 11-Aug 25-Aug 08-Sep

01-Sep 22-Sep 27-Oct 08-Dec 22-Dec

22-Sep 13-Oct 17-Nov 29-Dec 12-Jan

2013 05-Jan 02-Feb 09-Mar 13-Apr 25-May

26-Jan 23-Feb 30-Mar 04-May 15-Jun

One of many highlights East Africa Mission Orphanage We camp on the farmlands of the East Africa Mission Orphanage. Visiting the kids at the orphanage provides some of the trips most moving and fun moments!

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gagw

Tour Code:

gAgo

Nuts & bolts: Includes experienced local safari crew (2 in Uganda/3 in Kenya/Tanzania), private safari vehicle, regional flight, 1 pre-purchased gorilla permit, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 6 nights hotel, 6 nights participatory camping, 2 nights island camp Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners. Parks: 3 days in Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 1 day in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (gorilla trek), 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$450 from each person on Day 1 in Entebbe and US$300 on Day 8 in Nairobi. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Sat 2012 14-Jan 28-Jan

28-Jan 03-Mar 07-Apr 19-May

11-Feb 17-Mar 21-Apr 02-Jun

04-Aug 18-Aug 22-Sep 27-Oct

18-Aug 01-Sep 06-Oct 10-Nov

east AFRICA

TRIP INFO

2013 05-Jan 19-Jan 19-Jan 02-Feb

One of many highlights Bushara Island After trekking, we make a beeline for Bushara Island, a tranquil oasis in the middle of Lake Bunyoni, where cooling waters, birdsong and rolling hills await.

Gorillas & Serengeti

15 Days

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gago

Meet mountain gorillas, visit a chimpanzee sanctuary, experience the amazing wildlife of the Serengeti Plains and Ngorongoro Crater, enjoy spectacular landscapes and meet the wonderful children of St Jude's school on this spectacular journey of discovery.

Day 7 Entebbe

Day 1 Entebbe

Day 4 Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 8 Chimpanzee Sanctuary – Entebbe – Nairobi

This morning we meet our expert gorilla-trek guides. With permits pre-purchased and the trackers already on the trail of the mountain gorillas, we set off through rugged jungle to meet these majestic animals.

The chimpanzee sanctuary is situated on Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria – Africa’s largest lake. Travelling by boat to the island, we see several local villages and their inhabitants going about daily life. In the afternoon we return to Entebbe and fly to Nairobi.

Days 5-6 Bushara Island

Day 9 Arusha

Bushara Island Camp sits in the middle of Lake Bunyoni, Africa’s deepest volcanic crater lake, and offers the perfect place to chill out after your gorilla trek. You can enjoy a cultural tour, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing or simply relaxing in camp.

The wildlife corridor between the national parks of Kenya and northern Tanzania offers the first chance of animal spotting, as we drive from Nairobi to Arusha. With luck we may also catch good views of Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru.

Our trip starts today in Entebbe. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Day 2 Entebbe – Kabale Heading west from Entebbe, we cross the equator before reaching Kabale. Kabale is a lively little town with a colourful market, where you can spend some time interacting with the locals.

Day 3 Kabale – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest A spectacular drive with brilliant views over a beautiful mountain range leads to Bwindi and the distinctly named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We make base camp at a community-run tented camp for the following two nights.

On the drive back to Entebbe, take in the beauty of the Ugandan countryside and gain further insight into the daily village life of the local people. In the evening there's time to get amongst the local nightlife and great food.

Day 10 The School of St Jude – Mto Wa Mbu A visit to The School of St Jude will inspire and move you, as you spend time with the children in class and over lunch. The school's mission is to 'fight poverty through education'. From St Jude's, we travel to the village of Mto Wa Mbu for the evening.

Days 11-12 Serengeti National Park This morning allows time for an optional visit to a Masai village or to explore the local craft market. Afterwards, we journey to the Serengeti Plains. Two nights camping within the park allow us plenty of time to explore this outstanding wildlife sanctuary.

UGANDA Entebbe

Kabale

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Lake Bunyoni

Ngamba Island

KENYA

Lake Victoria Lake Victoria

Nairobi

RWANDA TANZANIA

Serengeti NP

Gorillas & Serengeti

Ngorongoro Crater

Mto Wa Mbu

Arusha

The School of St Jude

Day 13 Ngorongoro Conservation Area After a final morning game drive in Serengeti National Park, we continue on to our scenic camp on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 14 Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha At the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is Ngorongoro Crater, unlike any other place in Africa. The crater is referred to as a ‘microcosm of Africa’ and contains an abundance of ecosystems and wildlife. After exploring the crater, we travel back to Arusha for our final night.

Day 15 Arusha – Nairobi The trip ends in the morning in Arusha. From Arusha you can take our free transfer back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.

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east AFRI CA

KENYA

Serengeti NP Ngorongoro Mto Wa Mbu Crater The School of St Jude

TANZANIA

Tanzania Trails

TRIP INFO

Tanzania Trails

8 Days

This is an authentic safari experience with dirt roads, rolling landscapes, outstanding game parks and traditional tribes. We spend a wonderful three days in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A visit to a very special school fighting poverty through education completes our trail through Tanzania. Day 1 Nairobi Our trip starts today in Nairobi. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time.

Day 2 Nairobi – Arusha The wildlife corridor between the national parks of Kenya and northern Tanzania offers the first chance of animal spotting, on the drive from Nairobi to Arusha. With luck, we may also catch good views of Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru.

Safari & Spice

Day 3 The School of St Jude – Mto Wa Mbu A visit with the kids of The School of St Jude will inspire and move you. The school's mission is to 'fight poverty through education'. From St Jude's, we travel to the village of Mto Wa Mbu for the evening.

Days 4-5 Serengeti National Park After an optional visit to a Masai village or the local craft market, we journey to the Serengeti Plains. Two nights camping within the park allow plenty of time to explore this outstanding wildlife sanctuary.

Day 6 Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Day 1 Nairobi Our trip begins in Nairobi today. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time.

Day 2 Nairobi – Arusha Today we travel from Nairobi to Arusha along the wildlife corridor that links the national parks of Kenya and Tanzania. We set up camp on the outskirts of Arusha, allowing time in the afternoon for an optional visit to the Masai Cultural Museum and snake park.

gAtt

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 6 nights participatory camping, 1 night hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 4 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$300 from each person on Day 1 in Nairobi. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Tue Sat 2012 07-Jan 14-Jan 21-Jan 28-Jan 28-Jan 04-Feb 04-Feb 11-Feb 10-Mar 17-Mar 14-Apr 21-Apr

21-Apr 26-May 30-Jun 07-Jul 21-Jul 11-Aug 18-Aug 25-Aug 22-Sep

28-Apr 02-Jun 07-Jul 14-Jul 28-Jul 18-Aug 25-Aug 01-Sep 29-Sep

29-Sep 13-Oct 27-Oct 03-Nov 08-Dec 22-Dec 2013 12-Jan 19-Jan

06-Oct 20-Oct 03-Nov 10-Nov 15-Dec 29-Dec

26-Jan 23-Feb 30-Mar 06-Apr 11-May 15-Jun 22-Jun

Day 7 Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

Serengeti NATIONAL PARK

At the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is Ngorongoro Crater. Often referred to as a ‘microcosm of Africa’, it contains an abundance of habitats and wildlife. We travel back to Arusha for our final night.

Day 8 Arusha – Nairobi The trip ends in Arusha on the morning of Day 8. From Arusha you can take our free transfer back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.

Camp out in the Serengeti – this is the real Africa, with no boundaries separating you from the animals, far from civilisation on the vast, beautiful savannah.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gatt

TRIP INFO aims to ‘fight poverty through education’ and provide free schooling and support for the poorest children in the region.

Day 7 Dar es Salaam Passing the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, we continue towards the Indian Ocean coastline and the bustling city of Dar es Salaam.

Day 8 Stone Town (Zanzibar) Swapping our overland truck for a ferry, we journey to the remarkable spice island of Zanzibar. We spend our first day exploring evocative Stone Town – a historic treasure trove of narrow, winding streets and buildings with magnificent doorways.

Days 9-10 Nungwi (Zanzibar) We transfer to the coastal village of Nungwi. This idyllic spot is a great place to chill out, relax on sandy beaches and swim in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.

After a final morning spent at the beach, we take the afternoon ferry back to Dar es Salaam, where the trip comes to an end.

UGANDA RWANDA

Leaving Serengeti, we descend into Ngorongoro Crater and spend a morning exploring this amazing wildlife haven. Our next stop is the pleasant town of Mto Wa Mbu, where we explore vibrant African markets and have the chance to meet people from a traditional tribe at a nearby Masai village.

Day 6 The School of St Jude – Arusha We travel back to Arusha and visit The School of St Jude, which

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Lake Victoria

KENYA

Nairobi

Mto Wa Mbu Arusha/ The School of St Jude

Serengeti NP Ngorongoro Crater

TANZANIA

Tour Code:

gAIS

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 7 nights participatory camping, 3 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 3 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$450 from each person on Day 1 in Nairobi. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Tue 2012 04-Feb 14-Feb 10-Mar 20-Mar

21-Apr 26-May 07-Jul 11-Aug 22-Sep

01-May 05-Jun 17-Jul 21-Aug 02-Oct

27-Oct 08-Dec 2013 12-Jan 23-Feb

06-Nov 18-Dec

30-Mar 09-Apr 11-May 21-May 15-Jun 25-Jun

22-Jan 05-Mar

Reverse Dates: GAISR Starts Dar es Salaam, ends Nairobi

Day 11 Dar es Salaam

Switching to 4WD vehicles, we travel to the world-famous Serengeti Plains for a two-night stay in what is arguably Africa's most famous national park, home to an incredible array of exotic animals.

02-Feb 02-Mar 06-Apr 13-Apr 18-May 22-Jun 29-Jun

19-Jan 26-Jan

One of many highlights

Days 3-4 Serengeti National Park

Day 5 Ngorongoro Crater – Mto Wa Mbu

Tour Code:

After a final morning game drive in Serengeti National Park, we continue on to our scenic camp on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.

11 Days

This journey will take you through the best of Tanzania, from two of the world's greatest game viewing locations in Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, to the sandy white beaches and azure waters of Zanzibar. This is a grand trip exploring famous safari parks and idyllic beaches – a holiday you'll never forget.

Nairobi

Lake Victoria

Zanzibar

Safari & Spice

Dar es Salaam

Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 24-Jan 03-Feb 06-Mar 16-Mar

10-Apr 22-May 26-Jun 07-Aug 11-Sep

20-Apr 01-Jun 06-Jul 17-Aug 21-Sep

23-Oct 27-Nov 2013 08-Jan 12-Feb

02-Nov 07-Dec

26-Mar 05-Apr 30-Apr 10-May 11-Jun 21-Jun

18-Jan 22-Feb

One of many highlights Ngorongoro Crater A veritable Garden of Eden for game-spotting, our trip into the Ngorongoro Crater showcases Africa at its most abundant and flamboyant, with wildlife watching beyond compare.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gais www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaisr

Acclimatisation Uhuru Peak day hike Mawenzi Peak (5151m) (5895m) Kibo Hut (4700m) Horombo Hut (3700m) Kilimanjaro National Park

Mandara Hut (2700m)

Moshi

Marangu Village (1700m)

Mt Kilimanjaro Trek

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

east AFRICA

TANZANIA

gAkr

Physical prearation is essential. You will be trekking on terrain with plenty of ascents and descents, often on steep and narrow trails. Altitude will often exceed 4000 metres with some days spent trekking above 5000 metres. Nuts & bolts: Includes transport, an experienced mountain guide & porters (Days 2-7), park & mountain rescue fees. Accommodation: 5 nights mountain huts, 2 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 14. Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 6 days in Kilimanjaro National Park. Local payment: There is no local payment for this tour. Prices: See page 3. Start Day: Every Saturday

One of many highlights The summit

Mt Kilimanjaro trek

Past rainforests, moorlands and glaciers, a test of endurance worth every weary step, standing on Africa’s roof and looking down at the great plains is an emotional, valedictory moment.

8 Days

For those who want a serious physical challenge, consider climbing to the summit of Africa's highest peak – Mount Kilimanjaro. En route enjoy beautiful, ever-changing landscapes, while the sunrise view from the snowy summit is truly unforgettable. With an extra acclimatisation day, this trip substantially increases your chance of reaching the summit and experiencing an epic view of Africa. Day 1 Moshi

Day 6 Mt Kilimanjaro – Summit Day

The tour begins today in Moshi, at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro. The remainder of the afternoon is spent preparing for the trek and meeting your mountain guide.

We wake at around midnight for our final ascent. With luck we should reach the summit at Uhuru Peak (5895m) in time for a spectacular sunrise. After absorbing our achievement, we descend to Horombo Hut and stay the night there.

Days 2-5 Mt Kilimanjaro Climb We commence our ascent to the 'Roof of Africa' with our local guide. We hike through rainforest to Mandara Hut (2700m) and then across open moorland to Horombo Hut (3700m). Here we stay for two nights, to assist acclimatisation. We traverse an alpine desert to Kibo Hut (4700m).

Zanzibar Revealed

Days 7-8 Finish trek – Moshi We trek back to our hotel in Moshi for a well-earned rest and hot shower. The tour ends the following morning after breakfast.

TRIP INFO

6 Days

Explore the exotic spice island of Zanzibar. Discover the mysteries of Stone Town then head to the east coast for a few days of sun, sand and sea. Days 1-2 Stone Town On arrival in Zanzibar, transfer to your hotel in Stone Town. Wandering the winding streets and alleyways of Stone Town is like stepping back in time amongst countless interesting places to explore.

Days 3-5 Stone Town – Paje Beach Transfer to your idyllic east coast beach bungalows, where soft, white-sand beach stretches as far as the eye can see. The water is warm and it’s a great place to bask, bathe and relax.

Day 6 Paje Beach – Stone Town Bid farewell to your coastal hideaway and transfer back to Stone Town where the tour ends on arrival.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gakr

Tour Code:

gAzn

Accommodation: 3 nights bungalows, 2 nights hotel. Transport: Local bus. Group size: Minimum 2. Meals: 5 breakfasts. Local payment: There is no local payment for this extension. Prices: See page 3. Trip departs daily.

One of many highlights Paje Beach We head to Zanzibar’s east to bask on hammocks by alabaster sands, dive into crystal-clear water under cobalt skies, and sip cocktails as the reddening sun dips behind the Indian Ocean.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gazn

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east AFRI CA

Gorillas, Safari & Zanzibar Monkey around with chimpanzees at Ngamba Island Sanctuary and trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Discover some of East Africa's best wildlife-viewing on safari in the diverse and captivating safari parks of Tanzania and Kenya. Bask, bathe and relax on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar. Days 1-2 Kigali – Ruhengeri Our trip starts today in Kigali. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time. On Day 2 we visit the Genocide Memorial. We then drive to Ruhengeri and prepare for our gorilla trek.

Days 3-5 Parc National des Volcans (Gorilla Trek) – Kisoro – Queen Elizabeth National Park We trek into Parc National des Volcans for our encounter with the mountain gorillas. We then spend a night camping in Kisoro in Uganda. From Kisoro we travel east to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Days 6-8 Entebbe – Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary – Jinja (Nile River) We travel south of the equator and past the capital, Kampala, to Entebbe. The cheeky chimpanzees of Ngamba Island await as we take a boat from Entebbe to the island sanctuary. Meeting the apes we find out more about their way of life before heading to Jinja at Lake Victoria, the point where the lake empties into the Victoria Nile.

26 Days

Days 15-16 Nairobi – Arusha We drive back to Nairobi for our final night in Kenya, then travel to Tanzania and spend our first night in the safari capital of Arusha.

Days 17-19 Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater – Mto Wa Mbu Switching to 4WD vehicles, we drive to Serengeti National Park and camp in the heart of the Serengeti Plains amongst a famed concentration of wildlife. Go on safari across the savannah then explore Ngorongoro Crater – a veritable Garden of Eden for African wildlife. We later stop at Mto Wa Mbu, where we meet local Masai people.

Days 20-21 The School of St Jude – Arusha – Dar es Salaam We travel back to Arusha and visit The School of St Jude, which aims to provide free schooling and all the required support needed to the poorest children in the region. We then travel towards the tropical coast to our seaside camp at Dar es Salaam.

Days 22-24 Zanzibar The captivating spice island of Zanzibar is our next stop. We spend a day getting lost in the alleyways of Stone Town, followed by two days relaxing on the beach at the idyllic northern village of Nungwi Beach.

Days 25-26 Dar es Salaam After a final morning spent at the beach, we take the afternoon ferry back to Dar es Salaam for our final night. Your adventure finishes after breakfast on Day 26.

Days 9-11 Kericho – East Africa Mission Orphanage – Lake Nakuru National Park After a scenic drive, our first night in Kenya is spent amid the tea plantations of Kericho. We then continue to East Africa Mission Orphanage in Nakuru, where we learn about the orphanage's inspiring work, interact with the children and camp on the grounds. We visit nearby Lake Nakuru National Park on a full-day game drive.

UGANDA

Queen Elizabeth NP

Jinja Kericho

Ngamba Masai Parc National Kabale Island Mara des Volcans Lake Victoria Kigali Serengeti NP

RWANDA

Days 12-14 Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara National Reserve We spend a night in a lovely campsite near Lake Naivasha, with a chance to see wildlife on an optional game walk. We then drive through the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara, where we spend two magnificent days viewing wildlife.

Kampala Entebbe

www.geckosadventures.com

Ngorongoro Crater

TANZANIA Gorillas, Safari & Zanzibar

East Africa Mission Orphanage

KENYA

Lake Nakuru Lake Naivasha Nairobi

Mto Wa Mbu The School of St Jude/ Arusha

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gAGZ

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, 1 pre-purchased gorilla permit, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 18 nights participatory camping, 4 nights hotel, 2 nights tented bush camp, 1 night basic hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 25 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 3 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 2 days Masai Mara National Reserve, 2 days in Queen Elizabeth National Park, 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park, 1 day trekking gorillas in Parc National des Volcans and a visit to a chimpanzee sanctuary. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$950 from each person on Day 1 in Kigali. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 21-Jan 15-Feb 25-Feb 21-Mar

07-Apr 12-May 23-Jun 28-Jul

02-May 06-Jun 18-Jul 22-Aug

08-Sep 13-Oct 24-Nov 29-Dec

03-Oct 07-Nov 19-Dec 23-Jan

2013 09-Feb 16-Mar 27-Apr 01-Jun

06-Mar 10-Apr 22-May 26-Jun

Reverse Dates: GAGZR Starts Dar es Salaam, ends Kigali Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 24-Jan 18-Feb 06-Mar 31-Mar

10-Apr 22-May 26-Jun 07-Aug 11-Sep

05-May 16-Jun 21-Jul 01-Sep 06-Oct

23-Oct 27-Nov 2013 08-Jan 12-Feb

17-Nov 22-Dec

26-Mar 20-Apr 30-Apr 25-May 11-Jun 06-Jul

02-Feb 09-Mar

One of many highlights Lake Nakuru National Park We spend a full-day exploring Nakuru, a soda lake carpeted with flamingos. Get ready to see a mind-blowing sunset, as the blood-orange sun dips behind the silhouettes of a million flamingos.

Zanzibar Dar es Salaam

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gagz www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gagzr

KENYA

Nairobi

Serengeti Ngorongoro NP Crater

Mto Wa Mbu The School of St Jude / Arusha

Zanzibar

TANZANIA

Dar es Salaam

Iringa

Sth Luangwa NP

ZAMBIA

Livingstone

overland adventures

Ngambe Island

Lake Malawi

Chipata

Lusaka

MALAWI

ZIMBABWE African Wanderer – Southbound

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gAWS

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 17 nights participatory camping, 4 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 21 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 16 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 3 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area and 2 days in South Luangwa National Park. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$750 from each person on Day 1 in Nairobi. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Sat 2012 04-Feb 25-Feb 10-Mar 31-Mar

African Wanderer - Southbound

22 Days

Day 1 Nairobi

We transfer to the coastal village of Nungwi. This idyllic spot is a great place to chill out, relax on the beach and swim in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.

Today we travel from Nairobi to Arusha along the wildlife corridor that links the national parks of Kenya and Tanzania. We set up camp on the outskirts of Arusha, allowing time for an optional visit to the Masai Cultural Museum and snake park.

Days 3-4 Serengeti National Park Switching to 4WD vehicles, we travel to the world-famous Serengeti Plains to stay in arguably Africa's most famous national park, home to an incredible array of exotic animals.

Day 5 Ngorongoro Crater – Mto Wa Mbu Leaving Serengeti, we descend into Ngorongoro Crater and spend a morning exploring an amazing wildlife haven unlike any other on earth. Our next stop is the pleasant town of Mto Wa Mbu, where we explore vibrant African markets and have the chance to meet people from a traditional tribe at a nearby Masai village.

Day 6 The School of St Jude – Arusha

27-Oct 08-Dec 2013 12-Jan 23-Feb

17-Nov 29-Dec

30-Mar 20-Apr 11-May 01-Jun

02-Feb 16-Mar

South Luangwa National Park

Day 7 Dar es Salaam

Day 2 Nairobi – Arusha

12-May 16-Jun 28-Jul 01-Sep 13-Oct

One of many highlights

A trip filled with amazing wildlife reserves, breathtaking waterfalls and bewitching coastal towns. Travel from Nairobi to Victoria Falls through some of the most spectacular nature experiences on earth. Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti Plains, Zanzibar, Lake Malawi, South Luangwa National Park – this African adventure has it all! Our trip begins in Nairobi today. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time.

21-Apr 26-May 07-Jul 11-Aug 22-Sep

Passing the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, we continue towards the Indian Ocean coastline and bustling Dar es Salaam, the largest city and previous capital of Tanzania.

Day 8 Stone Town (Zanzibar) Swapping our overland truck for a ferry, we journey to the remarkable spice island of Zanzibar. We spend our first day exploring evocative Stone Town, a historic treasure trove of narrow, winding streets and buildings with impressive doors.

Days 9-10 Nungwi (Zanzibar)

Day 11 Dar es Salaam

In Luangwa, we 4WD it to the park’s river, an astounding sight, teeming with crocodiles and hippos. And look out for leopards – this is a great place to spot them.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaws Days 17-18 South Luangwa National Park After crossing the border into Zambia, we reach South Luangwa National Park. Its remote and isolated location has resulted in an abundance of wildlife and offers an unbeatable wilderness experience. Enjoy morning and evening safaris and an optional night game drive.

Days 19-20 Chipata – Lusaka

After a final morning spent at the beach, we take the afternoon ferry back to Dar es Salaam, where we reunite with our overland vehicle.

Departing South Luangwa National Park, we spend a night in the small, bustling town of Chipata. Amble through markets, visit ornate mosques or spend the afternoon at your leisure. We then continue on to the bustling Zambian capital city, Lusaka.

Day 12 Iringa

Days 21-22 Livingstone (Zambia)

We travel into the highlands, through banana plantations and tea estates, and reach Iringa, set high on a plateau. We spend our final night in Tanzania on the grounds of a lovely old farmhouse.

We make our way into Livingstone and our campsite on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Not far away is magnificent Victoria Falls – an unforgettable sight and a great place to end our adventure.

Days 13-15 Lake Malawi We enter the landlocked country of Malawi and head to the clear blue waters of Lake Malawi. Wander through charming markets, chill out on beautiful beaches and view some memorable African sunsets. Our days are spent out by the lake – snorkelling, fishing and simply relaxing.

Day 16 Lilongwe Leaving the lake, we travel to Malawi's interesting capital, Lilongwe, for another taste of African city life.

We travel back to Arusha and visit The School of St Jude, which aims to 'fight poverty through education' and provide free schooling and support for the poorest children in the region.

www.geckosadventures.com

over land adve ntur es

Classic Africa

42 Days

See Africa and experience nature at its jaw-dropping best. Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, South Luangwa National Park and Etosha National Park offer unforgettable wildlife experiences. Chill out on the beaches of Zanzibar, check out the magical shores of Lake Malawi, witness the world's greatest waterfall, sample the wines of South Africa and complete a classic journey in wonderful Cape Town.

Days 29-38 Namibia View wildlife in the waterholes of Etosha National Park and stay on the banks of the Okavango River. Enjoy close-up encounters with cheetahs and visit the unique Himba people. Travel up the Skeleton Coast to visit the Cape Cross fur seal colony. Drive the scenic route through the Namib Desert to Swakopmund, a Mecca for adventure enthusiasts. Experience the vast dunes in Namib-Naukluft National Park. Cross the Orange River and head to Fish River Canyon, the world's second largest canyon.

Days 39-42 South Africa Travel through the Cederberg region, visit some famed wineries and explore Cape Town on the final leg of your journey.

Days 1-12 Kenya & Tanzania

KENYA

Ngorongoro Nairobi Crater Serengeti NP

Camp in the heart of the Serengeti National Park and go on game drives at dawn and dusk through wildlife-rich savannah. Continue on to Africa's 'Garden of Eden', Ngorongoro Crater, then meet the Masai at Mto Wa Mbu village and the exuberant kids of The School of St Jude, before camping on the tropical coast. Cross by ferry to Zanzibar and lose yourself in the cobbled alleyways of Stone Town before relaxing on idyllic Nungwi Beach. Camp in the grounds of a lovely colonial farmhouse.

Mto Wa Mbu Arusha/The School of St Jude Zanzibar

TANZANIA

Iringa Lake Malawi

Days 13-16 Malawi

Sth Luangwa NP

Wander through markets, chill out on beaches and learn about daily life on Lake Malawi, and get a taste of African city life in Lilongwe.

Days 17-23 Zambia & Zimbabwe Go on safari in wild, remote South Luangwa National Park. Amble through the ornate mosques, markets and streets of Chipata and Zambia's capital, Lusaka. Camp by the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls and enjoy a variety of exciting optional activities. Cross into Zimbabwe and camp a short stroll from the immense falls.

ZAMBIA

Spitzkoppe Cape Cross Swakopmund

Days 24-28 Botswana Explore Chobe National Park by river cruise boat and 4WD. Discover the Okavango Delta by speedboat, houseboat and dug-out canoe, and camp on a remote delta island.

Kasane

Sepupa Etosha NP

NAMIBIA

www.geckosadventures.com

Chipata

Lusaka

MALAWI

Vic Falls

ZIMBABWE

Chobe NP Okavango Delta

gACA

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 5 nights hotel, 33 nights participatory camping, 2 nights bungalow, 1 night houseboat. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 41 breakfasts, 32 lunches, 31 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 3 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 2 days in South Luangwa National Park, 1 day in Chobe National Park, 2 days in Namib-Naukluft National Park, 3 days in the Okavango Delta, 2 days in Etosha National Park and a half-day in Fish River Canyon. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$1300 from each person on Day 1 in Nairobi. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Sat Fri 2012 04-Feb 16-Mar 10-Mar 20-Apr

21-Apr 26-May 07-Jul 11-Aug 22-Sep

01-Jun 06-Jul 17-Aug 21-Sep 02-Nov

27-Oct 08-Dec 2013 12-Jan 23-Feb

07-Dec 18-Jan

30-Mar 10-May 11-May 21-Jun

22-Feb 05-Apr

One of many highlights Serengeti National Park Serengetiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s splendid savannah is Africa as you imagined it. Explore the great plains and rocky outcrops, where predators enjoy a post-feed rest.

BOTSWANA

Namib-Naukluft NP

Sossusvlei

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

SOUTH AFRICA

Fish River Canyon Cederberg Winelands

Cape Town

Classic Africa

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaca For full details on this trip, please see: African Wanderer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Southbound (p39) & Vic Falls to Cape Town (p19).

overland adventures

Africa Overland

47 Days

Journey from Johannesburg to Kigali and experience the best that Africa has to offer – stunning waterfalls, tranquil tropical islands and endless savannah teeming with wildlife. Encounter mountain gorillas and meet the friendly folk inhabiting this amazing continent. Days 1-5 South Africa From Pretoria, drive to the historic town of Graskop and the world's largest green canyon at Blyde River. Search for wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives in Kruger National Park then relax by the hot springs at Tshipise.

Entebbe

KENYA

UGANDA

Parc National des Volcans Kigali Serengeti NP RWANDA Ngorongoro Crater

Nairobi Masai Mara Mto Wa Mbu

Arusha/ The School of St Jude

Zanzibar

TANZANIA Iringa

Sth Luangwa NP

ZAMBIA Livingstone

Lake Malawi

Chipata

Lusaka Vic Falls Hwange NP

BOTSWANA Pretoria/ Johannesburg

SOUTH AFRICA

Dar es Salaam

MALAWI

ZIMBABWE

Antelope Park Great Zimbabwe Ruins Kruger NP Blyde River Canyon

SWAZILAND Africa Overland

Days 6-12 Zimbabwe Visit the World Heritage listed Great Zimbabwe Ruins and walk with lions at Antelope Park. Go on safari amongst the vast herds of Hwange National Park then visit Victoria Falls, ‘the smoke that thunders’, for plenty of optional activities, like whitewater rafting.

Days 13-17 Zambia From Livingstone, by Vic Falls, we travel to the bustling Zambian capital, Lusaka. Afterwards, we go on safari in South Luangwa National Park for spectacular game viewing.

Days 18-21 Malawi Wander through markets, chill out on beaches and learn about daily life on Lake Malawi, and get a taste of African city life in Lilongwe.

Days 22-32 Tanzania Stay at a farmhouse nestled in the banana plantations and tea estates of the southern highlands. Visit the historic spice island of Zanzibar, explore the evocative alleyways of Stone Town and relax amid the sparkling turquoise waters of Nungwi Beach. Visit The School of St Jude then stop at Mto Wa Mbu, where we can meet the local Masai. Explore the wildlife Eden of Ngorongoro Crater by 4WD. Camp and go on safari in the heart of Serengeti National Park, and enjoy amazing wildlife viewing.

Days 33-39 Kenya Camp on the fringe of the Masai Mara and revel in incredible wildlife experiences. Stay by hippo-rich Lake Naivasha and enjoy an optional activity, like a walking safari amongst giraffes. Visit the wonderful kids at the East Africa Mission Orphanage and take a full-day game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Be amazed by the hundreds of thousands of pink flamingos inhabiting the lake. Drive through Kenya’s highlands and tea-growing estates, camp at Kericho and travel by Lake Victoria.

Days 40-44 Uganda Discover Jinja, where Lake Victoria empties into the Nile. Meet the cheeky chimpanzees of Ngamba Island. Go on safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park and take an amazing boat trip on the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.

Days 45-47 Rwanda Enter the Land of 1000 Hills and camp at Ruhengeri, before embarking on a trek to encounter the mountain gorillas. In the afterglow of the experience, explore the capital Kigali and the haunting Genocide Memorial before the trip ends.

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gAAo

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, 1 pre-purchased gorilla permit, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 38 nights participatory camping, 2 nights tented bush camp, 1 night lodge, 5 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 46 breakfasts, 37 lunches, 40 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 2 days in Kruger National Park, 2 days in a private wildlife reserve, 2 days in Hwange National Park, 2 days in South Luangwa National Park, 3 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 2 days in Masai Mara National Reserve, 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park, a visit to a chimpanzee sanctuary, 2 days in Queen Elizabeth National Park and 1 day trekking to see gorillas in Parc National des Volcans. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$1550 from each person on Day 1 in Pretoria. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Tue Sat 2012 03-Jan 18-Feb

14-Feb 20-Mar 01-May 05-Jun

31-Mar 05-May 16-Jun 21-Jul

17-Jul 21-Aug 02-Oct 06-Nov

01-Sep 06-Oct 17-Nov 22-Dec

18-Dec 02-Feb 2013 22-Jan 09-Mar

One of many highlights Lake Malawi A huge inland sea, travelling down Lake Malawi’s west coast gets the best from it, with snorkelling among 600 fish species, golden sands and some of Africa’s best beach life.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaao For full details on this trip, please see: Waterfalls & Wildlife (p15), African Wanderer – Northbound (p26) & Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas (p30).

www.geckosadventures.com

over land adve ntur es

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, 1 pre-purchased gorilla permit, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 44 nights participatory camping, 1 night houseboat, 1 night budget hotel, 5 nights hotel, 2 nights tented bush camp, 2 nights bungalows. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 55 breakfasts, 46 lunches, 44 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 1 day trekking gorillas in Parc National des Volcans, 2 days in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a visit to a chimpanzee sanctuary, 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park, 2 days in Masai Mara National Reserve, 3 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 2 days in South Luangwa National Park, 1 day in Chobe National Park, 2 days in Namib-Naukluft National Park, 3 days in the Okavango Delta, 2 days in Etosha National Park and a half-day in Fish River Canyon. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$1800 from each person on Day 1 in Kigali. Prices: See page 3.

Ultimate Africa

Start Finish Sat Fri 2012 21-Jan 16-Mar 25-Feb 20-Apr

56 Days

This is the ultimate African adventure that takes us from the jungles of Rwanda to the savannahs of East Africa, the tropical beaches on the Indian Ocean, mighty Victoria Falls, the desert splendours of Namibia and ultimately Cape Town – the Mother City. At every juncture of this epic journey, the kaleidoscope of Africa unfurls before us for the experience of a lifetime. Days 1-3 Rwanda In Kigali, visit the Genocide Memorial then drive to Ruhengeri, where we trek into Parc National des Volcans to encounter the mountain gorillas.

Days 4-8 Uganda

07-Apr 12-May 23-Jun 28-Jul 08-Sep

01-Jun 06-Jul 17-Aug 21-Sep 02-Nov

View wildlife in the waterholes of Etosha National Park and stay on the banks of the Okavango River. Enjoy close-up encounters with cheetahs and visit the unique Himba people. Travel up the Skeleton Coast to visit the Cape Cross fur seal colony. Drive the scenic route through the Namib Desert to Swakopmund, a Mecca for adventure enthusiasts. Experience the vast dunes in Namib-Naukluft National Park. Cross the Orange River and head to Fish River Canyon, the world's second largest canyon.

For full details on this trip, please see: Vic Falls to Cape Town (p19), African Wanderer – Southbound (p39) & Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas (p30).

Cross the Orange River and travel through the Cederberg region. Visit some famed wineries and explore Cape Town on the final leg of your journey.

UGANDA KENYA

Queen Elizabeth NP

Days 9-15 Kenya

RWANDA

East Africa Mission Orphanage Masai Mara Nairobi

Nakuru

Entebbe

Ngambe

Parc National des Volcans

From the tea plantations of Kericho we head to the East Africa Mission Orphanage in Nakuru and learn more about the kids and their education. Go on full-day game drives through Lake Nakuru National Park and camp by lovely Lake Naivasha. Drive through the Great Rift Valley and spend two days on safari in the legendary Masai Mara, before a night in Nairobi.

KigaliIsland Serengeti NP

Mto Wa Mbu The School of St Jude / Ngorongoro Arusha

Crater

TANZANIA Iringa

Zanzibar Dar es Salaam

Days 31-37 Zambia & Zimbabwe Go on safari in wild, remote South Luangwa National Park. Amble through the ornate mosques, markets and streets of Chipata and Zambia's capital, Lusaka. Camp by the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls and enjoy a variety of exciting optional activities. Cross into Zimbabwe and camp a short stroll from the immense falls.

Sth Luangwa NP

ZAMBIA Kasane

Etosha NP

Spitzkoppe

Swakopmund

MALAWI

Livingstone

Chobe NP

NAMIBIA

Lake Malawi Chipata

Lusaka

Sepupa

ZIMBABWE MOZAMBIQUE

Okavango Delta

Kruger NP NamibBlyde River Canyon Naukluft NP BOTSWANA Pretoria/ Maputo Sossusvlei Johannesburg SWAZILAND Mlilwane SOUTH AFRICA Hluhluwe Imfolozi NP Fish River Canyon St Lucia Drakensberg Mountains Cederberg Oudtshoorn

Winelands

Knysna

Cape Town Wilderness NP

www.geckosadventures.com

05-Apr

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gaua

Days 53-56 South Africa

Cape Cross

16-Mar 10-May 27-Apr 21-Jun

The crater is truly somewhere special, Africa-inminiature – the caldera boasts bush, lakes and grasslands, but most of all, the wealth of wildlife here is what leaves visitors in awe.

Days 43-52 Namibia

Wander through markets, chill out on beaches and learn about daily life on Lake Malawi, and get another taste of African city life in Lilongwe.

07-Dec 18-Jan 22-Feb

Ngorongoro Crater

Explore Chobe National Park by river cruise boat and 4WD. Discover the Okavango Delta by speedboat, houseboat and dug-out canoe, and camp on a remote delta island.

Days 27-30 Malawi

13-Oct 24-Nov 29-Dec 2013 09-Feb

One of many highlights

Days 38-42 Botswana

See the vast number of hippos in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the cheeky chimpanzees of Ngamba Island and the Bujagali Falls on the banks of the Nile.

gAuA

Umtata Cintsa East

Addo Elephant NP Tsitsikamma NP

Ultimate Africa Mama Africa

overland adventures

Mama Africa

79 Days

Get back to where you once belonged on this epic journey of wondrous wildlife, breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture and adrenalin-fueled fun. An unforgettable trip through the heart of the homeland! Days 1-8 South Africa, Swaziland & Mozambique Start in South Africa and go on safari in search of the Big 5 in Kruger National Park. Check out the spectacular views from atop Blyde River Canyon, the world’s largest green canyon, and track rhino on foot in the vibrant Kingdom of Swaziland. In Mozambique, soak up the lively capital Maputo and dine on sumptuous seafood after a day on the beach.

Days 9-25 South Africa Take a wildlife cruise through St Lucia Wetlands Reserve and go on a safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park. Learn about the unique customs of the Zulu on a village visit and, in the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains, hike to view ancient Bushmen rock paintings. Travel along the spectacular Wild Coast, and learn to surf, or just chill out, in Coffee Bay. Pay homage to Nelson Mandela in Umtata, join the locals for a drink in a Port Elizabeth shebeen (local pub) and search for elephants in Addo Elephant National Park. Hike through Tsitsikamma National Park and explore the Cango Caves. Discover cosmopolitan Cape Town and visit the township of Langa.

Days 37-41 Botswana Discover the Okavango Delta by speedboat, houseboat and dug-out canoe, and camp on a remote delta island. Explore Chobe National Park by river cruise boat and 4WD.

Days 42-48 Zambia After a ferry ride, drive along the Upper Zambezi River to the magnificent Victoria Falls. Discover the capital city, Lusaka, then continue to the renowned South Luangwa National Park for more spectacular game viewing.

Days 49-52 Malawi Sample African city life in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe. At Lake Malawi, snorkel, fish and bask away on pristine beaches and soak up memorable sunsets with a ‘sundowner’ in hand.

Days 53-63 Tanzania Stay at a farmhouse nestled in the banana plantations and tea estates of the southern highlands. Camp by the Indian Ocean at Dar es Salaam. Visit the historic spice island of Zanzibar, explore the evocative alleyways of Stone Town and relax amid the sparkling turquoise waters of Nungwi Beach. Visit The School of St Jude then stop at Mto Wa Mbu, where we can meet the local Masai. Explore the wildlife Eden of Ngorongoro Crater by 4WD. Camp and go on safari in the heart of Serengeti National Park, and enjoy amazing wildlife viewing.

Days 64-71 Kenya Camp on the fringe of the Masai Mara and revel in incredible wildlife experiences. Stay by hippo-rich Lake Naivasha and enjoy an optional activity, like a walking safari amongst giraffes. Visit the wonderful kids at the East Africa Mission Orphanage and take a full-day game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Be amazed by the hundreds of thousands of pink flamingos inhabiting the lake. Drive through Kenya’s highlands and tea-growing estates, camp at Kericho and travel by Lake Victoria.

Days 72-76 Uganda Discover Jinja, where Lake Victoria empties into the Nile. Meet the cheeky chimpanzees of Ngamba Island. Go on safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park and take an amazing boat trip on the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gAMA

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, 1 pre-purchased gorilla permit, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 65 nights participatory camping, 1 night lodge, 1 night houseboat, 2 nights bungalow, 8 nights hotel, 1 night basic hotel. Group size: Maximum 24. Meals: 78 breakfasts, 65 lunches, 61 dinners. Parks: This trip includes 3 days in Serengeti National Park/ Ngorongoro Conservation Area; 2 days in each of Kruger National Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Etosha National Park, Okavango Delta, South Luangwa National Park, Masai Mara, Queen Elizabeth National Park; 1 day in each of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Chobe National Park, Lake Nakuru, 1 day trekking gorillas in Parc National des Volcans & half a day at Fish River Canyon. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect US$2400 from each person on Day 1 in Pretoria. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Fri Sat 2012 13-Jan 31-Mar

27-Jan 17-Feb 09-Mar 30-Mar

14-Apr 05-May 26-May 16-Jun

13-Apr 04-May 25-May 15-Jun

30-Jun 21-Jul 11-Aug 01-Sep

29-Jun 15-Sep 20-Jul 06-Oct 10-Aug 27-Oct

Days 77-79 Rwanda

One of many highlights

Africa 79 days, 11 countries, over 4000km – it’s pointless trying to pick out a single highlight for the Big Mama, except for this one word: AFRICA.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gama For full details on this trip, please see: African Mozaic (p20), Overland from Cape to Falls (p18), African Wanderer – Northbound (p26) & Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas (p30).

www.geckosadventures.com

west AFRI CA

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gAwl

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 32 nights participatory camping, 4 nights hotel, 1 night riverboat, 3 nights Dogon village rooftop, 1 night stilt village. Group size: Maximum 18. Meals: 41 breakfasts, 38 lunches, 30 dinners. Parks: Includes total of 6 days in parks & reserves. 2 days: UNESCO Heritage site (Dogon Country); Mole National Park. 1 day: Barbarie National Park; Kakum National Park. Other: You will be trekking on terrain with plenty of ascents and descents, often on steep and narrow trails. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect EUR800 from each person on Day 1 in Dakar. Prices: See page 3. Dates: GAWL

West African Wanderlust The big one. Get into the swing of West African rhythm and roots through seven fascinating countries and six weeks of back-of-beyond adventure. Trek, cruise, kick back and soak up the diverse culture and landscapes of the hottest destination in Africa. Days 1-11 Senegal and The Gambia Head to Île de Gorée, renowned for its slave trade memorial, three museums and small beach. Back on the mainland, camp in the sand dunes by Lac Rose, and float in the namesake pink salt lake. Explore Barbarie National Park and revel in its famed wildlife and peaceful ambience. Discover the lively cobbled streets and colonial facades of Saint-Louis by horse and buggy. Visit the holy Sufi city of Touba then head to Kaolack and wander the local market. Explore the languid waters and mangroves of Sine-Saloum Delta by boat. Journey down the Gambia River, staying overnight on the boat and ease into the relaxed rhythms of life along the waterway before visiting the stone circles of Wassu. Explore the colonial relics and busy streets of Georgetown. Camp by the thatched village of Wassadou.

Days 12-20 Mali ‘Off the beaten track’ doesn’t even come close! From the remote town of Kedougou, drive to Mali’s capital, Bamako for a drumming session. Head out to Kalabankoro to visit a local school and microcredit organisation, then on to Mopti, via the adobe buildings of Segou and at a small village producing shea butter. Explore the grand mosque, port and ladies’ market. Journey down the Niger River to Djenné. Visit the colourful Fulani people and the Monday market beneath the walls of the Grand Mosque. Camp on rooftops in the heart of the old town. Trek through the Pays Dogon and explore this wondrous region of fascinating tribes and customs. See Tellem houses, rock paintings, wooden sculptures and famed masked dancing. Sleep beneath the stars on village rooftops.

Days 21-26 Burkina Faso

Reverse Dates: GAWLR Starts Accra, ends Dakar

Start Finish Sat Fri 2012 08-Sep 19-Oct 08-Dec 18-Jan 2013 09-Mar 19-Apr

42 Days

Start Finish Sat Fri 2012 25-Oct 05-Dec 2013 24-Jan 06-Mar

One of many highlights

Days 27-33 Ghana Travel to Bolga through a region of painted mud homes. Go on safari in Mole National Park, which straddles an elephant migration route, including an early morning walk. Visit the Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary. Discover the former capital of the Ashanti Empire and visit the Royal Palace. Soak up Atlantic Ocean views and learn of the harrowing history at the Cape Coast slave castle. Camp and take a guided canopy walk in the colourful rainforest of Kakum National Park. Splash, stroll and laze away at Kokrobite beach.

Wassu Stones An overnight boat trip gets the best out of The Gambia’s beautiful scenery, and leads us to the Wassu Stones, the country’s finest ancient stone circles.

Days 34-35 Togo Head into the steamy green forest of Kpalime. Enjoy the views from the summit of Mt Agou and swim beneath the beautiful Kpime Falls. See the butterflies and beautiful views at Klouto. Stay two nights in a remote mountain abbey.

Days 36-39 Benin

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gawl www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gawlr For full details on this trip, please see: Best of Senegal & Mali (p48) & Voodoo Kingdoms (p49).

Visit the Palace of Abomey and take a boat out to Ganvie stilt village. Watch life unfold by the tranquil waters and stay overnight in a thatched home on stilts. Experience voodoo while watching a ceremony in its birthplace, Ouidah. See the temple of pythons, walk the Avenue of Slaves and see the Door of No Return.

Day 40 Togo Visit the cathedral and voodoo shrines of Togoville. Visit the local fetish market in Lome.

Days 41-42 Ghana Spend our final day and night relaxing at Kokrobite beach. Tour ends the following morning. Please book additional accommodation or a departure transfer, if you’d like, at the time of booking.

Saint-Louis Touba

Dakar

Cross the border to the vibrant capital of Ouagadougou and the market, mosque and old quarter of Bobo-Dioulasso. Bobo is a hotbed of live music and dance, no more so than on Saturday night. Explore the Sindou rock formations and take a walk through mango orchards for a refreshing swim at the beautiful Karfiguela waterfalls. Meet the Lobi people in Gaoua and learn of their fetish and ancestor spirit worship. Visit the symbolic and intricately decorated village of Tiebele.

Banjul

SENEGAL iver

Gambia R

Tambacounda Wassadou

THE GAMBIA

MALI

Mopti Dogon Country

Djenné Segou

Bamako

Ouagadougou

Banfora

BURKINA FASO Tiebele

Bobo-Dioulasso Gaoua

BENIN

Mole NP

West African Wanderlust

GHANA

TOGO

Kumasi

Cape Coast

www.geckosadventures.com

Accra

Abomey Ganvié Lake

Lomé Ouidah

west AFRICA

MALI MAGIC

12 Days

Trek through the eye-popping Dogon country, camp on rooftops under the stars and revel in the history and lively culture of Mali, from the fabled grand mosque of Djenné to the colourful markets of Mopti. Days 1-2 Bamako – Kalabankoro Arrive anytime in Mali’s capital, Bamako. In the evening, delve deeper into West African rhythms during a drumming session. After free time in the morning, we head out to Kalabankoro to visit a local school and micro-credit organisation – two of Mali’s development initiatives.

Days 3-4 Bamako – Mopti Drive to Mopti, with brief stops to admire the adobe buildings of the former riverside capital of Segou and at a small village to watch shea butter being made. The following day, explore Mopti, the ‘Venice of Mali’, including the grand mosque and bustling port replete with salt slabs arriving from Timbuktu. Get amongst the swirl and colour of the ladies’ market.

Day 5 Niger River Take a classic journey by local ‘pinasse’ down West Africa’s grandest river. Watch the sun set over tiny fishing villages and spend a night camping on the river’s remote banks.

Day 6 Djenné Arrive in Djenné in the early morning and get lost in the vibrant mix of tribes at Djenné’s Monday market beneath the huge mud walls of the Grand Mosque. The afternoon visit a Fulani village and perhaps purchase a set of famed gold earrings. We camp on the rooftops in the heart of the old town.

Days 7-9 Dogon Country Trek down the escarpment into the Pays Dogon and walk through this wondrous region of the fascinating Dogon tribe. See Tellem houses built into the cliffs of Bandiagara, elaborate rock paintings, wooden sculptures and famed masked dancing. The mythology, architecture and culture of this area are truly astounding, and to learn about them in such remote, unusual climes is a rare and special experience. Trek over flat sandy terrain from four to six kilometres per day and spend three nights sleeping beneath the stars on village rooftops.

Days 10-12 Mopti – Bamako Trek out of the Dogon. Farewell those continuing on to Burkina Faso then take your unescorted private transfer to Mopti. Spend a day exploring Mopti (unguided). After a night in a hotel, board a flight to Bamako, where the tour ends on arrival.

Djenné

MALI

Mopti Dogon Country

Segou Bamako Mali Magic

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gAMM

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 6 nights participatory camping, 2 nights hotel, 3 nights Dogon village rooftop. Group size: Maximum 18. Meals: 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners. Parks: 3 days UNESCO Heritage site (Dogon Country). Other: You will be trekking on terrain with plenty of ascents and descents, often on steep and narrow trails. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect EUR200 from each person on Day 1 in Bamako. Prices: See page 3. Dates: GAMM Start Finish Tue Thu 2012 19-Sep 30-Sep 19-Dec 30-Dec 2013 20-Mar 31-Mar

Reverse Dates: GAMMR Start Finish Tue Thu 2012 13-Nov 24-Nov 2013 12-Feb 23-Feb

One of many highlights Dogon Trek We trek West Africa’s finest trail, following the Bandiagara Escarpment, home to intriguing cultures, fabulous legends and staggering views of the surrounding countryside.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gamm www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gammr

www.geckosadventures.com

west AFRI CA

Senegal Safari

12 Days

With ancient kingdoms, colonial outposts, vibrant cultures and brilliant nature reserves, Senegal’s lively spirit shines from downtown Dakar to soulful Saint-Louis. Relax into the languid vibe on a captivating journey through a West African jewel. Day 1 Dakar – Île de Gorée

Day 9 Wassu Stone circles – Georgetown Visit the World Heritage listed stone circles of Wassu, the remarkably preserved, 1200 year-old burial sites of local kings and chieftains. Afterwards we drive to Georgetown, also known as Jangjang-bureh, and explore the colonial relics and busy streets of this upstream island city.

Saint-Louis Touba

Dakar

SENEGAL

Banjul

Gambia River

Days 10-12 Wassadou – Dakar Cross back into Senegal. Camp the night by the thatched village of Wassadou. Travel to Dakar by private transfer, and spend a final night in the capital (unescorted).

Arrive in Senegal's capital Dakar. Camp overnight on Île De Gorée, an island renowned for its Atlantic slave trade memorial, and three museums of, respectively, Senegalese history, women and the sea.

Day 2 Île de Gorée – Lac Rose Visit the House of Slaves and tour on foot the rest of the carless island once run by, in turn, the Portuguese, Dutch, British and French. Take a ferry back to the mainland to camp in the sand dunes by Lac Rose, and float in the high salt, high buoyancy pink lake.

Days 3-4 Barbarie National Park – Saint-Louis Camp alongside the wildlife haven and twitcher’s delight of Barbarie, at a beachside camp. Revel in its famed birdlife and peaceful ambience of the park then explore the lively cobbled streets and colonial facades of the former capital of Saint-Louis by horse and buggy. Seek out live music in the evening.

Days 5-6 Touba – Kaolack Visit the holy Sufi city of Touba and see the fairytale minarets and domes of the grand mosque. Head to Kaolack on the Saloum River and wander through the makeshift grain and goods stalls of the local market. The following day, explore the languid waters and mangroves of Sine-Saloum Delta by boat.

Days 7-8 Gambia River Cross into The Gambia and explore an ‘enchanted forest’ before embarking on a journey down the namesake river. Sleep overnight on the boat and ease into the relaxed rhythms of life along the waterway.

MALI

Tambacounda Wassadou

THE GAMBIA

Senegal Safari

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

gASG

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 10 nights participatory camping, 1 night hotel. Group size: Maximum 18. Meals: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners. Parks: 1 day in Barbarie National Park. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect EUR200 from each person on Day 1 in Dakar. Prices: See page 3. Dates: GASG Start Finish Sat Sun 2012 08-Sep 19-Sep 08-Dec 19-Dec 2013 09-Mar 20-Mar

Reverse Dates: GASGR Start Finish Sat Sun 2012 24-Nov 05-Dec 2013 23-Feb 06-Mar

One of many highlights Saint- Louis Music Africa’s answer to Havana mixes music, colonial charm and a laid-back feel. We relax in Saint-Louis, and soak up its musical buzz, a heady cocktail of French and West African vibes.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gasg www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gasgr

www.geckosadventures.com

west AFRICA

BENIN TOGO

GHANA

Accra

Abomey Ganvié Lake Porto-Novo Lomé Ouidah

Gold Coaster

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gAGC

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 1 night hotel, 7 nights participatory camping, 1 night stilt village. Group size: Maximum 18. Meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinners. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect EUR200 from each person on Day 1 in Accra. Prices: See page 3. Start Finish Wed Fri 2012 10-Oct 19-Oct 25-Oct 03-Nov

2013 09-Jan 18-Jan 24-Jan 02-Feb 10-Apr 19-Apr

One of many highlights

Gold Coaster

10 Days

From a golden stretch of Ghana coast, travel by magnificent villages, mountains views, butterfly-strewn forest and waterfalls, and on to the seat of ancient kingdoms, the birth place of voodoo and the fetish markets of Togo. Day 1 Kokrobite Beach (Accra) Arrive in Accra anytime and head to Kokrobite Beach: swim, surf, wander and kick back with happy, easy going locals. Big Milly’s, our beach camp, is local legend and a great first port of call in West Africa.

Days 2-3 Accra – Kpalime – Mt Agou Cross the border into Togo and head into the steamy green forest and orange dirt roads of Kpalime. In the morning, trek through local villages with magnificent views to the summit of Mt Agou. On return, we stop at the beautiful Kpime Falls for a refreshing swim. Keep an eye out for chameleons and butterflies on this fascinating 4 hour walk. We stay two nights in this remote mountainous region.

Day 4 Klouto – Abomey

Hike Mt Agou Days 5-6 Abomey – Ganvie Stilt Village

It’s hot work on the trail, so a dip at the beautiful Kpime Falls is well-earned luxury. Afterwards, we keep well offthe-beaten-track by staying at a remote mountain abbey.

Visit the Palace of Abomey, the former royal seat of the Dahomey kingdom. Take a boat out to Ganvie stilt village, set on a huge lake on the border with Nigeria. Watch life unfold by the tranquil waters and stay overnight in a thatched home on stilts.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gagc

Day 7 Ouidah Experience the shuffling, writhing, drumming and music of voodoo while watching a ceremony in its birthplace. See the temple of pythons where snakes are revered and learn about the mystical and largely misunderstood practices of voodoo. Walk the ‘Avenue of Slaves’ and see the ‘Door of No Return’ at the beachfront.

Day 8 Togoville – Lome Cross back into Togo and visit the cathedral and voodoo shrines of Togoville. Continue to the capital, Lome, where we visit the local fetish market – filled with the bizarre and often gruesome ingredients used by voodoo practitioners.

Days 9-10 Kokrobite Beach (Accra) We cross back into Ghana and spend our final days relaxing at Kokrobite Beach. Please book additional accommodation or a departure transfer, if you’d like, at the time of booking.

Get up early – morning is the best time of day to see the butterflies and beautiful views at Klouto. After leaving the cool mountains we cross the border into Benin and continue to Abomey.

Ghana Beach Break

4 Days

Chill out on a West African beach with this extension trip. Enjoy the tranquility, sandy beach, laid-back lifestyle and delicious seafood. Days 1-3 Kokrobite Beach (Accra) We enjoy our beach escape in Big Milly's Backyard, a laid-back beach guesthouse located near the small fishing village of Kokrobite, not far from the Ghanaian capital, Accra. We enjoy a sandy beach and tropical waters – ideal for recreation and relaxing. You can go swimming, surfing, enjoy hikes in the surrounding hills or learn how to beat a drum!

Day 4 Kokrobite Beach Our beach escape ends today after breakfast.

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gAGX

Accommodation: 3 nights local guesthouse. Meals: 3 breakfasts. Local Payment: There is no local payment for this extension. Prices: See page 3. Trip departs daily.

One of many highlights Accra - Big Milly’s Backyard Big Milly’s is where it’s at in Accra, a beachside campsite among coconut palms, where hammocks sway, the bar’s well-stocked, and the freshest fish is served daily. Bliss!

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gagx

www.geckosadventures.com

west AFRI CA

Best of Senegal & Mali

23 Days

Trek, dance, drive and cruise amongst the top highlights of Senegal, The Gambia and Mali, and experience the diverse culture, history and good time vibes of beautiful West Africa.

Days 10-13 Wassadou – Bamako – Kalabankoro Spend time in the remote, lush region of Wassadou, then drive through peanut farms and villages to arrive in Mali’s capital, Bamako. In the evening, we delve deeper into West African rhythms during a drumming session. After free time in the morning, we head out to Kalabankoro to visit a local school and micro-credit organisation – two of Mali’s development initiatives.

Day 1 Dakar – Île de Gorée

Days 14-15 Bamako – Mopti

Arrive in Senegal's capital Dakar. Camp overnight on Île De Gorée, an island renowned for its Atlantic slave trade memorial, three museums of, respectively, Senegalese history, women and the sea, and a small beach.

Drive to Mopti, with brief stops to admire the adobe buildings of the former riverside capital of Segou and at a small village to watch shea butter being made. The following day, explore Mopti, the ‘Venice of Mali’, including the grand mosque and bustling port complete with salt slabs arriving from Timbuktu. Get amongst the swirl and colour of the ladies’ market.

Day 2 Île de Gorée – Lac Rose Visit the House of Slaves and tour on foot the rest of the carless island once run by, in turn, the Portuguese, Dutch, British and French. Ride ferry back to the mainland to camp in the sand dunes by Lac Rose, and float in the high salt, high buoyancy pink lake.

Day 16 Niger River Take a classic journey by local ‘pinasse’ down West Africa’s grandest river. Watch the sun set over tiny fishing villages and spend a night camping on the river’s remote banks.

Days 3-4 Barbarie National Park – Saint-Louis

Day 17 Djenné

Camp alongside the wildlife haven and twitcher’s delight of Barbarie, at a beachside camp. Revel in its famed birdlife and the peaceful ambience of the park then explore the lively cobbled streets and colonial facades of the former capital of Saint-Louis by horse and buggy. Seek out live music in the evening.

Arrive in Djenné in the early morning and get lost in the vibrant mix of tribes at Djenné’s Monday market beneath the huge mud walls of the Grand Mosque. In the afternoon visit a Fulani village and perhaps purchase a set of famed gold earrings. We camp on the rooftops in the heart of the old town.

Days 5-6 Touba – Kaolack

Days 18-20 Dogon Country

Visit the holy Sufi city of Touba and see the fairytale minarets and domes of the grand mosque. Head to Kaolak on the Saloum River and wander through the makeshift grain and goods stalls of the local market. The following day, explore the languid waters and mangroves of Sine-Saloum Delta by boat.

Cross into The Gambia and explore an ‘enchanted forest’ before embarking on a journey down the namesake river. Sleep overnight on the boat and ease into the relaxed rhythms of life along the waterway.

Trek down the escarpment into the Pays Dogon and walk through this wondrous region of the fascinating Dogon tribe. See Tellem houses built into the cliffs of Bandiagara, elaborate rock paintings, wooden sculptures and famed masked dancing. The mythology, architecture and culture of this area are truly astounding, and to learn about them in such remote, unusual climes is a rare and special experience. Trek over flat sandy terrain from four to six kilometres per day and spend three nights sleeping beneath the stars on village rooftops.

Day 9 Wassu Stone circles – Georgetown

Days 21-23 Mopti – Bamako

Visit the World Heritage listed stone circles of Wassu, the remarkably preserved, 1200 year-old burial sites of local kings and chieftains. Afterwards we drive to Georgetown, also known as Jangjang-bureh, and explore the colonial relics and busy streets of this upstream island city.

Trek out of the Dogon. Farewell those continuing on to Burkina Faso then take your unescorted private transfer to Mopti. Spend a day exploring Mopti (unguided). After a night in a hotel, board a flight to Bamako, where the tour ends on arrival.

Days 7-8 Gambia River

Saint-Louis Touba

Dakar

SENEGAL

Banjul

Gambia River

Tambacounda Wassadou

THE GAMBIA

MALI

Djenné Segou

Bamako

Best of Senegal & Mali

www.geckosadventures.com

Mopti Dogon Country

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gASM

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 16 nights participatory camping, 3 nights Dogon village rooftop, 1 night riverboat, 2 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 18. Meals: 22 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 17 dinners. Parks: Includes 3 days in parks & reserves. 2 days: UNESCO Heritage site (Dogon Country). 1 day: Barbarie National Park. Other: You will be trekking on terrain with plenty of ascents and descents, often on steep and narrow trails. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect EUR400 from each person on Day 1 in Dakar. Prices: See page 3. Dates: GASM Reverse Dates: GASMR Starts Bamako, ends Dakar Start Finish Sat Fri 2012 08-Sep 30-Sep 08-Dec 30-Dec 2013 09-Mar 31-Mar

Start Finish Sat Fri 2012 13-Nov 05-Dec 2013 12-Feb 06-Mar

One of many highlights Mali Initiative Visiting the Mali Initiative’s work is a powerful point in our travels, getting us far from the guidebooks as we meet locals and learn about the Initiative’s important development work.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gasm www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gasmr

west AFRICA

Voodoo Kingdoms

22 Days

Discover the music and jumping nightlife of West Africa then revel in bustling markets, traditional villages and sublime nature, before exploring the fetish markets, voodoo ceremonies and other oddities for which the region is renowned.

Days 12-13 Kakum National Park – Kokrobite Beach

Day 1 Ouagadougou

Days 14-15 Accra – Kpalime – Mt Agou

Arrive anytime in Ouaga, Burkina Faso’s vibrant capital, and perhaps spend Friday evening amid the city’s modern, thriving nightlife.

Cross the border into Togo and head into the steamy green forest and orange dirt roads of Kpalime. In the morning, trek through local villages with magnificent views to the summit of Mt Agou. On return, we stop at the beautiful Kpime Falls for a refreshing swim. Keep an eye out for chameleons and butterflies on this fascinating 4 hour walk. We stay two nights in a remote mountain abbey.

Days 2-3 Bobo-Dioulasso A pleasant market, a distinctive mosque and a fascinating old quarter, Bobo-Dioulasso is made for relaxed daytime wandering. At night, however, Bobo is a hotbed of live music and dance, no more so than on Saturday night. Enjoy percussive, fun performances over a few drinks and a bowl of fried caterpillars.

Day 4 Banfora An easy run from Bobo, here you can explore the Sindou rock formations and take a walk through mango orchards for a refreshing swim at the beautiful Karfiguela waterfalls.

Days 5-6 Gaoua – Tiebele Home to the Lobi people, explore Gaoua’s unusual compounds and learn of their fetish and ancestor spirit worship. The following day, visit the symbolic and intricately decorated village of Tiebele and spend another day in some of the least visited and most remote climes in the world.

Days 7-8 Bolgatenga – Mole National Park We cross the border into Ghana and head for Bolga, through a region of painted mud homes. Beyond lays Mole National Park, renowned for its elephant population. Over two days, we explore and camp in the park, going on safari in search of antelope, monkey, warthog, baboon and elephants. A highlight is an early morning guided walk.

Day 9 Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary The sanctuary is a small forest and ecotourism site between the twin towns of Boabeng and Fiema. Here monkeys are sacred and live in harmony with the villagers. Wander the sanctuary trails, look out for the shy colobus monkey and get up close to the inquisitive mona monkeys. We stay at a local hotel or in the village.

Days 10-11 Kumasi – Cape Coast – Kakum National Park Continue south to the former capital of the Ashanti Empire and visit the Royal Palace. Soak up the welcome sight of the Atlantic Ocean, before learning of the harrowing history at the Cape Coast slave castle. We camp at Kakum National Park.

Kakum covers lush tropical rainforest replete with medicinal plants, butterflies, civets, meerkats, monkeys and pygmy elephants. Take a guided canopy walk amongst the tree-tops and learn about the flora before heading to the beach: swim, surf, wander and kick back with happy, easy going locals. Big Milly’s, our beach camp, is a local legend – you’re sure to relish your time here.

Day 16 Klouto – Abomey Get up early – morning is the best time of day to see the butterflies and beautiful views at Klouto. After leaving the cool mountains we cross the border into Benin and continue to Abomey.

Day 17 Abomey – Ganvie Stilt Village Visit the Palace of Abomey, the former royal seat of the Dahomey kingdom. Take a boat out to Ganvie stilt village, set on a huge lake on the border with Nigeria. Watch life unfold by the tranquil waters and stay overnight in a thatched home on stilts.

Days 18-19 Ouidah Experience the shuffling, writhing, drumming and music of voodoo while watching a ceremony in its birthplace. See the temple of pythons where snakes are revered and learn about the mystical and largely misunderstood practices of voodoo. Walk the ‘Avenue of Slaves’ and see the ‘Door of No Return’ at the beachfront.

Day 20 Togoville – Lome Cross back into Togo, we visit the cathedral and voodoo shrines of Togoville. Continue to the capital, Lome, where we visit the local fetish market – filled with the bizarre and often gruesome ingredients used by voodoo practitioners.

Days 21-22 Kokrobite Beach (Accra) We cross back into Ghana and spend our final day and night relaxing at Kokrobite Beach. Tour ends the following morning. Please book additional accommodation or a departure transfer if you’d like, at the time of booking.

gAVK

Tour Code:

TRIP INFO

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 17 nights participatory camping, 1 night stilt village, 3 nights hotel. Group size: Maximum 18. Meals: 21 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 13 dinners. Parks: Total of 3 days in parks & reserves. 2 days: Mole National Park. 1 day: Kakum National Park. Local Payment: Your tour guide will collect EUR400 from each person on Day 1 in Ouagadougou. Prices: See page 3. Dates: GAVK

Reverse Dates: GAVKR Starts Accra, ends Ouagadougou.

Start Finish Sat Sat 2012 28-Sep 19-Oct 28-Dec 18-Jan 2013 29-Mar 19-Apr

Start Finish Sat Sat 2012 25-Oct 15-Nov 2013 24-Jan 14-Feb

One of many highlights Voodoo Ceremony Devout and propulsive, catching a voodoo ceremony is utterly hypnotic, the worshippers lost in prayer and dancing in celebration. A frenzied atmosphere, and a West African must.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gavk www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gavkr Ouagadougou Bobo-Dioulasso Banfora

Gaoua

BURKINA FASO BENIN

Mole NP

GHANA

TOGO

Kumasi Voodoo Kingdoms Cape Coast

Accra

Abomey Ganvié Lake

Lomé Ouidah

www.geckosadventures.com

west AFRI CA

Wild West Africa

22 Days

Explore the fascinating lands, rivers and cultures of Africa’s wild west. Get off the beaten track and discover tiny villages, richly adorned people, lost civilisations, languid waterways, grand mosques and jaw-dropping fetish markets and voodoo ceremonies. Days 1-2 Bamako – Kalabankoro Arrive anytime in Mali’s capital, Bamako. In the evening, we delve deeper into West African rhythms during a drumming session. After free time in the morning, we head out to Kalabankoro to visit a local school and micro-credit organisation – two of Mali’s development initiatives.

Days 3-4 Bamako – Mopti Drive to Mopti, with brief stops to admire the adobe buildings of the former riverside capital of Segou and at a small village to watch shea butter being made. The following day we explore Mopti, the ‘Venice of Mali’, including the grand mosque and bustling port replete with salt slabs arriving from Timbuktu. Get amongst the swirl and colour of the ladies’ market.

Day 6 Djenné Arrive in Djenné in the early morning and get lost in the vibrant mix of tribes at Djenné’s Monday market beneath the huge mud walls of the Grand Mosque. In the afternoon visit a Fulani village and perhaps purchase a set of famed gold earrings. We camp on the rooftops in the heart of the old town.

Days 7-9 Dogon Country

Days 14-15 Gaoua – Tiebele Home to the Lobi people, explore Gaoua’s unusual compounds and learn of their fetish and ancestor spirit worship. The following day, visit the symbolic and intricately decorated village of Tiebele and spend another day in some of the least visited and most remote places in the world.

Days 16-17 Bolgatenga – Mole National Park We cross the border into Ghana and head for Bolga through a region of painted mud homes. Beyond lays Mole National Park, renowned for its elephant population. Over two days, we explore and camp in the park, going on safari in search of antelope, monkey, warthog, baboon and elephants. A highlight is an early morning guided walk.

Segou Bamako

Ouagadougou

The sanctuary is a small forest and ecotourism site between the twin towns of Boabeng and Fiema. Here monkeys are sacred and live in harmony with the villagers. Wander the sanctuary trails, look out for the shy colobus monkeys and get up close to the inquisitive mona monkeys. We stay at a local hotel or in the village.

Days 19-20 Kumasi – Cape Coast – Kakum National Park Continue south to the former capital of the Ashanti Empire and visit the Royal Palace. Soak up the welcome sight of the Atlantic Ocean, before learning of the harrowing history at the Cape Coast slave castle. We camp at Kakum National Park.

Days 21-22 Kakum National Park – Kokrobite Beach (Accra) Kakum covers lush tropical rainforest replete with medicinal plants, butterflies, civets, meerkats, monkeys and pygmy elephants. Take a guided canopy walk amongst the tree-tops and learn about the flora before heading to the beach: swim, surf, wander and kick back with happy, easy going locals. Big Milly’s, our beach camp, is a local legend – you’re sure to relish your final day here.

Day 10 Ouagadougou Trek out of the Dogon and cross into Burkina Faso. Drive to Ouaga, Burkina Faso’s vibrant capital, and perhaps spend Friday evening amid the city’s modern, thriving nightlife.

Days 11-12 Bobo-Dioulasso A pleasant market, a distinctive mosque and a fascinating old quarter, Bobo-Dioulasso is made for relaxed daytime wandering. At night, however, Bobo is a hotbed of live music and dance, no more so than on Saturday night. Enjoy percussive, fun performances over a few drinks and a bowl of fried caterpillars.

Day 13 Banfora An easy run from Bobo, here you can explore the Sindou rock formations and take a walk through mango orchards for a refreshing swim at the beautiful Karfiguela waterfalls.

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BURKINA FASO

Bobo-Dioulasso Banfora

Gaoua

Mole NP

GHANA Kumasi

Day 18 Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary

Mopti Dogon Country

Djenné

MALI

Cape Coast

Accra

Wild West Africa

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gAWI

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 16 nights participatory camping, 2 nights hotel, 3 nights Dogon village rooftop. Group size: Maximum 18. Meals: 21 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 15 dinners. Parks: Includes 5 days in parks and reserves. 2 days UNESCO Heritage site (Dogon Country); Mole National Park. 1 Day: Kakum National Park. Other: You will be trekking on terrain with plenty of ascents and descents, often on steep and narrow trails. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect EUR400 from each person on Day 1 in Bamako. Prices: See page 3. Dates: GAWI Reverse Dates: GAWIR Starts Accra, ends Bamako Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 19-Sep 10-Oct 19-Dec 09-Jan 2013 20-Mar 10-Apr

Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 03-Nov 24-Nov 2013 02-Feb 23-Feb

One of many highlights Bobo Dioulasso Bobo’s streets are alive with music – take a walk and seek out open-air bars where Burkina Faso’s distinctive sounds roll out, grab a local mijo bar and enjoy.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gawi www.geckosadventures.com/trips/gawir

west AFRICA

West Africa Rhythm & Roots Feel the percussive rhythm and delve deep into West African life on this unforgettable journey. Explore thriving nightlife, brilliant beaches, enchanting nature and the far and away villages and captivating culture of Dogon Country, as well as the strange roots of fetish worship and voodoo. Days 1-4 Bamako – Mopti Arrive anytime in Mali’s capital, Bamako. In the evening, we delve into West African rhythms during a drumming session. After free time in the morning, we head out to Kalabankoro to visit a local school and micro-credit organisation – two of Mali’s development initiatives. The following morning we drive to Mopti, with brief stops to admire the adobe buildings of the former riverside capital of Segou and at a small village to watch shea butter being made. Explore Mopti, the ‘Venice of Mali’, including the grand mosque, the bustling port, replete with salt slabs from Timbuktu, and the swirl and colour of the ladies’ market.

Days 5-6 Niger River – Djenné Take a classic journey by local ‘pinasse’ down West Africa’s grandest river. Watch the sun set over tiny fishing villages and spend a night camping on the river’s remote banks, before arriving in Djenné in the morning. Visit the colourfully adorned Fulani people at a nearby village, wander through Djenné’s rich mix of tribes at the Monday market beneath the huge mud walls of the Grand Mosque and discover the hidden surprises of this exotic river-island city. We camp on the rooftops in the heart of the old town.

Days 7-9 Dogon Country Trek down the escarpment into the Pays Dogon and walk through this wondrous region of fascinating tribes. See Tellem houses built into the cliffs of Bandiagara, elaborate rock paintings, wooden sculptures and famed masked dancing. The mythology, architecture and culture of this area are truly astounding, and to learn about them in such remote, unusual climes is a rare and special experience. Trek over flat sandy terrain from four to six km per day and spend three nights sleeping beneath the stars on village rooftops.

Days 10-12 Ouagadougou – Bobo-Dioulasso Once we’ve trekked out of the Dogon and crossed into Burkina Faso, we drive to the capital of Ouagadougou and spend Friday evening amid the city’s modern, thriving nightlife before heading to Bobo. A pleasant market, a distinctive mosque and a fascinating old quarter makes Bobo-Dioulasso perfect for relaxed daytime wandering. At night, however, Bobo is a hotbed of live music and dance, no more so than on Saturday night. Enjoy percussive, fun performances over a few drinks and a bowl of fried caterpillars.

Day 13 Banfora

31 Days

Days 16-18 Mole National Park – BoabengFiema Monkey Sanctuary We cross the border into Ghana and head for Bolgatenga, through a region of painted mud homes. Beyond lies Mole National Park, renowned for its elephant population. Explore and camp in the park, going on safari in search of antelope, monkey, warthog, baboon and elephants. Later visit the monkey sanctuary, consisting of a small forest and ecotourism site between the twin towns of Boabeng and Fiema. The monkeys are sacred and live in harmony with the villagers. Wander the sanctuary trails, look out for the shy colobus monkeys and get up close to the inquisitive mona monkeys. We stay at a local hotel or in the village.

MALI

Mopti Dogon Country

Djenné Segou

Bamako

Ouagadougou

Banfora

Gaoua

Kumasi

Continue south to the former capital of the Ashanti Empire and visit the Royal Palace. Soak up the welcome sight of the Atlantic Ocean, before learning of the harrowing history at the Cape Coast slave castle. We camp at Kakum National Park.

Cape Coast

Days 23-25 Kpalime – Mt Agou – Klouto Cross the border into Togo and head into the steamy forest and dirt roads of Kpalime. In the morning, trek through local villages with magnificent views to the summit of Mt Agou. On return, we stop at the beautiful Kpime Falls for a refreshing swim. Keep an eye out for chameleons and butterflies on this fascinating four hour walk. We stay two nights in this remote mountainous region before an early morning visit to see the butterflies and beautiful views at Klouto. After leaving the cool mountains, we cross the border into Benin and continue to Abomey.

Day 26 Abomey – Ganvie Stilt Village Visit the Palace of Abomey, the former royal seat of the Dahomey kingdom. Take a boat out to Ganvie stilt village, set on a huge lake on the border with Nigeria. Watch life unfold by the tranquil waters and stay overnight in a thatched home on stilts.

Days 27-28 Ouidah Experience the shuffling, writhing, drumming and music of voodoo while watching a ceremony in its birthplace. See the temple of pythons where snakes are revered and learn about the mystical and largely misunderstood practices of voodoo. Walk the ‘Avenue of Slaves’ and see the ‘Door of No Return’ at the beachfront.

Day 29 Togoville – Lome

An easy run from Bobo, here you can explore the Sindou rock formations and take a walk through mango orchards for a refreshing swim at the beautiful Karfiguela waterfalls.

Cross back into Togo, we visit the cathedral and voodoo shrines of Togoville. Continue to the capital, Lome, where we visit the local fetish market – filled with the bizarre and often gruesome ingredients used by voodoo practitioners.

Days 14-15 Gaoua – Tiebele

Days 30-31 Kokrobite Beach (Accra)

Home to the Lobi people, explore Gaoua’s unusual compounds and learn of their fetish and ancestor spirit worship. The following day, visit the symbolic and intricately decorated village of Tiebele and spend a day in some of the least visited and most remote climes in the world.

We cross back into Ghana and spend our final days relaxing at Kobrabite Beach. Please book additional accommodation or a departure transfer if you’d like, at the time of booking.

BENIN

Mole NP

GHANA

Days 19-20 Kumasi – Cape Coast – Kakum National Park

Days 21-22 Kakum National Park – Kokrobite Beach

BURKINA FASO

Bobo-Dioulasso

TOGO

Accra

Abomey Ganvié Lake

Lomé Ouidah

West Africa Rhythm & Roots

TRIP INFO

Tour Code:

gARR

Nuts & bolts: Includes transport in a custom-built safari vehicle, 3 experienced local safari crew, all park fees & camping equipment. Accommodation: 23 nights participatory camping, 3 nights hotel, 1 night riverboat, 3 nights Dogon village rooftop. Group size: Maximum 18 Meals: 30 breakfasts, 28 lunches, 20 dinners. Parks: Includes 5 days in parks and reserves. 2 days: UNESCO Heritage site (Dogon Country); Mole National Park. 1 day: Kakum National Park. Other: You will be trekking on terrain with plenty of ascents and descents, often on steep and narrow trails. Local payment: Your tour guide will collect EUR600 from each person on Day 1 in Bamako. Prices: See page 3. Dates: GARR Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 19-Sep 19-Oct 19-Dec 18-Jan 2013 20-Mar 19-Apr

Reverse Dates: GARRR Starts Accra, ends Bamako. Start Finish Sat Wed 2012 25-Oct 24-Nov 2013 24-Jan 23-Feb

One of many highlights Mole National Park - BoabengFiema Monkey Sanctuary Monkeys are sacred here, and you’ll likely spot many, including the colobus and mona, as you walk the forest trails in this seldom-visited part of rural Ghana.

Full details of inclusions & trip notes: www.geckosadventures.com/trips/garr www.geckosadventures.com/trips/garrr

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booking conditions This is where your journey begins! Please read these booking conditions carefully. They set out your agreement with Gecko’s and contain important information. We’ve tried to keep the fine print to a minimum, so please bear with us. The trips described in this brochure are operated by Peregrine Adventures Pty Ltd trading as Gecko’s Adventures, which has its head office in Melbourne, Australia (“Gecko’s”). The Contract These Booking Conditions contain important information. It is essential that you carefully read and understand them. The Booking Conditions constitute a legally binding contract between Gecko’s and you for the services provided by Gecko’s and set out the basis of your legal relationship with Gecko’s. By booking with us and paying the nonrefundable deposit of $250 per passenger, per trip, or full payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be legally bound by these Booking Conditions. In addition to this deposit, some trekking permits are required to be paid at time of booking and are non-refundable and non-changeable. Acceptance of your booking will be confirmed in writing to you or your travel agent, and a contract comes into existence on the date shown on your confirmation letter or email. If you have any queries regarding these Conditions or do not understand them, please raise your query with a member of our staff. 1) PRICES AND VALIDITY Prices are on twin share basis, and based on costs and exchange rates applicable when this brochure was printed. Gecko’s reserves the right to adjust prices whether or not you have already made full payment. We will do everything with in our control not to adjust prices and will generally only amend prices in the event of marked fluctuations in exchange rates, fuel costs and other operating costs on which prices are based. Dates and itineraries departing after 31 December 2012 are indicative only and subject to change. Airfares (except when otherwise stated), passport and visa fees, travel insurance, excess baggage charges, airport taxes, gratuities to Guides and site guides, extra meals, laundry, drinks, medical expenses, optional activities and trips, and any items of a personal nature are not included in your trip price. 2) YOUR TRIP AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK Gecko’s operates trips in regions where standards of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, medical facilities and other infrastructure may, at times, not be of the standard that you are used to at home. By booking with us you acknowledge that participation in all Gecko’s trips involves inherent risks that may not be present in the case of conventional or less demanding holidays. These risks include, without limitation, the possibility of injury or death, psychological trauma, disease, loss or damage to property, inconvenience and discomfort. The possibility of experiencing all or some of these risks is likely to be higher if participation in a Gecko’s trip involves visiting remote or unstable regions, or regions where there is dangerous wildlife. When assessing whether trips will operate Gecko’s uses information from its local offices in conjunction with advice from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the British Foreign Office and the US Department of State. It is your responsibility to accustom yourself with the travel advice provided by these government bodies, as well as that of your country of residency, before commencing the trip. By booking with Gecko’s you acknowledge your decision to travel on a Gecko’s trip is made after due consideration of relevant travel information that may be made available at any time. 3) EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY Except where stated otherwise, Gecko’s acts as agent for service providers when making arrangements for your trip. Where Gecko’s provides services it will do so with due care and skill. Gecko’s is not responsible for the acts and omissions of others, including tour guides, airlines and accommodation providers or for any loss, damage, death, injury or expense (including loss of money paid in advance), which you may incur as a consequence of the acts and omissions of others. You warrant that you have not relied on any

representation made by Gecko’s, any travel agent or other Representative, which has not been stated expressly in this brochure. Gecko’s will not accept responsibility or liability if you contravene any law or regulation of any country or region visited. Any independent arrangements that you make that are not part of the Gecko’s trip (including pre- and post accommodation) are entirely at your own risk and Gecko’s cannot and does not give you any assurance, representation or warranty in connection with any such arrangements. To the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the exception set out below, Gecko’s does not accept liability for any loss, death, injury or damage, however caused (including through negligence), which you may directly or indirectly suffer in connection with or arising from this contract or your participation in a trip, or in respect of a failure or omission on the part of Gecko’s to comply with its obligations under this contract, or in respect of any other conduct that Gecko’s undertakes in connection with a trip. To the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the exception set out below, you also agree to release Gecko’s and its officers, employees, agents and representatives (“Representatives”) from all costs, liability, loss and damage incurred by you in connection with your participation in any trip, and waive any associated claims that you may have against Gecko’s or its Representatives as a result of your participation in any trip. For these purposes, Gecko’s enters into these Booking Conditions as trustee or agent for its Representatives. To the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the exception set out below, any condition or warranty, which would otherwise be implied into these Booking Conditions is excluded. Where legislation implies any condition or warranty, and that legislation prohibits us from excluding or modifying the application of, or our liability under, any such condition or warranty, that condition or warranty will be deemed included but our liability will be limited for a breach of that condition or warranty to one or more of the following: (a) if the breach relates to goods, (i) the replacement of the goods or the supply of equivalent goods, (ii) the repair of such goods, (iii) the payment of the cost of replacing the goods or of acquiring equivalent goods or (iv) the payment of the cost of having the goods repaired; and (b) if the breach relates to services, (i) the supplying of the services again or (ii) the payment of the cost of having the services supplied again. Exception The “Exclusion of Liability” section set out in these Booking Conditions does not attempt or purport to exclude, restrict or modify liability arising under, or remedies that may be available to you, pursuant to legislation where the exclusion, restriction or modification of liability or remedies is not permitted. This includes legislation in part of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), and any state or territory Fair Trading Act (or its equivalent). 4) CANCELLATION BY GECKO’S Gecko’s reserves the right to cancel a departure and will advise you of such cancellations no later than 30 days before the tour departure date. If due to ‘Force Majeure’ or government travel advice, Gecko’s reserves the right to cancel a departure, including a guaranteed one, at any time. With any form of cancellation, Gecko’s will offer you alternative arrangements, and if the price of your alternative booking is of lower value than the original booking we will refund the difference to you. If you do not accept alternative arrangements we will refund all payments you have made to Gecko’s, (in case of ‘Force Majeure’ or government travel advice refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs). Gecko’s will not be liable for any additional costs incurred by you. Force Majeure Gecko’s will not be liable for any delay in, change to or cancellation of trips due to ‘Force Majeure’. ‘Force Majeure’ means a circumstance beyond the reasonable control of Gecko’s and includes, but is not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, industrial or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and strikes.

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5) CANCELLATION BY YOU If you wish to cancel all or any part of your booking, notification of cancellation must be made to Gecko’s in writing. The date of the cancellation is the date on which Gecko’s receives written notification. Days before departure Charge applicable as follows, per person: More than 56 days Loss of deposit and cost of Gorilla permit Between 56 and 31 days Loss of 50% of total booking cost and cost of Gorilla permit 30 days or less Loss of 100% of total booking cost and cost of Gorilla permit Cancellation fees for air tickets issued by or on behalf of Gecko’s will apply as determined by Airline Tariff Regulations, and may vary as to the type of ticket issued. Depending on the reason for your cancellation, these charges may be recoverable under any insurance policy you have purchased. If you do not pay the balance of your total booking cost at least 56 days prior to departure your booking may be terminated and you will lose your deposit. Additional Gecko’s cancellation penalties may apply. No refunds will be made if you leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilised. 6) BOOKING AMENDMENTS If you wish to change your booking in any way, the following fees will apply: 1. Transfer from one tour to another. Amendment request received by Gecko’s 56 days or more prior to the original tour departure date: $150 per person per trip will be levied and must be paid prior to any transfer being confirmed. Amendment request received by Gecko’s within 56 days prior to the original tour departure date: charges will apply as per cancellation fees. 2. Amendments to your booking, in relation to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your tour (e.g. pre- and post tour accommodation, transfers, etc), received by Gecko’s within 56 days prior to tour departure date will be subject to a $100 administration fee per change. This fee is in addition to any charges levied by ground operators, hotels or airlines. 3. No amendments are permitted to your booking within 10 days of departure. 7) CHANGES TO YOUR HOLIDAY You acknowledge that travelling with Gecko’s requires a degree of flexibility, good humour, and an understanding that the itinerary, accommodation, and/or modes of transport may change, even after a tour’s commencement, without prior notice due to local circumstances. Changes may occur because of ‘Force Majeure’, poor road conditions, weather, the availability of tickets, vehicle breakdowns, changes in transport schedules, or other circumstances beyond Gecko’s’ control or which simply cannot be foreseen. Gecko’s does not accept any responsibility for loss of enjoyment, delays or compensation resulting from circumstances beyond Gecko’s’ control. You acknowledge that group sizes may also vary during the duration of your tour. The information about trips given in this brochure, Trip Notes and Pre-Departure Information are subject to change. It is your responsibility to review the up-to-date Trip Notes and Pre-Departure Information. These can be obtained from Gecko’s, Gecko’s’ website or your travel agent. The information and conditions in the Trip Notes and Pre-Departure Information are deemed to be part of the contract. Where changes to your trip occur after you have received your final documentation we will, where practical, advise you or your travel agent of such changes. 8) AUTHORITY OF THE GUIDE At all times the decision of the Gecko’s guide or representative (“Gecko’s Guide”) will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip. This includes any decision that the Gecko’s Guide makes about your on-going participation in the trip or certain activities that comprise part of the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a Gecko’s Guide, or interfere with the well-being of the

group, then the Gecko’s Guide reserves the right to terminate this contract and order you to leave the tour immediately, with no right of refund. 9) COMPLAINTS If you have any complaint about your trip, you must make it known at the earliest opportunity to the Guide and/or Gecko’s local representative, who will normally be able to take appropriate action. If at the end of the trip you feel your complaint has not been properly dealt with you must notify us in writing within 30 days of the end of your trip. 10) TRAVEL INSURANCE Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all Gecko’s’ travellers. Your travel insurance must cover accidents, injury, illness and death medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable) and personal liability. Gecko’s also recommends it covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested by Gecko’s’ employees or suppliers. Gecko’s reserves the right to cancel or suspend your participation on a trip or in certain activities that comprise part of a trip, at any time, including after the commencement of your tour, with no right of refund, if you are unable to provide proof of insurance when requested. 11) PASSPORT AND VISAS It is your responsibility that you carry a valid passport and have obtained the appropriate visas when travelling with Gecko’s. Please ensure that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond the duration of your holiday. 12) HEALTH, FITNESS, TRIP GRADES AND AGE LIMITS It is your responsibility to advise Gecko’s of any preexisting medical condition and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a tour and the enjoyment of other trip members. If requested by Gecko’s, or our suppliers, you may be required to provide an assessment of your medical condition by completing a special Health & Fitness Questionnaire and/or a Medical Clearance Form, the latter which requires certification by a medical practitioner. Gecko’s reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your booking and refund the money paid by you, less any unrecoverable costs. Gecko’s also reserves the right to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Generally, we do not allow travellers under the age of 18 years on Gecko’s scheduled itineraries. However we will occasionally make exceptions for under-18s travelling with their legal guardian. The decision for any person under 18 years of age to travel on our scheduled itineraries is at the absolute discretion of the management of Gecko’s. For further information please contact Gecko’s Adventures. 13) PUBLICITY You agree that Gecko’s may use images of you taken during the trip without recourse to you and without compensation to you, for publicity and promotion purposes only through whatever medium it chooses. 14) PRIVACY In order to be able to supply a service to you Gecko’s will need to collect certain information from you, some of which may be of a personal nature. The information may be disclosed to, or collected on our behalf by our service providers to enable the services to be provided, but will not be used by them for any other purpose. Please call us on +61 3 8601 4301 for further information or refer to our website: http://www.geckosadventures.com/disclaimer.asp. 15) GOVERNING LAW This agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of Victoria, Australia and each party agrees to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria, Australia as regards any claim or matter arising under this agreement.

how to book 1. Check Availability. Contact Gecko’s or your travel agent or go to www.geckosadventures.com to check availability. Book early to guarantee your place. 2. Booking Conditions. Carefully read our Booking Conditions on the previous page. By booking with us and paying a deposit (or full payment) you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Booking Conditions and that you agree to be bound by the Booking Conditions. 3. Deposit and Booking Form. Pay your non-refundable deposit of $250 per trip per passenger, together with payment of your gorilla trekking permit if applicable or full payment

✂

if within 56 days of departure and complete the Booking Form, accurately and in block letters. We cannot release any documents unless we receive full name, sex, date of birth, passport details and pre-existing medical conditions for each passenger. Please note that credit card payments are subject to extra charges. 4. Finalise your booking. Please ensure that you finalise your booking early. Any amendments to your booking, in relation to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your tour (e.g. pre- and post tour accommodation, transfers, etc), received by Gecko’s within 56 days of tour departure date will be subject to a $100 administration fee per change.

5. Comprehensive Travel Insurance. You must have comprehensive travel insurance to travel with us. 6. Make Final Payment. You must pay the full balance of your trip’s cost 56 days before departure. In certain limited circumstances outlined in the Booking Conditions we may be forced to adjust our prices even after full payment. Please note that credit card payments are subject to extra charges. 7. Final documentation. Your final documentation and tickets will be released when Gecko’s has received full payment and a completed Booking Form.

BOOKING FORM – Gecko’s Africa

Please ensure that details are completed in full and in block letters in accordance with your passport.

Gecko’s booking reference (if known): PASSENGER 1

PASSENGER 2

Full name: (as per passport) Title: Surname:

Title: Surname:

First name(s):

Sex: M F Date of birth: / /

City: State: Postcode:

Country:

Address:

Usual e-mail: p I would like to subscribe to the Gecko’s e-newsletter.

p I would like to subscribe to the Gecko’s e-newsletter.

Travelling e-mail: Telephone:

AH: ( ) BH: ( )

Passport details:

No.:

Place of issue:

Date of issue: / / Expiry date: / /

Name:

AH: ( ) BH: ( )

Place of birth: Nationality: Occupation: Medical conditions: Dietary requirements: Emergency contact:

Address:

TOUR DETAILS Tour name:

Tour code:

Tour start date:

Departure date:

Arrival flight details:

Return flight details:

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Client sales & Enquiries

1300 854 444

YOUR TRAVEL AGENT

Email: sales@geckosadventures.com Travel agent reservations & Enquiries

1300 791 536

Fax: 03 8601 4300 Email: agentsales@geckosadventures.com VICTORIA PEREGRINE TRAVEL CENTRE Level 3, 380 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia Tel: 1300 854 444 Fax: 03 8601 4422 Email: sales@geckosadventures.com

SOUTH AUSTRALIA PEREGRINE TRAVEL CENTRE 1st Floor, Scout Outdoor Centre 192 Rundle Street, Adelaide SA 5000 Tel: 08 8223 5905 Fax: 08 8223 5347 Email: adventures@peregrinetravel.com.au

QUEENSLAND PEREGRINE TRAVEL CENTRE 1st Floor, 132 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 Tel: 07 3850 7699 Fax: 07 3854 1079 Email: enquiries@peregrinetravelqld.com.au

Private GROUP ENQUIRIES Tel: 1300 854 439 Email: groups@peregrineadventures.com

WESTERN AUSTRALIA PEREGRINE TRAVEL CENTRE 1st Floor, 862 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000 Tel: 08 9321 1259 Fax: 08 9481 7375 Email: sales@peregrinewa.com.au SAVE A TREE When you’ve finished with this brochure please pass it on to a friend or return it to your travel agent.

Gecko’s Adventures is a registered trading name of Peregrine Adventures Pty Ltd, Australia. Lic: 31009 A.B.N. 54 006 831 974

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