(AUD) Topdeck | Asia, Middle East & Africa 2019-20
ASIA, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
A COLLECTIVE OF EXPLORERS WHO ARE DEVOTED TO TRAVEL, WE STRIVE TO OPEN MINDS, SHIFT PERSPECTIVES, LEARN NEW THINGS AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. OUR BUSINESS IS TO MAKE TRAVEL DREAMS A REALITY.
OUR PASSION IS TO INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH LIFE-CHANGING TRAVEL EXPERIENCES.
We know what works. And we’re not afraid to shout about it.
We refuse to sacrifice quality, independence and freedom, and believe solo adventures should go hand in hand with unforgettable moments with like-minded travellers.
We offer variety, comfort and value for money, and promise a hassle-free holiday, loaded with authentic local experiences.
We are lively, curious, knowledgeable and dedicated; driven by the desire to laugh and have fun.
We build the trips. You build the memories.
ARE YOU READY TO DISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A #TOPDECKER?
LET’S GO.
& Africa 43
Asia, the Middle
NORTH AFRICA
MIDDLE EAST
AFRICA
KENYA
ZAMBIA MALAWI
NAMIBIA
SOUTH AFRICA BOTSWANA
ZIMBABWE
Cape Town
ASIA
NEED SOME DESTINATION INSPO? CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR TOP TRIPS. SO MANY CHOICES...
28 DAY ASIAN FUSION
• Experience the stunning Angkor Wat at sunrise
• Taste authentic Asian food in four awesome countries
• Cruise the Mekong River
7 DAY BALI ISLAND HOPPER
• Get involved in snorkelling, diving and water sports
• Spot turtles, rays and reef sharks
• Soak in the island vibes and chill on beautiful beaches
10 DAY MOROCCAN EXPLORER
• Immerse yourself in all this colourful destination has to offer
• Camp under the stars in the Sahara Desert
• Get your barter on in the Marrakech markets
7 DAY AFRICAN INSIGHT
• Travel between Pretoria and Livingstone
• Spot wildlife at Kruger and Matobo National Parks
• See the epic Victoria Falls – cameras at the ready!
WHY TOPDECK?
Unique EXPERIENCES
Our one-of-a-kind included and optional activities in both iconic hotspots and off-the-beaten-track places mean there’s never a dull moment on your trip of a lifetime.
Passion AND EXPERTISE
With over 45 years in the travel industry, a team of passionate Crew and a collection of award-winning trips under our belt, you can be sure we know our stuff.
Delicious FOOD
With visits to local restaurants and delicious foodie options on the menu, we’ll ensure your tummy is just as full as your passport.
Value FOR MONEY
From loads of inclusions to our No Tipping policy, we’ve got all the important stuff covered – meaning you have the best trip possible, completely hassle free.
Freedom TO EXPLORE
We realise that everyone’s different –which is why our trips offer loads of free time to get out there and channel your inner explorer.
Lasting FRIENDSHIPS
Memories fade but Facebook friends are forever. Hang out with other young explorers aged 18-39 and create bonds that last longer than your spray tan.
How We Travel
From coaches to boats and planes, we’ll make sure the journey is just as fun as the adventure. Ready to make a move? Let’s go.
GROUP TRAVEL
• Enjoy the benefits of travelling with a smaller group
• Our trips have an average group size of 15
• Selected trips may have a maximum group size of 45
TRAINS
• Get some shut-eye on overnight trains in Vietnam and Thailand
• Satisfy your need for speed on a super-fast bullet train in Japan
• Watch some awesome scenery whizz by outside the window
TOPDECK VEHICLE
• Travel in a range of different vehicles (depending on the country you’re in)
• Get social and bond with your Topdeck crew
• See Asia, the Middle East and North Africa from the best viewpoint ever
OVERLAND TRUCK
• Your moving base and home away from home in Africa
• Lots of room to kick back and chill
• Plenty of space to store your stuff
BOATS
• Spot dolphins on ferry and speedboat trips in Thailand and Bali
• Cruise through beautiful Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat
• Head out on a five-star cruise along the Nile, complete with rooftop pool and buffet
FLIGHTS
• Take to the skies on some of our China, Thailand and Vietnam trips
• Get to your next destination as quick as a flash
• We’ve got your airport transfers sorted
THAT’S NOT ALL, FOLKS.
On our Asia, Middle East, North Africa and Africa trips, we’ve got even more optional and included ways of getting around (which are pretty awesome if we do say so ourselves). From traditional felucca sailboats in Egypt to street food-friendly tuk-tuks in Thailand, don’t say we don’t spoil you.
Topdeck Experiences
We’ve packed loads of awesome optional and included activities into our Asia, Middle East, North Africa and Africa trips. Take a look at some of our faves.
INCLUDED
VISIT A PANDA CONSERVATION CENTRE
One word: PANDAS! Prepare to get your heart stolen by some black-and-white balls of fluff. By visiting the officially recognised conservation centre, you’ll be doing your part to help these beauties. Brush up on your panda knowledge, watch the critters roam – and get a large dose of cuteness to boot.
Chengdu, CHINA
VISIT TOKYO DISNEYLAND
You’re in Japan. Could things get any better? Well actually, yes! Crank those feels up to the max with an optional visit to the happiest place on earth – Tokyo Disneyland. It’s got Mickey. It’s got Minnie. It’s got wild rides, mouse ears and more. Excitement levels? 100/10.
Urayasu, JAPAN
INCLUDED
VISIT ANGKOR WAT AT SUNRISE
You haven’t been to Cambodia if you haven’t been to Angkor Wat. Fact. Our fave time to visit? At sunrise of course! This world-famous temple complex is the largest in the entire world and becomes even more beautiful in that golden morning glow. Cameras at the ready!
Siem Reap, CAMBODIA
INCLUDED
INCLUDED
VISIT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Hear the call of the wild as you explore one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Once inside the grounds, keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five: leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes. Some are much harder to spot than others. So, binoculars at the ready!
Kruger National Park, SOUTH AFRICA
GET LOCAL IN AN EGYPTIAN COFFEE HOUSE
This isn’t just your average coffee shop. This is a traditional ahwa – and it’s like nothing you’ve seen before! Mingle with the locals as you tuck into koshari (translation: all the carbs), then settle down with the guys to watch a soccer game. This place is off the hookah.
Aswan, EGYPT
VISIT FAMOUS HOLY SITES IN JERUSALEM
Hit the streets of Jerusalem on a history-laden walking tour, ticking off the likes of the golden Dome of the Rock (where Muhammad began his journey to heaven), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (where Jesus was crucified) and Judaism’s most religious site: the Western Wall.
Jerusalem, ISRAEL
EAT LOCAL, SUPPORT LOCAL
One of the best parts of travelling? The food, of course! And even better when you can support social enterprises and local people. Our top picks:
KOTO Restaurant, HANOI (included)
Nubian Village dinner, ASWAN (optional)
SEE ANCIENT WONDERS IN EGYPT AND JORDAN
Prepare to feel small and insignificant in the best possible way as you stand before the Great Pyramid of Giza, play ‘got your nose’ with the Sphinx (trust us, it never gets old), and embrace your inner Indiana Jones as you explore the magic of Petra. Archaeology = totally awesome.
Cairo, EGYPT and Petra, JORDAN
STAY IN A BEDOUIN DESERT CAMP
GO SNORKELLING IN THE RED SEA
The ‘Rose City’ of Petra and the orange sands of Wadi Rum not colourful enough for you? Then you might want to check out what’s hiding underneath the water! Strap on a snorkel, flap on some flippers and dive into the Red Sea to play hide and seek with some of the most brightly coloured marine life around. Just… wow.
Aqaba, JORDAN
Wanna experience an authentic slice of desert life? This one’s got your name on it! After weaving through the Wadi Rum dunes in a 4x4, we’ll roll into our Bedouin camp, gather round the fire and share a tasty dinner under the twinkling stars. Bonus: opt in to go all-out nomad with a camel ride. Yesss!
Wadi Rum, JORDAN
GO MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING
Venture deep into the wilds of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on an unforgettable trek to meet a truly magical endangered species: the mountain gorilla. Trust us, nothing will prepare you for the moment when you come face to face with these gentle giants. Breathtaking doesn’t even cover it! So. Many. Emotions.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, UGANDA
Delicious Food
That epic meal you ate on your trip of a lifetime? That’s a memory that will stay with you forever. Dig in! Share your fave foodie moments with us by using #TOPDECKEATS
SUSHI AND SASHIMI JAPAN
Japan is the home of sushi and the perfect place to try the real deal (not that stuff you get from the supermarket back home). Not only does sushi taste better in Japan, it also looks better. Prepared to perfection, the dishes are like works of art. You’ll see.
SEAFOOD ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar sits pretty as an island in the Indian Ocean. The result? Lots of yummy fresh seafood makes its way to the markets, bars and restaurants.
Teamed with Zanzibar’s famous spices and other foodie influences from Europe and the Middle East, you’ve got some pretty tasty meals. We’re not squidding around...
FALAFEL PITTA ISRAEL
Chickpeas are kind of a big deal in the Middle East. Not only are they ground up and made into hummus, but they’re also the main ingredient in another delicious treat: falafel. Try these deep-fried balls of goodness the way they’re supposed to taste –all wrapped up in a pitta and topped with tahini. Yum.
MANGO STICKY RICE THAILAND
Got a sweet tooth? Get a load of this. Mango sticky rice is the king of Thai desserts. Made with only yummy, glutinous rice, sugar, a trickle of coconut milk and a few slices of fresh, juicy mango, this tasty treat is gonna be your new Thai BFF. Forget the spork – indulge like a local and eat it with your hands!
MIDDLE EASTERN DESSERTS MIDDLE EAST
Umm Ali. Baklava. Lokma. Aish alSaraya. You better get learning these names, stat! Why? ‘Cos these sweet treats are some of the tastiest local desserts on offer in the Middle East. Trust us, you can’t get these at home. *drools*
Pho is a classic Vietnamese dish that you’re not gonna want to miss. Made from broth, rice noodles, herbs, meat and a bunch of other delish ingredients, pho will keep you coming back for more. Hot tip: the best restaurants are where the locals hang.
PHO VIETNAM
The Crew
Enthusiasm is infectious – and our on-road Crew have it by the bucketload. Our Topdeck Crew and the Acacia Africa team are locals, so you can be sure that they’re brimming with insider tips and are passionate and knowledgeable about what they do. Long story short, they make the best travel pals ever.
Trip Leader
As a Trip Leader in Thailand, Tur is more than happy to share her love of history and architecture – and her passion for Asian food.
‘It’s fun to work with open-minded, spontaneous, fun people. Our trips are always very interactive, so everyone can get involved.’
- Tur, Trip Leader, Asia
‘Our tour guide was constantly working to make our time in Japan as enjoyable as possible. His knowledge of the country greatly enhanced the experience.’ - Joel
Japan Highlights, P.28
‘Our Trip Leader was AMAZING! He not only was a guide, but a friend, and very knowledgeable and passionate about his job.’ - Jasmine
My Thai, P.34
Driver
‘I feel really lucky being a driver for Topdeck because it gives me the chance to learn about the different cultures of my passengers. This job always keeps me smiling.’
- Mohamed Alama, Driver, Middle East
Chef
Originally from Zimbabwe, George works for the Acacia Africa team as a Trip Leader and Chef. He’s always on the go!
‘My favourite country? I’d have to say Namibia. The wildlife around the waterholes at Etosha National Park makes for one of the best game viewing experiences in Southeast Africa. The remarkable Spitzkoppe is also in Namibia – truly a magical place! It’s here that we sleep under the stars for the best stargazing night.’
- George, Trip Leader/Chef, Africa
NO HIDDEN COSTS
Our No Tipping Policy means no hidden payments. The result? More money, more fun stuff!
Value for Money
Check out how you’ll get more bang for your buck with Topdeck.
LOGISTICS: SORTED
Forget the faff. We’ll get you from A to B in style and sort out your accommodation. You’re welcome!
INCLUDED MEALS
With plenty of included meals, you can look forward to tasting lots of awesome local food throughout your trip.
EXPERT GUIDES ON HAND
Our Trip Leaders and local guides have got all the insider info. Let the memory making begin!
UNLOCK THE HIGHLIGHTS
We’ve done the haggling for you when it comes to landmarks, museums, food tours and more. Go explore!
Secure your booking with a low $200 deposit
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Connect with Us
Ready for your Topdeck trip? Not until you’ve downloaded the Topdeck app! With its easy-breezy functionality, travel tools and social media prowess, this little gem will be your new fave travel pal.
TRIP GROUP CHAT
Connect with your fellow Topdeckers before you depart and begin your magical friendship in the flash of a winking face emoji.
ITINERARY VIEWER
Get the lowdown on where you’ll be going and what activities you’ll be doing on each day of your trip with this handy little tool.
CHECK-IN
Plug in all your vital deets and we’ll keep them safe for when you really need them. Making your life easier, one swipe at a time.
BUDGET TRACKER
Keep an eye on your holiday spending, leaving you with more FUN-ds to play with. Think: elaborate feasts (not questionable supermarket sandwiches).
BOOKED YOUR TRIP? DOWNLOAD NOW
Download the app from iTunes or the App Store and key in your booking reference to get started.
MAPS
Navigate your way to meeting points and lesser-known local gems using pins dropped by your Trip Leader, seek out your own bucket list sites and take to the streets like a pro.
FAQs
HOW MUCH free time WILL I GET?
All of our trips include both scheduled activities and free time. So, whether you want to chill at the beach or head out on a hike, you’ll have plenty of time to do your own thing.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON MY TRIP?
Across Topdeck’s Asia, Middle East, North Africa and Africa trips, you can enjoy the benefits of travelling with a smaller group. Our trips have an average group size of 15 and selected trips may have a maximum group size of 45.
HOW DOES A SECTOR TRIP WORK?
An example is the Jordan & Israel trip, which starts in Amman and finishes in Tel Aviv. This trip includes one sector: Jordan Adventure (Amman to Amman).
If you book onto the Jordan Adventure trip, you’ll start in Amman with the passengers who have booked the whole Jordan & Israel trip and finish when the trip gets back to Amman (while the rest of the passengers will continue on into Israel).
Got it? Great!
Look out for this icon throughout the brochure
CAN I PAY IN INSTALMENTS?
Outside of 42 days before your trip departs, you can pay in as many instalments as you like – just log in to your My Topdeck account on the website or reach out to your travel agent.
WHAT’S MY TOPDECK?
Good question! It’s an online hub for your trip admin including personalised trip notes, itineraries and payments.
HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?
Each person is allowed one item of standard luggage, plus a day pack. For our Africa trips please use a backpack rather than a suitcase.
The maximum weight of your main bag must not exceed 44lb/20kg –and the size for all bags must not exceed 70cm x 45cm x 25cm. Due to weight regulations for coaches in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Africa, passengers with overweight luggage may be asked to offload the excess on the morning the trip departs (eek). Make sure you pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for each destination you’ll be visiting, especially if you’re hoping to enter holy sites.
Please also note that small, hard suitcases can’t be taken on board – both for safety and comfort!
DO YOU BOOK FLIGHTS?
Flights can currently only be booked for Aussie and Kiwi passengers.
Cocktails, mocktails, beer or water?
Your choice of beverage is completely up to you. While some passengers like to go out for a social drink, it’s not compulsory!
Oh – and when having a tipple in the Middle East, be sure to respect the local laws and cultures.
WHAT VISAS DO I NEED?
The best place to find visa information is www.projectvisa.com. Or, you can contact your local embassy.
ARE FLIGHTS TO/FROM THE STARTING LOCATION INCLUDED?
Soz, but our prices don’t include flights (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary).
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ON MY TRIP?
While we like to think of ourselves as travel experts, we are currently unable to predict exactly what the weather will be like on your trip. However, we’ve included handy temperature guides to give you an idea of what to expect throughout the year.
CAN I START LATE OR FINISH THE TRIP EARLY?
No worries. We don’t offer any compensation for hours/days missed, though. And bear in mind that you might miss out on some awesome activities!
CAN I UPGRADE TO A PRIVATE ROOM ON HOSTEL PLUS TRIPS?
Unfortunately not. We don’t have private rooms on our Hostel Plus trips – if you want your own room, Hotel trips are the way to go.
Where will my transfer meet me?
If you have an included transfer (or have one added to your booking), they’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. Winner!
I AM TRAVELLING WITH MY PARTNER AND WANT TO DO
A HOSTEL PLUS TRIP. CAN WE SHARE A ROOM?
Sorry, but no can do. On Hostel Plus trips, we have male and female dorms. If you want to share a room, we recommend having a look into our Hotel trips – then you can have a double or twin-share room.
I WANT TO SEE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
The Bwindi Impenetrable Park region is home to an estimated 400 of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Due to the endangered nature of the species, visitors are strictly limited and a Gorilla Trek Permit must be purchased in advance, normally at the time of booking.
The Gorilla Trek takes you to the gentle giants’ natural habitat in southwest Uganda’s mountain jungle. The separate Chimpanzee Trek (also requiring a permit) takes you through the Kyambura Gorge in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The combined cost for the two permits, which we will obtain on your behalf (subject to availability), is listed on each itinerary visiting these areas.
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trek Permit costs are controlled by the Ugandan authorities and are subject to change.
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
It varies! Obvs, there are loads of great souvenirs to be bought and an awesome social scene to get involved in (if that’s your thing). Heaps of your meals are also included, so this really just leaves a few meals and your personal spending to budget for.
Throughout the trip, your Trip Leader will also let you know about optional activities that you can do – so keep this in mind when budgeting too.
Our advice? Bring along some US dollars on your Asia, Middle East, North Africa or Africa trip. You’ll get the opportunity to exchange this cash for local currency when needed.
Please note: To ensure we obtain Gorilla Trek Permits, we may have to adjust the itinerary slightly from the published route – but don’t worry! This won’t make your experience any less awesome. If we need to amend your itinerary, we’ll let you know before you leave for Africa.
HOW DO I GET TO THE STARTING LOCATION? WILL WI-FI BE AVAILABLE ON MY TRIP?
You can find your starting location in your My Topdeck account on the website, or on the Topdeck app. Google Maps and public transport are your best friends!
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM TRAVELLING DURING RAMADAN?
As many Middle Eastern countries are of Islamic faith, it is important to remember that lots of restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating on reduced hours during Ramadan. As a result, some optional and included activities on your trip may be affected.
Ramadan, which takes place in either April, May or June, is an incredibly important and sacred month for Muslims. When equipped with some basic knowledge, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in this special tradition and experience all its highlights.
That depends on the destination you’re travelling to. While we make every effort to secure accommodation with Wi-Fi, it is often not as readily available as you may be used to at home.
Island hop from one beach to the next in Thailand, explore historic temples in Cambodia, sample out-of-this-world street food in Vietnam, travel through rice fields in Bali, walk The Great Wall of China and live out your sushi-scoffing dreams in Japan. Asia, let's do this!
WHAT’S THIS MONSOON THING ALL ABOUT?
During monsoon months, the weather can be hot and rainy – but showers usually don’t last too long, and they’re often followed by blue skies.
WHY TRAVEL DURING MONSOON SEASON?
Well, when it gets a little hot and sticky, the rain does help to cool things down a bit. Plus, it’s a great way to beat the crowds!
temperatures
BANGKOK
CHIANG RAI
KOH PHA NGAN
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
UBUD
TOKYO
KOH SAMUI, THAILAND
HALONG BAY, VIETNAM
What sectors?are
Sector trips offer you a great way to choose a departure city, set of experiences or journey length that best suits you. Piece together your favourite itineraries, build your own custom Asian road trip, meet more like-minded travellers… it’s your trip, your way.
A Sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends might continue on after you leave, or you might be joining a trip already in
Look out for this icon throughout the brochure
KYOTO, JAPAN
NEW TRIP
12 DAY JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore the futuristic neon-lit streets of Tokyo
• Check out amazing shrines, temples and hot springs
• Visit the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto PAGE 28
13 DAY VIETNAM & CAMBODIA EXPLORER
• Party it up in Halong Bay
• Swim, sunbathe and chill in Koh Rong
• Visit the epic Angkor Wat complex PAGE 30
13 DAY VIETNAM UNCOVERED
• Eat your way through Ho Chi Minh City on a street food tour
• Head out on an epic party cruise in Halong Bay
• Drive along the legendary Hai Van Pass PAGE 32
Pick your Style
Whether you’re a hotel or hostel kind of traveller, our trip styles cater to pretty much everyone. Take your pick!
Our most social trip style! Bunk down in a comfy dorm with your fellow Topdeckers and let the good times roll.
Fit for couples and singles who want that little bit extra. Our hotels are either centrally located or close to transport links, so you’ll never be far from the action. ACCOMMODATION 3+ STAR HOTELS/OVERNIGHT TRAINS/MOTORISED SHIPS
WHAT DOES MULTI-SHARE MEAN?
Multi-share means you’ll be sharing a dorm room with some of your fellow Topdeckers. Rooms are split by gender, so it’ll be lads/ladies only!
KHAOSAN WORLD TENNOJI, OSAKA
POMIHOA HOTEL, HANOI
KHAOSAN WORLD RYOGOKU HOSTEL, TOKYO
HILLSIDE RESORT, KOH TAO
7 DAY | JAPAN EXPRESS
DAY 1 TOKYO, JAPAN. You’re in Tokyo, baby! Meet the group and dive into a full day city tour. Spot the Sensō-ji Temple and wander along the nearby 500-year-old Nakamise shopping street selling mochi (sticky rice cakes) and geta (wooden shoes). There’s also Akihabara for the anime fans and the fashionable Shinjuku and Harajuku districts to explore. Don’t forget to walk the famous Shibuya crossing or see the Meiji Shrine while you’re at it. What. A. Day. Hungry? Thought so. Bond with your trip mates over dinner. (D)
DAY 2 TOKYO INCLUDING HAKONE VISIT. Konnichiwa Hakone! Swap the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for the natural beauty of Hakone. This place has beautiful views across Lake Ashinoko and amazing backdrops of the sacred Mount Fuji. It’s not hard to see why Mount Fuji is loved by the Japanese and all who visit it, inspiring countless poets and artists. Before the day is up, visit the Hakone Shrine and the famous red torii (gate) overlooking Lake Ashi. Wow. (B)
DAY 3 TOKYO. Free day in Tokyo! Start ticking off the hotspots in this epic place. Hop across the unique patchwork of districts that make up Tokyo’s cityscape and, for a taste of tradition, visit the Imperial Palace and its surrounding gardens. In the evening, wander the futuristic neon-lit streets or spend your night in Shinjuku – there are endless restaurants, bars, clubs and karaoke joints here. Wanna go out with the group? Take the option to visit the Robot Restaurant. Yes, it’s a thing. (B)
DAY 4 TOKYO TO KYOTO. This morning, pack your bags and get ready to travel at 300 km/h on the train before arriving in the futuristic station of Kyoto. Japan’s traditional capital, Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, and we’ll be paying a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine. Later, dress up as a maiko or a samurai (optional). (B)
DAY 5 KYOTO. We’re off on a guided tour. Start off at the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion and Ryōan-ji Temple. After lunch, travel to the Heian Shrine before ending with a quick visit to the Gion district. If you find you
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit the Sensō-ji Temple
+ Walk the Shibuya crossing
+ Visit Akihabara
+ Visit Harajuku
+ Day trip to Hakone
+ Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine
+ Kyoto city tour
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights in hostels
+ Train tickets
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Visit the Robot Restaurant
+ Dress as a maiko or samurai
START MEET AT 8AM IN TOKYO FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN OSAKA
have spare time today, be sure to get out of town and visit the pretty Arashiyama bamboo forest to find your zen place (and your next Instagram post). (B)
DAY 6 KYOTO TO OSAKA. Hop on the train to Osaka. We’ve got an intro tour to the city starting with the majestic Osaka Castle. Later, why not make your way to the top of the Umeda Sky Building to feel the wind in your hair and to get epic #views over the city? When the sun goes down, Osaka comes alive, and the city’s all yours after a farewell dinner. Let’s go! (B,D)
DAY 7 OSAKA. After breakfast it’s sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun. Swap numbers and plan that next adventure together. (B)
‘Excellent
7 DAY | BALI ISLAND HOPPER
DAY 1 SEMINYAK TO LEMBONGAN ISLAND, INDONESIA. Meet the crew in Seminyak then get pumped to island hop your way around paradise. Bond over local food with an included welcome lunch before some free time this afternoon. So whether it’s snorkelling, a marine walk, a banana boat ride, volleyball, or just chilling on the beach that takes your fancy, get ready for one epic first day. (L)
DAY 2 LEMBONGAN ISLAND TO GILI TRAWANGAN. We’re heading north to the biggest of the Gili archipelago trio: Gili Trawangan. Get excited ‘cos you’ve got three days in the snorkelling, diving and cultural mecca of the Gilis coming up. Talk about ultimate #islandvibes. Get your Instagram ready, it’s gonna get filled up with sweet new snaps. And fast. (B)
DAY 3 GILI TRAWANGAN. It’s your day your way. Why not head out on a hike to see Lombok from above with some incred panoramic views? You could also check out the majestic waterfalls in the area. (B,D)
DAY 4 GILI TRAWANGAN. Another free day for the taking! Want to meet the locals? Join the optional scuba diving and snorkelling tour and get the chance to bump into turtles, rays and reef sharks. Whether you decide to dive or snorkel, it really is another world under water and you’re in for a real treat. Tonight: why not take a stroll through the food markets and feast your way through local favourites? (B)
DAY 5 GILI TRAWANGAN TO UBUD. It’s on to Ubud. If you’re a culture, yoga or nature buff, you’ve come to the right place. Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is all yours. Visit Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) or get up close with the cheeky rascals at the Ubud Monkey Forest – you’ll feel like you’re in Tomb Raider in no time. (B)
DAY 6 UBUD. First up, there’s a visit to the Tirta Empul holy springs and temple. Then, it’s off to Kintamani where we’ll have lunch with views over the stunning Lake Batur. Tear yourself away (it won’t be easy!) and visit the Kopi Luwak plantation before travelling
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Choice of water activities on Lembongan Island including marine walk, banana boat and snorkelling
+ Island stays in Lembongan and Gili Trawangan
+ Visit Tirta Empul holy springs and temple
+ See Lake Batur
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights in hotels
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle and local speedboats between islands
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
+ Scuba diving or snorkelling in Gili Trawangan
+ Whitewater rafting
+ Kintamani mountain biking
through the lush rice fields and swaying coconut trees of Tegalalang. In the afternoon, take it easy and explore the Ubud market for souvenirs and the chance to test your haggling skills. Tonight, your final dinner with the group is on us at a local restaurant. Quick! Take all of the group pics! (B,L,D)
DAY 7 UBUD TO SEMINYAK. Before you go, a day of optional adrenalin-fuelled activities awaits: you could hop on a downhill mountain biking tour or do some whitewater rafting. There’s also an optional tour to Tanah Lot to check out the beautiful temple and sunset. Then, see ya later alligator! We reckon you’ll be back though. Bali does that to people. (B)
7 DAY | THAI ISLANDS SAMUI SUNSETS
DAY 1 KOH SAMUI, THAILAND. Make your way to the hotel and kick off your travels with a cocktail and chill by the pool. Tonight, get to know your island hopper mates with a welcome dinner. You’re in paradise, so soak it up and get ready a week of epic adventures. This is gonna be a trip to remember. (D)
DAY 2 KOH SAMUI. Keen for a snorkel? This day is for you. Head out on an optional full day tour around Angthong Marine Park. Made up of 42 islands, you can expect jungles, white sand beaches, beautiful waterfalls, limestone formations and secret coves. Zoom around and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife both on land and in the water. Lunch is on the boat. Because #paradise. (B)
DAY 3 KOH SAMUI TO KOH PHA NGAN. Take one last dip in the water before you head north to Koh Pha Ngan. This island is no stranger to a good time (Full and Half Moon parties, anyone?) and we reckon you’ll love it here. Spend the afternoon exploring the local beaches and the town. Later, the evening is all yours. Set your sights on a hidden gem for dinner – Thai food for the win! (B)
DAY 4 KOH PHA NGAN. Your day, your way. If hanging out in a hammock sipping on fresh coconut water all day isn’t your thing, why not head north on a long tail boat or make tracks to explore the quieter beaches? Both Bottle Beach and Haad Salad Beach are pretty special. What are you waiting for? Go get some adventure! (B)
DAY 5 KOH PHA NGAN TO KOH TAO. On to Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan’s baby: Koh Tao. Koh Tao means ‘Turtle Island’ and this beautiful place is also an important breeding ground for endangered turtle species. Keep an eye out for turtles and other animals if you decide to go scuba diving or snorkelling today. If you’re not keen for being a water baby, there’s always hiking, rock climbing and bouldering for the adventure seekers. You’ll be spoilt for choice! (B)
DAY 6 KOH TAO. Scuba diving and snorkelling here is like ticking off Mt Everest for climbers, so make sure you don’t miss out on your second day here. Keep
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Island stays on Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao
+ Welcome and farewell dinners
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights in hotels
+ All ferries to Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Angthong Marine Park day trip
+ Scuba diving or snorkelling in Koh Tao
START MEET AT 6PM IN KOH SAMUI FINISH APPROXIMATELY 1PM IN KOH SAMUI
your eyes peeled for colourful coral, rays, sharks and so much more. Wanna do something else? There’s plenty of jungle and endless beaches to visit. This small island sure punches above its weight when it comes to things to do. Be sure to head back to meet the rest of the group for tonight's farewell dinner. We won’t blame you for getting emotional… (B,D)
DAY 7 KOH TAO TO KOH SAMUI. The trip ends after we arrive back in Koh Samui. If you have some extra time, why not keep exploring? We’ll be seeing you around. (B)
7 DAY | THAI ISLANDS KO-CONUT HOPPER
DAY 1 PHUKET, THAILAND. Make your way to the hotel to meet the crew and start planning tomorrow’s adventures. We’ve got a welcome dinner to kick things off. Are you ready for an epic week? (D)
DAY 2 PHUKET. Start your morning with an optional trip to Banana Beach. What’s on the agenda? Snorkelling, swimming and kayaking. Want something more chilled once you’re there? Relax the day away on the white sand beach and take in your surroundings. If you prefer to stay on the mainland, why not go and explore the artsy coffee shops, seek out the perfect henna design or hit up Banzaan Market for local goods? Not bad, huh? (B)
DAY 3 PHUKET TO KRABI. Day three already and we’re headed to paradise, otherwise known as Krabi. Grab a coconut, jump into 50 shades of blue waters then work on your tan. Want more? Take an optional kayaking adventure around the mangroves and limestone formations in Ao Thalane – look at you being such an explorer! (B)
DAY 4 KRABI. After you’ve got your bearings in and around town, how about a beach session? If that doesn’t cut it, take an optional full day ‘Poda 4 Islands’ tour by speedboat. Later, you could always head to a rooftop café for sunset. What a perfect end to the day. (B)
DAY 5 KRABI TO KOH PHI PHI. Relaxed Koh Phi Phi is all yours as we love and leave Krabi behind us. With no cars on the island, Koh Phi Phi is a walking haven to explore and get lost in. Make the most of those beach vibes or head to the quirky town for souvenirs and goodies to take home. (B)
DAY 6 KOH PHI PHI. Soak it all up on your last day here, you’ll miss it when it’s gone. Keep your eyes peeled for Leonardo DiCaprio (cult classic The Beach was filmed around here) and then head back for a final dinner with your Topdeck crew. Selfie time! (B,D)
DAY 7 KOH PHI PHI TO PHUKET. After breakfast we’re outta here. We won’t blame you though if you end up sticking around to work on that tan. And have one last coconut. Obvs. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Island stays on Phuket and Koh Phi Phi
+ Welcome and farewell dinners
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights in hotels
+ Ferry transfers between islands
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Trip to Banana Beach
+ Kayaking at Ao Thalane
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: KOH PHI PHI, KRABI, PHUKET
7 DAY | JAPAN WINTER
DAY 1 SAPPORO, JAPAN. Meet the group at the hotel and get ready to hit the ground running. Tonight, there’s a welcome dinner with your new travel mates. Ready for an awesome week? Let’s do this! (D)
DAY 2 SAPPORO TO KIRORO. It’s time for the main event: snowsports! Head for the mountains at Kiroro Ski Resort and get pumped to shred the day away with a one-day lift pass (optional). Or, you could just people watch in a cute chalet with a mug of hot choc... (B)
DAY 3 KIRORO TO NISEKO. It’s the big one today: Niseko. This is the most famous ski resort in Japan because of its perfect powder and gorgeous scenery. Runs link together super smoothly, so it’s easy to explore all that this epic mountain resort has to offer. Get amongst it with a two-day pass (optional). You won’t regret it. (B)
DAY 4 NISEKO. Want something different on your second day here? Try night skiing (optional). The runs are lit up and open ‘til late. Perfect! One for the bucket list? (B)
DAY 5 NISEKO TO LAKE TŌYA VIA NOBORIBETSU. En route, we’ll stop at Date Jidaimura Noboribetsu history theme park. Highlighting the Edo period in Japan’s history, expect samurai and geisha as well as ninjas and entertainers strolling around. After, walk through the other-worldly Jigokudani (aka Hell Valley), known for its sulphuric hot springs, before we stop by the stunning Lake Tōya. (B)
DAY 6 LAKE TŌYA TO SAPPORO. Sapporo, let’s go! On a city tour you’ll tick off the Clock Tower, the former government office, the Hokkaidō Shrine and the Sapporo Beer Museum set in a former brewery. Taste some of the good stuff if you like (optional). Then, tonight, swap numbers over our farewell dinner. (B,D)
DAY 7 SAPPORO. Today we say goodbye to Japan and our group. It’s emotional for sure. Why not plan that next adventure? It’s never too early! (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum
+ See the Hokkaido Shrine
+ Walk through ‘Hell Valley’
+ Guided tour of Sapporo
+ Entrance to Date Jidaimura Noboribetsu history theme park
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights in hotels
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Ski passes
+ Ski gear rental
+ Beer tasting at the Sapporo Beer Museum
12 DAY | CHINA LIVE
DAYS 1-2 BEIJING, CHINA. Ni Hao! Welcome to China. After checking in, head into town and try some of the best street eats around for dinner. On day two, there’s a trip to the Great Wall of China. The best part? The toboggan (or the cable car if that’s more your thing). Before the day is up, visit the Sacred Way and tuck in to an optional Peking duck dinner on Ghost Street. Yum! (D) (B,L)
DAY 3 BEIJING TO XIAN VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. Today, it’s all about Tiananmen Square (one of the most famous historical sites in China), the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Tonight you’ll be travelling to Xian on an overnight train. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 XIAN. Jump off in Xian. You’re in the land of the Terracotta Warriors and you’ll see them today! Then, hop on a bike ride along the old city wall. (B,L)
DAYS 5-6 XIAN TO CHENGDU. We’re flying to Chengdu! Feast on a traditional hot pot dinner on night one here. On day two, you’ll visit a panda conservation centre before a trip to Jinli Street to see remains of the old Chengdu city. Later, there’s a teahouse visit in People’s Park. (B,D) (B,L)
DAYS 7-8 CHENGDU TO YANGSHUO. Next up, we’re flying to Yangshuo. We’ve got lots of optional activities: a cooking class, rafting on the Yulong River or the Liu San Jie show with the river as the stage. Decisions, decisions… (B) (B)
DAY 9 YANGSHUO TO LONGSHENG. It’s off to Longsheng we go. Enjoy an included day tour and hike the layers of rice terraces. Don’t miss the views from the summit, aka ‘Dragon’s Backbone’. (B,L,D)
DAYS 10-12 LONGSHENG TO HONG KONG. It’s Hong Kong time. Get those walking shoes on for an orientation tour as you hit up the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Clock Tower as well as Victoria Peak and lookout. Make the most of your free days here and go exploring! Don’t miss the Temple Street night market. Then, say bye to your trip mates and swap contact deets, quick! (B) (B,D) (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Street eats dinner in Beijing
+ Visit the Great Wall of China
+ Visit the Sacred Way
+ Visit Tiananmen Square
+ Visit the Forbidden City
+ Visit the Terracotta Warriors
+ Xian city wall bike ride
+ Visit a panda conservation centre
+ Visit the world famous teahouses in People's Park
+ Explore the Dragon's Backbone rice terraces
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 11 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
+ 10 nights in hotels, 1 night on an overnight train
+ Internal flights
+ Overnight train ticket
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Peking duck dinner in Beijing
+ Cooking class in Yangshuo
+ Rafting on the Yulong River
BEIJING HONG KONG 21 MEALS 1 COUNTRY
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: LONGSHENG, BEIJING, TERRACOTTA WARRIORS
12 DAY | JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS
‘Had the best time in Japan. Loved spending time in a completely different culture. Fantastic Tour Leader and group. Loved it.’
- Cassandra
later? Take the option to visit the Robot Restaurant. Yes, it’s a thing. (B)
DAY 4 TOKYO TO TAKAYAMA. This morning pack your bags ‘cos we’re travelling on the bullet train to the beautiful Japanese Alps. You’ll visit the Hida folk village when you get there. Why not finish off the day with an optional foodie activity? There’s Hida beef on the menu if you want it. (B)
DAY 5 TAKAYAMA. Start off the day at the morning riverside markets. Then, get your walking shoes on ‘cos we’ll be ticking off Takayama Jin'ya (a former government outpost) and visiting a sake brewery to try some of the famous Japanese rice wine. Tonight, be sure to check out the local onsen where you can relax in the hot springs. (B)
DAY 6 TAKAYAMA TO HIROSHIMA VIA MIYAJIMA. Jump on a ferry to Miyajima to see the island’s wild deer – cute! You can also check out the Itsukushima Shrine. A sunset at this spot is just the ticket to round off the day, so keep your phones charged for some pretty snaps. (B)
DAY 7 HIROSHIMA TO OSAKA. Before leaving Hiroshima, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum where you can learn about the atomic bombing during World War II. Later, we’re headed to Osaka. You’ll get the chance to experience traditional, vegetarian Buddhist cuisine at our accommodation tonight. Yum! (B,D)
DAY 1 TOKYO, JAPAN. You’re in Tokyo, baby! Meet the group and dive into a full day city tour. Spot the Sensō-ji temple and wander along the nearby 500-year-old Nakamise shopping street selling mochi (sticky rice cakes) and geta (wooden shoes). There’s also Akihabara for the anime fans and the fashionable Shinjuku and Harajuku districts to explore. Don’t forget to walk the famous Shibuya crossing or see the Meiji Shrine while you’re at it. Phew! What. A. Day. Hungry? Thought so. Bond with your trip mates over dinner. It’s gonna be an awesome 12 days! (D)
DAY 2 TOKYO. Today is a free day in Tokyo. Start ticking off the hotspots in this epic place. Hop across the unique patchwork of districts that makes up Tokyo’s cityscape and, for a taste of tradition, visit the Imperial Palace and its surrounding gardens. In the evening, wander the futuristic neon-lit streets or spend your night in Shinjuku – there are endless restaurants, bars, clubs and karaoke joints here. (B)
DAY 3 TOKYO. Today, why not take a visit to the happiest place on earth: Tokyo Disneyland (optional). Be sure to leave space in your suitcase for all of the Disney merchandise! Wanna go out with the group
DAY 8 OSAKA TO KYOTO. We’re making tracks to Japan’s traditional capital, Kyoto. Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, and today you’ll pay a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine. (B)
DAY 9 KYOTO. Start off with a guided tour of Kyoto. Tick off the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion before moving on to the sprawling Arashiyama bamboo forest and the Togetsu-kyō bridge to find your zen place (and your next Instagram post). Fancy yourself a foodie? You’re in luck as we’ll pop by the Nishiki Market next. In the afternoon, it’s off to Nijo Castle and the Heian
TOKYO KYOTO 14 MEALS 1 COUNTRY
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: LEMON PANCAKE, SENSŌ-JI TEMPLE, OSAKA, TOKYO
Shrine before finishing up with a quick visit to the Gion district. What a day! (B)
DAY 10 KYOTO. A free day to explore, whoo! You could always go on a day trip to Nara for more cute deer, beautiful nature and majestic temples. Later, you can dress up as a maiko or samurai (optional). Want more? Kyoto’s got a big student population, so why not get amongst the fun when day turns to night at a local bar? (B)
DAY 11 KYOTO. Final day to pack in all that Kyoto has to offer. Quick, tick off the rest of the stuff on your Kyoto bucket list! Tonight, there’s a group dinner to round off the trip. We won’t blame you for getting emotional… (B,D)
DAY 12 KYOTO. After breakfast it’s sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun. Swap numbers and plan that next adventure together. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit the Sensō-ji Temple
+ Walk the Shibuya crossing
+ Visit Akihabara
+ Visit Harajuku
+ Visit the Itsukushima Shrine
+ Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
+ Visit a sake brewery
+ Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 11 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)
+ 11 nights in hotels
+ Train tickets
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Visit Tokyo Disneyland
+ Visit the Robot Restaurant
+ Dress as a maiko or samurai
START MEET AT 8AM IN TOKYO
FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN KYOTO
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: KYOTO, ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE, SPICY RAMEN
SHIBUYA CROSSING , TOKYO
13 DAY | VIETNAM & CAMBODIA EXPLORER
before flying with the group to Hoi An. Try to nab a window seat! (B)
DAY 5 HOI AN. Free day in Hoi An! Look out for French colonial buildings and the Japanese Covered Bridge to get you started. Then, ask your Trip Leader for the inside goss of all the must-sees. Seek out a hidden gem for dinner and eat allll of the Vietnamese food. Pho, anyone? (B)
DAY 6 HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH CITY. Second flight of the trip coming up. Look at you exploring like a pro! Tonight, head out on the optional street eats tour. Stroll the alleys and watch the city come alive at night. Try a Vietnamese pancake, or bánh xèo. You won’t regret it. (B)
DAY 7 HO CHI MINH CITY. Hop on a boat on the Mekong Delta and get amongst Cai Be's floating markets that teem with fruit, vegetables and goodies. Once you’ve stocked up, continue along the canals to Vinh Long, stopping at villages en route to see local artisans at work. It’s your last night in Ho Chi Minh City tonight, so make it count! (B,L)
DAY 1 HANOI, VIETNAM. Welcome to Hanoi! Tonight, get ready for foodie heaven with a street eats tour through the Old Quarter. We’ll take you to where the locals eat and drink, so you know it’s the real deal. Expect beer, noodles, Vietnamese BBQ, tofu, skewers and loads more. (D)
DAY 2 HANOI. Start off the day with a tour of Hanoi. There’ll be stops at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (the resting place of President Ho Chi Minh), the One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace and the Temple of Literature. Fancy yourself as the next Masterchef? We’ve got a cooking demonstration to round off the
tour. Tonight, head to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to watch a traditional performance. (B,L)
DAY 3 HANOI TO HALONG BAY. Cruise time! Halong Bay is famous for its limestone islands, rainforests and turquoise water and you’ll get to see it all for real, eeek! Ready for a day of paddling, swimming, partying and lazing on the sundeck? It’d be rude not to, you are in paradise after all. Tonight, enjoy the sunset from the boat and tuck in to a fresh dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 HALONG BAY TO HOI AN. How’s your head this morning? Shake it off with one last dip in the water
DAY 8 HO CHI MINH CITY TO PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA. Once in Phnom Penh, there’s a half-day tour lined up for you. First up is the impressive Royal Palace (home to the current reigning monarch). Explore the grounds while you’re here and take a look at the Silver Pagoda and the beautiful buddha statues made of emeralds, gold and diamonds – you can’t miss ‘em. Finish up the day with a visit to the Central Market. (B)
DAY 9 PHNOM PENH TO KOH RONG. Hop on a local boat, we’re headed to Koh Rong. This place will probs be your next phone wallpaper – it’s stunning. (B)
DAY 10 KOH RONG. Day ten, and it’s all about chilling on the beach. It’s a hard life… (B)
DAY 11 KOH RONG TO SIEM REAP. Tear yourself away from Koh Rong because we’re flying to Siem Reap. Passports at the ready! (B)
HANOI SIEM REAP 17 MEALS 2 COUNTRIES
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: KOH RONG, PHNOM PENH, SIEM REAP, HANOI
VIETNAM
DAY 12 SIEM REAP. Today’s gonna be awesome. Start off with a visit to Angkor Thom and its statue-lined South Gate. Then, it’s on to the intricately decorated Bayon temple, and the Hindu temple Phimeanakas. Want more? Ta Prohm’s where it’s at. Held together by tree roots, this place looks like something out of Tomb Raider and will give you all of the adventure feels. We’ve left the main event until the afternoon. That’s right, you’re hitting up the mighty Angkor Wat! Round off the day and toast the end of an epic trip with sunset views over the jungle from the top of Pre Rup temple. (B)
DAY 13 SIEM REAP. Quick! Squeeze in everything else you wanted to do while you were here before heading off on your next adventure. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Street eats tour in Hanoi
+ Visit the Cai Be floating markets
+ Party cruise in Halong Bay
+ Watch the sunset at Angkor Wat
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 12 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
+ 11 nights in hotels, 1 night on a party junk boat
+ Internal flights
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Street eats tour in Ho Chi Minh City
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SKEWERED MEATS, HALONG BAY CRUISE, HOI AN
HANOI
13 DAY | VIETNAM UNCOVERED
‘Everyone was so friendly and it was a great way to meet new people. Highly recommended. I’ll certainly do Topdeck again.’ - Rebecca
DAY 4 VINH LONG TO NHA TRANG VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. There’ll be a pit stop at the Vinh Trang pagoda before we head to the train station. Onwards to Nha Trang! This coastal city is famous for being the gateway to epic scuba diving, beaches and yummy seafood. Ready to get amongst it? Yeah, thought so! (B)
DAY 5 NHA TRANG. Rest up at the beach or get involved in an optional activity today. You could try out a full day boat trip or head to the Thap Ba Hot Spring Bathing and Mud Spa (optional). Seek out local restaurants for lunch and dinner today. Ask your Trip Leader for insider tips of where to go. (B)
DAY 6 NHA TRANG. Spend your free day lazing in Nha Trang. Did we mention this is a windsurfing and scuba diving mecca? Don’t miss the chance to get involved with all the water activities today before we head off to our next destination tomorrow. (B)
DAY 7 NHA TRANG TO HOI AN. You’re flying to Hoi An today. Look out for French colonial buildings and the Japanese Covered Bridge once you arrive. This city’s Ancient Town is awesome so make sure you explore around here during your time in Hoi An too. (B)
DAY 1 HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Tonight, get ready for foodie heaven with a street eats tour. We’ll take you to where the locals eat, so you know it’s the real deal. Be on the lookout for pho, spring rolls, sizzling pancakes and noodle soups. They do it best here. (D)
DAY 2 HO CHI MINH CITY. Start off the day with a half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. These interesting tunnels were a strategic operation base during the Vietnam War. Later this afternoon, swing by the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral on a city tour. You’ll also get the chance to see the Saigon
Opera House, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. What. A. Day! After all that exploring, seek out your own hidden gem for dinner tonight. Craving more street food after last night? Sure, why not. (B,L)
DAY 3 HO CHI MINH CITY TO VINH LONG, MEKONG RIVER. Hop on a boat to get amongst Cai Be's floating markets that teem with fruit, vegetables and goodies. We’re staying in a guesthouse tonight. Get cosy and tuck into a dinner with the crew. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 HOI AN. Free day! Hop on a tour to a vegetable village just outside of Hoi An (optional). Or, you could enrol in a cooking class conducted by a local chef (optional). Whether you fancy yourself as the next Masterchef champion or are a cooking newbie, a cooking class is a load of fun. Rally your fellow Topdeckers together and ready, set, cook! (B)
DAY 9 HOI AN TO HUE. We’ll drive you along the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful mountain passes, towards Hue. Once there, set off on a guided tour of the Citadel and the Tu Duc Royal Tomb. What an introduction! (B)
DAY 10 HUE TO HANOI. Fly up the coast and get ready to take on the big capital city of Hanoi. This place is famous for its ancient architecture and awesome culture which takes from French, Chinese and Southeast Asian influences. Keep your eyes peeled
HO CHI MINH CITY HANOI 19 MEALS 1 COUNTRY SECTOR
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: NHA TRANG, HANOI, HALONG BAY, HO CHI MINH CITY
for the many temples and markets as you explore the city and ask your Trip Leader for hot tips and local faves. (B)
DAY 11 HANOI TO HALONG BAY. Cruise time! You’ve seen the Instagram posts and you’ve seen the documentaries – now it’s time to take on Halong Bay for yourself. Famous for its limestone islands, rainforests and turquoise water, this place really is stunning. We’ve got a day of paddling, swimming, partying and lazing on the sundeck lined up. Um, yes please! Tonight, enjoy the sunset from the boat and tuck in to a fresh dinner. Cheers! (B,L,D)
DAY 12 HALONG BAY TO HANOI. How’s your head this morning? Shake it off with one last dip in the turquoise water before heading back to Hanoi – but not before an optional scenic flight over Halong Bay. This is one not to miss – the views from above are incredible. (B,D)
DAY 13 HANOI. Today, we’re outta here after brekkie. Okay, maybe one last bowl of pho first. Or two. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Street eats tour in Ho Chi Minh City
+ Cu Chi Tunnels tour
+ Visit the Cai Be floating markets
+ Drive along the Hai Van Pass
+ Party cruise in Halong Bay
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 12 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)
+ 9 nights in hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse, 1 night on a party junk boat, 1 night on an overnight train
+ Internal flights
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle
+ Overnight train ticket
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Scenic flight over Halong Bay
+ Cooking class in Hoi An
This is a sector of the 28 Day Asian Fusion trip. See p.38 or visit our website.
DAY 1 BANGKOK TO PHUKET, THAILAND. Meet the crew before flying to Phuket. Tonight you’ve got a welcome dinner with the group. Yum! (D)
DAY 2 PHUKET. Start your morning with an optional trip to Banana Beach. What’s on the agenda? Snorkelling, swimming and kayaking. Want something more chilled once you’re there? Relax on the white sand beach – bliss! If you prefer to stay on the mainland, explore the artsy coffee shops, seek out the perfect henna design or hit up Banzaan Market. (B)
DAY 3 PHUKET TO KRABI. Day three and we’re headed to paradise, aka Krabi. Take an optional kayaking adventure around the mangroves and limestone formations in Ao Thalane. (B)
DAY 4 KRABI. Today, hit up the optional full day ‘Poda 4 Islands’ tour by speedboat. (B)
DAY 5 KRABI TO KOH PHI PHI. Relaxed Koh Phi Phi is all yours. Make the most of those beach vibes or head to the quirky town for souvenirs to take home. (B)
DAY 6 KOH PHI PHI. Keep your eyes peeled for Leonardo DiCaprio (cult classic The Beach was filmed around here) and then head back for dinner. (B,D)
DAY 7 KOH PHI PHI TO BANGKOK VIA PHUKET. We’re flying you to buzzing Bangkok today. Watch the city sparkle as you roam the streets. (B)
DAY 8 BANGKOK. Get your culture fix at your own pace. Later, get ready to zip through the streets on an included street eats tour. Mode of transport? Tuk-tuk. Eeek! (B,D)
DAY 9 BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. Tick off the Bangkok bucket list with a halfday city tour: Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple, we’re looking at you. Tonight, catch some zzz’s on an overnight train. (B)
DAY 10 CHIANG MAI. Jump in a trishaw for an included city tour and cruise through the incredible old town in style. The afternoon is all yours. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Island stays on Phuket and Koh Phi Phi
+ Street eats tuk-tuk tour in Bangkok
+ Guided trishaw tour in Chiang Mai
+ Visit Wat Rong Khun
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 12 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 3 dinners (D)
+ 11 nights in hotels, 1 night on an overnight train
+ Internal flights
+ Overnight train ticket
+ Ferry transfers between Phuket and Krabi
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Trip to Banana Beach
+ Kayaking at Ao Thalane
+ Flight of the Gibbon treetop adventure
START MEET AT 8AM IN BANGKOK FINISH APPROXIMATELY 12PM IN BANGKOK
DAY 11 CHIANG MAI. Free day! How about an optional cooking class? For the adrenalin seekers, unleash your inner monkey with an optional Flight of the Gibbon treetop adventure. One, two, three, jump! (B)
DAY 12 CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI. Be inspired by the amazing Wat Rong Khun ‘White Temple’ en route to Chiang Rai. Get ready to say wow 100 times over. (B,L)
DAY 13 CHIANG RAI TO BANGKOK. We’re heading back to Bangkok today. Too soon to start planning the next adventure? Never! (B)
14 DAY | CLASSIC THAILAND
FROM TOP LEFT: KOH TAO, CHIANG
DAY 1 BANGKOK TO KOH SAMUI, THAILAND VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. Explore Bangkok in your own time before jumping on an overnight train to Koh Samui. Let’s gooo!
DAY 2 KOH SAMUI. Kick off your travels with a cocktail and chill by the pool. Tonight, get to know your travel mates over a welcome dinner. (D)
DAY 3 KOH SAMUI. Keen for a snorkel? Head out on an optional full day tour around Angthong Marine Park. Made up of 42 islands, you can expect jungles, white sand beaches, beautiful waterfalls and limestone formations. (B)
DAY 4 KOH SAMUI TO KOH PHA NGAN. Koh Pha Ngan is no stranger to a good time (Full and Half Moon parties, anyone?). Spend the afternoon exploring the local beaches and the town. Later, seek out a hidden gem for dinner. (B)
DAY 5 KOH PHA NGAN. Your day, your way. Why not head north on a long tail boat or make tracks to the quieter beaches? Go get some adventure! (B)
DAY 6 KOH PHA NGAN TO KOH TAO. On to Koh Tao. Keep an eye out for turtles and other animals with some optional scuba diving or snorkelling today. There’s always hiking, rock climbing and bouldering for the adventure seekers too. (B)
DAY 7 KOH TAO. Take your pick from today's optional activities: go scuba diving or take a snorkelling trip. FYI: we’re talking diving mecca right here, so don’t miss your chance. (B,D)
DAY 8 KOH TAO TO BANGKOK. We’re flying to buzzing Bangkok today. (B)
DAY 9 BANGKOK. Get your culture fix at your own pace. Later, zip through the streets on an included street eats tour. Mode of transport? Tuk-tuk. Eeek! (B,D)
DAY 10 BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. Tick off the Bangkok bucket list with a halfday city tour: Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple,
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Island stays on Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao
+ Street eats tuk-tuk tour in Bangkok
+ Guided trishaw tour in Chiang Mai
+ Visit Wat Rong Khun
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 12 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 3 dinners (D)
+ 11 nights in hotels, 2 nights on overnight trains
+ Internal flights
+ Overnight train tickets
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Angthong Marine Park day trip
+ Scuba diving or snorkelling in Koh Tao
+ Flight of the Gibbon treetop adventure
we’re looking at you. Tonight, catch some zzz’s on an overnight train. (B)
DAY 11 CHIANG MAI. Jump in a trishaw for an included city tour and cruise through the incredible old town in style. The afternoon is all yours. (B)
DAY 12 CHIANG MAI. Free day! How about an optional cooking class? For the adrenalin seekers, unleash your inner monkey with an optional Flight of the Gibbon treetop adventure. One, two, three, jump! (B)
DAY 13 CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI. Be inspired by the amazing Wat Rong
to Chiang Rai today. Get ready to say wow 100 times over. (B,L)
DAY 14 CHIANG RAI TO BANGKOK. We’re heading back to Bangkok today. Too soon to start planning the next adventure? Never! (B)
Khun ‘White Temple’ en route
16 DAY | ROAD TO PHNOM PENH
DAY 4 CHIANG MAI. Free day! How about an optional cooking class? Whether you fancy yourself as the next Masterchef champion or are a cooking newbie, a cooking class is a load of fun. Rally your fellow Topdeckers together and ready, set, cook! For the adrenalin seekers, unleash your inner monkey with an optional Flight of the Gibbon treetop adventure. One, two, three, jump! (B)
DAY 5 CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI. Be inspired by the amazing Wat Rong Khun ‘White Temple’ en route to Chiang Rai today. Get ready to say wow 100 times over as you discover why this is one of Chiang Rai’s most visited sites. (B,L)
DAY 6 CHIANG RAI TO PAKBENG, LAOS. Cross the Friendship Bridge then climb on board and get cruise-y along the Mekong River. We’ll visit a riverside village along the way to get a feel for local life. Exploring can be hungry work but no worries ‘cos breakfast, lunch and dinner are on us today. You’re welcome. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 PAKBENG TO LUANG PRABANG. This morning, continue cruising the Mekong with a visit to the local markets. Stock up on local products and souvenirs, and get to know the locals. Later, pop in to the whiskey village, because, well, why not. Your final stop will be the Pak Ou Caves before pulling in to Luang Prabang. (B,L)
DAY 1 BANGKOK, THAILAND. Arrive in Bangkok and get ready to zip through the streets on an included street eats tour. Mode of transport? Tuk-tuk. Eeek! We’ll take you to where the locals eat, so you know it’s the real deal. Be on the lookout for fried noodles, pad thai, curry, papaya salad and loads more. They do it best here. (D)
DAY 2 BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. Tick off the Bangkok bucket list with a halfday city tour. Highlights? Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple, we’re looking at you. You’ll be sure to snap enough pics to fill up
Tonight, stock up on snacks, get cosy and catch some zzz’s on an overnight train. We’re headed to Chiang Mai. (B)
DAY 3 CHIANG MAI. Jump in a trishaw for an included city tour and cruise through the incredible old town in style. This place is stunning, and you won’t be short of ‘wow’ moments. Trust us! The afternoon is all yours. Head back to your favourite spots you’ve just passed on your city tour, or seek out more hidden gems and local haunts. (B)
DAY 8 LUANG PRABANG. Rise and shine! Today, why not do the optional and check out the area by bike? You’ll also get the chance to see the Kuang Si Falls. This multi-tiered waterfall is pretty beautiful if we do say so ourselves and is the perfect place for a photo op. Did someone say new profile pic? (B)
DAY 9 LUANG PRABANG TO VANG VIENG. Wake up to the sound of the temple gong, take part in the daily almsgiving of the monks, and head south to stunning Vang Vieng. (B)
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: VIENTIANE, STIR FRY, CHIANG RAI, BANGKOK
DAY 10 VANG VIENG. Free day! Why not opt in for a kayaking trip on the Nam Song River? If you’re here in the wet season, you’re in luck as you’ll be able to take on the rapids. Not your kinda thing? No worries! Rock climbing, cave exploring and swimming are also yours for the taking. Sounds pretty cool, huh? (B)
DAY 11 VANG VIENG TO VIENTIANE. Off to Vientiane where we’ll get our bearings on a city tour. There’s loads of stunning French-colonial architecture and Buddhist temples here just waiting to be explored and we’ll tick off the likes of Wat Si Sisaket, Patuxai and Pha That Luang. (B)
DAY 12 VIENTIANE TO SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA. We’re flying to Siem Reap today. Passports at the ready! Try and nab a window seat for over-the-wing views. (B)
DAY 13 SIEM REAP. Wake up early and shorten your bucket list with the main event: a stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat. Cameras at the ready ‘cos this is one experience you won’t wanna be forgetting in a hurry. After, we’ve got a guided tour of the Bayon temple and Ta Prohm. Like something out of Tomb Raider, Ta Prohm is an epic Buddhist temple now held together by huge root systems. Talk about awesome! Want some entertainment this evening? A visit to the circus or sunset quad bike ride awaits (both optional). (B)
DAY 14 SIEM REAP TO PHNOM PENH. Pack your bags and get ready for the next stop on our itinerary. We’re kicking it to Phnom Penh today. (B)
DAY 15 PHNOM PENH. Take an optional visit to the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields to reflect and pay your respects. Tonight, it’s the last evening with the crew *cry*. Feast on a Khmer BBQ with your travel mates and swap memories and numbers. Cheers! (B,D)
DAY 16 PHNOM PENH. We’re outta here after brekkie. Time for the next adventure? (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Street eats tuk-tuk tour in Bangkok
+ Guided trishaw tour in Chiang Mai
+ Visit Wat Rong Khun
+ Cruise the Mekong River
+ Join an almsgiving ceremony in Luang Prabang
+ Visit Angkor Wat at sunrise
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 15 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D)
+ 14 nights in hotels, 1 night on an overnight train
+ Internal flights
+ Overnight train ticket
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Flight of the Gibbon treetop adventure
+ Cooking class in Chiang Mai
+ Kayaking in Vang Vieng
This is a sector of the 28 Day Asian Fusion trip. See p.38 or visit our website.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: VIENTIANE, ANGKOR THOM, PHNOM PENH
28 DAY | ASIAN FUSION
cruise-y along the Mekong River. We’ll visit a riverside village along the way to get a feel for local life. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 PAKBENG TO LUANG PRABANG. This morning, continue cruising the Mekong with a visit to the local markets. Later, pop in to the whiskey village, because, well, why not. Your final stop will be the Pak Ou Caves before pulling in to Luang Prabang. (B,L)
DAY 8 LUANG PRABANG. Rise and shine! Check out the area by bike and see the Kuang Si Falls (both optional). This multi-tiered waterfall is pretty beautiful if we do say so ourselves. (B)
DAY 9 LUANG PRABANG TO VANG VIENG. Wake up to the sound of the temple gong, take part in the daily almsgiving of the monks, and head south to the stunning Vang Vieng. (B)
DAY 10 VANG VIENG. Why not opt in for a kayaking trip on the Nam Song River today? If you’re here in the wet season: rapids. Rock climbing, cave exploring and swimming are also yours for the taking. (B)
DAY 11 VANG VIENG TO VIENTIANE. We’re off to Vientiane today where you’ll get your bearings on a city tour. Tick off Wat Si Sisaket, Patuxai and Pha That Luang. (B)
DAY 12 VIENTIANE TO SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA. Passports at the ready! It’s on to Siem Reap. (B)
DAY 1 BANGKOK, THAILAND. Arrive in Bangkok and get ready to zip through the streets on an included street eats tour. Mode of transport? Tuk-tuk. Eeek! (D)
DAY 2 BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. Tick off your Bangkok bucket list with a half-day city tour: Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple, we’re looking at you. Tonight, catch some zzz’s on an overnight train. (B)
DAY 3 CHIANG MAI. Jump in a trishaw for an
The
is all yours. (B)
DAY 4 CHIANG MAI. Free day! How about an optional cooking class? For the adrenalin seekers, unleash your inner monkey with an optional Flight of the Gibbon treetop adventure. One, two, three, jump! (B)
DAY 5 CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI. Be inspired by the amazing Wat Rong Khun ‘White Temple’ en route to Chiang Rai today. Get ready to say wow 100 times over. (B,L)
DAY 6 CHIANG RAI TO PAKBENG, LAOS. Cross the Friendship Bridge then climb on board and get
DAY 13 SIEM REAP. Wake up early and shorten your bucket list with a stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by a guided tour of the Bayon temple and Ta Prohm. Want some entertainment this evening? A visit to the circus or a sunset quad bike ride awaits (both optional). (B)
DAY 14 SIEM REAP TO PHNOM PENH. Today you’ll kick it to Phnom Penh. (B)
DAY 15 PHNOM PENH. Take an optional visit to the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields to reflect and pay your respects. Tonight, feast on a Khmer BBQ with your travel mates. Cheers! (B,D)
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CHIANG RAI, CAMBODIA, WAT RONG KHUN, HALONG BAY
DAY 16 PHNOM PENH TO HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Tonight, get ready for foodie heaven with a street eats tour. We’ll take you to where the locals eat, so you know it’s the real deal. (B,D)
DAY 17 HO CHI MINH CITY. Start off with a halfday tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Then, swing by the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral on a city tour. You’ll also see the Saigon Opera House, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. (B,L)
DAY 18 HO CHI MINH CITY TO VINH LONG, MEKONG RIVER. Hop on a boat to get amongst Cai Be's floating markets that teem with fruit, vegetables and goodies. We’re staying in a guesthouse tonight. (B,L,D)
DAY 19 VINH LONG TO NHA TRANG VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. A pit stop at the Vinh Trang pagoda today before heading to the train station. (B)
DAY 20 NHA TRANG. Rest up at the beach if you’re keen for a chill. Or, you could go on a full day boat trip or head to the Thap Ba Hot Spring Bathing and Mud Spa (both optional). (B)
DAY 21 NHA TRANG. Spend your free day lazing in Nha Trang, a windsurfing and scuba diving mecca. Woo! (B)
DAY 22 NHA TRANG TO HOI AN. You’re flying to Hoi An today. Look out for French colonial buildings and the Japanese Covered Bridge. (B)
DAY 23 HOI AN. Free day! Hop on a tour to a vegetable village just outside of Hoi An or enrol in a cooking class conducted by a local chef (both optional). (B)
DAY 24 HOI AN TO HUE. We’ll drive you along the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful mountain passes, towards Hue. Set off on a guided tour of the Citadel and the Tu Duc Royal Tomb. What an introduction! (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Street eats tuk-tuk tour in Bangkok
+ Guided trishaw tour in Chiang Mai
+ Visit Wat Rong Khun
+ Street eats tour in Ho Chi Minh City
+ Cu Chi Tunnels tour
+ Visit the Cai Be floating markets
+ Drive along the Hai Van Pass
+ Party cruise in Halong Bay
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 27 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
+ 23 nights in hotels, 2 nights on overnight trains, 1 night in a guesthouse, 1 night on a party junk boat
+ Internal flights
+ Overnight train tickets
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Flight of the Gibbon treetop adventure
+ Scenic flight over Halong Bay
DAY 25 HUE TO HANOI. Fly up the coast and get ready to take on the big capital city of Hanoi. Ask your Trip Leader for hot tips of where to visit. (B)
DAY 26 HANOI TO HALONG BAY. Cruise time! A day of paddling, swimming, partying and lazing on the sundeck? Yes please. Tonight, enjoy the sunset from the boat and tuck in to a fresh dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 27 HALONG BAY TO HANOI. How’s your head this morning? Shake it off with one last dip in the turquoise water before heading back to Hanoi – but
TRIP CODE: AHAFBH
TRIP PRICE OF $5569
Price based on Per Person twin-share/double single suPPlement from an extra $1299
28 DAYS FROM $5569
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed in the ‘Bucket List’ and ‘More Inclusions’ are included in the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional and may cost extra (but are too awesome to miss out).
not before an optional scenic flight over Halong Bay. (B,D)
DAY 28 HANOI. Today, we’re outta here after brekkie. Okay, maybe one last bowl of pho first. (B)
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CAMBODIAN CUISINE, ANGKOR TEMPLES, ANGKOR TEMPLES
From seeing the pyramids in Egypt to exploring the markets of Morocco, discovering the ruins of Petra to floating in the Dead Sea, the ancient-modern cities, beautiful natural landscapes and unique history of the Middle East and North Africa are nothing short of epic.
MARRAKECH
JERUSALEM
TEL
WADI RUM, JORDAN
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
What sectors?are
Sector trips offer you a great way to choose a departure city, set of experiences or journey length that best suits you. Piece together your favourite itineraries, build your own custom Middle Eastern and/or North African road trip, meet more likeminded travellers… it’s your trip, your way.
A Sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends might continue on after you leave, or you might be joining a trip already in progress.
• See the jaw-dropping Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza
• Cruise down the Nile in a five-star boat with rooftop pool
• Check out the Valley of the Kings with a qualified Egyptologist PAGE 47
10 DAY MOROCCAN EXPLORER
• Immerse yourself in all this colourful destination has to offer
• Camp under the stars in the Sahara Desert
• Get your barter on in the Marrakech markets PAGE 52
10 DAY JORDAN & ISRAEL
• Make like Indiana Jones and discover the ‘Lost City of Petra’
• Float like a cork in the Dead Sea
• Spend the night in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum PAGE 54
Pick your Style
The Middle East and North Africa were made for adventuring! That's why we offer one type of trip style in this region: Explorer. Ready to discover more?
DAY 1 CASABLANCA, MOROCCO. What’s uppppp Casablanca! Welcome to Morocco’s most populated city, where Art Deco meets mosaic and modern street art meets sacks of saffron and cumin. Dump those bags and join the group ‘cos this trip kicks off with a bang. We’re off to one of the largest mosques in the world – the Hassan II. Want a travel experience to write home about? Trust us, you’re on the right trip.
DAY 2 CASABLANCA TO CHEFCHAOUEN VIA RABAT. Ready to rock out, Morocco style? You got it. Today we’re heading to the most Instagrammable location ever: Chefchaouen. But wait! First, we’ll make a pit stop at Rabat, the country’s capital. Grab your phones – you’re gonna want to Snapchat the Hassan Tower, a landmark and major city attraction dating back to 1195. Impressed? Thought so. (B)
DAY 3 CHEFCHAOUEN TO FES. Brace yourself for medinas, mazes and mausoleums – today we’re missioning it inland to Fes. But first, enjoy a tour of Chefchaouen courtesy of yours truly. Get your Insta game on as we stop for snaps of some vibrant white and blue cobbled streets that give Mykonos a run for its euros. (B)
DAY 4 FES. This morning there’s a city tour with your name on it. Did you know Fes is one of ten cities in the world that’s officially classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? You do now! Spend your free afternoon exploring like a pro. Anyone for an optional hammam visit or dinner show? That’ll be a yes. (B)
DAY 5 FES TO MARRAKECH VIA VOLUBILIS AND CASABLANCA. Say hello to your drive day! Today we’re hitting the road to Marrakech. History lovers, rejoice: we’ll be stopping off at Volubilis to see some ancient Roman ruins. Hey, they don’t call this the Rockin’ Moroccan for nothing! (B)
DAY 6 MARRAKECH. Who’s a Marrakech master? You are! Well, you will be after our awesome city tour. Check out the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace, then find things you never thought you needed in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Once a trading post for slaves, ivory and gold, now it’s home to colourful
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX
+ Tour of Hassan Mosque
+ XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX
+ Visit Hassan Tower
+ XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX
+ Guided tours of Chefchaouen, Fes and Marrakech
+ XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX
+ Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis
+ Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B)
+ 4 nights in hotels (twin/double-share), 2 nights in a riad
+ Smaller group size
+ Modern air-conditioned minibus
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Visit a hammam in Fes
+ Dinner show in Fes
characters selling everything from spices and leather to medicines and food. Let’s play a game – what’s the craziest thing you can find for sale? (B)
DAY 7 MARRAKECH. Wahhhhh! It’s time to wave goodbye to your Moroccan mates. Swap Insta handles – you officially sign off from Topdecker duty after breakfast. (B)
8 DAY | TALES OF ISRAEL
DAY 1 JERUSALEM, ISRAEL. Ready to discover Israel’s inside story? Good! We’ll kick things off in one of the oldest cities in the world: Jerusalem. A unique mix of bustling souks, ancient architecture – and of course, famous holy sites, you can’t fail to be wowed by this place. Tonight, bond with your new trip mates over a welcome dinner and get pumped for the next seven days. This is gonna be one for the books! (D)
DAY 2 JERUSALEM. Fuel up on breakfast, then hit the streets on a history-laden walking tour of this spiritual powerhouse. We’ll tick off the likes of the golden Dome of the Rock (where Muhammad began his journey to heaven), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (where Jesus was crucified) and Judaism’s most religious site: the Western Wall. What. A. Day. (B)
DAY 3 JERUSALEM. You’ve got a free day to do Jerusalem your way. Grab a sabich sandwich and explore the city, or join an awesome optional day trip to the Palestinian territories. What does the day trip involve, you ask? Well. First up, you’ll check out one of the most iconic destinations in the Holy Land: Jericho. After that, it’s onwards to Ramallah (‘God’s Hills’ in Arabic) before a well-earned lunch break. To round things off, you’ll make like the Three Wise Men and set a course for the little town of Bethlehem. Not bad, eh? (B)
DAY 4 JERUSALEM TO NAZARETH VIA THE DEAD SEA AND THE SEA OF GALILEE. At 427 m below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. Today you’ll get to tick off another #lifegoal as you float around in it. Next up: we’ll pay a visit to the Sea of Galilee (where Jesus is said to have walked on water) and the St George Monastery (which clings to the side of a cliff in the Judean Desert). Finally, we’ll swing by the Ein Gedi oasis for a selfie or two before we reach Nazareth. (B)
DAY 5 NAZARETH TO TEL AVIV VIA ACRE AND HAIFA. Today you’ll get your daily fact fix and then some on included tours of Nazareth, Acre and Haifa. As we make our way around, we’ll tick off some historic Templar and Crusader ruins and the super
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Guided tour of Jerusalem
+ Visit the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee
+ Visit St George Monastery and the Ein Gedi oasis
+ Walking tours of Nazareth, Acre and Haifa
+ Visit Templar and Crusader ruins
+ Visit the Bahá’í Gardens
+ Bike tour of Tel Aviv
+ Levinsky Market tasting tour
+ Walking tour of Old Jaffa
+ Beach day in Tel Aviv
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 7 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)
+ 7 nights in private twin/double share accommodation in Israel’s amazing Abraham Hostels
+ Smaller group size
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Palestinian territories day trip
+ Tel Aviv nightlife tour
fancy Bahá’í Gardens. When your camera roll is nice and full, we’ll hit the road to Tel Aviv. (B)
DAY 6 TEL AVIV. This morning, it’s up and at ‘em as we take to two wheels on a guided bike ride through Tel Aviv. Later, we’ll take a walking tour through one of the city’s most ancient areas: Old Jaffa. Feeling hungry? You won’t want to miss today’s included tasting tour at Levinsky Market! (B)
TRIP PRICE OF $1979
TRIP PRICE OF $2099
Price based on Per Person twin-share/double single suPPlement from an extra $789
8 DAYS FROM $1979
AUD PER PERSON
DAY 7 TEL AVIV. What’s it gonna be? Whether you want to pull up a sun lounger and work on that tan, hunt down some local delicacies and have a picnic or simply wander around on a Snapchat spree, anything goes on today’s beach visit. When the sun goes down, we’ll toast the end of the trip with one final group dinner (cue allll of the emotional hugs). Then: what better way to celebrate your last night with your trip mates than with an optional nightlife tour? (B,D)
DAY 8 TEL AVIV. Today marks the final chapter of your journey – after breakfast, it’s time to head home. (B)
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JERUSALEM, TEL AVIV, ABRAHAM HOSTEL TEL AVIV, JERUSALEM
DAY 1 AMMAN, JORDAN. Head to a shawarma stand or grab a plate of mansaf because the food here is off the hookah. Just be back in time for tonight’s welcome meeting.
DAY 2 AMMAN TO PETRA. Today it’s time to kick it old school in Madaba, the site of an ancient holy map that’s so detailed it’s like Google Maps for theologists. Then: soak up views of the Promised Land from the top of Mt Nebo, storm a giant Crusader castle in Karak... and we haven’t even got to the Lost City yet! (B)
DAY 3 PETRA. Chiselled from sheer cliffs of rose-red stone and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra will take your breath away. Grab your satchel and don’t forget your hat – Indiana Jones has nothing on you today as you wander through the Siq and snap selfies in front of The Treasury. (B)
DAY 4 PETRA TO WADI RUM VIA LITTLE PETRA. After an off-road desert drive through Wadi Rum, we’ll spend the night in a Bedouin camp and feast on a traditional earth-oven dinner with one of the world’s most ancient nomadic tribes. Did we mention there’s also an optional camel ride? (B,D)
DAY 5 WADI RUM TO AQABA. Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city – so make the most of it with a spot of optional diving, windsurfing, snorkelling or a glass bottom boat ride. Just wanna chill? Then feel free to hit up a hammam or gorge yourself on knafeh in a coffee shop – we won’t judge. (B)
DAY 6 AQABA TO AMMAN. Time to enjoy one of the world’s oldest health resorts! At 427 m below sea level (the lowest point on Earth), the Dead Sea is so salty you can float around in it like a cork. Afterwards, it’s back to Amman to see the likes of the Citadel and Roman Amphitheatre on a city tour. (B)
DAY 7 AMMAN INCLUDING JERASH AND AJLOUN VISIT. Today we’ll crank the history knob up to 11 and take you through Jerash – home to a bunch of Greco-Roman highlights, including a hippodrome which was used for chariot racing (and is nothing to do with hippos). Next up, we’ll visit Ajloun – once
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Discover the 'Lost City’ of Petra
+ Float in the Dead Sea
+ Guided tours of Amman and ancient Jerash
+ Wadi Rum 4x4 excursion
+ Stay in a Bedouin desert camp
+ Relax on the Red Sea in Aqaba
+ Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 7 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)
+ 6 nights in hotels (twin-share), 1 night in a Bedouin desert camp (twin-share)
+ Arrival and departure airport transfers
+ Modern air-conditioned minibus or coach
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Petra by Night tour
+ Camel ride at Wadi Rum
+ Red Sea glass bottom boat trip and snorkelling
an important pigeon post that helped get messages from Damascus to Cairo in a single day. (B)
DAY 8 AMMAN. Fill up on falafel – this trip’s over after breakfast. Where to next? (B)
This
9 DAY | NILE DISCOVERY
5-STAR NILE CRUISE
Board a 5-star cruise ship and take on the Nile in style. Expect golden sunsets, comfy cabins and a swimming pool fit for a pharaoh.
If life on the water isn't your thing, why not check out our 9 Day Essential Egypt trip on p.48? This one sticks to dry land.
DAY 1 CAIRO, EGYPT. Hello, city of a thousand minarets! Go for a solo explore, settle into your hotel room or simply sit back and watch the madness of Cairo’s traffic jams from a coffee shop before shimmying over to tonight’s welcome meeting. Time to meet your new friends!
DAY 2 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. After breakfast, it’s over to Coptic Cairo for a meander around the area’s historic buildings. Then: check out the view from Cairo Citadel before getting your haggle on in Khan el-Khalili market. (B)
DAY 3 ASWAN TO NILE CRUISE SHIP. First up: a felucca sailboat ride and a culture lesson in a brightly coloured traditional village. Then: it’s all aboard our five-star cruise ship for a taste of life finer than the pharaohs could have ever imagined. This baby comes kitted out with a rooftop pool, a bar and plenty of sun loungers for you to rest your weary heads on. Oh –and did we mention you can also get involved with an optional camel ride or traditional Nubian dinner today? (B,L,D)
DAY 4 NILE CRUISE SHIP. Come face to face with awe-inspiring Abu Simbel, presided over by four gigantic statues of Rameses II. After that, we’ve got a quick question for you: what’s cooler than Kom Ombo Temple? Answer: the fact 300 mummified crocodiles were found nearby. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 NILE CRUISE SHIP. Heads up: the eye of Ra is watching you today as we pay a visit to the Temple of Edfu. Get acquainted with the falcon-headed sky god Horus, then kick back on deck and drink in the beauty of the Nile. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 NILE CRUISE SHIP TO LUXOR. Today our cruise ship journey will take us to Luxor, which was once the capital of ancient Egypt. We’ll show you around Karnak Temple (the largest religious building ever made) and Luxor Temple, one of the best preserved of all of Egypt’s ancient monuments. (B)
DAY 7 LUXOR TO CAIRO VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Take a walk through the shadow of the Valley of Kings
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ 5-star cruise on the Nile
+ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included)
+ See the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Visit the Egyptian Museum
+ Visit the Temples of Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo and Edfu
+ Visit the Saqqara Step Pyramid, Coptic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili market
+ Visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak
+ Visit the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut
+ Visit a Nubian village
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 8 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D)
+ 3 nights in hotels (twin-share), 3 nights in cabin accommodation on a 5-star cruise ship, 2 nights aboard an overnight coach
+ Arrival and departure transfers
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Dinner in a Nubian home
+ Camel ride
+ Nile dinner cruise
and pay a visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut before we hop on the overnight coach back to Cairo. (B)
DAY 8 CAIRO. Today we’ll check off King Tutankhamun’s treasure chest at the Egyptian Museum, see the legendary Great Pyramid of Giza
TRIP PRICE OF $1879
TRIP PRICE OF $2099
(and the Sphinx to boot), AND take a whirl around the necropolis of Saqqara. What. A. Day. (B)
DAY 9 CAIRO. Shisha! Is the trip over already? If your inner explorer has been awakened, stay on to uncover more of Cairo’s coolness. We’re outta here after breakfast. (B)
CAIRO CAIRO 14 MEALS 1 COUNTRY
9 DAY | ESSENTIAL EGYPT
souvenirs, stroll past pretty multicoloured houses and get up close and personal with Aswan’s unique culture. If you fancy it, you can even opt in to take a camel ride (talk about life goals) or chow down on an authentic Nubian dinner. Top tip: try the ful (B)
DAY 4 ASWAN. Roll out of bed, then prepare to feel like a small fry as you gaze up at the four colossal statues of Ramses II at Abu Simbel (you’ll want to make sure there’s space in your camera roll for this one). Want more? You could always pay an optional visit to the ancient Philae Temple, which is situated in the middle of Agilkia Island, and the impressive twomile Nile High Dam. Round off a day to remember by drinking in the magic of the river at sunset. Nice one, Mother Nature. (B,D)
DAY 5 ASWAN TO LUXOR. Today it’s time for a wellearned touch of Luxor – also known as ‘the world’s greatest open-air museum’. Once the capital of ancient Egypt, it’s now a history-laden landscape of souks and temples. Your challenge today is to see as much of it as possible. And… go! We’ll kick things off with tours of Karnak Temple (the largest religious building ever made) and Luxor Temple, one of the best preserved of all of Egypt’s ancient monuments. All together now: wowwww. (B)
DAY 1 CAIRO, EGYPT. Get pumped – you’re in Cairo! Go exploring and find out why the Egyptians call this place Umm al-Dunya, or ‘the mother of the world’. Just make sure you rock up in time for tonight’s welcome meeting, where you’ll come face to face with your new trip buddies. It’s gonna be an amazing nine days!
DAY 2 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. First up today: meander the streets of Coptic Cairo and check out the Hanging Church, then head up to Cairo Citadel and get a load of those #views. Later, arm yourself with a pocketful of Egyptian
Pounds and prepare to get your haggle on in Khan el-Khalili market. Expect gold, spices and every type of souvenir under the sun. Anyone for a fez or belly dancing costume? After you’ve shopped and bartered to your heart’s content, it’s all aboard the overnight coach to Aswan. (B)
DAY 3 ASWAN. Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Lord Byron… they’ve all done it. Now it’s your turn! Go low tech with a ride on a felucca sailboat down the Nile and get comfy on the cushion-strewn deck. Try not to doze off, though – we’ve got a traditional Nubian village to get to! Here you can pick up handmade
DAY 6 LUXOR. Next up: the Valley of the Kings (aka the place everyone in ancient Egypt was ‘dying’ to get into). Expect tombs, and lots of them – plus a whole bunch of amazingly vibrant wall art that’s been waiting for you to come visit it for thousands of years. And did we mention that you’ll have a super knowledgeable Egyptologist as your guide? Listen up and learn the stories of the pharaohs as you pass from tomb to tomb. This is one experience with ‘bucket list’ written all over it! (B)
DAY 7 LUXOR TO CAIRO VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Wave bye-bye to Luxor – today it’s all aboard the overnight coach again as we head back to Cairo. Settle in and get comfy! (B)
DAY 8 CAIRO. There’s old, and then there’s the necropolis of Saqqara. Wander past towering
CAIRO CAIRO 9 MEALS 1 COUNTRY
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CAIRO, LOCAL SPICE MARKET, ASWAN, ASWAN, LUXOR
Abu Simbel
‘The entire trip was amazing. I felt safe and it felt like a family. Our group leader genuinely cared about us and took care of us. I would recommend this experience to anyone.’ - Allison
pyramids and soak up some ancient history with a visit to this extensive burial ground before we move on to the Egyptian Museum to check out King Tutankhamun’s treasure chest. Then: get some perspective at the base of the 138 m Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. Trust us, even your goosebumps will get goosebumps! To toast your last night with your fellow Topdeckers, why not take an optional Nile dinner cruise? Fancy. (B)
DAY 9 CAIRO. The trip ends here (well, breakfast first), but pop on that fedora and keep on exploring, Indy. New York may tout itself as the city that never sleeps, but it’s got nothin’ on Cairo! (B)
5-STAR NILE CRUISE
To experience this trip with an upgrade to 3 nights on a 5-star Nile River cruise, check out the 9 Day Nile Discovery trip on p.47.
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included)
+ See the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Visit the Egyptian Museum
+ Visit the Temples of Abu Simbel, Luxor and Karnak
+ Visit the Saqqara Step Pyramid, Coptic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili market
+ Visit the Valley of the Kings
+ Visit a Nubian village
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 8 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)
+ 6 nights in hotels (twin-share), 2 nights aboard an overnight coach
+ Arrival and departure transfers
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Nile dinner cruise
+ Visit the Philae Temple and Nile High Dam
+ Camel ride
PRICE OF $1539
AUD PER PERSON
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ASWAN, ABU SIMBEL TEMPLE, CAIRO
10 DAY | EGYPT EXPRESS
SAIL THE NILE
Capture the feeling of sweet freedom as you make like the ancient Egyptians and head out on an unforgettable sailing trip down the Nile on a traditional felucca boat.
Please note: A sleeping bag is required for the felucca sailing portion of this trip.
TRAVELLING DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS?
In the summer months, you may be able to upgrade your felucca sailboat to a 5-star river cruise! You can check availability with your Trip Leader while on your trip.
DAY 1 CAIRO, EGYPT. Take 17,190 people per square kilometre, a whole heap of traffic jams and, of course, a pyramid or two, and you’ve officially arrived in Umm al-Dunya. Tonight, join the gang for a welcome meeting.
DAY 2 CAIRO. It’s time to take on Cairo! Not sure where to start? We’ve got two optional activities for you. Take a tour of the Islamic Quarter and check out Red Road, or head out on a day trip to Alexandria. (B)
DAY 3 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Before we hit the road to Aswan on our overnight coach, there’s plenty of time to do your own thing in Cairo. Optionals? We’re glad you asked. Take a look around Coptic Cairo or get your barter on at Khan el-Khalili market. (B)
DAY 4 ASWAN. After this morning’s visit to a traditional ahwa (that’s ‘coffee shop’ to you and me) we’ve got optional activities a-gogo. Choose from a camel ride, a trip to the Philae Temple and Nile High Dam or a visit to a Nubian village. (B,L)
DAY 5 ASWAN TO FELUCCA SAILING. After a temple-filled day at Abu Simbel, we’ll climb aboard a traditional felucca sailboat and hit the Nile. Pull up a cushion – the adventure’s just beginning! (B,L,D)
DAY 6 FELUCCA SAILING. Imagine: The sun on your back, the wind in your cotton sails and the best people you could ever hope to meet sharing stories, food and music in one cushion-strewn love-in. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 FELUCCA SAILING TO LUXOR. Today it’s byebye to the boat – we’re stepping off in Luxor, aka the world’s largest open-air museum. But first: a pit stop at Kom Ombo and an optional look at the Karnak and Luxor Temples. (B)
DAY 8 LUXOR TO CAIRO VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Lose yourself in the Valley of the Kings, give a silent high five to Queen Hatshepsut (who ruled ancient Egypt for 20 years) and snap a selfie at the Colossi of Memnon before we hit the road back to Cairo. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Felucca sailing on the Nile
+ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included)
+ See the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Visit the Egyptian Museum
+ Visit the Temples of Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo
+ Visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
+ 5 nights in hotels (twin/triple-share), 2 nights aboard a felucca sailboat, 2 nights aboard an overnight coach
+ Arrival and departure transfers
+ Modern air-conditioned vehicle
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader and local guides
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Visit the Saqqara Step Pyramid, Coptic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili market
+ Visit Karnak and Luxor Temples
+ Camel ride
DAY 9 CAIRO. See King Tutankhamun's treasures at the Egyptian Museum, get goosebumps at the ancient pyramids and play ‘got your nose’ with the Sphinx (never gets old). Then: check out the necropolis of Saqqara. (B)
DAY 10 CAIRO. Just getting into the groove of this 24-hour city? The adventure may be over after breakfast, but feel free to stick around! (B)
10 DAY | SAHARA ADVENTURE
DAY 1 MARRAKECH, MOROCCO. Get your first taste of Morocco’s delicate fusion of old and new world in the 18-plus souks that fill the city streets. Just make sure you arrive in time for tonight’s welcome meeting.
DAY 2 MARRAKECH. Kick-start your day with a guided city tour and check out the Saadian tombs, the Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fnaa – a town square that houses snake charmers, singers, dancers, drummers and more. (B)
DAY 3 MARRAKECH TO TAMNOUGALT VIA AÏT BENHADDOU. Today: brace your eyeballs for some truly epic scenery as we cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Here, fields of grazing sheep clash with unforgiving rocky terrain, mud-brick houses and nerve-shredding hairpin bends. Bonus: a visit to World Heritage-listed Ksar in Aït Benhaddou. Tonight, sleep it off in a kasbah. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 TAMNOUGALT TO SAHARA DESERT. Blast across sand flats, wind between desert dunes and rattle your bones over the dry Draa River on the way to our camp on the edge of the Erg Chigaga dunes. This is glamping, desert style. Did we mention you can opt in to ride a camel? (B,L,D)
DAY 5 SAHARA TO TAMALAKOUTE. Bye, desert! Today we’re hitting the road to the small village of Tamalakoute, where a local Berber family will welcome us into their home. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 TAMALAKOUTE TO TAROUDANT. As far as road trips go, crossing the otherworldly volcanic landscape of the Jebel Siroua Mountains by 4x4 bats well above average. Expect endless twists through rock-strewn desert vistas, climbing to an elevation of 2,500 m with a window-slideshow of deep valleys and barley and saffron fields. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 TAROUDANT TO ESSAOUIRA VIA AGADIR. In the Argan Forest there are goats that live in trees. Seriously, though – how awesome is that? Spend some time staring at them before we make tracks to the beach. (B,L)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Stay with a local Berber family in Tamalakoute
+ Guided tour of Marrakech
+ Stay in a kasbah in Tamnougalt
+ Stay at a desert camp in the Sahara
+ Visit Essaouira
+ Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights in hotels (twin-share), 1 night in a kasbah, 1 night in a desert camp, 1 night in a Berber house
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel
+ Transport in a 4x4 vehicle
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Windsurfing, kayaking and horse riding in Essaouira
+ Camel ride in the Sahara Desert
DAY 8 ESSAOUIRA. Hold onto your hat! This charming fishing town is a mecca for windsurfers thanks to its howling coastal wind. Opt in to try it yourself, or have a go at one of our other optionals. What’s it gonna be? Kayaking or horse riding? Pro tip: dine at one of the open-air fish stands tonight. (B)
DAY 9 ESSAOUIRA TO MARRAKECH. Wash the last of that desert sand off before we head back to the Red City for a chance to meander the medina in Marrakech. ‘Our last night in Morocco’ sounds like a cheesy romance novel, but it’s happening! (B)
DAY 10 MARRAKECH. Write your own ending by spending a few more days (or weeks) in this sensory overload of a land. We’re outta here after breakfast. (B)
TRIP PRICE OF $1549 Price based on Per Person twin-share/double single suPPlement from an extra $389 10 DAYS FROM $1549
AUD PER PERSON
10 DAY | MOROCCAN EXPLORER
DAY 4 RABAT TO FES VIA VOLUBILIS AND MEKNES. Live la dolce vita in Volubilis (or at least get a good idea of what it was like during Roman times) while wandering around some well-preserved ruins. We’re talking historic public buildings that date back a whopping 2,000 years, AND some intricate mosaics that have well and truly stood the test of time. Later, we’ll take a walk through enchanting Meknes (which was once home to the Moroccan sultanate) before bracing ourselves for all things patterned in Fes. (B)
DAY 5 FES. Mausoleums, mosques and medinas are on the cards today as we hit the streets on a full-day whip around the city with a local guide. The 9,000 narrow cobbled streets in Fes el-Bali are lined with spices, food stalls and tanneries, so don’t just stand there – get exploring! Spot minarets crowning the rooftops, see how many fountains you can count or hunt down a hammam for a body shine and polish. It’s a tough life. (B,L)
DAY 6 FES TO ERRACHIDIA VIA IFRANE AND MIDELT. Adjust to the altitude in Alpine-fresh Ifrane, then carve back through cedar forests to Midelt for lunch (not to mention some breathtaking views of the eastern High Atlas). Afterwards, point your compass south – we’re off to Errachidia. (B)
DAY 1 MARRAKECH, MOROCCO. Transfer to your hotel, ditch the map, turn off your phone and prepare to lose/find yourself in a maze of mosaics and souks. Welcome to Marrakech! Join the gang at tonight’s welcome meeting and get pumped – it’s gonna be an amazing ten days.
DAY 2 MARRAKECH. Today is all about the city tour. We’ll check out the Bahia Palace (think: tiles, tiles and more tiles), see the shimmering Saadian Tombs and wriggle past the snake charmers in bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. This place has got it
entertainers, henna tattoo artists, musicians and more. (B)
DAY 3 MARRAKECH TO RABAT VIA CASABLANCA. First up today, we’ll pay a visit to the Hassan II Mosque – which has the world’s largest minaret (with an actual laser beam on top). Then: it’s on to the UNESCO World Heritage capital of Rabat for a city tour. Don’t forget to paint the town blue in the Kasbah of the Udayas! (B)
DAY 7 ERRACHIDIA TO MERZOUGA DESERT CAMP. Merzouga looks as if it might be engulfed by the red dunes of the Sahara Desert at any moment. Pull up a pool lounger and savour the view before hopping on a camel (if you want to) and heading out to to our desert camp. Have you ever seen so many stars? (B,L,D)
DAY 8 MERZOUGA TO DADES GORGE VIA TODRA GORGE. Step into your own Roadrunner cartoon today in rock climber's heaven: Todra Gorge. With a 3D landscape of imposing orange sandstone peaks, streams and the odd camel playing outside your window today, the trip to Dades Gorge will seem quicker than a coyote. (B,D)
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: DADES GORGE, MERZOUGA DESERT CAMP, TODRA GORGE, KUTUBIYYA MOSQUE, LOCAL VILLAGE NEAR TOUBKAI NATIONAL PARK
‘My Moroccan Explorer trip was an incredible adventure. I can certainly say that cities such as Marrakech and Fes exceeded my wildest expectations. Wow! Just wow!’ - Alexandra
DAY 9 DADES GORGE TO MARRAKECH VIA AÏT
BENHADDOU. Aït Benhaddou is UNESCO World Heritage and ‘Desert Hollywood’ beauty combined on an old caravan route between Sudan and Marrakech. Otherworldly charm level: 100/10. (B)
DAY 10 MARRAKECH. The trip might be over after breakfast, but your adventure doesn’t have to be! We’ll be seeing you around. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Guided tours of Marrakech, Rabat and Fes
+ Visit Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
+ Visit the Medina of Fes
+ Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis
+ Stay at a desert camp in the Sahara
+ Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
+ 8 nights in hotels (twin-share), 1 night in a desert camp
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel
+ Modern air-conditioned minibus
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Camel ride in the Sahara Desert
MEET AT 8PM IN MARRAKECH
TRIP PRICE OF $1549
Price based on Per Person twin-share/double single suPPlement from an extra $389 10 DAYS FROM $1549
AUD PER PERSON
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: RABAT, MERZOUGA DESERT CAMP
MERZOUGA DESERT CAMP
10 DAY | JORDAN & ISRAEL
DAY 4 PETRA TO WADI RUM VIA LITTLE PETRA. Back in the day, camels were the go-to way to cross the desert. Nowadays, we do it in a 4x4 (though the camel ride is still an option if you wanna have yourself a happy hump day). At Wadi Rum, we'll spend the night alongside one of the world's most ancient nomadic tribes in a Bedouin camp. Take it all in as the sun starts to go down and watch the cliffs glow with 50 shades of red. When night comes, get set for an epic show. We’re talking countless stars and the Milky Way as your canopy for the night. Whoever spots the most shooting stars wins! (B,D)
DAY 5 WADI RUM TO AQABA. Founded in around 4,000 BC, Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city – and it sits smack bang in the middle of everything that is the Red Sea. Take the option to (wet) suit up and see what all those ‘top dives in the world’ lists are on about. Also on the optionals menu: snorkelling and a glass bottom boat tour. Who knew the marine life here was so colourful? (B)
DAY 6 AQABA TO AMMAN. Time to enjoy one of the world’s oldest health resorts! At 427 m below sea level (the lowest point on Earth), the Dead Sea is so salty you can float around in it like a cork. Afterwards, we’ll hit the road to Amman. Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad empires have all had their two cents when it comes to this place, creating a melting pot of ancient historical sites. You’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre, Citadel and more on this afternoon’s city tour. (B)
DAY 1 AMMAN, JORDAN. Touch down in one of the oldest cities in existence and drop off your gear before trading bios with your new travel buddies tonight. For dinner, track down some falafel. This ain’t just any old falafel though! Trust us, the stuff you get here is like nothing you’ll find at home. Why not shimmy over to Hashem Restaurant? It’s a favourite with locals and travellers.
DAY 2 AMMAN TO PETRA. Today it’s time to kick it old school in Madaba, the site of an ancient holy map that’s so detailed it’s like Google Maps for theologists. Then: soak up views of the Promised
Land from the top of Mt Nebo, storm a giant Crusader castle in Karak... and we haven’t even got to the Lost City yet! (B)
DAY 3 PETRA. ‘Historic’ is a word that doesn’t even come close to describing a city that was founded around 312 BC. With 80 m high red sandstone tunnels and a façade made famous by Indiana Jones, Petra stands as testament to man’s ability to create beauty from nothing. Wander through the Siq and remember to pinch yourself when you catch your first glimpse of the Treasury. (B)
DAY 7 AMMAN TO JERUSALEM, ISRAEL VIA JERASH AND AJLOUN. Today we’ll crank the history knob up to 11 and take you through Jerash – home to a bunch of Greco-Roman highlights, including a hippodrome which was used for chariot racing (and is nothing to do with hippos). Next up, we’ll visit Ajloun – once an important pigeon post that helped get messages from Damascus to Cairo in a single day. (B)
DAY 8 JERUSALEM. Christianity, Islam and Judaism all consider Jerusalem a holy place, so it's kind of a big deal. We’ll check out the Mount of Olives,
AMMAN TEL AVIV
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JERASH, DEAD SEA, PETRA, WADI RUM
Gethsemane, King David’s Tomb, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified), just to name a few. (B)
DAY 9 JERUSALEM TO TEL AVIV VIA BETHLEHEM. Jerusalem to Tel Aviv via Bethlehem. Step into a real-life nativity scene in Bethlehem before swapping religious sites for Tel Aviv. Wanna top up your tan? You’ve got 16 beaches to choose from! If you’re keen for a wander, head to the chilled-out seaport of Old Jaffa. Tonight we’ll find out why Lonely Planet ranked this place one of the top ten party cities in the world. But before you hit the bars and the nightlife, why not head out for a final dinner with your travel mates? Saluf & Sons does some tasty, traditional Yemeni food that’s well worth a try. (B)
DAY 10 TEL AVIV. Tel Aviv. The trip might be over after breakfast, but don’t leave until you track down Abu Hassan for hummus that will haunt your dreams (it’s that good). Don’t miss the boho neighbourhood of Florentin either. There are plenty of cafés here to sample some local coffees and treats – just the ticket after the night before. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Discover the 'Lost City’ of Petra
+ Float in the Dead Sea
+ Guided tours of Amman and ancient Jerash
+ Wadi Rum 4x4 excursion
+ Stay in a Bedouin desert camp
+ Relax on the Red Sea in Aqaba
+ Guided tours of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Tel Aviv
+ Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)
+ 8 nights in hotels (twin-share), 1 night in a Bedouin desert camp (twin-share)
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel
+ Modern air-conditioned minibus or coach
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Petra by Night tour
+ Camel ride at Wadi Rum
+ Red Sea glass bottom boat trip and snorkelling
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: MIDDLE EASTERN FEAST, JERUSALEM, TEL AVIV
A safari adventure with the Acacia Africa team awaits. Pass by mountains, rivers and lakes, laze about on palm-fringed beaches and roam some of the world’s best national parks in search of wild animals. Sound tempting? We thought so.
temperatures
PRETORIA
MAASAI MARA AREA
ZANZIBAR
CAPE TOWN
VICTORIA FALLS
NAIROBI
What sectors?are
Sector trips offer you a great way to choose a departure city, set of experiences or journey length that best suits you. Piece together your favourite itineraries, build your own custom African road trip, meet more like-minded travellers… it’s your trip, your way.
A Sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends might continue on after you leave, or you might be joining a trip already in progress.
Look out for this icon throughout the brochure
Africa 21
In Africa, we hand over to leading safari operator Acacia Africa, who deliver epic adventures across the continent. With more than 24 years' experience of running trips and a team of local guides, you can rest assured you're in good hands.
Always attentive and friendly, the Acacia team have an in-depth knowledge of destinations across Africa and will always go the extra mile to ensure your trip is one to remember.
The Bwindi Impenetrable Park region is home to an estimated 400 of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Due to the endangered nature of the species, visitors are strictly limited and a Gorilla Trek Permit must be purchased in advance, normally at the time of booking.
The Gorilla Trek takes you to the gentle giants’ natural habitat in southwest Uganda’s mountain jungle. The separate Chimpanzee Trek (also requiring a permit) takes you through the Kyambura Gorge in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The combined cost for the two permits, which we will obtain on your behalf (subject to availability), is listed on each itinerary visiting these areas.
Please note: To ensure we obtain Gorilla Trek Permits, we may have to adjust the itinerary slightly from the published route – but don’t worry! This won’t make your experience any less awesome. If we need to amend your itinerary, we’ll let you know before you leave for Africa.
village tours and a
highlights
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trek Permit costs are controlled by the Ugandan authorities and are subject to change.
ACACIA AFRICA
ADVENTURE PASS
GORILLA AND CHIMPANZEE TREK PERMITS
Pick your Style
Do you like your creature comforts? Or is camping more your thing? Our trip styles cater to pretty much everyone. Take your pick!
OVERLAND
Want to get back to basics, hit the long, dusty road and throw yourself into an authentic safari experience in Africa? Then we have news for you – Acacia Africa’s amazing Overland trips are where it’s at! With Acacia’s unique range of adventures through Africa, your accommodation style is up to you. Choose an Overland
OVERLAND CAMPING
On our unique African camping trips, you’ll stay in two-person dome tents with comfy mattresses at quality campsites. A true safari experience? Sign us up!
Camping trip to stay in two-person dome tents with comfy mattresses at a bunch of awesome campsites, or pick an Overland Accommodated trip to snag stays in safari cabins, tented camps or hostels. What’s it gonna be?
OVERLAND ACCOMMODATED
Our accomodated trips offer the same excitement and adventure as our camping trips – except while your camping buddies head to their tents for the night, you'll have a comfortable bed in a safari cabin, tented camp or hostel to rest up in.
CAMPSITE, NAIROBI
THE VICTORIA FALLS WATERFRONT
BUSH CAMP, SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
6 DAY | TROOP TO THE GORILLAS
DAY 1 KAMPALA TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA. From Kampala we’ll travel west towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, checking out green terraced hillsides, lush banana plantations, steep mountains and tangled forests along the way. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for herds of Ankole cattle! When we reach the national park, a spot of chimpanzee trekking is on the cards. OMG. (L,D)
DAY 2 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. If the amazing mountain #views aren’t enough for you this morning, wait till you see Lake Edwards and Lake George! Did you know? Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 500 species of birds and 100 species of mammals, making it one of the most biodiverse national parks in the world. If you’re lucky, you might get to spot a few critters en route to Kyambura Gorge for the trek to see the chimpanzees (if you didn’t already make this journey yesterday). Unlike their mountain gorilla cousins, chimps live mostly in the trees, so keep an eye up high! (B,L,D)
DAYS 3-5 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE BUNYONYI. Quick fact: the Lake Bunyonyi region is home to the world’s remaining 770 mountain gorillas, many of which inhabit the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the day of our trek, we’ll meet our local guide and tracker bright and early before splitting into small groups and venturing into the rainforest. The trek can be demanding at times (look out for uneven terrain and hill climbs), but trust us – the privilege of spending time with a family of these gentle giants will make the effort totally worthwhile. Excited yet? We sure are! What can you do at Lake Bunyonyi when you’re not trekking, you ask? Good question. Take your pick from our optionals: hire a canoe, hop on a boat trip or check out a traditional dance performance. If you’re all about the animal life, you can even indulge in a spot of bird watching. Wanna chill? We won’t judge. You’ll have plenty of time to relax around camp and send a few postcards home. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
+ Chimpanzee trek (part of Gorilla permit payment)
+ Mountain gorilla trek (part of Gorilla permit payment)
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 5 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
+ 5 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
DAY 6 LAKE BUNYONYI TO KAMPALA. Today it’s back over the equator (stopping for a quick centre-ofthe-earth photo op on the way) and on to Kampala, where our trip will wrap up late this afternoon. If you have time, why not hit the town and try the local food? (B,L)
Please note: Due to the endangered nature of mountain gorillas, visitors are strictly limited and a Gorilla Trek Permit must be purchased in advance, normally at the time of booking. Permit costs are controlled by the Ugandan authorities and are subject to change. This is a sector of the 58 Day Ultimate African Overlander trip. See p.86 or visit our website.
KAMPALA
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK, ZEBRAS, GORILLA TREK, LAKE BUNYONYI
National Park
7 DAY | KRUGER, SWAZI & BEACH
DAY 1 PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA TO HAZYVIEW. Oh Africa, you amazing thing! This Kruger, Swazi and Beach adventure kicks off in pretty Pretoria. When you’ve introduced yourself to the crew, we’ll make our way to Hazyview – and on the way, we’ll check out the Panorama Route (epic views, anyone?). Tonight, we’ll toast our first night under the African stars with a group dinner. Campfire stories: optional. (D)
DAY 2 HAZYVIEW INCLUDING KRUGER NATIONAL PARK VISIT. Today we’re all about wild Kruger, which comes complete with photo ops to make your jaw drop. What’s in store? Why, an awesome day of game tracking in a 4x4, of course! With our eagle-eyed guide at the wheel, you’re sure to spot more than a few animals doing their thing. Tonight, there’s another delicious feast to look forward to back at camp. Oh – and you can even head out on an optional nighttime game drive if you fancy it! (B,L,D)
DAY 3 HAZYVIEW INCLUDING KRUGER NATIONAL PARK VISIT. Dig into breakfast, then it’s back to the park for our second day's game driving. Got your cameras and binoculars at the ready? Good! Now’s the time to try to spot the Big Five. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 HAZYVIEW TO MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, SWAZILAND. Today we’ll wave goodbye to Kruger and move on to the kingdom of Swaziland. Then: it’s on to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary we go. Anyone for an optional sunset game drive, bird tour or culture tour? Or maybe a spot of optional mountain biking or horse riding would float your boat? So. Many. Options. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY. First up today, we’ll kick it to the Royal Enclosure for a guided walk. After browsing a few streetside markets and trying our hand at bartering with the stall owners, we'll find our way back to the sanctuary for lunch. Feeling active? Those awesome optionals from yesterday are here for you! Or, you could always take a little time out to catch some rays by the pool... (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST
(INCLUDED)
+ Check out the views on the Panorama Route
+ Visit Kruger National Park
+ Visit Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
+ Guided walk of Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary’s Royal Enclosure
+ St Lucia boat cruise
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Night game drive at Kruger National Park
+ Mountain biking at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
DAY 6 MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY TO ST LUCIA, SOUTH AFRICA. Next up: the coastal town of St Lucia. Get excited, ‘cos this afternoon we’re gonna hop on a boat cruise and get floaty on the river (don’t forget to keep an eye out for hippos, lazy crocodiles and a whole bunch of birds goofing around on the sandy banks). There are also a fair few optionals on offer if you’re interested. Take your pick from a night drive, a culture tour, a bike tour or a hike. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 ST LUCIA TO DURBAN. Today our trip will wrap up in Durban. Who’s up for round two? (B)
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
7 DAY | AFRICAN INSIGHT
DAYS 3-5 HAZYVIEW TO BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE VIA TSHIPISE. After leaving Kruger we’ll shimmy north and spend the night near the Limpopo River in Tshipise. Then: when we’ve got the formalities over with at the border post, we’ll rock and roll into Zimbabwe and make a beeline for Matobo National Park, near Bulawayo. This place is home to a wide variety of animals, including black and white rhinoceroses, zebras, wildebeest and giraffes. We’ve got a half-day game drive to soak it all in – or, if you fancy it, you could opt in to extend the experience with a full-day upgrade. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 6-7 MATOBO NATIONAL PARK TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA. Bye bye, Matobo. Today we’ll be making tracks to Livingstone – where the almighty Victoria Falls awaits. Not only that, but we’ve got some awesome optionals for you to get involved in, too. How about a bungy jump over the falls? Or a spot of gorge swinging? Or some abseiling? Or whitewater rafting? If you’d rather go for something a little less heart-pumping, you could always opt in to take it easy with a fishing trip or sunset cruise down the river. Tomorrow, we’re outta here after breakfast – so whatever you choose to do, make the most of it! (B) (B)
Heads up! This trip also goes in reverse (Livingstone to Pretoria). See website for full details.
DAY 1 PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA TO HAZYVIEW. Touch down in Pretoria, meet your new Topdecker BFFs and get excited for the adventure ahead!
Starting out early, we’ll hit the road in style (and by style, we mean fully equipped safari truck) to Hazyview, where a cultural Shangaan dance show awaits. Kruger is South Africa’s premier national park – and, in connection with parks in adjoining Mozambique and Botswana, it covers a whopping 24,000 square kilometres of land used for the protection of African wildlife. Wowee. (D)
DAY 2 HAZYVIEW INCLUDING KRUGER NATIONAL PARK VISIT. Get your camera at the ready! Today we’ve got a full day’s game drive in store, so keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos and leopards). Want more? Well, you could be lucky enough to see giraffes, hippos and zebras, too! Nothing will prepare you for the first time you spot these incredible creatures in the wild. Expect goosebumps, and lots of them. If you want, you can even opt in to do a game drive after dark tonight. (B,L,D)
Kruger National Park
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: HAZYVIEW, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, CHEETAH, MATOBO NATIONAL PARK
‘I could not rate it highly enough. Our Tour Leader was amazing. I will be back in no time.’
- Emma
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit Kruger National Park
+ Visit Matobo National Park
+ Experience a Shangaan cultural evening
+ Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
+ 6 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP
OPTIONALS
+ Gorge swinging
+ Bungy jumping over Victoria Falls
+ Whitewater rafting
+ Abseiling
+ Sunset cruise on the Zambezi river
+ Half-day canoe safari START
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: GIRAFFES, VICTORIA FALLS
11 DAY | HIGHLIGHTS OF TANZANIA
DAY 1 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA. After kicking things off in Dar es Salaam, we’ll hop on a ferry and set a course for the island of Zanzibar. Once in Stone Town, choose from the optional activities: a spice tour, a visit to the Arab Fort, the site of the old slave market or the Palace Museum are all here.
DAY 2 ZANZIBAR. Zanzibar is known as ‘Spice Island’. Go for a wander around the bazaars today and you’ll soon discover why! This afternoon, we’ll swap Stone Town for the beautiful beaches in the north of the island. Why not try a spot of optional scuba diving or a snorkelling safari? If you just wanna relax, you could always opt in for a massage... (B)
DAY 3 ZANZIBAR. You’ve got a free day to spend on Zanzibar’s palm-fringed beaches. Snorkel, scuba dive and round off your day with a sunset cruise (all optional). We won’t blame you if you never want to leave! (B)
DAY 4 ZANZIBAR. It’s your last full day on this beautiful island, so make the most of it. Take to the water, or just get your tan on. (B)
DAY 5 ZANZIBAR TO DAR ES SALAAM. Bye bye, Zanzibar! We’re jumping on the ferry back to vibrant Dar es Salaam where we’ve got your dinner covered. (B,D)
DAY 6 DAR ES SALAAM TO MARANGU. All aboard our overland truck! Today we’re travelling inland from the Indian Ocean coast to the grassy plains of Northern Tanzania. Tonight we’ll camp in Marangu, a town close to the base of Mt Kilimanjaro. Keep an eye out for the mighty mountain’s peak. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 MARANGU TO ARUSHA. Today we’ll continue on to Tanzania’s sprawling safari capital: Arusha. Here, we’ll head out on a guided walk in the local Maasai village and you can even cross off a true bucket list experience with an optional camel ride! Oh – we’ll also swing by a snake park today. (B,L,D)
DAYS 8-9 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK AND NGORONGORO CRATER. Prep your day pack (or
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit Zanzibar
+ Visit a Maasai village
+ Visit Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 10 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D)
+ 10 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Return ferry tickets from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Zanzibar spice tour
+ Snorkelling safari
a small bag) – today we’re transferring to smaller 4x4 vehicles for a two-night/three-day game viewing trip through Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Trust us, these safari vehicles are decked out with ALL the animal spotting necessities – pop-up roof included. After passing into the park we’ll drive around the crater’s rim and down onto the Serengeti plains, where we’ll try to spot the Big Five (as well as hyenas, cheetahs, wildebeest and antelopes). Wow x 100. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 10-11 NGORONGORO CRATER TO NAIROBI, KENYA VIA ARUSHA. After spending one more night in Arusha, we’ll make our way across the Maasai Steppe to the Kenyan frontier. When we get to Nairobi, we’ll go our separate ways. Where to next? (B,L,D) (B,L)
12 DAY | COAST, LESOTHO & CAPE TOWN
DAY 1 DURBAN TO UNDERBERG AREA, SOUTH AFRICA. Meet your safari buddies, then hit the road to the Underberg Area. (L,D)
DAY 2 UNDERBERG AREA INCLUDING SANI PASS VISIT. Hop in a 4x4 and prepare to see some jawdropping views! Today we’ve got a date with the EPIC Sani Pass. Wowee. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 UNDERBERG AREA TO DRAKENSBERG VIA BATTLEFIELDS. Today we’ll soak up some history at the Battlefields, a site that commemorates lives lost in British, Zulu and Boer clashes. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 DRAKENSBERG. Next up: the Royal Natal National Park. Here, you can take the option to follow the Tugela Falls hike trail up the Drakensberg Mountains for epic views. (B,L,D)
DAYS 5-6 DRAKENSBERG TO MALEALEA, LESOTHO. On day five we’ll roll into the village of Malealea in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Take your pick from mountain biking, a guided hike or a spot of pony trekking (all optional). Giddy up! (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 7 MALEALEA TO MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA. We’ll pass stunning, diverse countryside before arriving at Mountain Zebra National Park. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK TO PORT ELIZABETH VIA ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK. Today we’re off to Addo Elephant National Park for a serious animal spotting session. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Seven (plus some bonus dung beetles)! (B,L,D)
DAY 9 PORT ELIZABETH TO STORMS RIVER VIA TSITSIKAMMA FOREST. Today: Tsitsikamma Forest. This place is unreal! Optionals? Get involved in a bridge walk or a bungy jump. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 STORMS RIVER TO OUDTSHOORN. Onwards to Oudtshoorn. This region is home to the Cango Caves, Africa's largest show cave system. We’ll explore them on an included tour. If you fancy it, you
+ 11 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Bungy jumping
+ Visit Cango Wildlife Ranch
can visit the cheetahs at Cango Wildlife Ranch, too (optional). (B,L,D)
DAY 11 OUDTSHOORN TO HERMANUS. Today we’ll head south to the coastal town of Hermanus – but not before making a stop at Cape Agulhas, which marks Africa’s southernmost tip. (B,L)
DAY 12 HERMANUS TO CAPE TOWN. Today, there’s optional shark cage diving on offer! We’ll say farewell in Cape Town later. Why not stick around and hit up the Waterfront or the Table Mountain cable car? (B)
13 DAY | KENYA & TANZANIA ADVENTURE
not, we’ll do it on day seven). But first: anyone for an optional camel ride? (B,L,D)
DAY 5 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK. Today we’ll switch to smaller 4x4 vehicles as we head west to Serengeti National Park. Don your khaki greens, ‘cos we’re going all-out safari mode! Exciting. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK TO NGORONGORO CRATER. Rise and shine! This morning we’re heading out on a game drive beyond the plains – and after lunch, we’ll ascend the outer wall of the awesome Ngorongoro Crater. Tonight, we’ll stay on the rim of the crater (read: pack your warmest jacket). (B,L,D)
DAY 7 NGORONGORO CRATER TO ARUSHA. Today, we’re headed inside the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning of game driving and wildlife spotting. It’s a tough life. Then: it’s back to Arusha. If we didn’t already do it on day four, we’ll visit a Maasai village this afternoon. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 ARUSHA TO BAGAMOYO. Next stop, Bagamoyo. If we’re lucky with the weather, we might even get to see an ah-mazing snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest peak) on the way. (B,L,D)
DAY 1 NAIROBI TO MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA. Helloooo, Africa! Touch down in Nairobi and meet the group. Then: we’ll kick-start the adventure by travelling to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s best known game park. Looking for the real Africa? This is it! (L,D)
DAY 2 MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE. Yes! You’ve got another day to soak up the Mara’s rolling grasslands and broad horizons (heart eyes emoji). Keep your eyes peeled for wildebeest and zebras! (B,L,D)
DAY 3 MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE TO NAIROBI. Leaving the incredible natural wonderland of the Maasai Mara behind us, today we’ll hit the road back to the chaotic city of Nairobi, where we’ll stay overnight. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 NAIROBI TO ARUSHA, TANZANIA. After crossing the border into Tanzania, we’ll arrive at our next destination: Arusha. This place is Tanzania’s ‘safari capital’ – a bustling city with colourful markets, nestling in the shadow of Mt Meru. If we have time, we’ll take a guided walk in a Maasai village to learn about the local culture before heading to our camp (if
DAY 9 BAGAMOYO TO DAR ES SALAAM. Today we’re hitting the road south to Dar es Salaam, which is hot, humid and full of high rises, colourful markets and Arab-influenced architecture. Tonight we’ll set up camp on the beach (OMG). Feel that balmy sea breeze yet? (B,L,D)
DAY 10 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Hop on the ferry – we’ve got a beautiful palm-fringed island to get to! Fact: Zanzibar was once a major trading centre of spices. Did we mention this place has heaps of amazing optionals? We’re talking spice tours, visits to the Old Fort and more. (B)
DAY 11 ZANZIBAR. After breakfast, why not head out on foot to explore Stone Town? You’re sure to find a whole bunch of souvenirs here. Wanna get aquatic?
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CHEETAHS, ZANZIBAR, MAASAI MARA AREA, KENYAN BREAKFAST
Then an optional snorkelling or scuba diving session has your name on it. (B)
DAY 12 ZANZIBAR. If it's white sand, sparkling sea and hot sun you're after, you’ve come to the right place! Later, indulge in some de-LISH seafood or simply relax beneath a coconut palm with a cocktail and a good book. #Bliss (B)
DAY 13 ZANZIBAR TO DAR ES SALAAM. Nooooooo –after one last breakfast as a group, it’s time to jump on the ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Our trip ends here. Facebook friends, anyone? (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit Maasai Mara National Reserve
+ Maasai village walk
+ Visit Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 12 breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L), 9 dinners (D)
+ 12 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Return ferry tickets from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Camel ride in Arusha
+ Scuba diving in Zanzibar
START DEPART AT 8AM FROM NAIROBI FINISH APPROXIMATELY 5PM IN DAR ES SALAAM
Price based on Per Person twin-share tents
AUD PER PERSON
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ZANZIBAR, SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, NGORONGORO CRATER
This is a sector of the 58 Day Ultimate African Overlander trip. See p.86 or visit our website.
MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
14 DAY | MOZAMBIQUE & ZIMBABWE EXPLORER
And don’t forget to check out the park’s ancient rock paintings. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 BULAWAYO TO MASVINGO. Today we’re setting a course for Masvingo – so spin the compass east! Get your cameras at the ready, ‘cos today we’ll be visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khami Ruins – a site of great archaeological significance. (B,L,D)
DAYS 6-8 MASVINGO TO VILANCULOS, MOZAMBIQUE VIA BANDULA AREA. Crossing from Zimbabwe into Mozambique, a couple of drive days will take us to the ah-mazing Indian Ocean coast. FYI, Mozambique has grown out of its chequered past and now offers heaps of relaxing resorts – Vilanculos included. Did we mention that we’ll be heading out on a full day sailing excursion to Magaruque Island while we’re here? Get your sunscreen at the ready! (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 9-10 VILANCULOS TO INHAMBANE. Our next stop is Inhambane, famous for its world-class scuba diving. This place packs some bea-UTIFUL reefs and (almost) guaranteed manta ray sightings. Wanna take a peek under the sea? Opt in for an optional snorkelling trip or scuba diving adventure! No worries if you’re not a water baby. You can flex your freedom with a bit of optional quad biking instead (definitely one for Insta). (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 1 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE. Ready to get exploring? We’ll start our trip in the town of Victoria Falls, named after Africa’s most scenic waterfall. You won’t be running out of things to do here with optional bungy jumping, gorge swinging and sunset Zambezi cruises on offer.
DAY 2 VICTORIA FALLS TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK. Next up: Zimbabwe’s premier game-viewing area, Hwange National Park. Here, there’s an afternoon game drive in store – so keep your eyes peeled for elephants (not to mention other rare
species like African wild dogs and brown hyenas). Awesome! (B,L,D)
DAY 3 HWANGE NATIONAL PARK TO BULAWAYO. Next up is Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Bulawayo. Grab some zzz’s here before we head to Matobo National Park tomorrow. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 BULAWAYO INCLUDING MATOBO NATIONAL PARK VISIT. Matobo National Park is calling! You know what to do. Don your finest khaki attire and get stuck in with a game drive and wilderness walk. Psst – you might even spot a white rhino, if you’re lucky.
DAY 11 INHAMBANE TO BILENE. Today it’s up and onwards to pretty Bilene, where we’ll spend one night. Expect a beautiful lagoon, palm trees, sandy beaches and seafood to die for. (B,L,D)
DAYS 12-13 BILENE TO HAZYVIEW, SOUTH AFRICA. Bye, Bilene – time to hop over the border into Big Game country for two nights camping on the edge of the world-famous Kruger National Park. After we’ve settled in with a Shangaan cultural performance, we’ll head out on a game drive in pursuit of the Big Five (plus countless other species). Excitement levels: 100/10. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
VICTORIA FALLS
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ELEPHANTS, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ELEPHANTS, BILENE
DAY 14 HAZYVIEW TO PRETORIA. It’s our last day – noooooo! After taking one last longing look at Hazyview, we’ll head west to Pretoria. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later! (B)
Heads up! This trip also goes in reverse (Pretoria to Victoria Falls). See website for full details.
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit Victoria Falls
+ Visit Hwange National Park
+ Visit Matobo National Park
+ Sailing and snorkelling excursion to Magaruque Island
+ 13 breakfasts (B), 12 lunches (L), 12 dinners (D) on ZOMZVP ex. Victoria Falls
+ 13 nights in 2-person dome tents
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Gorge swinging at Victoria Falls
+ Scuba diving in Inhambane
START DEPART AT 8AM FROM VICTORIA FALLS (ZOMZVP) OR 7AM FROM PRETORIA (ZOMZPV) FINISH APPROXIMATELY 6PM IN PRETORIA (ZOMZVP) OR 10AM IN VICTORIA FALLS (ZOMZPV)
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SPICE MARKET, VICTORIA FALLS, MASVINGO
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
14 DAY | GORILLA ENCOUNTER
DAY 5 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. Did you know? Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 500 species of birds and 100 species of mammals, making it one of the most biodiverse national parks in the world. If you’re lucky, you might spot a few critters en route to Kyambura Gorge for the trek to see the chimpanzees. (B,L,D)
DAYS 6-8 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE BUNYONYI. Quick fact: the Lake Bunyonyi region is home to the world’s remaining 770 mountain gorillas, many of which inhabit the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the day of our trek, we’ll meet our local guide and tracker bright and early before splitting into small groups and venturing into the rainforest. The trek can be demanding at times (look out for uneven terrain and hill climbs), but trust us – the privilege of spending time with a family of these gentle giants will make the effort totally worthwhile. Excited yet? We sure are! What can you do at Lake Bunyonyi when you’re not trekking, you ask? Good question. Take your pick from our optionals: hire a canoe, hop on a boat trip or check out a traditional dance performance. If you’re all about the animal life, you can even indulge in a spot of bird watching. Wanna chill? We won’t judge. You’ll have plenty of time to relax around camp and send a few postcards home. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 9 LAKE BUNYONYI TO KAMPALA. After your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla experience, it’s time to venture out of the wilderness and back into civilisation as we hit the road to Kampala. (B,L,D)
DAY 1 NAIROBI TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK, KENYA. Get excited. This. Is. Africa! First up: Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru National Park, where we’ll kick things off with a game drive. Best known for its birdlife, Nakuru also contains plenty of rhinos, leopards, warthogs, baboons and lions – so keep those eyes peeled. (L,D)
DAY 2 LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK TO ELDORET. Today we’ll kick it north through the highlands to Eldoret, a thriving town on the Kenya-Uganda highway. Grab dinner and go exploring before we move on to Kampala tomorrow. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 ELDORET TO KAMPALA, UGANDA. Get ready to roll into Uganda’s bustling capital city. With a rich history to explore (not to mention a whole bunch of shops, attractions and gardens) you certainly won’t be short of things to do here. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 KAMPALA TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. Wakey wakey! Today we’re travelling west to Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing over the equator and past lush banana plantations and tangled forests along the way. (B,L,D)
DAYS 10-12 KAMPALA TO JINJA. Onwards to Jinja, where there’s an opportunity to assist a local charity in building and improving community schools. It’s also a great place for other optionals like kayaking, whitewater rafting and bird watching. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 13 JINJA TO ELDORET, KENYA. After our excitement-filled break in Jinja we’ll retrace our steps across the border into Kenya. Then: it’s off to Eldoret we go! Tonight, share a few laughs with your travel
NAIROBI NAIROBI 39 MEALS 2 COUNTRIES SECTOR
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: LAKE NAKURU, JINJA, MOUNTAIN GORILLA, QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
‘This tour went above and beyond my wildest expectations. I would do it again in a heartbeat!’
- Katarina
buds and toast the end of your trip with one last night around the campfire. (B,L,D)
DAY 14 ELDORET TO NAIROBI. After breakfast we’ll carry on along the Rift Valley to Nairobi, where our Gorilla Encounter trip will wrap up. Make sure you swap numbers – you’ll want to relive the amazing experiences you’ve shared time and time again! #gorillalife (B)
Please note: Due to the endangered nature of mountain gorillas, visitors are strictly limited and a Gorilla Trek Permit must be purchased in advance, normally at the time of booking. Permit costs are controlled by the Ugandan authorities and are subject to change.
This is a sector of the 58 Day Ultimate African Overlander trip. See p.86 or visit our website.
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit the Great Rift Valley
+ Visit Lake Nakuru National Park
+ Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
+ Mountain gorilla trek (part of Gorilla permit payment)
+ Chimpanzee trek (part of Gorilla permit payment)
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: MOUNTAIN GORILLAS, CAMPING
9
19 DAY | DESERT TRACKER
DAYS 1-2 CAPE TOWN TO GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA VIA WESTERN CAPE. What’s up, South Africa! Today: say hello to the group, head out on a Cape Town Township tour, then roll north to the Gariep (Orange) River. (L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 3-4 GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER TO NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK, NAMIBIA VIA FISH RIVER CANYON. First up: Fish River Canyon. Next, we’ll head to Namib Naukluft Park. Who’s up for climbing the world’s highest dunes? (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 5-7 NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK TO SWAKOPMUND VIA SOLITAIRE. Check out the imposing Dune 45 and Sesriem Canyon, then enjoy a few days of adventure activities in Swakopmund. Wanna tick off some bucket list items? This is the place to do it! (B,L,D) (B) (B)
DAYS 8-10 SWAKOPMUND TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK VIA SPITZKOPPE. First things first: we’ll stay among the eerie rock formations at Spitzkoppe, a series of dramatic granite peaks rising above the plains. Then: it’s on to Etosha National Park for a game drive. Yessss! (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 11-12 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO GHANZI VIA WINDHOEK. Our next stop is Namibia’s capital: Windhoek. Inside tip: visit Joe's Beer House. After that, we’ll crack on to Ghanzi for a Kalahari Bushman walk. Tsamma melon, anyone? (B,L) (B,L,D)
DAYS 13-14 GHANZI TO OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA VIA MAUN. After a stop at Maun, we’ll head into beautiful Botswana and the Okavango Delta. By day we’ll view game on foot (AND from mokoro canoes), and by night we’ll camp out under the stars and watch the sky sparkle. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 15-16 OKAVANGO DELTA TO ELEPHANT SANDS VIA MAUN. Onwards to our bush lodge in Elephant Sands. We’ll give you one guess what you’ll see here! As there are no fences, the animals roam freely from one waterhole to the next. Ah-mazing. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Cape Town Township tour
+ See Sossusvlei and Dune 45
+ See the Spitzkoppe Bushman paintings
+ Visit Etosha National Park
+ Kalahari Bushman walk
+ Okavango Delta mokoro/walking safari
+ Visit Chobe National Park
+ Fish eagle boat cruise
+ Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
+ 18 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Sandboarding in Swakopmund
+ Bungy jump at Victoria Falls
DAYS 17-18 ELEPHANT SANDS TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA VIA CHOBE NATIONAL PARK. Bye-bye Elephant Sands, hello Chobe National Park. Keep an eye out for African fish eagles, elephants, hippos and buffaloes on our boat cruise! From Chobe, we’ll cross into Zambia and drive to our riverside camp in the mighty city of Livingstone. (B,L,D) (B)
DAY 19 LIVINGSTONE. Even though our trip ends here, there’s still plenty of time to try the awesome optional activities around Victoria Falls. Think: whitewater rafting, bungy jumping and more! (B)
19 DAY | SOUTH WEST SAFARI
DAYS 1-2 LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA TO CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA. Meet the group and prepare for adventure! We’ll kick things off in Livingstone. Anyone for optional bungy jumping over Victoria Falls? On day two we’ll make our way to Chobe National Park in Botswana, where we’ll hit the water on a game viewing boat cruise. Sit back and watch elephants, buffaloes and hippos in the river shallows. Awesome! (B,L,D)
DAY 3 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK TO NATA. We’ll start the day with an early morning game drive before continuing on to our next campsite. (B,L,D)
DAYS 4-5 NATA TO OKAVANGO DELTA VIA MAUN. Our next stop is Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Explore the waterways and swaying grasses of this wetland habitat on foot AND dugout canoe (mokoro), and keep an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and elephants as you go. Unforgettable. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 6-7 OKAVANGO DELTA TO GHANZI VIA MAUN. In Western Botswana we’ll join a guided walk to see how people live in the Kalahari Desert. Listen closely and learn the A-Z of the area. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 8-10 GHANZI TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA VIA WINDHOEK. Over to Namibia for a stop in Windhoek. Then: we’ll make tracks to the arid terrain of Etosha National Park for more game viewing. (B,L) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 11 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO SPITZKOPPE. Next, we’ll set up camp at the eerie and spectacular Spitzkoppe and check out a few of those awesome Bushman paintings. (B,L,D)
DAYS 12-13 SPITZKOPPE TO SWAKOPMUND. You’ve got two nights in Swakopmund, with plenty of optional adventure activities to get stuck into. Try skydiving or quad biking – or just soak up the atmosphere in one of the cafés. (B) (B)
DAYS 14-15 SWAKOPMUND TO SESRIEM AREA VIA SOLITAIRE. Time to crack on to the desert landscapes of Namib Naukluft Park, home to the highest sand
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
+ 18 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Zambezi sunset cruise
+ Quad biking in Swakopmund
dunes on the planet (we’re looking at you, Dune 45). We’ll also head off on a Sossusvlei shuttle to see the Sesriem Canyon and take a guided walk. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 16-18 SESRIEM AREA TO CEDERBERG AREA, SOUTH AFRICA VIA FISH RIVER CANYON AND GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER. We’ll check out the magnificent Fish River Canyon before continuing on to South Africa. Here, we’ll spend one night by the Gariep (Orange) River and another in the fertile Western Cape. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 19 CEDERBERG AREA TO CAPE TOWN. Our epic journey will wind up in stunning Cape Town. (B)
20 DAY | KRUGER TO CAPE TOWN
DAY 5 MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY. Listen up! Today we’ll say hello to our Swazi guide, who’ll clue us up on the local area while showing us around the Royal Enclosure. After lunch, you’ll have optionals galore to choose from – so flex your freedom! (B,L,D)
DAY 6 MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY TO ST LUCIA, SOUTH AFRICA. Stunning St Lucia is calling. Today you can soak it all up on a boat cruise in a World Heritage-listed lagoon. This is the life... (B,L,D)
DAYS 7-8 ST LUCIA TO DURBAN. Next up: Durban, South Africa’s third largest city. Anyone for an optional city tour? Top tip: head to the Golden Mile beachfront. (B) (B)
DAY 9 DURBAN TO UNDERBERG AREA. See ya later, Durban! Today we’ll make tracks to the Underberg area, where there are plenty of optional hikes and walks to get involved in. Get out there and explore! (B,L,D)
DAY 10 UNDERBERG AREA INCLUDING SANI PASS VISIT. Expect some incredible views and winding mountain roads today: we’re heading out to see the EPIC Sani Pass. (B,L,D)
DAYS 11-12 UNDERBERG AREA TO DRAKENSBERG VIA BATTLEFIELDS. First things first: we’ll visit the site of the famous Battle of Blood River and pay our respects. Then: it’s onwards to Drakensberg, where we’ll take a look around the Royal Natal National Park (and hike Tugela Falls, if you fancy it). (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 1 PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA TO HAZYVIEW. Welcome to Pretoria! Meet your new Topdeck family and sling your stuff on the truck, then it’s away we go to Hazyview. On the way, we’ll check out the Panorama Route. Just get a load of that view! (D)
DAY 2 HAZYVIEW INCLUDING KRUGER NATIONAL PARK VISIT. Today = Kruger National Park. This place is home to 500 species of birds, 148 species of mammals and oodles of reptiles, not to mention the Big Five. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 HAZYVIEW INCLUDING KRUGER NATIONAL PARK VISIT. Rise and shine for a 4x4 safari experience. See just how many animals you can spot in one day (hint: it’ll be a lot). (B,L,D)
DAY 4 HAZYVIEW TO MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, SWAZILAND. Ready to roll into the Kingdom of Swaziland? Yeah you are! Why not opt in for a mountain biking tour or horse ride while you’re here? (B,L,D)
DAYS 13-14 DRAKENSBERG TO MALEALEA, LESOTHO. See ya later, Drakensberg – we’re off to Malealea, where we’ll camp out for the next two nights. Optionals? You’ve got three. Hiking, pony trekking or mountain biking? (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 15 MALEALEA TO MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA. Hop on the truck – we’re heading back to South Africa. What do you think we’ll see at Mountain Zebra National Park? We’ll give you one guess! (B,L,D)
PRETORIA CAPE TOWN 51 MEALS 3 COUNTRIES
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK, HERMANUS, DRAKENSBERG, CAPE TOWN
DAY 16 MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK TO PORT ELIZABETH VIA ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK. Today we’ll do the old switcheroo and swap Mountain Zebra National Park for Addo Elephant National Park. This place is home to over 600 elephants, lions, buffaloes and more (so chances are you’ll strike photo op gold). (B,L,D)
DAY 17 PORT ELIZABETH TO STORMS RIVER VIA TSITSIKAMMA FOREST. Ready to get your adrenalin pumping? Good! Not only does Storms River have an awesome name, but it’s also got a bunch of awesome optionals to choose from, too. What’s it gonna be –bungy jumping or tubing? (B,L,D)
DAY 18 STORMS RIVER TO OUDTSHOORN. Wakey wakey! Time to kick it to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world (for real). Today we’ll hit up the Cango Caves, Africa's largest show cave system. Ooh, mysterious! You can even opt in to visit the cute lil’ critters at Cango Wildlife Ranch afterwards. (B,L,D)
DAY 19 OUDTSHOORN TO HERMANUS. Relaxed and revitalized, we’ll head to Hermanus, a town that’s famous for its whale and dolphin sightings. But first, we’ll make a pitstop at Cape Agulhas – Africa’s southernmost tip. (B,L)
DAY 20 HERMANUS TO CAPE TOWN. Our trip will wrap up in Cape Town – but not before we’ve given it a proper send-off with a wine tasting session. Cheers! (B)
+ 19 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Horse riding in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
+ Tubing at Storms River
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: HIPPOPOTAMUS, ELEPHANTS, GIRAFFE
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1
15
21 DAY | EAST AFRICAN EXPLORER
DAY 1 LIVINGSTONE TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA. This. Is. Africa! Today, we’ll kick things off on the banks of the great Zambezi River. Tonight: settle into your campsite and bond with your new Topdeck crew over dinner. (L,D)
DAYS 2-3 LUSAKA TO SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK. Climb aboard the truck – we’re off to our camp in South Luangwa. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and more on a game drive, then head out on an optional village tour or walking safari. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 4-5 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK TO KANDE BEACH, MALAWI. Kande Beach is a little slice of paradise on the shores of Lake Malawi. What you do here is up to you. Wanna grab a slice of the optionals? How about horse riding, snorkelling or scuba diving? (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 6-7 KANDE BEACH TO CHITIMBA BEACH. Our next stop is Chitimba Beach. Soak up the rays or head out on an optional hike to Livingstonia. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 8 CHITIMBA BEACH TO IRINGA, TANZANIA. Today we’ll climb through Tanzania’s Southern Highlands all the way to Kisolanza Farm House – a working farm famous for its hot showers and chocolate brownies. (B,L,D)
DAYS 9-10 IRINGA TO DAR ES SALAAM VIA MIKUMI. Onwards to Mikumi! Here, we’ll sip sundowners at the local bar and spend the evening around the open fire after an optional National Park visit. Next up: Dar es Salaam. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 11-14 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Once a historic trading centre, modern Zanzibar is the ultimate island getaway. Spend your time lounging on the palmfringed beaches, ticking off the must-sees, or going for the optional scuba diving or snorkelling. (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAYS 15-17 ZANZIBAR TO ARUSHA VIA DAR ES SALAAM AND MARANGU. We’re back in Dar for a night before we head inland to Marangu. If the weather’s right, we might catch a glimpse of Mt Kilimanjaro en route! Once in Arusha we’ll visit a Maasai village. (B,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
+ Visit South Luangwa National Park
+ Visit Lake Malawi
+ Visit Mikumi National Park
+ Visit Zanzibar
+ Visit a Maasai village
+ Visit Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
+ 20 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Return ferry tickets from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Snorkelling safari in Zanzibar
+ Camel ride in Arusha
DAYS 18-19 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK AND NGORONGORO CRATER. Wave bye-bye to the truck for now – we’re downsizing. Jump in a 4x4 and get excited! The epic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater are next. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 20-21 NGORONGORO CRATER TO NAIROBI, KENYA VIA ARUSHA. We’ve got one last night in Arusha before hitting the home straight to Nairobi. Swap numbers and start planning the next adventure. (B,L,D) (B,L)
22 DAY | ZANZIBAR, VIC FALLS & KRUGER
DAYS 1-4 DAR ES SALAAM AND ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA. After catching a ferry to Zanzibar, we’ve got three days of chill time lined up on Spice Island. Explore Stone Town’s alleyways, architecture and markets, then feel free to get your beach on. We’re talking white sands, leaning palms and warm tropical waters. There’s even optional snorkelling and scuba diving to get involved with. (B) (B) (B,D)
DAYS 5-6 DAR ES SALAAM TO IRINGA VIA MIKUMI. We’ll stop off at Mikumi (optional game drive, anyone?) for a night before getting a wriggle on to Iringa. Get excited: Lake Malawi’s next! (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 7-8 IRINGA TO CHITIMBA BEACH, MALAWI. Lake Malawi’s calling! Prep your bathers for two days of swimming, lounging and camping at Chitimba Beach. You could even check out the mountain views on a hike to Livingstonia. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 9-10 CHITIMBA BEACH TO KANDE BEACH. Another day, another beach to get comfy on. Optionals? Choose from horse riding, snorkelling, scuba diving or a walk to a local village. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 11-12 KANDE BEACH TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA VIA CHIPATA. Bye, Malawi. Hello, Zambia! First up, we’ll check out Chipata. Then, it’s onwards to the country’s capital: Lusaka. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 13-16 LUSAKA TO LIVINGSTONE. Our base for the next few days is Livingstone, which sits right next to the impressive Victoria Falls. This is Africa’s adventure capital, so get out there and make the most of it! We’ve got optional whitewater rafting, gorge swinging and even bungy jumping to fulfil all of your adventure needs. If you want to take it easy, you could go fishing or take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi (both optional). (B,L) (B) (B) (B)
DAYS 17-19 LIVINGSTONE TO TSHIPISE, SOUTH AFRICA, VIA BULAWAYO AND MATOBO NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE. When you’re all tuckered out from waterfall-based activities, we’ll move on to Bulawayo – the gateway to Matobo National Park.
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit Zanzibar
+ Visit Lake Malawi
+ Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
+ 21 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Return ferry tickets from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP
OPTIONALS
+ Zanzibar spice tour
+ Gorge swinging at Victoria Falls
After a game drive and wilderness walk, we’ll make tracks to Tshipise. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 20-21 TSHIPISE TO HAZYVIEW. There’s still more wildlife to see, so hop on the truck! Our next stop is Hazyview, which is conveniently located right next to the mighty Kruger National Park. A Shangaan cultural evening will make us feel at home right in time for our final game drive. Big Five, we’re coming for you! (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 22 HAZYVIEW TO PRETORIA. Wahhhh – it’s over already? Thanks for the memories, Africa! (B)
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DAYS 1-3 PRETORIA TO TSHIPISE VIA HAZYVIEW, SOUTH AFRICA. Meet the group in Pretoria, hop on the truck and get a move on to Hazyview. Kruger National Park is just next door. After a Shangaan dance show on night one, we’ll kick off with game drives on days two and three. We’re in Big Five territory FYI. (D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 4-5 TSHIPISE TO BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE INCLUDING MATOBO NATIONAL PARK VISIT. Set a course for Matobo National Park. Here, we have another game drive in store. We’ll rest up at our campsite in Bulawayo for the next two nights. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 6-8 BULAWAYO TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA. We’re in Livingstone, home to the mighty Victoria Falls! This place has got optionals for days. Choose from bungy jumping, gorge swinging, jet boating, whitewater rafting or abseiling. Not into high-octane stuff? An optional sunset cruise or fishing session could be the one for you. (B) (B) (B)
DAY 9 LIVINGSTONE TO LUSAKA. Our next stop is a farm on the outskirts of Lusaka. (B,L,D)
DAYS 10-11 LUSAKA TO SOUTH LUANGWA INCLUDING SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK VISIT. Another game drive? Don’t mind if we do. Play ‘I spy’ with the animals, then take your pick from South Luangwa’s optionals: village tour or walking safari? (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 12-13 SOUTH LUANGWA TO KANDE BEACH, MALAWI. Kande Beach is a little slice of paradise on the shores of Lake Malawi. Horse riding, snorkelling or scuba diving are optionals here. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 14-15 KANDE BEACH TO CHITIMBA BEACH. Our next stop is Chitimba Beach. Soak up the rays or head out on an optional hike to Livingstonia. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 16 CHITIMBA BEACH TO IRINGA, TANZANIA. Today we’ll climb through Tanzania’s Southern Highlands all the way to Kisolanza Farm House – a working farmhouse famous for its hot showers and chocolate brownies. (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Shangaan cultural evening
+ Visit Kruger National Park
+ Visit Matobo National Park
+ Visit Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
+ 22 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Return ferry tickets from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Sunset Zambezi cruise
+ Scuba diving in Zanzibar
DEPART AT 7AM FROM PRETORIA
DAYS 17-18 IRINGA TO DAR ES SALAAM VIA MIKUMI. Onwards to Mikumi! Here, we’ll sip sundowners at the local bar after an optional National Park visit. Next up: Dar es Salaam. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 19-22 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Spend your time in Zanzibar lounging on the palm-fringed beaches, ticking off the must-sees, or scuba diving or snorkelling (optional). (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAY 23 ZANZIBAR TO DAR ES SALAAM. Quick! You’ve still got one morning left to work on that five-star tan! After breakfast it’s back to Dar es Salaam. (B)
24 DAY | SOUTH EAST ADVENTURE
DAYS 1-2 NAIROBI TO MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA. After meeting the group in Nairobi, we’ll head across the Great Rift Valley towards Maasai Mara National Reserve. Then: it’s straight into the action with a game drive. Big Five, where you at? (L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 3 MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE TO NAIROBI. Swap game drive stories and fuel up for the trip ahead. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 NAIROBI TO ARUSHA, TANZANIA. Next stop: Arusha, the home of all things safari. We’ll take a guided walk in a nearby Maasai village (time dependent) and learn about the locals’ traditional culture. If not, don’t worry – we’ll do this on day seven! (B,L,D)
DAYS 5-6 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK AND NGORONGORO CRATER. Wave bye to the truck – in Serengeti National Park, we’ll be using 4x4s to get around. From the Serengeti plains, we’ll climb the steep Ngorongoro Crater and set up camp. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 7-9 NGORONGORO CRATER TO BAGAMOYO VIA ARUSHA. Get reacquainted with the truck on the way back to Arusha for a night (and keep an eye out for Mt Kilimanjaro). Bagamoyo is next! (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 10-13 DAR ES SALAAM AND ZANZIBAR. Zanzibar = paradise. Spend a few days exploring Stone Town’s alleyways and markets, and unwinding on beautiful beaches. (B) (B) (B) (B,D)
DAYS 14-15 DAR ES SALAAM TO IRINGA VIA MIKUMI. We’ll stop off at Mikumi (optional game drive, anyone?) for a night before heading to Iringa. Get excited: Lake Malawi’s next! (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 16-17 MIKUMI TO CHITIMBA BEACH, MALAWI. Prep your bathers for two days of swimming, lounging and camping on the sand at Chitimba Beach. You can even check out the mountain views on a hike to Livingstonia if you’re up for it. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit Maasai Mara National Reserve
+ Maasai village walk
+ Visit Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
+ Visit Zanzibar
+ Visit Lake Malawi
+ Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
+ 23 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Return ferry tickets from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP
OPTIONALS
+ Scuba diving in Zanzibar
+ Bungy jumping at Victoria Falls
START DEPART AT 8AM FROM NAIROBI
DAYS 18-19 CHITIMBA BEACH TO KANDE BEACH. Another day, another beach. Optionals? Choose from horse riding, a snorkelling trip, scuba diving or a walk to a local village. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 20-21 KANDE BEACH TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA VIA CHIPATA. First up, we’ll check out Chipata. Then, it’s onwards to the country’s capital: Lusaka. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 22-24 LUSAKA TO LIVINGSTONE. Our base for the next few days is Livingstone, which sits right next to the incredible Victoria Falls. This is Africa’s adventure capital, so get out there! (B,L) (B) (B)
25 DAY | SOUTH WEST SAFARI
DAYS 1-3 PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA TO TSHIPISE VIA HAZYVIEW. From Pretoria, we’ll set up camp in Hazyview – next to Kruger National Park. Night one: a Shangaan dance performance. Day two: a game drive. (D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 4-5 TSHIPISE TO BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE INCLUDING MATOBO NATIONAL PARK VISIT. During our two-night stay, there’s a game drive and wilderness walk in Matobo National Park. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 6-7 BULAWAYO TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA. Our riverside camp is a great base to explore the Victoria Falls region. Choose from whitewater rafting, gorge swinging and bungy jumping (all optional). (B) (B)
DAYS 8-9 LIVINGSTONE TO NATA, BOTSWANA VIA KASANE. Chobe National Park’s up next. Watch hippos on a fish eagle boat cruise, then enjoy a game drive. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 10-11 NATA TO OKAVANGO DELTA VIA MAUN. Our next stop is Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Explore the wetlands on foot AND dugout canoe (mokoro). (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 12-13 OKAVANGO DELTA TO GHANZI VIA MAUN. In Western Botswana we’ll join a guided walk to see how people live in the Kalahari Desert. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 14-16 GHANZI TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA VIA WINDHOEK. Over to Namibia for a stop in Windhoek. Next up: Etosha National Park for more game viewing. (B,L) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 17-19 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO SWAKOPMUND VIA SPITZKOPPE. Next: check out those awesome Bushman paintings at Spitzkoppe. (B,L,D) (B) (B)
DAYS 20-21 SWAKOPMUND TO SESRIEM AREA VIA SOLITAIRE. Desert landscapes of Namib Naukluft Park await. We’ll also see the Sesriem Canyon and take a guided walk. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Shangaan cultural evening
+ Visit Kruger National Park
+ Visit Matobo National Park
+ Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
+ 24 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Canoe safari on the Zambezi
+ Scenic flight over Swakopmund
DAYS 22-24 SESRIEM AREA TO CEDERBERG AREA, SOUTH AFRICA VIA FISH RIVER CANYON AND GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER. From Fish River Canyon to South Africa, we’ll spend one night by the Gariep (Orange) River and one in Western Cape. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 25 CEDERBERG AREA TO CAPE TOWN. Our epic journey will wind up in stunning Cape Town. (B)
PRETORIA CAPE TOWN 62 MEALS 5 COUNTRIES SECTOR
25 DAY | DESERT TRACKER
DAYS 1-2 CAPE TOWN TO GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA VIA CEDERBERG AREA. Start your adventure with a Township tour and Cederberg pit stop. (L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 3-4 GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER TO NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK, NAMIBIA VIA FISH RIVER CANYON. First up: a stop at Fish River Canyon then onwards to Namib Naukluft Park. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 5-7 NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK TO SWAKOPMUND VIA SOLITAIRE. Check out Dune 45 and Sesriem Canyon on a guided walk, then take on optional adventure activities in Swakopmund. (B,L,D) (B) (B)
DAYS 8-10 SWAKOPMUND TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK VIA SPITZKOPPE. Camp among rock formations at Spitzkoppe before heading to Etosha National Park. Get excited – it’s game drive time! (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 11-12 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO GHANZI, BOTSWANA VIA WINDHOEK. Shimmy south to Windhoek then Ghanzi. Go on a Kalahari Bushman walk and opt in to see a traditional dance. (B,L) (B,L,D)
DAYS 13-14 GHANZI TO OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA VIA MAUN. After a night in Maun, we’ll canoe to our campsite in the Okavango Delta. Safari time! (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 15-16 OKAVANGO DELTA TO NATA VIA MAUN. Morning! More Maun next. Then, we’ll hit the road to Nata. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 17 NATA TO KASANE. First up: a fish eagle boat cruise - catch a glimpse of the sneaky bird. (B,L,D)
DAYS 18-19 KASANE TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA. Hello, Victoria Falls! There’s optional bungy jumping, whitewater rafting or fishing. (B) (B)
DAYS 20-21 LIVINGSTONE TO BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE INCLUDING MATOBO NATIONAL PARK VISIT. We’ll head off on a game drive and wilderness walk in Matobo National Park. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Cape Town Township tour
+ See Sossusvlei and Dune 45
+ See the Spitzkoppe Bushman paintings
+ Visit Etosha National Park
+ Kalahari Bushman walk
+ Okavango Delta mokoro/walking safari
+ Fish eagle boat cruise
+ Visit Chobe National Park
+ Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
+ 24 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Sandboarding in Swakopmund
+ Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta
DAYS 22-24 BULAWAYO TO HAZYVIEW, SOUTH AFRICA VIA TSHIPISE. After a stop at Tshipise, it’s onwards to Hazyview – our base for exploring Kruger National Park. We’ll finish on a high with a Shangaan cultural evening and game drive. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 25 HAZYVIEW TO PRETORIA. Say your goodbyes in Pretoria. (B)
28 DAY | GAME PARKS & GORILLAS
DAY 1 NAIROBI TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK, KENYA. Our first stop is Lake Nakuru National Park –look out for flamingos, lions and leopards. (L,D)
DAYS 2-3 LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK TO KAMPALA, UGANDA VIA ELDORET. We’ll kick it to Eldoret before rolling into Kampala. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 4-5 KAMPALA TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the most biodiverse parks in the world. Then: spot chimpanzees at Kyambura Gorge. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
Please note: Due to the endangered nature of mountain gorillas, visitors are strictly limited and a Gorilla Trek Permit must be purchased in advance, normally at the time of booking. Permit costs are controlled by the Ugandan authorities and are subject to change.
DAYS 6-8 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE BUNYONYI. Our local guide and tracker will lead a gorilla trek. Then: hire a canoe, hop on a boat or check out a traditional dance. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 9-12 LAKE BUNYONYI TO JINJA VIA KAMPALA. Once in Jinja, you can assist a local charity to build and improve community schools. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 13-15 JINJA TO NAIROBI, KENYA VIA ELDORET. Back into Kenya and on to Nairobi. (B,L,D) (B) (B)
DAYS 16-17 NAIROBI TO MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE. You’ve got two days to soak up the Maasai Mara. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 18-19 MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE TO ARUSHA, TANZANIA VIA NAIROBI. After Nairobi and a guided walk in the local Maasai village (time dependent), we’ll set up camp in Arusha. (B,L) (B,L,D)
DAYS 20-21 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK AND NGORONGORO CRATER. 4x4 it into Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 22-23 NGORONGORO CRATER TO BAGAMOYO VIA ARUSHA. Back to Arusha for a night, then on to Bagamoyo. We might glimpse Mount Kilimanjaro on the way. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit the Great Rift Valley
+ Visit Lake Nakuru National Park
+ Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
+ Mountain gorilla trek (part of Gorilla permit payment)
+ Chimpanzee trek (part of Gorilla permit payment)
+ Visit Maasai Mara National Reserve
+ Maasai village walk
+ Visit Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
+ 27 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Return ferry tickets from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Whitewater rafting in Jinja
+ Scuba diving in Zanzibar
START
DAYS 24-27 BAGAMOYO TO ZANZIBAR VIA DAR ES SALAAM. After a night in Dar es Salaam, we’ll take the ferry to Zanzibar. (B,L,D) (B) (B) (B) DAY 28 ZANZIBAR TO DAR ES SALAAM. After the ferry to Dar, we’ll make like a banana and split. (B) This is a sector of the 58 Day Ultimate African Overlander trip. See
NAIROBI DAR ES SALAAM 70 MEALS 3 COUNTRIES SECTOR
| EAST AFRICAN EXPLORER
DAYS 1-5 PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA TO BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE VIA HAZYVIEW AND TSHIPISE. Our first stop is Hazyview and Kruger National Park. Then: it’s on to Tshipise for a night before we roll into Bulawayo – the gateway to Matobo National Park. It’s game drive time! (D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 6-8 MATOBO NATIONAL PARK TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA. Hello, Victoria Falls! Awesome optionals include bungy jumping over the falls, gorge swinging, whitewater rafting and abseiling. Take it easy with a fishing trip or sunset cruise down the river. (B) (B) (B)
DAYS 9-11 LIVINGSTONE TO SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK VIA LUSAKA. Our next stop is a farm on the outskirts of Lusaka. Play ‘I spy’ with the animals at South Luangwa National Park, then choose an optional village tour or walking safari. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 12-13 SOUTH LUANGWA TO KANDE BEACH, MALAWI. Where to next? Kande Beach! This place is a little slice of paradise on the shores of Lake Malawi. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 14-15 KANDE BEACH TO CHITIMBA BEACH. Next stop: Chitimba Beach. Soak up the rays or head out on an optional hike to Livingstonia. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 16-17 CHITIMBA BEACH TO MIKUMI, TANZANIA VIA IRINGA. Onwards to Mikumi! Here, we’ll spend the evening around the open fire after an optional game drive. But first: a stop at Iringa. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 18-22 MIKUMI TO ZANZIBAR VIA DAR ES SALAAM. After a night in Dar es Salaam, we’ll head to Zanzibar on a high speed ferry! Beaches, optional scuba diving or snorkelling sessions await. (B,L,D) (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAYS 23-25 ZANZIBAR TO ARUSHA VIA DAR ES SALAAM AND MARANGU. It’s back on the ferry to Dar for a night before we head inland to Marangu. Catch a glimpse of Mt Kilimanjaro en route! Then: we make our way to Arusha, where we’ll visit a Maasai village. (B,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Shangaan cultural evening
+ Visit Kruger National Park
+ Visit Matobo National Park
+ Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
+ Visit South Luangwa National Park
+ Visit Zanzibar
+ Maasai village walk
+ Visit Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
+ 28 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Return ferry tickets from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Bungy jumping at Victoria Falls
+ Camel ride in Arushai
DAYS 26-27 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK AND NGORONGORO CRATER. Jump in a 4x4 and get excited for Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 28-29 NGORONGORO CRATER TO NAIROBI, KENYA VIA ARUSHA. After spending one more night in Arusha, we’ll make tracks to Nairobi for our goodbyes. Where to next? (B,L,D) (B,L)
41 DAY | CAPE TOWN TO KENYA
FROM
DAYS 1-2 CAPE TOWN TO GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA VIA CEDERBERG AREA. Prepare for adventure! We’ll begin with a tour of Cape Town before making tracks to our camp beside the Orange River – with a pit stop in the Cederberg area on the way. (L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 3-4 GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER TO NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK, NAMIBIA VIA FISH RIVER CANYON. First up: a stop at the awesome Fish River Canyon. Then: it’s onwards to Namib Naukluft Park. One word to describe this place? Sandy! (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 5-7 NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK TO SWAKOPMUND VIA SOLITAIRE. Check out the imposing Dune 45 and Sesriem Canyon on a guided walk, then go all-out thrillseeker with a few days of optional adventure activities in Swakopmund. (B,L,D) (B) (B)
DAYS 8-10 SWAKOPMUND TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK VIA SPITZKOPPE. We’ll set up camp among the eerie rock formations at Spitzkoppe before heading to Etosha National Park. Get excited – it’s game drive time! (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 11-12 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO GHANZI, BOTSWANA VIA WINDHOEK. We’ll shimmy south to Windhoek before pulling an overnighter in Ghanzi. Here, we’ll learn a few local hacks on a Kalahari Bushman walk. (B,L) (B,L,D)
DAYS 13-14 GHANZI TO OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA VIA MAUN. After a night in Maun, we’ll float to our campsite in the Okavango Delta in a dugout canoe (cool, huh?). It’s safari time! (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 15-16 OKAVANGO DELTA TO NATA VIA MAUN. Morning! More Maun next. Then, we’ll hop on the truck and hit the road to Nata. Have you ever seen this many stars before? Probs not! (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 17 NATA TO KASANE. First things first today: a fish eagle boat cruise! Try and catch a glimpse of the sneaky bird (and other varmints too). They’re out there. We know they’re out there (eyes emoji). (B,L,D)
DAYS 18-20 KASANE TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA. In case you hadn’t heard, Livingstone is the home of the iconic Victoria Falls. Do this massive waterfall justice with an optional bungy jump or whitewater rafting session. (B) (B) (B)
DAYS 21-23 LIVINGSTONE TO SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK VIA LUSAKA. After a stop in Lusaka, we’re off to our camp in South Luangwa. Here, we’ll be perfectly positioned to get amongst a whole bunch of national park action. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and giraffes! (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 24-25 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK TO KANDE BEACH, MALAWI. Kande Beach is a little slice of paradise on the shores of Lake Malawi. Wanna grab a piece of the optional activity action? Horse riding, snorkelling or scuba diving should scratch that itch. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 26-27 KANDE BEACH TO CHITIMBA BEACH. Our next stop is Chitimba Beach, so you know what to do! Soak up the rays or head out on an optional
hike to Livingstonia (think: awesome mountain views). (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 28 CHITIMBA BEACH TO IRINGA, TANZANIA. Today we’ll climb through Tanzania’s Southern Highlands all the way to Kisolanza Farm House – a working farm famous for its hot showers and chocolate brownies. (B,L,D)
DAYS 29-30 IRINGA TO DAR ES SALAAM VIA MIKUMI. Onwards to Mikumi! Here, we’ll sip sundowners at the local bar and spend the evening around the open fire after an optional game drive. Then: time to make tracks to Dar es Salaam. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 31-34 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Once a historic trading centre, modern Zanzibar is the ultimate island getaway. Spend your time here lounging on the palm-fringed beaches, ticking off the must-sees, or checking out what’s under the water with optional scuba diving or snorkelling sessions. (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAYS 35-37 ZANZIBAR TO ARUSHA VIA DAR ES SALAAM AND MARANGU. It’s back on the ferry to Dar for a night before we head inland to Marangu. Then: grab a window seat watch some beautiful scenery roll by as we make our way to Arusha, where we’ll visit a Maasai village. (B,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 38-39 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK AND NGORONGORO CRATER. Jump in a 4x4 and get excited! The epic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater are next. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five – not to mention hyenas, cheetahs and wildebeest. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 40-41 NGORONGORO CRATER TO NAIROBI, KENYA VIA ARUSHA. We’ll have one last night in Arusha before hitting the home straight to Nairobi. Swap numbers and start planning the next adventure with the crew (it’s never too soon). (B,L,D) (B,L)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Cape Town Township tour
+ See Sossusvlei and Dune 45
+ See the Spitzkoppe Bushman paintings
+ Visit Etosha National Park
+ Kalahari Bushman walk
+ Okavango Delta mokoro/walking safari
+ Fish eagle boat cruise
+ Visit Chobe National Park
+ Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
+ Visit South Luangwa National Park
+ Visit Lake Malawi
+ Visit Zanzibar
+ Visit a Maasai village
+ Visit Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
+ 40 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation
+ Return ferry tickets from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping and cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader and Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Skydiving in Swakopmund
+ Gorge swinging at Victoria Falls
DEPART AT 8AM FROM CAPE TOWN FINISH APPROXIMATELY 6PM IN NAIROBI
TRIP CODE: ZOCKCN
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ZANZIBAR, CAPE TOWN, SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
58 DAY | ULTIMATE AFRICAN OVERLANDER
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
DAY 1 NAIROBI TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK, KENYA. Get ready for the ultimate African adventure! First stop: Lake Nakuru National Park. (L,D)
DAYS 2-3 LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK TO KAMPALA, UGANDA VIA ELDORET. We’ll kick it north through the highlands to Eldoret before rolling into Kampala. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 4-5 KAMPALA TO QUEEN
NATIONAL PARK. Queen
– and it’s here that we’ll trek to see the chimpanzees. Wowee! (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 6-8 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE BUNYONYI VIA BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK. Our gorilla trek at Bwindi National Park can be demanding at times, but trust us –seeing these gentle giants will make the effort totally worthwhile. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 9-12 LAKE BUNYONYI TO JINJA VIA KAMPALA. We’ll spend one more night in Uganda’s capital before we move on to Jinja. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 13-15 JINJA TO NAIROBI, KENYA VIA ELDORET. Back into Kenya we go! We’ll swing by Eldoret before hitting the road back to Nairobi. (B,L,D) (B) (B)
DAYS 16-17 NAIROBI TO MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE. Yes! You’ve got two days’ worth of game viewing opportunities in the rolling grasslands of the Maasai Mara. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 18-19 MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE TO ARUSHA, TANZANIA VIA NAIROBI. After a brief return to Nairobi, we’ll cross into Tanzania and rest up in Arusha. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 20-21 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK AND NGORONGORO CRATER. Wave bye to the truck – we’ll switch to 4x4s for game drives in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 22-23 NGORONGORO CRATER TO BAGAMOYO VIA ARUSHA. Back to Arusha for a night, then on to Bagamoyo. Keep your eyes peeled for Mt Kilimanjaro on the way. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 24-27 BAGAMOYO TO ZANZIBAR VIA DAR ES SALAAM. After a night in Dar es Salaam, we’ll take the ferry to Zanzibar. Expect sun-soaked beaches and spices galore! (B,L,D) (B) (B) (B)
DAYS 28-30 ZANZIBAR TO IRINGA VIA DAR ES SALAAM AND MIKUMI. We’ll stop off at Dar es Salaam and Mikumi before getting a wriggle on to Iringa. (B,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 31-32 IRINGA TO CHITIMBA BEACH, MALAWI. We’ve got two days of swimming, lounging and camping at Chitimba Beach. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 33-34 CHITIMBA BEACH TO KANDE BEACH. Another day, another beach to get comfy on (you could totally get used to this). (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 35-36 KANDE BEACH TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA VIA CHIPATA. Hello, Zambia! First up, we’ll check out Chipata. Then, it’s onwards to the country’s capital: Lusaka. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
NAIROBI CAPE TOWN 147 MEALS 8 COUNTRIES
DAYS 37-40 LUSAKA TO LIVINGSTONE. Next up: the awesome Victoria Falls. Here, we’ve got optional whitewater rafting, gorge swinging and bungy jumping. (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAYS 41-42 LIVINGSTONE TO NATA, BOTSWANA VIA KASANE. Chobe National Park, we’re coming for you! Hop on a boat cruise, then test your ‘I-spy’ skills on a game drive. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 43-44 NATA TO OKAVANGO DELTA VIA MAUN. After stopping off in Maun, we’ll explore the waterways and swaying grasses of the Okavango Delta on foot AND by dugout canoe. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 45-46 OKAVANGO DELTA TO GHANZI VIA MAUN. In Western Botswana we’ll join a guided walk to see how people live in the Kalahari Desert. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 47-49 GHANZI TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA VIA WINDHOEK. Over to Namibia for a stop in Windhoek. Next up: the arid terrain of Etosha National Park. (B,L) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 50-52 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO SWAKOPMUND VIA SPITZKOPPE. Check out the Bushman paintings at Spitzkoppe, then try out some amazing optionals in Swakopmund. (B,L,D) (B) (B)
DAYS 53-54 SWAKOPMUND TO SESRIEM AREA VIA SOLITAIRE. Time to crack on to Namib Naukluft Park, home to the highest sand dunes on the planet. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 55-57 SESRIEM AREA TO CEDERBERG AREA, SOUTH AFRICA VIA FISH RIVER CANYON AND GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER. We’ll check out Fish River Canyon before continuing on to South Africa. Here, we’ll spend one night by the Orange River and another in the Western Cape. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 58 CEDERBERG AREA TO CAPE TOWN. Our epic overland journey will wind up in stunning Cape Town. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit the Great Rift Valley
+ Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
+ Mountain gorilla trek (part of Gorilla permit payment)
+ Chimpanzee trek (part of Gorilla permit payment)
+ Visit Maasai Mara National Reserve
+ Maasai village walk
+ Visit Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
+ Visit Zanzibar
+ Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
Please note: Due to the endangered nature of mountain gorillas, visitors are strictly limited and a Gorilla Trek Permit must be purchased in advance, normally at the time of booking. Permit costs are controlled by the Ugandan authorities and are subject to change.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: GAME DRIVE, ORANGE RIVER, MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
SHORT BREAKS
Whether you’re en route to your next fabulous destination, looking to explore a city in more depth or simply have some time to kill pre or post adventure, these city escapes are where it’s at. Expect bucket loads of free time and heaps of Instagram-worthy moments.
TRIP CODE: MBASAA/MBALAA DUBAI SHORT B REAK
ABU DHABI S HORT BREAK
TRIP CODE: MBDSDD/MBDLDD
Glittery, futuristic and springing out of the desert, Dubai has it all: from the Burj Khalifa-dominated skyline to rolling desert dunes and the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah. There’s even a snow-filled shopping mall – yes, really.
INCLUSIONS
+ 2 breakfasts
+ 2 nights in a hotel
+ Half-day city tour of Dubai
+ Meet and greet service
+ Return airport transfers
INCLUSIONS
+ 3 breakfasts, 1 BBQ dinner in the desert
+ 3 nights in a hotel
+ Half-day city tour of Dubai
+ 4x4 desert safari
+ Meet and greet service
+ Return airport transfers
The capital of the UAE is a must-visit. Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, see artistic wonders in the newly opened Louvre Abu Dhabi and explore Yas Island. Don't miss a trip to Ferrari World or Warner Bros World while you're here!
INCLUSIONS
+ 2 breakfasts
+ 2 nights in a hotel
+ Half-day city tour of Abu Dhabi (Available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays)
+ Meet and greet service
+ Return airport transfers
INCLUSIONS
+ 3 breakfasts
+ 3 nights in a hotel
+ Half-day city tour of Abu Dhabi (Available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays)
+ Meet and greet service
+ Return airport transfers
PRETORIA SHORT B REAK
TRIP CODE: ZBPSPP
Welcome to the Jacaranda City! Love history, elegant architecture, leafy boulevards and a good bar or two? So does Pretoria. We reckon you’ll get along great.
3 DAY S HORT BREAK
INCLUSIONS
+ 2 breakfasts
+ 2 nights in a 3-star hotel
+ Cradle of Humankind tour
+ Meet and greet service
+ Arrival airport transfer
TWIN/DOUBLE FROM SINGLE FROM $595
$1010
CAPE TOWN S HORT BREAK
TRIP CODE: ZBCLCC
JOHANNESBURG SHORT B REAK
TRIP CODE: ZBJSJJ
Ready to take on the amazingness that is Jo’burg?
Whether you’re a history buff, art lover or foodie, this buzzing city’s got plenty to keep you occupied.
INCLUSIONS
+ 2 breakfasts
+ 2 nights in a hostel
+ Johannesburg city tour
+ Meet and greet service
+ Arrival airport transfer
Home to the legendary Table Mountain and a whole bunch of beautiful sandy beaches (not to mention vineyards galore), it’s easy to see why everyone falls in love with Cape Town.
INCLUSIONS
+ 3 breakfasts
+ 3 nights in a hostel
+ Cape of Good Hope peninsula tour
+ Meet and greet service
+ Arrival airport transfer
TWIN/DOUBLE FROM SINGLE FROM $465
$560
NAIROBI SHORT B REAK
TRIP CODE: ZBNSNN
Why not start (or end) your epic African adventure with a few days in cosmopolitan Nairobi? Think: unique culture, sprawling markets and incredible capital city vibes.
INCLUSIONS
+ 2 breakfasts
+ 2 nights in a 3-star hotel
+ Nairobi city tour
+ Meet and greet service
+ Arrival airport transfer
TWIN/DOUBLE FROM SINGLE FROM $450
+ Visit the Roman catacombs
+ See Pompey's Pillar
+ Visit Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
INCLUSIONS + Restaurant lunch + Entrance fees to all Bucket List inclusions + Return transport from Cairo
English-speaking Trip Leader
+ Visit the Berber village of Ourika
+ See the Setti Fadma Waterfalls
INCLUSIONS
+ Return transport from Marrakech
English-speaking Trip Leader
Topdeck's Details Top Deck Tours Pty Ltd, ABN 30 107 934, 199 Grey Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101 Australia
Locally Operated Trips The following trips are operated by the corresponding local operator as principal: Jordan Adventure, Jordan & Israel: Green Arrow Tours, Amman, Jordan. Tales of Israel: Abraham Tours, Jerusalem, Israel. Essential Egypt, Egypt Express, Nile Discovery: Topdeck Egypt, Cairo, Egypt. Moroccan Explorer, Sahara Adventure, Rockin’ Moroccan: Mountain Safari Tours, Marrakech, Morocco. Dubai Stopover, Abu Dhabi Stopover: Arabian Adventures, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. All African Trips: Acacia Adventure Holidays, London, United Kingdom. All Asia Trips: Buffalo Tours, Hanoi, Vietnam
Discounts Friends
All passengers must be booked on the same trip/departure, prior to the departure date of the trip to qualify.
All passengers must be booked prior to the departure date of the first trip to qualify for discount. Discount applies to additional trips booked & is applied to the trip with the lowest trip value.
Past passenger 5% off - we will need to be able to verify that you have previously been on one of our trips. All discounts apply to the trip price only and do not apply to any flights,
Your contract will be with us as tour operator, unless you have booked a Locally Operated Trip, in which case your contract for tour services will be with the relevant Local Operator specified in the reference table above and will be subject to that Local Operator's terms and conditions, in addition to the booking conditions set out below. For any Locally Operated Trip, the Local Operator will also be identified on your itinerary or travel documents and their respective terms and conditions will be available directly on their websites or by contacting them. Should we book a flight on your behalf it will be subject to the conditions of the respective airline, including but not limited to deposit/full payment and cancellation terms.
Please read all booking conditions carefully. You must not make any booking unless you understand and agree with these booking conditions and any additional terms and conditions as indicated above and/or at the time of booking. Our trips are designed strictly for young people between the ages of 18 to 39 years (with the exception of Gap Year trips, which are restricted to people between the ages of 17 to 20 years).
Bookings can be made through your local travel agent or directly with us and must be secured with a deposit of the amount shown above. A contract between you and us (or between you and the relevant Local Operator) will exist as soon as: (i) we issue an invoice in response to your request for a booking; and (ii) your deposit is paid to us or your travel agent. If your booking is made through a travel agent, we will address all correspondence to that agent.
PRICE & PAYMENT
The deposit is non-refundable unless we cancel your trip. The balance of your trip must be paid no later than 42 days prior to your trip departure date. If you do not pay within this period we may cancel your booking and your deposit will be forfeited. Full payment is required if you make a booking within 42 days of the departure date. If your booking is a special offer we may require full payment (including any pre and post accommodation and sundry service charges) by such earlier time as specified in the offer Prices quoted in our brochures are calculated on costs and exchange rates as at the Brochure Validity Date. These prices may increase or decrease. We may alter prices and other particulars contained in our brochures and on our website at any time.
short breaks, stopovers, day trips, ski trips, gap year trips, pre & post accommodation or transfers. Only two applicable and valid discounts can be combined to a maximum discount of 15% off the trip price (note: for Asia trips, only two applicable and valid discounts can be combined to a
mean that the price of your trip may change. There will be no change within 20 days of your departure. We will absorb any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your trip. However, we may charge you for the amount over and above that. If this results in an increase equivalent to more than 8% of the price of your trip, you will have the option of accepting a change to another trip (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. Should the price of your trip go down due to the cost changes mentioned above, then any refund due will be paid to you. We will deduct from this refund our administrative expenses incurred. Please note that trips arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your trip due to contractual and other protection in place.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Please ensure you carefully read your invoice, tickets and all other documents we send to you as soon as you receive them and contact us or your travel agent immediately if any information appears to be incorrect. We will not accept any liability if you fail to notify us of any inaccuracy in any document within 14 days of us sending them to you or the travel agent. You are responsible for ensuring that you have the correct and valid travel documents including passports, visas and vaccination certificates. We strongly recommend that you verify current documentation requirements with your travel agent or us. Please note requirements change and you must check with your consulate for the most up to date information, including but not limited to visa requirements for the countries visited on your trip. Passports must have an expiry date of at least six months after completion of the trip.
IF YOU CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR BOOKING
If you want to change or cancel any aspect of your booking including but not limited to a change to a trip of shorter duration or different departure date you must notify us in writing. We will do our best to accommodate your requested change, but it may not always be possible. We will not charge a fee for changes requested more than 42 days before departure except where we incur a cost from a supplier, in which case we will advise you of the relevant fee. All change/cancellation fees must be paid within seven days of the invoice date or on the date of departure, whichever is the sooner. You may make a request to transfer your booking to another person who satisfies all the conditions applicable to the trip. A transfer request must be made in writing not less than 7 days prior to departure and must include proof of acceptance of the transfer by the new traveller. Both you and the new traveller will remain jointly liable and responsible for the additional costs involved, which will include our Booking Transfer Administration Fee as well as any other applicable travel service provider’s charges. Please note that some airlines may refuse such requests and treat the transfer as a cancellation and rebooking.
CANCELLATION OR MODIFICATION BY US
Every effort will be made to operate all trips as advertised but it must be remembered that our trips are planned up to eighteen months in advance. In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances we may be required to cancel or materially modify your trip. In these booking conditions "unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances" means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken (including, but not limited to, war, threat of war, riot, civil disturbances, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or other disaster (such as volcanic ash or hurricanes), nuclear incident, fire, adverse weather conditions (actual or threatened, including snow and fog), closed or congested airports or ports, unavoidable technical problems with transport,
unforeseen alterations to public transport schedules, changes to immigration, labour and free-movement laws resulting from BREXIT, rescheduling of aircraft or boats and similar events). If this happens we will offer you a refund of all money paid or, if available, alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). A material modification is one that has a serious impact on your trip and includes a change of departure date, departure point or airport, or change of departure time of more than twelve hours, which would cause substantial inconvenience to you.
A change of accommodation, or transport method/style is not a material modification. We may alter or substitute the type or size of vehicle, or method/style of transport mentioned in the brochure, depending on the number of passengers carried, which can vary from trip to trip. Normally the maximum group size is between 36 and 48 passengers. In certain countries there are strict laws governing drivers' hours and this may necessitate utilising public transport in some cities.
We may require a minimum number of participants for certain trips. In the event that insufficient bookings have been made as at 42 days prior to departure, we may cancel the scheduled trip, whereupon all money paid by you for your trip will be refunded and no further compensation will be paid.
OUR LIABILITY TO YOU FOR TOPDECK OPERATED TRIPS
If the trip does not materially comply with the description in the brochure, we may compensate you to a maximum value equal to the price of the trip. We will only be liable to pay the maximum amount of compensation where there has been a total failure of consideration for your payment.
We will not be liable where any failure in the performance or provision of your trip is due to: (i) your acts or omissions or the acts or omissions of another member in your group; (ii) any third party not connected with the provision of your travel arrangements or (iii) unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances.
Our liability will in all cases be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to relevant international conventions, including the Carriage by Air Conventions (within the meaning given in section 1(5) of the Carriage by Air Act 1961), the Athens Convention of 1974 on the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea and the Convention of 1980 concerning International Carriage by Rail.
We will not be responsible for any loss or damage sustained by you as a result of a contravention of any law or regulation of any of the countries visited while on the trip.
OUR LIABILITY TO YOU FOR LOCALLY OPERATED TRIPS
If your trip is a Locally Operated Trip our obligation to you is to (and you expressly authorise us to) make trip bookings on your behalf with reasonable skill and care and to arrange a contract between you and the relevant Local Operator. We exercise care in the selection of reputable Local Operators but we have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties. All bookings are made on your behalf subject to these and all other terms and conditions, including any conditions of carriage and limitations of liability imposed by the Local Operator. Your legal rights in connection with such trips are solely against the Local Operator and are not against us, except to the extent a problem is caused by fault on our part.
SEATBELTS
You must wear a seatbelt at all times whilst you are in any vehicle. Neither we nor any Local Operator will be liable for any injury, death or claim howsoever arising from any accident if you have failed to comply with this requirement.
FLEXIBILITY DURING TRIP
Your booking is accepted on the condition that you understand, and take responsibility for, the risks inherent in adventure travel. Every effort will be made to operate all trips featured in this brochure but there may be a necessity to vary the itinerary from that stated in the brochure, and delays may occur for a variety of reasons beyond our control. The need for a flexible attitude to this type of travel is important. All decisions relating to a trip itinerary will be taken by the Trip Leader, as appointed by us in the interest of the group as a whole. Please note that due to public holidays some sights or activities may not be available on a particular trip. No refund will be made for services which for whatever reason are not used by you once the trip has departed.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS
Neither we nor our employees, agents and contractors make any representation or warranty in relation to implied or explicit suggestions or recommendations of services, activities and events not highlighted as included in a trip. You are responsible for all risks associated with the transportation to/from, and your participation in, or visitation to, any place, activity or excursion not listed as an inclusion. During your trip you may be offered the chance to purchase various optional excursions and activities. We do not own, operate or control any of the companies or individuals which provide the optional activities or excursions. Some of the optional activities and excursions, such as canyoning, are inherently dangerous and risky. If you want to take part in such optional activities or excursions you must be fit enough to do so and must follow all reasonable instructions. The standards of health and safety which will be adopted by the company or the individual providing the optional activity or excursion will be those of the country where the optional activity or excursion takes place. Please note that these standards may not be the same as you would find in your home country. If you wish to book any optional excursion or activity, you may do so subject to the operator’s terms and conditions. Your contract will be with the operator of the activity or excursion and will be governed by local law. We act only as their agent. We accept no liability for any act or omission of any operator or operator’s employees, agents or sub-contractors or any losses (whether direct or indirect and howsoever caused) arising therefrom.
DIETARY, HEALTH AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
You must clearly state all your dietary requirements at the time of booking. We cannot guarantee that special dietary requirements can be met and we cannot take responsibility for any such requirements not being fulfilled. Walking is a fundamental part of our trips and many of our trips may not be suitable for people with reduced mobility. If you have a medical condition or require special arrangements that may affect your trip, we ask that you inform us in writing at the time
of booking. If we cannot reasonably accommodate your particular needs we may decline the booking or ask for you to be accompanied by a person who is able to provide full assistance to you throughout your trip.
YOUR LIABILITY TO US
You will not be permitted to embark or continue on the trip if your mental or physical condition is, in the reasonable opinion of our representative, such as to render you incapable of caring for yourself, or where you become objectionable to other passengers, or you become a hazard to yourself or other passengers. We will not be responsible for expenses resulting in you being precluded from completing the trip for any reason, nor will we refund you any part of your trip cost. In all cases we will notify you of the reasons why we have taken this action. We will have no obligation to arrange for your return to the point of the trip departure if your condition manifests itself after the trip departure. Further, if the trip involves travel by air, the captain of your aircraft can refuse to allow you to fly on the aircraft if he believes that you could be dangerous or disruptive to other passengers on the flight. You agree to indemnify us in full against all losses (direct and indirect and howsoever caused) arising from any third-party actions taken against us for loss or damage caused by you or arising from your participation
TRAVEL ADVICE
service at smartraveller.gov.au.
COMPLAINTS
In the event of any dissatisfaction with the accommodation or any other service provided by us, you must report it immediately to the Trip Leader so that action can be taken to remedy the problem. Failure to immediately notify the Trip Leader of any problem may result in your claim for compensation from us being denied or reduced. Any complaint made to us following the conclusion of the trip should be made in writing within 28 days of completion of the trip. In the event that you do not notify us in writing within 28 days, our ability to investigate the complaint may be prejudiced. In the UK, we can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.
DATA PROTECTION
We are committed to protecting your personal information and agree to process your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Notice, which is available online at www.topdeck.travel/privacy. In order to make your booking and ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly, we need to use the information you provide and pass it on to other relevant suppliers who are responsible for parts of your travel arrangements. In many cases this will include transferring your data to overseas recipients (including to recipients outside of the European Union). Personal information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law.
SMOKING
We enforce a non-smoking policy on our coaches (although we make frequent stops for breaks) and in most of our accommodation.
LUGGAGE
There are strict weight limits for coaches when fully loaded. You are only entitled to have one piece of main luggage of standard size (see the pre-departure information or our website for size limits) and not weighing more than 20kg (or 15kg for Outback trips). In addition you may bring a sleeping bag, as required on specific trips, and a daypack.
PUBLISHING CONSENT
You acknowledge and agree that our future advertising and publicity material may include statements made by passengers, or their photographs, and you consent to such use of your comments or photographic/video likeness.
WI-FI
We will endeavor to deliver Wi-Fi connection as stated on relevant trips to the best of our ability. This service is subject to availability and may not be available on some peak season departures or in the event of technical issues.
MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA
AFRICA
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