Geckos new budget-friendly safaris for millennials
Geckos Adventures has introduced three brand-new, budget-friendly safaris in Africa catered to the fast-growing youth travel market.
Since becoming the first tour company to focus solely on the 18-29 year old demographic, the Intrepid Group’s youth operator has launched several new tours for travellers looking for more sustainable and cultural adventures.
The new safari tours will touch down in Kenya, Botswana and South Africa, offering an affordable option rarely seen on wildlife tours in Africa. While it is estimated an average safari can cost between $1,000AUD-$1,200 AUD per day Geckos Adventures safaris will start at just $994 AUD for an entire 9-day tour. The full list of tours are:
12 days starting at $2,880 AUD – Starting in Nairobi, Kenya this East African adventure includes all meals, activities, and accommodation. This is an overland style trip meaning travellers pack into a truck with up to 22 fellow travellers with full camping gear and a crew (including a chef!) provided. The tour visits East Africa’s most iconic game reserves including the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. This means ample opportunities to see hippos, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras and more, all in their natural habitat. This trip also spends an incredible night with a local Maasai tribe in Loita Hills, Kenya
9 days starting at $1,345AUD – Botswana is considered one of the most bio-diverse regions on earth and Africa’s hidden gem for safari. On this tour travellers will have the opportunity to get up close with rhinos at the incredible Khama Rhino Sanctuary before camping in the Okavango wilderness and spend time spotting hippos in the Okavango Delta. The tour will also visit Chobe National Park, which is home to the world’s highest concentration of African elephants. Off safari, travellers can expect to marvel at the size and scale of Victoria Falls and jet around in a mokoro, Africa’s canoe equivalent. The max group size is 16 travellers and will include stops in not only Botswana, but Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
9 days starting at $994 AUD – The average safari tends to run between $800-$1000 per night. How about paying that for the entire trip? Short and sweet, this tour combines southern Africa’s most exciting places – Hwange and Kruger National Parks and the jaw-dropping Victoria Falls. Travellers will spend the week seeking out the Big 5 on several incredible wildlife drives. Off safari, travellers will be awed by the Blyde River Canyon, a gigantic lush canyon in the Drakensberg escarpment.
Geckos Adventures hopes these tours will provide a responsible small group alternative to the typical youth big party bus tours and the high-end safaris. “The demand for wildlife tours appears stronger than ever” says James Thornton, Managing Director for the Intrepid Group. “When developing these new safaris we wanted to ensure we were offering trips that were not only fun and affordable, but also had a positive impact on the communities that we visited and on animal welfare.”
Geckos Adventures joined Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures in the historic ban of elephant rides in 2014. Since then, Geckos has remained committed to Animal Welfare on their tours in Africa and all over the world. In 2017 Geckos will continue to work with the Blood Lions team on their #YouthForLions campaign in South Africa, while also donating a portion of all safari tours to Friends International.
While the new safaris will have a maximum of 22 travellers, on average Geckos hosts 9 travellers on their standard tours. Along with Africa, North America, Asia and the Middle East will also feature brand new itineraries for 2017.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
africa Animal welfare Botswana budget travel Friends International geckos geckos adventures kenya safari tours travel on a budget Victoria Falls young travellersLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!