Updated 2026
The Below the Belt RTW route is a specialty itinerary designed for travelers wanting to stay primarily in Southern Hemisphere destinations. It's sometimes called the Southern Walkabout.
What is Below the Belt?
Below the Belt focuses on Southern Hemisphere destinations - cities and countries south of the equator. The concept is maximizing equatorial crossing for adventure and novelty.
Typical routing includes Buenos Aires - Cape Town - Johannesburg - Mauritius - Perth - Sydney - Christchurch - Auckland - Nadi (Fiji) - Los Angeles.
Why This Route?
Southern Hemisphere travel appeals to those wanting to explore less-traveled regions (from North American perspective). New Zealand and Australia are popular, but Cape Town and Johannesburg are less typical RTW stops.
The route provides cultural diversity across continents while staying south.
Major Destinations
Buenos Aires, Argentina is the starting point - cosmopolitan South America with European influence.
Cape Town, South Africa is dramatically beautiful and culturally significant.
Johannesburg is South Africa's economic hub - more authentic than Cape Town's tourism.
Mauritius is an island with multicultural society - mix of cultures and religions.
Perth, Australia is west coast Australia - less crowded than east coast.
Sydney is Australia's iconic city - needs no explanation.
Christchurch, New Zealand is gateway to South Island adventure.
Auckland is New Zealand's main city.
Nadi, Fiji provides tropical island experience.
Los Angeles is the return to North America.
Why It Works
The route hits diverse landscapes and cultures while maintaining geographic logic. You're not criss-crossing the globe.
The routing follows airline routes and makes economic sense.
Timing and Cost
Below the Belt trips typically take 6-10 weeks. You could extend to three months.
Costs vary dramatically. South Africa and Argentina are cheaper. Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji are expensive.
Budget $8,000-$20,000 depending on style and duration.
Modifying the Route
You could add more African cities. You could skip some and add others. You could extend Australia/NZ time.
The flexibility is built in.
Best Timing
Southern Hemisphere seasons are reversed. Summer is December-February, winter is June-August.
Winter (their winter) might seem wrong but offers different perspectives.
Weather varies by location. Some months are better for specific destinations.
Why Specialty Routes Matter
Below the Belt provides structure without over-determination. You have direction without rigid requirements.
It's designed by people who've done RTW travel - the routing is logical.
Modifying Extensively
You don't need to follow exactly. You could start in Sydney, go to New Zealand, then southbound. The concept is flexibility within geographic logic.