Your Itinerary
Welcome to Egypt, a country known for its historical sites and world wonders. We begin in Cairo, the sprawling capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa. Home to many famous Egyptian landmarks, visitors will find it to be a fascinating and often bewildering mixture of old and new.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 6.00pm
Meet your fellow travellers tonight as we enjoy a group welcome dinner.
Optional Excursion
Coptic Cairo - Discover the ancient sites & culture of Coptic Christians throughout Old Cairo. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.
Optional Excursion
Islamic Cairo - Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum, Ibn Toulon Mosque & El Sultan Hassan Mosque. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.
Day 3 - Cairo - Giza - Cairo
Our tour kicks off with a bang today! After breakfast, we begin at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the amazing Great Pyramids of Giza. We'll visit the nearby Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a king, often referred to as the national symbol of Egypt. Our tour will also take us to visit a weaving workshop, with an opportunity to purchase a locally made Egyptian carpet.
Special Experience
Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge
In the afternoon, our journey takes us to the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum. Construction of this architectural masterpiece commenced all the way back in 2012, and after many delays it finally partially opened to the public in October 2024.
This museum is the largest archaeological museum in the world, showcasing over 100,000 antiquities. Among its treasures are the complete artifacts from the tomb of King Tutankhamun, displayed in full for the first time since their discovery in 1922. We spend the afternoon fully immersed in history as we traverse some of the 81,000m2 of floor space.
We return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 4 - Cairo – Luxor – Embark: Nile Cruise
Early this morning we farewell Cairo as we transfer to the airport for our flight to Luxor. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, the city surrounds two huge, surviving ancient temples. Once the site of the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor as a whole is often considered its own open-air museum.
On arrival we begin our sightseeing at the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes. This 3-kilometre-long road connects Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to Karnak Temple’s structure over time, which explains its monumental size! Luxor Temple is home to a 25-metre-tall pink granite obelisk, which was part of a matching pair until the 1830s when one was given to France. It now stands in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris. We’ll visit a local gallery to appreciate the ancient artform of papyrus craft, with an opportunity to purchase the artwork to take home.
After our morning of sightseeing it’s time to embark our Nile cruise ship, ready for our four night Nile cruise. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch on board before an afternoon at leisure indulging in the ship’s amenities, or further exploring the sites of Luxor.
Optional Excursion
Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.
It’s another early start for us this morning, leaving the ship after breakfast for a half day tour of the West Bank. Our first destination is the Valley of the Kings, a royal burial ground for many of Egypt’s pharaohs, queens and other elites. Here, we’ll discover King Tutankhamun’s Tomb, arguably the most well-known of Egypt’s pharaohs who reigned between 1332 and 1323 BC. Despite his celebrity, King Tut’s tomb is actually smaller than other royal tombs of its era, likely because of his untimely death. After descending into his tomb where his mummified body lies, we’ll enter other tombs to see examples of the elaborate and well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings. Carved deep into the limestone rock, each tomb has a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber and a sarcophagus chamber.
Next, we explore the Temple of Hatshepsut. Built for Queen Hatshepsut, she was one of only a few women to be given the title of pharaoh. We then visit the Colossi of Memnon, a historic landmark consisting of two massive statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
We’ll stop at a nearby alabaster workshop to learn how the locally quarried stone is carved and crafted, and if interested, can purchase a souvenir piece to take home.
Back on board our ship, we cruise onward to Edfu, travelling through Esna Lock – an impressive engineering feat that helps control the flow of the Nile. The afternoon is at leisure before a welcome dinner on board.
Optional Excursion
Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank in the early morning. Includes transport from hotel. 1.5 hours – from $170pp US. Cash only.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan lies Edfu, home to approximately 60,000 residents. This Egyptian city is renowned for the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God, the main attraction that we'll visit this morning. This beautiful ancient temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak Temple. Immerse yourself in history as you walk through the Pylon, a monumental gateway that leads you through to a spectacular courtyard framed on three sides by 32 columns. Other sites to explore here include the Inner and Outer Hypostyle Halls, the Court of Offerings, the Vestibule, the Sanctuary and more.
Returning to the ship, we'll then cruise to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique double temple that is dedicated to the gods of Sobek and Haroeris. Combining two temples into one, it is symmetrical in nature with twin entrances, two linked hypostyle halls and twin sanctuaries. As it is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, it is thought that it was once teeming with crocodiles! Today we visit a Crocodile Museum which features a collection of mummified crocodiles.
As we cruise to the port of Aswan this evening, we enjoy a traditional Galabeya party on board.
We have a very early start this morning as we cross the desert to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed twin temples of Abu Simbel. The temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. The complex was relocated in its entirety in the 1960s to higher ground to avoid it being submerged by the Nile River due to the construction of the High Aswan Dam. We will spend a few hours exploring the temples before returning to our Nile cruise ship in Aswan.
This afternoon, we’ll sail on the Nile a little bit differently – on a traditional Egyptian sailboat known as a Felucca. The Nile has been home to these simple, wooden style sailboats for thousands of years. We’ll observe life along the banks of the river as our boat takes advantage of the gentle winds and currents.
Get ready for a traditional Nubian Show on board this evening. During this cultural performance we’ll witness traditional music, singers and dancers dressed in distinctive Nubian clothing, highlighting the unique culture of the Nubian people.
Day 8 - Disembark: Nile Cruise – Aswan
This morning we disembark our Nile cruise ship in the Port of Aswan and bid farewell to the crew. Today will be spent exploring the incredible sights of Aswan, a historic city home to the Nubian culture and unique attractions unlike anywhere else in Egypt. On a half day tour, we visit the High Dam and the picturesque Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. Originally located on Philae Island, this temple is dedicated to Isis, the goddess of magic, who is said to have brought her husband Osiris back to life after he was killed by his own brother. Still in impeccable condition, it is remarkable to note that like Abu Simbel, this temple was also moved piece by piece to a new location to prevent flooding from the creation of the High Aswan Dam.
After our morning tour, we’ll visit a local store which produces an assortment of aromatic perfumes and oils, along with ornate accessories, all available for purchase.
Special Experience
Navigate the waterways of the Nile to a Nubian village where we’ll visit the local market and meet a Nubian family in their home.
The Nubian culture originated in what has now become modern day Sudan and southern Egypt. They have their own language, food and traditions, all of which we’ll get a taste of today.
We’ll return to our hotel where the evening is at leisure.
Optional Excursion
Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.
We’ll transfer to Aswan airport this morning for our flight back to Cairo, where we’ll have the chance to explore the city.
First up, we’ll visit the 12th century Saladin Citadel of Cairo, a monumental Islamic fortification built as a defence against the crusaders in 1176 AD. We’ll see many sights inside the Citadel, including the Muhammad Ali Mosque (and no, this isn’t dedicated to the famous boxer!). Built between 1832 and 1857 by Muhammad Ali Pasha, its position and towering minarets make it one of the most prominent mosques in the Cairo skyline.
Our last stop is the 14th century Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a major souk in Cairo’s Islamic District. Famous for its handmade crafts, it’s also the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee. There are no fixed prices here, so make sure you practice your haggling skills!
We’ll return to our hotel where the afternoon and evening is at leisure. You may wish to relax and take in the incredible Nile views from the hotel’s pool, explore the nearby shopping mall or taste some of the local cuisine – the choice is yours!
This morning, we travel to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of Djoser. Designed by Imhotep, the famous vizier of King Djoser, this was the first pyramid ever built!
Special Experience
Tour the historic Serapeum of Sakkara, the burial place of the Apis Bulls
The Serapeum of Sakkara was built by Ramses II between 1279 and 1213 BC as a dedication to the Greco-Egyptian God of Serapis. Before this, the area had already been used for hundreds of years as a monument for the Apis Bulls, a sacred animal believed to be the god of fertility and the underworld by the ancient Egyptians. When the site was rediscovered in 1850, they found the burial places of 64 Apis bulls and thousands of inscribed objects related to centuries of cult activity. On our tour today we’ll discover the ancient burial chambers and crypts, while learning all about the rituals and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians who called this area home.
We’ll make our way to downtown Cairo to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before an early dinner at the hotel.
Tonight we bid farewell to Egypt as we fly to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on an overnight flight.
Nairobi is the largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg. Although it is just south of the equator, it sports beautiful spring-like weather year-round – warm during the day and cool at night. It is a modern city, yet its main avenues blaze with colour from tropical bushes and vines. Less than 100 years ago, there was a river in an empty wilderness where Nairobi now stands. Despite health hazards and the ever-present danger of wild animals, Nairobi was established by 1907 and quickly grew. It also attracted world attention as the centre of big-game safaris for the rich and famous – perhaps the most famous was the safari of Teddy Roosevelt, who needed 500 porters to carry supplies!
This afternoon we visit the AFEW Giraffe Centre, an important conservation initiative created by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. Here we can get up close whilst feeding the giraffes from an elevated platform.
After lunch we’ll enjoy a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum – the former residence of famous novelist Karen Blixen. The house contains many of her original pieces along with some exhibits donated by the makers of the film, ‘Out of Africa’.
Enjoy the evening at leisure to recharge after a long day.
Today we visit one of Kenya’s great conservation projects, Daphne Sheldrick’s animal orphanage at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. For over 25 years, Kenyan-born Daphne Sheldrick lived and worked alongside her husband David, during which time they raised and successfully rehabilitated many wild species. Daphne Sheldrick’s involvement with wildlife has spanned a lifetime. She is now a recognised international authority on the rearing of wild creatures and is the first person to have perfected the milk formula and necessary husbandry for infant milk-dependent elephants and rhinos.
Later we visit the Anselm Kitengela Hot Glass studio and enjoy a glassblowing demonstration. Here we will see how expert Kenyan artisans create functional handmade objects from recycled glass and learn about the unique art of glassblowing. During your free time for lunch here, you may wish to purchase some of the exquisite, brightly coloured masterpieces for yourself.
Take some time to relax at the hotel this afternoon before our group dinner at the picturesque Fairway restaurant within the Karen Golf Club.
Day 13 - Nairobi - Aberdare National Park
Leaving Nairobi this morning, we start our journey into the Kenyan countryside. The first stop is at the Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers, a women's self-help group that produces beautiful, handcrafted items. We’ll learn about the traditional techniques used to make these items and will have the chance to purchase unique souvenirs to take home.
Continuing on, we make our way to Aberdare National Park, a protected area in Kenya’s central highlands. Known for its stunning high moorland, bamboo forests and thundering waterfalls, it is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, leopards and several primate species.
After lunch at the Aberdare Country Club, we are transferred to our quirky ‘Ark’ accommodation. As the name suggests, the building shares some resemblance with Noah’s Ark, and is a testament to the abundant wildlife in the area. Here, we’ll enjoy the afternoon at leisure to gaze out over the floodlit waterhole and salt lick, watching the wildlife bask in this beautiful setting. For any discerning photographers in the group, we suggest a visit to the bunker – the ideal vantage point for getting the perfect shot of the wildlife which could be just metres away.
Day 14 - Aberdare National Park – Shaba National Reserve
Shaba National Reserve is our destination today, located by the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River in the northern part of Kenya. The river attracts a lot of wildlife thanks to its shady trees, so the likelihood of seeing a diverse range of wildlife here is even higher.
We’ll check in to our accommodation, have some lunch and time to recuperate after our long drive this morning.
This afternoon it’s finally time to embark on our first game drive of the tour – an experience you won’t forget in a hurry! The location of Shaba National Reserve in northern Kenya is scenically spectacular. Think waterholes and marshes, woods and grasslands, all with the imposing Shaba Hill Volcano in the background. As we make our way through the Reserve on our game drive this afternoon, we’ll be introduced to some of the unique animals in this area, including the reticulated giraffe, the largest of the giraffe subspecies, and at up to six metres height it is the tallest land animal on the planet! We’ll also be on the lookout for Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, hippos and even “the king of the jungle”, the lion.
Day 15 - Shaba National Reserve
We have an early start for our morning game drive across Shaba’s beautiful, rugged landscape. As the sun begins to rise for the day, the animals are often out and about in the cooler temperatures and soft light, making it one of the best times of the day to spot the wildlife. We’ll continue our search for lions, buffalo, leopards and the famous 'red elephant of Samburu' – named for the red dust that coats their hides.
We return to our lodge for breakfast and some downtime before taking another game drive this afternoon. After getting our wildlife fill for the day, we head to a local village.
Special Experience
Uncover Samburu Unity Village, a women-only community, to learn about ‘a day in the life’ of a Samburu woman and her children.
Formed in 2011, the Unity Village is a refuge for women looking to escape oppression, abuse and other inequities. Today it serves as a safe place for women to raise their families, educate their children and thrive in an environment where they can work together. Our experience here is magical and heartbreaking all at the same time, and you will leave with the utmost respect for these resilient women who have managed to create a better life for themselves and their children despite the hardship they have faced.
Day 16 - Shaba National Reserve – Lake Naivasha
Today we continue to Lake Naivasha, which is the highest and one of the most beautiful lakes that form part of the Great Rift Valley. Taking its name from the Maasai word En-aiposha, meaning ‘heaving’ or ‘to and fro’, the water is well-known to be turbulent in the afternoons. A popular spot for British flying boats of the 1930s, it was also the home of Joy Adamson, conservationist and the author of ‘Born Free’.
After lunch we’ll take a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, in search of its residents which include over 400 bird species and numerous pods of hippo.
We’ll enjoy afternoon tea at the famous Elsamere Conservation Centre, located in Joy’s former house. The museum contains a collection of her paintings and artefacts as well as memorabilia from the ‘Born Free' film, with photos documenting Joy and George Adamson's work.
We then return to our lodge for dinner.
Day 17 - Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara
After an early breakfast, we depart for the Maasai Mara. The landscape of the Maasai Mara is characterised by wide open plains and rolling grasslands, dotted with the occasional tree. The Maasai Mara flows into the Serengeti, making it one of the biggest reserves in the world.
Special Experience
Take a Swahili cooking class in the heart of the Maasai Mara, including a visit to the herb and vegetable garden.
Whether you consider yourself a seasoned chef or complete amateur, this cooking class gives you (and your taste buds) the chance to explore the flavours and textures of traditional Swahili food. With plenty of locally sourced herbs and spices including cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, nutmeg and more, it will be a delight for the senses.
Before making our way to our accommodation, a tented camp in the Maasai Mara, we head out on a late afternoon game drive. The Maasai Mara is one of the most well-regarded wildlife reserves in Africa, and for good reason -- elephant, giraffe, eland, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful here and commonly sighted. With a bit of luck, we may also spot a lion or cheetah.
We have an early start for a morning game drive to enjoy this beautiful landscape as the sun rises over the savannah. Many of the animals that call this area home are crepuscular, which means they are most active during the twilight hours. On our adventure this morning our expert guide will help us to spot the wildlife as they go about their usual business.
We’ll return to the lodge for breakfast and lunch, with some time to relax. Later we’ll head out on one last safari before a special farewell dinner to farewell the Maasai Mara.
Optional Excursion
Maasai Mara Balloon Safari – This morning, enjoy an amazing experience as you take a balloon ride over the Maasai Mara. This is probably one of the most scenic views you will ever experience as you depart at dawn and float, suspended in a basket beneath a canopy while viewing the sights of the mighty Maasai Mara and its wildlife. On landing, you’ll be provided with a delicious bubbly-style bush breakfast. 3 hours – from $485pp US.
Day 19 - Maasai Mara – Zanzibar
Today is the beginning of the final phase of our journey, as we head to the airport for our flight to the exotic island of Zanzibar via Nairobi! Well known for its white sandy beaches and warm turquoise water, Zanzibar is the perfect place to relax and simply soak up the sun. Scenic fishing villages are scattered throughout the beaches of Zanzibar where the locals enjoy a simple way of life.
Arriving on the island, we head to our beautiful beachside resort in Kiwengwa Beach. Located on the east coast of Zanzibar, the resort is home to impeccable white sand beaches, has over 30 acres of tropical gardens to explore, and a variety of leisure facilities to enjoy. The rest of our day is spent at leisure here indulging in whichever amenities take your fancy, before joining the group for dinner.
The day is at leisure for you to relax and unwind in this tranquil setting or to explore more of this stunning island paradise. The choice is yours!
Your tour guide or the resort staff are well equipped to provide you with any suggestions if you’re looking to get out and about. Popular activities here include visiting the beaches and reefs, caves and spice farms, or even joining a quad bike tour of the island.
Our eyes are set on historic Stone Town, Zanzibar’s biggest city set on the opposite side of the island. A Swahili trading town, Stone Town has taken on influences from Arab, Indian and European cultures to cultivate its own unique way of life that we’ll experience today. Fans of the band Queen may also know Stone Town as the childhood hometown of the band’s charismatic lead singer, Freddie Mercury!
As we begin our exploration this morning, a city tour will acquaint us with a range of different sites, including the City Market, the Anglican Church of Christ, Africa House and Forodhani Park.
We’ll also visit the House of Wonders – the most significant structure on the seafront that was built in the 1880s as a ceremonial palace. Originally used as the headquarters and administrative centre during the colonial period, it was later converted into a school and a museum.
Lastly, we will explore the Sultan's Palace, the Old Museum and the Old Market where we can shop for various local fruits and spices.
This evening we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. We’ll indulge in the local cuisine as we reminisce on the many astounding memories we have made together over the last three weeks.
Today marks the end of our spectacular African adventure. We will enjoy our last day at leisure in paradise before transferring to the airport this evening. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Day 23 - Arrive Australia
Day 23 - Arrive Australia
