Highlights of Egypt and Kenya

17 days - from $4290

Combine an in-depth discovery of Egypt's principal sights with a classic Kenyan safari This epic adventure combines two iconic countries over 18 incredible days. In Cairo our guide unravels the complexity of the dynastic periods on a visit to Memphis and its splendid necropolis, Sakkara. We see the first Step Pyramid and visit several outstanding Old Kingdom tombs. We also explore the Egyptian Museum (including the Tutankhamun exhibition) and visit the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. A comfortable overnight sleeper train takes us south to Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes. Here we visit Karnak Temple, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the splendid royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. We then board our comfortable riverboat for a relaxing cruise, visiting Edfu Temple and the lovely ruined temple at Komombo along the way. Reaching Aswan we enjoy a visit to the charming Temple of Isis at Philae and have time for an optional visit to Abu Simbel. Back in Cairo we head into the medieval city, exploring the fascinating Gayer-Anderson Museum, housed in two fine 17th century villas, and the nearby Mosque of Ibn Tulun. Our final Egyptian highlight is a visit to the celebrated Khan el Khalili Bazaar.

Travelling south, Kenya’s game reserves are among the best in the world with large numbers of animal life inhabiting vast tracts of lands that are easily accessible from Nairobi. This classic safari features three very different habitats, with the opportunity to observe a variety of unusual species common only to this part of Africa. The ecosystems, landscapes and wildlife highlight the diversity of this region and our guide will be happy to explain to us all the intricacies of this fascinating area. Utilising lodges and an atmospheric permanent tented camp are also key features of this safari. Throughout this safari we travel in safari vehicles where the pop-top roof system ensures excellent game viewing, and the use of 4WD vehicles rather than minivans ensures excellent comfort and access to off-the-beaten-track places. Our specialist local guides not only share with us their incredible wildlife knowledge, but also their passion for their homeland.

Highlights

• Dawn game drives in Masai Mara
• Night Game Drives in Kenya
• Sundowners by Lake Nakuru
• Tented camps and tall stories around the campfire
• The black-maned lions of The Mara
• The great mammal migrations of the Masai Mara National Reserve
• Cruise past Kom ombo and Edfu Temples
• Cruising the Nile
• Dancing in Cairo – try or see
• Easy going Aswan
• Face to face with Egypt’s mummies, Cairo
• Give in to Cairo
• The Giza Plateau – the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx
• Valley of the Kings

Itinerary:

Day 1: (Fri) Arrive Cairo and transfer to hotel.2: Visit Memphis and its necropolis, Sakkara.3: Visit Egyptian Museum, Great Pyramids and Sphinx. Sleeper train to Luxor.4: Arrive Luxor. Horse-drawn carriages to Karnak Temple.5: Visit Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon.6-7: Cruise to Aswan. Visit Edfu and Komombo Temples.8: Visit Philae Temple. Optional visit to Abu Simbel. Sleeper train to Cairo.9: Arrive Cairo. Visit medieval city including Gayer-Anderson Museum, Ibn Tulun Mosque and the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar. Transfer to airport for evening flight to Nairobi (flight not included).10: Arrive Nairobi and transfer to hotel. Remainder of day at leisure.11-12: Drive to Meru National Park. Morning and afternoon game drives. Rhino sanctuary visit.13-14: Drive to Nakuru. Full-day game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.15-16: Drive to tented camp in the Masai Mara. Full day game drive with picnic lunch.17: Morning game walk in private reserve adjoining Masai Mara. Drive to Nairobi where trip ends on arrival (Sun).
Included: Experienced English-speaking local leaders, arrival transfer, transport, accommodation, meals, game activities and entrance fees.
Not Included:

International flights including the flight from Cairo to Nairobi, airport departure taxes, visas, meals unless specified in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

Meals: 16 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 12 dinners
National Parks:

This trip includes 2 days in Meru National Park, 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park and 2 days in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Valid From: 12 Jan 10
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Notes: The flight from Cairo to Nairobi on Day 9 is not included. You may choose to fly rather than drive from Masai Mara National Reserve to Nairobi on Day 17. This is at additional expense and subject to availability.
Starts/Ends: Cairo to Nairobi
Trip Reference: PFEK