Highlights of Egypt and Kenya

17 days - from $4370

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

• Memphis
• Saqqara
• The Pyramids
• the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum
• Luxor
• Karnak Temple
• Valley of the Kings
• Temple of Hatshepsut
• Nile Riverboat Cruise
• Aswan
• Edfu
• Komombo Temple
• Philae Temple
• Medieval Cairo
• Samburu National Reserve
• Menengai Crater
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Masai Mara National Reserve

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 Samburu National Reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives.13-14 Drive to Nakuru. Afternoon nature walk in Menengai Crater. Full-day game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.15-16 Drive to tented camp in the Masai Mara. Game drives and night drives.17 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 Samburu National Reserve, 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park and 2 days in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Valid From: 12 Jan 08
Notes: The maximum number of clients is 15 for the Egyptian portion of the tour (Days 1 to 9) and 7 for the Kenyan portion of the tour (Days 10 to 17). Nile Cruise Schedules (Egyptian Sector) There are numerous boats cruising the Nile, all of which must negotiate the lock at Edfu. As a result, boats arrive and depart Luxor continuously throughout the day. The printed itinerary is therefore only a guide and you may find you have more (or less) time in either Luxor or Aswan. The actual cruising time from Luxor to Aswan is about a day and a half and this journey is accomplished both during the day and at night. Summertime Schedules (Egyptian Sector) As the days get warmer, temperatures can start to soar, particularly in Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan). From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, some days start very early (for example - 5am). Please be prepared for this - our schedules are designed to make touring as comfortable for you as possible. 'Baksheesh' (Egyptian Sector) Throughout the Middle East, but particularly in Egypt, tipping is a way of life. Known as 'baksheesh' it is given for any service rendered and is deeply embedded in the social fabric of the country. Unlike western countries it is not necessarily a reward for good service and it should therefore not be referred to as a 'tip', in the western sense of the word. Everyone gives 'baksheesh' to everyone else and foreign tourists are expected to comply with this custom. For some, this can become very tiresome (especially if you don't have the right change) and it can lead to irritation and frustration. To surmount this problem and to save you the obvious embarrassment if you don't have the correct change, your tour leader will collect a 'local payment' from you at the beginning of the trip. This is approximately US$30 per person. He will then distribute all 'baksheesh' along the way, on your behalf, to the local guides, drivers, porters and others who provide services for you. Please have this amount ready, in cash, at the beginning of the trip. If you are out on your own, at a restaurant, for example, please remember to leave a small tip for any services. Kenyan Roads Please note that the roads in Kenya can be quite bad at times. The tarred roads are badly pot-holed in sections and the dirt roads can be very dusty and corrugated. We need to be prepared for a fair bit of bouncing around, on these roads. Infrastructure is also unpredictable and electricty may fail or be turned off at times. Lodges generally have back up generators in these situations.
Starts/Ends: Cairo to Nairobi
Trip Reference: PFEK