Highlights of Egypt and Kenya

17 days - from $4425

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, Saqqara. 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 al-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 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

• Nile cruise
• Nubean Aswan
• The Valley of the Kings
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cairo
• Edfu and Komombo temples
• Cairo Museum
• Masai Mara's mammal migrations
• Tented camp stays
• The flamingos of Lake Nakuru
• Game drives in the Masai Mara

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo2: Cairo3: Cairo - overnight sleeper train4: Luxor5: Valley of the Kings - Luxor - Nile Cruise6: Nile Cruise (Edfu - Komombo)7: Aswan8: Aswan9: Cairo10: Nairobi11: Meru National Park12: Meru National Park13: Nakuru14: Lake Nakuru National Park15-16: Masai Mara National Reserve17: Nairobi
Included:

• The services of Peregrine’s expert English-speaking local leaders throughout the tour, and professional local guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Cairo’s Memphis and its necropolis, Sakkara, Egyptian Museum, pyramids, Sphinx, Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, Gayer-Anderson Museum, and Ibn Tulun Mosque; Valley of the Kings; Temple of Hatshepsut; Colossi of Memnon; Edfu and Komombo Temples.

• 3 nights on Peregrine's comfortable Nile river cruise boat sailing from Luxor to Aswan, with sightseeing stops along the way.

• Visit to a Nubian village near Aswan to dine on local cuisine and watch Nubian dancing.

• Horse-drawn carriage ride to Karnak.

• 2 days in Meru National Park; 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park; and 2 days in Masai Mara National Reserve (including entrance fees where applicable).

• Transport in safari vehicles with a pop-top roof system to ensure excellent game viewing, and 4WD vehicles rather than minivans, allowing access to off the beaten track places.

• Guided game drives in Meru, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara.

• Visit to East Africa Mission Orphanage including afternoon tea with the children.

• Free time to explore Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Nairobi.

• Authentic accommodation including in an eco-lodge on the edge of Meru National Park; in a permanent tented camp with ensuite facilities in Nakuru, where all profits go towards the Ujima Foundation; and in a permanent tented camp in the Masai Mara, staffed entirely by Masai people and reminiscent of old safari camps.

• Opportunity to visit a Masai village.

• Nature walk in Menengai Crater.

• Visit to a Rhino Sanctuary.

• Air-conditioned sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor. Accommodation in two-person sleeping berths with beds and linen, and with an ‘airline-style’ dinner provided.

• Flight between Aswan and Cairo with all transfers on day 9.

• Arrival transfer.
 

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.

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.

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.