|
ANCIENT
EGYPT WITH EAST AFRICAN SAFARI- 2010
Countries
visited: Egypt, Kenya & Tanzania |
 |
An
artistically designed journey covering the best of ancient
and medieval heritage of Egypt combined with the natural wonders
of Kenya & Tanzania. Start with 5000 years of human achievements
enshrined in the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Luxor Temples to the
medieval marvels of Islamic Cairo with its citadels, mosques,
parks and exotic bazaars. Leaving the hustle and bustle of
Egypt to the world of the animal kingdom in its native environment,
we do the best of Kenya and Tanzania where we see the Big
Five and several other spices combined with the African village
life and viewing the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Our 12-day
African safari takes us to Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti,
Ngorongoro, Arusha and Amboseli with time also at Nairobi
and Arusha
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
| 01 |
Depart
home city for Cairo |
| 02 |
Arrive Cairo |
| 03 |
Cairo
/ Pyramids |
| 04 |
Cairo
/ Aswan |
| 05 |
Nile
Cruise Aswan / Kom Ombo / Esna / Efu |
| 06 |
Nile
Cruise Edfu / Luxor |
| 07 |
Luxor |
| 08 |
Luxor
/ Cairo |
| 09 |
Cairo |
| 10 |
Cairo
/ Nairobi (KENYA) |
| 11 |
Arrive
Nairobi |
| 12 |
Nairobi
/ Lake Nakuru |
| 13
|
Lake
Nakuru / Masai Mara |
| 14 |
Masai
Mara |
| 15 |
Masai
Mara / Serengeti (TANZANIA) |
| 16 |
Serengeti
|
| 17 |
Serengeti
/ Ngorongoro Crater |
| 18 |
Ngorongoro
Crater / Lake Manyara |
| 19 |
Lake
Manyara |
| 20 |
Lake
Manyara / Arusha / Amboseli (KENYA) |
|

| Continue.... |
| 21 |
Amboseli
/Nairobi / Cairo |
| 22 |
Arrival
Cairo |
| 23 |
Cairo
/ departure for home city |
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| EGYPT |
|
|
Memphis and its Necropolis - the Pyramid Fields from Giza to
Dahshur (1979 |
The capital
of the Old Kingdom of Egypt has some extraordinary funerary
monuments, including rock tombs, ornate mastabas, temples and
pyramids. In ancient times, the site was considered one of the
Seven Wonders of the World. |
| Ancient
Thebes with its Necropolis (1979) |
Thebes,
the city of the god Amon, was the capital of Egypt during the
period of the Middle and New Kingdoms. With the temples and
palaces at Karnak and Luxor, and the necropolises of the Valley
of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, Thebes is a striking
testimony to Egyptian civilization at its height. |
| Nubian Monuments from
Abu Simbel to Philae (1979) |
This outstanding archaeological area contains
such magnificent monuments as the Temples of Ramses II at Abu
Simbel and the Sanctuary of Isis at Philae, which were saved
from the rising waters of the Nile thanks to the International
Campaign launched by UNESCO, in 1960 to 1980. |
|
Islamic Cairo (1979) |
Tucked
away amid the modern urban area of Cairo lies one of the world's
oldest Islamic cities, with its famous mosques, madrasas, hammams
and fountains. Founded in the 10th century, it became the new
centre of the Islamic world, reaching its golden age in the
14th century. |
| Saint
Catherine Area (Optional) (2002) |
The Orthodox Monastery of St Catherine stands
at the foot of the Mount Horeb of the Old Testament, where Moses
received the Tablets of the Law. The mountain is known and revered
by Muslims as Jebel Musa. The entire area is sacred to three
world religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The Monastery,
founded in the 6th century, is the oldest Christian monastery
still in use for its initial function. Its walls and buildings
are very significant in the study of Byzantine architecture
and the Monastery houses outstanding collections of early Christian
manuscripts and icons. The rugged mountainous landscape, containing
numerous archaeological and religious sites and monuments, forms
a perfect backdrop for the Monastery. |
| Serengeti
National Park (1981) |
The
vast plains of the Serengeti comprise 1.5 million ha of savannah.
The annual migration to permanent water holes of vast herds
of herbivores (wildebeest, gazelles and zebras), followed by
their predators, is one of the most impressive natural events
in the world. |
| Ngorongoro
Conservation Area (1979) |
A
large permanent concentration of wild animals can be found in
the huge and perfect crater of Ngorongoro. Nearby, the crater
of Empakaai, filled by a deep lake, and the active volcano of
Oldonyo Lenga can be seen. Excavations carried out in the Olduvai
Gorge, not far from there, have resulted in the discovery of
one of our more distant ancestors, Homo habilis. Laitoli Site,
which also lies within the area, is one of the main localities
of early hominid footprints, dating back 3.6 million years. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01 WED: Depart Home city for Cairo
Day 02 THU: Arrive Cairo
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome in Arabic. We are warmly received at
Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel. Check in starts
from 1400 hrs.
Overnight: Safir Hotel (2 nights)
Day 03 FRI: Cairo Pyramids
This is a day to go back in time, starting with a visit to the
most famous of the Egyptian sphinxes, the Great Sphinx of Giza,
followed by the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Completed around
2600 BC, this pyramid was 146m (478ft) high and consisted of
over 2 million limestone blocks weighing over 2 tons each. We
also examine the Chephren and Mycerinus Pyramids as well as
the Cheops wooden Solar boat. At over 4500 years old, this boat
is the most ancient vessel found in perfect condition anywhere
in the world and is one of the most important archaeological
finds in Egypt. Next we visit Memphis and the Saqqara Step Pyramid,
the world's first great stone structure before retiring for
the day after an indepth insight into one of the wonders of
the world. (B)
Day
04 SAT: Cairo / Aswan (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Aswan where we are warmly received
and transferred to our boat, home for the next four days.
Over the next few days we cruise the Nile and visit various
off shore sites. After lunch we visit the Aswan High Dam and
the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka
and the unfinished obelisk. An optional excursion to Abu Simbel
can be arranged in the morning before embarking the ship.
Overnight: Movenpick Radamis II Nile Cruiser (3 nights)
(B, L, D)
Day 05 SUN: Nile Cruise Aswan / Kom Ombo / Esna /
Efu
Morning we will for Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo,
dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. It stands at a bend
in the Nile where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked
in the sun on the riverbank. After this visit we sail to Edfu
and visit the well-preserved Greek built Temple of Horus.
This temple, built during the reigns of six generations of
Ptolemy’s, is not only the best-preserved ancient temple
in Egypt, but also the second largest after Karnak. (B,
L, D)
Day 06 MON: Nile Cruise Edfu / Luxor
Morning we sail to the majestic city of Luxor. Afternoon we
visit the East Bank for the historical Karnak and Luxor Temples.
The ancient Egyptians knew the Temple of Karnak as Ipet-isut.
It is a city of temples built over 2000 years and dedicated
to the Theben triad of Amon, Mut and Khonsu. This derelict
place continues to overshadow many of the wonders of the modern
world. It is the mother of all religious buildings and a place
of pilgrimage for nearly 4,000 years. Luxor Temple was connected
to Karnak Temple by an avenue of sphinxes in ancient times.
Unlike Karnak, Luxor is mainly the work of one pharaoh - Amenhotep
III and was added to by Tutankhamun, Horemheb, Ramses II and
Alexander the Great. During Akhenaten’s all religion
other than worship of Aten was rejected and development at
Luxor stopped. When Akhenaten died, the old religions returned,
along with the priests so the temple began to expand again.
(B, L, D)
Day 07 TUE: Luxor
Morning we the West Bank of Luxor to explore the Valley of
the Kings, a vast City of the Dead where magnificent tombs
were carved into the desert rocks, richly decorated, and filled
with treasures for the afterlife by generations of pharaohs.
Our visit will also includes Queen Hatshepsut Temple and the
Colossi of Memnon. Afternoon we are transferred to our hotel.
Evening we visit the incredible Sound & Light show.
Overnight: Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor (1 night)
(B)
Day 08 WED: Luxor / Cairo
After our cruise and Luxor experience we are transferred to
the airport for our short flight to Cairo where we are met
and transferred to our hotel. A good opportunity to do some
bazaar hunting this evening.
Overnight: Safir Hotel (2 nights) (B)
Day 09 THU: Cairo
Our day at Cairo starts with a fascinating tour of 7,000 years
of Egyptian history with a visit to the Egyptian Museum of
Antiquities. The Museum houses the world's greatest collection
of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, including 12 rooms filled with
golden treasures from the world-famous tomb of the boy-king
Tutenkhamun. Next we start with the fascinating part of Islamic
Cairo, including the beautiful and graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque
and the ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress perched
on a hill above the city. Originally built by Salah El-Din
in 1176 to fortify the city against the Crusaders, the Citadel
was modified and enlarged over the centuries by subsequent
rulers and today is a complex of three mosques and four museums.
Our last stop is at the awesome Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, reputed
to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Originally founded
as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 14th century, the
bazaar has now grown to vast proportions. PM optional visit
to Al Azhar Park including dinner USD 85 per person (min 2
persons) (B)
Day 10 FRI: Cairo / Nairobi (Kenya)
Day free in Cairo. Check out from hotel at 12noon.
Today we bid farewell to Egypt, best described as a heritage
site to the whole world, having gained an educational, historical
an enlightening cultural experience never to be forgotten.
We are transferred to the airport for our flight to Nairobi.
Overnight: On flight (B)
Day 11 SAT: Arrive Nairobi
Karibu! We are warmly received in Africa’s most well
known capital – Nairobi. The Kiswahili language here
is often easily understood as many people mix in English words,
in fact more people in Kenya speak English than in any other
African country.
Overnight: Pan Africa Hotel/ Nairobi Serena Hotel
(1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 12 SUN: Nairobi / Lake Nakuru (165 Kms)
We start with an interesting countryside drive to Lake Nakuru
National Park, best known for its flamingos and home to many
animals including waterbuck, leopards Rothschild giraffe and
the endangered black rhino. After a filling lunch at our lodge,
we head out for the first of the many exciting game drives
in our East African Safari.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge / Lion Hill Lodge (1
night) (B, L, D)
Day 13 MON: Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara (310 Kms)
After breakfast we traverse the Great Rift Valley and ascend
to its western rim into the Maasai land. Red-clad Maasai warriors
tend their herds of cattle among the wildlife, admirably unmoved
by the presence of large predators. Here we also find the
Masaai giraffe. After lunch, at our lodge, we embark on one
of the most exciting game drive Africa has to offer.
Overnight: Mara Simba Lodge / Mara Serena Lodge (2
nights) (B, L, D)
Day 14 TUE: Masai Mara
Morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular game
reserve, all with superb photographic opportunities. Blessed
with a permanent water supply, Masai Mara has a permanent
population of plains game. The "big five" - elephant,
buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino are quite common. Today we
may opt for an early morning optional balloon excursion to
experience a birds-eye view of the vast Mara. (B,
L, D)
Day 15 WED: Masai Mara / Serengeti (Tanzania) (275
Kms)
Today we depart for Tanzania, home to the best game in the
world. We cross the Isebania Border to Tanzania – also
the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world famous Serengeti
and Ngorongoro Crater Game Parks as well as the spice island
of Zanzibar. Our destination is Serengeti, which literally
means “endless plains”
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Lodge / Mbalageti Camp
(2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 16 THU: Serengeti
We begin our Tanzanian adventure at the world famous wildlife
sanctuary - the Serengeti National Park which at 14,763 sq
kms is the largest National Park in Tanzania. Summed up as
'one of the most unique areas in the world', Serengeti contains
the largest remaining concentration of plains game in Africa,
on a scale, which has no parallel any where in the world.
The abundance of herbivores includes wildebeest, Zebra, Gazelle,
Topi, Buffalo, and Hartebeest, to name but a few. Serengeti
is also famous for Predators e.g. Lion, Cheetah, Leopard,
Hyena and contains a wide variety of birdlife, believed to
be in the region of 500 species. (B, L, D)
Day 17 FRI: Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater (145 Kms)
Another day game drive in Serengeti National Park with picnic
lunch. We explore various areas like Moro kopjes and Gol kopjes.
The extensive grasslands are interspersed with Kopjes rocky
outcrops like islands in the flat plain, each with their own
wildlife communities. Discover the Seronera River, which flows
through the park, providing habitats for a variety of birds,
mammals and reptiles. Afternoon we proceed to Nabi Hill gate
were you enjoy our picnic lunch before proceeding to the Malanja
depression entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (1 night) (B, L,
D)
Day 18 SAT: Ngorongoro Crater / Lake Manyara (60 Kms)
We descend the famous Ngorongoro Crater for a day of superb
game viewing. The Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most
magnificent wildlife arenas, is approximately 19 km/12 miles
across and its prairies are a haven for an estimated 30,000
large mammals, including lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant,
Hyena, Hippo, Wildebeest, Baboon, Gazelle and the endangered
black Rhino. At a depth of 610 meters/2,000 feet, this crater,
created by the collapse of an extinct volcano, contains a
"Lost World" of wildlife. It is our exciting crater
safari today before we drive to Lake Manyara in the later
afternoon.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge / Eunoto Retreat
(2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 19 SUN: Lake Manyara
We drive down to Lake Manyara National Park, which is one
of the finest parks in Tanzania. You will enjoy your game
drive followed by lunch. After lunch, we will visit the village
of Mto Wa Mbu and The Great Rift Valley and then proceed to
your unique safari lodge, which offers a spectacular view
of Lake Manyara National Park. (B, L, D)
Day 20 MON: Lake Manyara / Arusha / Amboseli (Kenya)
(205 Kms)
After our Northern Tanzania game experience, we take another
scenic drive crossing the beautiful Great Rift Valley to the
colorful villages of Mto wa Mbu and Makuyuni. At Arusha, which
is the exact center between Cape Town and Cairo, we stop for
lunch. We then cross the Namanga border between Tanzania and
Kenya and then drive to the Amboseli National Park that is
situated at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro (5922 meters/19,430
ft). Amboseli is also famous for its vast herds of elephants
and stunning views of Kilimanjaro. We take the opportunity
of another game drive before checking into our lodge for the
night.
Overnight: Amboseli Serena Lodge / Oltukai Lodge (1
night) (B, L, D)
Day 21 TUE: Amboseli / Nairobi / Cairo
After breakfast drive to Amboseli, situated at the foothills
of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,430 ft). Amboseli is famous for its
vast herds of elephants and stunning views of Kilimanjaro
on clear days. Be sure to have your camera ready. Lunch at
the lodge and afternoon game drive en route to your lodge
in search of Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo and much more. Evening
we are transferred to Nairobi for dinner at world famous Carnivore
Restaurant and then we are transferred to the airport for
flight to Cairo.
Overnight: On Board (B, L, D)
Day 22 WED: Arrival Cairo
Morning we arrive Cairo and are met and transferred to our
hotel near the airport. Afternoon we visit the Pharonic village
Khan – el Khalil Bazaar where bargains are waiting for
us.
Overnight: Heliopolis (B)
Day 23 THU: Cairo / departure for home city
After an early breakfast at the hotel we are transferred to
the airport for our departure flight – after an awesome
journey of ancient Egypt and the intriguing wildlife of Kenya
and Tanzania. (B)
|
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| Feb
24, 2010 |
6650 |
950 |
| Apr
07, 2010 |
6040 |
560 |
| May
05, 2010 |
6040 |
560 |
| Jul
21, 2010 |
7445 |
1050 |
| Oct
27, 2010 |
6825 |
950 |
| Supplement
for departures from other cities FROM US$ 300 |
Optional
tours
Day 04 – Abus simbel Excursion US $ 315.00 (includes
airfare Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan)
Day 14 – Balloon Safari at Masai Mara US$ 475 per person
Day 16 – Balloon Safari at Serengeti US$ 450 per person |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- International
Airfare ex NYC (add-ons from other cities available on
request)*
-
Accommodation/cruise as mentioned or similar, including
hotel taxes
-
Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch
D=Dinner)
-
All sightseeing and transfers as per the itinerary
-
Services of local English speaking guide
- Entrance
fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
- Domestic
and regional airfares Cairo/Aswan, Luxor/Cairo & Cairo
/ Nairobi
- Entrance
fees for the various game parks in East Africa
|
- Airport
taxes
-
Insurance and visa fees
- Tips
& gratuities to local guides and drivers
- Entrance
fees into the Pyramids chambers, Mummies Room at the Egyptian
Museum, Tutankhamun’s Tomb in the Valley of Kings,
Nefertari’s Tomb in the Valley of the Queens. These
may be paid locally
|
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Note:
Airfare ex NYC included in the tour cost is valued at US$
1300 |
| Estimated
International Airfare(
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1300 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1300 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 07
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 2068678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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