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Africa 2010

Capetown to Cairo

Tour Details

  • Travel Company
    Scenic
  • Duration
    15 Days
  • Start Date
    27th January 2012
  • Starting Location
    Buenos Aires, Argentia
  • Final Destination
    Buenos Aires, Argentina

My Daily Highlights

Day 1 Friday 6th August - Cape Town

Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a city tour before embarking on a cable car journey to the top of Table Mountain. The cableway takes just under 10 minutes to reach the summit, during which time the floor rotates 360 degrees ensuring everyone has a view of the city and surrounds. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Three Night Stay: Cape Town

Day 2 Saturday 7th August - Cape Town

Enjoy a full day discovering the most south-westerly point in Africa, Cape Peninsula. Spend time exploring Cape Point Nature Reserve and take a ride onboard the 'Flying Dutchmad' funicular train to the summit for oustanding views across the Cape of Good Hope. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Boulders Beach, home to a protected colony of African Penguins.

Day 3 Sunday 8th August - Cape Town

Today choose from 1) Journey to Robben Island for a tour of the former prison where Nelson Mandela spent many of the apartheid years living; or 2) Explore the 528 hectares which make up Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden or 3) Enjoy sampling fine South African vintages during a trip to the wineland region of Cape Town; or 4) Enjoy afternoon tea in the opulent surroundings of the Mount Nelson Lounge.

Day 4 Monday 9th August - Cape Town - Rovos Rail

After breakfast transfer to Cape Town Railway Station and board the luxurious Rovos Rail, your home for the next two nights. Each of the deluxe suites are resplendent with wood panelling and original features dating back to the early 1900's, yet with all the modern conveniences you would expect. The 1,600 kilometer journey offers an outstanding opportunity to view the wonderful scenery that South Africa has to offer, with regular stops along the way at quaint villages and towns. This afternoon explore the historic town of Matjiesfontein, a preserved Victorian village. This evening enjoy dinner in the elegant dining car where dressing up for dinner is still a tradition.

Two night stay: Rovos Rail

Day 5 Tuesday 10th August - Rovos Rail

Your magnificent rail journey continues today through the hold rich Highveld and the Great Karoo. There is no better place to enjoy the passing scenery than the observation car located at the rear of the train. This afternoon enjoy a city tour of the former diamond town of Kimberley and visit the Mine Museum and the world's largest man made excavation, the Big Hole.

Day 6 Wednesday 11th August - Rovos Rail - Johannesburg

This morning disembark in Pretoria at Rovos Rail's private station and transfer to your hotel in Johannesburg. This afternoon explore the fascinating history of South Africa's apartheid regime with a visit to Soweto where you'll have the opportunity to meet local residents during a visit to a traditional home and the local school. Stop at 'Wandies Place' for afternoon tea.

Day 7 Thursday 12th August - Johannesburg - Kruger National Park

Your journey continues today to the province of Mpumulanga and Tinga Private Game Lodge, situated in a 5,000 hectare Private Concession within Kruger National Park. Your spacious, luxury suite offers magnificent views of the Sabie River which you can enjoy from your private deck and heated plunge pool. Late afternoon depart for an evening game drive before dining under the African starlit sky.

Day 8 Friday 13th August - Kruger National Park

Today experience the thrill of a morning and afternoon game drive through this amazing National Park. The open Land Rovers are permitted to traverse the entire Kruger network, allowing unlimited game viewing and access to areas of historical significance and aesthetic beauty that the southern Kruger has to offer. This evening dine on the deck of your lodge whilst watching the sun set over the Sabie River and African bushveld.

Day 9 Saturday 14th August - Kruger National Park - Victoria Falls

This morning fly to Livingstone and transfer to the luxurious Royal Livingstone Hotel located just steps away from the Zambezi River and the mighty Victoria Falls. This afternoon enjoy a walk to the falls and take in the spectacular views from Knife Edge Bridge. This evening a gourmet experience awaits onboard a luxuriously restored 1920's steam train. Take in the wonderful scenery as you travel through the picturesque Zambezi Valley and enjoy a sumptuous six course banquent complemented with fine local wines. 

Day 10 Sunday 15th August - Victoria Falls

Visit a local village for a taste of traditional Zambian life dated back to the 11th century. Explore the quaint town of Livingstone, complete with its curio shops and the Livingstone Museum before boarding your vessel for a sunset cruise. Admire the landscape of the magnificent Zambezi River as you spot local wildlife and enjoy the sundowners.

Day 11 Monday 16th August - Victoria Falls - Johannesburg

Start the day with an included helicopter flight over the magnificent Victoria Falls. The flight will provide outstanding views of the waters thundering below and the natural wildlife in the surrounding bush, a truly remarkable experience. Then board your flight to Johannesburg.

Day 12 Tuesday 17th August - Johannesburg - Nairobi

This morning fly to Nairobi. On arrival you will be tranferred to Fairmont the Norfolk Hotel, a luxuriously appointed hotel which has played a leading role in Kenya's colourful history and continues to be Nairobi's finest hotel.

Day 13 Wednesday 18th August - Nairobi - Aberdare National Park

Drive north this morning through fertile and hilly mosaics of small farms to Mount Kenya. After lunch check in  to The Ark Lodge. Nestled in Aberdare National Park, in the heart of tropical rainforest, this unique game lodge overlooks a waterhole and a salt lick which attracts a host of wildlife including elephants and leopards. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Salient.

Day 14 Thursday 19th August - Aberdare National Park - Lake Nakuru

Travel through the Great Rift Valley en route to Lake Nakuru. A National Park since 1968, this area is a bird watcher's paradise with over 450 species living in and around the lake. Most populous are the pink famingos who flock to the alkaline lake and from a distance appear to turn the water pink with their sheer numbers.

Day 15 Friday 20th August - Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara

After an early morning game drive, enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Transfer to Naivasha for your flight to the Masai Mara, the setting for one of the most spectacular seasonal events in the world - the annual wildebeest migration. Arriving in the Mara late afternoon, board your vehicle for an exciting game drive in search of the Big 5 enroute to the Fairmont Mara Safari Club. Surrounded on three sides by the Mara River, and on the edge of the Masai Mara, this game lodge is the epitome of tented luxury.

Day 16 Saturday 21st August - Masai Mara

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through this spectacular game reserve. With the largest population of lions in Kenya, the Mara is a perfect place to see these magnificent animals in their natural environment. The Mara is also home to vast herds of zebra and elephants with leopard, cheetah and a recovering population of black rhino. This afternoon visit a Maasai village to gain an understanding of a traditional way of life that has been enjoyed in this part of the world for centuries.

Day 17 Sunday 22nd August - Masai Mara - Cairo

This moring embark on your final game drive before enjoying a traditional bush breakfast. Take a short flight back to Nairobi, with spectacular views over the landscape below. Enjoy lunch in a local resaurant before boarding your ownward flight to Cairo.

Day 18 Monday 23rd August - Cairo

A highlight today is your tour of the remaining 7th Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Marvel at the sight of the Pyramid of Khufu, the largest pyramid. Visit the Solar Board Museum to view the 5,000 year old, funeral boat of King Khufu. Your visit to Giza Plateau ends with the famous sphinx carved from a single limestone block. This evening enjoy your Egyptologist for a Private Soiree and introductory talk on Egypt followed by dinner.

Day 19 Tuesday 24th August - Cairo - Aswan

Fly direct to Abu Simbel on your private charter flight and visit the temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. Arguably the greatest indulgence of any Pharaoh, the breathtaking facade consits of four gigantic statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne. Each statue is 20 meters high. Return to the airport and fly to Aswan. This afternoon enjoy High Tea from the top of the Observation Tower and marvel at the unsurpassed 360 degree views of the Nile.

Day 20 Wednesday 25th August - Aswan - Nile Cruise

This morning travel by motoboat to a local Nubian Village and enter a local house for a refreshing drink and a fascinating insight into life on the Nile. Check in to your home for the next three nights, your luxurious Nile cruise boat and enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon take a motorboat to visit the Temple of Isis at Philae. Built in the third century BC and known as the 'Jewel of the Nile', this lovely temple complex is located on an island and is dedicated to the goddess Isis. It features well preserved temple buildings, courtyards, reliefs and murals. Visit the Aswan High Dam before returning to the cruise boat.

Day 21 Thursday 26th August - Nile Cruise

Set sail this morning for Kom Ombo and visit the temple which stands at a bend in the Nile and is dedicated to two divinities: Sobek, God of Fertility and Horus, the Solar War God. Afterwards sail to Edfu and enter the magnificently preserved Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. Unique amongst the temples of Upper Egypt, the temple is located on the west bank of the Nile, normally dedicated to the afterloife. Impressive features of this temple are the carvings and hieroglyphics that cover nearly every surface. Continue to Luxor where yuor boat moors this evening.

Day 22 Friday 22nd August - Valley of the Kings

This morning cross to the west bank of the Nile and explore this important archaeological site. First stop is the Colossi of Memnon. Next visit the imposing temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Your final stop is the Valley of the Kings, where you will enter the tomb of Tutankhamen. This evening visit Luxor temple. The temple's facade is most impressive when visited under floodlights at night.

Day 23 Saturday 28th August - Luxor

This morning disembark your cruise boat and visit Karnak Temple. Then check into the Sofitel Old Winter Palace and spend time relaxing and enjoying this wonderful Palace hotel.

Day 24 Sunday 29th August - Luxor - Cairo

This morning fly to Cairo. On arrival, a highlight is your tour of the incredible Egyptian Museum. Visit King Tutankhamen's collection, before entering the Mummies Room and coming face to face with some of the great ruler's of Ancient Egypt. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your facilities of your magnificant hotel on the banks of the Nile.

Day 25 Monday 30th August - Cairo

Today choose from 1) a fascinating tour of Islamic Cairo inlcuding Mohammed Ali Mosque and the Citadel, a walking tour through Moaz St before visiting Khan el Khalili Bazaar, or 2) Touring Old Cairo and Coptic Cairo including the Coptic Museum; or 3) Tour Saqqara and the oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Zhoser and enter the colourful tomb of Mereruka. Tonight enjoy our farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 26 Tuesday 31st August - Journey Home

Your tour ends today and after breakfast you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your flight home.

Gallery

  • Lion

    Masi Mara, Kenya

    On Safari!

  • Victoria Falls

    Zambia

    Falls at sunrise!

  • Lake Nakuru

    Kenya

    Before the storm!

  • Pyramids of Giza

    Egypt

    The only remaining ancient wonder of the world!

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