|
ANCIENT
EGYPT WITH KENYAN SAFARI
Countries
visited: Egypt & Kenya |
 |
An
artistically designed tour package that covers the best
of Egypt & Kenya in one journey. We go from over 5000 years
of human achievements enshrined in the pyramids, sphinx,
and Luxor Temples. Then it is off to Islamic Cairo with its
citadels, mosques, parks and exotic bazaars. We leave the
hustle and bustle of Egypt to the world of the animal kingdom
in its native environment –the spectacular Masai
Mara, Lake Nakuru and Tsavo West game reserves. After the
9-day
Kenyan Safari we will have gained both from the most well
known historical as well as natural heritage wonders of
our world.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Depart
home city for Cairo |
|
02
|
Arrive Cairo |
| 03 |
Cairo
/ Pyramids |
|
04
|
Cairo
/ Luxor |
|
05
|
Nile Cruise Luxor |
|
06
|
Nile
Cruise Luxor / Esna / Edfu |
|
07
|
Nile
Cruise Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan |
|
08
|
Aswan
/ Cairo |
|
09
|
Cairo |
|
10
|
Cairo
/ Nairobi |
|
11
|
Nairobi
/ Treehotel |
|
12
|
Treehotel
/ Lake Nakuru |
|
13
|
Lake
Nakuru / Masai Mara |
| 14 |
Masai
Mara |
| 15 |
Masai
Mara / Lake Naivasha |
| 16 |
Lake
Naivasha / Amboseli |
| 17 |
Amboseli
/ Tsavo West |
| 18 |
Tsavo
/ Nairobi |
| 19 |
Nairobi
/ Departure |
|
|
 |
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. |
| 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. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01: Friday – Depart home city for Cairo
Day 02: Saturday - Arrive Cairo
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome in Arabic. We are warmly received
at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Safir Hotel (2 nights)
Day 03: Sunday - Cairo / Pyramids (drive)
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 Gizah, 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 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. Evening,
an ideal opportunity to join in our optional viewing of the
spectacular Sound and Light Show at the foot of the Great Pyramids. (B)
Day 04: Monday - Cairo / Luxor (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Luxor where we are warmly received
and transferred to your boat, home for the next four nights.
Over the next few days we cruise the Nile and visit various
off shore sites.
Overnight: M/S Presidential Nile Cruise / Presidential
Nile Cruise
(4 nights)
(B, L, D)
Day 05: Tuesday - Nile Cruise Luxor
This afternoon we visit to the 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 06: Wednesday - Nile Cruise Luxor / Esna / Edfu
We begin our day with a visit to 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. Sail to Esna, cross the lock
then continue onto Edfu. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Thursday - Nile Cruise Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan
Morning we will be visiting 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. Afternoon sail 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. (B, L, D)
Day 08: Friday - Aswan / Cairo (Train)
Disembark after breakfast. Visits in Aswan include the famous
and monumental Aswan High Dam and the romantic and majestic
Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka. This afternoon, we take
a ride on a felucca, a typical Egyptian sailboat, around Elephantine
Island. This is also a day for those who may want to take an
optional flight excursion to Abu Simbel to see the temples
of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. Evening we are transferred
to the railway station at Aswan for our comfortable overnight
train to Cairo or take the optional flight to Cairo with overnight
at the hotel.
See ++ for details.
Overnight: Sleeper Train (1 night) (B, D)
Day 09: Saturday - Arrive Cairo
We arrive in the morning and are welcomed at Cairo Railways
Station. Our day 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 are off to 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.
Overnight: Safir Hotel, Cairo (1 night) (B)
Day 10: Sunday - Cairo / Nairobi (by air)
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.
After breakfast we have whole day free to enjoy the colorful
bazaars of Cairo. Late in the afternoon we go to the airport
for our flight to Nairobi. (B)
Day 11: Monday Nairobi / Treehotel
Jambo Bwana and we are cordially welcomed as we arrive at Jomo
Kenyatta International Airport and transferred to the only ‘tree
hotel’ ever to be built on the slopes of Kenya’s
legendary, Mount Kenya, Here we get a relaxing afternoon enjoying
our first game experience right from the balcony of our lodge
viewing the game as they come to the water pool opposite the
lodge to feed themselves – least concerned whether you
are watching them or dozing off!
Overnight: Serena Mountain Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 12: Tuesday – Treehotel / Lake Nakuru (drive)
We start with a photogenic drive to the exotic Lake Nakuru
National Park famous for the flamingos and other birds that
feed in the alkaline water. Other game found in this park are
black and White Rhino, buffalo, leopard, lion, Rothschild's
Giraffe, White and Black Colobus monkey, eland, steinbok, impala,
Chandlers Reedbuck, dik dik, whilst rock hyrax, klipspringer,
hippo and clawless otter. Afternoon, we have our first of many
interesting game safaris.
Overnight: Lion Hill Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 13: Wednesday - Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara (drive)
Traversing The Great Rift Valley, we ascend its western rim
into the Masai land. Redclad with spear, Masai warriors tend
their herds of cattle among the wildlife, admirably unmoved
by the presence of large predators. Afternoon’s game
drive in search of yet another group of wildlife. The Masai
Mara is probably the most well known safari parks in the world.
Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 14: Thursday - Masai Mara
Morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular game
reserve, all with superb photographic opportunities. The most
spectacular feature is the annual migration of wildebeest,
zebra and gazelle from the plains of Serengeti that cross the
Tanzanian border and rivers to reach the Mara's grasslands
from late June, tracked by predators: lion, leopard, cheetah,
hyena and circled by vultures as the journey unfolds. Apart
from the seasonal migration, game viewing is excellent year
round. Game includes: - elephant, Black Rhino, buffalo, wildebeest,
Burchell's zebra, hartebeest, various antelope and gazelle,
lion, leopard, giraffe, elephant cheetah, hippo, crocodile
and much more.
(B, L, D)
Day 15: Friday - Masai Mara / Lake Naivasha (drive)
Still in the Great Rift Valley, our next destination is the
enchanting Lake Naivasha - the highest and purest of the Great
Rift Valley lakes. En route we stop at villages and also at
a colonial club where we will have our lunch and also see the
beautiful carvings that Kenya is famous for.
Overnight: Great Rift Valley Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 16: Saturday - Lake Naivasha / Amboseli (drive)
Today we drive to Nairobi to arrive in time for a delicious
lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. Continue to Amboseli
National Park situated at the foothills of the Majestic Mount
Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain in Africa. Once again, this
will be a day to experience Kenyan rural life before we reach
Amboseli.
Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 17: Sunday - Amboseli / Tsavo West (drive)
Early in the morning we’ll have a game drive, to view
wildlife against the backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro. The park offers
a wide variety of wildlife but the principal attraction is
its vast herds of elephants. The bull elephants here have some
of the largest tusks in Kenya. Other games include zebra, wildebeest,
giraffe, impala, leopard, caracal and several species of cats.
The park boasts a rich bird life such as ibis, egret, avocet,
common and saddle-billed stork, secretary bird, heron, vultures,
ducks, and geese. After breakfast, we continue to Tsavo West
to arrive in time for lunch at Tsavo Safari Camp. Afternoon
is our game viewing in this vast area in search of wildlife.
Overnight: Severin Safari Camp (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 18: Monday - Tsavo / Nairobi (drive)
As our game portion comes to an end, we will be forever counting
the different species of animals we will have seen as we drive
to the capital city. Evening we are taken on a unique experience
to the “Carnivore” Restaurant for our farewell
diner. Every type of meat imaginable, including four choices
of wild game, is roasted on traditional Masai swords (skewers)
over a huge, visually spectacular charcoal pit that dominates
the entrance of the restaurant.
The waiters then carry these swords around the restaurant,
carving unlimited amounts of the prime meats onto sizzling,
cast iron plates in front of you. A wide selection of salads,
vegetable side dishes, exotic sauces, dessert and coffee accompany
the meal.
Overnight: The Stanley Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 19 Tuesday: Nairobi / departure (flight)
After an African safari at it’s best we are transferred
to the airport for our departure flight. This is an ideal opportunity
to take an optional extension to the wonderful island of Zanzibar.
Please see our Zanzibar – the Spice Island Tour. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2009
Feb 13, Apr 17, Jun 12, Aug 07, Oct 09, Dec 04
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2009 |
from
4380 |
795 |
+
Optional Abu Simbel (Day 08) at $315 per person including
air Aswan / Abu Simbel / Aswan.
++ Day 08 - Instead of the overnight train take a flight
at $160 per person includes airfare, transfers and overnight
hotel. Single Supplement $35. |
| ** High season surcharge of US $200 applies on these departures |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Accommodation
and cruise as mentioned
- Meals
as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
- All
game drives and transfers by jeeps
- Road taxes, parking fees, drivers overnight wages
- Services of local English speaking guides
- Entrance fees at all Museums, Parks & Sites
- Domestic air tickets: Cairo / Luxor
- Train tickets: Aswan / Cairo
- Farewell dinner in Nairobi at the “Carnivore” restaurant
|
- International
airfares (see Note
below)
- Insurance (Trip Cancellation & Medical
Insurances are highly recommended)
- Drinks / Beverages with meals
- Entrance
fees to the special chambers inside the Pyramids, Tout
Ankh Amoun Tomb in the Valley of Kings, Mummies room
at the Egyptian Museum, visit to the Solar Boat Museum.
Entrance fees to the outside chambers, where applicable,
are included.
|
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
NOTE:
International airfares range from ex East Coast to Egypt & Kenya combined
at $ 1400 plus taxes (approx $ 300). West Coast supplement is $ 250. |
| Estimated
International Airfare(
not included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ N/A |
| West
Coast |
US
$ N/A |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 06
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
|
| 206–8678
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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