Day 01: Arrive Cairo (EGYPT)

Ahlan wa sahlan (welcome in Arabic)! We are warmly received at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel. Hotel check in starts from 2:00 PM. Balance of the day is free. The Kempinski Nile Cairo is a centrally located deluxe hotel where we will have a 2-night stay.

Overnight: Kempinski Cairo Hotel, Cairo (2 nights)

Day 02: Cairo

Today we go back in time as we visit the famous Great Sphinx of Giza and discover the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Completed around 2600 BC, this pyramid is 146 meters high consisting more than 2 million limestone blocks weighing over 2 tons each. We also visit the Chephren and Mycerinus pyramids followed by the Sphinx. Then, we visit the newly opened GEM – Grand Egyptian Museum - the world’s largest archaeological museum. Major artifacts already moved or in the process include Tutankhamun's Treasures, Golden Mask and Throne with intricate gold and ivory details. The Colossal Statue of Ramses II as also the Royal Mummy Hall where mummies of several famous pharaoh’s notable rulers such as Ramses II, Seti I, and Thutmose III. The famous Solar Boat of Khufu is also on display along with many more objects. (B, L)

Day 03: Cairo/Luxor (Flight)/Board the Nile Cruise

A short flight to Luxor, where we are warmly received and transferred to our boat, our home for the next four nights. One cannot complete a tour of Egypt without a cruise on the River Nile. Luxor is the place where it all begins. We’ll see rural life along the river banks and visit some of the world’s most impressive ancient sites. All off-shore excursions to see the various historical sites, entrance fees, guided tours are included in your tour cost complemented with three meals each cruise day.

Overnight: Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise/Acamar Nile Cruise (4 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 04: Nile Cruise Luxor

This afternoon, we visit Karnak and Luxor temples. A place of pilgrimage for nearly 4,000 years, Karnak continues to overshadow many of the modern wonders of the world. This city of temples was built over the course of 2,000 years and dedicated to the Theben triad of Amon, Mut and Khonsu. Nearby Luxor temple complex was the largest and most significant religious centre in ancient Egypt, and is said to be where pharaohs were crowned. Its vast Great Colonnade Hall, with its 28 towering columns, will take our breath away. Evening, we have an optional Sound & Light Show @ $75 per person*. (B, L, D)

Day 05: Nile Cruise Luxor/Esna/Edfu

Our day begins exploring the West Bank of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, the 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. These ancient well-preserved paintings look like these are freshly painted. We also explore the impressive Queen Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.  Back on our cruise boat and we continue sailing. At Esna, enjoy a unique activity. Esna has a lock which was constructed to control the flow of Nile water to preserve and store water for both agriculture and simultaneously improve navigation on the Nile. The lock is a vital waterway on the Nile River that connects the upper and lower parts of the river. A very interesting activity and best viewed from the bank of the river. Continue sailing on the Nile to Edfu. An optional Hot Air Balloon (before breakfast) over the West Bank of Luxor available @ $200 per person*. (B, L, D)

Day 06: Nile Cruise Edfu/Kom Ombo/Aswan

Morning, discover the meticulously-preserved Greek built Temple of Horus. This temple, built during the reigns of six generations of Ptolemaic, is not only the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt, but also the second largest after Karnak. Afternoon, we sail and 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. Even today we find mummified crocodiles on display. Evening, an optional Sound & Light Show at the Philae Temple @ $100 per person*. (B, L, D)

Day 07: Aswan/Cairo (Flight)

After breakfast we bid adieu to the cruise and disembark from our boat. Optional air excursion to Abu Simbel to see the temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Aswan, we visit the imposing Aswan High Dam followed by the Philae Temple located on the island of Agilka. This afternoon, we take a ride on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sail-boat, and sail around the Elephantine Island. Evening, we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Cairo where we are met and transferred to our hotel. We have a 2-night stay.

Overnight: Kempinski Cairo Hotel, Cairo (2 nights) (B)

Day 08: Cairo

This time in Cairo we dive into Islamic Cairo, home to one of the largest and most dense concentrations of historic architectures of the Muslim world. We see the Fatimid part of Cairo, an era of enlightenment which Egypt has not seen since, along with structures reflecting Islamic architecture that took birth, here. We see the graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque (built 1848) and the ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill above the city. Built by the great warrior Salah El-Din Ayoub in 1176 to fortify the city against the Crusaders, the Citadel is now a complex of three mosques and four museums. Our last stop is the maze-like Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, reputed to be the largest in the Middle East. Originally founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 14th century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions. Cairo, which was founded by the Fatimids some 1000 years back, is a city of museums and we visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (home of royal mummies such as Ramses II, Queen Hapshepsut and Thutmose III). Evening, an optional Sound & Light Show at the Giza pyramids @ $120 per person*. (B, L)

Day 09: Cairo/Nairobi (Flight) (KENYA)

After an adventurous and cultural journey, we fly to the hub of East Africa, Nairobi.

JAMBO! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Nairobi, historically a hub of trade and a cultural melting pot, is also the gateway to East Africa. As the capital, it plays a crucial role in Kenyan heritage and is home to institutions that preserve and celebrate the country’s diverse cultures. Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city.

Overnight: Eka Hotel/Sarova PanAfric, Nairobi (1 night) (B)

Upgrade to Nairobi Serena Hotel for US$ 150 per person, per night.

Day 10: Nairobi/Tsavo East (Drive 5 hours)

We take a rural Kenyan drive to Tsavo East National Park, a vast landscape spanning 13,747 square kilometers of semi-arid wilderness. Tsavo East holds special appeal as it is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest parks, providing a diverse habitat that sustains a unique variety of wildlife and breathtaking scenery. It boasts large prides of lions, families of giraffes, and the rare fringed-eared oryx in the same habitat. After a hot lunch, we have our first game safari. In our 7+1seater jeeps specially designed for the East African safari terrain, every participant gets a window seat. The vehicle is also equipped with a loose roof to allow for viewing tree climbing animals, birds. Also included are electrical outlets to charge cameras and a mini fridge with cold bottled water. One bottle per person per day is with our compliments. We have a 2-night stay.

Overnight: Ashnil Aruba Lodge/Sentrim Tsavo Camp, Tsavo East (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 11: Tsavo East National Park

Renowned for its striking "red" elephants, tinted by the park's iron-rich soil, Tsavo East is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Beyond the famed big-tusked elephants, it's home to diverse animals, including endangered hirola antelope and over 500 species of birds like the striking African fish eagle. Today, we’ll enjoy two thrilling game drives with excellent chances to spot the park's unique residents up close in their natural habitat. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Tsavo East/Tsavo West (Drive 1 hour)

After another thrilling safari at Tsavo East timed to catch the animals during their morning hunts. Following our safari, enjoy hot lunch before heading to Tsavo West. This region is famous for the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, where we can look forward to incredible wildlife sightings, including the critically endangered black rhinoceros. After some rest time, we venture on an afternoon game drive, immersing ourselves in the rich biodiversity that Tsavo West offers. Tsavo West is rich in its diversity and we will have a 2-night stay.

Overnight: Serena Kilaguni Tented Camp/Severin Safari Camp, Tsavo West (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 13: Tsavo West

Today’s activities include both morning and afternoon game drives in Tsavo West, which is celebrated for its diverse habitats and over 1,000 plant species. This rich biodiversity enhances our chances of spotting a variety of wildlife, including leopards, cheetahs, and herds of the majestic and massive African elephants. The park’s unique ecosystems provide a backdrop for remarkable wildlife encounters throughout our safari experience. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Tsavo West/Amboseli (Drive 4 hours)

We set off for Amboseli National Park, celebrated for its rich biodiversity and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain. Located about 200 kilometers from the Equator, Kilimanjaro is known for its year-round snowcap. We'll spend two nights in this magnificent park to fully experience its incredible wildlife and unique landscapes. This duration allows us to appreciate Amboseli's distinct ecosystems and observe its famous elephant herds against the backdrop of the majestic mountain. We have a 2-night stay.

Overnight: Kilima Tented Camp/Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 15: Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, we’ll embark on morning and afternoon game drives, immersing ourselves in Amboseli’s vibrant Maasai culture and witnessing the majestic elephant herds set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. During our exploration, we will observe the tribal Maasai settlements and have the option to visit a traditional Maasai village, where we can interact with community members, from the chief to the youngest child, and learn about their way of life. An opportunity for an optional early morning Hot Air Balloon Safari which can be taken on this day or the next. Cost is $490 per person. (B, L, D)

Day 16: Amboseli/Depart Nairobi

Our last game safari today. Our morning safari with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, one never to be forgotten is an excellent send-off. After lunch we drive to Nairobi Airport for your late evening flight back home. This flight should not be any earlier than 7PM. With this our 16days our exciting Egypt’s Pyramids and Kenya’s Big 5 safari comes to an end. An ideal opportunity is to extend the game safari to the world-renowned game parks like the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro National Parks and/or Zanzibar. See details below. (B, L)

Optional Extension to Tanzania

Day 16: Amboseli/Namanga (TANZANIA)/Arusha (Drive 3 hours)

For those adding the Tanzania experience, we drive south to the Namanga border town, where we will complete immigration procedures and meet our Tanzanian guide. By late afternoon we are in Arusha, which is the midpoint between Cairo in the north and Cape Town in the south of the African continent. Balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Kahawa House/Four Point Sheraton Hotel, Arusha (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 17: Arusha/Lake Manyara/Ngorongoro/Karatu (Drive 3 hours)

Embark overland to the stunning Lake Manyara National Park, located in the Great Rift Valley. Enjoy breathtaking scenery and the chance to spot unique wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions. The park is home to an array of resident animals, such as flamingos along the lakeshore, ground hornbills, crested eagles, leopards, giraffes, elephants, impalas, and buffaloes. In recent years, the populations of baboons and blue monkeys have also been increasing. After our adventure, we continue to Karatu, the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater, where one can also enjoy an optional night game safari. (Details found in our “Notes” section).

Overnight: Ngorongoro Farm House/FarmHouse Valley Lodge, Karatu (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 18: Karatu/Olduvai Gorge/Serengeti National Park (Drive 5 hours)

Our 4x4’s gear up to the renowned Serengeti National Park, making a stop along the way at Olduvai Gorge, a significant paleoanthropological site often referred to as the "Cradle of Mankind." Research indicates that this site is where some of the earliest human ancestors began to walk on Earth. Details found in our “Notes” section.

Serengeti is part of a larger ecosystem and is over 10 times larger than the Masai Mara, offering expansive territory for wildlife viewing. This immense area ensures an abundance of wildlife, making it a prime location for game drives. Upon entering the park, we enjoy a game drive in the Ndutu area, known for its rich biodiversity. The Ndutu is part of Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It stretches to the unfenced southern part of the Serengeti National Park making Serengeti the most largely inhabited game parks in the world. Here we have a 2-night stay.

Overnight: Intowild Tented Camp/Serengeti Kati Kati Camp, Serengeti (2 nights)  (B, L, D)

Day 19: Serengeti National Park

Continue discovering the expansive Serengeti, celebrated for its extraordinary wildlife density, including a vast array of herbivores and predators. It is home to the largest concentration of game in Africa, unparalleled anywhere else globally. The diverse herbivore population features species such as wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, topi, buffalo, and hartebeest. Serengeti is equally renowned for its impressive array of predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Birdwatchers will be delighted in the region's rich avian diversity, with approximately 500 bird species identified. Notably, the park is home to over 2 million ungulates (hoofed animals), along with 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and 550 cheetahs. For a unique perspective, consider an optional hot air balloon safari, offering breathtaking views of this remarkable landscape and its wildlife @$ 590 per person*which can be taken today or the following day. (details found in our “Notes” section). (B, L, D)

Day 20: Serengeti/Ngorongoro (Drive 3 hours)

More exciting game safari as we drive to the Nabi Hill gate via the Malanja Depression, a vibrant area that is home to the Maasai people. A rare opportunity to meet the warrior tribe before proceeding to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a two-night stay. This remarkable site, formed 2-3 million years ago, is one of the world's oldest inactive volcanic calderas. Once a barren landscape, it is now teeming with wildlife, housing over 25,000 large animals, including lions, black rhinos, elephants, and giraffes. The stunning scenery and rich biodiversity make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a highlight of any safari.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge/Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp, Ngorongoro (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 21: Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera on the planet, serving as a natural sanctuary for some of the highest densities of large mammals in Africa. Its unique enclosed environment has created a self-sustaining ecosystem, where wildlife thrives due to limited access to the outside. As a result, animals that descend into the crater have multiplied within its boundaries. Visitors can spot all of the African Big Five here—black rhinos, elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards—making it a premier destination for wildlife viewing. We will spend a full day exploring this remarkable area before returning to our lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 22: Ngorongoro/Great Rift Velley/Depart Arusha (Drive 3 hours)

Journey through the Great Rift Valley, a geological marvel that is slowly splitting the African Plate from Turkey to Mozambique. This stunning landscape offers a final opportunity to explore local crafts and souvenirs at the vibrant villages of Mto wa Mbu and Makuyuni. After enjoying lunch en route, we will arrive in Arusha by early afternoon, where you can choose to be dropped off in the city or at the airport for your onward flight. (Please ensure your flight departs no earlier than 17:00hrs.) Optional extensions available: Visiting the idyllic Zanzibar Island, gorilla viewing experiences in Rwanda, and much more. Contact Bestway Tours & Safaris for details. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 7 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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