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ANCIENT EGYPT WITH EAST AFRICAN SAFARI
A cultural tour of Egypt and a safari in 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 12days African safari takes us to Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha and Amboseli with time also at Nairobi and Arusha.
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Click map for |
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detailed route |
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Day 01: Arrive Cairo (EGYPT) |
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Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome in Arabic. We are warmly received at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight |
 
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Day 02: Cairo / Pyramids (drive) |
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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) |
 
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Day 03: Cairo / Luxor (Flight) |
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A short flight gets us to Luxor where we are warmly received and transferred to the boat, home for the next four nights. Over the next few days we cruise the Nile and visit various offshore sites.
Overnight: (B, L, D) |
 
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Day 04 :Nile Cruise Luxor |
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This afternoon we visit 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 the 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) |
 
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Day 05: Nile Cruise Luxor / Esna / Edfu
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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 on to Edfu. (B, L, D) |
 
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Day 06: Nile Cruise Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan |
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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) |
 
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Day 07: Aswan / Cairo (Train) |
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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 “optionals” below)
Overnight: Sleeper Train (1 night) (B, D) |
 
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Day 08: Arrive Cairo |
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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 |
 
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Day 09: Cairo / Nairobi (by air) |
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After breakfast we have the whole day free to enjoy the colorful bazaars of Cairo. Check 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. Late evening we are transferred to the airport for our overnight flight to Nairobi. (B) |
 
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Day 10 Arrive Nairobi (Kenya) |
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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. Check in at 12noon. Afternoon free at leisure.
Overnight: Pan Africa Hotel/ Nairobi Serena Lodge (1 night) |
 
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Day 11 : Nairobi / Lake Nakuru (165 Kms) |
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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 (1 night) (B, L, D) |
 
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Day 12 Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara (310 Kms) |
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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 |
 
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Day 13 Masai Mara |
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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) |
 
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Day 14 Masai Mara / Serengeti (Tanzania) (275 Kms) |
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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” |
 
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Day 15 Serengeti |
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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) |
 
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Day 16: Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater (145 Kms) |
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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 / Farm House (1 night) (B, L, D) |
 
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Day 17 Ngorongoro Crater / Lake Manyara (60 Kms) |
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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 / Kirurumu Tented Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D) |
 
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Day 18 :Lake Manyara |
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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) |
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Day 19:Lake Manyara / Arusha / Amboseli (Kenya) (205 Kms) |
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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 (2 nights) (B, L, D) |
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Day 20: Amboseli |
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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. (B, L, D) |
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Day 21: Amboseli / Nairobi (220 Kms) |
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After breakfast at our lodge, we again take on the wildlife against the backdrop of the highest peak in Africa. With lunch at the lodge, we bid farewell as we drive to Nairobi and we overnight there. Evening is free to enjoy the streets of Nairobi. For those who may want to take an optional Zanzibar tour can depart on this day.
Overnight: Pan Africa Hotel/Nairobi Serena Lodge (2 nights) (B, L) |
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Day 22 :Nairobi |
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Day free at leisure at Nairobi. Optional Nairobi tours as well as dinner at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant availble. (B) |
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Day 23 : Nairobi / departure |
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Early morning transfer to the airport for departure flight. Check out at 12noon. (B) |
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Inclusions : |
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Tour Price Includes |
PTour Price Does Not Include |
International Airfare ex NYC (add-ons from other cities available on request)* Please see note below. |
Airport taxes (approx $ 400) |
Accommodation/cruise as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes |
Insurance / Visa fees |
Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch
D=Dinner) |
Tips / Gratuities |
All sightseeing and transfers as per the itinerary |
Entrance fees to the inside special chambers at sites in Egypt |
Services of local English speaking guide. |
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Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary. |
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Domestic and regional airfares Cairo/Aswan, Luxor/Cairo & Cairo / Nairobi. |
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Train fare Aswan / Cairo with overnight sleeper and dinner. |
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Entrance fees for the various game parks in East Africa. |
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Tour Price: |
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We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America).
Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. |
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Departures |
Double Occupancy |
Single Room Supplement |
Feb 29, 2012 |
US $ 6990 |
US $ 1320 |
May 02, 2012
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US $ 6490 |
US $ 940 |
Jul 11, 2012
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US $ 8395 |
US $ 1430 |
Oct 24, 2012
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US $ 8050 |
US $ 1400 |
Nov 28, 2012
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US $ 7140 |
US $ 1320 |
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Supplement for departures from other cities FROM US$ 350
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Optional :
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Day 08– Abu Simbel Excursion US $ 295.00 (includes airfare Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan)
Day 08 - Instead of the overnight train take a flight at $160 per person includes airfare, transfers and overnight hotel in Cairo. Single Supplement $50
Day 14 – Balloon Safari at Masai Mara US$ 525 per person
Day 16 – Balloon Safari at Serengeti US$ 525 per person |
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Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is included in this tour:
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Airfare ex NYC included in the tour cost is valued at US$ 1350 and may be subject to change. Airport taxes extras. |
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Participants
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This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 07 participants. |
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Notes
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Airfare ex NYC included in the tour cost is valued at US$ 1350 for all the departures and $ 1800 for the Jul 11 departure. If you decide to do your own international air you may deduct this amount from the tour cost. Airport taxes extras. |
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Customised Itinerary
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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.. |
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