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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.
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Click map for |
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detailed route |
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EGYPT |
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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. |
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Tour Itinerary : |
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Day 01: Arrive Cairo |
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We are warmly received at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel.
Overnigh |
 
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Day 02: Cairo |
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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 |
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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) |
 
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Day 04: Nile Cruise Luxor |
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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) |
 
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Day 05 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 onto 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
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: Cairo (1 night) (B) |
 
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Day 10: Cairo / Nairobi (by air) |
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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) |
 
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Day 11: Nairobi / Treehotel |
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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: (1 night) (B, L, D) |
 
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Day 12: Treehotel / Lake Nakuru (drive) |
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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) |
 
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Day 13: Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara (drive) |
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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) |
 
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Day 14: Masai Mara |
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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) |
 
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Day 15: Masai Mara / Lake Naivasha (drive) |
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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) |
 
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Day 16: Lake Naivasha / Amboseli (drive) |
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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) |
 
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Day 17: Amboseli / Tsavo West (drive) |
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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) |
 
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Day 18: Tsavo / Nairobi (drive) |
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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: (1 night) (B, L, D) |
 
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Day 19 Nairobi / departure (flight) |
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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) |
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B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner |
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Prices |
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Season |
Tour Price US$ |
Single Sup US$ |
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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 |
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Inclusions : |
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Tour Price Includes |
PTour Price Does Not Include |
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Accommodation and cruise as mentioned. |
International airfares |
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Meals as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Insurance (Trip Cancellation & Medical Insurances are highly recommended) |
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All game drives and transfers by jeeps |
Drinks / Beverages with meals |
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Road taxes, parking fees, drivers overnight wages |
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. |
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Services of local English speaking guides. |
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Entrance fees at all Museums, Parks & Sites. |
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Domestic air tickets: Cairo / Luxor. |
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Train tickets: Aswan / Cairo. |
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Farewell dinner in Nairobi at the “Carnivore” restaurant. |
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Domestic / Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price
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Notes
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International airfares range from ex East Coast to Egypt & Kenya combined at $ 1400 plus taxes (approx $ 300). West Coast supplement is $ 250. |
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