The Best of Africa
Kenya , Tanzania , Zanzibar
Egypt
A
Grand 24-Day Private African Adventure
The best of Egypt , a good look at Cairo , Alexandria and a 5-day cruise
along the Nile, then on to East Africa and Zanzibar
on a remarkable Private 24-Day African Safaris and journey through Kenya
Tanzania and a Foray into Zanzibar . For our guests who want and can afford
the Best
The
Best of Egypt , Kenya , Tanzania and
Zanzibar
A Spectacular, 24 -Day Private journey to appreciate Egypt's Ancient Civilization
and the natural beauty of some of the greatest, most pristine wilderness
areas in Africa.
SUGGESTED
ITINERARY : Meals : B
= breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
Day
1: Departure USA : Wednesday - Weekly - Year Round:
Fly : Lufthansa , British Airways , Air France or similar air carriers
Board your overnight transatlantic flight. International
airfare quoted from New York. Air fare add on from West Coast : $ 350
.00. From : Denver , Chicago , Miami , Houston : $ 300 .00
Roundtrip tax included ( subject to change)
Air Taxes are included. All airfares are subject to change without notice,
rate is ONLY guaranteed after full payment is made and ticket is issued,
and based on availability. Fares also available from other major USA Cities.
This
is a private tour , you may leave on any day you wish, then we may need
to rearrange the program to accommodate your dates. Subject to cruise
sailing dates and availability .
DAY
2 - CAIRO -
Arrival - Thursday.
Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel.
Visa fee is included and will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport
for : Australian, NZ, American, EU , Canadian & Japanese citizens.
You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for
6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo.
visa
will be issued upon arrival.
As you exit the gate, you will pass through a door or two , down some
stairs , then walk for 2-5 minutes , until you pass the duty free shops,
at the end of a wide corridor , you will see the security officers. There
you will be met by a local representative, who will be holding a sign
with your name .
Our local representative will then take your passport to obtain a stamp
from the cashier / bank window and escort you to speak with the passport
officer. He will escort you through another last check on your passport
as you exit the passport control, into customs area, he will assist you
in collecting your luggage and clearing customs . After exiting the terminal,
our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel
Sample
Hotel : Grand Suite at the Grand Hyatt overlooking the Nile , or a standard
room at the Four Seasons, please advise your preference.
Private
Chauffeur- Private air-conditioned vehicle
DAY
3 - CAIRO - Friday (BL)
On your first full day in Egypt we show you the Egyptian Museum, including
the " Mummies Room" , Saladin's Citadel . The Alabaster
& Rifai mosques, after lunch at Naguib Mahfouz restaurant we go on
a treasure hunt at the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar district.
Private
Guide even while on board the Nile Cruise - Private Chauffeur- Private
air-conditioned vehicle
DAY
4 - Luxor - Saturday - Presidential Suite on the M/S Monaco , M/S Mojito
, M/S Isadora
Movenpick M/S Royal Lilly ( always suites) , or Mozart Suite on the Sonesta
Star Goddess ( different sailing date ) (BLD)
We fly to Luxor,
in Luxor we proceed to cross the Nile to the West Bank :
We tour today as the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings
including Tut-Ank-Amon's tomb and the great temple of Queen Hatshepsut,
we stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the way back to our cruise.
and board our Nile cruiser in time for a delicious lunch. Complimentary
welcome fruit basket awaits you in your cabin .The gigantic Great Temple
of Amon at Karnak, and the mighty Temple of Luxor are our goals
in the afternoon. We'll return in time for the afternoon tea served on
deck. You'll have a chance to explore your ship before dinner.
Private
Guide even while on board the Nile Cruise - Private Chauffeur- Private
air-conditioned vehicle
All your domestic flight within Egypt are
in First Class , or business class subject to plane configuration and
availability
Luxury Nile Cruises
DAY
5 - LUXOR , EDFU - Sunday (BLD)
We
sail to Esna to go through the locks , and on to Edfu where we
dock for the night. In the evening , we'll celebrate in Egyptian style,
dressed in galabias, the flowing national costume, a galabya will be
delivered to your cabin with our compliments)
Private
Guide even while on board the Nile Cruise - Private Chauffeur- Private
air-conditioned vehicle
DAY
6 - EDFU, KOM OMBO - Monday (BLD)
We
moor in Edfu, climb aboard horse-drawn carriages, and clip-clop
through the town to the Temple of Horus, Egypt's best-preserved
temple. Re-embarking on our Nile cruiser, we enjoy lunch as we sail further
south upriver .
We disembark downstream at Kom Ombo to visit its twin temples of
Haroeris, the sun god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, the continue our
voyage to Aswan, while we party after dinner with music & dance.
Private Guide even while on board the Nile Cruise - Private Chauffeur-
Private air-conditioned vehicle
DAY
7 - ASWAN - Tuesday (BLD)
First we tour Aswan dams, then on to the awesome Aswan dams, and
next an ancient granite quarry complete with an unfinished obelisk. Then
we go by motor launch to the Island
temple of Philae , dedicated to the Ancient Goddess ISIS :
The
Mystery of Isis : Two millennia ago the Mediterranean world was enthralled
by the mystery of Isis:
"I,
Isis, am all that has been, that is or shall be; no mortal man hath ever
seen me unveiled."
Called
Aset by the ancient Egyptians, the goddess was a Madonna in the Mediterranean
tradition that stretches far, far back to the primitive Mother Goddess
from Anatolia, home to some of the oldest human communities on earth.
Isis
was the powerful and quick-witted protector of her son Horus, the Sun
God. Ancient peoples throughout the Mediterranean regarded Isis and Horus
as the perfect Madonna and Child. Another legend says she was also the
mother of the fertility god Min who, judging from the depiction of him
on temple walls, needed no help from Viagra!
Because
of her wisdom and skill at protection, she was admired as a good magician
capable of healing the sick and protecting the dead in their journey to
the Underworld.
Isis
is portrayed regally, as a queen seated on a throne (which may be the
meaning of her name), often holding her son Horus as a baby. Other images
show her with broad, magnificent gilded wings able to protect the world.
Isis, the great Mother Goddess. Come explore her mystery in timeless
Egypt when you Travel in Style!
In the afternoon we enjoy a leisurely sail by graceful felucca on the
Nile.
Our
farewell dinner this evening is a buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed
by a show featuring oriental performers, including of course a belly dancer.
Private
Guide even while on board the Nile Cruise - Private Chauffeur- Private
air-conditioned vehicle
DAY
8 - Disembark - Fly Back to CAIRO - Wednesday (B)
Check out after breakfast , followed by a return flight to Cairo.
All your domestic flight within Egypt are
in First Class , or business class subject to plane configuration and
availability.
In Cairo , our local rep. will meet
you and escort you to your hotel:
The J. W. Marriott : Club Level - Junior Suite , or similar
Private
Guide- Private Chauffeur- Private air-conditioned vehicle
DAY
9 - GIZA - HOME HOSTED DINNER - CAIRO - Thursday
(BLD)
The morning we are off to tour the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx,
and Cheops Solar Boat Museum . Lunch is included at Mena House . Then
it is off to Memphis Sakkara and the Step Pyramid
Dinner
is included at a local home: Meet the locals,
you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T
shirt , small souvenirs of your home town):
This
evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right
into the homes of some of the people of Cairo l! You'll be invited to
a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties,
you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of
life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new
friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once
the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have
more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy another
choice : dinner cruise with a folk show on the Hyatt Dinner cruise ( included
) by letting us know your preferences.
Private
Guide- Private Chauffeur- Private air-conditioned vehicle
Octavious
visiting Alexander the Great's Tomb in Alexandria
Octavious had just defeated Cleopatra and Marc Anthony armies .
He left his coat at Alexander the Great's tomb as a token of respect to
.
The search continues for Alexander the Great's Tomb.
DAY
10 - CAIRO / Alexandria - Friday (BL)
After breakfast, your Cairo guide will be with you on board the train
we will escort you to Cairo Railway station to board your first class
air-conditioned train to Alexandria , upon arrival at Sidi Gaber station
, we will start with our full
day touring :
The Roman Amphitheater, Qayet Bey Fortress
built on the same site of the ancient wonder of the world : the famous
Alexandria Light House. A brief stop at " El Selsela" the site
of the Underwater reserve where Cleopatra Palace was discovered, as well
as Caesar Kiosk.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant. On to the New Library of Alexandria
before we head back to your hotel: Junior
suite at the Palestine Montazah Hotel in the Royal Gardens
of the former Royal Palace of King Farouk , or a standard room at the
Four Seasons San Stefano Hotel ( please advise your preference
) .
Private Guide- Private Chauffeur- Private air-conditioned vehicle
The
New Alexandria Library
DAY
11 - Alexandria & Wadi El Natroun Monasteries / Cairo - Saturday (cBL)
After
breakfast , we 'll visit the new museum in Alexandria , the building was
originally built in 1926 for the US consulate in Alexandria and is a masterpiece
in 1920's architecture & Mediterranean style buildings
, the USA sold the building at a token price to the Egyptian state to
turn into a museum , then its off to the desert highway , heading south
for Cairo , we'll stop at Wadi El Natroun monastery almost midway to Cairo
, where early Coptic Christians retreated here to escape the Roman persecution
in the 4th century AD. The Egyptian Pope of Alexandria is always chosen
from the Monks of wadi El Natroun. Reach Cairo early evening and your
hotel. J. W. Marriott (
Club level room ) or similar
Private
Tour of Egypt & Turkey - Private Guide- Private Chauffeur. Four Seasons
Hotel : Standard Room
or the Grand Hyatt :Grand Suite
Day
12 : Sunday -Cairo . Departure for Nairobi, Kenya ( B)
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Full day at leisure .
Your hotel room is booked for today , and you may stay until it is time
for your evening flight to Nairobi
Air fare is included in BUSINESS CLASS :
Cairo Nairobi , on Egypt air , one way , tax included.
your connecting flight to Nairobi does not depart until evening ; if your
connecting flight departs for Nairobi in the late morning or early afternoon,
your Nairobi hotel room will be available this evening.
Evening arrival in Nairobi. Proceed through Immigration
and Customs. After exiting the Customs & Immigrations Hall, please
look out for a uniformed Driver / Guide holding a sign with your name
or tour name on it. Your guide will assist us with our luggage and transfer
us to the elegant Nairobi Serena Hotel, conveniently located near the
city centre. All transfers in Africa are AKWAYS on private basis.
NAIROBI SERENA HOTEL
PLEASE
LIMIT LUGGAGE WHILE ON SAFARI TO
ONE (32LBS) PER PERSON, PLUS REASONABLE CARRY ON CAMERA EQUIPMENT.
ADDITIONAL LUGGAGE AND/OR PACKAGES MAY BE STORED AT OUR NAIROBI HOTEL.
Day
13 : Monday - AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK - Private Vehicle - Private
Chauffeur
After breakfast drive to Amboseli National Park. Close to the Tanzanian
border, Amboseli lies in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Surely this is
the most photogenic backdrop to any wildlife sanctuary in Africa. Your
game runs will introduce you to large numbers of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo,
impala and gazelle - with the resident lions and cheetahs never far behind.
AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE (B,L,D)
Day
14 : Tuesday - AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK - Private Vehicle - Private
Chauffeur
Early morning and late afternoon game drives. You may find the park's
elephant herds cooling off in the swamp waters and, with luck, the black
rhino might be sighted in the bush land. The bird life of Amboseli is
rich and varied - over 420 species - 47 of them raptors. Multitudes of
water birds can be seen. The Taveta golden weaver is abundant. Ostrich
and bustard are seen on the plains, the buffalo and rhino host the oxpecker,
while the elephants transport egrets. The lovely crowned crane is common
and the sand grouse make quite a spectacle as they arrive at the water
place en masse. In the evening, a visual feast : Kilimanjaro at sunset.
AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE (B,L,D)
Day
15 : Wednesday - NGORONGORO, TANZANIA - Private Vehicle - Private
Chauffeur
We’ll breakfast with a glorious sunrise and possibly a glimpse of
Mt. Kilimanjaro’s snowy peak, and then depart for the Kenya/Tanzania
border at Namanga and cross over into Tanzania. We drive to Arusha and
after lunch we depart to Arusha, where we stop for lunch, before continuing
to the Ngorongoro Crater, famed for its sheer physical beauty and abundance
of wildlife, numbering over 30,000. Our accommodation is on the rim of
the Crater. NGORONGORO SERENA or SOPA LODGE (B,L,D)
Day
16 : Thursday - NGORONGORO CRATER
After breakfast, we’ll descend 2,000 feet along a rocky track into
the crater. It's an idyllic day, replete with picnic lunch. There is good
game viewing here all year round. Africa’s highest concentration
of lions may be viewed in the crater at astonishingly close range amid
breathtaking landscapes. The rhinoceros population is easy to spot. We’ll
also have a chance to view buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, reedbuck, hippos
and elephants.
NGORONGORO SERENA OR SOPA LODGE (B,L,D)
Day
17 : Friday - OLDUVAI GORGE / SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Today we enter the Stone Age and witness the origin of mankind at Olduvai
Gorge. Under the direction of Louis and Mary Leakey, this area has yielded
abundant fossil material dating back over two million years. Then we continue
to the Serengeti Plains. Africa’s most famous park is unequaled
in its primitive natural beauty and fantastic abundance of plains game.
Throughout the ages naturalists and writers have singled out this very
special sanctuary in their paeans of praise. And with good reason! Here,
since time immemorial, the world's most astonishing annual migration takes
place. Herds of plains game numbering more than a million stretch to the
horizon in long slender lines. Naturally some hosts of predators follow
along. No words can adequately describe this stronghold of wildlife.
SERENGETI SERENA OR SOPA LODGE (B,L,D)
Day
18- Saturday & Day 19 Sunday : SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Private Vehicle - Private Chauffeur
During our game drives we're sure to sight a variety of plains’
game, ostrich, and giraffe. Hyenas and jackals wait patiently near feasting
predators. Elephants trundle through the woodland and the cheetah is sighted
more often than not. The Serengeti has some of the world’s best
bird-watching, with more than 500 species identified. During his famous
study of the Serengeti lion, George Schaller counted no less than 3,000.
We'll travel the leopard circuit. The chances of sighting this animal
are greater here than anywhere else in Africa.
SERENGETI SERENA OR SOPA LODGE (B,L,D) daily
Day
20 : Monday - ARUSHA / ZANZIBAR
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Zanzibar, air
fare is included of course in our rate , Zanzibar lies just off the coast
of Tanzania. Upon arrival we'll be met by our local representative and
transferred to our hotel, the Zanzibar Serena. Located on the seafront
of Zanzibar's historic Stone Town, this latest addition to the Serena
collection of hotels.
Zanzibar is a paradise that nestles in the sun about 25 miles off the
coast of Tanzania. It's very name evokes a romantic past. The different
races that have settled in Zanzibar over the centuries; Summarians, Assyrians,
Hindus, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Southern Arabians, Chinese and Malays,
have left their impact on the people and the architecture.
The "House of Wonders" (once the Palace of the former Sultan)
and the narrow streets of the old town are just some of the vivid reminders
of the island's long and colored history. A guest walking in Zanzibar,
smelling the scent of cloves in the air, recalls that he is on "The
Island of Spices" where nutmeg and cinnamon are also grown. Beautiful
white beaches hug the shoreline and the various first class accommodations
entice guests to indulge in water sporting and marine activities present.
SERENA BEACH HOTEL (B,D)
Day
21 Tuesday , Day 22 Wednesday : ZANZIBAR
The Zanzibar Serena Inn has been created by renovating and rehabilitating
two of the romantic and historic buildings in the heart of Zanzibar's
classified Stone Town. It provides fifty-two ocean facing, air-conditioned
rooms, each with its own private balcony and bathroom, a seafront restaurant
and bar and a spacious and secluded swimming pool. The Zanzibar Serena
Inn constitutes, for the discerning traveller, an ideal base for exploring
the natural and historic wonders of this famous spice Island. The hotel
can provide a full local excursion service for optional Stone Town tours,
Island tours, diving and snorkeling trips and day-boat excursions to Zanzibar's
nearby famous beaches and islands. These excursions are to be booked and
paid for directly . Days at leisure for activities in and around the hotel.
ZANZIBAR SERENA INN (B,D - daily)
Day
23 : Thursday- ZANZIBAR / NAIROBI / DEPART
Today we transfer to the airport for our flight to Nairobi where we connect
with our onward flight. Air fare Zanzibar Nairobi is of course included
in our rate.
After check-in, we’ll have some time for last minute shopping at
the Duty Free Shops near our departure gate. Then it’s Kwaheri to
Africa (a Swahili goodbye) as we depart on our late evening flight home.If
your flight leaves late, your room is available until 6 p.m.
Accommodations : Nairobi Serena Hotel (day room) ( B )
Day
24 : Arrival Home- Friday - USA - Your homebound flight arrives
today.
| Tour
Rates based on per person double occupancy in USD $ |
| |
|
| Air/Land
from NYC |
$
11, 695 |
| Air/Land
from West Coast Major Cities: |
$
12,400 |
| Air/Land
from : ATL, HOU, MIA : |
$
12,100 |
| Single
Supplement |
$ 3505 |
Rate
Includes
- Airfare
from the USA to Africa and back , with tax included , in economy class
- Internal
airfare: Serengeti/Kilimanjaro/Zanzibar/Nairobi.
- One
way air fare Cairo to Nairobi in business
class , tax included.
- All
domestic flights in Egypt, as per itinerary all in First
Class or business class , tax included .
- Deluxe
Nile
cruise including all shore excursion( private basis , with a private
air-conditioned vehicle, and a private chauffeur) and all meals while
on board
- Sightseeing
in Egypt always with PRIVATE professional guide ( Egyptologist ) , even
while on board the Nile cruise and including all entrance fees.
- Meals
as indicated, with pre-set menu (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Travel
guidebook : East Africa and Egypt
- Egypt
visa fee (valid only for American, Australian, NZ , EU, Canadian , Mexican
, Singaporean & Japanese citizens. Passports must be valid for at least
6 month upon
- Safari
accommodations as indicated in the itinerary, including hotel taxes
and service charges.
- All
meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D-Dinner).
- Welcome
reception, safari briefing, and farewell dinner as indicated.
- Services
of a professional safari driver/guide in Kenya & Tanzania.
- Private
vehicle for your Safari transportation with roof hatches.
Except in the Masai Mara where camp’s own four wheel drive vehicles
are used and a window seat may not be guaranteed.
- Hotel/airport
transfers, always with a Private Vehicle and a Private Chauffeur
- All
sightseeing, game viewing, entrance fees and park fees as indicated
in the itinerary.
- Baggage
handling.
- Membership
in the Flying Doctors' Society while on Safaris in East Africa .
- A
comprehensive assortment of pre-tour planning materials and amenities.
Special
items that are ALWAYS included with our compliments on this tour while
on board the Nile Cruise
- Complimentary
welcome drink upon arrival on board the Nile Cruise.
- Complimentary
welcome fruit basket on board the Nile Cruise and
DAILY in your cabin .
- Large
bottle of water ( per person ) delivered to you cabin daily
while you are on board the Nile Cruise.
-
Tea
or coffee and bottled water with each /
every meal while you are on board the Nile Cruise.
NOT
INCLUDED:
- Any
international airport departure taxes.
- Passport
and visa fees
- Travel
insurance, please ask us for the flyer.
- Excess
baggage charges.
- Shipping
charges
- Other
items of a personal nature such as gratuities to drivers and guides,
porters, telephone/telex/fax charges, laundry, and beverages.
- General
info on : Airport departure taxes: ( Subject to change without notice)
- Botswana
P45pp, Zimbabwe Departure Tax US$20 pp payable in cash - NB No US$100
notes accepted, Zambia US$20pp, Mauritius Rs400pp, South African Airport
tax R34pp for domestic departures, South African Airport for regional
departures R77pp, South African Airport tax for international departures
R100pp, South African Government tax for regional departures R50pp,
South African Government tax for international departures R100pp, (these
South African taxes should be included in the cost of your ticket).
-
Personal expenses including but not limited to beverages, laundry,
communication costs, excess baggage fees (baggage is restricted to 26
lbs (Modify as required) per person in a soft sided bag where charter
flights are included) ·
- Traveler's
insurance (the purchase of travel insurance is required to protect
your investment in case of unanticipated curtailment or cancellation
of your tour).
-
Medical expenses, medical insurance ( passenger must show proof
of insurance or ask for the flyer to be mailed).
- Gratuities
to drivers, guides or tour managers.
- Any
sightseeing, safari activities, meals, or other activities not specified
in the itinerary or indicated as optional.
- Please
note that tipping is discretionary, however, the following guidelines
are provided: $5-$10 per day for professional safari guides; $3-$5 per
day for camp staff, e.g. waiters, housekeepers, which is a communal
tip that is shared among the staff); porters - $1; driver/guides - $2-$5);
restaurant waiters/waitresses - 10% of bill; hotel housekeeping - $2
per day.
- Excess
baggage charges, shipping charges, items of a personal
Prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuations, increase in
fuel prices, or other fees imposed by the government or tourism industry
not within our control.
Terms
and conditions as per our web site & our brochures. More
Safari Tips.
Compare
with Botswana Edge of Eden 13-days
Tanzania
is classic Africa – Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley, Masai homelands
and the celebrated game-filled plains of the Serengeti. The country’s
wildlife parks and reserves are unrivalled for their abundance of game.
It is here that the ancient ritual of the largest wildlife migration in
the world plays out annually. Huge herds of zebra and wildebeest, along
with the predators and other species that follow them, move across vast
Serengeti plains from December to May, and can be views on a Tanzania
safari. Tanzania is also the site of Africa’s highest mountain,
Kilimanjaro; the continent’s largest wildlife sanctuary, Selous;
and Africa’s deepest lake, Tanganyika. Ngorongoro Crater serves
as home to a host of animals, including big game as well as astonishing
bird life. Nearby, trace the footsteps of man’s earliest ancestors
at Olduvai Gorge. In the north, Masai tribes strive to maintain and share
their cultural traditions with visitors. Both Lake Manyara Reserve and
Tarangire Park feature fabulous bird-watching opportunities. Southern
Tanzania’s lesser known game parks such as Ruaha, Katavi and Mikumi
National Parks are still un crowded and present travelers with quieter
and more personal encounters with nature and wildlife. The remote Udzungwa
Forest is sometimes compared to the Galapagos for its endemic plants and
animals such as the Iringa (Uhehe) red colobus monkey and the Sanje Crested
Mangabey . The latter was only discovered in 1979. In addition to wildlife
viewing, Tanzania boasts miles of white sand beaches on the legendary
island of Zanzibar and other tropical, clove-scented islands.
Zanzibar Isalnd
List
of Sultans of Zanzibar:
Other
choices :
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