The Best of Africa (24 Days)

Tour Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Egypt
A Grand 24-Day African Adventure

Safari at Ngorongoro Crater. Photo by fffriendly, via Wikimedia Commons.

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 African Safari and journey through Kenya, Tanzania and a Foray into Zanzibar. For our guests who want and can afford the best!

Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Day 1: Departure USA – London or Italy (rates listed at the end of this itineray) 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 Fare 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, but we may need to rearrange the program to accommodate your dates, subject to cruise sailing dates and availability.

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.

DAY 2: CAIRO – Arrival – Thursday
For guests leaving from  London or Italy – today you board your flight in Europe and head for Cairo  arriving same day (rates listed at the end of this itineray). Air fare is roundtrip with tax included (air fare and rate are always subject to change).

VIP Arrival Hall At Cairo Airport
Arrive in Cairo. Visa may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport. VIP Arrival Hall At Cairo Airport. Our representative will greet you at the airport and whisk you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens such as  American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. will meet you with a sign that carries your name, and will be waiting for you with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports, then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you by private vehicle to the hotel. Welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastry awaits you in your room with our compliments.

Sample Hotel: Club level room at the Fairmont, Intercontinental Hotels or similar, 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 will show you the Egyptian Museum, including the “Mummies Room”, Saladin’s Citadel, and the Alabaster & Rifai mosques. After lunch at the Naguib Mahfouz restaurant we will 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 – Suite on the M/S Monaco, M/S Mojito, M/S Isadora, Movenpick M/S Royal Lilly, or Movenpick Royal Lotus (always suites), or Mozart Suite with private balcony on the Sonesta Star Goddess, suite with private balcony on the Sonesta M/S Moon Goddess (different sailing date) (BLD)
We fly to Luxor. In Luxor we proceed to cross the Nile to the West Bank. We tour today at 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. In the evening your guide will call on you for a horse drawn carriage ride throughout Luxor’s souks and waterfront. All your domestic flights within Egypt are in business class subject to plane configuration and availability.

Luxury Nile Cruises

DAY 5: LUXOR, EDFU – on board your Nile cruise – 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).

DAY 6: EDFU, KOM OMBO – on board your Nile cruise – 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.

DAY 7: ASWAN – on board your Nile cruise – 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.

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.

DAY 8: Disembark – Fly Back to CAIRO – Wednesday (B)
Check out after breakfast followed by a return flight to Cairo. All your domestic flights within Egypt are in business class subject to plane configuration and availability. In Cairo our local rep. will meet you and escort you to your hotel: Hyatt, club level room or Four Seasons standard room, or similar. Private Guide, Private Chauffeur, Private air-conditioned vehicle.

DAY 9: GIZA – HOME HOSTED DINNER – CAIRO – Thursday (BLD)
This 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! 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, if you prefer, you may enjoy another choice such as a 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. 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, our local rep. will escort you on board the train  In Alexandria, upon arrival we will tour 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 (BL)
After breakfast we’ll visit the museum in Alexandria. The building was originally built in 1926 for the US consulate in Alexandria and is a masterpiece of 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 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. Private Tour of Egypt & Turkey with a private guide and private chauffeur. Four Seasons Hotel: Standard Room or the Grand Hyatt: Grand Suite.

Day 12: Cairo – Departure for Nairobi, Kenya – Sunday (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 to 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 ALWAYS 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: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK – Monday
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. Private Vehicle – Private Chauffeur. AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE (B,L,D)

Day 14: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK – Tuesday
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. Private Vehicle – Private Chauffeur. AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE (B,L,D)

Day 15: NGORONGORO, TANZANIA – Wednesday
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. 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. Private Vehicle – Private Chauffeur. Our accommodation is on the rim of the Crater. NGORONGORO SERENA or SOPA LODGE (B,L,D)

Day 16: NGORONGORO CRATER – Thursday
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: OLDUVAI GORGE / SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK – Friday
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)

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

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: ARUSHA / ZANZIBAR – Monday
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 is the 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 colorful 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 traveler, 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. Both days are at leisure for activities in and around the hotel. ZANZIBAR SERENA INN (B,D – daily)

Day 23: Zanzibar -Nairobi -Europe – Thursday
Today we transfer to the airport for our flight to Nairobi where we connect with our onward flight. Air fare for Zanzibar to Nairobi is of course included in our rate. For our guests returning to Athens, Italy and London, you land within the same day in Europe. 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
For USA Guests – Your homebound flight arrives today.

Rate Includes

• Airfare from the USA or Europe 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 business class, tax included.
• Deluxe Nile cruise including all shore excursions (private basis with a private air-conditioned vehicle, and a private chauffeur) and all meals while on board
• Guided sightseeing in Egypt: always with PRIVATE professional guide ( Egyptologist ) , except while on board the Nile cruise, in which case you are part of a 10-15 English spekaing group.
• All including all entrance fees.
• Meals as indicated, with pre-set menu (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• 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.
• VIP Arrival Hall Meet & Greet At Cairo Airport
  Egyptian Visa, visa may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport. Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens such as  American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. will meet you with a sign that carries your name, and will be waiting for you with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports, then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you by private vehicle to the hotel. Welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastry awaits you in your room in Cairo with our compliments. 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 except for Egypt where we provide you with the visa upon arrival ( limited to a specific number of nationalities)
• Travel insurance
• 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, Zimbabwe Departure Tax payable in cash – Please note that No US$100 notes accepted, Zambia, Mauritius, South African Airport tax for domestic departures, South African Airport for regional departures, South African Airport tax for international departures, South African Government tax for regional departures, South African Government tax for international departures, (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 $5); restaurant waiters/waitresses – 10% of bill; hotel housekeeping – $2 per day per person.
• 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.