DELUXE TRAIN JOURNEY FROM CAIRO TO CAPE
A Cultural tour of Egypt, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe & South Africa

A land of diversity, Africa is steeped in history and culture and is made up of 54 separate countries. Mother Africa is a colorful and exhilarating continent of vast beauty. The isolation of the bush to the awe-inspiring game drives through some of the largest National parks in the world is an experience to cherish. There are many ways to crisscross this huge and beautiful continent, but nothing matches the experience on a private deluxe rail travel offering the splendors of the continent in the comfortable setting of your own cabin. The combination of deluxe accommodation in our private train, well known safari lodges, centrally located hotels and spectacular cruise ships, we cross in complete comfort and excitement, ventures 7 countries in one continent. From our heritage in history dating back to the first civilizations, to our heritage of wild life, to our heritage in ecology from the green grasslands and the mountains and the deserts, this certainly is a “Voyage sans frontiers” to recall for all times to come.
In this unique adventure we start from 30:00North and crossing the Equator all the way to 33:48South – a journey that is over 7189 kms / 4467 miles / 3882 nautical miles. En route, we also pass through Arusha, the exact centre between Cape Town and Cairo, and see Mount Kilimanjaro which at 5895 meters / 19342 feet is the highest mountain in Africa. We also visit six World Heritage Sites at Victoria Falls, Stone Town in Zanzibar, with Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Abu Simbel and the Pyramids in Egypt.
So follow the lines for a brief on the itinerary and join this journey of a lifetime.

Day 01: Arrive Cairo, EGYPT
Upon arrival at Cairo airport, we are warmly received, welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Evening over a welcome dinner, we meet the other participants who are going to share in our excitement for the next 34 days.
Overnight: Four Seasons First Residence Hotel (3 nights) (D)

Day 02: Giza Pyramids
We start our Africa experience with a full day tour of one of the most well known World Heritage Sites - the spectacular Giza pyramids followed by the the Sphinx. Our afternoon tour will concentrate on the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. (B, L, D)

Day 03: Cairo
Today we visit another facet of the ancient world – the pyramids at Saqqara and Memphis with the afternoon free to do optional visits to the famous Khan-el-Khalil bazaar, Islamic Cairo or enjoy the leisure facilities at our hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 04: Cairo / Luxor (flight)
We depart from Cairo airport for the 1 hour flight to Luxor on Rovos Rail’s luxury private DC-9 aircraft (or similar). On arrival we board the Nile Cruiser with lunch on board as we begin our adventure on the world’s longest river. Afternoon visits to the West Bank of Luxor, including the world-famous Valley of Kings, Valley of Queens, the Temples of Hatshepsut and Luxor as well as a photo-stop at the impressive Colossium of Memnon. Afternoon tea and dinner on board.
Overnight: Nile Cruiser (4 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 05: Nile Cruise / Luxor
Breakfast buffet on board, followed by a visit to Karnak Temple. We then set sail to Esna. All meals are served on board the Nile Cruiser and we spend the night on board in Esna. (B, L, D)

Day 06: Nile Cruise
After a breakfast buffet on board, we have morning visits to the Temple of Khnum in Esna. Lunch is served on board as we sail on to Edfu, where this afternoon we visit the Temple of Horus. At sunset we sail onwards to Kom Ombo, allowing passengers to enjoy the breathtaking scenery on the Nile. This evening we enjoy our ‘Egyptian Night’ dinner including a “Galabeyya” party, giving guests the chance to wear traditional local costumes. We spend overnight on board at Kom Ombo. (B, L, D)

Day 07: Nile Cruise / Aswan
Breakfast buffet on board followed by a visit to the Temple of Sobek at Kom Ombo. Lunch is served on board as we sail on to Aswan, followed by visits to the Temple of Philac on Agilika Island, the Unfinished Obelisk at the Ancient Granite Quarries and the Aswan High Dam. Farewell dinner on board the Nile Cruiser while guests are treated to an oriental folkloric show. Overnight on board in Aswan. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Aswan / Abu Simbel (Flight) / Khartoum, SUDAN
A last breakfast buffet on board before we transfer to Aswan airport for our private flight to Abu Simbel. Here we enjoy visits to the temples of Ramses II and his wife, Nefertari, before returning to the airport for the short flight to Khartoum, Sudan.
Overnight: Borg Alfatih Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 09: Khartoum
This morning we visit the Sudanese National Museum of Ethnography and the National Museum of Sudan and in the afternoon Bait Al-Khalifa museum. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Khartoum / Entebbe, UGANDA (Flight)
We re-join our private plane for the 3 hour flight to Entebbe, Uganda, where we are transferred to the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel. Afternoon visit to the island of Ngama to meet the orphaned chimpanzees. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Overnight: Imperial Resort Beach Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 11: Entebbe / Jinja, Lake Victoria
Today we visit Jinja, the source of the Nile, which is a 2.5 hour drive from Entebbe. En route, we take the Mabira Forest Walk before lunch at the Jinja Nile Resort. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Jinja / Mwanza, TANZANIA (Flight) / Serengeti
After immigration and customs procedures, we take a 1 hour flight to Mwanza, Tanzania. Here we board vehicles for the 2 hour drive to the luxurious Serengeti camp, where we take in an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Overnight: Serengeti Camp (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 13: Serengeti
Today guests have both morning and afternoon game drives, taking in the wonders of wild Africa in the Serengeti. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater (Flight)
This morning we board a light aircraft for our flight to Ngorongoro Serena crater lodge. Lunch and dinner at the lodge as guests relax and enjoy the magnificent views of the crater.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Crater Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 15: Ngorongoro
We guests again have the chance to see first-hand, the remarkable flora and fauna of Africa on a game drive today, with lunch at the base of the crater. Dinner and overnight at lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 16: Ngorongoro / Lake Manyara & Arusha / Zanzibar (Flight)
This morning we take a 2.5 hour drive via Lake Manyara in the Rift Valley to the African plains to Arusha. Here we re-board our private aircraft for the short flight to Zanzibar, passing Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival we are transferred to the hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 17: Spice Island
Today guests go on the Spice Island tour, showcasing the beauty of the coral islands of Zanzibar. Afternoon tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the cultural heart of Zanzibar, followed by dinner and overnight at hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 18: Zanzibar / Dar es Salaam (Flight)
After a short 20 minute flight to Dar es Salaam, , Tanzania, we board Rovos Rail’s private Pride of Africa train and settle in to the luxurious accommodation before dinner and overnight on board.
Overnight: on board (5 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 19: On Board
This morning we arrive at Makambako, en route to Tunduma. A historian will be giving lectures during the afternoon to enhance and enrich your African adventure. All meals served on board. (B, L, D)

Day 20: Border Crossing to ZAMBIA
Today we arrive at Tunduma / Nakonde for Tanzanian / Zambian border formalities. All meals are served on the train and guests can take part in our lecture series this morning and afternoon. Overnight on board.
(B, L, D)

Day 21: Kundalila Falls
After arriving in Kanona, guests have a brunch outing at the glorious Kundalila Falls. Lunch and dinner on board the Pride of Africa. (B, L, D)

Day 22: On Board
As we journey past the bustling Zambian capital, Lusaka, and the towns of Kafue and Choma, guests have a chance to relax and enjoy our private Pride of Africa train, with the option of morning and afternoon lectures. All meals are served on board. (B, L, D)

Day 23: Border Crossing to Victoria Falls, ZIMBABWE
We arrive in Livingstone for Zimbabwean border formalities, before reaching Victoria Falls, where guests are transferred to the Victoria Falls Hotel, a favourite with royalty, celebrities and statesmen. From here we embark on a sunset cruise of the immense Zambezi River, followed by the ‘African Spectacular Show’. We return to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight: Victoria Falls Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 24: Victoria Falls (optional)
Today is spent at leisure, with a variety of optional activities available - a guided tour of Victoria Falls, river rafting, Flight of the Angels or even a game of golf. We re-join the Pride of Africa train, where we have dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: on board (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 25: On Board
As we traverse Africa on our private luxury train, we pass Bulawayo en route to Beitbridge. Morning and afternoon lectures are on offer, with all meals today served on board. (B, L, D)

Day 26: Kruger National Park, SOUTH AFRICA
After arriving in Hoedspruit, we are transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Thornybush or Kapama Game Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 27: Kruger National Park
After breakfast at the lodge, guests can choose from a selection of activities including a guided walk or morning and afternoon game drives. Dinner and overnight at lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 28: Kruger National Park / Pretoria
Today guests will enjoy a morning game drive, followed by lunch in the bush and an afternoon visit to the Wild Dog and Cheetah Project. We then depart on the Pride of Africa via Nelspruit to Pretoria.
Overnight: on board (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 29: Pretoria
As we arrive at Rovos Rail’s gracious Capital Park station, guests are treated to a tour of the Rovos Rail depot. We have a light garden lunch followed by a city tour of Pretoria, once known as the ‘city of roses’, where guests can immerse themselves in the rich and diverse culture of this historic town. We then continue on towards Cape Town aboard the Pride of Africa. (B, L, D)

Day 30: Kimberley
On reaching Kimberley, we visit in the Big Hole & Diamond Museum before re-joining the train for lunch. The afternoon is spent at leisure on board. Dinner and overnight on the Pride of Africa train. (B, L, D)

Day 31: Cape Town
En route to Cape Town, we pause for an excursion to the delightful Victorian village of Matjiesfontein. Later this afternoon we arrive and transfer to the Cape Grace Hotel and settle in to this sumptuous hotel for a three night stay. Dinner on Cape Town’s renowned V&A Waterfront.
Overnight: Cape Grace Hotel (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 32: Cape Winelands
We depart for a full day touring of Cape Winelands, including lunch at a famous wine estate. Afternoon visits to Franschhoek, Boschendal and Stellenbosch before returning to our hotel for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 33: Cape Peninsula
Today we have a full day touring the sites of Cape Peninsula; including Groot Constanta, Fish Hoek, Simonstown, Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay and Kirstenbosch. We take in a light lunch en route before our farewell dinner at our hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 34: Departure
After an exhilarating and unique Deluxe African Safari – from the pyramids to the Cape Point in the southern tip of Africa, we bid farewell to the many friends we will have made in the last 34 days and are transferred to the airport for the departure flight back home. (B)

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Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Feb 01

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Airfares within Africa (as per the itinerary) International airfares Meal Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Border/Departure/Airport taxes Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes Visa fees Alcoholic beverages during meal times Travel Insurances All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary, with the exception of Day 24 Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides Services of local English speaking driver/guide Check for current inoculations / vaccinations (especially yellow Fever, malaria) / visa requirements. Porterage and entrance fees to museums and sites   Game fees for safaris included in the tour itinerary   Fresh linen, towels, toiletries whilst in train

Tour Price

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. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

2008 Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Heritage Class US $ 30925 • CA $ 30925 US $ 7215 • CA $ 7215 * Royal Suite add $ 6185 per suite

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1900 USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1800 USA - East Coast US $ 1400

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 64 and a maximum of 116 participants.

Notes

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. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.