ANCIENT EGYPT WITH KENYAN SAFARI - 2011
A cultural tour of Egypt and a Safari in 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 Kilimanjaro and the Amboseli at it’s feet, Lake Nakuru and the one and only Masai Mara game park. Here we will see animals in their natural habitat – where they came from. This is certainly one of the best family vacations one can get. Our 7 days stay in Kenya includes 7 half day game safaris.

Day 01: (FRI) – Depart home city for Cairo

Day 02: (SAT) - Arrive Cairo (EGYPT)
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome in Arabic. We are warmly received at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Safir Hotel, Cairo (2 nights)

Day 03: (SUN) - Cairo / Pyramids (drive)
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)

Day 04: (MON) - Cairo / Luxor (Flight)
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 off-shore sites.
Overnight: M/S Sherry Boat / Presidential Nile Cruise (4 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 05: (TUE) - Nile Cruise Luxor
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)

Day 06: (WED) - Nile Cruise Luxor / Esna / Edfu
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)

Day 07: (THU) - Nile Cruise Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan
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)

Day 08: (FRI) - Aswan / Cairo (Train)
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)

Day 09: (SAT) - Arrive Cairo
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: Safir Hotel, Cairo (1 night) (B)

Day 10: (SUN) - Cairo / Nairobi (by air)
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 the whole day free to enjoy the colorful bazaars of Cairo. Late evening we are transferred to the airport for our overnight flight to Nairobi. (B)

Day 11: (MON) – Arrive Nairobi
Jambo Bwana and we are cordially welcomed as we arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and are transferred to our hotel in Nairobi. Balance of the day is free. Optional visit to the world famous Carnivore restaurant and get a feel of the game before the game actually starts.
Overnight: Nairobi Safari Club (1 night) (B)

Day 12: (TUE) – Nairobi / Kilimanjaro / Amboseli (drive)
After a short pre-safari briefing and introduction to your safari guide/driver, we take a photogenic drive over the Athi Plains. Before we enter the Amboseli National Park we get an outstanding view of the Kilimanjaro (subject to weather). The Uhuru Peak at 19340 feet makes Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa. Lunch at the lodge followed by our first afternoon game drive. Amboseli is famous for its vast herds of elephants and stunning views of Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Overnight: Kilima Safari Camp (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 13: (WED)- Amboseli
Morning and afternoon game drives 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 elephant within the park. The bull elephants here have some of the largest tusks in kenya. Other game includes: zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala, leopard, caracal and serval cat. The park boasts a rich bird life such as ibis, egret, avocet, common and saddle-billed stork, secretary bird, heron, vultures, ducks, and geese. (B, L, D)

Day 14: (THU) – Amboseli / Lake Nakuru
We drive a short distance to the beautiful Lake Nakuru and start with a morning game drive at the Lake Nakuru National Park. It is a home to many animals including waterbuck, leopards and Rothschild giraffe. The park is also a sanctuary for black rhinos. Lunch at the lodge and afternoon is another game drive.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 15: (FRI) – Lake Nakuru / Great Rift Valley / Masi Mara (drive)
We traverse the Great Rift Valley and ascend its western rim into the Masai land. Red-clad, with spear Masai warriors tend their herds of cattle among the wildlife, admirably unmoved by the presence of large predators. You find the Masai giraffe in this park. Afternoon gamedrive in the Mara, famous for the Wildebeest and Zebra migration and its abundance of wildlife.
Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 16: (SAT) – Masai Mara
Early Morning and afternoon game drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s best and most scenic game park. At the northern extremity of the unique Serengeti ecosystem, blessed with a permanent water supply, the Maasai Mara has a thriving, permanent population of plains game, augmented in the dry season by the migration of two million gnus and zebras from the vast, parched Serengeti plains. Of the hunter’s "big five," elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard are quite common, while even the much rarer rhino might come out of the thicket for you. Hyenas are plentiful and the cheetah, a 60-miles-per-hour daytime hunter, is often seen. Besides being the setting for the ancient and often tragic spectacle of the Great Migration, other marvels of the Masai Mara include giraffe, elephant, red-tailed monkeys and a host of antelope. Twice-daily interpretive game-drives led by our highly trained and experienced rangers, bird watching with resident guides and naturalists reveal the wonders of the Mara . Optional excursions at an additional cost include: Bush walks, Maasai community visits and hot air ballooning. (B, L, D)

Day 17 (SUN): Masai Mara / Nairobi / Departure
After our Kenyan Safari we take a leisurely drive to Nairobi where we get a day room at the hotel and time to rest. Evening, before our departure flight we will be transferred to the airport bidding farewell to Africa at it’s best. 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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Departure Dates

2011 English Speaking Departures Jan 14, Mar 04, May 13, Jul 29, Nov 04

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include International Airfare ex NYC (add on from other cities available on request)* Airport taxes 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 special chambers inside the Pyramids, Tout Ankh Amoun Tomb in the Valley of Kings, Mummies room at the Egyptian Museum, Solar Boat Museum. Entrance fees to outside chambers, where applicable, are included Services of local English speaking guide   Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary   Domestic and regional airfares Cairo/ Luxor   Train tickets: Aswan / Cairo   Entrance fees for the various game parks in East Africa

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.

2011 Departures Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Jan 14, Mar 04, Jul 29, Nov 04 US $ 5800 US $ 750 May 13 US $ 460 Supplement for departures from other cities FROM US$ 350 Note: International airfare ex New York has been calculated as per current airfare at US$ 1350 and may be subject to change. Airport taxes have not been included in the above price. Optional tours Day 08 – Abu Simbel Excursion US $ 295.00 (includes airfare Aswan/Abu Simbel /Aswan) Day 16 – Balloon Safari at Masai Mara US$ 475 per person

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is included in this tour

Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast N/A Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast N/A

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 07 participants.

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.