ANCIENT EGYPT WITH EAST AFRICAN SAFARI -2010
A cultural tour of Egypt and a safari in Kenya & Tanzania

An artistically designed journey covering the best of ancient and medieval heritage of Egypt combined with the natural wonders of Kenya & Tanzania. Start with 5000 years of human achievements enshrined in the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Luxor Temples to the medieval marvels of Islamic Cairo with its citadels, mosques, parks and exotic bazaars. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Egypt to the world of the animal kingdom in its native environment, we do the best of Kenya and Tanzania where we see the Big Five and several other spices combined with the African village life and viewing the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Our 12-day African safari takes us to Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha and Amboseli with time also at Nairobi and Arusha.

Day 01 WED: Depart Home city for Cairo

Day 02 THU: Arrive Cairo
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome in Arabic. We are warmly received at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel. Check in starts from 1400 hrs.
Overnight: Safir Hotel (2 nights)

Day 03 FRI: Cairo Pyramids
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 Giza, 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 Solar 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 before retiring for the day after an indepth insight into one of the wonders of the world. (B)

Day 04 SAT: Cairo / Aswan (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Aswan where we are warmly received and transferred to our boat, home for the next four days. Over the next few days we cruise the Nile and visit various off shore sites. After lunch we visit the Aswan High Dam and the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka and the unfinished obelisk. An optional excursion to Abu Simbel can be arranged in the morning before embarking the ship.
Overnight: Movenpick Radamis II Nile Cruiser (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 05 SUN: Nile Cruise Aswan / Kom Ombo / Esna / Efu
Morning we will 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. After this visit we sail to Edfu and visit 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. (B, L, D)

Day 06 MON: Nile Cruise Edfu / Luxor
Morning we sail to the majestic city of Luxor. Afternoon we visit the East Bank for the historical 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)

Day 07 TUE: Luxor
Morning we 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. Afternoon we are transferred to our hotel. Evening we visit the incredible Sound & Light show.
Overnight: Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor (1 night) (B)

Day 08 WED: Luxor / Cairo
After our cruise and Luxor experience we are transferred to the airport for our short flight to Cairo where we are met and transferred to our hotel. A good opportunity to do some bazaar hunting this evening.
Overnight: Safir Hotel (2 nights) (B)

Day 09 THU: Cairo
Our day at Cairo 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 start with 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. PM optional visit to Al Azhar Park including dinner USD 85 per person (min 2 persons) (B)

Day 10 FRI: Cairo / Nairobi (Kenya)
Day free in Cairo. Check out from hotel at 12noon.
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.
We are transferred to the airport for our flight to Nairobi.
Overnight: On flight (B)

Day 11 SAT: Arrive Nairobi
Karibu! We are warmly received in Africa’s most well known capital – Nairobi. The Kiswahili language here is often easily understood as many people mix in English words, in fact more people in Kenya speak English than in any other African country.
Overnight: Pan Africa Hotel/ Nairobi Serena Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 12 SUN: Nairobi / Lake Nakuru (165 Kms)
We start with an interesting countryside drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, best known for its flamingos and home to many animals including waterbuck, leopards Rothschild giraffe and the endangered black rhino. After a filling lunch at our lodge, we head out for the first of the many exciting game drives in our East African Safari.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge / Lion Hill Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 13 MON: Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara (310 Kms)
After breakfast we traverse the Great Rift Valley and ascend to its western rim into the Maasai land. Red-clad Maasai warriors tend their herds of cattle among the wildlife, admirably unmoved by the presence of large predators. Here we also find the Masaai giraffe. After lunch, at our lodge, we embark on one of the most exciting game drive Africa has to offer.
Overnight: Mara Simba Lodge / Mara Serena Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 14 TUE: Masai Mara
Morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular game reserve, all with superb photographic opportunities. Blessed with a permanent water supply, Masai Mara has a permanent population of plains game. The "big five" - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino are quite common. Today we may opt for an early morning optional balloon excursion to experience a birds-eye view of the vast Mara. (B, L, D)

Day 15 WED: Masai Mara / Serengeti (Tanzania) (275 Kms)
Today we depart for Tanzania, home to the best game in the world. We cross the Isebania Border to Tanzania – also the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Game Parks as well as the spice island of Zanzibar. Our destination is Serengeti, which literally means “endless plains”
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Lodge / Mbalageti Camp (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 16 THU: Serengeti
We begin our Tanzanian adventure at the world famous wildlife sanctuary - the Serengeti National Park which at 14,763 sq kms is the largest National Park in Tanzania. Summed up as 'one of the most unique areas in the world', Serengeti contains the largest remaining concentration of plains game in Africa, on a scale, which has no parallel any where in the world. The abundance of herbivores includes wildebeest, Zebra, Gazelle, Topi, Buffalo, and Hartebeest, to name but a few. Serengeti is also famous for Predators e.g. Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Hyena and contains a wide variety of birdlife, believed to be in the region of 500 species. (B, L, D)

Day 17 FRI: Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater (145 Kms)
Another day game drive in Serengeti National Park with picnic lunch. We explore various areas like Moro kopjes and Gol kopjes. The extensive grasslands are interspersed with Kopjes rocky outcrops like islands in the flat plain, each with their own wildlife communities. Discover the Seronera River, which flows through the park, providing habitats for a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. Afternoon we proceed to Nabi Hill gate were you enjoy our picnic lunch before proceeding to the Malanja depression entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 18 SAT: Ngorongoro Crater / Lake Manyara (60 Kms)
We descend the famous Ngorongoro Crater for a day of superb game viewing. The Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most magnificent wildlife arenas, is approximately 19 km/12 miles across and its prairies are a haven for an estimated 30,000 large mammals, including lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Hyena, Hippo, Wildebeest, Baboon, Gazelle and the endangered black Rhino. At a depth of 610 meters/2,000 feet, this crater, created by the collapse of an extinct volcano, contains a "Lost World" of wildlife. It is our exciting crater safari today before we drive to Lake Manyara in the later afternoon.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge / Eunoto Retreat (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 19 SUN: Lake Manyara
We drive down to Lake Manyara National Park, which is one of the finest parks in Tanzania. You will enjoy your game drive followed by lunch. After lunch, we will visit the village of Mto Wa Mbu and The Great Rift Valley and then proceed to your unique safari lodge, which offers a spectacular view of Lake Manyara National Park. (B, L, D)

Day 20 MON: Lake Manyara / Arusha / Amboseli (Kenya) (205 Kms)
After our Northern Tanzania game experience, we take another scenic drive crossing the beautiful Great Rift Valley to the colorful villages of Mto wa Mbu and Makuyuni. At Arusha, which is the exact center between Cape Town and Cairo, we stop for lunch. We then cross the Namanga border between Tanzania and Kenya and then drive to the Amboseli National Park that is situated at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro (5922 meters/19,430 ft). Amboseli is also famous for its vast herds of elephants and stunning views of Kilimanjaro. We take the opportunity of another game drive before checking into our lodge for the night.
Overnight: Amboseli Serena Lodge / Oltukai Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 21 TUE: Amboseli / Nairobi / Cairo
After breakfast drive to Amboseli, situated at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,430 ft). Amboseli is famous for its vast herds of elephants and stunning views of Kilimanjaro on clear days. Be sure to have your camera ready. Lunch at the lodge and afternoon game drive en route to your lodge in search of Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo and much more. Evening we are transferred to Nairobi for dinner at world famous Carnivore Restaurant and then we are transferred to the airport for flight to Cairo.
Overnight: On Board (B, L, D)

Day 22 WED: Arrival Cairo
Morning we arrive Cairo and are met and transferred to our hotel near the airport. Afternoon we visit the Pharonic village Khan – el Khalil Bazaar where bargains are waiting for us.
Overnight: Heliopolis (B)

Day 23 THU: Cairo / departure for home city
After an early breakfast at the hotel we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight – after an awesome journey of ancient Egypt and the intriguing wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania. (B)

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Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Feb 24, Apr 07, May 05, Jul 21, Oct 27 For 2011 departure dates please click here
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include International Airfare ex NYC (add-ons from other cities available on request)* Airport taxes Accommodation/cruise as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes Insurance and visa fees Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner) Tips & gratuities to local guides and drivers All sightseeing and transfers as per the itinerary Entrance fees into the Pyramids chambers, Mummies Room at the Egyptian Museum, Tutankhamun’s Tomb in the Valley of Kings, Nefertari’s Tomb in the Valley of the Queens. These may be paid locally Services of local English speaking guide   Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary   Domestic and regional airfares Cairo/Aswan, Luxor/Cairo & Cairo / Nairobi   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.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Feb 24, 2010 US $ 6650 US $ 950 Apr 07, 2010 US $ 6040 US $ 560 May 05, 2010 US $ 6040 US $ 560 Jul 21, 2010 US $ 7445 US $ 1050 Oct 27, 2010 US $ 6825 US $ 950 Supplement for departures from other cities FROM US$ 300 Note: Airfare ex NYC included in the tour cost is valued at US$ 1300 Optional tours Day 04 – Abu Simbel Excursion US $ 315.00 (includes airfare Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan) Day 14 – Balloon Safari at Masai Mara US$ 475 per person Day 16 – Balloon Safari at Serengeti US$ 450 per person
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is included in this tour
Airfare ex NYC included in the tour cost is valued at US$ 1300
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.