Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town where you will be met and transferred* to your hotel (flight not included). This afternoon enjoy a city tour before embarking on a cable car journey to the top of Table Mountain. The cableway takes just under 10 minutes to reach the summit, during which time the floor rotates 360º ensuring everyone has a view of the city and surrounds. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Three Night Stay: Cape Town
Enjoy a full day discovering the most south-westerly point in Africa, Cape Peninsula. Spend time exploring Cape Point Nature Reserve and take a ride onboard the ‘Flying Dutchman’ funicular train to the summit for outstanding views across the Cape of Good Hope. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Boulders Beach, home to a protected colony of African Penguins.
SCENIC FREECHOICE Today choose from: (1) Journey to Robben Island for a tour of the former prison where Nelson Mandela spent many of the apartheid years living; or (2) Explore the 528 hectares which make up Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden; or (3) Enjoy sampling fine South African vintages during a trip to the wineland region of Cape Town; or (4) Enjoy afternoon tea in the opulent surroundings of the Mount Nelson Lounge.
After breakfast transfer to Cape Town Railway Station and board the luxurious Rovos Rail, your home for the next two nights. Each of the deluxe suites are resplendent with wood panelling and original features dating back to the early 1900’s, yet with all the modern conveniences you would expect. The 1,600 kilometre journey offers an outstanding opportunity to view the wonderful scenery that South Africa has to offer, with regular stops along the way at quaint villages and towns. This afternoon explore the historic town of Matjiesfontein, a preserved Victorian village. This evening enjoy dinner in the elegant dining car where dressing up for dinner is still a tradition.
Two Night Stay: Rovos Rail
Your magnificent rail journey continues today through the gold rich Highveld and the Great Karoo. There is no better place to enjoy the passing scenery than the observation car located at the rear of the train. This afternoon enjoy a city tour of the former diamond town of Kimberley and visit the Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole.
This morning disembark in Pretoria at Rovos Rail’s private station and transfer to your hotel in Johannesburg. Connoisseur’s Enrich This afternoon explore the fascinating history of South Africa’s apartheid regime with a visit to Soweto where you’ll have the opportunity to meet local residents during a visit to a traditional home and the local school. Stop at ‘Wandies Place’ for afternoon tea.
Overnight Stay: Johannesburg
Your journey continues today to the province of Mpumulanga and Tinga Private Game Lodge, situated in a 5,000 hectare Private Concession within Kruger National Park. Your spacious, luxury suite offers magnificent views of the Sabie River which you can enjoy from your private deck and heated plunge pool. Late afternoon depart for an evening game drive before dining under the African starlit sky.
Two Night Stay: Kruger National Park
Today experience the thrill of a morning and afternoon game drive through this amazing National Park. The open Land Rovers are permitted to traverse the entire Kruger network, allowing unlimited game viewing and access to areas of historical significance and aesthetic beauty that the southern Kruger has to offer. This evening dine on the deck of your lodge whilst watching the sun set over the Sabie River and African bushveld.
This morning fly to Livingstone and transfer to the luxurious Royal Livingstone Hotel located just steps from the Zambezi River and the mighty Victoria Falls. This afternoon enjoy a walk to the falls and take in the spectacular views from Knife Edge Bridge. Connoisseur’s Enrich This evening a gourmet experience awaits onboard a luxuriously restored 1920’s steam train. Take in the wonderful scenery as you travel through the picturesque Zambezi Valley and enjoy a sumptuous six course banquet complemented with fine local wines.
Two Night Stay: Victoria Falls
Visit a local village for a taste of traditional Zambian life dating back to the 11th century. Explore the quaint town of Livingstone, complete with its curio shops and the Livingstone Museum before boarding your vessel for a sunset cruise. Admire the landscape of the magnificent Zambezi River as you spot local wildlife and enjoy sundowners.
Connoisseur’s Enrich Start your day with an included scenic helicopter flight over the magnificent Victoria Falls! The flight will provide outstanding views of the waters thundering below and the natural wildlife in the surrounding bush, a truly remarkable experience. Then board your flight (flight not included) to Johannesburg.
Overnight Stay: Johannesburg
This morning fly to Nairobi (flight not included). On arrival you will be transferred to Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel, a luxuriously appointed hotel which has played a leading role in Kenya’s colourful history and continues to be Nairobi’s finest hotel.
Overnight Stay: Nairobi
Drive north this morning through fertile and hilly mosaics of small farms to Mount Kenya. After lunch check-in to The Ark Lodge. Nestled in Aberdare National Park, in the heart of tropical rainforest, this unique game lodge overlooks a waterhole and a salt lick which attracts a host of wildlife including elephants and leopards. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Salient.
Overnight Stay: Aberdare National Park
Travel through the Great Rift Valley en route to Lake Nakuru. A National Park since 1968, this area is a bird watcher’s paradise with over 450 species living in and around the lake. Most populous are the pink flamingos who flock to the alkaline lake and from a distance appear to turn the water pink with their sheer numbers.
Overnight Stay: Lake Nakuru
After an early morning game drive, enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Transfer to Naivasha for your flight to the Masai Mara, the setting for one of the most spectacular seasonal events in the world – the annual wildebeest migration. Arriving in the Mara late afternoon, board your vehicle for an exciting game drive in search of the ‘Big 5’ enroute to the Fairmont Mara Safari Club. Surrounded on three sides by the Mara River, and on the edge of the Masai Mara, this game lodge is the epitome of tented luxury.
Two Night Stay: Masai Mara
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through this spectacular game reserve. With the largest population of lions in Kenya, the Mara is a perfect place to see these magnificent animals in their natural environment. The Mara is also home to vast herds of zebra and elephants with leopard, cheetah and a recovering population of black rhino. This afternoon visit a Maasai village to gain an understanding of a traditional way of life that has been enjoyed in this part of the world for centuries.
This morning embark on your final game drive before enjoying a traditional bush breakfast. Take a short flight back to Nairobi, with spectacular views over the landscape below. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before boarding your onward flight to Cairo (flight not included).
Two Night Stay: Cairo
A highlight today is your tour of the remaining 7th Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Marvel at the sight of the Pyramid of Khufu, the largest pyramid. Connoisseur’s Enrich Visit the Solar Boat Museum to view the 5,000 year old, funeral boat of King Khufu. Your visit to Giza Plateau ends with the famous Sphinx carved from a single limestone block. Connoisseur’s EnrichThis evening join your Egyptologist for a Private Soirée and introductory talk on Egypt followed by dinner.
Connoisseur’s Enrich Fly direct to Abu Simbel on your private charter flight and visit the temples of Ramses ll and Queen Nefertari. Arguably the greatest indulgence of any Pharaoh, the breathtaking facade consists of four gigantic statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne. Each statue is 20 metres high. Return to the airport and fly to Aswan. Connoisseur’s Enrich This afternoon enjoy High Tea from the top of the Observation Tower and marvel at the unsurpassed 360º views of the Nile. Tonight enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Overnight Stay: Aswan
Connoisseur’s Enrich This morning travel by motorboat to a local Nubian village and enter a local house for a refreshing drink and a fascinating insight into life on the Nile. Check in to your home for the next three nights, your luxurious Nile cruise boat and enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon take a motorboat to visit the Temple of Isis at Philae. Built in the third century BC and known as the ‘Jewel of the Nile’, this lovely temple complex is located on an island and is dedicated to the goddess Isis. It features well preserved temple buildings, courtyards, reliefs and murals. Visit the Aswan High Dam before returning to the cruise boat.
Three Night Luxury Nile Cruise: Jaz Minerva or Jaz Legacy
Set sail this morning for Kom Ombo and visit the temple which stands at a bend in the Nile and is dedicated to two divinities: Sobek, God of Fertility and Horus, the Solar War God. Afterwards sail to Edfu and enter the magnificently preserved Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. Unique amongst the temples of Upper Egypt, the temple is located on the west bank of the Nile, normally dedicated to the afterlife. Impressive features of this temple are the carvings and hieroglyphics that cover nearly every surface. Continue to Luxor where your boat moors this evening.
This morning cross to the west bank of the Nile and explore this important archaeological site. First stop is the Colossi of Memnon. Next visit the imposing Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Connoisseur’s Enrich Your final stop is the Valley of the Kings, where you will enter the tomb of Tutankhamen. This evening visit Luxor temple. The temple’s facade is most impressive when visited under floodlights at night.
This morning disembark your cruise boat and visit Karnak Temple. Then check-in to the Sofitel Old Winter Palace and spend time relaxing and enjoying this wonderful Palace hotel. SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining Tonight choose from: (1) El Corniche Restaurant; or (2) El Nakheel Italian Restaurant; or (3) El Tarboush Oriental Restaurant.
Overnight Stay: Luxor
This morning fly to Cairo. On arrival, a highlight is your tour of the incredible Egyptian Museum. Connoisseur’s Enrich Visit King Tutankhamen’s collection, before entering the Mummies Room and coming face to face with some of the great ruler’s of Ancient Egypt. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities of your magnificent hotel on the banks of the Nile.
Two Night Stay: Cairo
SCENIC FREECHOICEToday choose from: (1) a fascinating tour of Islamic Cairo including Mohammed Ali Mosque and the Citadel, a walking tour through Moaz St before visiting Khan el Khalili Bazaar; or (2) Touring Old Cairo and Coptic Cairo including the Coptic Museum; or (3) Tour Saqqara and the oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Zhoser and enter the colourful tomb of Mereruka. Tonight enjoy our farewell dinner in the hotel.
Your tour ends today and after breakfast you will be transferred* to Cairo International Airport for your flight home (flight not included).
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
Brochure: DS/AFR/AUD1011
Tour code: ZCTC.3