Kenya and Egypt: Big Five Safari and Human History

Explore this rarely visited National Park right on the outskirts of East Africa’s largest city. Observe large herds of antelopes, zebra, giraffe and buffalo and search for lions and rhinos, with the back drop of Nairobi’s skyline. Afterwards, if interested discover Nairobi, the quintessential urban African metropolis, buzzing with life and framed by a wild landscape of distant hills and wide grassy plains. Set out to explore the sights and sounds of this extraordinary city at your own pace. Feed endangered wild giraffes at the Giraffe Center, or the rescued orphaned baby elephants of the David Sheldrick Center and animal orphanage. A hike and a picnic at the lovely Ngong Hills near Nairobi City come with gorgeous views of the Rift Valley and the city from the hilltop. Experience the rich cultural heritage of the land with a Bomas of Kenya tour, which hosts live performances every day. If Kenya’s lovely traditional jewelry interests you, visit Kazuri Beads for handcrafted pieces and ceramics, created by local women. For more glimpses of local color, head to Nairobi’s bustling Masai Market. Don’t miss the city’s electric nightlife or the delicious regional and global cuisines served at its many stylish restaurants, bars and cafés.

Immerse yourself in the daily activities of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) Giraffe Center. Interact with giraffes as they pop their heads through the window to say hello. Apart from observing these amazing creatures and their slow, contended gaits, you can also learn all about the background and natural history of the rare Rothschild Giraffe feed the giraffes and take lots of photos up close. From walking around the center, your experience of this tour will certainly serve to be an amazing moment in your holiday.

Visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, set up to look after orphaned baby elephants and black rhinos until they are old enough to join the others in the wild.

Experience breathtaking sightings of elephant herds, endangered rhinos and other wildlife on game drives. The best time for wildlife sightings are either early in the morning when the animals are particularly active or in the late afternoon. You can also enjoy the luxury of a drive that is as close to a private drive as possible—thanks to strict limits on tourism numbers. Enjoy thrilling morning game drives along with bush breakfasts, as well as exciting night drives to spot rare nocturnal wildlife. In addition, enjoy wonderful bush walks with trained wildlife rangers and experienced botanists, with special knowledge on rhino conservation. Observe some of the rarest creatures on earth, such as the Grevy’s zebra, along with endangered rhinos, elephants, buffalos, and many other animals against a backdrop of the gorgeous, snow-capped Mt Kenya towering above the landscape. Sip on a bush sundowner to refresh yourself at the end of a long day!

Please note that horse and camel ridings are available but have to be booked at the property.

Enjoy sighting elephant herds, endangered rhinos, and other wildlife on game drives and bush walks in Laikipia and Lewa in Kenya. Depart from Elewana Kifaru House on game drives in the early morning or late afternoon when the animals tend to be most active. Your game drive will be as close to private as possible because there are strict limits on the number of vehicles. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the rarest animals on earth, such as Grevy’s zebra and black rhino. Take photos of buffalo and elephants against the backdrop of snow-capped Mt Kenya. In the morning, stop for a bush breakfast. In the evening, cap your experience with a refreshing bush sundowner and look for elusive nocturnal wildlife as you head back to camp. For a closer understanding of the land, go on a bush walk led by experienced rangers and botanists who are experts on rhino conservation. (Duration: half day; Time of day: morning and afternoon; Shared activity; Group size: max 6 ppl; Fitness level: easy; Please bring sunscreen, hats, binoculars and a camera)

Rise and shine early to explore the wild surroundings of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. In tow with your expert Maasai guides and reaching via a suspension bridge, hop on a 4×4 to experience morning game drives. At the Mara river and the Musiara Marsh, see a high concentration of elephants, zebras, buffaloes, hippopotamuses, and the world-famous Marsh Pride of Lions. Listening to wildlife stories of the region, settle down for a leisurely picnic breakfast and watch the herds of game go by. Follow the resident naturalist and set out for nature walks along the Talek River. Spot myriad birdlife and track animals in the vicinity by footprints, as you traverse the native vegetation of these riverine forests. After siestas at camp, embark on late afternoon game drives and enjoy the BIG Five sightings across the scenic Maasai landscapes. You may also witness the wildebeest migration during the season. Back at camp, seated around a bonfire, share your day’s wildlife adventures over a few rounds of drinks.

Enjoy wonderfully diverse game drives in the Masai Mara and the bordering exclusive Naboisho Conservancy. The best time for this is in the early morning when the animals are particularly active and in the late afternoon when the sun paints incredible colors on the horizon. You also have the opportunity for exciting night drives to observe rarely spotted nocturnal wildlife.

Take in the lights of Cairo as you sail down the Nile on a felucca boat. In the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the boarding point. Climb aboard the felucca and make yourself comfortable. This traditional boat is used on the river and its open, narrow design makes it perfect to take in the views. As you sail on the water, your guide will point out interesting landmarks and tell you about their historical and cultural significance. Then, sit down for a five-course meal of Middle Eastern delicacies with the soothing sound of a lute playing in the background. As you enjoy dinner, soak in beautiful views of the passing scenery. After the cruise winds up, head back to your hotel.

(Duration: 2 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: five-course dinner, drinks on own account; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Explore Cairo with your private guide on this engaging tour. Drive towards the Giza Plateau to the Grand Egyptian Museum. It is home to more than 100,000 artifacts ranging from statues and mummies to jewelry and mosaics. On display are objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun. You’ll also come across sculptures of Pharaoh Khufu who built the Great Pyramid and Nefertiti, wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Next, head to The Citadel of Saladin, perched atop Mokattam Hill, which contains some of the best examples of Islamic architecture. Walk through the courtyards to view the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque and Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Take in views of the historic quarter and its minarets, before visiting the centuries-old Khan El Khalili bazaar. Stroll through this bustling, vibrant market replete with stalls selling antiques, handicrafts and spices. Shop for souvenirs such as earrings with intricate designs and hand-painted pottery to wrap up your tour.

(Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy)

Begin the day with a tour of Giza’s pyramids, constructed about 4,500 years ago. These monumental tombs, erected by pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, were filled with everything each ruler would need to sustain himself in the afterlife. Built in 2560 BC, the UNESCO-listed Great Pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then, get up close to the gigantic Sphinx, one of Egypt’s most famous landmarks. It features a lion’s body and a human head adorned with a pharaoh headdress. Next, drive to Memphis, ancient Egypt’s first capital, founded after the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. In the open-air Mit Rahina Museum, see a colossal statue of Ramesses II and the Alabaster Sphinx, sculpted from a single piece of white gypsum. Continue to the village of Sakkara, where you’ll find the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Surrounding the Step Pyramid, is a funerary complex, which contains tombs of high officials, halls and courts. Later, return to your hotel in Cairo.

(Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Please note that admission into the pyramids is not included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy.Please note that private vehicles are not permitted inside the Pyramids complex. Guests will be required to use the designated shuttle service, which departs from the reception area. The shuttles will operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis across five designated stops within the complex, ensuring convenient access to key points of interest.)

Experience the history and culture of the Upper Egypt region as you sail on the Nile from Aswan to Luxor. Board the comfortable cruise ship at Aswan, settle in and then enjoy lunch at the main restaurant. Afterward, hop into a motorboat for a short ride to the awe-inspiring Philae Temple complex that sits on Agilika Island. Accessible only by boat, this temple complex was relocated block by block to prevent it from being submerged in the flood waters of the new Aswan Dam. You could then stop at the impressive new dam that supplies water for irrigation and electricity generation. Back onboard, spend the afternoon relaxing on deck while the ship sails along smoothly. Relish a gourmet dinner before you retire for the night. The next day, enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet. For lunch, there is a barbecue buffet with a live grill. In the evening, step ashore to explore Kom Ombo Temple, known for its unique double design dedicated to two deities — the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. Wind up the day with traditional cuisine and music followed by a fun Galabia party in the lounge bar as the vessel sails to Edfu. On the third day, visit the Ptolemaic Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus and Hathor. At Luxor, visit the sprawling Karnak Temple complex, built in honor of the god Amon. You will also see the famous Luxor Temple. In the night, there is a gourmet dinner followed by a belly dancing show and tanoura performance in the lounge bar. On the fourth day, have an early breakfast before you checkout and disembark to visit the West Bank highlights: The valley of kings,Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon.

(Duration: four days/three nights; Private activities; Private transfers; Meals included: yes (all onboard meals); Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees and guide included)

Experience the history and culture of the Upper Egypt region as you sail on the Nile from Aswan to Luxor. Board the comfortable cruise ship at Aswan, settle in and then enjoy lunch. Afterward, explore Aswan which is known for its archeological treasures such as the awe-inspiring Philae Temple complex that sits on Agilika Island. Accessible only by boat, this temple complex was relocated block by block to prevent it from being submerged in the flood waters of the new Aswan Dam. The impressive new dam that supplies water for irrigation and electricity generation is yet another attraction here. Back onboard, spend the afternoon relaxing on deck while the ship sails along smoothly. Enjoy the evening’s entertainment and relish a gourmet dinner before you get a good night’s rest. Begin the next day with a hearty breakfast as you cruise to the town of Kom Ombo. Step ashore to explore Kom Ombo Temple, known for its unique double design dedicated to two deities — the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. After you return to the ship, participate in a cooking demonstration and stop by the wheelhouse while the vessel travels to Edfu. As you tuck into lunch, take in the sight of the Silsila Hills, a range of steep sandstone cliffs lining the riverbank. Afterward, visit the Ptolemaic Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus and Hathor. Back on the ship, look forward to an afternoon tea, cocktail reception, and a themed dinner. On the third day, after the ship docks at Luxor, head to the west bank to see the Valley of Kings with its rock-cut tombs and Hatshepsut Temple. Later, savor lunch onboard and set off for the east bank. Visit the sprawling Karnak Temple complex, built in honor of the god Amon, and the famous Luxor Temple where the creator god Amun is the deity. A sumptuous dinner and entertaining performances mark your last night onboard. In the morning, disembark after breakfast and head to your next destination.

(Duration: four days/three nights; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: yes (all onboard meals); Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees and guide included)

The sound and light show at Karnak Temple highlights the fascinating history of ancient Thebes. As you walk through the illuminated complex, the sovereigns narrate their life stories accompanied by haunting music. Learn about the city that was the capital of Egypt during the period of the Middle and New Kingdoms, and how it was a religious and intellectual hub. Listen to poetic recitations about the birth of the Karnak Temple and the achievements of some of the pharaohs. Known as Ipet-Sut, ‘The Most Esteemed of Palaces’, Karnak’s magnificence was enhanced over more than 13 centuries by successive pharaohs. You will also gain insight into the royal family of the 18th Dynasty, who made Amun-Ra the state god. Hear legends about prominent Egyptian rulers including Thutmose I, II and III, and Queen Hatshepsut. Finally, take your seat at the Great Sacred Lake and watch the last act which wraps up the spectacle.

(Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 1900/2015/2130/2245 hrs; Shared activity; Private transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Operates subject to 5 ppl confirmed)