Embark on the journey of a lifetime
Welcome to Cape Town, a jewel nestled at the southern tip of Africa, framed by the stunning Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Your journey into wonder begins with a luxurious three-night Special Stay, perfectly located near the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Take an exciting ride up Table Mountain on a rotating gondola (seasonal), offering you unparalleled 360-degree views of Cape Town and its surrounding natural wonders. As you ascend, watch the cityscape expand below and the Atlantic Ocean stretch into the horizon. At the summit, breathe in the crisp mountain air of this World Heritage-listed site.
Choose from a range of activities to explore Cape Town today.
Freechoice:
Cape Winelands Tour: Get a taste of the South African wine industry on this half-day tour of the Western Cape. Visit two local vineyards for tastings and walk through historic Stellenbosch.
Harley Davidson™ Ride: Discover Cape Town’s coast on a two-hour scenic ride on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle (weather dependent).
Township Tour: Take a tour of Langa Township. Gain insights into life in this unique community by visiting local families and businesses and the Langa Dompass Museum.
Bo-Kaap Tour: Indulge in multicultural Bo-Kaap’s culinary delights on this immersive walking tour. Sample exotic cuisine at local eateries.
Set off on a scenic journey along Cape Town's Atlantic coast to the spectacular Cape Point, part of the Table Mountain National Park. This rugged peninsula offers panoramic ocean views and is a vital waypoint for sailors, often referred to as the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Visit the historic Cape of Good Hope, a legendary maritime landmark, before stopping at Boulders Beach, home to a charming colony of African penguins. Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that make this area a unique and memorable destination.
Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to the luxurious Thornybush Private Game Lodge, nestled on the edge of the renowned Kruger National Park. Enjoy a three-night Special Stay, indulging in the lodge's exceptional amenities and breathtaking natural surroundings. Embark on your first safari this afternoon, venturing into the wild to spot Africa's iconic wildlife, including the Big Five. Thornybush offers a deeply immersive bush experience with expert guides, enhancing your chances of unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Sunset Drinks
At the end of your afternoon game drive, enjoy one of the most enjoyable safari traditions: drinks at sunset.
Experience another day of unrestricted game drives in specially adapted Land Rovers, expertly designed for tracking Africa’s iconic ‘Big Five’: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. These exhilarating safaris offer you the chance to observe these majestic animals up close in their natural habitat, guided by skilled rangers who provide insightful commentary on the behaviour and conservation of these key species.
Enrich
Dine al fresco under the vast, star-studded African sky, accompanied by the ambient sounds of the surrounding wildlife. This intimate bush dinner offers a unique and unforgettable connection with nature, enhancing your safari adventure.
Maximise your wildlife encounters with morning and evening game drives through Thornybush Game Reserve, spotting a diverse array of African fauna. Additionally, seize the chance for an immersive walking safari led by your knowledgeable game ranger, offering a closer look at the ecosystem and smaller species that enrich the African bush.
Fly to Johannesburg and check into your hotel for your two-night stay. Known as the "City of Gold," Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and a vibrant hub of art, culture, and history.
Johannesburg, often referred to as Jo'burg, pulses with energy, reflecting the rapid transformation from a gold-mining settlement to a modern metropolis. The city is a gateway to South Africa's northern regions and offers diverse cultural experiences, from trendy galleries and world-class theatres to hip cafes and iconic Mandela-related sites. Johannesburg's vibrant spirit is complemented by lush green spaces like the Johannesburg Botanical Garden and Emmarentia Dam, providing a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle.
Enrich
Explore Soweto, visit Nelson Mandela’s house, and walk the streets he once did. Discover the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles the rise and fall of apartheid and the history of 20th century South Africa.
Fly to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, renowned for its breathtaking curtain of falling water that stretches over a mile wide. Enjoy a luxurious three-night Special Stay at your colonial-style hotel, which offers splendid views of the gorges and mist from the falls.
Indulge in an outdoor dinner under the stars, accompanied by traditional dancing, providing a cultural immersion into the vibrant heritage of the region. Explore the surrounding rainforest, observe the abundant wildlife, and feel the power and spray of the majestic falls, a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Sunset Drinks
Be treated to a special sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and watch the teeming wildlife on the banks, just upstream from Victoria Falls, drink in hand.
Enjoy a cruise along the Chobe River, a vital waterway in the Chobe National Park known for hosting one of the largest concentrations of elephants on the African continent.
As you navigate the tranquil waters, keep an eye out for vast herds of elephants and buffalo quenching their thirst along the banks. Following your river cruise, venture into a game drive along the shoreline, where you can encounter these majestic animals up close, along with other wildlife such as lions, hippos, and numerous bird species that make this park a true wildlife haven.
Experience the awe-inspiring majesty of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, where panoramic views offer a true spectacle of this natural wonder's thunderous descent. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, savour an exquisite dinner at the elegant Livingstone Restaurant, renowned for its beautiful setting and gourmet cuisine.
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See a traditional Zimbabwean village for a glimpse into tribal life and meet elephants at a local sanctuary.
Optional Helicopter Flight - Enjoy an optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls (additional expense, please book on tour).
Fly to Nairobi and transfer to your elegant hotel for your two night stay.
After breakfast, you'll visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where you can meet and learn about rescued elephants. Following that, explore the renowned Giraffe Centre to get up close with these graceful creatures. Cap off your morning with a delightful lunch at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, a serene spot perfect for reflecting on the day’s memorable encounters.
Depart for Lake Elementaita, making a brief stop at the stunning Great Rift Valley to take in its panoramic views. Enjoy a two-night stay at your luxurious camp, where you can relax and explore the surrounding natural beauty.
Enrich
Visit the Lake Nakuru Orphanage Centre, founded by an Australian family. Meet the children and see how the centre provides them with shelter, education, and emotional support. Experience the dedication of the staff and volunteers.
This afternoon, visit Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for being home to over 300 bird species. It's also an exceptional sanctuary for endangered black and white rhinos.
Freechoice:
Night Game Drive: An ultimate safari experience at night, the domain of such hunters as the leopard and the lion. You may catch a glimpse of the elusive creatures as the aardvark and springhare.
Guided Nature Walk: Discover the surroundings of wildlife, geology and native plants. From the camp, through the sprawling Acacia thickets and to the lake shore.
Arrive at the renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve, famous for its ‘Big Five’: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. This reserve is also home to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains. Settle in for a luxurious three-night stay at your lodge.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight - Experience the breathtaking savannah at dawn from a hot air balloon. This unique adventure offers panoramic views of the wildlife and landscape below, providing an unforgettable perspective of the Masai Mara. Marvel at the sight of the ‘Big Five’ and the Great Migration as you float serenely above the plains, capturing memories that will last a lifetime (additional expense, please book on tour).
Enrich
Visit a traditional Maasai Manyatta village and experience the rich culture of this world-famous community. Engage with the Maasai people, learn about their customs, and witness their vibrant dances and craftsmanship.
Enjoy one more day on the lookout for the ‘Big Five’ in the Masai Mara: lions, savannah elephants, Cape buffaloes, leopards, and black rhinos. Marvel at the incredible wildlife and remarkable landscapes that make this reserve so unique.
Board your light aircraft for your flight to Migori, before crossing the boarder via land and then continuing via light aircraft to Tanzania. This afternoon, embark on a thrilling game drive in the world-famous Serengeti National Park, Tanzania's oldest park, spanning 14,763 km2. Enjoy a two-night stay at your luxurious safari lodge, perfectly situated for exploring the park's abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight - Experience the breathtaking panorama of the Serengeti at dawn from a hot air balloon. Please enquire for details (additional expense, please book on tour).
Spend the rest of the day exploring this vast park, known for its sweeping savannahs, acacia-dotted plains, and rocky outcrops. Witness the incredible wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and the iconic Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. Be immersed in the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife that make the Serengeti one of the world's most celebrated natural wonders.
Drive to Ngorongoro, with a fascinating stop at the historic Olduvai Gorge, renowned as the "Cradle of Mankind" for its rich archaeological discoveries, including early human fossils and ancient tools. Enjoy a two-night stay at your safari lodge, perfectly situated for exploring the stunning Ngorongoro Crater and its abundant wildlife.
Today, descend 610 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera. This World Heritage-listed site is home to diverse landscapes, including lush forests, grasslands, and a soda lake. Explore the crater's abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and an array of bird species, all thriving in this unique ecosystem.
Return to Kenya and arrive at Amboseli National Park, famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large herds of elephants. Enjoy a two-night stay at your luxurious lodge, where you'll have the perfect base to explore the park's diverse wildlife and nature.
Covering 392km2, the Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya offers a unique and breathtaking landscape of vast open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush, swamps, and marshland. It's also home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests, which you can see on morning and afternoon game drives today.
A premier location for wildlife photography and bird watching, with over 400 bird species recorded, the park's ecosystem is mainly sustained by the meltwater from Mount Kilimanjaro, feeding its swamps, which attract water birds and sustain the wildlife during dry periods.
Bid farewell to Southern Africa as you fly from Nairobi to Cairo on an overnight flight.
Your Egyptian journey starts with a three-night Special stay at your iconic hotel in Giza, excellently located close to the Great Pyramids. Enjoy breathtaking views from the grounds of the hotel. These ancient wonders, which have stood for over 4,500 years as the last of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It's a unique opportunity to be immersed in the complex's rich history and architectural marvels.
Enjoy an optional excursion to the ancient capital of Memphis and the Step Pyramid of Saqqara. (additional expense, please book on tour).
Sunset Drinks
Savour cocktails and canapés while watching the sun set over the magnificent pyramids.
Witness the grandeur of the pyramids, towering monuments of ancient engineering, and stand before the enigmatic Sphinx, a 20-metre-high limestone marvel that has guarded these necropolis grounds for millennia. Venture into the Grand Egyptian Museum for an afternoon steeped in history, where you can explore the precious artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, offering insights into the young pharaoh’s life and legacy.
The Solar Boat exhibit is another highlight, featuring a meticulously restored cedar wood barge dating back to 2500 BC. This ancient vessel, found buried beside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, gives insight into the sophisticated craftsmanship and religious practices of the time, depicting how the Egyptians prepared their rulers for the eternal afterlife.
Fly to Luxor and check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Explore the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious sites in the world, spanning over 200 acres. Marvel at the enormity of the Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 towering columns, each intricately engraved with hieroglyphs, depicting the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian mythology and history. This magnificent site served as a key place of worship and a testament to the architectural prowess of the New Kingdom pharaohs.
This morning, explore the Valley of the Nobles, a site with hundreds of rock-cut tombs belonging to ancient Egyptian nobility. These tombs, richly adorned with vibrant frescoes, provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily activities and cultural practices of their inhabitants. That's because the detailed wall paintings in each tomb showcase the artistic mastery of the time while also offering valuable insights into the social and economic structures of ancient Egypt, depicting scenes of agriculture, trade, and festivities that animated their world.
Board the elegant Sanctuary Sun Boat III and settle into your suite. As you cross to the West Bank of the Nile, prepare to be amazed by the well-preserved, vibrant hieroglyphics that decorate the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. You'll also have the chance to visit the former residence of Howard Carter, the British archaeologist and Egyptologist who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Admire Queen Hatshepsut’s impressive monument.
Unwind on board your cruise and observe the vibrant daily life along the mighty Nile as you journey towards Dendera. There, visit the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt, renowned for its magnificent capitals and the Dendera Zodiac ceiling relief. This temple dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and joy, showcases exquisite architecture and intricate carvings that reveal the sophistication of ancient Egyptian religious practices.
After exploring Dendera, return to Luxor to visit the majestic Luxor Temple. Situated in the heart of ancient Thebes, Luxor Temple is a grandiose testament to Egyptian civilisation's architectural prowess, featuring colossal statues of Ramesses II and amenities originally built by Amenhotep III, which illuminate the religious and political significance of the temple throughout history.
Trace the path once taken by ancient pharaohs' processions as you cruise south along the Nile. Admire the rural villages and majestic temples that dot the riverbanks. Explore the Esna Temple, one of ancient Egypt’s holiest sites, revered for its beautifully preserved hypostyle hall and intricate carvings dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed god of the river. Later, sail to the striking Kom Ombo Temple, strategically located on the East Bank. This unique double temple is dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God, and Horus the Elder, reflecting the duality of ancient Egyptian theology.
As the sun sets, the on board atmosphere livens with a colourful Galabeyya party. Enjoy an evening of Egyptian delicacies, vibrant music, and dancing, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Cruise south to Aswan, the picturesque city and cultural heart of the Nubian community. Explore the Temple of Isis at Philae, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis that exemplifies the fusion of three great civilisations: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. After your visit, relax with a leisurely felucca sail on the Nile, experiencing traditional Egyptian boating.
In the evening, enjoy a vibrant display of Nubian dance performance, celebrating the region's rich culture. Conclude your day with a farewell Gala Dinner alongside the captain and crew, a memorable end to your Nile cruise.
Aswan, nestled at the southern tip of Egypt along the Nile, is celebrated for its serene beauty and rich archaeological sites. This city is a cultural gateway, enriched by Nubian heritage and landmarks like the Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam, which have reshaped Egypt's landscape.
Enjoy your Special Stay at your luxurious hotel, where figures like Princess Diana and Winston Churchill have stayed. Savour pre-dinner drinks at The Terrace before dining at the acclaimed 1902 restaurant.
Freechoice:
Choose from a range of activities;
Nubian Museum: Explore the Nubian Museum, showcasing the deep history and artifacts of Nubian culture dating back to 2000 BC.
Visit a Nubian Village: Experience the heritage of the Nubians with a guided tour through a village, including a visit to a local home to see life along the Nile firsthand.
Kalabsha Temple: Discover Kalabsha Temple on Lake Nasser's shores, admiring its grand architecture and detailed reliefs.
Fly to Abu Simbel to witness one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sites: The massive World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari. These architectural wonders were meticulously relocated in the 1960s to save them from submersion by Lake Nasser, created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temples are celebrated for their colossal statues and intricate carvings that glorify Ramses' reign and honour Nefertari, reflecting the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation.
Fly to the vibrant city of Cairo for a two-night stay at your elegant hotel, perfectly situated to explore the city's rich history. Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, a premier cultural institution showcasing extensive collections from Egypt's diverse eras. The highlight is the Royal Mummies’ Hall, where you can marvel at the preserved remains of ancient Egypt’s pharaohs, offering a unique window into the medical, artistic, and ceremonial practices of the ancient civilisation.
Enjoy one more full day in Cairo. Choose from varied Scenic Freechoice experience to tailor your day to your tastes and pace.
Freechoice:
Coptic Cairo: Find yourself winding through the streets of Old Cairo. Visit Cairo’s Coptic Museum containing one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian Christian artifacts. Continue to the Hanging Church and a chance to visit Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Historic Cairo: Explore medieval Cairo’s Sultan Hassan Mosque, learn about Arabic calligraphy, and see community projects at Souq al-Silah and Bayt Yakan.
Roda Island: Discover Roda Island with stops at a 9th-century Nilometer and the Manial Palace Museum, highlighting Prince Muhammad Ali's era.
Bid farewell to your Tour Director and new friends as you are transferred to Cairo Airport for your onward journey, taking cherished memories with you.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
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