Africa: From North to South

Full-board on board. Today, if you're an early riser, you have the chance to enjoy an optional excursion to Abu Simbel*, home to many rock-carved temples. Afterwards, we recommend to take the chance to book an optional visit to the Island of Philae**. A river island in the Nile where the ancient temple of the goddess Isis is located. Afterwards, navigate northwards towards Kom Ombo. Upon arrival explore the twin Temples of Haroeris and Sobek and see the amazing Nilometer, used to measure the rising and falling levels of the Nile, an important life source in Egypt. Later, visit a unique Crocodile Mummy museum, home to a number of mummified crocodiles. Return to the ship and enjoy relaxing on board. Dinner and overnight on board.

*Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel: Visit these amazing temples, carved on the western cliff of the desert by Ramses II in the Xl century BC. See the iconic 20-metre high statues, dedicated to the god Amon Ra, and the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor.

Please note: If you take the optional excursion to Abu Simbel, you will depart from the ship at approximately 3 a.m. to make the most of the coolest and quietest part of the day. This way, you can fully experience Abu Simbel without the crowds and avoid sightseeing in high temperatures.

**Optional Island of Philae Excursion: Discover the historic island of Philae, in the reservoir of the Old Aswan Dam. It is home to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Isis and offers a fascinating insight into life and beliefs in Ancient Egypt.

Full-board on board. Dock in Edfu today to enjoy a ride in a traditional Egyptian carriage to arrive at the Temple of Edfu in style! Spend some time exploring the temple, dedicated to the Egyptian god of Horus. It's one of the best-preserved monuments in the country as its imposing structure has been protected by the desert sands. Back on the ship, continue to Luxor where the ancient heart of Thebes awaits you. Here, discover the Temple of Luxor, constructed by the two great pharaohs, Amenhotep II and Ramses II. Return to the ship. Dinner and overnight on board.

Breakfast on board. Continue your discovery of the ancient city of Thebes today as you head to the world-famous Valley of the Kings, where the tomb of Tutankhamon was discovered, revealing the riches of the ancient pharaohs. It is here that the most powerful and influential kings of Ancient Egypt were buried. After exploring the site, continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an imposing terraced structure, located below towering cliffs. Bid farewell to this world of ancient kings and queens as you cross the river into modern-day Luxor. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend an optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show*. Overnight stay in Luxor.

Please note: The excursion to the Valley of the Kings includes visits to three tombs. Entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun is not included but, if you are interested in visiting, you can buy a ticket to see this tomb at the site during your visit.

*Optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show: Visit the largest open-air museum in Egypt, the Karnak Temple in Luxor. Discover the secrets behind the temple's ancient name, Thebes, and explore its significant monuments.  As you wander through the ruins of this once great complex, you will be guided by the voices of the pharaohs who built this site to honor their god Amon. Watch as the temples and statues come to life with the clever use of special effects , relive the times of the ancient pharaohs with their customs and rituals as they recount the dramatic history of ancient Thebes.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early in the morning to visit the Karnak Temple Complex, home to a vast array of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other ancient buildings. Explore the ruins as you soak up the unique atmosphere and let your imagination run wild as you learn about life in Ancient Egypt. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Cairo. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional excursion to the Saladin Citadel.* Overnight stay in Cairo.

*Optional Excursion to Saladin Citadel: Visit the Alabaster Mosque and medieval fortification of Saladin Citadel, perched atop a hill in central Cairo and dating back to the 12th-century. Learn about the importance of the site to Egypt's Islamic heritage before walking through the Coptic Neighborhood, home to various churches.

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Nairobi, Kenya! Night on board.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Touch down and transfer to your hotel in Nairobi. The capital of Kenya, Nairobi is the jumping-off point for safaris into Kenya's most captivating wildlife reserves. Overnight stay in Nairobi. 

Breakfast at the hotel and depart to Amboseli National Park, arriving in time for lunch at the Lodge. In the afternoon take an exciting photo safari tour. The park is known for its large elephant herds and views of immense Mount Kilimanjaro, across the border in Tanzania. Dinner and overnight stay in Amboseli.

Seize the day with a captivating morning safari as the sun slowly rises over the savannah. After breakfast at the lodge, return to Nairobi. Arrive and enjoy a free day to discover the sights of the capital at your own pace. Maybe take a look at The Nairobi National Museum for a taste of Kenya’s heritage. Additionally, you will find wonderful dining facilities, a beautiful botanical garden, and eclectic shopping facilities. Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant and overnight stay in Nairobi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off to Aberdares today and enjoy lunch. The park contains a wide range of landscapes - from the mountain peaks that rise to 13,000 ft above sea level, to their deep, V-shaped valleys intersected by streams, rivers, and waterfalls. Moorland, bamboo forests and rainforests are found at lower altitudes. In the afternoon transfer to the lodge for a night of game viewing. Dinner and overnight stay in Aberdares.

Breakfast at the lodge. Today, discover the amazing birdlife and unforgettable landscapes of Lake Nakuru National Park, stopping to visit Thompson Falls in Nyahururu along the way. Arrive at the lodge and time for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, located in the Great Rift Valley and home to huge flocks of flamingos. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge in Lake Nakuru. 

Breakfast at the lodge. Set off to the famous Maasai Mara Natural Reserve, named after the unique Maasai tribe that inhabits the area and the Mara River that crosses it. Every year, it plays witness to the great migration, considered the eighth wonder of the natural world. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge and, in the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in the iconic Maasai Mara Reserve to discover the varied wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

Today, choose between a full-day safari with a picnic lunch, or split your game drives into the morning and evening for a chance to see the immense size and diversity of this beautiful reserve and the changing landscapes as the sun rises and falls. In the plains, you can find herds of zebras, giraffes and gazelles and in the savannah, mighty lions dominate the environment, as well as hyenas and cheetahs crouched in the long grass. In the forested areas, you can watch hundreds of varieties of birds and monkeys, whilst the rivers are full of hippos and crocodiles, as well as elephants and buffalo. All meals at the camp and overnight stay in the Maasai Mara. 

Awake early for breakfast and enjoy your last moments in the Kenyan wilderness at your leisure or set off on an optional Hot Air Balloon Safari* At mid-morning it’s time to head back to Nairobi, arriving back in the capital in the afternoon. Get settled in at the hotel, ready to spend your final evening in Kenya at your leisure, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or indulging in the local cuisine in Nairobi’s many eateries. Overnight stay in Nairobi. 

*Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: Experience the majesty of the Maasai Mara from the sky on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari. Ascend at dawn and experience the most unforgettable sunrise imaginable as the savannah and its wildlife spring to life in the soft morning light.

The optional Hot Air Balloon Safari is dependent on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot go ahead, it will be refunded when you return from your trip.

In the morning, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Victoria Falls. Named after Queen Victoria of England by the explorer David Livingstone, these impressive waterfalls are just one of the gifts that nature has given to southern Africa. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Get comfortable at the hotel and perhaps explore the surroundings at your leisure. We recommend an optional Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River, an unforgettable way to spend your first night in Zimbabwe.** Overnight stay in Victoria Falls.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

**Optional Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River: Transfer to the jetty for a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. Includes drinks and snacks on board.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today visit the Zimbabwe side of the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls. Described locally as 'The Smoke That Thunders', Victoria Falls sits at the south of the Zambezi River, between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Spend some time being amazed by the power of the falls and visit different vantage points to discover the sheer scale of this natural wonder.  During the afternoon we recommend the optional Flight of the Angels Helicopter Experience* or the optional Guided Tour of the Falls from Zambia and Zimbabwe sides**. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Victoria Falls.

*Optional Flight of the Angels Helicopter Experience (13 Minutes): To put the Victoria Falls into a true perspective, they must really be seen from the air. The sheer size and grandeur of the spectacle become all the more clearer from above. The huge Zambezi River flowing slowly south as the water spreads across the full width of a great rent in the earth before crashing over the lip in a burst of spray and then squeezing into a narrow, foaming, blast of water rushing down the zigzag funnel of the gorges.

**Optional Guided Tour of the Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe): A guided tour of the falls enables you to delve into the local customs and traditions while gaining insight into how such an exquisite creation came to be. An aura of excitement envelopes everyone who lays eyes on this incredible spectacle and guided tours are conducted from both Zambia and Zimbabwe sides.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure or take our optional safari and river cruise in the Chobe National Park* in Botswana, a must for nature lovers! Overnight stay in Victoria Falls.

*Optional Full-Day Excursion to the Chobe National Park: Embark on a safari game drive in the Chobe National Park, known for its large herds of elephants and wandering prides of lions. Cruise along the Chobe River, and spot the local game before enjoying lunch at a safari lodge. Take in the spectacular landscapes and wildlife before returning to Zimbabwe for an overnight stay. 

Important: You will need to take your passport and Botswana visa with you on this trip to cross the border. 

Please note: If you have booked any of the optional activities in Victoria Falls, it is not necessary to purchase a visa for Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Instead, you can buy the KAZA UNIVISA which grants multiple entries into any of the three countries. The price is 50USD and it can be purchased on arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport.

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Johannesburg. Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city and its diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods. Tuck into the vibrant food scene and pop-up eateries.

The city is a real cultural hub and a great place to catch live music performances, so why not head and indulge in trendy bars and restaurants and soak up the atmosphere. Overnight stay in Johannesburg.

Make the most out of your time in South Africa! Why not add one of the optional excursion packages to your itinerary during the next step of the booking process (please choose only one package, either Gastronomic OR Adventure, as the activities overlap).

Gastronomic Package: two meals in Cape Town’s top restaurants, a Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour and Cape Winelands Excursion.

Adventure Package: a Full-Day Kruger Game Drive, an exciting Shark Cage Diving Experience, and an Atlantis Dunes Quad Biking Excursion.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer by road* to Mpumalanga. Get ready to experience Kruger, home to some of the most iconic wildlife in South Africa!

Fall in love with the stunning landscapes as you drive along the iconic Panorama Route, headed for one of the world's largest and most incredible nature reserves. Arrive and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight stay in Kruger National Park.

*Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

Get ready for an excitement-filled day, as you enjoy a full-day 4x4 Game Drive at Kruger National Park.

Enjoy breakfast on the go as you begin the day early on a sunrise safari! Head to the southern area of South Africa's most famous game reserve, the iconic Southern Circle, renowned for observing lions and rhinos. Around midday, stop for lunch (not included) at a designated vehicle rest stop that has a restaurant.

In the afternoon, discover the amazing diversity of animals in one of the world’s largest reserves, on a game drive through Kruger National Park. End your day with a well-deserved dinner and rest. Overnight stay in Kruger National Park.

Please note: bring comfortable shoes, a warm and rainproof jacket, sunhat, sun cream and a camera to capture the beautiful wildlife.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy today at leisure as you explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Kruger and White River independently. Why not join a guided bush walk, have a bite at one of the designated picnic spots or grab your binoculars and head out bird-watching.

We recommend an optional Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park to experience more of its wildlife-rich ecosystems*. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Kruger National Park.

*Optional Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park: Set off on an unforgettable excursion to explore the wilds of Kruger! Look out for the Big 5 as you take a slow drive through the national park. Home to elephants, buffalos, giraffes, impalas, zebras and, of course, lions, you’ve got a great chance to see various species up close. Packed lunch included.

Breakfast at the hotel. It’s time to head back to civilization today to continue with your South African experience. Transfer by road* back to Johannesburg, stopping to see the exterior of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the official headquarters of the South African government.

Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Cape Town. This vibrant and picturesque city, located at the southwestern tip of South Africa, is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, and rich history.

Arrive and transfer to your hotel for check in. Overnight stay in Cape Town.

*Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the hop on hop off bus ticket in Cape Town. It’s the best way to see the city independently, as you decide when to hop on and when to hop off the bus! With over 30 possible stops, pick your favourite attractions and move about the city at your own pace.

In the afternoon, take the Cableway and go up to Table Mountain to behold one of Africa’s most breathtaking views. Enjoy incredible sights across the city, coastline, and surrounding landscapes. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Cape Town.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, the day is yours to continue discovering the city independently. Why not head to one of the many museums, explore Cape Point or Kirstenbosch, South Africa’s flagship botanical garden.

We recommend the optional Cape Winelands excursion* to the renowned wine-producing region in South Africa, known for its picturesque landscapes, historic vineyards, and world-class wines. Overnight stay in Cape Town.

*Optional Cape Winelands excursion: Set off into the lush Winelands outside of Cape Town and visit the wine producers in Stellenbosch. Enjoy a mix of wine tastings, stunning scenery, cultural experiences and an exclusive cellar tour.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy another free day today, where you can continue discovering the city at your own pace. If you want to make the most out of your trip, we recommend the optional full-day tour of Cape Peninsula, a paradise of vineyards, coastal seal and penguin colonies!* Overnight stay in Cape Town.

*Optional full-day Cape Peninsula excursion: Enjoy the delights of Cape Peninsula including; Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno and the amazing Twelve Apostles. Pass through Noordhoek and observe local ostriches before visiting the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Fall in love with the penguin colony, Boulder's Beach and see Simons Town and Muizenberg Beach.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Johannesburg. Arrive back in vibrant Johannesburg and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Explore the historic neighborhood of Soweto to visit the Apartheid Museum or immerse yourself in the city's vibrant street-food scene. Overnight stay in Johannesburg.

Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to bring your unforgettable African adventure to a close. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Canada.** 

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**If your return flight departs in the evening, your arrival in Canada will be the following day and the total duration of your trip will be 30 days.