Cape to Cairo and the Nile
South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and Egypt - Legendary River Cultures, The Great Migration, World Heritage Treasures, Gorilla Tracking, Camel Markets in Khartoum, and the Nile from End to End
Departure Dates
Trip Summary
So much that matters - from cultures and customs to trade and agriculture - springs from the longest river on the face of the earth: the Nile. Join us as we explore Africa from Cape Town to Cairo, discovering people, wildlife, cultures and traditions that take us from South to North, and into the places that owe their very existence to the Mighty Nile.
By private jet, this journey offers easy access to remote and exotic destinations including the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Murchison Falls in Uganda, and Khartoum in Sudan. These are places of the heart and the imagination - and our adventures together offer the promise of rare and authentic experiences that only a few fortunate travelers will ever encounter.
During this journey across the length of Africa, we'll travel the entire length of the Nile, from the source at Lake Victoria and Murchison Falls, over the famous "Sud" to Khartoum, to historic sites at Luxor and Cairo. All the time learning about fascinating explorers and their wonderful stories.
Itinerary
Day 1
Friday, September 7
USA/Cape Town, South Africa
Board international flights for Cape Town.
Day 2
Saturday, September 8
Cape Town, South Africa
This evening gather for cocktails and a special welcome dinner at the five-star Cape Grace Hotel, set like a jewel on its own quay on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with Table Mountain in the background.
Lodging:Cape Grace Hotel (Cocktails and Dinner)
Days 3 - 5
Sunday - Tuesday, September 9, 10 & 11
Okavango Delta and the Wildlife Savannas of Botswana
Board your private jet and fly to Maun, followed by a light aircraft transfer to luxury tented camps in the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta. This is home to lily-dressed waterways, mopane and acacia forests, and superb savannah game viewing with naturalist guides. Evening trips by boat or mokoro canoes on the lagoons of the Okavango offer wonderful sunsets, and a variety of birds including wattled cranes and African fish eagles.
Lodging:Okavango Delta Tented Safari Camps
Accommodations consist of luxurious twin tents with en-suite bathrooms and a central dining room. After each day's game viewing spotting elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, giraffes, and red lechwe antelopes, enjoy ice-cold sundowners, followed by dinner and coffee around the campfire. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Wednesday, September 12
Victoria Falls and David Livingstone, Zambia
Fly to Livingstone with aerial views of the Zambezi river and Victoria Falls. Check into The Royal Livingstone Hotel, the perfect overlook for the Falls. In the afternoon, walk along the edge of the Falls with our guide, and understand why the falls' local name is Mosi-oa-tunya (smoke that thunders).
As the sun sets, drift along the river, with cocktails in hand. Indulge in a delicious dinner at a private bush site on the river banks.
Lodging:Royal Livingstone Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 7
Thursday, September 13
Virunga National Park and its Gorillas, Rwanda
This morning board your private jet and fly to Kigali. On arrival drive in safari vehicles through lush plantations to Kinigi and the Gorilla Nest Lodge, a basic but comfortable lodge with all the necessary amenities, and the best location for gorilla trekking. This afternoon meet your guides for a briefing on gorilla behavior and trekking protocol, and this evening enjoy cocktails and dinner at the lodge.
Lodging:Gorilla Nest Lodge (B,L,D)
Days 8 - 9
Friday & Saturday, September 14 & 15
Virunga National Park and its Gorillas, Rwanda
Over the next two days, we'll split into smaller groups and set off early for Volcanoes National Park, where we track mountain gorillas, returning to our lodge each night. On our last day in the Park, you'll have the option of another full day of gorilla tracking or to take a drive through lush plantain fields and patches of rainforest. Our destination will be the shores of lake Kivu, a crystal clear inland sea of blue situated along the Congolese border, and enclosed by steep green terraced hills.
Lodging:Gorilla Nest Lodge (B,L,D)
Days 10 - 12
Sunday - Tuesday, September 16, 17 & 18
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Fly by jet to Nairobi, then board light aircraft for a low level flight over the Mara plains to our classic tented safari camp set within the Reserve. In the days that follow, on our game excursions in four-wheel drive vehicles, you'll see why this vast reserve's reputation is for wildlife viewing "second to none." This is the time of the great wildebeest migration. During your stay here, design your days and choose from many optional activities, including visits to Masai villages, a flight over the Mara plains in a hot air balloon, or fishing for huge Nile Perch on Lake Victoria. Accommodations consist of traditional East African Meru tents, and breakfast, lunch, and evening drinks are served around the camp fire.
Lodging:Govenors Tented Camps (B,L,D)
Day 13
Wednesday, September 19
The White Nile and Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Fly low over the striking Western Rift Valley to Entebbe on Lake Victoria, then board light aircraft for Murchison Falls. On arrival drive to the comfortable Paraa Lodge, set on a bluff overlooking the Victoria Nile river. Murchison Falls is the country's largest reserve encompassing wild and pristine savannas scattered with palm forests and lush grasslands, and alive with elephants, buffaloes, endemic Ugandan kob antelopes, Rothschild's giraffes, and six species of primates.
Lodging:Paraa Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 14
Thursday, September 20
The White Nile and Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
One of the highlights of this park is the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile is forced through a 23 ft. rock crevice, dropping into a thunderous cascade of water and mist.
From the lodge, we'll venture out on game drives in four-wheel-drive safari vehicles through open savannahs; launch trips on the river to the base of Murchison Falls; and launch trips to the papyrus wetlands of the Nile Delta - home to Africa's largest population of hippos, giant Nile crocodiles, and countless species of water birds, including the rare shoebill (or whale headed) stork.
Lodging:Paraa Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 15
Friday, September 21
Khartoum and the Blue Nile Confluence, Sudan
Today your private jet whisks you north to Khartoum, the second largest city of Muslim North Africa, and built at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles. This afternoon explore Omderman, the old quarter of Khartoum where camel and cattle traders bring their herds to market from the West. Next witness a powerful and authentic Dervish dance where the Arab world meets Black Africa, and Muslims chant rhythmic praises, followed by a refreshing tea tradition.
Lodging:Hilton Khartoum (B,L,D)
Day 16
Saturday, September 22
Khartoum and the Blue Nile Confluence, Sudan
Early this morning we set off into the desert and explore unvisited archaeological sites of the Nile.
Learn about its grand history when it was Nubia or Kush in the Dynastic Egyptian and Roman eras. We'll drive to fabulous Meroe, the center of a powerful kingdom (5th century BC - 4th century AD). Meroe prospered from agriculture, gold mining, and entrepot trade in African luxuries - ivory, slaves, and ebony. We'll see Meroe's well-preserved Pyramids and ancient royal cemetery. Return to Khartoum for dinner and an overnight.
Lodging:Hilton Khartoum (B,L,D)
Day 17
Sunday, September 23
Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Egyptian Nile
This morning a visit to the National Museum will reveal unseen antiquities and artifacts from several periods of Sudanese history, and figurines from the ancient kingdom of Cush. Ancient Nubia's Christian period is also well represented, with beautiful frescoes and murals rescued from ruined churches. Next fly by private jet directly to Abu Simbel for a day stop en route to Luxor. Here, Pharaoh Ramses II constructed his colossal Great Temple, a masterpiece carved into the sandstone cliff sides along the west bank of the Nile.
This afternoon fly to Luxor, home to the immense temples of Karnak and Luxor, once linked by a processional avenue lined with sphinxes built more than 3,000 years ago and decorated with gold, silver, alabaster, and marble.
Lodging:Old Winter Palace (B,L,D)
Day 18
Monday, September 24
Luxor, and the Egyptian Nile
After breakfast we'll explore the opposite side of the Nile and the spectacular Valley of the Kings - a vast City of the Dead - where the tombs of ancient pharaohs were carved out of desert rock formations. This stark canyon-like area, was secret.
But the secret was unlocked, when the tombs were later looted of their precious contents. Visit the tomb of Tutankhamun, and the temple of Queen Hatshepsut - the first woman ever to become a pharaoh - a superb monument with delicate stone relief carvings.
Lodging:Old Winter Palace (B,L,D)
Day 19
Tuesday, September 25
Cairo, Egypt
Today we'll visit the splendid complex at Karnak, with its many separate temples, shrines, columns, and pylons, before flying to Cairo. This afternoon, learn with experts on a back room tour of the spectacular Egyptian National Museum.
Lodging:Mena House Oberoi Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 20
Wednesday, September 26
Cairo, Egypt
This morning, we'll spend a full day exploring Cairo and the pyramids at the Giza Plateau, the only survivor of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Return to the hotel for a special farewell dinner.
Lodging:Mena House Oberoi Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 21
Thursday, September 27
International Flights Home
Depart on international flights home.
Study Leaders
Larry Diamond
From the Hoover Institution, has been invited as our study leader. In each country, he will talk about the political situation today and try to set it in historical context, and in a broader African context. He will give lectures on the contemporary politics and its historical roots. Each discussion will provide a rich context to our journey across Africa.
Capacity: This expedition is limited to 44 guests.
Dates: September 7 – 27, 2007
Costs: $29,950 per person double occupancy Single Supplement: $2,525
Please note: Single accommodations are limited
Accommodations: Accommodations are the best available at each destination, ranging from luxurious, private tented camps with en suite baths to elegant lodges with private showers. However note that African tourist facilities cannot be compared with Western standards. Gorilla Nest Lodge in Rwanda is remote and basic, but well located for gorilla trekking.
Single accommodations: These are limited and cannot be guaranteed throughout. If a share is requested and a roommate cannot be assigned by final payment, the single supplement fee will be charged.
International Airfare: Bushtracks would be happy to assist you in making your air arrangements. Itineraries and prices will be supplied upon request.
Cost Includes: All accommodations, meals, sightseeing activities, guide fees, park fees, tours, and transfers as indicated in the itinerary; All private air in Africa aboard a privately chartered jet aircraft; Light aircraft transfers to the Okavango Delta and Masai Mara and the services of an experienced air crew; and one Bushtracks cabin manager; services of the expedition staff and local guides; all group activities and excursions; welcome and farewell dinner functions in Cape Town and Cairo, including pre-dinner drinks and wine with dinner; drinking water (bottled water not always available), coffee, and tea throughout the journey; local brand alcoholic beverages at group meals and functions, and where permitted by local law. All laundry, where available, at two night stays or more; all airport departure taxes; all gratuities and porterage of one soft-sided checked bag; medical evacuation insurance ($60,000) and Medcial/Sickness ($20,000 per incident) for covered reasons.
Cost does not Include: Air transportation to Cape Town and from Cairo and any other commercial flights that are not part of the program; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance; porterage of carry-on luggage; items of a personal nature such as curios, room service expenses, minibar charges, and express laundry services; premium brand drinks; faxes, phone calls, and e-mails; costs of obtaining passports, visas, or other travel documents; inoculation fees; laundry charges in Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Cairo where we have a stay of only one night; extra beverages when not with the group; extra tours and activities.
Deposit and Final Payment: A deposit check of $2,500 per person, payable to Bushtracks Expeditions Trust Account, a completed Reservation Form and a signed Release of Liability Form is required to confirm your registration.
A second deposit of $10,000 per person is due March 6, 2007 and a final payment is due May 31, 2007 (14 weeks before departure), upon receipt of invoice and are payable by check only. For your protection, funds will be placed in a trust account until the day of departure.
Preparing For Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you’ll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We’ll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you’ll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a “typical day” might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You’ll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We’ll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We’ll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we’ll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.