Africa Spectacular 2023

Athens offers a convenient stopping point to recover from international flights before heading to northern Africa. Meet your fellow travelers and your expedition host and personalize your stay here with a choice of experiences: exploring the Acropolis and National Archeological Museum, Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon, or the picturesque island of Hydra. Or choose to simply relax and unwind at the beautiful resort.

Embark on a journey through time as you wander the alleys of Historic Cairo, join the bustle of Egypt’s oldest bazaar - Khan Al Khalili - and discover a trove of ancient artefacts at the Egyptian Museum, including treasures of the boy king Tutankhamun, and King Khufu’s solar barge. Next, venture to the Giza Plateau – site of the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. We are met by renowned archeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass who will guide us on special access tour of the paws of the enigmatic Great Sphinx. At the archeological site of Saqqara, enjoy private access to Wahtye’s Tomb, uncovered in 2018 and richly adorned with hieroglyphics and reliefs that date back to 2,450 BC.

Arrive in the great plains of the Masai Mara in time for sunset, and enjoy a cultural talk and cocktails hosted by a Maasai who will relate his experiences practicing the timeless and traditional way of life of his people. For the following two days, relax into a schedule of morning and afternoon game drives in an area unrivalled for its constant flow of wildlife. The star attraction is the annual migration of 1.5 million wildebeests and zebras which surge up from the Serengeti Plains in their annual search for the seasonal grasses that sustain them. Maasai-guided optional walking safaris and optional balloon rides offer different, insightful perspectives of this complex ecosystem.

Experience the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Victoria Falls, the world’s largest body of falling water, rightly known as “the smoke that thunders”. Climb aboard the Royal Livingstone Express, a restored steam train, for a scenic ride which culminates at the Victoria Falls Bridge at sunset for photographic opportunities, followed by an unforgettable five-course dinner on board. The following day enjoy a unique art workshop in the company of a herd of rescued elephants. You may also customize your day and choose from a range of optional activities such as river cruises and scenic helicopter flights.

Bypass Cape Town's bustling cityscape in favor of the quaint village of Franschhoek, an hour inland, in the heart of the magnificent Cape Winelands. From here, venture out on your own with a private car and driver, or choose from intimate, artfully crafted tours with expert guides. Visit the elegant wine estates of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch; spot unusual wildlife, including the once-extinct quagga, at the Elandsberg Nature Reserve; explore the region’s history and heritage on a cultural walking tour; or spend time exploring Cape Town’s neighborhoods, gardens and Table Mountain.

Bush planes take us into the heart of the Botswana wilderness where life-giving waters meet up with the vast Kalahari, ancient mopane forests, grasslands and floodplains, creating one of the most magnificent animal sanctuaries in all of Africa. To ensure your wildlife viewing takes place in intimate settings with the best naturalist guides, the group splits, staying in two small, authentic camps. Located in the Okavango Delta and the Selinda Plains, each camp offers game drives and, seasonally, water-based activities in wildlife-rich, private reserves made famous by conservationists and National Geographic filmmakers, Dereck and Beverly Joubert.

Fly from Maun, Botswana to Kigali, Rwanda and spend the afternoon exploring the city before heading north the following day for one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters: a chance to observe rare mountain gorillas up close.

After a scenic drive to your lodge and an informative visit of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, you’ll be ready the next morning to search for gorillas with expert trackers. The duration of the jungle trek can vary from two to six hours, but it’s a richly rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime effort! Once you find the gorillas, spend an enchanting hour watching their human-like behaviors of grooming, hugging, and vocalizing.

A four-hour flight from Kigali will transport you from the leafy tranquility of the forest to the splendor of Luxor Temple viewed at sunset with stones aglow. The following day we venture deep into the past, with guided visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of ancient Thebes: the Valley of the Kings – home to 63 royal tombs, most notably those of Seti I and the boy king Tutankhamun – and the ruins of Karnak Temple complex, the Egyptian New Kingdom era’s most important place of worship. A felucca Nile cruise helps to cool things off, while we enjoy our last day in Africa. In the evening, we celebrate our journey together with a farewell dinner.

Today fly from Luxor to Athens for an overnight stay. Your hotel is perfectly situated in the shadow of the Acropolis, and a short walk to the Plaka - a colorful “village” within the city. Enjoy your last evening at leisure, before your international flight home the next day.