Cairo To Nairobi (64 Days) Nile Trans
Cairo To Nairobi (64 Days) Nile Trans
Cairo To Nairobi (64 Days) Nile Trans
64 Days Starting in Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt and ending in Nairobi, Kenya
Visiting: Cairo, Luxor Governorate, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Wadi Halfa, Meroë, Khartoum, Gondar, Lalibela, Addis Ababa, Marsabit, Eldoret, Kampala, Kabale, Kigali, Nairobi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
429
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This is an expedition through the heart of Africa from days of old. From crossing deserts, rivers and mountains and overcoming a multitude of challenges this continent can throw at you, inter-twined with stunning National Parks, some of the best adventure activity play grounds in the world, this is a trip that will linger in the memory long after you finish.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 4 : Cairo To Luxor
Location: Cairo, Luxor Governorate
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Havana Hotel - Cairo
The first part of our day is spent in Cairo visiting the great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza with our Egyptologist guide, and also the Egyptian Museum. We then drive towards the Red Sea Coast. You will have time relax on the beach or try your hand at various watersports such as snorkelling, windsurfing or scuba diving in the cool clear blue waters. We end our first few days in the city of Luxor where the Valley of Kings and Queens and Karnak and Luxor Temples will keep us busy exploring for a few days more.
Day 5 - 14 : Luxor To Abu Simbel
Location: Luxor Governorate, Aswan, Abu Simbel
Accommodation: Camp
Here in Luxor - you have the opportunity to visit the Valley of Kings and Queens, the remarkably well preserved tombs of ancient rulers such as Ramses lV and Tutankhamun have coloured paintings and hieroglyphics that still seem fresh even after 3000 years. Karnak and Luxor Templesare both in easy walking distance from our camp - as is the local souq where you can pick up an array of souvenirs.
A half day drive further south brings us to Aswan. Here you will notice the first of many cultural changes on this trip. The darker Nubian people in Aswan lead a more relaxed and less hectic pace of life than their Egyptian countrymen. We base ourselves here for a few days to finalise our Sudanese visas if we haven't already done them in Cairo and in which time you can choose to join a 2 or 3 day felucca boat cruise to Edfu and/or Kom Ombo. From Aswan we drive to Abu Simblel where there is the opportunity to visit the massive stone monuments built by the greatest of all pharaohs, Ramses ll.
Day 15 - 20 : Abu Simbel To Meroe
Location: Abu Simbel, Wadi Halfa, Meroë
Accommodation: Camp
From Abu Simbel we take a ferry across Lake Nasser to the border with Sudan. This can be a long border crossing but once the formalities have been dealt with, we drive to the friendly town of Wadi Halfa.
The hospitality in Sudan can be surprising, but very genuine. For such a poor country with so many recent problems Sudanese people are often too willing to invite you for a meal or a cup of 'Sudanese whisky' - better known as tea! From Wadi Halfa we board our expedition vehicle for our drive across the Nubian Desert. Our route will see us either hugging the banks of Nile as it snakes its way south or possibly experiencing the vast open desert plains which is dissected by the main train line from Khartoum, making this our only real point of reference. Whether passing through sleepy Nubian villages, resting in tea rooms, pottering around the local souqs or experiencing total isolation in the middle of the desert - a unique experience awaits you along this not so travelled route.
Day 21 - 24 : Meroe To Khartoum
Location: Meroë, Khartoum
Accommodation: Camp
The ancient Pyramids at Meroe lie to the north of the capital Khartoum. Khartoum is our next stop and it has a fantastic setting on the confluence of the Blue and White Niles. Our stay here is on the banks of the Nile at the quirky but interesting Blue Nile Sailing Club. It houses one of General Kitcheners old Gunboats, a relic from the British military campaign against the Mahdi over a century ago. For such a large city, Khartoum feels quite laid back. In our few days here you can visit the Hamed al Nil Tomb or take a trip to the daily camel market. Viewing the confluence of the two Niles is also an interesting way to pass the time.
Day 25 - 38 : Khartoum To Addis Ababa
Location: Khartoum, Gondar, Lalibela, Addis Ababa
Accommodation: Camp
From Khartoum we drive south-east through the towns of Wadi Medina and Gedaref, on our way to Ethiopia. Many of the roads we travel on are often in mountainous areas, so travel is slow. Ethiopia has a lot more visual & indigenous history than any other sub - Saharan country. In the towns of Gondar (the capital of Ethiopia from 1632 until 1868) we spend a few days where it is possible to organise overnight trips to the Simiens Mountains National Park - home to the Gelada Baboon, hikes are available in the area. You may also wish to arrange a trip to the holy city of Axum dating from the 12th Century have been kept alive by generations of dedicated priests who guard their precious religious and artistic artefacts.
Lalibela, famous for it's 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches is our next destination where you have the option of a guided tour of one of Ethiopia's holiest cities.
Our route to Addis Ababa takes us via Lake Tana and the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge and Falls. From Bahir Dar you can organise boat trips to some of the small islands which have Monasteries dating back up to 900 years and which are still looked after by monks who live from subsistence farming. A couple of days drive brings us to the capital Addis - where we have the chance to indulge in some authentic Ethiopian coffee or explore 'El Mercato' - one of Africa's largest open air markets.
Day 39 - 47 : Addis To Eldoret
Location: Addis Ababa, Marsabit, Eldoret
Accommodation: Camp
After a couple of days in Addis we continue our journey south heading into the Omo Valley. This little visited region is home to some of the most colourful ethnic groups in Ethiopia. The friendly Hamar people are noted for their ornate, interesting hairstyles and the Mursi people are famous for the clay lip plates and earlobe decorations. An optional day tour will take you into the Omo National Park. We then travel through one of Africa's greatest natural features - the East African Rift Valley. Overland trips through East Africa will allow you to experience absolutely spectacular scenery first hand, and the Rift Valley is a definite highlight. Stretching from beyond the Dead Sea in Jordan down to Mozambique in Southern Africa - the valley floor seems to sweep on forever and is dotted with volcanic peaks, shimmering lakes and countless springs.
The north of Kenya is very remote and Nomadic tribes people like the Rendille and Borena in Marsabit and the Samburu (cousins of the Maasai) still wear very distinctive and often elaborate dress. We pass the foothills of Mount Kenya before tackling some mountainous driving through the Nandi Hills - taking us via Eldoret before continuing into Uganda.
Day 48 - 55 : Eldoret To Kabale
Location: Eldoret, Kampala, Kabale, Kigali
Accommodation: Camp
Kampala has had a turbulent past, but these days it is a friendly and safe city. We have a free day to spend in local cafes and nightspots - where you can get to know the local people. The following day we have a long drive as we head west through swamps, patches of forest and fertile green countryside. As we travel through Uganda, we'll pass through a number of small towns and villages; Mpigi, where you will see roadside stalls manufacturing and selling traditional musical instruments; Kyazanga, where we can buy fresh rotisserie and roasted meat and vegetables, as well as roasted plantain bananas. We will also be able to make a photo stop where our route crosses the Equator.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to several families of Highland Mountain Gorillas. Getting up close to these amazing creatures is a truly a once in a lifetime experience and one of the highlights of the trip. You have the opportunity to trek to see the Gorillas in Uganda (bookable as an Add on). It is estimated that only around 700 of these gentle giants remain. This mountainous area on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire (now renamed Democratic Republic of Congo) is their only natural habitat and they are periodically threatened by poachers and political instability in the area. One permit allows you to spend about 50 to 60 minutes with one of the gorilla families. Trekking to find them in groups of 8 people can take anywhere from half an hour to 5 hours. The organisations and well-trained guides that continually monitor and protect the families are conscientious and responsible.
We will base ourselves in the village of Kabale which will give you the opportunity to trek the Mountain Gorillas and visit the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.
(Due to the popularity of Trekking to the Mountain Gorillas and the limited availability of obtaining Trekking Permits, we may do the Gorilla trek in Rwanda in Volcanos National Park, which may come at an additional cost - you will be advised in advance).
Passing over the mountain ranges we cross the border into Rwanda. The small, friendly town of Musanze is home to Musanze caves and several hiking trails, take a village tour throughout the area where you can see first hand production of local Banana beer. There will also be an opportunity to visit the genocide memorial in Kigali, which is a moving and humbling experience.
Day 56 - 64 : Kabale To Nairobi
Location: Kigali, Kampala, Nairobi
Accommodation: Camp
We then return back into Uganda and make our way towards Kampala and camp near Jinja - Uganda's adventure playground. Here, on the edge of Lake Victoria, the Nile begins its 6700km journey to the sea. We spend the next few days downstream from the source of the Nile. This is a spectacular area, and a superb place to go whitewater rafting or kayaking. You can also organise quad biking, horse riding or a visit to a local education project
Re-entering Kenya, we travel through the heart of the Rift Valley - with views from atop a steep escarpment opening up some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Hills covered in tea plantations and rural scenery lead us to Lake Nakuru National Park - home to a wide variety of wildlife including Black Rhino, Hippo, Lion, Leopard, Hyena and Giraffe. However, Nakuru is a soda lake and most famous for its pink inhabitants, a flock of almost a million Pink Flamingos which feed noisily along the shoreline. A further half-day drive brings us to Lake Naivasha. We camp near the lakeshore where Hippos sometimes feed at night! Here you can walk to Elsamere, the house of Joy Adamson - of Elsa the Lion and Born Free fame, and enjoy a film of her life - and cream teas! You can also hire mountain bikes and cycle or walk through Hells Gate National Park - the only game reserve in Kenya in which you are permitted to do so. Or for a less active but equally enjoyable game viewing experience - visit the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. Both offer excellent scenery & opportunities to spot hyrax, abundant bird & plant life along with several types of antelope and a variety of plains animals
A few hours drive brings us to the capital Nairobi.
What's Included
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Accommodation - approx. 90% camping & 10% simple hostels/hotels
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Pyramids & Sphinx day tour & guide
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Lake Nasser Ferry
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Entry into Meroe Pyramids
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Lake Nakuru National Park & game drive
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Meals - approx. 60%
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All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
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Camping and Cooking equipment
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Services of Oasis Crew
What's Not Included
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Visas
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Gorilla Trekking Permit (bookable as an Add on)
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Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
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Flights
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Airport Taxes & Transfers
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Travel Insurance
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Meals - approx. 40%
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Drinks
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Drinks
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Local payment from US$1,400
Local Payment (LP) is in the addition to the Trip Price and is paid to your Tour Leader at the start of your Trip.
It covers some of the trip's day to day expenses such as food and accommodation which your tour leader pays direct to local people.
More Info
An expedition through the heart of Africa from days of old. From crossing deserts, rivers and mountains and overcoming a multitude of challenges this continent can throw at you, inter-twined with stunning National Parks, adventure activity play grounds and UNESCO World Heritage sites, this is a trip that will linger in the memory long after you finish.
Mode of Transport
For most of your trip the Oasis expedition truck will be your new home - giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use purpose built truck's which have been converted especially for this expedition, which pass through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all the equipment we may need en route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts and the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an overland trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed.
Check out our Q&As
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What to expect at meal times?
When 'on the road' or camping, we usually cook using gas or over open fires in a rota system and you can expect to cook in a group of two or three people approximately once every ten days depending on the number of people on trip and whereabouts you are. Your cook group will have to decide on what to cook, utilise stocks from the truck stores and locally obtain ingredients from markets, shops etc. and rustle up a meal. But don't worry if you're not a Gordon Ramsay as the rest of the group and the Tour leader usually lend a helping hand. Here is an idea of what to expect at meal times: Breakfasts: Usually simple - we help ourselves to cereal, toast, hot drinks and on occasion we will splurge with a cooked breakfast. Lunch: Cold and usually quick. The cook group will put out bread, tinned supplies and maybe make a salad. Dinner: Cooks come into their own in the evening, and will always attempt to cook up some delights. When the truck is parked up for a few days in a town or city most people usually like the option to eat out at local restaurants - so we often don't cook all meals when at these locations.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary.
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Are flights included in this tour?
You need to arrive at your departure city at least the day before your trip begins. Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities (if you are joining in Victoria Falls - we suggest arriving at least 2 days before if you wish to partake in the many adrenaline activities on offer). One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry. Departure Taxes: Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.
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Do I need pre-trip accommodation?
You can pre-book accommodation and airport transfers through us. We will require your flight number, arrival time, and arrival date so please ensure this information is forwarded to us as soon as you have booked your flight. Please book this service as soon as you have booked your flight and no later than 6 weeks prior to departure, after which a late booking fee may apply. If you have booked through a travel agent, please contact them to request pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers. Double, twin, and triple rooms will be provided subject to availability, where requested. However when not available we may need to book other rooming arrangements, and will fit these as closely as possible to your request. Those travelling solo will be put in shared rooms to reduce the costs to them, which may be twin/triple shares with other Oasis Overland travellers. Single rooms may be available in some cities for solo travellers, and we will arrange this for you on request, subject to availability. If you are arriving early in the morning and you would like to check in immediately, you may have to reserve your room for the previous night to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times (usually 1pm to 2pm). Please note that on occasion we may use an alternative hotel due to limited availability, but we will inform you nearer your trip departure date if this is the case. Accommodation costs are payable direct to your Tour Leader on arrival in Egyptian Pounds, £GB or $US.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport Transfer Costs: Approximately $35 USD On arrival into Cairo airport you will be met by a local representative who will take you to the group joining Hotel. The driver will have your name on a sign with Oasis Overland. Transfer costs are per person and are payable to your Tour Leader on arrival in Egyptian pounds, £GB or $US. Contact details of your transfer representatives will be provided a few weeks before your trip departure. Flying into Cairo International Airport (CAI) can be a culture shock as there are not many signs or directions. As a majority of flights arrive here very early in the morning - it is made a lot easier by having a transfer rep. meet you on arrival. It is approx 25kms from the airport to the centre of Cairo. Whilst at the airport you should change some cash into Egyptian Pounds in the main foyer of the airport. The rates are the same as in town but better than at hotels. The return airport transfer can be arranged through your hotel / hostel and is not included, it is at your own expense. We regret these services cannot be arranged via the Oasis office before departure.
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Where does the trip start?
The trip starts from the Havana Hotel at approximately 8am on the morning of Day 1 of your trip. This 3 star hotel is in walking distance to cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and forex bureaus / banks. The hotel has an in house cafe, bar, restaurant, laundry service, WiFi and safety deposit boxes. All rooms have a private bathroom, phone, TV and Air Conditioning. A buffet breakfast is included. Trip Joining Point: Havana Hotel - Cairo Start Time Day 1: 08:00 Address: 26 Syria Street, Mohandiseen, Cairo Telephone: +20 2 3749 0758 Website: www.havanahotelcairo.com Email: info@havanahotelcairo.com
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
Maximum 10 people.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.