Cairo To Nairobi (64 Days) Nile Trans

Cairo To Nairobi (64 Days) Nile Trans

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64 Days From

$4963

Cairo To Nairobi (64 Days) Nile Trans

64 Days Starting in Cairo, Egypt and ending in Nairobi, Kenya

Visiting: Egypt, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda

Tour operator:

Oasis Overland

Tour code:

429

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

18-80

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $4963

NB: Prices correct on 13-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 64-day adventure from Cairo to Nairobi with the Nile Trans tour. This epic journey takes you through the heart of Africa, visiting six countries: Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Marvel at the ancient wonders of Egypt, including the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, and sail down the iconic Nile River on a traditional felucca. Experience the serene beauty of the Nubian Desert, the bustling markets of Ethiopia, and the vibrant chaos of Kampala. Trek to see the majestic Mountain Gorillas and explore the stunning landscapes of the East African Rift Valley. This tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and breathtaking natural beauty, all while camping under the stars and traveling in a purpose-built expedition truck.

Highlights

  • Explore the many temples, tombs, monuments, and pyramids throughout Ancient Egypt

  • Set sail down the Nile, one of the world's most iconic rivers on a traditional felucca sailboat

  • Enjoy sunset at the Pyramids at Meroe surrounded by golden sand dunes

  • Camping 'under the stars' in the vast Nubian Desert in Sudan

  • Visit the magnificent monasteries and rock-hewn churches located around Ethiopia

  • Navigating Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa

  • Experience the chaos of Kampala traffic with the movement of minibuses, cars, motorcycles and people

  • Trek to see the largest living primate, the Mountain Gorilla

Itinerary

DAY 1-4: CAIRO TO LUXOR
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 to 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
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 Temples are 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 Simbel 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
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 the Nile as it snakes its way south or possibly experiencing the vast open desert plains which are 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 with this not so travelled route.

Note: If the security situation in Sudan has not improved, then we will overfly from Cairo to Addis Ababa (flight at your cost, budget $200) after completing the Egypt section using public transport and local hotels. We will then join our overland truck in Addis and adjust our itinerary in Ethiopia. We ran our 2022/23 Trans Africa expedition in this way and it worked very well.

DAY 21-24: MEROE TO KHARTOUM
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 Kitchener's 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
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 Simien 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 its 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
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 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 tribespeople like the Rendille and Borena in Marsabit and the Samburu (cousins of the Maasai) still wear the 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
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 several 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 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 the 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 allow you 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
We then return to 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 and 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

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided for approximately 90% camping and 10% simple hostels/hotels.

  • Lake Nakuru National Park

    Entry and game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park are included.

  • Meroe Pyramids

    Entry into the Meroe Pyramids is included.

  • Lake Nasser Ferry

    Ferry ride across Lake Nasser is included.

  • Pyramids & Sphinx Day Tour

    A day tour and guide for the Pyramids and Sphinx are included.

  • Meals

    Approximately 60% of meals are included.

  • Transport

    All transport on the Oasis Expedition Truck is included.

  • Camping and Cooking Equipment

    Camping and cooking equipment are provided.

  • Services of Oasis Crew

    Services of the Oasis Crew are included.

What's Not Included

  • Visas

    Visas are not included.

  • Local Payment

    Local payment is not included (2023 - USD 1300, 2024 - USD 1400, 2025 - USD 1500).

  • Gorilla Trekking Permit

    Gorilla Trekking Permit is not included and is bookable as an add-on.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.

  • Flights

    Flights are not included.

  • Airport Taxes and Transfers

    Airport taxes and transfers are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Meals

    Approximately 40% of meals are not included.

  • Drinks

    Drinks are not included.

  • Tips

    Tips are not included.

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

  • What type of accommodation will be provided during the tour?

    The tour provides roomy three-person tents, used by two people, with mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Some nights will be spent bush or desert camping, while the rest will be in campsites. Facilities at campsites vary, with some being well-equipped and others very basic. At certain campsites, there is an option to upgrade to a private room at your own expense.

  • What kind of transport will be used during the tour?

    For most of the trip, an Oasis expedition truck will be used. These trucks are purpose-built and converted for the expedition, capable of handling various terrains such as soft sand, mud, rock, and potholed roads. The truck is equipped with essential equipment, including a professionally compiled expedition medical kit, large water and fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts, and a kitchen sink. All trucks are fitted with seatbelts, and it is recommended to wear them at all times while the vehicle is moving.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of activities such as visiting the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, exploring the Valley of Kings and Queens, sailing on a felucca boat, visiting the massive stone monuments at Abu Simbel, trekking to see Mountain Gorillas, and experiencing the local culture in various towns and cities. Additionally, there are opportunities for watersports like snorkeling, windsurfing, and scuba diving, as well as optional excursions like a day tour into the Omo National Park.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    Approximately 60% of the meals are included in the tour. The remaining 40% of the meals are not included and will need to be covered by the participants.

  • Is there an option to upgrade accommodation during the tour?

    Yes, at certain campsites, there is an opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed.

  • What should I bring for the camping part of the tour?

    You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, a roll mat, and your personal gear for the camping part of the tour.

  • What is the policy on seatbelt usage in the expedition truck?

    All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts, and for your own safety and security, it is recommended that travelers wear these at all times while the vehicle is moving.

  • What happens if the security situation in Sudan does not improve?

    If the security situation in Sudan does not improve, the tour will overfly from Cairo to Addis Ababa (at an additional cost of approximately $200) after completing the Egypt section using public transport and local hotels. The itinerary in Ethiopia will then be adjusted accordingly.

  • What is the Gorilla Trekking Permit and how can I obtain it?

    The Gorilla Trekking Permit is required for trekking to see the Mountain Gorillas and is bookable as an add-on. Due to the popularity and limited availability of these permits, it is advised to book in advance. The trek may take place in Uganda or Rwanda, depending on permit availability.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Giles  

LIMA to RIO (87 days) Kingdoms & Carnivals

31-Jan-2020

Life changing, exhilarating, wonderful, at times tough and challenging.

Lucy Jenner (Google Reviewer)  

I can't recommend Oasis enough....

07-Nov-2022

I can't recommend Oasis enough. I have done two trips with them to Africa (Victoria Falls to Cape Town in 2013 and Nairobi to Vic Falls in 2017). The first trip was my first real travelling experience so I picked a shorter one but it just meant I had to go back for more a few years later because I loved it so much. The trips were well organised and went to amazing places with a good mix of structure and freedom, and it never felt like we were rushed even though a lot was packed into the time. The tour leader and driver looked after us well. I was lucky that the groups I was with were great too, because that can have such an impact.

Ivano Forte (Google Reviewer)  

We have been on 2...

31-Oct-2022

We have been on 2 trips with Oasis through Africa. Both trips were fantastic!! The whole experience from initial booking and lead up communication, to the trip itself, with the wonderfully knowledgeable, hard working, friendly and fun crew, to all the amazing places we visited, things we saw and adventures we had, it was all a truly amazing experience!! Highly recommend Oasis Overland.

Brenda  

SANTIAGO to BUENOS AIRES (31 days) Patagonian Adventures

15-Dec-2019

At 78 years old it has been one of the highlights of my life! The crew were 1st class and the rest of the travellers really looked after me. Highlights were Bariloche and Patagonia

Keera Lambert (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Trans Africa...

28-Oct-2022

I did the Trans Africa with Oasis Overland in 2013/2014 and it was fantastic. The company dealt with issues that arose over the 10month trip quickly and competently. My best travel memories and experiences came from this trip, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Roy Smith (Google Reviewer)  

I've been on 3 trips...

28-Oct-2022

I've been on 3 trips with Oasis, the Silk Road and 2 in Africa, about 33 weeks in total, and planning on another now that covid restrictions aren't preventing it. I find the trips are organized so that you get to see the highlights along those routes, and you're travelling with people a mix of nationality and age so a solo traveler like me isn't alone. These trips are great value, would not have had such a terrific range of experiences otherwise.

Laura  

NAIROBI to HARARE (41 days) Apes & Lakes

30-Jun-2020

Really loved this trip. The pre-trip information was great and Katie really went out of her way to help me. I though that camping for so long would start to get tiring but it really didn't plus there were plenty of opportunities to upgrade and some of the time this was very cheap. So many amazing things to see and do. Seeing the Gorillas in the wild was a highlight for me! Would highly recommend and hope to do another trip in the future.

Laurence Zerafa (Google Reviewer)  

If you like adventure travel,...

31-Oct-2022

If you like adventure travel, daily camping with the odd brick and mortar accommodation, moving daily from one place to another often off the beaten track, getting as close as possible to locals, in the company of like-minded fellow travelers, and at reasonable prices, then this is the travel company for you.

Michael Miranda (Google Reviewer)  

I highly recommend traveling with...

02-Feb-2023

I highly recommend traveling with Oasis Overland. I did a 75 day trip through Africa with them in 2017 and I had an amazing time. From Victoria Falls, the Serengeti, and Great Zimbabwe, I got to see so many once-in-a-lifetime places in a much shorter time period than I would have been able to navigate on my own. The guide and driver were great and I always felt like all situations were handled well as things came up (like there was coup in Zimbabwe while we were there). The bus was comfortable enough and it was very conducive to socializing with other travelers. The group I traveled with was a good mix of nationalities and ages so everyone could find people to hang out with. I think Oasis does a good job of providing a mix of planned activities and free time and offers a good selection of excursions in the places we stopped.

Dino  

CAPE TOWN to JOHANNESBURG (17 days) South Africa & Lesotho

19-Dec-2019

Awesome adventure, White water rafting, sleeping amidst elephants, game drives, adrenaline hits, great company what more could you ask for!

1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 24, 2025 - Nov 26, 2025
$4963

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • 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 65% of booking price.

    At 39 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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