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Cape Town to Cairo - Plus Nile Cruise Option

This tour encompasses luxury rail travel and private planes to showcase the best that Africa has to offer including Victoria Falls, Chobe Game Reserve, the spice island of Zanzibar, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Game Reserve before we make our way to Egypt where we see the Great Pyramids and explore the ruins of Luxor.

Dates: 5 September 2013
Duration: 21 Days
We visit: South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt

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Tour Highlights

Stunning city of Cape Town at the sumptuous Cape Grace Hotel
Travel on the luxurious Rovos Rail private train from Cape Town to Pretoria
Exclusive private plane within South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, & Kenya
Breathtaking Victoria Falls at the Royal Livingstone Hotel
Exotic spice island of Zanzibar
See Pink flamingos & rare White Rhinoceros at Lake Nakuru
Wildlife migration in Masai Mara Game Reserve at luxury tented lodge
Cairo - stay at the city's best hotel, Four Seasons Nile Plaza
Mighty Pyramids & Sphinx
Valley of the Kings in Luxor
Nile River Cruise and Sun City Options

Tour Itinerary

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Day 1: Thursday 5 September, Depart Australia

We fly to Cape Town, via Singapore and Johannesburg, with Singapore Airlines.

Day 2: Friday 6 September, Arrive Cape Town (South Africa)

Arrive Cape Town mid morning and transfer to the deluxe Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town. Your room is booked from the previous night, enabling you to relax after your flight. You may like to explore the shops and cafés of the restored Victoria and Alfred Waterfront District. Lunch is at our hotel.

This afternoon relax at your hotel; or visit the District Six Museum for an insight into South Africa’s apartheid history.

This evening we get together for a Welcome Reception and Dinner at our hotel.

Day 3: Saturday 7 September, Cape Town

This morning we will ride the famous rotating cable car up Table Mountain for one of the world’s most stunning views. We then visit the Cape Winelands and the lovely old university town of Stellenbosch, which abounds in Cape-Dutch style architecture. We enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at a top vineyard. We return to Cape Town mid afternoon with time for shopping and further exploration. We enjoy dinner at one of Cape Town’s finest restaurants in the Constantia Valley.

Day 4: Sunday 8 September, Cape Town

This morning we take a ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 19 years. We see the former President’s cell and tour the jail on this eerie prison island. The trip back to Cape Town offers magnificent views of the city and Table Mountain. This afternoon we tour Cape Peninsula, travelling via the scenic villages of Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Simonstown. We stop to view a penguin colony enroute. We ride the funicular to the top of Cape Point for the spectacular view over the Cape of Good Hope. After a breathtaking scenic coastal drive we return to our hotel.

Tonight is a dine-around evening; choose to dine with your Tour Manager or independently at one of a selection of restaurants on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

Day 5: Monday 9 September, Join Rovos Rail

This morning we join the most luxurious train in the world for our overland trip to Pretoria. Settle into your cabin and experience what will be an unforgettable train journey with old world charm. We enjoy lunch and afternoon tea as we travel north through Cape Province. The railway follows a route with diverse scenery and several spectacular highlights including the Hex River Pass and the snow capped mountains around Worcester.

Late this afternoon we spend a few hours at the quaint village of Matjiesfontein, a place that has been restored to its former Victorian glory. After departure, a formal dinner is served and enjoyed amid the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining car, complemented by excellent South African wines.

Day 6: Tuesday 10 September, Rovos Rail

Breakfast is served as we pass through Perdevleis and Houtkraal and continue across the great Karoo to the diamond centre of Kimberley. We stop to visit the ‘big hole’ and Mining Museum. Enjoy a drink in the Observation or Lounge Car before our second formal dinner. Perhaps complete the day with a nightcap in the Lounge Car.

Day 7: Wednesday 11 September, Rovos Rail – Pretoria – Victoria Falls (Zambia)

A steam locomotive powers the last part of our journey to Pretoria. Here we take a short drive to join our aircraft for our private charter flight to Livingstone, on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. We are staying at the opulent Royal Livingstone Hotel beside the falls.

An optional helicopter flight over the falls is available (additional cost).

Dinner is at our hotel this evening.

Day 8: Thursday 12 September, Victoria Falls – Chobe National Park (Botswana)

We take a walking tour around the edge of the thundering Victoria Falls for magnificent views of this natural wonder and cross a bridge to an island in the middle of the falls. This afternoon we travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana. We stay beside the Chobe River at Chobe Game Lodge for two nights. Enjoy a game viewing cruise late this afternoon. Chobe is renowned for the sight of elephants and hippos drinking and bathing in the river.

Day 9: Friday 13 September, Chobe National Park

Take an early morning game drive in Chobe National Park by open 4WD vehicle. Chobe abounds in a rich variety of African wildlife. We return to the lodge for a relaxing day.

Later today choose from an afternoon game drive; or take a late afternoon game viewing cruise.

Day 10: Saturday 14 September, Chobe National Park – Zanzibar (Tanzania)

This morning we transfer to the airport for our private charter flight across Africa to Zanzibar, a legendary tropical spice island. Zanzibar has a fascinating history and a unique romantic atmosphere. The harbour is still filled with the trading dhows of the former Omani rulers. The influence of Portuguese, Persian, Indian and Arabian cultures is evident in the architecture. The Serena Inn provides excellent accommodation on this remote island.

Day 11: Sunday 15 September, Zanzibar

Enjoy relaxing in our lovely island hotel before joining a walking tour around Zanzibar’s Stone Town, where the Arabs built whitewashed stone houses with wooden balconies and ornate doors. We visit the Arab Fort, the former Sultan’s Palace and the great Beit el Ajaib (House of Wonders). We will hear about the huge slave market, the site of which is now the Anglican Cathedral. We have time for shopping in the bustling narrow streets before returning to our hotel for lunch.

This afternoon continue to explore the island and visit one of its exotic spice farms; or enjoy time to further explore Stone Town.

Late this afternoon enjoy a sunset Dhow cruise before dinner at our hotel.

Day 12: Monday 16 September, Zanzibar – Masai Mara National Park (Kenya)

After a relaxing morning we fly across Tanzania, hopefully viewing Mt Kilimanjaro enroute to Masai Mara National Park. The airstrip is a short drive from our unique tented accommodation, Sarova Mara Game Camp, in the heart of prime viewing country. It is one of Africa’s greatest game reserves and forms part of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Tonight you will be lulled to sleep by the distant sounds of African wildlife.

Day 13: Tuesday 17 September, Masai Mara National Park

On our game drive today you may be treated to the sights of prides of lion, cheetah stalking their prey, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and hippo cavorting in the Mara River. We also hope to see the spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti. Dinner features Kenyan specialities and Masai dancers.

Day 14: Wednesday 18 September, Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru

After an early breakfast and some game viewing we take a six hour drive across the rolling grasslands of the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, arriving in time for a late lunch.

Should you prefer to fly you can do so at additional cost.

We take an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its White Rhino (one of the few places in Africa where this vanishing species is likely to be seen) and its incredible flocks of flamingos. We stay at the comfortable Lion Hill Game Lodge.

Day 15: Thursday 19 September, Lake Nakuru – Cairo (Egypt)

Following a morning game drive we fly by private aircraft to Nairobi and join a Kenya Airways scheduled flight to Cairo, arriving late this evening. We enjoy two nights in Giza at Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa in a Deluxe Pyramid View Room.

Day 16: Friday 20 September, Cairo

This morning is free to relax and settle in after our late arrival last night. After lunch at our hotel we depart for a visit to two of the world’s great sights – the mighty Pyramids of Giza and the illustrious Sphinx. This evening we attend the Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids, followed by dinner at our hotel.

Day 17: Saturday 21 September, Cairo – Luxor

Early this morning we fly to Luxor. Upon arrival we visit both sides of the Nile including the Valley of the Kings, site of the tomb of Tutankhamen, Hatshepsut’s Funerary Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. We then transfer to our hotel for lunch and a free afternoon. We overnight at the luxurious Sofitel Winter Palace.

This evening choose from a selection of our hotel’s restaurants.

Nile Cruise Post Tour Option guests join their vessel for lunch (refer to the Nile Cruise Tour itinerary).

Day 18: Sunday 22 September, Luxor – Cairo

A pre breakfast hot air balloon flight over Luxor city, often referred to as the ‘world’s greatest open air museum’, is available (additional cost).

This morning we tour Luxor and Karnak Temples, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon we return to Cairo and enjoy two nights at the luxurious Four Seasons Nile Plaza Hotel. Dinner will be at our sumptuous hotel.

Day 19: Monday 23 September, Cairo

This morning we visit the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel and tour Cairo before returning to our hotel for lunch.

This afternoon you can visit Khan el Khalili Bazaar or enjoy the facilities of our luxurious hotel.

Day 20: Tuesday 24 September, Depart Cairo

Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for our flight home with Singapore Airlines via Singapore.

Day 21: Wednesday 25 September, Arrive Australia

Arrive in Australia late this evening.

Nile Cruise Option

Extend your visit to Egypt with our three night Nile Cruise including fascinating Luxor, Edfu and Aswan. All meals and sightseeing are included aboard the ship.

Day 17: Saturday 21 September
Cairo – Luxor
Early this morning we fly to Luxor. Upon arrival we visit both sides of the Nile including the Valley of the Kings, site of the tomb of Tutankhamen, Hatshepsut’s Funerary Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. We then transfer to our cruise ship, the Sonesta Moon Goddess, for lunch. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 18: Sunday 22 September
Luxor – Edfu

A pre breakfast hot air balloon flight over Luxor city, often referred to as the ‘world’s greatest open air museum’, is available (additional cost).

This morning we tour Luxor and Karnak Temples. We then sail to Edfu, with lunch onboard.

Day 19: Monday 23 September
Edfu – Aswan
We visit Edfu Temple and sail on to Kom Ombo. We reach Aswan this evening.

Day 20: Tuesday 24th September
Aswan – Abu Simbel –Cairo
Upon disembarkation we fly to Abu Simbel to visit the magnificent monuments of Temple of Ramses II and Temple of Nefertari that were saved from the rising waters of the Nile. We return to Aswan and continue our tour with a visit to the High Dam and Temple of Philae. Late this afternoon we return to Cairo and enjoy two nights at the luxurious Four Seasons Nile Plaza Hotel. Dinner will be at our hotel.

Day 21: Wednesday 25 September
Cairo
This morning we visit the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel and tour Cairo before returning to our hotel for lunch.

This afternoon you can visit Khan el Khalili Bazaar; or enjoy the facilities of our luxurious hotel.

Day 22: Thursday 26 September
Depart Cairo
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for our flight home with Singapore Airlines via Singapore.

Day 23: Friday 27 September
Arrive Australia
Arrive in Australia late this evening.

Sun City Option

Depart Australia early and enjoy two nights at the Palace of the Lost City, Sun City, as well as an additional night at the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town. Please enquire for further details.

Tour Inclusions

Flights from Australia are included and are based on twin share – per person, from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide, flying Singapore Airlines.
Prices from other cities are available on request.
Seating is in the following classes subject to availability:

Economy Class
Business Class
First Class (Not available on all services)
First class not available on direct flights from Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide to Singapore and return (receive $1,000pp reduction).

First Class passengers fly Business Class Singapore – Cape Town.
You may wish to consider upgrading to Singapore Airlines’ super luxurious Suite Class on A380 flights (additional costs apply).
All regional flights are in Economy Class. Business Class may be available Nairobi – Cairo at additional cost.

If you prefer we can book you with another airline or you can use frequent flyer points to join the tour. If you wish to fly with another airline or use frequent flyer points you simply take the Land Only price.

Cape Grace Hotel and Table Mountain at dusk, Cape Town, South Africa

We use centrally located 5 star hotels. In the more remote areas we use the best available hotels.

The hotels we use are a combination of the world’s premier properties and boutique hotels. In each city our hotels are centrally located to ensure you can step out of your hotel door and absorb the atmosphere of the local destination.

Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town
Backed by iconic Table Mountain and perfectly positioned on our own private quay in the centre of Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront, Cape Grace epitomizes style and sophistication in an atmosphere alive with genuine warmth and hospitality.

Royal Livingstone Hotel, Zambia
The Royal Livingstone is a luxurious 5*plus Hotel situated on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. Named in honour of the explorer Dr. David Livingstone, The Royal Livingstone Hotel stretches along the banks of the Zambezi River, just a short walk to the entrance of The Victoria Falls.

Chobe Game Lodge, Chobe National Park, Botswana
Counter balancing the wilderness is this restful, air conditioned, en-suite game lodge featuring graceful high arches, quarry tiled floors and barrel vaulted ceilings creating an atmosphere of cool tranquillity throughout.
Facilities at this game lodge include: a large swimming pool with terrace, a riverside boma (outdoor enclosure) area where traditional dancers perform, a business centre for those guests needing to keep in touch, a stylish bar and an outside terrace overlooking the Chobe River.

Serena Inn, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Idyllically situated on the sea-front of ancient Stone Town, and flanked by an exotic mix of sultan's palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, and bright bazaars, the Zanzibar Serena Inn is a haven of tranquillity and opulence amongst the bustle of one of Africa's most ancient and most enchanting towns. A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the inn has been styled to represent the epitome of Swahili style, ethnic elegance and Arabic opulence.

Sarova Mara Game Camp, Masai Mara National Park, Kenya
The rolling plains around the Camp are teeming with wildebeest, gazelles and zebras, during the migration months and the Camp is situated right in the centre of their migration path. By virtue of its location and layout, the Camp offers an unparalleled plethora of activities and experiences from luxury tented living to bird-watching, mini golf, sport fishing and a unique insight into the Maasai culture at the adjoining Maasai village.

Lion Hill, Game Lodge, Lake Nakuru, Kenya
The lodges location affords panoramic views of the Lake and the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park and it is cleverly laid out such that most rooms and sitting areas afford stunning views of the Lake and the Park. The Lodge incorporates natural landscaping with tall acacia trees, winding walkways and greens dotted with bird feeds and is a natural haven for bird life attracting over 50 species of birds amongst the 400 species that inhabit the Park.

Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa, Giza, Egypt
Beautifully set in its own landscaped gardens with an unrivalled and time-honoured location, less than 1 km from the Sphinx and the Giza Pyramids and only twenty minutes from Cairo's city centre.

Sofitel Winter Palace, Luxor, Egypt
Built in 1886 on the Nile banks in a tropical garden the Winter Palace hosted royalties and celebrities throughout the years and offers a mythical atmosphere with the modern decor comfort of a 5 star hotel. It is located in the city centre just minutes from Luxor Temple and the Luxor International airport.

Four Seasons Nile Plaza Hotel, Cairo, Egypt
Set among charming villas in Cairo's oldest district this full-service luxury hotel provides an elegant refuge from the clamour of the city streets.

Palace of the Lost City, South Africa - Sun City Option
The magnificent Palace of the Lost City at Sun City is a fairytale African palace that towers over the scenic valley. Visible from almost anywhere on the resort, The Palace of the Lost City’s unique towers with elephant tusk embellishments are a symbol of the true luxury and splendour that the hotel offers. Inspired by a fantasy lost African tribe, the Palace has been lavishly created with rich architecture, mosaics and frescos that add to the mystical ambience and magical aura of this grand hotel, from the opulent hand-painted dome of the reception area to even the smallest detail. The hotel is surrounded by lush botanical gardens, trickling streams and hidden walking trails that ensure that the Palace does indeed feel like a lost city.

Nile Cruise Option

Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise Ship

The Sonesta Moon Godess offers 49 luxurious cabins with sliding glass doors opening to private balconies and four presidential suites with private lounge. All accommodations feature their own private balcony.
A variety of special services and facilities are available on the Sonesta Moon Goddess, known as one of the best Nile cruise ships. These amenities include discothèque, a restaurant, room service, jogging track, gym, bars, nightly entertainment, guided excursions, pool and sun deck. All cabins offer private bath with full-size bathtub, international direct-dial telephone and individual climate control.

Rovos Rail
The golden age of luxury train travel has been renewed in the heart of the African bush. The train features beautifully decorated sleeping compartments together with observation, dining and lounge cars, all splendidly refurbished in the style of the period but with an eye for modern comfort. We have two nights onboard in spacious cabins, combining the opulence of pre-war travel with subtle modern innovations. The coaches have been lovingly restored to their former glory with attention to fine detail and are the last word in comfort and style with traditional furnishings and period decor, examples of exquisite craftsmanship evident in the fine wood panelling. Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom and lounge area occupying approximately 11sqm. Meals are served in the ornate dining cars with complimentary fine South African wines and other beverages throughout the journey.

Sightseeing is included at every destination to ensure you make the most of your time in each region; there are no “surprise” additional cost tours.

On most tours we also include flexible Select options, enabling you to tailor your holiday to your suit your personal interests.

In each destination we use local English speaking guides who provide information on the history, culture, geography and modern way of life.

On all tours we provide each guest with a radio headset and our guides carry transmitters that enable you to hear the guide’s commentary through a small earpiece. Our Headsets greatly enhance you appreciation and understanding of the guide’s commentary.

Each day whilst sightseeing bottled water is provided.

All meals are included on our tours – every breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinners throughout each tour feature flexible dine-around evenings, where you can choose from a selection of restaurants, dining from the a la carte menu at a time and with dining companions that suit your preferences.

Feature dinners with regional entertainment are included on most tours, enabling you to absorb the local culture.

Wine, beer and soft drink are included with each dinner. Bottled or purified water accompanies all meals and is provided to you each day whilst sightseeing.

An experienced Tour Escort Team including a Tour Doctor accompanies each tour. Our Tour Escorts smooth out the bumps of travel to remote destinations; take care of your luggage and are convivial travel companions.

Where possible we expedite customs and immigration clearances to ensure your holiday time is maximised.

Each guest is provided with a customised destination guide prior to departure to give you a bit more insight into the regions we are visitng. Upon return from each tour, guests receive a group photograph, travel certificate and DVD of photos from your tour.

Many people travelling alone join The Captain’s Choice Tour. You will be made most welcome by our Tour Escort Team and have the opportunity to travel with many others on their own. To make meeting new friends easier we invite single travellers to a special Welcome Reception at the beginning of each tour to enable you to meet other passengers travelling alone.

We can arrange for you to share a hotel room with another traveller of the same gender and guarantee that you will not have to pay extra, even if we cannot find a roommate for you (except on cruise and train tours involving overnight rail travel). Alternatively you can choose to have a single room, provided to you at a low supplement. Whilst we will endeavour to find you a companion to share with, on cruise tours and tours involving overnight rail journeys we are unable to guarantee this and occupancy of a single room (by choice or circumstance) on cruise or train tours will involve a surcharge (with the exception of Silk Route, where there is no additional charge).

We invite people travelling solo to join us, and rest assured, the care of our Tour Escort Team and enjoyment of company with your fellow guests means you won’t feel alone – there will always be someone to share in the joy of travel.

We also include all

Tipping
Taxes
Transfers
Travel Insurance (not included on Land Only or Land & Cruise only packages)

Tour cost

Based on twin share – per person, from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane,Perth or Adelaide, flying Singapore Airlines, in Australian Dollars. Prices from other cities are available on request.

First class not available on direct flights from Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide to Singapore and return (receive $1,000pp reduction). First Class passengers fly Business Class Singapore – Cape Town.

You may wish to consider upgrading to Singapore Airlines’ super luxurious Suite Class on A380 flights (additional costs apply). All regional flights are in Economy Class. Business Class may be available Nairobi – Cairo at additional cost.

Please enquire for Sun City Option prices.

For full pricing details please download a brochure or contact a Tour Consultant.

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