Itinerary

Linyanti Reserve (Two Nights)
Tauck’s fly-in Botswana Safari visits two reserves in Botswana, one of Africa’s premier sites for wildlife viewing; it is escorted, but not by a Tauck Director. Following breakfast on the final day of South Africa: An Elegant Adventure, travel overland from Victoria Falls to Kasane, where a short flight takes you to the massive 275,000-acre Linyanti Reserve. The region’s habitat diversity makes it a haven for wildlife, and it is famous for lions and enormous herds of elephants.

Activities and Wildlife
Day and night game drives spot zebras, sables, impalas, wildebeest, giraffes, lions, baboons, monkeys, leopards, cheetahs, bush-babies, hyenas, and elephants.

Jao Reserve (Two Nights)
Another short flight takes you to the Jao Reserve in the Okavango Delta region, a private reserve bordering on the Moremi Game Reserve – one of Botswana’s best kept secrets. From May through late September, the floods arrive and the floodplains fill; from October to April, the floodplains turn into savanna grasslands.

Wildlife Viewing
A variety of habitats ensures interesting and diverse game viewing. Depending on the water levels, wildlife includes prides of lions, cheetahs and leopards, along with zebras, wildebeest, red lechwe, and hippos. Abundant waterfowl might include eagles, vultures, egrets, raptors and one of the world’s largest owls, the rare Pel’s Fishing Owl.

Your safari ends with a flight to Johannesburg on day 5, arriving at approximately 8:00 PM; flights home should be booked after 11:00 PM. Additional hotel nights can be arranged at The Westcliff upon request.

Dates & Prices

Group size limited to 20! All departures are limited to 20 guests to ensure a more intimate safari experience!

Triples are not available.

Price includes land transfer from Victoria Falls to Kasane, four nights in tented camps, local beverages, game drives, guide services, and 4 flights.

Airfare to Victoria Falls and from Johannesburg is additional and is not included in your tour package price; ask upon booking.

Note: This tour is available only at the conclusion of South Africa: An Elegant Adventure; it is not accompanied by a Tauck Director, but is escorted by English-speaking local guides. Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

Note: High demand and limited capacity of Botswana camps necessitate high cancellation fees; the remote location of camps requires expensive transportation should medical care or evacuation become necessary – adequate coverage is required; see Guest Protection in General Information. Children over the age of 8 are welcome.
 

begins with a 5:00 AM wake-up call, one of the best times of the day for viewing wildlife, including zebras, lions, elephants and hippotamuses. A continental breakfast is followed by a game drive, with a return to the camp around 10:00 AM for brunch. You'll have several hours of leisure in the camp before "Afternoon Tea," served prior to a late afternoon game drive. A typical sundowner (happy hour) is served in the bush on this drive. If game viewing is good, you'll have an opportunity for this afternoon's game drive to turn into an exciting night game drive, returning to the camp after dark. The day is not over quite yet - pre-dinner drinks in the pub are followed by a bountiful dinner, with coffee and liqueurs served at the campfire.
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Cairo
Tour begins: Oberoi Mena House. Warm greetings welcome you home to Egypt from the moment of arrival! A transfer is included from Cairo International Airport to Oberoi Mena House. Most international flights arrive between 3:00 PM and 11:00 PM local time; to ease the effects of jet lag, you may want to consider traveling to Egypt a day early. Tauck can book your transatlantic flights for travel originating in the United States, and arrange accommodations in Cairo for the night before your tour begins, giving you time to rest and relax. Ask for details upon booking. Your Cairo hotel is a sumptuous former royal hunting lodge in the shadow of the Pyramids, featuring unparalled views of these ancient wonders.

2. Pyramids of Giza / Sphinx / Solar Boat
On a visit to the Solar Boat Museum, view a remarkably well-preserved Egyptian cedarwood boat that was buried for about 4,500 years. At Giza, the incomparable Sphinx sits near the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu), the only survivor among the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” See them today, and have your photo taken while riding a camel in front of the Pyramids! Join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Meals BLD

3. Exploring Cairo, Past and Present
A walking tour of the ancient city of Cairo visits Ben Ezra Synagogue, the ruins of a Roman fortress, and the Coptic Christian Church of St. Sergius, built upon a site significant to the early history of Christianity. View Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, Egypt’s oldest, founded in the 7th century, and the tomb of King Farouk in the Al-Rifai Mosque; explore the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Meals BL

4. Abu Simbel / Aswan / • Embark Ship
Take a private charter flight to visit the wonders of Abu Simbel, including the magnificent Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari. Travel through the most famous desert on earth – the Sahara – en route to Aswan and one of the world’s great engineering feats, the Aswan High Dam. After embarking on your three-night cruise aboard Nile Adventurer, take a private boat ride to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. We invite you to join us this evening for a welcome reception aboard the ship. Meals BLD

5. Kom Ombo / Edfu / Nile Cruising
Spend an exciting day cruising the Nile, glimpsing life along its banks from the deck of the Nile Adventurer. Shore excursions include Kom Ombo and a guided visit to its unusual double temple. Continue on to Edfu and the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved in Egypt; its detailed walls are a textbook of mythology and history. A special evening aboard the Nile Adventurer includes Egyptian cuisine and entertainment by the ship’s crew. Meals BLD

6. Luxor / Temple of Karnak
Arrive at Luxor, site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, truly one of the world’s most extraordinary “open-air” museums. Led by expert Egyptologists, discover the remarkable antiquities at the temple complexes of Luxor and the Temple of Karnak, and view treasures of Upper Egypt on a guided visit to the Luxor Museum. Enjoy a private horse-drawn carriage ride through the local food bazaar, and a farewell dinner and a folkloric show by local performers aboard the Nile Adventurer tonight. Meals BLD

7. Valleys of the Kings and Queens
Disembark Nile Adventurer this morning and travel to the Valley of the Queens along the west bank of the Nile; make a photo stop at Queen Hatshepsut’s temple. Visit Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, and the secluded Valley of the Kings – site of over 60 pharaohs’ tombs, including the fabled tomb of King Tutankhamun, the “boy king.” Meals BLD

8. Egyptian Museum / King Tut Treasures
A private cruise aboard a traditional felucca along the River Nile is followed by a return by air to Cairo. Explore the Egyptian Museum’s collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. View the mummy collection containing the remains of pharaohs such as Ramesses II, whose monuments can be seen throughout the country. Meals BLD

9. Ancient Memphis / Sakkara
Travel to ancient Memphis this morning, the first capital of Upper and Lower Egypt. At Sakkara, visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser – the world’s first major stone structure – and the Pyramid of Teti. After lunch, spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a spectacular light and sound show at the Pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza – it is certain to be a highlight of your stay in Cairo. Meals BL

10. The Citadel / Cairo at Leisure
Take a walking tour of The Citadel, a mountaintop fortress with incredible views of Cairo; this “city within a city” was fortified against the Crusaders in 1176. Visit Mohammed Ali Mosque, followed by time at leisure in Cairo. Join us tonight for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals BD

11. Journey Home
Tour Ends: Cairo. A transfer is included from the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo to Cairo International Airport; allow a minimum of 21/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

Note: Triples are not available.

Land / Cruise Price Includes: port charges, cruise fare, shore excursions, wine with dinner aboard Nile Adventurer, gratuities to ship staff, local guides and drivers.

International Airfare is additional. Call for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Explore Egypt with Egyptologists
Gain extraordinary insights into Egypt’s antiquities with your Tauck Director and the expertise of some of Egypt’s most renowned Egyptologists.

Private Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
A private evening horse-drawn carriage ride takes you through the streets of Luxor, amidst Upper Egypt’s greatest antiquities.

Travel through the Sahara Desert
Tauck provides an extraordinarily unique opportunity to witness the magnificence of the Sahara Desert on a journey from Abu Simbel to the Aswan Dam.

Guided Tour of The Luxor Museum
View some of Egypt’s most beautifully displayed treasures – including jewelry, statues, items from King Tut’s tomb, and a wall section from the Temple of Karnak – on a guided tour of the Luxor Museum!
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
Tour begins: Serena Mountain Village, Arusha. Welcome to Tanzania; a transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Serena Mountain Village, Arusha is included. Although most flights land at Arusha’s airport after the sun has set, thoughts of Ernest Hemingway’s legendary novel, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, will cross your mind as you journey the short distance from the airport to your hotel overlooking the smooth waters of Lake Duluti.

2. Tarangire National Park
Dreams become reality this morning as you depart your hotel in safari vehicles for your first experience at wildlife viewing, Tauck Style. Your destination today is prehistoric-looking Tarangire National Park, where you’ll see the African wilderness as the early explorers did – without crowds! One of the best parks on the northern circuit to see elephants, Tarangire’s wildlife population includes herds of zebra, jackal, giraffe, gazelle, and buffalo. Arrive at your safari lodge in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive into a landscape dotted with baobab trees and umbrella-thorn acacias. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner at the lodge tonight. Meals BLD

3. Tarangire Game Drives
Spend a full day in Tarangire National Park on morning and afternoon game drives that reveal an honest glimpse of an unspoiled Africa. Home to over 550 species of birds (one of the highest number of bird species of any world habitat), and thousands of game animals, Tarangire boasts one of the highest concentrations of African wildlife during the dry season. Your open-top safari vehicle provides you with intimate viewing of this natural wilderness, considered one of Africa’s finest. Meals BLD

4. Lake Manyara National Park
Observe gazelle, waterbuck, impala, leopard and other year-round inhabitants of Tarangire National Park on a morning game drive. Depart Tarangire and travel to Lake Manyara National Park, considered a birdwatcher’s delight for the pink flamingos and great birds of prey; it is world-renowned among ornithologists. On the way, stop at a local school, where you’ll have an opportunity to interact with students and their teachers. Arrive at your lodge, set on the Rift Valley escarpment overlooking the park and valley below. Look for tree-climbing lions on an exciting afternoon game drive. Meals BLD

5. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Encounter Lake Manyara’s flora and fauna this morning on a nature walk throughout the tranquil grounds of your lodge, whose interesting architecture was inspired by the area’s renowned birdlife and the geometric patterns of traditional Masai encampments. Visit the village of Mto wa Mbu, set on the banks of the river of the same name, for an in-depth look at tribal life in the African bush; take a look inside a typical home. After lunch, travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to Ngorongoro Crater – one of the largest concentrations of permanent wildlife in Africa. Built into the dormant volcano’s rim, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge takes advantage of its spectacular location high above the crater floor; private terraces open up to stunning views of the “lost world” far below – an incredible sight from dawn to dusk. Meals BLD

6. Ngorongoro Crater
Experience the true spirit of Africa, the Africa of bygone days, when you explore wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, long regarded as Africa’s “Garden of Eden.” Within the walls of the crater lie short grasslands, swamps, forests and a freshwater lake, inspiring continual migration of animals in and out of the crater. From the comfort of your four-wheel drive vehicle, crafted exclusively for Tauck World Discovery, you’ll have an opportunity to spot the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, the black maned lion and the rare black rhinoceros – as well as hyenas, baboons, and flamingos. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch in the heart of this ancient volcanic crater; it is sure to be a memorable highlight of your safari. Meals BLD

7. Olduvai Gorge / Masai Village
First stop today is Olduvai Gorge, where archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered the fossilized remains of the earliest known man, believed to be about 1.8 million years old. Visit a Masai village in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, then set off for the grasslands of the Serengeti; be prepared for bumps and bounces along the unpaved roads. You’ll have many opportunities for wildlife viewing en route to your safari lodge, styled after traditional Masai dwellings. Meals BLD

8. Hot Air Balloon Above the Serengeti
Awake for an exciting and romantic hot air balloon flight at dawn that takes you over the vast Serengeti savanna, observing the early morning rituals of the reserve’s abundant wildlife from aloft. Enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush upon landing. An afternoon game drive brings you into the heart of the Serengeti’s endless plains where you may spot hyena, leopard, cheetah, zebra, elephant, hippos, rhinoceros, buffalo, jackals, and the graceful reedbuck. Be on the lookout for prides of lions as this is one of the best places on the continent to see them! Have dinner at your leisure tonight, savoring a colorful African sunset. Meals BLD

9. Kirawira Tented Camp
Travel to the western corridor of the Serengeti for a memorable two-night stay in Kirawira Tented Camp. Your tented camp accommodations are the height of luxury in the African bush, commanding extraordinarily intimate views of “the soul of the African wilderness.” The camp is built in the remote region of the Grumeti River, where throughout the year game animals may include wildebeest, lion, buffalo, cheetah, warthogs, giraffes, and zebra. Go on a game drive this afternoon with an experienced guide who takes you across undisturbed open grasslands for exclusive wildlife encounters. Meals BLD

10. Western Serengeti Safari Game Drives
Rise early for a morning game drive as a new day dawns in the Serengeti, witnessing first-hand vivid vignettes representative of Africa’s circle of life. Your safari guide will share fascinating insights into the poignant everyday rituals of the wildlife residing within the African bush. Game-watching this afternoon precedes traditional sundowner cocktails at Kirawira poolside, offering an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual side of your safari experience in magnificent Tanzania. Meals BLD

11. Journey Home
Tour ends: Arusha. A short air journey returns you to Arusha, where your safari ends; a day room has been reserved for you at Serena Mountain Village, Arusha, set within the lovely gardens of a tree-shaded coffee plantation overlooking Lake Duluti. Join us for dinner at the hotel. Transfers will be provided from Serena Mountain Village, Arusha, to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Meals BLD

Dates & Prices

Group size limited to 24! All departures are limited to 24 guests to ensure a more intimate safari experience!

International Airfare is additional. Call for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Hot Air Balloon Experience Included. The price of your journey includes the hot air balloon experience over the Serengeti on day 8… a $450 value!

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Group size limited to 24! All departures are limited to 24 guests to ensure a more intimate safari experience!

International Airfare is additional. Call for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Hot Air Balloon Experience Included. The price of your journey includes the hot air balloon experience over the Serengeti on day 8… a $450 value!

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
Tour begins: Serena Mountain Village, Arusha. Transfers are included from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the Serena Mountain Village, Arusha, for an overnight stay.

2. Lake Manyara National Park
Embark on a four-night safari to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti by traveling through Lake Manyara National Park for your first experience at wildlife viewing. Along with abundant giraffes, baboons and elephants, Lake Manyara is home to great birds of prey and thousands of pink flamingos. Continue on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to an estimated 30,000 large mammals. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner at your lodge; built directly into the rim of vast Ngorongoro Crater – it overlooks the caldera’s lush, wildlife-rich floor far below. Meals BLD

3. Explore Ngorongoro Crater
Experience the Africa of bygone days when you explore the “lost world” of Ngorongoro Crater, believed by many to have been Africa’s original “Garden of Eden.” Within this dormant volcano’s walls lie short grasslands, swamps, forests and a freshwater lake, inspiring the continual migration of animals. From aboard your four-wheel drive vehicle, crafted exclusively for Tauck World Discovery, you’ll have an opportunity to spot Africa’s renowned Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, the black maned lion and the endangered, rare black rhinoceros – as well as herds of zebras, wildebeests and gazelles. A picnic lunch in the crater will be a highlight of your day. Meals BLD

4. Olduvai Gorge / Serengeti
Your day begins with a visit to Olduvai Gorge, where archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered the fossilized remains of the earliest known man. Enjoy game viewing as you drive to your wilderness lodge in Serengeti National Park; be prepared for a few bumps and bounces along the unpaved roads. Your comfortable stone-built lodge accommodations were inspired by the traditional circular dwellings of Masai villages. Meals BLD

5. Serengeti National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives take you into the heart of the golden Serengeti savanna today; you may spot numerous prides of lions, zebras, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhinoceros, hippos, buffalo, jackals, gazelles and primates. Enjoy the evening tonight under the backdrop of a truly magnificent African sunset. Meals BLD

6. Fly through Arusha to Nairobi
Flightsee over the Serengeti to Arusha en route to Nairobi today. A sightseeing excursion upon arrival in Kenya’s capital city includes visits to the Karen Blixen House and Museum, setting for the film, Out of Africa, and the Giraffe Center, a self-sustaining natural sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Spend the night at the elegant Nairobi Serena Hotel. Meals BLD

7. Samburu National Reserve
Fly to the wildlife-rich Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya, where local residents include elephants, baboons, leopards and birds; look for them on an afternoon game drive after settling in at the Samburu Serena Safari Lodge for a two-night stay. Meals BLD

8. Samburu Game Drives
Morning and late afternoon game drives combine with a visit to a local tribal village and a talk by a local resident to offer an in-depth look at life in the Samburu Reserve. Along with storks, elephants, hippos, and leopards, you may observe some of Africa’s rarest animals on your game drives – from Grevy’s zebra, the long-necked gerenuk antelope and Somali ostriches to the shy oryx beisa and the reticulated giraffe. Meals BLD

9. Mount Kenya Safari Club
See how local villagers spin sheep wool into rugs, sweaters, shawls and throws this morning. Arrive at the incomparable Mount Kenya Safari Club for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon at William Holden’s Animal Orphanage on the expansive grounds of the Mount Kenya Safari Club. Meals BLD

10. Coffee Plantation
Spend time at leisure enjoying the many amenities of your hotel, before touring a private coffee plantation with its owners. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the remarkable setting of your acclaimed hotel. Meals BLD

11. Masai Mara Game Reserve
Fly to Masai Mara National Reserve in southern Kenya, where you will spend the next two nights at a luxurious tented camp. A late afternoon game drive introduces you to the resident wildlife of the reserve, often including leopards, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, hippos, gazelles, topi, antelopes, elephants, and zebras. Meals BLD

12. Balloon over Masai Mara
Rise early for Tauck’s memorable hot air balloon flight to observe the early morning rituals of the wildlife below as dawn breaks over the vast grasslands of the Masai Mara Reserve, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush – sure to be a treasured highlight of your safari! Look for elephants, prides of lions, impalas and cheetahs on your final game drive this afternoon. Meals BLD

13. Nairobi / Journey Home
Fly to Nairobi for your journey home. A day room has been reserved for you at the Nairobi Serena Hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at a local restaurant en route to the airport. Tour ends: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Meals BLD

Dates & Prices

Group size limited to 24! All departures are limited to 24 guests to ensure a more intimate safari experience!

Hot Air Balloon Experience Included.
The price of your journey includes a hot air balloon experience over the Masai Mara on day 12… a $450 value!

International Airfare is additional. Call for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Hot Air Balloon At Dawn
Soar above the vast grasslands of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in a hot air balloon at dawn.

Serengeti, Samburu, Masai Mara
Enjoy two-night visits to the legendary Serengeti, Samburu and Masai Mara reserves, where the Big Five roam along with Africa’s other remarkable wildlife.

Small Groups Limited to 24
Tauck’s safaris in Kenya and Tanzania are limited to only 24 guests, providing an intimate, small group for safaris; this means more flexibility and opportunities for wildlife viewing on daily game drives.

Exclusively Designed Safari Vehicles
Tauck’s safari vehicles are exclusively designed for maximum comfort – they are limited to six people per vehicle so everyone has their own “window.”
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Cape Town
Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Cape Grace Hotel. A transfer is included from Cape Town International Airport to the Cape Grace; on Condé Nast’s Gold List, it’s right on the city’s waterfront with the dramatic vista of Table Mountain as a backdrop. Cape Town is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and your location is perfect. Join us tonight for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Meals D

2. Discover The Scenic Cape Peninsula
Take an orientation sightseeing tour in and around Cape Town, then spend the day exploring the Cape Peninsula. A funicular up to Cape Point and the historic lighthouse provides views of the Cape of Good Hope. Tonight, spend time on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, an entertainment area steps away from your hotel. Meals BL

3. Table Mountain / Robben Island
Journey by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, where you can walk along trails with outstanding sea views; an amazing 1400 plant species reside there. The sea below is the home of Robben Island, a World Heritage Site that is an extraordinary nature reserve and former whaling station – but probably best known for its old maximum security prison. A ferry takes you across Table Bay – with fantastic views of Table Mountain – for a guided tour of the island. Learn about the island’s complex history, culminating in a visit to the prison where the story of South Africa’s freedom fighters takes on new poignant meaning when you see the cell that housed Nelson Mandela for so many years. The remainder of the day is free; join us for dinner at a local restaurant this evening. Meals BD

4. Kirstenbosch And The Winelands
Visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where unique South African plant species are on display. South Africa’s wine-growing region, just outside of Cape Town, is one of the most beautiful in the world. The wine trail includes a visit to the town of Stellenbosch; founded in 1679, the town has remained true to its Dutch origins with its whitewashed Cape Dutch buildings. The wine route includes a wine tasting at a well-known estate – and your hotel tonight is a wine estate in the Stellenbosch area known for its excellent food and wine. Meals BD

5. Fly To a Private Game Reserve
Fly toward Kruger National Park in the Sabie River region this morning; arrive mid-afternoon for a two-night stay amidst the comforts of your luxury lodge at one of South Africa’s finest private game reserves, situated along the Sabie River adjacent to the park. An afternoon game drive is your introduction to the magic of the African bush, where a fiery sun unleashes a palette of colors that sweep across the vast expanses of the reserve. Meals BD

6. Luxury at a Private Game Reserve
Rise early at your private luxury lodge for a morning game drive aboard a four-wheel drive, open-top Land Rover. Experienced rangers and skilled Shangaan trackers help you spot many exotic animals, from the Big Five – leopard, lion, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo – to graceful gazelles, antelope and giraffes. Return for a buffet lunch at the lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive; rangers provide fascinating insights into local geography and wildlife, as well as ongoing conservation efforts. Meals BLD

7. Private Reserve / The Westcliff
Go on a final game drive this morning before traveling to the airport for a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city; it is located in the province of Gauteng and is the center of the country’s economic activity. Enjoy two nights at The Westcliff, an elegant Orient Express Hotel in the heart of the residential, culturally-rich suburb of Westcliff. The hotel has great views of the city. Meals BD

8. Sightsee Soweto
Take an educational sightseeing tour of Soweto township; see Freedom Square, the Hector Pieterson memorial, the home of Winnie Mandela, and the home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Soweto is a contrast in styles, from thriving business community to historic residential township. The evening is at your leisure to spend as you wish. Meals BL

9. Magnificent Victoria Falls
Journey by air early this morning to Victoria Falls. For the next two nights you’ll stay at one of Africa’s landmark hotels, The Victoria Falls Hotel. Established in 1904, the historic hotel overlooks the Victoria Falls Bridge and the gorges below; a stroll along the hotel’s private pathway provides stupendous views. Over the last century this gracious hotel has hosted royal families, celebrities and heads of state, offering colonial elegance reminiscent of bygone days. Take a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River this afternoon. 9-Day Tour ends: Johannesburg. Guests choosing a shorter experience have the option to depart the tour after breakfast this morning when the 9-day portion ends. A private airport transfer from The Westcliff to Johannesburg Airport is included. Meals BD

10. Elephant Camp Adventure
The mighty Zambezi River plunges more than 300 feet into Zambezi Gorge – creating the natural wonder called Victoria Falls. Take a walking tour into Zambezi National Park; afterwards, hear a fascinating talk on the African elephant and their relationship with man. Traveling with a guide, take a most unusual journey atop an elephant to view the local wildlife – definitely a highlight! Join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner. Meals BLD

11. Journey Home or Botswana Safari
Tour ends: Johannesburg Airport. Spend a final morning at Victoria Falls before your flight to Johannesburg. Your South Africa sojourn ends with your journey home, or it continues with a visit to Botswana for a memorable four-night unescorted safari. Your comfortable tented camp accommodations in the midst of the African bush promise abundant wildlife sightings from dawn to dusk – the perfect ending to your South African adventure!Meals B

Dates & Prices

Group size limited to 24! All departures are limited to 24 guests to ensure a more intimate safari experience!

International Airfare is additional. Call for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Botswana Safari – Tauck also offers a 4-night safari to Botswana, not escorted by a Tauck Director, yet fully guided by local experts, beginning in Victoria Falls and ending in Johannesburg.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

The Winelands – Stay at a Wine Estate
Travel to South Africa’s picturesque wine country for a wine tasting and overnight at a wine estate.

Game Drives in Private Game Reserves
Private game drives mean you’ll have more off-the-beaten path experiences when you travel with rangers and skilled trackers. Spend two nights in the luxury of one of South Africa’s finest private game reserves on the Sabie River.

Victoria Falls – Elephant Camp
Visit an elephant camp in Victoria Falls for an opportunity to learn about the daily lives of these amazing animals, including orphaned elephants who are raised to adulthood here, and enjoy an elephant ride.

Robben Island
Take a poignant tour of Cape Town’s Robben Island where the story of the freedom fighters is told.
 

Itinerary

Flying to Tauck’s Egypt
Most international flights arrive between 3:00 PM and 11:00 PM local time; to ease the effects of jet lag, you may want to consider traveling to Egypt a day early. Tauck can book your transatlantic flights for travel originating in the United States, and arrange accommodations in Cairo for the night before your tour begins, giving you time to rest and relax. Ask for details upon booking.

1. Arrive Cairo
Tour begins: Oberoi Mena House. Welcome to Egypt, where a fascinating legacy of human and natural history is explored from ancient to modern times. A transfer is included from Cairo International Airport to Oberoi Mena House, a sumptuous former royal hunting lodge in the shadow of the Great Pyramids. Enjoy views of the Pyramids from your room.

2. Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza
On a visit to the Solar Boat Museum, view a remarkably well-preserved Egyptian cedarwood boat – discovered in the 1950s and reconstructed after having been buried some 4,500 years. At Giza, the incomparable Sphinx sits near the magnificent Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu), the only survivor among the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” See them today, and have your photo taken while riding a camel in front of the Pyramids. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals BLD

3. Explore Centuries of History in Cairo
A walking tour of the ancient city of Cairo visits Ben Ezra Synagogue, the ruins of a Roman fortress, and the Coptic Christian Church of St. Sergius, built upon a site significant to the early history of Christianity. View Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, Egypt’s oldest, founded in the 7th century, and the tomb of King Farouk in the Al-Rifai Mosque; explore the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Meals BL

4. Abu Simbel / • Sahara Desert
Take a private charter flight to visit the wonders of Abu Simbel, including the magnificent Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari. Travel through the Sahara Desert en route to Aswan and one of the world’s great engineering feats, the Aswan High Dam. After embarking on your three-night cruise aboard Nile Adventurer (see deck plan at www.tauck.com), enjoy a private boat ride to Philae Temple. Join us this evening for a welcome reception aboard the ship. Meals BLD

5. • Cruise the River Nile
Spend an exciting day cruising the Nile, glimpsing life along its banks from the decks of the Nile Adventurer. Shore excursions include Kom Ombo, where you’ll enjoy a guided visit to its unusual double temple. Continue on to Edfu and the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved in Egypt; its detailed walls are a textbook of mythology and history. A special evening aboard the Nile Adventurer includes Egyptian cuisine and entertainment by the ship’s crew. Meals BLD

6. • Luxor, Ancient Thebes
Arrive at Luxor, site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, one of the world’s most extraordinary “open-air” museums. Led by expert Egyptologists, discover the remarkable antiquities at the temple complexes of Luxor and the Temple of Karnak, and view treasures of Upper Egypt on a visit to the Luxor Museum. Take a private horse-drawn carriage through a food bazaar, and enjoy a farewell dinner and folkloric show aboard ship. Meals BLD

7. Luxor – Valleys of the Kings & Queens
Disembark Nile Adventurer this morning and travel to the Valley of the Queens to see Queen Hatshepsut’s temple. Visit Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, renowned for its intricate texts and reliefs, and the Valley of the Kings, site of over 60 Pharaohs’ tombs, including the fabled tomb of King Tutankhamun. Visit Luxor’s street market bazaar this afternoon. Meals BLD

8. Treasures of King Tutankhamun
Enjoy a private cruise aboard a traditional felucca along the River Nile, followed by a flight to Cairo. Visit the Egyptian Museum, seeing the treasures found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb, and the mummy collection, featuring the remains of Seti I, Tuthmosis IV, and Ramesses II. Meals BLD

9. Memphis, Ancient Capital of Egypt
Travel to ancient Memphis this morning, the first capital of Upper and Lower Egypt. At Sakkara, visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser – the world’s first major stone structure – and the Pyramid of Teti; spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a spectacular light and sound show at the Pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza. Meals BL

10. Cairo / Amman
Attend a lecture on modern Egyptian history before flying to the ancient city of Amman, dating back nearly 8,500 years to the Neolithic period. Meals BD

11. Biblical Sites Along the River Jordan
Thousands of years of biblical history await as you visit sites on the east bank of the River Jordan, associated with stories in both the Old and New Testaments. Begin at Bethany beyond the Jordan, identified as the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Moses looked out at the “land of Canaan,” present-day Israel, from windswept Mt. Nebo. Visit the basilica honoring him, featuring 6th-century Byzantine mosaics, and enjoy views of the Dead Sea and Jerusalem. After a traditional lunch in Madaba, “city of mosaics,” drive through the desert to the archaeological site of Petra for two nights. Meals BLD

12. Explore the Ancient City of Petra
A passage through a narrow sandstone canyon called the Siq leads to your first breathtaking glimpse of the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, established around 6 BC. Spend much of the day exploring Petra’s fascinating sites, including the 130-foot-high Khazneh (The Treasury), the Royal Tombs, an amphitheatre that once seated 8,000, and numerous temples and tombs. Visit the private home of a Bedouin family, then enjoy dinner at a restored hilltop Bedouin village. Meals BLD

13. The Kings’ Highway & The Dead Sea
Travel along the 5,000-year-old Kings’ Highway from Petra to the Dead Sea. A visit to the new Panorama Visitor Center on the shores of the Dead Sea offers stunning views and exhibits interpreting the natural history of the area, the lowest point on earth. Arrive mid-afternoon at your luxury resort and spa, where you can relax and perhaps take a swim in the therapeutic waters. Join us tonight for a farewell dinner. Meals BLD

14. Journey Home
Tour ends: Jordan. Transfer is included from Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa to the Queen Alia Int’l Airport (about 11/4 hours) – allow 2 1/2 hours for check-in. Most international flights depart early in the morning; you may want to stay an extra night at the Dead Sea Resort. Meals B

Dates & Prices

Note: Triples are not available.

Land / Cruise Price Includes: port charges, cruise fare, shore excursions, wine with dinner aboard Nile Adventurer, gratuities to ship staff, local guides and drivers.

International Airfare is additional. Call for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our Guest Protection Plan.
 

Three-Night Nile River Cruise
Explore the fascinating antiquities of ancient Egypt on a three-night cruise aboard the Nile Adventurer, one of the finest ships on the River Nile.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride at Luxor
Enjoy a private horse-drawn carriage ride that takes you through the local bazaar in the evening at Luxor, home to many of Upper Egypt’s timeless treasures.

Private Visit in Petra to a Bedouin Home
Tauck Exclusive! A private visit with a family near Petra precedes dinner at Taybet Zaman, a 19th-century hilltop Bedouin village.

Biblical Sights of Jordan
Discover thousands of years of biblical history, from the banks of the River Jordan to the ancient city of Petra, including the 130-foot-high Khazneh, The Treasury.