Fit for couples and singles who love creature comforts, our Hotel trips offer private ensuite single, twin share/double rooms with all the amenities. Add unique stays (some multi share) ranging from a Berber desert camp in Morocco to a fivestar Nile cruise ship in Egypt, and you’ll see why we run trips, not tours.
CRUISE TRIPS (EGYPT
ONLY)
Kick your feet up in choice hotels and board a 5-star cruise ship to take on the Nile in style. Cue golden sunsets, comfy cabins and a swimming pool fit for a pharaoh.
PLEASE
BUDGET TRIPS (EGYPT ONLY)
COMFORT TRIPS (EGYPT ONLY)
10 DAY | JORDAN & ISRAEL
DAY 1 AMMAN, JORDAN. Touch down in one of the oldest cities in existence and drop off your gear before trading bios with your new travel buds tonight.
DAY 2 AMMAN TO PETRA. Madaba is home to a mosaic map of the Holy Land, so detailed it’s like an ancient Navman. From there, take in views of Moses proportions from Mt Nebo and explore Karak Castle where the Crusaders ruled over the valley below. (B)
4
2
DAY 3 PETRA. ‘Historic’ is a word that doesn’t even come close to describing a city that was founded around 312 BC. Petra stands as a testament to man’s ability to create beauty from nothing with 80-metre high red sandstone tunnels and a facade made famous by Indiana Jones. (B)
DAY 4 PETRA TO WADI RUM VIA LITTLE PETRA. Traversing the desert used to be done on camels –these days you get a 4x4 (though the camel ride is still an option). Spend a night with one of the world’s most ancient nomadic tribes in a Bedouin camp. (B,D)
DAY 5 WADI RUM TO AQABA. Aqaba was founded around 4000 BC and there’s little wonder why. It’s Jordan’s only coastal city and sits smack bang in the middle of everything that is the Red Sea. Take the option to (wet)suit up and see what all those ‘top dives in the world’ lists are on about. (B)
DAY 6 AQABA TO AMMAN. Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad empires have all had their two cents when it comes to Amman, creating a melting pot of ancient historical sites. You’ll see the Roman amphitheatre, Citadel and more on this afternoon’s city tour. (B)
DAY 7 AMMAN TO JERUSALEM, ISRAEL VIA JERASH AND AJLOUN. Roman ruins in Jerash and a pit stop to see the Ajloun fortress before we cross the border. Israel’s next. (B)
DAY 8 JERUSALEM. Christianity, Islam and Judaism all consider Jerusalem a holy place; it's kind of a big deal. You’ll go to: Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, King David’s Tomb, Wailing Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified), just to name a few. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Discover the 'Lost City of Petra'
+ Float in the Dead Sea
+ Guided tours of Amman & ancient Jerash
+ Wadi Rum 4x4 excursion & desert camp
+ Relax on the Red Sea in Aqaba
+ Wine tasting in Israel
+ Guided tours of Jerusalem, Bethlehem & Tel Aviv
+ Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)
+ 8 nights twin share in 3-star hotels, 1 night twin share in a Bedouin desert camp
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus or coach
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Petra by Night tour
+ Camel ride at Wadi Rum
+ Red Sea snorkelling boat trip
DAY 9 JERUSALEM TO TEL AVIV VIA BETHLEHEM. Step into the real-life nativity scene of Bethlehem before swapping the religious sites for a winery visit and taking your pick of 16 beaches in Tel Aviv. Wander the chilled-out seaport of Old Jaffa then see why Lonely Planet ranked this place amongst the top ten party cities in the world. (B)
DAY 10 TEL AVIV. The trip might be over after breakfast, but don’t leave until you track down Abu Hassan for hummus that will haunt your dreams (it’s that good). (B)
14 DAY | PYRAMIDS TO PETRA
DAY 1 CAIRO, EGYPT. Touch down and tap into the energy of Cairo, before whizzing past mosques and 19th century palaces en route to your hotel. Then get to know your crew at tonight’s welcome meeting.
DAY 2 CAIRO. There’s old, and then there’s the Giza Pyramids. Gawk and marvel, then snap a selfie with the Sphinx. Also: Egyptian Museum and loads more ancient history. (B)
DAY 3 CAIRO TO DAHAB. Peace out Cairo, we’re off to the Red Sea! Cue four days of coastal vibes and loads of water play. (B)
DAYS 4-7 DAHAB. Take the opportunity to snorkel, swim or burn through the desert on quad bikes. Early risers can get closer to heaven with a hike to the top of Mt Sinai for sunrise. Hungry? Forget farm to table. Here the fish almost leap out of the ocean onto your plate. (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAY 8 DAHAB TO JERUSALEM, ISRAEL. First stop in the holy land: Jerusalem. At just one square kilometre in size, the Old City jams in 4000 years of history and a trifecta of Jewish, Muslim and Christian sacred sites. Also: tick off a salty dip in the Dead Sea. (B)
DAY 9 JERUSALEM. Sacred for three religions, this place is kind of a big deal. See the Wailing Wall, walk the Via Dolorosa to the Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified) before heading to Mt Zion to see King David’s tomb. (B)
DAY 10 JERUSALEM TO AMMAN, JORDAN VIA BETHLEHEM. Pay your respects at the Mount of Olives, before a stop at Gethsemane garden. Cue epic views over Jerusalem and more holy vibes as we pit stop in Bethlehem en route to Amman. (B)
DAY 11 AMMAN TO PETRA. First up, mosaic maps and history lessons in Madaba before taking in views from Mt Nebo. Then storm a Crusader castle in Karak before arriving in the Lost City of Petra. (B)
DAY 12 PETRA. Dating back to 312 BC, this rose-red city of 80 metre-high twisting sandstone tunnels gives new meaning to the word ‘historic’. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Egyptian Museum
+ 4-star Red Sea resort in Dahab
+ Guided tours of Jerusalem & Bethlehem
+ Float in the Dead Sea
+ Discover the 'Lost City of Petra'
+ Wadi Rum 4x4 excursion & desert camp
+ Guided tours at major sites (entrance fees not included in Egypt)
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 13 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)
+ 7 nights twin share in 4-star hotels, 5 nights twin share in 3-star hotels, 1 night in a Bedouin desert camp
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel.
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus or coach
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leaders
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Petra by Night tour
+ Red Sea diving or snorkelling
+ Camel ride
DAY 13 PETRA TO WADI RUM. Start your day with windswept hair, driving across the desert in a 4x4. Tonight, we make like a local with an earth-oven feast before bedding down, Bedouin-style. (B,D)
DAY 14 WADI RUM TO AMMAN. Rise and shine, it’s back to Amman. Should you stay or should you go? Your call, but we’re outta here. (B)
This is a part of the 19 Day Egypt, Jordan & Israel trip. See p.20 or visit our website
AMMAN
PHOTO: PETRA, JORDAN
19 DAY | EGYPT, JORDAN & ISRAEL
DAY 1 CAIRO, EGYPT. Touch down, be whisked to your hotel then kick that body clock into overdrive with Cairo’s nocturnal lifestyle. Shopping at 2am? Why not. But first, get to know your crew at tonight’s welcome meeting.
DAY 2 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Khan el Khalili market not only drips with silver lanterns, scarab pendants and incense, it’s cloaked in ancient history. The site was originally a mausoleum dating back to 970AD known as the Saffron Tomb. Some of the people playing backgammon at Fishawi's could
very well have been in the same spot since then. Then tick off Coptic Cairo and the famous step pyramid in Saqqara.(B)
DAY 3 ASWAN. Today: sailing on the world’s longest river. It’s just you and your deck mates, a gorgeous old felucca, the breeze in its cotton sails, and the chance to get up close and personal with the Nubians who have called this place home for thousands of years. (B)
DAY 4 ASWAN. With four hulking statues (each one standing at 20 metres tall, flanking the entrance of
the Abu Simbel temple complex) you can expect a sightseeing excursion of epic proportions from the get go. Also on offer: the option to check out Philae Temple & Nile High Dam. (B)
DAY 5 ASWAN TO LUXOR. Start the day on a Luxor note with a visit to Karnak and Luxor temples, with plenty of time to soak up the world’s largest open-air museum of temples and tombs. (B)
DAY 6 LUXOR TO CAIRO VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Get down and deity on a guided tour through the Valley of the Kings where anyone who was anyone was wrapped and packed for all eternity, including King Tut. Then tick off the Temple of Hatshepsut and the two imposing statues comprising Colossi of Memnon. All in a day’s work. (B)
DAY 7 CAIRO. Check out King Tutankhamen's treasures (amongst 160,000 relics and mummified remains) at the Egyptian Museum then snap your Sphinx and pyramid selfie in Giza. (B)
DAY 8 CAIRO TO DAHAB. Start slapping on the sunscreen – we’re off to the Red Sea! (B)
DAYS 9-12 DAHAB. Four days, coastal vibes, perfect kite-surfing conditions and camels – welcome to Dahab. Snorkel, swim or just soak up the beauty of the Blue Hole. Balance bubble-blowing with a burn through the desert on quad bikes (optional) or get closer to heaven with an optional hike to the top of Mt Sinai for sunrise. (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAY 13 DAHAB TO JERUSALEM, ISRAEL. Cross the Israeli border into the holy land for a salty dip. Sitting at 427 metres below sea level, 306 metres deep with 9.6 times the salinity of the ocean, the Dead Sea will definitely float your boat (or body). (B)
DAY 14 JERUSALEM. At just one square kilometre in size, the Old City jams in 4,000 years of history and a trifecta of Jewish, Muslim and Christian sacred sites.
See the Wailing Wall, walk the Via Dolorosa to the Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified) and then head to Mt Zion to see King David’s tomb. (B)
DAY 15 JERUSALEM TO AMMAN, JORDAN VIA BETHLEHEM. You don’t need flowers to pay your respects at the Mount of Olives – a stone placed on top of a tomb will let them know you stopped by. You’ll also get awesome views over Jerusalem and holy vibes in the Gethsemane garden. Then, travel into the real-world nativity scene in Bethlehem and onto Amman. (B)
DAY 16 AMMAN TO PETRA. Bible studies 101 today as you listen to history’s whispers in Madaba amongst intricate Byzantine mosaics. Check out the view from Mt Nebo and storm a Crusader castle in Karak before arriving in the Lost City. (B)
DAY 17 PETRA. This rose-red city of 80 metre-high twisting sandstone tunnels, palaces, temples, tombs and Indiana Jones flashbacks is a real-life movie set and today you’re the star. Life = made. (B)
DAY 18 PETRA TO WADI RUM. Kick off with a 4x4 desert safari and dig into local flavours at tonight’s earth-oven dinner. Then bed down for the night like a Bedouin amongst the glowing desert landscape of Wadi Rum. (B,D)
DAY 19 WADI RUM TO AMMAN. Say bye, bye Bedouins and return to Amman. Then we’re outta here. Why not extend your stay? (B)
This includes part of the 14 Day Egypt Explored trip. See p.29 or visit our website.
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Egyptian Museum
+ Saqqara Step Pyramid, Coptic Cairo & Khan el Khalili
+ Temples of Abu Simbel, Luxor & Karnak
+ Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut
+ Nubian village visit
+ 4-star Red Sea resort in Dahab
+ Guided tours of Jerusalem & Bethlehem
+ Float in the Dead Sea
+ Discover the 'Lost City of Petra'
+ Wadi Rum 4x4 excursion & desert camp
+ Guided tours at major sites (entrance fees not included in Egypt)
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 18 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)
+ 9 nights twin share in 4-star hotels, 6 nights twin share in 3-star hotels, 1 night in a Bedouin desert camp, 2 nights aboard overnight coach
+ Airport transfer on arrival
+ Transport in air-conditioned coaches or minibus
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leaders
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Petra by Night tour
+ Philae Temple & Nile High Dam
+ Red Sea diving & snorkelling
49 DAY | MEGA EUROPEAN (EGYPT)
COUNTRIES VISITED 20 MEALS 70 LONDON LONDON
STOP & STAY 1 DAY STOP TRIP CODE: EEEMLL
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Ease yourself in with a tour of the City of Love and a gourmet picnic by the Eiffel Tower. (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. Free time to explore Paris before finishing your day with an optional Seine River cruise or cabaret show. (B)
DAY 3 PARIS TO BORDEAUX. Soak up all the Frenchy feels with a glass of the region’s finest. (B,L)
DAY 4 BORDEAUX TO BARCELONA, SPAIN. Channel your inner Spaniard at tonight’s optional flamenco show. Olé! (B,D)
YOU’LL TRAVEL WITH THE MEGA EUROPEAN AS FAR AS ATHENS. THEN, YOU’LL HEAD TO EGYPT FOR DAYS 21 – 27 ON THE 8 DAY ESSENTIAL EGYPT TRIP (P. 26). YOU’LL BE TOGETHER AGAIN IN DUBROVNIK.
DAYS 5-6 BARCELONA TO FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE. Bye bye, Barca. Hello lush stylings of the French Riv. (B) (B)
DAY 7 FRENCH RIVIERA INCLUDING MONACO VISIT. Picture life in the fast lane as we cruise through dazzling Monaco (ticking off another country in the process). (B)
DAYS 8-9 FRENCH RIVIERA TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Roll into nature’s masterpiece, the Swiss Alps. (B,D) (B,L)
DAY 10 SWISS ALPS TO VENICE, ITALY. Seek out Juliet’s balcony in Verona en route to canal-lined Venice. (B,D)
DAY 11 VENICE. Keep dry with a walking tour of Venice’s greats, before taking to the water on an optional gondola ride. (B,D)
DAY 12 VENICE TO FLORENCE. Shimmy past the Leaning Tower of Pisa today. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 FLORENCE. Explore the streets of Florence with a local guide today. (B)
DAY 14 FLORENCE TO ROME. Rome = epic walking tour. (B)
DAY 15 ROME. The day is yours to check out the Vatican City. (B,D)
DAY 16 ROME TO GREECE VIA OVERNIGHT FERRY. An Italian road trip today to meet our overnight ferry to Greece. (B)
DAYS 17-19 SAILING IN GREECE. Bring on three great days of sailing. (B,L,D) (B,L) (B,L)
DAY 20 SAILING IN GREECE TO ATHENS. Off the boats and on to Athens. (B,D)
DAY 21 ATHENS TO CAIRO, EGYPT AND OVERNIGHT COACH TO ASWAN. Time to walk like an Egyptian into Cairo. (B)
DAYS 22-23 ASWAN. We’ve got four colossal statues at Abu Simbel. (B) (B)
DAY 24 ASWAN TO LUXOR. Once the capital of ancient Egypt, Luxor’s now a history-strewn landscape of souks and temples. Today we’ll visit two of the region’s major temples. (B)
DAY 25 LUXOR TO CAIRO VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Today we walk into the Valley of the Kings. Then: an overnighter to Cairo. (B)
DAY 26 CAIRO. It’s all about the Pyramids of Giza today (that and the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum). (B)
DAY 27 CAIRO TO DUBROVNIK, CROATIA. Venture across the Med to the jewel in Croatia’s crown. (B)
DAY 28 DUBROVNIK. Devour some classic Croatian fare. (B)
DAYS 29-30 DUBROVNIK TO PLITVICE LAKES. Pit stop in Zadar before moving forward to the UNESCO World
Heritage, Plitvice Lakes. Prepare for #epic amounts of natural beauty. (B,D) (B,L)
DAY 31 PLITVICE LAKES TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Loobee-yana is Slovenia’s capital and a thriving hotbed of cafes and laidback charm. (B)
DAY 32 LJUBLJANA TO SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA. To Sarajevo today—a remarkable city that is now rebuilding itself after war. (B,D)
DAY 33 SARAJEVO. Go underground with an optional tunnel tour. (B)
DAY 34 SARAJEVO TO BELGRADE, SERBIA. Belgrade = charisma and charm. Includes a visit to the Srebrenica Memorial. (B)
DAY 35 BELGRADE TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Hello, twin cities: Buda and Pest. Goulash = amazing. (B,D)
DAYS 36-37 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA VIA BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. Onto charming Vienna. (B) (B)
DAY 38 VIENNA TO KRAKOW, POLAND. Crack into Krakow. (B)
DAYS 39-40 KRAKOW TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Welcome to cheap beer and fairytale-like architecture. (B) (B,D)
DAY 41 PRAGUE. Prague = free day. (B)
DAY 42 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Stop by Dresden on our way to Berlin. (B,D)
DAY 43 BERLIN. Cruise Kreuzberg, meet your mates in Mitte and devour as much currywurst as humanly possible. (B)
DAY 44 BERLIN TO COPENHAGEN, DENMARK. Home of Nordic ‘cool’, Copenhagen will impress. (B)
DAYS 45-46 COPENHAGEN TO HAMBURG, GERMANY. On to Hamburg aka the “Gateway to the World”. (B) (B)
DAY 47 HAMBURG TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Welcome to the most liberal city in Europe.(B)
DAY 48 AMSTERDAM. Discover Amsterdam by bike before our farewell dinner canal cruise. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Paris city driving tour
+ Local guides in Florence & Dubrovnik
+ Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, Venice
+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
+ Stay at a resort in Tuscany
+ 3 nights sailing in Greece
+ Gourmet picnic beside the Eiffel Tower
+ French Riviera perfumery experience
+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau
+ Italian feast in the Tuscan Hills
+ Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau (entrance fees not included)
+ Visit historic Valley of the Kings (entrance fees not included)
+ 8 nights in hotels, 26 nights in hostels, 3 nights sailing in Greece, 8 nights in bungalows at European campsites, 2 nights aboard overnight coach & 1 night in a cabin on an overnight ferry
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi (transportation varies in Egypt)
+ All ferry crossings
+ Flights in and out of Cairo plus airport transfers
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver + On-Site Chefs
8 DAY | NILE DISCOVERY
DAY 1 CAIRO. Arrive in the city of a thousand minarets and watch the madness of Cairo’s traffic jams from a kahwas (coffee shop). But first, rock up to tonight’s welcome meeting and meet your new friends.
DAY 2 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. There’s old, and then there’s the necropolis of Saqqara. Soak up some ancient history, meander Coptic Cairo and get your haggle on in Khan el-Khalili market. (B)
DAY 3 ASWAN TO NILE CRUISE SHIP. Remember the time of ancient Nubia sailing along the Nile on a felucca sailboat and later, a culture lesson in a brightly coloured traditional village. Then, climb aboard your five-star chariot (replete with rooftop pool, sun lounges and belly dancing) for a taste of life finer than the pharoah’s could have ever imagined. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 NILE CRUISE SHIP. Come face to face with aweinspiring Abu Simbel, presided over by four gigantic statues of Ramesses II. And then: what’s cooler than Kom Ombo temple? The fact 300 mummified crocodiles were found nearby. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 NILE CRUISE SHIP. The eye of Ra is watching you today as we head to the Temple of Edfu. Get acquainted with the falcon-headed sky god Horus. After that, kick back on deck and drink in the beauty of the Nile. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 NILE CRUISE SHIP TO CAIRO VIA LUXOR AND OVERNIGHT COACH. Take a walk through the shadow of the Valley of Kings and go for a Temple trifecta ticking off Hatshepsut, Karnak and Luxor plus Colossi of Memnon before heading back to Cairo. (B)
DAY 7 CAIRO. Walk like an Egyptian into King Tutankhamun’s treasure chest at the Egyptian Museum – home to over 160,00 relics – then gain some perspective at the base of the 138-metre Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. (B)
DAY 8 CAIRO. Shisha! Is the trip over already? If your inner explorer has been stoked, stay on to uncover more of Cairo’s coolness. We’re outta here after breakfast. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ 5-star Cruise on the Nile
+ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included)
+ Saqqara Step Pyramid, Coptic Cairo & Khan el Khalili
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus & Nile cruise ship
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Philae Temple & Nile High Dam
+ Dinner in a Nubian home
+ Camel ride
START MEET AT 7PM IN
CAIRO CAIRO
14 DAY | CRUISE & SEA
COUNTRY 1 MEALS 19
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Dinner in a Nubian home
+ Desert quad biking
+ Red Sea diving or snorkelling
DAY 1 CAIRO. Touch down in the city of a thousand minarets and meet your new friends at tonight’s welcome meeting.
DAY 2 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Walk like an Egyptian into King Tutankhamun’s treasure chest at the Egyptian Museum, then gain some perspective at the base of the 138-metre Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. (B)
DAY 3 ASWAN TO NILE CRUISE SHIP. Sail along the Nile on a traditional felucca and later, a culture lesson in a brightly coloured traditional village. Then, climb aboard your five-star chariot for a taste of life finer than the pharoah’s could have ever imagined. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 NILE CRUISE SHIP. Come face to face with vanity at its best at Abu Simbel, presided over by four gigantic statues of Ramesses II himself. What’s cooler than Kom Ombo temple? The fact 300 mummified crocodiles were found nearby. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 NILE CRUISE SHIP. The eye of Ra is watching you today as we head to the Temple of Edfu. Get acquainted with the falcon-headed sky god Horus. After that, kick back on deck and drink in the beauty of the Nile. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 NILE CRUISE SHIP TO CAIRO VIA LUXOR AND OVERNIGHT COACH. Take a walk through the shadow of the Valley of Kings and go for a Temple trifecta ticking off Hatshepsut, Karnak and Luxor plus Colossi of Memnon before heading back to Cairo. (B)
DAY 7 CAIRO. There’s old, and then there’s the necropolis of Saqqara. Soak up some ancient history, meander Coptic Cairo and get your haggle on in Khan el-Khalili market. (B)
DAY 8 CAIRO TO DAHAB. The fishing village of Dahab was overtaken by amphibious travellers lured by the Red Sea’s treasure trove back in the late ‘80s. Turns out, they found more than they could have ever dreamed of. (B)
DAYS 9-12 DAHAB. Take prime windsurfing conditions, bedouin-style seafood restaurants and some of the world’s most epic dive and snorkelling sites, throw in
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ 5-star Cruise on the Nile
+ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included)
+ Saqqara Step Pyramid, Coptic Cairo & Khan el Khalili
+ Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Egyptian Museum
+ Temples of Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples
+ Temples of Luxor & Karnak
+ Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut
+ Nubian village visit
+ 4-star Red Sea resort in Dahab
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 13 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D)
+ 8 nights twin share in 4-star hotels, 3 nights on a 5-star cruise ship in cabin accommodation, 2 nights aboard overnight coach
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus & Nile cruise ship
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
a blissed-out hippie vibe and, well, we think you’ll be pretty happy here. (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAY 13 DAHAB TO CAIRO. After four days of solid gold beach action, nap off that sun exposure on the way back to Cairo. (B)
DAY 14 CAIRO. As a 3000-year old mummy would say, that’s a wrap (after breakfast)! Where to next? (B)
TRIP CODE:
CAIRO CAIRO
PHOTO: DAHAB, EGYPT
DAY 1 CAIRO. Go exploring and find out why the Egyptians call this place Umm al-Dunya or ‘the mother of the world’. Just make sure to rock up in time for tonight’s welcome meeting.
DAY 2 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. There’s old, and then there’s the necropolis of Saqqara. Soak up some ancient history, meander Coptic Cairo and get your haggle on in Khan el-Khalili market. (B)
DAY 3 ASWAN. Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Lord Byron... they’ve all done it. Go low tech with a ride on a felucca sailboat down the Nile. Switch to a motor boat to take in views before we jump ship at a Nubian village. (B)
DAY 4 ASWAN. Check out the four colossal statues at Abu Simbel and visit the Temple of Hathor – built in honour of his wife, Queen Nefertari – before drinking in the magic of the Nile at sunset. (B)
DAY 5 ASWAN TO LUXOR. Today we’re travelling first class (in an air-conditioned mini bus) to Karnak for a touch of Luxor. Once the capital of ancient Egypt, it’s now a history-strewn landscape of souks and temples. (B)
DAY 6 LUXOR TO CAIRO VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Walk into the Valley of the Kings – aka the place everyone in ancient Egypt was dying to get into, then fly the flag for girl power at the temple of Queen Hatshepsut before gawking at the Colossi of Memnon. (B)
DAY 7 CAIRO. Walk like an Egyptian into King Tutankhamun’s treasure chest at the Egyptian Museum – home to over 160,00 relics – then gain some perspective at the base of the 138-metre Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. (B)
DAY 8 CAIRO. The trip ends here (well, breakfast first), but pop on that fedora and keep on exploring, Indy. New York may tout itself as the city that never sleeps but it’s got nothin’ on the Big Mango. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included)
+ Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Saqqara Step Pyramid, Coptic Cairo & Khan el Khalili
+ Egyptian Museum
+ Temples of Abu Simbel, Luxor & Karnak
+ Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut
+ Nubian village visit
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 7 breakfasts (B)
+ 4 nights twin share in 4-star hotels, 1 night twin share in a 3-star hotel, 2 nights aboard overnight coach
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP
OPTIONALS
+ Nile dinner cruise
+ Philae Temple & Nile High Dam
+ Camel ride
COUNTRY 1 MEALS 7 CAIRO CAIRO
9 DAY | LEARN TO DIVE
DAY 1 CAIRO. Touch down and find your own rhythm in this city of 6.76 million where they’ve been writing on walls and worshipping cats for centuries (sorry Facebook). Just be sure to rock up for tonight’s welcome meeting for a proper lay of the land.
DAY 2 CAIRO. Day 2 = a whiz around the Egyptian Museum, housing a shrine of memorabilia from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Also: Mummies. Get the grand tour with an Egyptologist then stand at the foot at what was once a blinding beacon of light that could have been seen from space (the Great Pyramid was covered in polished limestone!) before snapping a selfie with the Sphinx. (B)
DAY 3 CAIRO TO DAHAB. Dahab, meaning gold in Arabic, is a blissful little slice of paradise bridging Africa and Asia. The bedouin fishing village turned dive mecca is your home for the next five nights. Let the Instagramming begin! (B)
DAYS 4-7 DAHAB. You’ll be equalising before we can finish this sentence...leap from the desert into the warm waters of the Red Sea and kick off your four-day dive course in one of the top three dive destinations in the world.
With five-star visibility, shipwrecks, the Blue Hole and 1,200 species of fish making you feel like you’re in the world’s greatest aquarium, the Red Sea’s inclusion in the Seven Wonders of the Underwater World is a no brainer.
When you’re not diving, chill out at one of the cushion-filled cafes that line the sand, order a cup of karkade (hibiscus tea) and play backgammon with the bedouins. (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAY 8 DAHAB TO CAIRO. Take one last dip before we make our pilgrimage back across the mountains to Cairo. Tonight, find out why the Big Mango rates as one of the world’s most 24-hour cities. (B)
DAY 9 CAIRO. The trip ends after breakfast, but down another tiny cup of Arabic coffee. There’s so much more to explore! (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included)
+ Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Egyptian Museum
+ 4-star Red Sea resort in Dahab
+ 4-day open water PADI Dive Course in Dahab (including all equipment but not dive book)
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 8 breakfasts (B)
+ 8 nights twin share in 4-star hotels
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
This trip will link up with the 14 Day Egypt Explored trip en route to Dahab.
9 DAY | SINAI HORIZONS
COUNTRY 1 MEALS 8
DAY 1 CAIRO. Step off the plane into the glorious chaos of one of the world’s most ancient civilisations and the largest city in North Africa. Hope you like the heat. Get acquainted at tonight’s welcome meeting.
DAY 2 CAIRO. Go large or go home with over 100,000 relics to uncover in the Egyptian Museum, including King Tut’s burial mask. Then, see why the Great Pyramid of Giza took 20 years to build. That’s a huge pile ‘o’ bricks! And tick off the Sphinx. (B)
DAY 3 CAIRO TO DAHAB. The Sinai Peninsula is like the Koh Samui of the Middle East. Pyramids and desert make way for coral reefs and insanely turquoise water. Set your hippie heart alight with trekking, diving, camel riding, cheap eats and a mellowness that will set the pace to [SLOW]. (B)
DAYS 4-7 DAHAB. The Red Sea is not just bucket list material – it’s more lusted after than a new iPhone release. You’ve got four days to tick off heaps of activities.
Plunge yourself into the underwater wonderland of Ras Mohammed National Park, snorkel with 1,200 species of fish at the seemingly bottomless Blue Hole, climb Mt Sinai for a sunrise of biblical proportions and visit the Monastery of St Catherine.
When you’ve had your fill of swimming, snorkelling, kitesurfing and quad biking, throw in some seafood barbecues and plenty of mint tea at the bedouin cafes lining the sand and you’ll soon see why leaving here hurts more than a bareback camel ride. (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAY 8 DAHAB TO CAIRO. Take one last salty plunge in the ocean before you’re back on the bus and back into the madness of Cairo. Hungry? Try the stuffed pigeon. It’s allegedly an aphrodisiac. (B)
DAY 9 CAIRO. Like sand through the hourglass, our time together comes to an end after breakfast. Why not make like a camel and keep on roamin’? (B) This is a part of the 14 Day Egypt Explored trip. See p.29 or
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included)
+ Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Egyptian Museum
+ 4-star Red Sea resort in Dahab
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 8 breakfasts (B)
+ 8 nights twin share in 4-star hotels
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Desert quad biking
+ Mt Sinai day trip
+ Red Sea diving or snorkelling
14 DAY | EGYPT EXPLORED
COUNTRY 1 MEALS 13
UPGRADE OPTION
5-STAR NILE RIVER CRUISE
To experience this trip with an upgrade to 3 nights on a 5-star Nile River cruise, check out our brand new 14 Day Cruise & Sea trip on p.26! Must be booked in advance.
DAY 1 CAIRO. Touch down in Cairo and let the adventure kick off at tonight’s welcome meeting.
DAY 2 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Soak up the sights in Coptic Cairo, plus a visit to King Djoser's Step Pyramid at Saqqara, before spending the afternoon in a haze of spices, rose petals and wooden cats in the Khan el Khalili souk. Tonight, it’s off to Aswan. (B)
DAY 3 ASWAN. Sail away on a traditional felucca then jump ship for a motor boat and a cruise past Elephantine and Kitchener Islands before a chance to nosh with the Nubians. Did we mention the optional camel ride? (B)
DAY 4 ASWAN. Abu Simbel is a rock of (a thousand) ages, presided over by four statues of Ramesses II. This afternoon, seize the opportunity to tour Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple on the banks of the Nile. (B)
DAY 5 ASWAN TO LUXOR. Egypt’s former capital is Luxor by name, luxurious by nature. The 200-acre sprawl of ruins, sacred lakes and chapels of Karnak and Luxor Temples collectively makes up the largest religious site in the world. (B)
DAY 6 LUXOR TO CAIRO VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Take in a few of the 63 tombs at the Valley of the Kings on a guided tour (keep an eye out for ancient graffiti) along with the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon before heading back to Cairo overnight. (B)
DAY 7 CAIRO. Get that photo at the Giza pyramids and the Sphinx before exploring the Egyptian Museum with an Egyptologist who knows more historic facts than you can poke a pyramid at. (B)
DAY 8 CAIRO TO DAHAB. The fishing village of Dahab was overtaken by amphibious travellers lured by the Red Sea’s treasure trove back in the late ‘80s. Turns out, they found more than they could have ever dreamed of. (B)
DAYS 9-12 DAHAB. Take prime windsurfing conditions, bedouin-style seafood restaurants and some of the world’s most epic dive and snorkelling sites, throw in
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included)
+ Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Saqqara Step Pyramid, Coptic Cairo & Khan el Khalili
+ Egyptian Museum
+ Temples of Abu Simbel, Luxor & Karnak
+ Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut
+ Nubian village visit
+ 4-star Red Sea resort in Dahab
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 13 breakfasts (B)
+ 10 nights twin share in 4-star hotels, 1 night twin share in a 3-star hotel, 2 nights aboard overnight coach
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Red Sea diving or snorkelling
+ Camel ride
+ Philae Temple & Nile High Dam
a blissed-out hippie vibe and, well, we think you’ll be pretty happy here. (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAY 13 DAHAB TO CAIRO. After four days of solid gold beach action, nap off that sun exposure on the way back to the city of a thousand minarets. (B)
DAY 14 CAIRO. As a 3000-year old mummy would say, that’s a wrap (after breakfast)! Where to next? (B)
TRIP CODE: MXEXCC
TRIP PRICE OF $1425
TRIP PRICE OF $1575
= Guaranteed departure
CAIRO CAIRO
9 DAY | EGYPT EXPRESS
DAY 1 CAIRO. Take 17,190 people per squarekilometre, traffic jams and of course, pyramids, and you’ve officially arrived in Umm al-Dunya. Transfer to the hotel and convene with the gang for an Egyptian induction.
DAY 2 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. See King Tutankhamun's treasures at the Egyptian Museum, have a Giza at the ancient pyramids and play ‘got your nose’ with the Sphinx. Never gets old. (B)
DAY 3 ASWAN. Wake up in Aswan with a free day ahead, or opt to visit the Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple. The shrine to the goddess Isis had to be moved and reassembled like a jigsaw puzzle in the ‘70s due to the rising Nile. Also: a chance to explore a Nubian village. (B)
DAY 4 ASWAN TO FELUCCA SAILING. After a templefilled day at Abu Simbel, climb aboard a traditional felucca sailboat. The adventure’s just beginning! (B,L,D)
DAY 5 FELUCCA SAILING. Imagine: The sun on your back, the wind in your cotton sails and the best people you could ever hope to meet sharing stories, food and music in one cushion-strewn love-in. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 FELUCCA SAILING TO LUXOR. Today we’re stepping off in Luxor, aka the world’s largest open-air museum, but not before pit stopping at Kom Ombo before an optional look at the Karnak and Luxor temples. (B)
DAY 7 LUXOR TO CAIRO VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Get inside the Valley of the Kings then give a silent high five to Queen Hatshepsut (who ruled ancient Egypt for 20 years) before snapping a selfie at the Colossi of Memnon. (B)
DAY 8 CAIRO. Spend your free day chilling out or take the opportunity to tour the Saqqara Pyramid, Coptic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili market. Famished? Hit up a kushari vendor for Egypt’s version of fast food. (B)
DAY 9 CAIRO. Just getting into the groove of this 24hour city? This adventure may be over after breakfast,
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included) Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Egyptian Museum
+ Temples of Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo
+ Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut
+ Felucca sailing on the Nile
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 8 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
+ 3 nights twin/triple share in 3-star hotels, 1 night twin/triple share in a tourist class hotel, 2 nights aboard a felucca sailboat, 2 nights aboard overnight coach
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus & felucca sailboat
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Saqqara Pyramid, Coptic Cairo & Khan el Khalili
+ Karnak & Luxor Temples
+ Camel ride
but you can make like Indiana Jones and keep on seeking.
(B)
This is a part of our 15 Day Pyramids & Beaches trip. See p.31 or visit our website.
CAIRO CAIRO
15 DAY | PYRAMIDS & BEACHES
DAY 1 CAIRO. Get smacked with a high-voltage dose of mosques, churches, palaces and papyrus sellers as you make your way through Cairo, the City of a Thousand Minarets. Get briefed with the gang tonight.
DAY 2 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Remember the time of jewels, King Tutankhamun’s tomb and of course, mummies, at the Egyptian Museum. Then, witness the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Great Pyramid of Giza – and snap a Sphinx selfie. (B)
DAY 3 ASWAN. Recover your strength in laid-back Aswan. Opt to visit the Philae High Temple, Aswan High Dam and check out the Nubian’s roofless houses in one of the driest inhabited places in the world. (B)
DAY 4 ASWAN TO FELUCCA SAILING. Pharaoh Ramesses II four statues, standing at 20-metres tall, flank the entrance to Abu Simbel. Hint: get your camera ready. After doing the rounds, fling your gear onto a felucca for the next life-changing chapter. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 FELUCCA SAILING. Sail down Egypt’s ancient trading highway, where chilling out and eating traditional Nubian dishes is the order of the day. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 FELUCCA SAILING TO LUXOR. A chance to lose yourself in Luxor’s 200-acre sprawl of ridiculously opulent temples, tombs and...mummified crocodiles? Yep, for real. (B)
DAY 7 LUXOR TO CAIRO VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Watch your step on a guided tour of the Valley of the Kings. With 50 new mummies discovered in 2014, who knows what else lies beneath. Tick ‘em off: Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon. (B)
DAY 8 CAIRO. Back in the Big Mango, opt to see Coptic Cairo, haggle your way through Khan el Khalili market, tour Saqqara Pyramid (and keep the mint tea flowing). (B)
DAY 9 CAIRO TO DAHAB. Dahab (meaning gold) has the midas touch for divers, windsurfers and real-world defectors. Y’all ready for this? (B)
DAYS 10-13 DAHAB. Four days in paradise = coral reefs, turquoise water and Bedouin-style cafes lining the sand.
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included) Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau
+ Egyptian Museum
+ Temples of Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo
+ Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut
+ Felucca sailing on the Nile
+ Relax on the Red Sea in Dahab
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 14 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
+ 5 nights twin/triple share in 3-star hotels, 4 nights twin/triple share in a 4-star hotel, 1 night twin/triple share in a tourist class hotel, 2 nights aboard a felucca sailboat, 2 nights aboard overnight coach
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus & felucca sailboat
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Karnak & Luxor Temples
+ Nile dinner cruise
+ Red Sea diving or snorkelling
Add to that, an optional excursion to Mt Sinai, camel riding, quad biking, diving and snorkelling and the only thing you’ll wish for is at least four more days. (B) (B) (B) (B)
DAY 14 DAHAB TO CAIRO. Commit the scene of Dahab to your memory bank as we carry your salt-soaked bones back to Cairo. (B)
DAY 15 CAIRO. All good things must come to an end. But don’t cry, you’re in the best position to keep on exploring. Peace out after breakfast. (B)
TRIP PRICE OF $1180
TRIP PRICE OF $1295
15 DAYS FROM $1180 USD PER PERSON
COUNTRY 1 MEALS 13
CAIRO CAIRO
10 DAY | MOROCCAN EXPLORER
DAY 1 MARRAKECH. Transfer to your hotel, ditch the map, turn off your phone and get hopelessly lost in a maze of mosaics and souks in the Red City. Then, get acquainted with the gang at tonight’s welcome meeting.
DAY 2 MARRAKECH. Today is all about the city tour. See the Bahia Palace, visit the Saadian Tombs and then work your way past the snake charmers in Djemma el-fna square. (B)
DAY 3 MARRAKECH TO RABAT VIA CASABLANCA. Visit the Hassan II Mosque – bearer of the world’s largest minaret (210 metres), with a frickin’ laser beam on top. After lunch, head to the UNESCO World Heritage capital of Rabat and paint the town blue in Kasbah des Oudaias. (B)
DAY 4 RABAT TO FES VIA VOLUBILIS AND MEKNES. Live la dolce vita in Volubilis, or at least get a good idea of what it was like during Roman times, at these wellpreserved ruins. Think: historic public buildings dating back a whopping 2,000 years ago. Then, walk through Meknes and go into pattern overdrive in Fes. (B)
DAY 5 FES. Mausoleums, mosques and medinas are in order today on a full-day whip around the city with a local guide. Lose yourself in the 9,000 narrow cobbled streets in Fes el-Bali, lined with spices, food stalls and tanneries. Or hunt down a hammam for a (body) shine and polish. (B,L)
DAY 6 FES TO ERRACHIDIA VIA IFRANE AND MIDELT. Adjust to the altitude in Alpine-fresh Ifrane, then carve back through cedar forests to Midelt for lunch and head south to Errachidia. (B)
DAY 7 ERRACHIDIA TO MERZOUGA DESERT CAMP. Merzouga looks as if it might be engulfed by the red dunes of the Sahara Desert at any moment. Pull up a pool lounge and savour the view before setting off on camel (optional) to get Berber fever in a desert camp. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 MERZOUGA TO DADES GORGE VIA TODRA GORGE. Step into your own Roadrunner cartoon today in the rock climber's nirvana of Todra Gorge. With a 3D landscape of imposing orange sandstone
+ Guided tours of Marrakech, Rabat & Fes
+ Rock the kasbah in Rabat
+ Get lost in the Medina of Fes
+ Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis
+ Visit Hassan II mosque in Casablanca
+ Overnight stay in the Sahara Desert in Berber tents
+ Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
+ 8 nights twin share in 3-star hotels, 1 night in a desert camp
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Quad biking in the desert
+ Hammam experience
START MEET AT 8PM IN
peaks, streams and the odd camel playing outside your window today, the trip to Dades Gorge will seem quicker than a coyote. (B,D)
DAY 9 DADES GORGE TO MARRAKECH VIA AÏT BEN HADDOU. Aït Ben Haddou is UNESCO World Heritage and ‘Desert Hollywood’ beauty combined on an old caravan route between Sudan and Marrakech. (B)
DAY 10 MARRAKECH. The trip might be over after breakfast but your adventure doesn’t have to be. (B)
10 DAY | SAHARA ADVENTURE
DAY 1 MARRAKECH. Get your first taste of Morocco’s delicate dance of old and new world in the 18-plus souks that fill the city streets. Just make sure you arrive in time for tonight’s welcome meeting.
DAY 2 MARRAKECH. Kick start your day with a guided city tour and see the Saadian tombs and Bahia Palace before ending in Djemaa El-fna – a town square that houses snake charmers, Barbary apes, singers, dancers, drummers and more. (B)
DAY 3 MARRAKECH TO TAMNOUGALT VIA AÏT BEN HADDOU. Prepare for some of the most epic scenery as we cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Alpine-esque fields of grazing sheep clash with unforgiving rocky terrain, mud-brick houses and some of the most nerve-shredding hairpin bends – plus a visit to World Heritage listed Ksar in Aït Ben Haddou. Tonight, sleep it off in a kasbah. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 TAMNOUGALT TO SAHARA DESERT. Leaving snowcapped mountains to go boarding on a sand dune sounds impossible, but it’s happening. Blast across sand flats, wind between desert dunes and rattle your bones over the dry Draa River to reach our camp on the edge of the Erg Chigaga dunes. This is glamping, desert style. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 SAHARA TO TAMALAKOUTE. Shack up for the night in a small village as a local Berber family welcome you into their home. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 TAMALAKOUTE TO TAROUDANT. As far as road trips go, crossing the otherworldly volcanic landscape of the Jebel Siroua Mountains by 4x4 bats well above average. Expect endless twists through rock-strewn desert vistas, climbing to an elevation of 2500m with a window-slideshow of deep valleys, barley and saffron fields. Keep watch for blink-and-you’ll-miss-it villages where the Ait Ouaouzguit Berbers herd donkeys and weave a rug like no other. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 TAROUDANT TO ESSAOUIRA VIA AGADIR. In the Argan Forest there are goats that live in trees. How awesome is that?! Spend some time staring at them, then we’re off to the beach! (B,L)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Stay with local Berber family in Tamalakoute
+ Guided tour of Marrakech
+ Rock the kasbah in Tamnougalt
+ Off-road & overnight in the Sahara Desert
+ Hit the beach at Essaouira
+ Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights twin share in 3-star hotels, 1 night in a kasbah, 1 night in a desert camp, 1 night in a Berber house
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
+ Transport in 4WD vehicle
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Windsurfing in Essaouira
START MEET AT 8PM IN MARRAKECH FINISH DEPART MARRAKECH AT ANY
DAY 8 ESSAOUIRA. Hold onto your hat! This charming fishing town is a mecca for windsurfers thanks to its howling coastal wind. Wander the medina or hit the beach between market shopping. Pro tip: dine at the open-air fish stands for some essence of Essaouira tonight. (B)
DAY 9 ESSAOUIRA TO MARRAKECH. Wash the last of that desert sand off before we head back to the Red City and a chance to meander the medina in Marrakech. ‘Our last night in Morocco’ sounds like a cheesy romance novel, but it’s true. (B)
DAY 10 MARRAKECH. Write your own ending by spending a few more days (or weeks) in this sensory overload of a land. We’re outta here after breakfast. (B)
TRIP PRICE OF $1190 TRIP PRICE OF $1220
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Half day mountain bike ride + Hammam experience
DAY 1 MARRAKECH. Find your groove in Marrakech before meeting your group.
DAY 2 MARRAKECH. Experience mosaic madness at the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace. (B)
DAY 3 MARRAKECH TO RABAT VIA CASABLANCA. Welcome to Casablanca, where six thousand artisans worked to create the intricate mosaics of Hassan II Mosque. Later, we head to Rabat. (B)
DAY 4 RABAT TO FES VIA VOLUBILIS AND MEKNES. Today, visit Volubilis en route to our final destination: Fes, aka Morocco’s cultural capital. (B)
DAY 5 FES. Boasting a labyrinth of souks, Fes is a must see city. Soak up the vibes with a full-day guided tour. (B,L)
DAY 6 FES TO ERRACHIDIA VIA IFRANE AND MIDELT. Welcome to Ifrane, aka the Switzerland of Morocco. Then, roll past the Middle Atlas mountains on our way to Errachidia. (B)
DAY 7 ERRACHIDIA TO MERZOUGA DESERT CAMP. There’s camping, and then there’s camping in the Sahara. Expect camel rides (optional) and ample stars. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 MERZOUGA TO DADES GORGE VIA TODRA GORGE. Travel the road towards Dades Gorge, and witness the hypercolour sandstone canyon walls of Todra Gorge. (B,D)
DAY 9 DADES GORGE TO AÏT BEN HADDOU. Today you’ll head to the UNESCO site of Aït Ben Haddou where scenes from Hollywood blockbusters The Mummy and Gladiator were filmed. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 AÏT BEN HADDOU TO TAMNOUGALT. Use this morning to climb to the high point of the ksar to see the sunrise. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 TAMNOUGALT TO SAHARA DESERT CAMP. Today, we’re going deep into the desert to sandboard the Chigaga Dune then glamp like the Berbers. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 SAHARA DESERT TO TAMALAKOUTE. Today we burn across Lake Iriki. Tonight, emulate the attitude of traditional Berber life with an overnight stay in a family home. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 TAMALAKOUTE TO TAROUDANT. Tackle Jebel Siroua Mountains by 4x4 and gain a new appreciation
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Guided tours of Marrakech, Rabat & Fes
+ Rock the kasbahs in Rabat & Tamnougalt
+ Stay with local Berber family in Tamalakoute
+ Get lost in the Medina of Fes
+ Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis
+ Visit Hassan II mosque in Casablanca
+ Off-road & overnight in the Sahara Desert in a Berber camp
+ Hit the beach at Essaouira
+ Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 16 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
+ 11 nights twin share in 3-star hotels, 1 night in a riad, 1 night in a kasbah, 2 nights in a desert camp, 1 night in a Berber house
+ Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus & 4WD vehicle
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leaders
for the Berbers who have been travelling these roads for years. (B,L,D)
DAY 14 TAROUDANT TO ESSAOUIRA VIA AGADIR. Feast your eyes on Agadir then blow into the Windy City of Africa. (B,L)
DAY 15 ESSAOUIRA. This fishing village retains its traditional charm while still satisfying adrenaline junkies with windsurfing and kitesurfing. (B)
DAY 16 ESSAOUIRA TO MARRAKECH. Arriving back in Marrakech, the afternoon is yours. (B)
DAY 17 MARRAKECH. Today, we say farewell. (B)
This trip is a combination of the 10 Day Moroccan Explorer on p.32 and the 10 Day Sahara Adventure on p.33. Please note that you will be unaccompanied by a Trip Leader for approx. 24 hours between Days 9 & 10.
8 DAY | JORDAN ADVENTURE
DAY 1 AMMAN. Head to a shawarma stand or grab a plate of mansaf because the food here is off the hookah. Just be back in time for tonight’s welcome meeting.
DAY 2 AMMAN TO PETRA. Go old school in Madaba, the site of an ancient Holy map that’s so detailed it’s like Google Maps for theologists. Then, soak up views of the Promised Land from the top of Mt Nebo, storm a giant Crusader castle in Karak... and we haven’t even gotten to the Lost City yet. (B)
DAY 3 PETRA. Chiseled from sheer cliffs of rose-red stone and named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Petra’s existence seems impossible. Grab your satchel and don’t forget your hat – Indiana Jones has nothing on you today as you wander through the Siq and catch your first glimpse of the Treasury. (B)
DAY 4 PETRA TO WADI RUM VIA LITTLE PETRA. After an off-road desert drive through Wadi Rum, spend the night in a Bedouin camp and feast on a traditional earth-oven dinner with one of the world’s most ancient nomadic tribes. Also realise you’ve never really seen stars before. (B,D)
DAY 5 WADI RUM TO AQABA. Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city so take the option to dive, windsurf and snorkel the Red Sea. Or just hit the hammam and gorge yourself on knafeh in a coffee shop – we won’t judge. (B)
DAY 6 AQABA TO AMMAN. At 427 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is so salty you can float like a cork in a badly opened bottle of wine. Time to enjoy one of the world’s oldest health resorts. Then it’s back to Amman to see the likes of the Citadel and Roman ampitheatre on a city tour. (B)
DAY 7 AMMAN VIA DAY TRIP TO JERASH AND AJLOUN. Today we crank the history knob up to 11 and take you through Jerash – home to Greco-Roman highlights, including a hippodrome which was used for chariot racing, not hippos. Then visit Ajloun Castle – once an important pigeon post to help get messages from Damascus to Cairo in a single day. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Discover the 'Lost City of Petra'
+ Float in the Dead Sea
+ Guided tours of Amman & ancient Jerash
+ Wadi Rum 4x4 excursion & desert camp
+ Relax on the Red Sea in Aqaba
+ Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 7 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)
+ 6 nights twin share in 3-star hotels, 1 night twin share in a Bedouin desert camp
+ Arrival & departure airport transfers
+ Transport in an air-conditioned minibus or coach
+ Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Petra by Night tour
+ Camel ride
+ Red Sea snorkelling boat trip
DAY 8 AMMAN. Fill up on fuul; the trip’s over after breakfast. Where to next? (B)
This is a part of the 10 Day Jordan & Israel trip. See p.18 or visit our website.
TRIP PRICE OF $1350 TRIP PRICE OF $1435
PHOTO:
Africa
Hear the call of the wild? A Topdeck safari adventure is beckoning. Traverse mountains, rivers and lakes, laze about on idyllic palm-fringed beaches and roam some of the world’s best national parks in search of wild animals. Sound tempting? We thought so. This place is simply unreal. It’s just you, your camera and nature at its best. Pith hat, optional.
KRUGER NP, SOUTH AFRICA
Acacia Africa
In Africa, we work with leading safari operator Acacia Africa to deliver epic adventures across the continent. With more than 20 years experience running trips and a team made up of
or with significant time spent living
BECAUSE ALL TRAVELLERS ARE DIFFERENT
All travellers are different. Some like creature comforts, others like discovering up-and-coming destinations – some even like the rugged adventure of camping. As long as you have the urge to explore, experience new things and meet awesome people, you’ll find that our trip styles cater to (almost) everyone. BYO fondness for a really good time.
CAMPING TRIPS
There’s nothing like the distant sounds of the Big Five to help you drift off to the Land of Nod. On our unique camping trips, you’ll stay in two-person dome tents with comfy sleeping mattresses at quality campgrounds. A true safari experience? Sign us up!
ACCOMMODATED TRIPS
Sometimes you just need your creature comforts. We totally get it. That’s why our accommodated trips offer the same level of excitement and adventure as our camping trips–except every day ends with a night in a comfortable bed in a range of safari cabins, tented camps and hostels. #Bliss
* Trips staying in Spitzkoppe and Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater will not be accommodated and two-person dome tents with a mattress and sleeping bag will be provided for these locations.
COUNTRY VISITED 1 MEALS 8 JOHANNESBURG JOHANNESBURG
4
1
ON THE BUCKET LIST
(INCLUDED)
+ God's Window
+ Bourke’s Luck Potholes
+ 2 days Kruger National Park
START MEET AT 8AM IN JOHANNESBURG
FINISH APPROXIMATELY 6PM IN JOHANNESBURG
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 3 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D)
+ 3 nights in campsites
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG TO GREATER KRUGER, SOUTH AFRICA. (D)
DAY 2 GREATER KRUGER TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK TO JOHANNESBURG. (B)
TRIP
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Queen Elizabeth National Park
+ Chimpanzee trekking
+ Mountain gorilla trekking
COUNTRY VISITED 1 MEALS 16
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 5 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
+ 5 nights in campsites
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 1 KAMPALA, UGANDA TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. (L,D)
DAY 2 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. (B,L,D)
DAYS 3-5 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE BUNYONYI (GORILLA TREK AND FREE TIME). (B,L,Dx3)
DAY 6 LAKE BUNYONYI TO KAMPALA. (B,L)
KAMPALA KAMPALA
CODE: ZOKCGK
TRIP CODE: ZOSAKJ
7 DAY | KRUGER, SWAZI & BEACH
JOHANNESBURG DURBAN
DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG TO GREATER KRUGER, SOUTH AFRICA. Oh Africa, you amazing thing! Step into the city of gold (Johannesburg) where your epic journey starts. We make our way to Hazyview bordering Kruger, and enjoy our first night under the African stars. Campfire stories, optional. (D)
DAY 2 GREATER KRUGER TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. It might be an early start, but guaranteed photo ops will make your jaw drop. Today, we’re all about wild Kruger. Expect an intense yet rewarding day of game tracking in 4x4 vehicles with our eagle eyed guide at the wheel - this is the most esteemed park in the world, after all. Tonight, we'll enjoy a delicious feast gathered around the crackling fire. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Dig into breakfast, then re-enter the park in an open 4x4 safari vehicle for our second day's game driving. You’re in the midst of amazing, so get excited. With cameras and binoculars at the ready, make the most of your long distance eyesight and spot the Big Five (elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo!). This afternoon, it's back to the camp for story-swapping and chill time with your safari buddies. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK TO MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, SWAZILAND. Today, we head to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Passing markets galore, we make a visit to the famous Ngwenya glass factory and skirt the capital Mbabane, before arriving at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY. Rub those eyes and wake to the sounds of exotic animals nearby. Pack yo’ bags, then it’s a short drive to the Royal Enclosure. After browsing streetside markets and trying our hand bartering with crafters, we'll find our way back to the sanctuary for lunch. Feeling active? Try your hand at the many optional activities offered in the sanctuary including horse riding, game drives, mountain bike riding and guided walks - or simply take time out to catch some rays by the pool. How luxe! (B,L,D)
COUNTRIES VISITED 2 MEALS 18
DAY STOP STOP & STAY
TRIP CODE: ZOSSJR
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ God’s Window
+ Bourke’s Luck Potholes
+ Kruger National Park
+ Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
+ Ngwenya glass factory
+ Royal Enclosure/Swaziland Village
+ St Lucia boat cruise
+ Hluhluwe Game Reserve
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights in campsites
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Horse riding
+ Mountain biking
START MEET AT 7AM IN JOHANNESBURG FINISH APPROXIMATELY 6PM IN DURBAN
DAY 6 MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY TO ST LUCIA, SOUTH AFRICA. Roll into the small coastal town of St Lucia where the mountains meet the sea. This afternoon, get cruise-y on the river and spot the pods of hippos, lazy crocodiles and numerous bird species on the sandy banks. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 ST LUCIA TO DURBAN. Rising early, we'll cruise to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal's premier park hosting the famous Big Five and loads of other wildlife species. Spend the morning on a game drive, then make tracks to Durban, where our trip ends. See you on the next adventure! (B,L)
DAYS 1-2 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA VIA GREATER KRUGER. Our adventure begins in Johannesburg, the City of Gold and one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the African continent. Starting early, we roll in style (and by style, we mean fully equipped safari truck style) to the Greater Kruger area. Kruger is South Africa’s premier national park and in connection with parks in adjoining Mozambique and Botswana, covers 24,000 square kilometres of land used in the protection of African wildlife.
Give your camera a work out as we enjoy a full day’s game viewing in the national park, seeking wildlife encounters with Africa’s Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard – as well as giraffe, hippo, zebra and more! Nothing will prepare you for the first time you spot these incredible creatures in the wild – guaranteed memories sure to last a lifetime! (D) (B,L,D)
DAY 3-4 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK TO MATOBO NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWAE VIA TSHIPISE. Leaving Kruger we shimmy north, spending the night near the Limpopo River close to the Beitbridge border. Completing formalities at the border post we enter Zimbabwe and drive through stunning landscapes and the town of Gweru to Matobo National Park, home to a wide variety of animal species including black and white rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe. Flex your freedom and take your pick of optionals including game drives and more! (B,L,D) (B,L,D)
DAY 5-7 MATOBO NATIONAL PARK TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA. Prepare for more amazing views and another day in this nature lover’s heaven. While away the hours with a spot of bird watching, or test your fitness levels with a good old fashioned hike. From Matobo National Park we cross into Zambia and drive to Livingstone, where our camp is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River. We have our last night at camp just downstream from Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most spectacular sights and the perfect place to end our trip. Until next time, #topdeckers! (B,L,D) (Bx2)
+ Kruger National Park
+ Matobo National Park
+ Shangaan cultural evening
+ Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park - Victoria Falls MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L) on ZOAIJL /5 lunches (L) on ZOAILJ, 5 dinners (D)
DAYS 1-5 DAR ES SALAAM AND ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA. Combine the best of both worlds - safari adventure and paradise with this all-in-one! Start your trip by departing Tanzania’s main port city, Dar es Salaam by ferry for the stunning island of Zanzibar. Enjoy the charming capital Stone Town and visit the palm-fringed shores of the northern beaches, where you can try your hand at snorkelling and diving in paradise. Known as ‘Spice Island’, you’ll have the chance to explore the bazaars, mosques, palaces and alleyways of the old town, taking in the dazzling tastes and scents that linger in the air. It’s exotic, amazing, and unlike anywhere else in the world. Dragging our feet, we shuffle out of Zanzibar and ferry back to Dar es Salaam. (Bx3) (B,D)
DAY 6 DAR ES SALAAM TO MARANGU. All aboard our overland truck as we travel inland from Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast to the grassy plains of Northern Tanzania. It’s by the Pangani River, one of the most important rivers in the country, that we’ll set up camp for the night. Swap campfire stories and steal a mug of hot chocolate to finish off the night. Top tip: catch some zzz’s before tomorrow’s early start. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 MARANGU TO ARUSHA. Continue on to Tanzania’s sprawling safari capital Arusha, passing by Africa’s highest peak, Mt Kilimanjaro. During our stay in Arusha, we can take a guided walk in the local Maasai village to learn about their traditional culture, and even visit the snake enclosure at the Meserani Snake Park! Later, make like a snake and slither to dinner for a camping style feast. Dig in! (B,L,D)
DAYS 8-10 ARUSHA AND SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/NGORONGORO CRATER. Prep your day pack (or a small bag) as we transfer to smaller 4WD vehicles for a 2 night/3 day game viewing trip through the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Trust us, these safari vehicles are decked out for ALL the animal spotting necessities – pop-up roof included. We pass into the park and drive around the Crater’s rim and down onto the Serengeti plains, where we hope to spot all of the Big Five – as well as hyena, cheetah, wildebeest and antelope! Here, it’s photo ops x100. (B,L,Dx3)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Zanzibar
+ Maasai village walk
+ Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 10 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights in campsites & 4 nights in hotels
+ Zanzibar ferry
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Zanzibar spice tour
+ Dhow snorkeling safari
START MEET AT 7AM IN DAR ES SALAAM
DAY 11 ARUSHA TO NAIROBI, KENYA. After our last night at camp, we make our way across the Masaai Steppe to the Kenyan frontier. Completing formalities at Namanga border post, we drive the last stretch of road to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, where our tour sadly ends. Swap numbers, and plan the next adventure together. Where to next? (B,L)
TRIP CODE: ZOCKDN
CAMPING TRIP PRICE OF $1625
+ $880 ADVENTURE PASS = $2505
ACCOMMODATED TRIP PRICE OF $2075 + $880 ADVENTURE PASS = $2955 price based on usd per person twin share 11 DAYS FROM $2505 USD PER PERSON
DAY 1 DURBAN TO UNDERBERG AREA, SOUTH AFRICA. Meet with your safari buddies, then spin your compass inland as we drive via Pietermaritzburg. Ready for adventure? Of course you are! Swap stories over dinner and catch some zzz’s in preparation for tomorrow’s adventure! (L,D)
DAY 2 UNDERBERG AREA TO LESOTHO, VIA SANI PASS. Today, learn a thing or two (maybe more?) as we join a guided tour of Lesotho via the spectacular gateway of the Sani Pass. After lunch we meet the shepherds of the area who spend the summer months tending to their flocks, before taking a short walk to view Thabana Ntlenyana. (L,D)
DAY 3 UNDERBERG AREA TO DRAKENSBERG, VIA BATTLEFIELDS. Soak up some history at the Battlefields today, a site that speaks to the many lives lost at war. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 DRAKENSBERG. Prep your day pack – we’re off to the Royal National Park to follow the hiking trails. (B,L,D)
DAYS 5-6 DRAKENSBERG TO MALEALEA. This morning, roll into the northern section of Lesotho where we have the option to go horse riding, mountain biking or take a guided hike. (B,L,Dx2)
DAY 7 MALEALEA TO GRAAFF-REINET, SOUTH AFRICA. Leaving the highlands and crossing back into South Africa, we’ll venture through stunning diverse country to arrive at Graaff-Reinet. (B,L)
DAY 8 GRAAFF-REINET TO ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK. Today, we drive to the Addo Elephant National Park for some serious animal spotting. What animals will you see today? Keep your eyes peeled and camera on standby. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 ADDO ELEPHANT TO KNYSNA/TSITSIKAMMA FOREST. On entry to the unreal Tsitsikamma Forest, choose from boat cruises to bird watching and more! Later on we’ll travel towards Knysna, renowned for its buzzing foodie scene. (B,L)
DAY 10 KNYSNA TO OUDTSHOORN. This afternoon, we’re rolling in style to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. This region is also home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa's largest show cave system. Expect some serious ‘wow’ to make your eyes pop right here. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 OUDTSHOORN TO HERMANUS. Relaxed and revitalized from the wonderful Oudtshoorn hospitality, we jump back in our vehicle and head south to the coastal town of Hermanus, famous for its whale and dolphin sightings. (B,L)
DAY 12 HERMANUS TO CAPE TOWN. Say farewell in the popular mother city of Cape Town. (B)
13 DAY | KENYA AND TANZANIA ADVENTURE
DAYS 1-3 NAIROBI, KENYA AND MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE. Make your way to Kenya’s sprawling capital to meet the group. From Nairobi we kick start the adventure and travel to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s best known game park. The Mara’s rolling grasslands and broad horizons, not to mention the wildlife, bring to mind images of what many people think of as ‘classic’ Africa. (L,D) (B,L,Dx2)
DAY 4 NAIROBI TO ARUSHA, TANZANIA. After crossing the border into incredible Tanzania, we arrive at our destination, Arusha. Situated mid-way between Cape Town and Cairo, this is very much Tanzania’s ‘safari capital’ – a bustling city with colourful markets, shops, vehicles and people, all nestling in the shadow of the brooding Mt Meru. After exploring the curio markets, we head to our camp just outside Arusha on the open plains to the west of the city. (B,L,D)
DAYS 5-8 ARUSHA TO BAGAMOYO VIA SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/NGORONGORO CRATER. We switch to smaller 4WD vehicles and drive west to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Don your khaki greens in true safari style as we view game by day and camp out by night in the middle of the reserve, where wildlife may roam past. From the Serengeti plains we climb the steep sided Ngorongoro Crater and make camp on the rim. The Ngorongoro Crater is a spectacular World Heritage Site, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. Returning to Arusha and rejoining our truck, we travel past Mt Kilimanjaro and have a night to relax in the Bagamoyo area. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 9-13 BAGAMOYO TO DAR ES SALAAM AND ZANZIBAR. Today we’re off to Dar es Salaam. After a night here we ferry over to gorgeous Zanzibar to relax, unwind and enjoy the bounty of treats this idyllic paradise has to offer. Step foot in Stone Town and wander through alleyways of decadent architecture that blends cultures from years past, with historic traces of past occupation. For the water lovers, try your hand at snorkelling or go for a dive, maybe five? For the foodies indulge in some scrumptious seafood, or simply relax beneath a
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Maasai Mara National Reserve
+ Maasai village walk
+ Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 12 breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L), 9 dinners (D)
+ 9 nights in campsites & 3 nights in hotels
+ Zanzibar ferry
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Zanzibar spice tour
+ Snorkeling day trip
coconut palm with a cocktail and a good book. Once you’ve enjoyed all this island has to offer, we’ll return to the mainland where our trip (sadly) ends. (B,L,D) (Bx4)
TRIP CODE: ZOKCND
NAIROBI
PHOTO: MASAI
MARA, KENYA
14 DAY | GORILLA ENCOUNTER
STOP STOP & STAY
DAY 1 NAIROBI, KENYA TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK. Day one of our epic adventure in cosmopolitan Nairobi, and we’re off to Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru National Park. Best known for its birdlife (hello, flamingos!) Nakuru also contains good stocks of rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, antelopes and lions. Get excited, this is Africa! (L,D)
DAYS 2-3 LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK TO KAMPALA, UGANDA, VIA ELDORET. Don your best khaki outfit as we continue north through the highlands to Eldoret before we cross into Uganda to the bustling capital Kampala. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 4-5 KAMPALA TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. After a night in Kampala, we drive west to Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of chimpanzees, pausing to appreciate the views of Lake Edward. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 6-9 QUEEN ELIZABETH NP TO LAKE BUNYONYI (GORILLA TREK AND FREE TIME). Our next stop is rural South West Uganda and our camp on Lake Bunyonyi. On the way, we visit a chimpanzee sanctuary at Kyambura Gorge. Using Lake Bunyonyi as our base, it is in the bountiful area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where local guides will lead us on a trek to see a family of gorillas. The trek can be demanding but the effort is soon forgotten when we finally find ourselves in the midst of this incredible species. Trust us, nothing will prepare you for the moment when you come face to face with these beauties. After a one-hour audience with these gentle giants, you may be surprised at how close you can get. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 10-12 LAKE BUNYONYI TO JINJA, VIA KAMPALA. Returning to Kampala, we have a night in the capital before continuing to Jinja. Situated near the source of the River Nile there’s the opportunity to assist a local charity in building and improving community schools. Time to roll up your sleeves and make a difference! (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 13-14 JINJA TO NAIROBI, KENYA, VIA ELDORET. Crossing back into Kenya with a stop in Eldoret, we carry on along the Rift Valley to Nairobi where our Gorilla Encounter trip ends. (B,L,D) (B,L)
+ 13 nights in campsites
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Island boat trip
+ White water rafting START
NAIROBI NAIROBI
CODE: ZOKCGN
DAY 1 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE. Today, meet the group in the town of Victoria Falls, aptly named after Africa’s most scenic waterfall. You won’t be running out of options here with bungy jumping, gorgeswinging, white water rafting and sunset cruises on the Zambezi River on offer. Phew! What a way to start!
DAY 2 VICTORIA FALLS TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK. From Victoria Falls we roll to Zimbabwe’s premier game-viewing area, Hwange National Park. Embark on an afternoon game drive and keep your eyes peeled in search of elephants, along with other rare species like African wild dogs and brown hyenas. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 HWANGE NATIONAL PARK TO BULAWAYO. Next up is Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Bulawayo. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 BULAWAYO TO MATOBO NATIONAL PARK. Today, Matobo National Park is calling. Note: you might even spot a white rhino, if you’re lucky. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 BULAWAYO TO TSHIPISE, SOUTH AFRICA. Roll out of Bulawayo and into Tshipise. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 TSHIPISE TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Continue south towards Africa’s premier game reserve, the ‘Kruger’. Tonight, enjoy Shangaan tribal dancing and singing around the fire. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Home to over 505 species of birds, 148 mammals and oodles of reptiles, plus the Big Five, today’s game drive will keep you entertained from dawn ‘til dusk. Impressive? Of course it is! (B,L,D)
DAY 8 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK TO XAI XAI, MOZAMBIQUE. Buh-bye Kruger and onwards to Mozambique. Here: it’s all about the hammocks strung among the palm trees and warm waters teeming with life. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 XAI XAI TO VILANCULOS. Cruise down to Vilanculos, aka ‘paradise’. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 VILANCULOS. Today, we take a Dhow (traditional sailing boat) safari to Magaruque Island –the third island in the Bazaruto archipelago. (B,L)
START MEET AT 7AM IN VICTORIA FALLS. FINISH APPROXIMATELY 6PM IN JOHANNESBURG.
DAY 11 VILANCULOS TO INHAMBANE. Cruise down to the dramatically beautiful region of Inhambane. Pay attention to the fusion of African and Arabic cultures that have merged to create an eclectic style. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 INHAMBANE. Beach. Chill. Relax. Repeat. Here, we’re all about the optionals. Think: scuba diving, snorkelling and more. Add the haunting songs of humpback whales coming close to shore in winter and the chance to get face-to-face with whale sharks, and you’ll see why everyone raves about this place. (B,L)
DAY 13 INHAMBANE TO KOMATIPOORT, SOUTH AFRICA. Drag your feet as we shuffle out of paradise and onwards to Komatipoort. (B,L,D)
DAY 14 KOMATIPOORT TO JOHANNESBURG. One final drive day before we round off the trip in Johannesburg. (B)
DAY 1 NAIROBI, KENYA TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK. Step into the bustling hub of Nairobi then descend into the Great Rift Valley. Tonight, we set up camp at Lake Nakuru National Park where we share a hearty meal and get to know your safari buddies. (L,D)
DAY 2 LAKE NAKURU TO ELDORET. Cross into the Northern hemisphere and climb in altitude towards Eldoret. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 ELDORET TO KAMPALA, UGANDA. Next up - Winston Churchill’s Pearl of Africa, a country with beautiful natural scenery and a rich mosaic of tribes and cultures. Our first night we camp at Kampala, a bustling city with roadside traders, markets and matatu (mini-bus taxi) stands. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 KAMPALA TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. Truck on west through lush banana plantations, steep mountains and tangled forests. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 500 species of bird and 100 species of mammals, making it a true standout. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of these animals en route to our chimpanzee trek. (B,L,D)
DAYS 6-8 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE BUNYONYI (GORILLA TREK AND FREE TIME). Over the next few days the group will be split with one group trekking to the mountain gorillas while the others relax at Lake Bunyonyi to enjoy the many activities on offer. (B,L,Dx3)
DAY 9 LAKE BUNYONYI TO KAMPALA. We make our way back across the equator through the northern reaches of Lake Victoria. (B,L,D)
DAYS 10-12 KAMPALA TO JINJA. Leaving the capital we drive to our camp overlooking the Nile River. Optional activities include white water rafting, helping with a local school project, mountain biking or quad biking. (B,L,Dx3)
DAY 13 JINJA TO ELDORET, KENYA. Retrace your steps across the Kenyan border to Eldoret, where we will camp for the night. Tonight’s a perfect time to exchange stories around the campfire with fellow travellers. (B,L,D)
DAYS 14-15 ELDORET TO NAIROBI. Time to make our way south to our base just outside Kenya’s capital. The next day is free to explore the city and surrounding area and your Trip Leader can help you arrange any optional excursions locally. (B,L) (B)
DAYS 16-17 NAIROBI TO MAASAI MARA RESERVE. We depart the city early and make our way across the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in small, specialised safari vehicles. The Mara is excellent for game viewing and sightings of Africa’s Big Five and an array of other wildlife are common year-round. (B,L,Dx2)
DAY 18 MAASAI MARA RESERVE TO NAIROBI. Today, we climb out in Nairobi where our safari ends. Number swap anyone? (B,L)
19 DAY | DESERT TRACKER
DAYS 1-2 CAPE TOWN TO GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA. Meet the group for our safari adventure in Cape Town, then roll north to the amazing Gariep (Orange) River. (L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 3-4 GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER TO NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK, NAMIBIA. Our first stop is Namibia’s remarkable Fish River Canyon, an unreal gorge rivalling the Grand Canyon for breathtaking views. Head to the Namib Naukluft Park for a chance to climb the world’s highest dunes. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 5-7 NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK TO SWAKOPMUND, VIA SOLITAIRE. Relax and enjoy a few days of adventure activities in the coastal town Swakopmund. Try some optional skydiving, quad biking or just soak up the atmosphere. Literally, spoilt for options! (B,L,D) (Bx2)
DAYS 8-9 SWAKOPMUND TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK VIA SPITZKOPPE. Continuing through Damaraland, we camp amongst the eerie rock formations at Spitzkoppe, a series of dramatic granite peaks rising above the plains. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 10-12 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO GHANZI, VIA WINDHOEK. Welcome to Etosha National Park: home to 114 mammal and 340 bird species. We take morning and afternoon game drives and camp for two nights near floodlit waterholes. Our next stop is Namibia’s capital Windhoek, before travelling on to Ghanzi. (B,L,Dx2) (B,L)
DAYS 13-14 GHANZI TO OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA VIA MAUN. Head into beautiful Botswana skirting the northern reaches of the Kalahari Desert. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 15-16 OKAVANGO DELTA TO ELEPHANT SANDS VIA MAUN. Set off on a wilderness experience, camping amongst the tranquil islands and channels of the Okavango Delta. By day we view game on foot and from mokoro canoes, and by night we camp out under the stars and watch the sky sparkle. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 17–18 ELEPHANT SANDS TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA VIA CHOBE NATIONAL PARK. Drive to Chobe National Park and relax on a cruise. We hope to see
the African fish eagle, and elephants, hippos and buffaloes lapping up water on the river banks – all here for you to Snap and ‘Gram your heart out. From Chobe, we cross into Zambia and drive to our riverside camp in the mighty city of Livingstone. (B,L,D) (B)
DAY 19 LIVINGSTONE. Time to say goodbye. Even though our trip ends here in Livingstone, we recommend a few extra days to try some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. Think: white water rafting, bungy jumping and scenic flights over the falls. (B)
DAY STOP STOP & STAY
TRIP CODE: ZOCKCL
CAMPING TRIP PRICE OF $1925
+ $480 ADVENTURE PASS = $2405
ACCOMMODATED TRIP PRICE OF $3405
+ $480 ADVENTURE PASS = $3885 price based on usd
19 DAYS FROM $2405 USD PER PERSON
PHOTO: ETOSHA NP, NAMIBIA
19 DAY | SOUTH WEST SAFARI
DAYS 1-2 LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA TO CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA. Meet the group, and prepare for adventure kicking off in Livingstone. This is the perfect base to explore the buzzing Victoria Falls region, so make sure you arrive a few days before the trip starts. On day two we make our way to Botswana and Chobe National Park, where we take a game viewing boat cruise in the afternoon. Sit back, relax and watch elephants, buffaloes and hippos in the river shallows. Talk about amazing! (B,L,D)
DAY 3 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK TO NATA. We start the day with an early morning game drive before continuing on to our next overnight campsite in Nata. Tonight, swap stories over dinner then catch some zzz’s. (B,L,D)
DAYS 4-5 NATA TO OKAVANGO DELTA VIA MAUN. Our next stop is Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Explore the myriad waterways and swaying grasses of this wetland habitat on foot and dugout canoe (mokoro), hopefully spotting hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and elephants. Tonight, fall asleep with nothing but the sounds of the African bush in the background. Seriously, unforgettable. (B,L,Dx2)
DAY 6 OKAVANGO DELTA TO MAUN. In Western Botswana we join a guided walk to see how people live in the Kalahari. Listen closely and learn the A-Z of the area. (B,L,D)
DAYS 7-9 MAUN TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA VIA WINDHOEK. Today we cross into Namibia and stop in the small but charming capital, Windhoek. It’s then north to the arid terrain of Etosha National Park for more game viewing. Think: ALL the animals. (B,L) (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 10-11 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO SPITZKOPPE. Next up we camp at the eerie and spectacular Spitzkoppe. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 12-13 SPITZKOPPE TO SWAKOPMUND. Relax for two nights in Swakopmund with plenty of time to enjoy the optional adventure activities on offer. Try skydiving, quad biking or just soak up the atmosphere in one of Swakopmund’s buzzing cafés. (Bx2)
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Sandboarding
+ Gorge swing
START MEET AT 8AM IN LIVINGSTONE
DAYS 14-15 SWAKOPMUND TO SESRIEM VIA SOLITAIRE. It’s on to the desert landscapes of Namib Naukluft Park, home to the highest sand dunes on the planet. Grab the chance to climb the giant red dunes in the world’s oldest desert for a view to write home about. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 16-19 SESRIEM TO CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA VIA FISH RIVER CANYON AND GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER. Check out the magnificent Fish River Canyon before continuing on to South Africa. After a night by the Gariep (Orange) River and another in the fertile Western Cape, our epic journey ends in stunning Cape Town. (B,L,Dx3) (B)
19 DAY | KRUGER TO CAPE TOWN
JOHANNESBURG CAPE TOWN
COUNTRIES VISITED 3 MEALS 49
DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG TO GREATER KRUGER, SOUTH AFRICA. Step into Johannesburg then cruise across to Greater Kruger. (D)
DAY 2 GREATER KRUGER TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Today = 4x4 game drives in wild Kruger. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Rise and shine for another open 4x4 safari experience. Here, watch out for the Big Five. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK TO MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, SWAZILAND. Today we roll into the Kingdom of Swaziland. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY. Listen up as we meet with a Swazi guide to share their local knowledge. After lunch, it’s optionals galore to flex your freedom. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY TO ST LUCIA, SOUTH AFRICA. Stunning St Lucia is calling. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 ST LUCIA TO DURBAN VIA HLUHLUWE GAME RESERVE. Head to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Then, we meet with Durban. (B,L)
DAY 8 DURBAN TO UNDERBERG AREA. Roll into Pietermaritzburg and set up camp. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 UNDERBERG AREA TO SANI PASS. Today, we hit the road in 4x4 vehicles through the Drakensberg Mountains. (B,L,D)
DAYS 10-11 UNDERBERG AREA TO DRAKENSBERG, VIA BATTLEFIELDS. Visit the world famous battle of Blood River, which saw the lives of warriors lost against the few musketeers of the Dutch Settlers. Retire to your campsite in the late afternoon, or explore the many optional trails. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 12-13 DRAKENSBERG TO MALEALEA. Departing Drakensberg this morning, we head to Malealea. (B,L,Dx2)
DAY 14 MALEALEA TO GRAAFF-REINET, SOUTH AFRICA. Leaving the highlands and crossing back into South Africa, we’ll arrive at amazing Graaff-Reinet. (B,L)
DAY 15 GRAAFF-REINET TO ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK. Today, we drive to the Addo Elephant National Park. Home to over 600 elephants, lion, buffalo and more – so chances are, you’ll strike photo-op gold. (B,L,D)
DAY 16 ADDO ELEPHANT TO KNYSNA/TSITSIKAMMA FOREST. Enter the Tsitsikamma Forest for optionals galore! (B,L)
DAY 17 KNYSNA TO OUDTSHOORN. Wake up and head to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. (B,L,D)
DAY 18 OUDTSHOORN TO HERMANUS. Relaxed and revitalized, we head to Hermanus – famous for its whale and dolphin sightings. (B,L)
DAY 19 HERMANUS TO CAPE TOWN. A free morning in Hermanus = ample opportunity to explore the town. Later, we cruise to Cape Town where our trip ends. (B)
DAY 1 LIVINGSTONE TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA. This. Is. Africa! Today, we kick start our adventure from the banks of the great Zambezi River. You’re in the heart of the amazing Victoria Falls region, so get excited. From Livingstone we roll north to Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Settle into your campsite for the night to swap stories and bond over dinner. Dig in! (L,D)
DAYS 2-4 LUSAKA TO SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK VIA CHIPATA. We continue on to the South Luangwa National Park for two nights where we enjoy our first game drive. Keep your eyes out for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and everything else inbetween. (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 5-8 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE MALAWI, MALAWI. Roll over to the enormous Lake Malawi. Here we camp on sandy beaches and take some time out to swim and relax. On the menu today: a multitude of optional activities as well as a chance to meet some of the friendly locals! Here, smiling faces are always welcome. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 9-10 LAKE MALAWI TO DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA VIA IRINGA. Crossing the border into Tanzania we head towards the coast, passing by the Mikumi National Park to the bustling and humid Dar es Salaam. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 11-14 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Today we skip over to Zanzibar, aka the Spice Island via high speed ferry. Chill out and kick back amongst the palm-fringed beaches, lush rainforests and cobblestone streets. Once a historic trading centre, Zanzibar today is the ultimate paradise getaway. Think: white sand and crystal blue water. Seriously, amazing. You’ll be dragging your feet when we shuffle back to the mainland. (Bx4)
DAYS 15-17 ZANZIBAR TO ARUSHA, VIA DAR ES SALAAM AND MARANGU. Today, it’s back on the ferry to Dar for a night, before travelling inland. If the weather is right we may see the snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Then, on through some remarkable Tanzanian countryside as we head to the country’s safari capital, Arusha. (B,D) (B,L,Dx2)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park - Victoria Falls
+ South Luangwa National Park
+ Maasai village walk
+ Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion
START MEET AT 8AM IN LIVINGSTONE FINISH APPROXIMATELY 6PM IN NAIROBI
DAYS 18-20 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/ NGORONGORO CRATER. Transferring to smaller 4WD vehicles, we head out on a 2 night/3 day game viewing excursion to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five as well as hyenas, cheetah and wildebeest. (B,L,Dx3)
DAY 21 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/ NGORONGORO CRATER TO NAIROBI, KENYA. Crossing the border into larger than life Kenya, we say our goodbyes in the capital. Swap numbers, then start planning the next adventure with your new travel buddies (it’s never too soon!). (B,L)
TRIP CODE: ZOCKLN
22 DAY | ZANZIBAR, VIC FALLS & KRUGER
DAYS 1-4 DAR ES SALAAM AND ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA. After catching our high speed ferry to Zanzibar we’ve got three days of leisure on the dazzling Spice Island. Explore Stone Town’s alleyways, architecture and markets, and then hit up the white sand beaches, leaning palms and warm tropical waters. Seriously, talk about paradise! (Bx3) (B,L,D)
DAYS 5-10 DAR ES SALAAM TO LAKE MALAWI, MALAWI. Today we head towards Malawi, stopping en route in Mikumi National Park and Iringa. Happily spend a few days camping along the shore of Lake Malawi, and enjoy the option of snorkelling, horseback riding, or taking a guided village walk to see how the locals live. (B,L,Dx6)
DAYS 11-12 LAKE MALAWI TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA. Crossing the border near Chipata into Zambia, we make our way to the capital and one of the fastest growing cities in southern Africa, Lusaka. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 13-16 LUSAKA TO LIVINGSTONE. Our base for the next few days is Livingstone, close to the awesome (and MUST see) Victoria Falls. This is Africa’s adventure capital so make the most of it with optional white water rafting, gorge-swinging and even bungy jumping to fulfil all of your eye-popping adventure needs. Check out the Falls from Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and live it up. (Bx4)
DAYS 17-20 LIVINGSTONE TO GREATER KRUGER, SOUTH AFRICA VIA MATOBO NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE. From Livingstone, we cross into Zimbabwe, stopping for two nights at Matobo National Park, famous for its large population of black and white rhinos. Open your eyes and prepare for a game drive and various activities at the park, before entering South Africa via the Limpopo Province to the Kruger National Park. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 21-22 GREATER KRUGER TO JOHANNESBURG. It’s here at Kruger National Park that you have a final opportunity to game-drive in South Africa’s largest and best known wildlife area. Tonight we have a cultural show of Shangaan dancing, before making tracks the following day via the Mpumalanga province to Johannesburg where the trip ends. (B,L,D) (B)
DAYS 1-3 JOHANNESBURG TO GREATER KRUGER, SOUTH AFRICA. From epic Johannesburg we travel via the panoramic region of Mpumalanga to South Africa’s famed (and seriously iconic) Kruger National Park. Here, we keep our eyes our for the magnificent Big Five. In the evening we enjoy a cultural show of Shangaan dancing, before waking to an unreal sunrise and embarking on a game drive in one of Africa’s best wildlife reserves. (D) (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 4-8 TSHIPISE TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA VIA MATOBO NATIONAL PARK. Travelling north via Tshipse, here we experience the wonders of Matobo National Park. Head off on a game drive or enjoy a range of optional activities like hiking and birdwatching. (B,Lx4)(Dx2)
DAY 9 LIVINGSTONE TO LUSAKA. Our base for the next few days is Livingstone, close to the awesomely stunning Victoria Falls. This is Africa’s adventure capital so make the most of it with optional white water rafting, gorge-swimming, and even bungy jumping. We check out the Victoria Falls from MosiOa-Tunya (smoke that thunders) National Park and have plenty of time to live it up with many activities on offer. After departing Livingstone, we head to Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. (B,L)
DAYS 10-13 LUSAKA TO LAKE MALAWI, MALAWI VIA SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK. Spend time exploring the South Luangwa National Park, known as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, as we set up camp here for a couple of nights. Leaving Zambia behind, we cross the border to Malawi, where Lake Malawi covers almost a fifth of the country’s area. Take part in optional activities like snorkelling and diving, or simply relax and enjoy the warm, fresh waters. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 14-18 LAKE MALAWI TO DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA. Continue your Malawi exploration with a scenic drive through rubber plantations to Mzuzu, before arriving at Chitimba Beach where we spend the next couple of nights. Enjoy hikes, perusing the local craft market or chilling out by the shimmering waters. Leaving Chitimba Beach, we head for the
+ Sunset cruise START MEET AT 7AM IN JOHANNESBURG FINISH APPROXIMATELY 5PM IN DAR ES SALAAM
port city of Dar es Salaam, making a stop in Mikumi National Park on the way. (B,L,Dx5)
DAYS 19-23 DAR ES SALAAM AND ZANZIBAR. After catching our ferry to Zanzibar we’ve got three days of leisure on the dazzling Spice Island. Explore Stone Town’s alleyways, architecture and markets then hit up the white sand beaches, leaning palms and warm tropical waters! Enjoy your final days of the trip swimming in the turquoise waters of this tropical haven, before catching the ferry back to Dar es Salaam. (Bx5)
24 DAY | SOUTH EAST ADVENTURE
DAYS 1-3 NAIROBI, KENYA AND MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE. Our trip starts in style as we depart Nairobi, cross the Great Rift Valley and enter Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Mara’s rolling grasslands and broad horizons, not to mention the wildlife, bring to mind images of what many people think of as ‘classic’ Africa. Here we take some amazing afternoon and morning game drives in search of the Big Five, before returning to Nairobi for a night. (L,D) (B,L,Dx2)
DAY 4 NAIROBI TO ARUSHA, TANZANIA. Crossing into Tanzania we roll into the hub of safari action, Arusha. (B,L,D)
DAYS 5-7 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/ NGORONGORO CRATER. Time to switch to smaller 4WD vehicles and drive west to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, where we’ll view game by day and camp out by night in the middle of the reserve. From the Serengeti plains we climb the steep Ngorongoro Crater and camp on the rim, getting ready for our third major game park in a week. The Ngorongoro is a spectacular World Heritage Site, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters. (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 8-9 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK & NGORONGORO CRATER TO DAR ES SALAAM VIA BAGAMOYO. Return to Arusha and rejoin our truck travelling past Mt Kilimanjaro, where we have a night to relax in the Bagamoyo area. Head across the savannah en route to the port city Dar es Salaam, gateway to Zanzibar. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 10-13 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Zanzibar = paradise and tropical delights. Explore Stone Town’s alleyways and markets, then unwind on beautiful beaches before we head back to the mainland. (Bx3) (B,D)
DAYS 14-15 DAR ES SALAAM TO IRINGA, VIA MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK. A stop at Mikumi National Park and Iringa provides another chance to spot oodles of wildlife. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 16-19 IRINGA TO LAKE MALAWI, MALAWI. Welcome to Malawi. We spend a few days camping by the beach, with plenty of opportunities to try
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Maasai Mara National Reserve
+ Maasai village walk
+ Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion
START MEET AT 8AM IN NAIROBI FINISH APPROXIMATELY 10AM IN LIVINGSTONE
snorkelling and horseback riding, or take a guided village walk to see how the locals live. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 20-21 LAKE MALAWI TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA. Crossing the border near Chipata into Zambia, we make our way to the capital Lusaka, with its bustling streets and cosmopolitan feel. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 22-24 LUSAKA TO LIVINGSTONE. Our base for the next few days is the mighty Livingstone. This area is Africa’s adventure capital, with a range of optional activities from white water rafting and gorge-swinging to canoeing and bungee jumping. Check out the Falls from Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and enjoy plenty of free time to explore before our trip ends here. (B,L) (Bx2)
TRIP CODE: ZOKCNL
TRIP PRICE OF $2455 + $1400 ADVENTURE PASS = $3855
DAYS 1-5 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA TO MATOBO NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE. From Johannesburg we head to southern Africa’s best known game reserve, Kruger National Park, where we search for the famed Big Five. Keep your camera close by – you’ll need it! Continuing north we cross the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe and onto the Matobo National Park for the next couple of nights. Take the opportunity to try various activities like hiking, fishing and game drives. The choice is all yours! (D) (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 6-7 MATOBO NATIONAL PARK TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA. Next we cross the majestic Zambezi River, enter Zambia and head to Livingstone for a ‘wow’ moment. Our camp is on the river banks and is a great base to explore the must-be-seen-to-bebelieved Victoria Falls region. Adrenalin junkies won’t be disappointed with optional white water rafting, scenic flights and gorge swinging. (Bx2)
DAYS 8-9 LIVINGSTONE TO NATA, BOTSWANA, VIA CHOBE NATIONAL PARK. Hit the road to Chobe National Park for an early morning game drive. In the afternoon, enjoy a game viewing boat cruise where you can sit back, relax and watch elephants, buffaloes and hippos in the river shallows. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 10-12 NATA TO MAUN VIA OKAVANGO DELTA. Our next stop is majestic Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Explore the Okavango by dugout canoe (mokoro) and stay overnight in a tented camp. (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 13-15 MAUN TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA, VIA WINDHOEK. Join a Kalahari Bushman for a guided walk, then cross into Namibia and stop in the capital Windhoek. It’s then north to Etosha National Park. (B,L) (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 16-19 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO SWAKOPMUND VIA SPITZKOPPE. Camp among the massive rocky outcrops at Spitzkoppe and soak up all the outdoor vibes. Relax for two nights in Swakopmund, with plenty of time to try optional skydiving or quad biking. (B,L,Dx2) (Bx2)
DAYS 20-21 SWAKOPMUND VIA SOLITAIRE TO SESRIEM AREA. Next up is the desert landscapes
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Sandboarding
+ Scenic flight
START MEET AT 7AM IN JOHANNESBURG
APPROXIMATELY 6PM
of Namib Naukluft Park, home to the highest sand dunes on the planet. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 22-25 SESRIEM AREA TO CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, VIA FISH RIVER CANYON AND GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER. Check out Fish River Canyon before continuing onwards to South Africa. After a night in Gariep (Orange) River and another in the Western Cape, our adventure ends in beautiful Cape Town. (B,L,Dx3) (B)
25 DAY | DESERT TRACKER
DAYS 1-2 CAPE TOWN TO GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA. Step into Africa and prepare for the ultimate adventure. We begin with a township trip in Cape Town before travelling to camp beside the beautiful Gariep (Orange) River. (L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 3-4 GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER TO NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK, NAMIBIA. Our first stop in Namibia is the stunning Fish River Canyon. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 5-7 NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK TO SWAKOPMUND, VIA SOLITAIRE. Relax for a few days and enjoy adventure activities on offer in Swakopmund. Try optional skydiving, quad biking or just soak up the unreal atmosphere. (B,L,D) (Bx2)
DAYS 8-9 SWAKOPMUND TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK VIA SPITZKOPPE. We continue on to our camp amongst the eerie rock formations at Spitzkoppe, before making our way to Etosha National Park –home to 114 mammal and 340 bird species. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 10-12 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO GHANZI, BOTSWANA VIA WINDHOEK. Spend two nights camping in Etosha National Park, before heading to Windhoek. (B,L,Dx2) (B,L)
DAYS 13-14 GHANZI TO OKAVANGO DELTA VIA MAUN. Next we journey to Botswana to join local a Bushman for a desert walk in this (seemingly) barren terrain and learn more about life in the Kalahari. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 15-16 OKAVANGO DELTA TO ELEPHANT SANDS VIA MAUN. Embark on an authentic wilderness experience, camping amongst the tranquil islands and channels of the Okavango Delta. Check out the game on foot then soak up the scenery from a mokoro canoe. (B,L,Dx2)
DAY 17 ELEPHANT SANDS TO CHOBE NATIONAL PARK. It’s off to Chobe National Park to relax on a sunset cruise. Kick back, and enjoy! (B,L,D)
DAYS 18-19 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA. From Chobe, it’s into the unreal Livingstone. Try optional white water rafting, gorge-swinging, canoeing or even bungy jumping. Check out Victoria Falls from Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and enjoy
plenty of time to take part in the activities on offer here. (Bx2)
DAYS 20-25 LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA TO JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA VIA MATOBO NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE. From Livingstone we cross into Zimbabwe and enjoy two nights at Matobo National Park. Heading south we cross the Limpopo River to the Kruger National Park - South Africa’s largest and best-known reserve. Finally, we travel through scenic Mpumalanga province to Johannesburg, where the trip ends. (B,L,Dx5) (B)
DAY 1 NAIROBI, KENYA TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK. Starting in Nairobi, our first stop is Lake Nakuru National Park. The shallow lake attracts a huge variety of flamingos (yes, flamingos!) as well as buffaloes, lions, rhinos, leopards and more! Keep your camera on hand – you’ll need it. (L,D)
DAYS 2-3 LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK TO KAMPALA, UGANDA VIA ELDORET. From Nakuru we continue to Eldoret, then over to Uganda’s bustling capital, Kampala. (B,L,Dx2)
DAY 4-5 KAMPALA TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. After a night in Kamala we drive west to Queen Elizabeth National Park to meet Uganda’s spectacular wildlife. (B,L,Dx2)
DAY 6 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE BUNYONYI. Next up is our camp on Lake Bunyonyi. (B,L,D)
DAYS 7-8 LAKE BUNYONYI (GORILLA TREK AND FREE TIME). Using Lake Bunyonyi as our base, local guides will lead you through the densely forested area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on an optional trek to see a family of gorillas in the wild. We have a onehour audience with these gentle giants and spend several days in the area to allow time for everyone to complete the trek. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 9-12 LAKE BUNYONYI TO JINJA VIA KAMPALA. Returning to buzzing Kampala we have a night in the capital before continuing to Jinja. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 13-15 JINJA TO NAIROBI, KENYA VIA ELDORET. We cross back into Kenya, stopping at Eldoret and driving along the Rift Valley to Nairobi. (B,L,D) (B,L) (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Lake Nakuru National Park
+ Queen Elizabeth National Park
+ Mountain gorilla trekking
+ Chimpanzee trekking
+ Maasai Mara National Reserve
+ Maasai village walk
+ Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion
DAYS 16-18 NAIROBI AND MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE. On to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s best known game park. (B,L,Dx3)
DAY 19 NAIROBI TO ARUSHA, TANZANIA. From the ‘Mara’ we return briefly to Nairobi before crossing into Tanzania to Arusha, setting up camp a few miles outside of town at the Meserani Snake Park. (B,L,D)
DAYS 20-23 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK AND NGORONGORO CRATER AND BAGAMOYO. Switch to smaller 4WD vehicles and drive to the Serengeti National Park. Next up is Ngorongoro Crater – good luck trying to pronounce it! (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 24-28 BAGAMOYO TO DAR ES SALAAM AND ZANZIBAR. Today we travel to Tanzania’s hub of activity, Dar es Salaam. After a night here, we take the ferry to Zanzibar. Relax and enjoy paradise, spectacular snorkelling and spice to ignite your senses before we finish on the mainland. (B,L,D) (Bx4)
29 DAY | EAST AFRICAN EXPLORER
JOHANNESBURG NAIROBI
DAYS 1-5 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA TO MATOBO NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE. From Johannesburg we head to southern Africa’s must-beseen-to-be-believed game reserve, Kruger National Park. We spend two nights in the Kruger area in search of the Big Five. Arm yourself with snacks and watch the real life National Geographic-worthy action happen outside the window of your 4x4 vehicle. Continuing north we cross the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe and on to Matobo National Park. Over the next two nights, there is the opportunity to try the multitude of optional activities, including hiking and game drives. (D) (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 6-8 MATOBO NATIONAL PARK TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA. Next up, we hop, skip and cross over the Zambezi River and drive to Livingstone. Our camp is on the river banks and is a great base to explore the adrenaline fueled Victoria Falls region. Adrenaline junkies won’t be disappointed with optional white water rafting, scenic flights and gorge swinging. (Bx3)
DAYS 9-12 LIVINGSTONE TO SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK VIA LUSAKA AND CHIPATA. Drive north via Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka, and on to the South Luangwa National Park – the southernmost of three national parks in the valley of the Luangwa River. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 13-16 SOUTH LUANGWA TO LAKE MALAWI, MALAWI. On to Lake Malawi for a few days on the beach. Flex your freedom and grab the chance to meet the friendly Malawi people on a village walk. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 17-18 LAKE MALAWI TO DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA VIA IRINGA. Crossing the border into Tanzania we head to the bustling capital Dar es Salaam. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 19-22 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Step onto a ferry (and by ferry, we mean a high-speed-vessel) to Zanzibar, the exotic and evocative Spice Island, and enjoy a blissful mix of bustling markets, sparkling ocean waters and idyllic palm-fringed beaches. (Bx4)
DAYS 23-25 ZANZIBAR TO ARUSHA VIA DAR ES SALAAM & MARANGU. Catch a ferry back to Dar
TRIP CODE: ZOKIJN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Kruger National Park
+ Shangaan cultural evening
+ Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park - Victoria Falls
+ Maasai village walk
+ Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion
START MEET AT 7AM IN JOHANNESBURG FINISH APPROXIMATELY 6PM IN NAIROBI
for a night, then head inland. If the weather is right we might see snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Check out the remarkable Tanzanian countryside as we head to the country’s safari capital Arusha. (B,D) (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 26-28 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/NGORONGORO CRATER. Join the smaller 4WD vehicles and set off on a game viewing excursion to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. (B,L,Dx3)
DAY 29 ARUSHA TO NAIROBI, KENYA. Crossing the border into Kenya, we say goodbye. (B,L)
DAYS 1-3 NAIROBI, KENYA AND MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE. Step into Nairobi where our trip starts in style. First things first, cross the Great Rift Valley and enter the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s premier wildlife park. Keep your camera close by – you’re going to need it, trust us. Here we take some amazing afternoon and morning game drives in search of the Big Five, before heading back to buzzing Nairobi. (L,D) (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 4-7 NAIROBI TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/ NGORONGORO CRATER VIA ARUSHA, TANZANIA. Crossing into Tanzania we make for Arusha. Here we have an opportunity to meet the local Maasai people before we transfer to 4WD vehicles for a three day excursion to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. The incredible plains of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro offer some of the best wildlife viewing, so keep your eyes peeled for activity that Sir David Attenborough would be inspired by. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 8-9 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/NGORONGORO CRATER TO DAR ES SALAAM VIA BAGAMOYO. Marvel at Mt Kilimanjaro as we head across the savannah en route to the gateway to Zanzibar–Dar es Salaam, stopping for one night at the port town of Bagamoyo. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 10-13 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Ferry to Zanzibar, where we’ve got three days of tropical delights ahead of us. (Bx3) (B,D)
DAYS 14-19 DAR ES SALAAM TO LAKE MALAWI, MALAWI. After a stopover in Mikumi National Park and Iringa, we head towards Malawi to spend a few days camping along the shore. Try optional snorkelling, horseback riding, or take a guided village walk. The choice is all yours! (B,L,Dx6)
DAYS 20-21 LAKE MALAWI TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA VIA CHIPATA. Crossing the border into Zambia, we reach the sprawling capital Lusaka. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 22-25 LUSAKA TO LIVINGSTONE. Our base for the next few days is Livingstone, close to the must-beseen-to-be-believed Victoria Falls. Try optional white water rafting, gorge-swinging or even bungy jumping!
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Maasai Mara National Reserve
+ Maasai village walk
+ Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion
Check out the Falls from Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and enjoy plenty of time to take part in the many activities on offer here. (B,L) (Bx3)
DAYS 26-31 LIVINGSTONE TO JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. From Livingstone we cross into Zimbabwe and enjoy two nights at Matobo National Park, where we experience an included game drive and various other optional activities. Heading south we cross the Limpopo River to the Kruger National Park–South Africa’s largest and best-known reserve. Finally, we travel through scenic Mpumalanga province to Johannesburg, where the trip ends. (B,L,Dx5) (B)
33 DAY | OCEAN TO OCEAN
DAYS 1-2 CAPE TOWN TO GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA VIA WESTERN CAPE CITRUS AREA. Start in Cape Town, then head to Gariep (Orange) River. (L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 3-4 GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER TO NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK, NAMIBIA VIA FISH RIVER CANYON. Marvel at Fish River Canyon, and climb the world’s highest sand dunes. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 5-6 NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK TO SWAKOPMUND VIA SOLITAIRE. Today, roll into Swakopmund. Think: desert based optionals – quad biking, sandboarding and more! (B,L,D) (B)
DAYS 7-8 SWAKOPMUND TO SPITZKOPPE. Get ready to camp amongst the eerie rock formations at Spitzkoppe. (B) (B,L,D)
DAYS 9-10 SPITZKOPPE TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK. Wake up, then head to Etosha National Park. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 11-12 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO GHANZI, BOTSWANA VIA WINDHOEK. Embark on a full-day game drive before we set off to Namibia. (B,L,D) (B,L)
DAYS 13-14 GHANZI TO OKAVANGO DELTA VIA MAUN. Today, make tracks to Okavango Delta and explore the area. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 15-16 OKAVANGO DELTA TO ELEPHANT SANDS VIA MAUN. Roll into Elephant Sands, where wildlife can roam freely. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 17-18 ELEPHANT SANDS TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA VIA CHOBE NATIONAL PARK. Be amazed by Chobe National Park then shimmy to Zambia. (B) (B,L,D)
DAYS 19-20 LIVINGSTONE TO VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE. Here, we visit the spectacular Falls. (Bx2)
DAY 21 VICTORIA FALLS TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK. We’re all about the game drives at Hwange National Park. (B,L,D)
DAY 22 HWANGE NATIONAL PARK TO BULAWAYO. Next up: Bulawayo. (B,L,D)
DAYS 23-24 BULAWAYO TO TSHIPISE, SOUTH AFRICA, VIA MATOBO NATIONAL PARK. Today, Matobo National Park is all yours to catch a glimpse at the rhinos. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 25-26 TSHIPISE TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Home to over 505 species of birds, Kruger will keep you entertained from dawn ‘til dusk. (B,L,Dx2)
+ Scenic flight START MEET AT 8AM IN CAPE TOWN FINISH MEET AT 6PM IN JOHANNESBURG
DAY 27 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK TO XAI XAI, MOZAMBIQUE. In Mozambique, paradise awaits. (B,L,D)
DAYS 28-29 XAI XAI TO VILANCULOS. Cruise down to Vilanculos and take a Dhow safari to Magaruque Island. (B,L,D) (B,L)
DAYS 30-31 VILANCULOS TO INHAMBANE. Roll into Inhambane, known for its world-class scuba diving. (B,L,D) (B,L)
DAY 32 INHAMBANE TO KOMATIPOORT, SOUTH AFRICA. Shimmy out of paradise and onwards to Komatipoort. (B,L,D)
DAY 33 KOMATIPOORT TO JOHANNESBURG. One final drive day before we round off in Johannesburg. (B)
STOP STOP & STAY
TRIP CODE: ZOCZCJ
CAMPING TRIP PRICE OF $3885 + $660 ADVENTURE PASS = $4545 price based on usd per person twin share
33 DAYS FROM $4545
USD PER PERSON
PHOTO: VILANCULOS, MOZAMBIQUE
34 DAY | ZANZIBAR TO CAPE TOWN
DAYS 1-4 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA. Meet with the group then skip over to Zanzibar via ferry for three days in p-a-r-a-d-i-s-e! Think: stunning palm-fringed beaches and cobblestone streets, before returning to the mainland. (Bx2) (B,D)
DAYS 5-7 DAR ES SALAAM TO LAKE MALAWI VIA MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK AND IRINGA. From Dar, we head towards unreal Malawi. (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 8-10 LAKE MALAWI, MALAWI. Here, we camp on the sandy shore and spend our days relaxing and swimming in the inviting water. There are several activities to try and we also get to meet some of the famously friendly locals. (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 11-12 LAKE MALAWI TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA VIA CHIPATA. Crossing into Zambia, we drive through rural regions to Lusaka – the capital and largest city of Zambia. (B,L,Dx2)
+ 28 nights in campsites, 2 nights in hostels & 3 nights in hotels
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
CAMPING TRIP PRICE OF $3355
+
= $3805
ACCOMMODATED TRIP PRICE OF $5475 + $450
PASS = $5925
DAYS 13-16 LUSAKA TO LIVINGSTONE. Enjoy four nights at our riverside camp near Livingstone. Relax and take in the natural beauty or try optional activities such as white water rafting. (B,L) (Bx3)
DAYS 17-18 LIVINGSTONE TO NATA, BOTSWANA VIA CHOBE NATIONAL PARK. In Botswana we visit the one and only Chobe National Park. Animal photo ops, guaranteed! Enjoy a cruise on the river and keep your eyes peeled for the famous Fish Eagle. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 19-22 NATA TO GHANZI VIA MAUN AND OKAVANGO DELTA. Our next stop is Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Africa at night is a unique experience, with nothing but the nocturnal sounds of the African bush to lull you to sleep. #Authentic. (B,L,Dx3) (B,L)
DAYS 23-24 GHANZI TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, VIA WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA. Join a Kalahari Bushman for a guided walk, then cross into Namibia and stop in the capital Windhoek. We then head to Etosha National Park for more epic wildlife encounters. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 25-28 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO SWAKOPMUND VIA SPITZKOPPE. Depart Etosha National Park heading to our camp at Spitzkoppe. With
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Sandboarding
+ Gorge swing
two nights in adventure-filled Swakopmund, you’re free to choose your own adventure. (B,L,Dx2) (Bx2)
DAYS 29-30 SWAKOPMUND TO SESRIEM. Next up is the world’s oldest desert in Namib Naukluft Park. (B,L,Dx2) DAYS 31-34 SESRIEM TO CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA VIA FISH RIVER CANYON AND GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER. Making a stop at the magnificent Fish River Canyon, we venture onto the Gariep (Orange) River where we stay overnight. Finally, we hit the end of the line and wrap up our adventure in Cape Town. Where to next? (B,L,Dx3) (B)
35 DAY | CAPE TOWN TO ZANZIBAR
DAYS 1-2 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA TO GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER. Step into stunning Cape Town and meet with the group before we head to the beautiful Gariep (Orange) River. (L,D) (B,L,D)
DAYS 3-7 GARIEP (ORANGE) RIVER TO SWAKOPMUND, NAMIBIA VIA SOLITAIRE AND NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK. Enjoy the Insta-worthy views over Fish River Canyon and climb the world’s highest dunes. Then relax for a few days and enjoy the adventure activities on offer in the buzzing town of Swakopmund. (B,L,Dx3) (Bx2)
DAYS 8-12 SWAKOPMUND TO GHANZI VIA SPITZKOPPE AND ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK. We continue through Damaraland and camp amongst the eerie rock formations at Spitzkoppe before arriving in Etosha National Park. (B,L,Dx4) (B,L)
DAYS 13-16 GHANZI TO ELEPHANT SANDS, BOTSWANA VIA MAUN & OKAVANGO DELTA. Spend time amongst the tranquil islands and channels of the Okavango Delta, and check out the wildlife on foot and from canoes. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 17–20 ELEPHANT SANDS TO LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA VIA CHOBE NATIONAL PARK. Relax on a river cruise in Chobe National Park and look out for elephants, hippos and buffaloes. From Chobe we cross into Zambia and camp on the banks of the Zambezi near the mighty Livingstone. (B,L,D) (Bx3)
DAYS 21-24 LIVINGSTONE TO SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK VIA LUSAKA AND CHIPATA. From Livingstone we drive north via Zambia’s capital city to Lusaka and on to the South Luangwa National Park. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 25-28 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE MALAWI, MALAWI. It’s then onto Lake Malawi for a few days of beach chills. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 29-30 LAKE MALAWI TO DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA, VIA IRINGA. Crossing the border into Tanzania we head towards the coast, passing by the Mikumi National Park to the bustling capital Dar es Salaam. (B,L,Dx2)
+ 28 nights in campsites, 2 nights in hostels & 4 nights in hotels
+ Zanzibar ferry
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Canoe safari
+ Scenic flight
DAYS 31-34 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Cross by ferry to exotic Zanzibar and explore the charming alleyways of old Stone Town and relax on the northern beaches. Think: white sand, stunning blue water and food to die for. (Bx4)
DAY 35 ZANZIBAR TO DAR ES SALAAM. Return to Dar and our beachside campsite, where our trip (sadly!) comes to an end. (B)
CAMPING TRIP PRICE OF $3395
+ $560 ADVENTURE PASS = $3955
ACCOMMODATED TRIP PRICE OF $5555
+ $560 ADVENTURE PASS = $6115
price based on usd per person twin share
35 DAYS FROM $3955
USD PER PERSON
PHOTO: OKAVANGO
36 DAY | RIVERS, LAKES AND MOUNTAINS
DAY 1 LIVINGSTONE TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA. Begin your adventure at our campsite located on the banks of the Zambezi River the head to Luska. (L,D)
DAYS 2-4 LUSAKA TO SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK, VIA CHIPATA. Continuing to South Luangwa National Park, we enjoy our first game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for ALL the animals! (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 5-8 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE MALAWI, MALAWI. Set up camp on the sandy shores of Lake Malawi and delve into the activities on offer. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 9-10 LAKE MALAWI TO DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA, VIA IRINGA. Crossing into Tanzania we head to Dar es Salaam. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 11-14 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Today it’s off to idyllic Zanzibar. Kick back and enjoy the ultimate chills, you deserve it. (Bx4)
DAYS 15-17 ZANZIBAR TO ARUSHA, VIA DAR ES SALAAM AND MARANGU. Head back to Dar for a night before venturing inland, as we enter the country’s safari capital, Arusha. (B,D) (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 18-20 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/ NGORONGORO CRATER. Hop into smaller 4WD vehicles and head out on a game viewing excursion to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 21-22 ARUSHA OR SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/ NGORONGORO CRATER TO NAIROBI, KENYA. Crossing the border into Kenya, we drive through spectacular scenery to reach Nairobi where we spend the night. Use the next day to explore the city at your leisure. (B,L) (B)
DAYS 23-25 NAIROBI TO KAMPALA VIA LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK AND ELDORET. Descend into the Great Rift Valley and overnight in Lake Nakuru National Park. Continuing through the North Highlands to Eldoret, we cross into Uganda to the bustling capital Kampala. (B,L,Dx3)
DAY 26 KAMPALA TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. After a night in Kampala, we drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of Uganda’s chimpanzees. (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Lake Nakuru National Park
+ Queen Elizabeth National Park
+ Maasai village walk
+ Mosi Oa Tunya National Park - Victoria Falls
+ South Luangwa National Park
+ Chimpanzee trekking
+ Gorilla trekking
+ Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion
DAYS 27-30 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE BUNYONYI (GORILLA TREK AND FREE TIME). Here, we explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where local guides will lead us on a trek to see gorillas in the wild. (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 31-33 LAKE BUNYONYI TO JINJA, VIA KAMPALA. Return to Kampala before continuing to Jinja. (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 34-36 JINJA TO NAIROBI, KENYA, VIA ELDORET. Crossing back into Kenya, we carry on to Nairobi where our trip ends. (B,L,Dx2) (B,L)
36 DAY | BEACH AND BUSH RAMBLE
DAYS 1-3 JOHANNESBURG TO INHAMBANE, MOZAMBIQUE VIA KOMATIPOORT, SOUTH AFRICA. Meet the group, then shimmy to Komatipoort. Then, we ramble down to stunning Inhambane, known for its prolific beaches. (D) (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 4-5 INHAMBANE TO VILANCULOS. Today, we head to Vilanculos, aka ‘paradise’. (B,L,D) (B,L) DAY 6 VILANCULOS TO XAI-XAI. Mozambique = relaxing beaches and warm waters. (B,L,D)
DAYS 7-8 XAI-XAI TO KRUGER, SOUTH AFRICA. Home to over 505 species of birds and 148 mammals, Kruger will keep you entertained from dawn ‘til dusk. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 9-10 KRUGER TO BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE VIA TSHIPISE. Swing past Tshipise then onto Bulawayo. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 BULAWAYO TO MATOBO NATIONAL PARK. Today, Matobo National Park is all yours for exploring. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 MATOBO NATIONAL PARK TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK. Head to Zimbabwe’s premier gameviewing area, Hwange National Park. (B,L,D)
DAYS 13-14 HWANGE NATIONAL PARK TO VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE. Leave the wilderness and head to the mighty Victoria Falls for optional gorge swings and white water rafting. (Bx2)
DAY 15 VICTORIA FALLS TO LIVINGSTONE. Cross into Zambia today. (B)
DAY 16 LIVINGSTONE TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA. Next up, Lusaka. (B,L,D)
DAYS 17-18 LUSAKA TO SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK VIA CHIPATA. Keep your eyes peeled for ALL the animals! (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 19-23 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE MALAWI, MALAWI. Set up camp on the sandy shores of Lake Malawi. (B,L,Dx5)
DAYS 24-25 LAKE MALAWI TO DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA, VIA IRINGA. Crossing into Tanzania we head to Dar es Salaam. (B,L,Dx2) (B)
DAYS 26-30 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Today it’s onto the ferry and off to Zanzibar. Kick back and enjoy the ultimate beach chills. (Bx3) (B,D)
DAYS 31-32 ZANZIBAR TO ARUSHA, VIA DAR ES SALAAM AND MARANGU. Head back to Dar for a night before
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Maasai village walk
+ Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion
venturing inland, as we enter the country’s safari capital, Arusha. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 33-34 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/ NGORONGORO CRATER. Hop into smaller 4WD vehicles and head out on a game viewing excursion to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater to spot the Big Five. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 35-36 ARUSHA OR SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/ NGORONGORO CRATER TO NAIROBI, KENYA. Crossing the border into Kenya, our trip ends here. (B,L,D) (B)
TRIP CODE: ZOZCJN
CAMPING TRIP PRICE OF $4230 + $1220 ADVENTURE PASS = $5450 price based on usd per person
36 DAYS FROM $5450
USD PER PERSON
JOHANNESBURG NAIROBI
PHOTO: MATOBO NP, ZIMBABWE
39 DAY | GAME PARKS, ZANZIBAR & MOZAMBIQUE
5
2
30
28
25
23
20
DAYS 1-4 NAIROBI AND MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE TO ARUSHA, TANZANIA. First up: the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Next, from buzzing Nairobi we roll into the safari capital Arusha. (L,D) (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 5-7 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/ NGORONGORO CRATER. Swap to smaller 4WD vehicles and drive to the Serengeti National Park. Next, climb the steep Ngorongoro Crater and camp on the rim for a must-be-seen-to-be-believed view. (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 8-9 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/NGORONGORO CRATER TO DAR ES SALAAM VIA BAGAMOYO. Return to Arusha, rest up, then head across the savannah en route to Dar es Salaam, gateway to Zanzibar. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 10-13 DAR ES SALAAM TO ZANZIBAR. Step into paradise at Zanzibar ‘Spice Island’ and enjoy three days of pure bliss. (Bx3) (B,D)
DAYS 14-19 DAR ES SALAAM TO LAKE MALAWI VIA IRINGA AND MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK. A stop at Mikumi National Park provides another chance to spot some wildlife. (B,L,Dx6)
DAYS 20-25 LAKE MALAWI TO LIVINGSTONE VIA LUSAKA, ZAMBIA. Leaving Lake Malawi, we make our way to Lusaka. Moving on, we set up camp in Livingstone, where you can try your hand at a range of optional activities. (Bx3) (B,Lx1) (B,L,Dx2)
DAY 26 LIVINGSTONE TO VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE. This morning we visit the mighty Falls. (B)
DAY 27 VICTORIA FALLS TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK. Head to Zimbabwe’s premier game-viewing area, Hwange National Park. (B,L,D)
DAY 28 HWANGE NATIONAL PARK TO BULAWAYO. Today we visit the iconic Khami Ruins (B,L,D)
DAYS 29-30 BULAWAYO TO TSHIPISE, SOUTH AFRICA, VIA MATOBO NATIONAL PARK. Today, Matobo National Park is yours to explore. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 31-32 TSHIPISE TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Home to over 505 species of birds, 148 mammals and masses of reptiles, Kruger will keep you entertained today. (B,L,Dx2)
DAY 33 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK TO XAI XAI, MOZAMBIQUE. Buh-bye Kruger and onwards to Mozambique. (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Maasai Mara National Reserve & Maasai village walk
+ Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion
DAY 34-35 XAI XAI TO VILANCULOS. Cruise down to Vilanculos and take a Dhow safari to Magaruque Island. (B,L,D) (B,L)
DAYS 36-37 VILANCULOS TO INHAMBANE. Step into Inhambane, known for its world-class scuba diving and almost guaranteed manta ray sightings. (B,L,D) (B,L)
DAYS 38-39 INHAMBANE TO JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA VIA KOMATIPOORT. Shimmy out of paradise and onwards to Komatipoort before we round off in Johannesburg. (B,L,D) (B)
39 DAY | ULTIMATE AFRICAN ADVENTURE
DAY 1 NAIROBI, KENYA TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK. Starting our epic adventure in Nairobi, we make a beeline to Lake Nakuru National Park. (L,D)
DAYS 2-3 LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK TO KAMPALA, UGANDA, VIA ELDORET. Squeeze pass the North Highlands and cross into Uganda. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 4-5 KAMPALA TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK. Today, we drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of Uganda’s stunning natural wildlife. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 6-9 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK TO KAMPALA VIA LAKE BUNYONYI (GORILLA TREK AND FREE TIME). Before arriving at our camp on Lake Bunyonyi, we stop at a chimpanzee sanctuary at Kyambura Gorge. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 10-12 KAMPALA TO JINJA. Return to Kampala before continuing to Jinja. (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 13-14 JINJA TO NAIROBI, KENYA, VIA ELDORET. Step into the capital of Kenya. (B,L,D) (B,L)
DAYS 15-18 NAIROBI, KENYA AND MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE. Today, it’s all about the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Spot the Big Five, before returning to Nairobi. (B) (B,L,Dx3)
DAY 19 NAIROBI TO ARUSHA, TANZANIA. Crossing into stunning Tanzania, we arrive in the safari capital, Arusha. (B,L,D)
DAYS 20-22 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/ NGORONGORO CRATER. Today we switch to smaller 4WD vehicles and drive west to the Serengeti National Park. From the Serengeti plains we descend on the steep (and stunning!) Ngorongoro Crater and camp on the rim. (B,L,Dx3)
DAYS 23-24 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/NGORONGORO CRATER TO DAR ES SALAAM VIA BAGAMOYO. Return to Arusha and rejoin our truck travelling past Mt Kilimanjaro, where we have a night to relax in the Bagamoyo area. Head across the savannah en route to the port city Dar es Salaam, gateway to Zanzibar. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 25-28 DAR ES SALAAM AND ZANZIBAR. Welcome to Zanzibar: home to world-class beaches with spectacular snorkelling. (Bx4)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park - Victoria Falls
+ Lake Nakuru & Queen Elizabeth National Parks
+ Mountain gorilla trekking
+ Chimpanzee trekking
+ Maasai Mara National Reserve
+ Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion
DAYS 29-30 DAR ES SALAAM TO IRINGA, VIA MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK. A stop at Mikumi National Park provides another chance to spot some wildlife, before heading towards Malawi. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 31-34 IRINGA TO LAKE MALAWI, MALAWI. Kick back and enjoy Lake Malawi. (B,L,Dx4)
DAYS 35-36 LAKE MALAWI TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA VIA CHIPATA. Today, we step into Zambia. (B,L,Dx2)
DAYS 37-39 LUSAKA TO LIVINGSTONE. Enjoy impressive Livingstone. This area is Africa’s adventure capital, with optional activities like gorge-swinging and bungy jumping on offer. Then, we end here. (B,L) (Bx2)
This trip is a combination of the 25 Day Desert Tracker trip found on p.57 and 19 Day Kruger to Cape Town trip found on p.51. (*however this trip will not visit Johannesburg). For a full itinerary please visit our website www.topdeck.travel
+ 34 nights in campsites, 2 nights in hostels & 4 nights in hotels
+ Zanzibar ferry
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Sky diving + Horse riding
This trip is a combination of the 19 Day Desert Tracker trip found on p.49 and the 21 Day East African Explorer trip found on p.52. For a a full itinerary please visit our website www.topdeck.travel
+ 37 nights in campsites, 2 nights in hostels & 3 nights in hotels
+ Zanzibar ferry
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Snorkelling day trip
+ Gorge swing
This trip is a combination of the 24 Day South East Adventure trip found on p.55 and the 19 Day South West Safari trip found on p.50. For a full itinerary please visit our website www.topdeck.travel
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Lake Nakuru National Park
+ Queen Elizabeth National Park
+ Maasai village walk
+ Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
+ Mosi Oa Tunya National ParkVictoria Falls
+ Kruger National Park
+ Shangaan Cultural evening
+ South Luangwa National Park
+ Chimpanzee trekking
+ Mountain gorilla trekking
+ Matobo National Park
START MEET AT 7AM IN JOHANNESBURG FINISH APPROXIMATELY 6PM IN NAIROBI
This trip is a combination of the 7 Day African Insight trip found on p.42, the 21 Day East African Explorer trip found on p.52 and the 14 Day Gorilla Encounter trip found on p.46. For a full itinerary please visit our website www.topdeck.travel
TRIP CODE: ZOKCNC
TRIP CODE: ZOCIJG
All items listed in the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the total price of your trip. The total trip price is inclusive of the Adventure Pass which is compulsory for all trips (See p. 39). All other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the endangered status of the gorillas, visitors are strictly limited and a permit must be purchased at the time of booking to ensure you get to see these gentle giants. Permit rates are subject to change due to
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Lake Nakuru National Park
+ Queen Elizabeth National Park
+ Maasai village walk
+ Mosi Oa Tunya National ParkVictoria Falls
+ Kruger National Park
+ Shangaan cultural evening
+ Chimpanzee trekking
+ Mountain gorilla trekking
+ Maasai Mara National Reserve
+ Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
+ Matobo National Park
START MEET AT 8AM IN NAIROBI FINISH APPROXIMATELY 6PM IN JOHANNESBURG
This trip is a combination of the 14 Day Gorilla Encounter trip found on p.46 and the 31 Day South East Adventure trip found on p.60. For a full itinerary please visit our website www.topdeck.travel
+ 52 nights in campsites, 2 nights in hostels & 3 nights in hotels
+ Zanzibar ferry
+ Fully equipped safari vehicle
+ 2-person dome tents or twin share accommodated
+ Camping & cooking equipment
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS
+ Snorkelling day trip
+ Sandboarding
This trip is a combination of the 14 Day Gorilla Encounter trip found on p.46 and the 43 Day Kenya to Cape Town trip found on p.69. For a full itinerary please visit our website www.topdeck.travel
TRIP CODE: ZOKCGC
SHORT BREAKS
Sometimes you just need a bit of space to breathe and reboot. We totally get it. Which is why these nifty little breaks offer the independent traveller the perfect amount of time to experience some of the world’s most iconic destinations. Be warned! The included excursions are not exclusive to Topdeck and you could be sitting next to an #oldie! #omg.
3 DAY NAIROBI SHORT BREAK
TRIP CODE: ZOCSNR
INCLUSIONS
+ 2 breakfasts
+ 2 nights in a hotel
+ Nairobi day tour
+ Return airport transfers
Start (or end) your epic adventure in cosmopolitan Nairobi. Think: vibrant culture, unique markets and incredible capital city vibes.
FROM
3 DAY JOHANNESBURG SHORT BREAK
TRIP CODE: ZOCSJN
4 DAY CAPE TOWN SHORT BREAK
TRIP CODE: ZOCSCT
INCLUSIONS
+ 1 lunch
+ 3 nights in a hostel
+ Cape Peninsula Tour
+ Arrival airport transfer
Home to the soaring Table Mountain, flawless beaches and vineyards galore, it's easy to see why everyone falls in love with stunning Cape Town.
TWIN/DOUBLE FROM $305 U
FROM $370 Usd per person
INCLUSIONS
+ 2 breakfasts
+ 2 nights in a hostel
DORM FROM $250 Usd per person DORM FROM $295 Usd per person SINGLE FROM $515 Usd per person
+ Choice between: Johannesburg Soweto & Apartheid Museum Tour or The Cradle of Humankind Tour
+ Arrival airport transfer
Tick off all the sights, delve into history or sink your teeth into top notch restaurants. This incredible city is yours to explore.
FROM
SINGLE FROM $375 Usd per person
DUBAI Stopover
If you’re looking for mundane, look elsewhere. Glittery, oil-fuelled and larger than life, Dubai is a living testament to the fact that money can buy almost anything. Futuristic skyscrapers meet traditional markets and shopping destinations tailor-made for a short stint of retail therapy.
NOTE: Although we’ve given our Topdeck stamp of approval, these packages are unguided (leaving you more time to channel your inner explorer). We’ve bundled the best experiences from our trusted local suppliers, just for you – meaning your package could differ from that of your fellow passengers. Included activities are not restricted to 18-39s.
INCLUSIONS
+ 2 nights in a 3 or 4-star hotel
+ 2 breakfasts + 1 BBQ dinner in the desert
+ 4x4 desert safari
+ Meet & greet service + return airport transfers.
PLEASE NOTE: HIGHER RATES APPLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IN
This Bangkok stopover is all about the eccentric city vibes and its tuk tuk filled streets. Whether you’re keen to retrace history or ready to fuel your appetite with delicious street food, you’re sure to find something in this incredible city. VISIT WWW.TOPDECK.TRAVEL FOR MORE INFORMATION.
INCLUSIONS
+ 3 nights in a 3 or 4-star hotel with 3 breakfasts + 1 BBQ dinner in the desert + 4x4 desert safari
+ Half day city tour of Dubai
+ Meet & greet service + return airport transfers
Glitzy and larger than life, this short stopover trip in Singapore has something for everyone. Epic skyscrapers and bustling city vibes are calling to be explored. Wander down lantern-lined streets then stuff yourself with famous dishes like Or Luak and Char Kway Teow at the Chinatown Food Street. Yum! VISIT WWW.TOPDECK.TRAVEL FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Stay & Play
ALEXANDRIA DAY TRIP
Alexander never overslept and neither will you today as we seize the diem and make for the great man's favourite of his 20 self-titled cities. Think of today as an archaeological roller coaster, as we take in nearly two and a half thousand years of history, including Roman catacombs, Arab forts and a pretty special pillar.
+ Roman catacombs
Pompey’s Pillar + Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi
TERMS & CONDITIONS
It is our intention to set out clearly and simply the responsibilities which we at Top Deck Tours Ltd, Level One, 107 Power Road, London, W4 5PY England, a company registered in the UK, company number 04905253 (“Topdeck, us or we”) have to you and any member of your party (“You”) and which You, in turn, have to us when a contract is made between us. You should therefore read and understand the contents.
With the exception of the Mega European Trip featured in this brochure which is operated by Top Deck Tours Pty Ltd, all other trips featured in this brochure are sold by Topdeck as agent for the following local operators: (Egypt - Top Deck Egypt, Cairo, Egypt); (Morocco - Mountain Safari Tours, Marrakech, Morocco); (Jordan and Israel - Al-Thuraya Travel and Tours, Amman, Jordan); (Africa - Acacia Adventure Holidays Ltd, London, UK). Your contract for tour services will be with the relevant operator specified above and will also be subject to that operator’s terms and conditions (in addition to the booking conditions set out below). The operator will be identified on your itinerary or travel documents and their terms and conditions will be available directly on their websites or by contacting them. Should we book a flight on your behalf it will be subject to the conditions of the respective airline, including but not limited to deposit/full payment and cancellation conditions.
All Topdeck trips are sold subject to the following conditions (“these Conditions”).
1. (a) Please note that our trips are designed for young people between the ages of 18 to 39 years. We may in special circumstances approve persons outside this range. If You are 17 years of age and wish to book on one of our trips, please contact us before making a booking as we will require the written consent of your parent or guardian. We reserve the sole right to decline a booking request from You should we think our trips are not suited to You. (b) A contract between You and us will exist as soon as we issue an invoice in response to your request for a booking and the deposit has been paid to your travel agent or us.
BOOKING YOUR TRIP
2. Bookings can be made either through your local travel agent or with us direct and must be secured with a deposit of $200 per person paid at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable unless we cancel your trip. If You are making a booking within 42 days of departure, then full payment is required PROVIDED HOWEVER that if the trip comprises a special offer we may require full payment including any pre and post accommodation and sundry service charges to be paid at the time specified in the offer. Your booking is taken to be confirmed, and accepted when we issue an invoice. If your booking is made through a travel agent, we will address all correspondence to that travel agent. All monies paid by You to the travel agent will be held by them on behalf of Topdeck. If You arrange your trip direct with us, all correspondence and communications will be sent to your address in our booking file unless You specify otherwise. Balance of all payments is required at least 42 days prior to your trip departure date. If You do not pay within this period we may deem your booking cancelled and your deposit forfeited.
3. Alterations or cancellations by You after your booking has been accepted will be effected subject to the provisions of clauses 5, 6 and 7 of these Conditions.
4. Prices quoted in our brochures are calculated on costs and exchange rates at 28 November 2016. These prices may increase or decrease and we reserve the sole right to alter prices and other particulars contained in our brochures and on our website. Price changes in trips featured in subsequent brochure versions will supersede the prices in this brochure. (The version date is indicated on the back cover of this brochure). Before You make a booking we will provide You with details of the current price of your chosen trip. This will also be displayed on the website. Once You have accepted this price and your booking has been confirmed in accordance with clause 2 that price will remain fixed and will not be subject to surcharges, except in the case of African trips. Due to the nature of African trips and the countries visited we may increase the tour price and the price of any adventure passes not less than 30 days before departure, to take account of government action, currency exchange rate fluctuations, increases in fuel costs or ground transportation charges (however we will absorb an amount equal to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements before increasing any price). If any price variation exceeds 10% of the total price of your trip as invoiced at the time when your booking was first made, you may cancel your booking within 14 days of the date of issue of our supplementary invoice and obtain a full refund of all payments.
5. You must clearly state all your requirements at the time of booking. Please note that any dietary requirements will be a request only. We cannot guarantee special dietary requirements nor will we assume any responsibility or liability if your special requirements cannot be fulfilled. If You want to change any aspect of your booking including but not limited to a change to a trip of shorter duration or different departure date You must notify us as soon as possible in writing. We will do our best to accommodate your requested changes. If a request is made more than 42 days before departure there will not be any charge. If a request is made less than 42 days before departure, normal cancellation fees will apply in accordance with clause 7 unless the transfer or change is to an earlier departure of the same trip. In the event of a request for a change to be made a new invoice will be issued by Topdeck and cancellation charges/amendment fees will be shown. All amendment fees are payable within 7 days of the issue of a new invoice or on the date of departure, whichever is the sooner.
6. If You are prevented from traveling as a result of illness, the death of an immediate family member, jury service, or other reason beyond your control which we consider significant, we will agree to your booking being transferred to another person who satisfies all the conditions applicable to the trip, subject to You and the other person accepting liability for full payment of the trip cost and any additional costs arising from the transfer PROVIDED THAT we must be given at least 21 days written notice of the proposed change. For African trips You will be required to pay an amendment fee of $100 per person per change, together with any communication and other expenses incurred by us.
CANCELLATION BY YOU
7. Cancellation of a booking by You must be made in writing. We will not regard a booking as cancelled unless and until written notice is received by us. On cancellation the following charges will apply:
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Should we book any flights on your behalf they will be subject to the conditions of the respective airline - this includes but is not limited to deposit/full payment and amendment/cancellation conditions. Topdeck will charge a $60 per person administration fee for any amendments, cancellations or reissue of tickets in addition to any airline fees.
CANCELLATION OR MODIFICATION BY US
8. Every effort will be made to operate all trips as advertised but it must be remembered that our trips are planned up to eighteen months in advance. We therefore reserve the sole right, at our discretion, to modify or cancel any trip, accommodation or arrangement at any time. We will notify You as soon as possible of any changes and they will form part of our contract with You. In the case of any material modification or cancellation, we will, if possible, provide You with three alternatives:
(1) a trip of an equivalent or closely similar standard and price, if available; (2) a trip of a lower standard together with a refund of the difference in price; or (3) cancellation with a full refund of all monies paid.
9. A material modification is one which has a serious effect on your trip and includes a change of departure date, departure point or airport, or change of departure time of more than twelve hours, which would cause substantial inconvenience to You. We do not consider a change of accommodation, or transport style a material change.
10. We will endeavour not to materially modify or cancel the trip within 42 days of the date of the scheduled departure unless compelled to do so because of circumstances beyond our reasonable control. If a material modification or cancellation is made by us within six weeks of the scheduled departure date for reasons other than Force Majeure in accordance with clause 21 You will receive compensation as stated in the scale below.
Period before scheduled departure date that we notify You or your travel agent together with the compensation offered.
Over 42 days nil
42-29 days $50
28-14 days $75
13-7 days $100
6-0 days $200
11. Topdeck may require a minimum number of participants for certain trips and in the event that there are insufficient bookings recorded by not later than 42 days before the scheduled departure date (28 days for Africa Safari Trips), we will be entitled to cancel the scheduled trip, whereupon all monies paid by You for your Topdeck trip shall be refunded but no further compensation will be paid and You and Topdeck hereby agree to mutually release each other from any further obligations which would have been enforceable had the trip not been cancelled.
12. We may alter or substitute the type or size of vehicle, or style of transport mentioned in the brochure, depending on the number of passengers carried, which can vary from trip to trip. Normally the group size is 8-15 passengers.
OUR LIABILITY TO YOU
13. Save where the provisions of Force Majeure apply, in the event that the trip does not reasonably comply with the description in the brochure, Topdeck may compensate You to a maximum value equal to twice the price of the trip but excluding insurance premiums and amendment fees AND Topdeck will only be liable to pay the maximum amount of compensation where there has been a total failure of consideration for your payment. Topdeck will not be liable where any failure in the performance or provision of Your trip is due to: (a) Your acts or omissions or the acts or omissions of another member in Your group (b) any third party not connected with the provision of Your trip and where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable (c) unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised or (d) an event which we or a travel service provider, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall (including but not limited to Force Majeure and unavoidable technical problems with transport and similar events).
14. If You are killed, injured or become ill during or as a result of, carriage by ship, train or coach forming part of the trip in circumstances where such death, injury or illness is not caused by or contributed to by You our liability to pay damages and/or the amount of compensation we will be liable to pay is limited in accordance with the liability of a carrier under any international Convention applicable to such events, including, but not limited to:
• In respect of carriage by sea, the Athens Convention;
• In respect of the provision of accommodation, the Paris Convention;
• In respect of carriage by rail, the Berne Convention; and,
• In respect of carriage by road, the Geneva Convention.
15. The terms of these Conventions are incorporated into and form part of our contract with You. You should know that the carrier will rely upon its ‘conditions of carriage’ which may limit or remove the carrier’s liability to You and limit compensation under any international Conventions. Our liability will also, in all cases, be limited in accordance with relevant carrier conditions of carriage. Our obligation to You is to (and You expressly authorise us to) make trip bookings on Your behalf with reasonable skill and care and to arrange a contract between You and the relevant operator. We exercise care in the selection of reputable operators but we have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties. All bookings are made on Your behalf subject to the terms and conditions, including conditions of carriage and limitations of liability, imposed by the relevant operator. Your legal rights in connection with such trips are against the specific operator and are not against us, except to the extent a problem is caused by fault on our part.
16. In the event that Topdeck (or its insurers) make any payment to You for death, personal injury or illness, You must give us or our insurers all and any rights You may have to take action against the party responsible for causing the death, personal injury or illness and You must co-operate fully with us in seeking recovery of any payment we may make from such party.
17. Your booking is accepted on the condition that You understand, and take responsibility for, the risks inherent in adventure travel. Every effort will be made to operate all trips featured in this brochure but because of the number of countries visited on trips there may be a necessity to vary the itinerary from that stated in the brochure, and delays may occur for a variety of reasons beyond our control. The need for a flexible attitude to this type of travel is stressed in our publication. The final decision on the itinerary and the content of the trip will be taken by the Trip Leader, as appointed by us in the interest of the group as a whole. Please note that due to Public holidays some sights or activities may not be available on a particular trip.
18. No refund will be made for services made available by Topdeck but which for whatever reason are not used by You once the trip has departed.
governed by local law. Topdeck acts only as their agent. Topdeck’s Trip Leader will have further details and additional information can be found on our website. Topdeck accepts no liability for any act or omission of any operator or operator’s employees, agents or sub-contractors.
EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY – FORCE MAJEURE
21. We do not accept liability for any loss, damage or expense resulting from war or terrorist activities threatened or actual, civil unrest, industrial action threatened or actual, weather conditions, fire, flood, drought, closures, unforeseen alterations to public transport schedules, rescheduling of aircraft or boats, epidemic or outbreaks of illness or any other event outside our control which either delays or extends or reduces the trip, or compels a change in the trip arrangements after departure (“Force Majeure”).
CONTRAVENTION OF LAW
22. We will not be responsible for any loss or damage sustained by You as a result of a contravention of any law or regulation of any of the countries visited while on the trip.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS
23. If You have a medical condition or disability which may affect your trip, we ask that You inform us in writing at the time of booking the trip of any special arrangements required by You so that we are able to advise as to the suitability of those arrangements. If we reasonably feel we are unable to satisfactorily accommodate your particular needs, we reserve the right to decline the booking or ask for You to be accompanied by a person who is able to provide full assistance to You throughout your trip.
YOUR LIABILITY TO US
24. You will not be permitted to embark or continue on the trip if your mental or physical condition is, in the reasonable opinion of any representative of the relevant Operator, such as to render You incapable of caring for yourself, or whereby You become objectionable to other passengers, or You become a hazard to yourself or other passengers. We will not be responsible for expenses resulting in You being precluded from completing the trip for any reason, nor will we refund You any part of your trip cost. In all cases we will notify You of the reasons why we have taken this action. We will have no obligation to arrange for your return to the point of the trip departure where your condition manifests itself after the trip departure. Further, if the trip involves travel by air, the captain of your aircraft can refuse to allow You to fly on the aircraft if he believes that You could be dangerous or disruptive to other passengers on the flight.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
25. Please ensure You carefully read your invoice, tickets and all other documents we send to You as soon as You receive them, and contact your travel agent, or us immediately if any information appears to be incorrect. We will not accept any liability if You fail to notify us of any inaccuracy in any document within 14 days of us sending them to You or your agent. While we will do our best to rectify any changes made outside this time, it is your responsibility to meet any additional costs which may be involved, except in the case of an error made by Topdeck and where there is reasonable justification for You not contacting us within the specified time. You are responsible for ensuring that all necessary travel documents including, but not limited to, passports, visas and vaccination certificates are valid and subsisting. We strongly recommend that You verify current documentation requirements and all other relevant protocols and procedures associated with your trip with your travel agent or us. Please note requirements change and you must check with your Consulate for the most up to date information, including but not limited to Visa requirements for the countries visited on your Trip. Passports must have an expiry date of at least six months after completion of the trip.
INSURANCE
26. You must take out comprehensive travel insurance before You travel on your trip. Your insurance protection must include cover for cancellation, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability insurance. Evidence of such insurances must be produced to Topdeck on request and normally on day one of your trip. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not comprehensive.
27. You hereby indemnify us against all third-party actions taken against us for loss or damage caused by You or arising from your participation on the trip.
28. In the event of You making a claim against Topdeck arising out of the trip, You hereby assign to us, any rights to take action against any third party supplier or any other person or party that Topdeck reasonably considers to be a party to the action and to co-operate fully with Topdeck should Topdeck or its insurers wish to enforce those rights which have been assigned to Topdeck.
29. In the event that You make a claim against us which is covered by your insurance policy, You agree to pursue the claim through your insurer either in addition to, or in substitution for, your claim against us (if any). We agree to indemnify You in respect of reasonable expenses incurred in successfully pursuing such a claim and acknowledge that any settlement made by the insurer shall not prejudice your rights against us.
30. In the event of You not making a claim before 5 working days of the maximum length of time permitted by your policy, You must assign, by letter sent by courier delivery to Topdeck not less than 5 working days prior to the said specified time, the benefit of the policy and give immediate notice of such an assignment to your insurer.
COMPLAINTS
31. In the event of any dissatisfaction with the accommodation or any other service provided by Topdeck, You must report it immediately to the Trip Leader so that action can be taken to remedy the problem. Failure to notify the Trip Leader of any problem immediately may prejudice Topdeck and may result in your ability to claim compensation from us being extinguished or reduced. Any complaint made to Topdeck following the conclusion of the trip should be made in writing within 28 days of completion of the trip. In the event that You do not notify us in writing within 28 days, Topdeck’s ability to investigate the complaint may be prejudiced and may extinguish your claim.
DATA PROTECTION
32. We are committed to protecting your personal information and agree to process your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Notice, which is available online at www.topdeck.travel/privacy. In order to make your booking and ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly, we need to use the information You provide and pass it on to other relevant suppliers who are responsible for parts of your travel arrangements. In many cases this will include transferring your data to overseas recipients. In making this booking, your consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons is deemed to be given unless You object and advise Topdeck of your objection at the time of booking. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as Customs or Immigration if required by them, or as required by law. This consent applies to any sensitive information that You give to us such as details of any disabilities or dietary/religious requirements.
SMOKING
ROLLING DEPOSIT VOUCHER
Any cancellation within 6 weeks which incurs more than deposit charge is not applicable to this offer. The Rolling Deposit Voucher (RDV) may only be used as a deposit on one future Topdeck trip 4 days of length or more. Only one Rolling Deposit may be applied per trip. The RDV has no expiry date, but the passenger must be aged between 18 to 39 years to travel as per the travel conditions of Topdeck Travel.
The RDV will equate to the initial deposit amount paid. If redeeming against a trip with a lower deposit amount, the remainder of the voucher will be forfeited. If redeeming against a trip with a higher deposit amount the balance will be payable at time of booking. The RDV has no cash value and cannot be transferred to another customer.
The RDV can only be combined with 1 other discount, either a standard Early Bird deal or standard brochure discount as long as applicable at time of booking.
FLIGHTS
Cancellation charges for the flight segment of any flight included as part of your Topdeck Trip featured in this brochure: Up to 42 days before trip departure:
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS
19. Topdeck and/or its associated staff partners and suppliers makes no warranties or representations in relation to implied or explicit suggestion and/or recommendation for services, activities and events not highlighted as included in the related trip(s). Information not explicitly noted as included is provided 'as is' and intended to be general in nature so may not be suitable for your particular needs. It is essential that you ensure that any/all risk associated with getting to/from, the participation in or visitation of any area, activity, event or venue is in-line with your expectations and suitably covered under your travel insurance
20. During Your trip You will be offered the chance to purchase various optional excursions and activities. Topdeck does not own, operate or control any of the companies or individuals which provide the optional activities or excursions. Some of the optional activities and excursions, such as canyoning are inherently risky. If You want to take part in such optional activities or excursions You must be fit enough to do so and must follow all reasonable instructions. The standards of health and safety which will be adopted by the company or the individual providing the optional activity or excursion will be those of the country where the optional activity or excursion takes place. Please note that these standards may not be the same as You would find in the UK, or in Your home country. If You wish to book any optional excursion or activity, You may do so subject to the operator’s terms and conditions. Your contract will be with the operator of the activity or excursion and will be
33. Topdeck operates a non-smoking policy on our vehicles (although we make frequent stops for breaks), and in most of our accommodation.
LUGGAGE
34. There are strict weight limits for vehicles when fully loaded. Therefore You are only entitled to have one piece of main luggage of standard size (see the pre-departure information or our website for size limits), and not weighing more than 20kg. In addition You may bring a sleeping bag, as required on specific trips, and a daypack.
GENERAL
35. You understand that future Topdeck advertising and publicity material may include statements made by passengers, or their photographs, and You consent to such use of your comments or photographic/video likeness.
36. No servant, agent, employee or representative of the Company has any right to alter, vary or waive any of these Conditions, nor undertake any activity likely to lead to increased liability whatsoever on behalf of Topdeck unless such be in writing and signed by a duly authorised person.
37. All contracts for bookings made with Topdeck, for trips in this brochure, are governed by English law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts in the UK, should any dispute between us not be otherwise amicably agreed.
