Tag: africa
Uganda
Nile Safari Lodge was our first stop on our 10 day trip in Uganda. It is located in Murchison Falls National Park.
Entebbe – For 1 night May 10, 2023
Nile Safari Lodge – May 11, 2023 – May 13, 2023
Kyaninga Lodge – May 13, 2023 – May 15, 2023
Isasha Lodge  – May 15, 2023- May 17, 2023
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – May 17, 2023 – May 20, 2023
To get to all of these destinations we flew into many small airports.
Kajjansi Airfield then to Bungungu, Kasese, Kahihi, Kajjansi & then back to Entebbe.
If you would like to see what and where we ate while traveling around Uganda.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023 CAIRO / ENTEBBE, UGANDA
Today you are transferred to the airport to board your departure flight to Entebbe.Wednesday, May 10, 2023, 7:20 AM ADD Addis Ababa
(Bole International Airport) Ethiopian Airlines 332
ADD Addis Ababa (Bole International Airport) Ethiopia
Today you are transferred to the airport to board your departure flight to Entebbe.Wednesday, May 10, 2023, 7:20 AM ADD Addis Ababa
(Bole International Airport) Ethiopian Airlines 332
ADD Addis Ababa (Bole International Airport) Ethiopia
Wednesday, May 10, 2023, 10:55 AM EBB Entebbe (Entebbe Airport) Uganda
Accommodation: Hotel No. 5
THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 ENTEBBE / MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK | THE NILE’S JEWEL B L D
During included activities in Uganda, you are accompanied by local guides from your accommodation and may be joined by other guests and share vehicles. Ask about arranging a private guide and vehicle for exclusive use by your party at an additional cost. Rise for breakfast at your hotel before you are privately transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your shared flight to Murchison Falls National Park, one of the most scenic spots along the Nile and the location of the classic Humphrey Bogart film, The African Queen (flight schedule to be advised). After landing at Pakuba Airstrip, you are welcomed by your guide & transferred to your comfortable lodge, keeping an eye out for wildlife en route. Being the largest game park in Uganda, Murchison Falls contains a large concentration of animals. With its variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamp lands to broad savannah, Murchison Falls provides the opportunity of seeing animals and birdlife. A launch trip along the Victoria Nile is undoubtedly one of the great experiences of East Africa, culminating at
the awe-inspiring falls. You arrive in time to enjoy lunch and settle into your tent, and later today join your guide for a visit to Murchison Falls, where invigorating spray – the collective force of the majestic Nile – pours down on a narrow ravine, crowned by an almost permanent rainbow that has become a trademark of this extraordinary natural wonder. For the more adventurous, there is a steep pathway leading down to the froth and roar below. Back at your lodge, sit down to a delicious dinner and reflect on the events of the day.
Located in in northwest Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is renowned for its diversity of habitat and species, as well as its namesake falls. The mighty Murchison Falls (also known as Kabalega Falls) cascade some 140 feet as the Victoria Nile rushes through a gap just 23 feet wide, tumbling downriver into Lake Albert. This spectacle serves as a dramatic centerpiece to the park’s broad savannas, swamplands and riparian forests, as well as the elephants, hippos, chimpanzees and abundant bird species that inhabit them. Accommodation: Nile Safari LodgeFRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023 MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK | NILE SAFARI
Today a game drive takes you along the northern banks of the Nile in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park. You may see giraffes, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, leopards, lions, and antelope. You are treated to stunning views as you make your way along the winding path of the Nile, which is laced with the adventures of history’s most ardent explorers.
Please note: During this excursion, you are accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger/guides who provide a necessary asset to ensure the best viewing and maximize the experience.
This afternoon, take a boat cruise up the Nile River to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. A boat trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls is a ‘must’ activity when visiting the national park. It is a leisurely two-hour adventure to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, a variety of antelopes, and the rich birdlife inhabiting the river’s papyrus-lined banks.
Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge
During included activities in Uganda, you are accompanied by local guides from your accommodation and may be joined by other guests and share vehicles. Ask about arranging a private guide and vehicle for exclusive use by your party at an additional cost. Rise for breakfast at your hotel before you are privately transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your shared flight to Murchison Falls National Park, one of the most scenic spots along the Nile and the location of the classic Humphrey Bogart film, The African Queen (flight schedule to be advised). After landing at Pakuba Airstrip, you are welcomed by your guide & transferred to your comfortable lodge, keeping an eye out for wildlife en route. Being the largest game park in Uganda, Murchison Falls contains a large concentration of animals. With its variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamp lands to broad savannah, Murchison Falls provides the opportunity of seeing animals and birdlife. A launch trip along the Victoria Nile is undoubtedly one of the great experiences of East Africa, culminating at
the awe-inspiring falls. You arrive in time to enjoy lunch and settle into your tent, and later today join your guide for a visit to Murchison Falls, where invigorating spray – the collective force of the majestic Nile – pours down on a narrow ravine, crowned by an almost permanent rainbow that has become a trademark of this extraordinary natural wonder. For the more adventurous, there is a steep pathway leading down to the froth and roar below. Back at your lodge, sit down to a delicious dinner and reflect on the events of the day.
Located in in northwest Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is renowned for its diversity of habitat and species, as well as its namesake falls. The mighty Murchison Falls (also known as Kabalega Falls) cascade some 140 feet as the Victoria Nile rushes through a gap just 23 feet wide, tumbling downriver into Lake Albert. This spectacle serves as a dramatic centerpiece to the park’s broad savannas, swamplands and riparian forests, as well as the elephants, hippos, chimpanzees and abundant bird species that inhabit them. Accommodation: Nile Safari LodgeFRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023 MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK | NILE SAFARI
Today a game drive takes you along the northern banks of the Nile in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park. You may see giraffes, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, leopards, lions, and antelope. You are treated to stunning views as you make your way along the winding path of the Nile, which is laced with the adventures of history’s most ardent explorers.
Please note: During this excursion, you are accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger/guides who provide a necessary asset to ensure the best viewing and maximize the experience.
This afternoon, take a boat cruise up the Nile River to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. A boat trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls is a ‘must’ activity when visiting the national park. It is a leisurely two-hour adventure to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, a variety of antelopes, and the rich birdlife inhabiting the river’s papyrus-lined banks.
Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2023 MURCHISON FALLS / KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK | BUNYARUGURU CRATER WALK
As your day begins, you are returned to Pakuba Airstrip, where your shared flight to Kibale National Park awaits (flight schedule to be advised).
On arrival to Kasese Airstrip, you are met by your guide who transports you to your lodge amid Lake Kyaninga and the Mountains of the Moon, arriving in time for lunch.
After settling in, you may choose to take an optional nature walk along the top of the Bunyaruguru Crater. Set in the dense tropical rainforest of eastern Uganda, Kibale National Park affords an excellent opportunity to spot chimpanzees swinging in the lush canopy high above. In addition to 11 primate species, the park also shelters mangabeys, exotic butterflies and some 300 species of birds. The park’s wildlife-rich Bigodi Forest swamp teems with sitatunga, mongooses, bush pigs, otters and bushbucks.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
As your day begins, you are returned to Pakuba Airstrip, where your shared flight to Kibale National Park awaits (flight schedule to be advised).
On arrival to Kasese Airstrip, you are met by your guide who transports you to your lodge amid Lake Kyaninga and the Mountains of the Moon, arriving in time for lunch.
After settling in, you may choose to take an optional nature walk along the top of the Bunyaruguru Crater. Set in the dense tropical rainforest of eastern Uganda, Kibale National Park affords an excellent opportunity to spot chimpanzees swinging in the lush canopy high above. In addition to 11 primate species, the park also shelters mangabeys, exotic butterflies and some 300 species of birds. The park’s wildlife-rich Bigodi Forest swamp teems with sitatunga, mongooses, bush pigs, otters and bushbucks.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2023 KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK | FOREST OF CHIMPANZEES
Early this morning, you depart and make the short drive to the Kanyanchu Research Center where you begin a three-hour chimpanzee trekking excursion. Kibale Forest is home to 11 species of primates, including chimpanzees and mangabeys. The chimpanzees feed high in the trees, so binoculars are a must. Barks of baboons occasionally pierce the forest silence as you make your way along the trail.
In addition to primates, Kibale is renowned for its population of birds (well over 300 species) and its brilliant array of colorful butterflies. For those who appreciate the finer details of the flora, animals, insects and birds, the rewards here are many and varied.This afternoon, there is an opportunity to take a guided walk in the Bigodi Forest swamp, excellent for viewing more primates, birds, and other forest animals. Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Early this morning, you depart and make the short drive to the Kanyanchu Research Center where you begin a three-hour chimpanzee trekking excursion. Kibale Forest is home to 11 species of primates, including chimpanzees and mangabeys. The chimpanzees feed high in the trees, so binoculars are a must. Barks of baboons occasionally pierce the forest silence as you make your way along the trail.
In addition to primates, Kibale is renowned for its population of birds (well over 300 species) and its brilliant array of colorful butterflies. For those who appreciate the finer details of the flora, animals, insects and birds, the rewards here are many and varied.This afternoon, there is an opportunity to take a guided walk in the Bigodi Forest swamp, excellent for viewing more primates, birds, and other forest animals. Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
MONDAY, MAY 15, 2023 KIBALE / QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK | NATURE ANEW B L D
After breakfast, your journey continues when you travel by road (approximately 4-5 hours) to Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to your camp. After settling in, set off on your first game drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park hosts nearly 100 mammal species and a remarkable bird population of over 600 species, making it a superb safari destination. Resident wildlife includes elephants, hippos, the elusive giant forest hog, and the unique Uganda kob.
Renowned for its photogenic, tree-climbing lions, southwestern Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park also shelters large populations of hippos, elephants, lions and leopards among its savannas, bushlands, wetlands, and forests. Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Renowned for its photogenic, tree-climbing lions, southwestern Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park also shelters large populations of hippos, elephants, lions and leopards among its savannas, bushlands, wetlands, and forests. Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2023 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK | SPECTACULAR SIGHTINGS
Enjoy another day of game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. While exploring, watch above for tree-climbing lions, a sight rarely to be seen anywhere else in Africa. You may also encounter some of Uganda’s largest elephant herds. Smaller plains game also thrives here, as do a number of primate species, and this means that predators are in attendance. Sightings of spotted hyenas are common, and leopards are occasionally seen.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Enjoy another day of game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. While exploring, watch above for tree-climbing lions, a sight rarely to be seen anywhere else in Africa. You may also encounter some of Uganda’s largest elephant herds. Smaller plains game also thrives here, as do a number of primate species, and this means that predators are in attendance. Sightings of spotted hyenas are common, and leopards are occasionally seen.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2023 QUEEN ELIZABETH / BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK | MIST- SHROUDED MOUNTAINS
Set out for a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Then continue on a leisurely 2 to 3-hour drive that takes you out of the Rift Valley and through the Kigezi Highlands of southwestern Uganda. The scenery is increasingly breathtaking as you switch back up and down the hills. Your journey culminates at your camp, located in the mist-swathed mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Later today, embark on a guided forest walk and explore your breathtaking surrounds.
This evening, you find yourself lulled to sleep by the sounds of one of Africa’s most incredible natural environments. A UNESCO World Heritage Site set in southwestern Uganda’s steep, mountainous rainforest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to just over half of the world’s last surviving mountain gorilla population – a mere 700 or so remaining individuals. The Park also boasts over 360 species of birds, 200 species of butterfly and 324 different tree species within its exotic rainforest canopy.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Set out for a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Then continue on a leisurely 2 to 3-hour drive that takes you out of the Rift Valley and through the Kigezi Highlands of southwestern Uganda. The scenery is increasingly breathtaking as you switch back up and down the hills. Your journey culminates at your camp, located in the mist-swathed mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Later today, embark on a guided forest walk and explore your breathtaking surrounds.
This evening, you find yourself lulled to sleep by the sounds of one of Africa’s most incredible natural environments. A UNESCO World Heritage Site set in southwestern Uganda’s steep, mountainous rainforest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to just over half of the world’s last surviving mountain gorilla population – a mere 700 or so remaining individuals. The Park also boasts over 360 species of birds, 200 species of butterfly and 324 different tree species within its exotic rainforest canopy.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023 BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK | GORILLA TRACKING IN THE WILD
Today should prove to be both challenging and exciting. You set out early this morning to begin your trek through the park’s dense vegetation, travelling up and down its steep slopes in search of groups of endangered mountain gorillas.
The mountain gorillas in Bwindi have undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually brought them to tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day and allowed a few privileged visitors to interact with them in the wild. Once the gorillas are located, you are permitted to observe them for a maximum of an hour. See mothers keeping infants close as they knucklewalk on three limbs. Toddlers scamper around and get reined in by an attentive father, whose job is to protect his family. When you encounter a mountain gorilla in the wild, there is no mistaking the bond that exists between primate and man – they share 97.7% of our DNA – and no escaping the poignant reminder that these creatures lie on the brink of extinction. However, your presence on a gorilla trek funds conservation efforts that contribute to the gorillas’ continued survival in the wild.
At day’s end, you return to camp where there is time to relax and freshen up before enjoying another delicious meal. After dinner, you sit around the campfire, recounting the day’s activities. Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Today should prove to be both challenging and exciting. You set out early this morning to begin your trek through the park’s dense vegetation, travelling up and down its steep slopes in search of groups of endangered mountain gorillas.
The mountain gorillas in Bwindi have undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually brought them to tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day and allowed a few privileged visitors to interact with them in the wild. Once the gorillas are located, you are permitted to observe them for a maximum of an hour. See mothers keeping infants close as they knucklewalk on three limbs. Toddlers scamper around and get reined in by an attentive father, whose job is to protect his family. When you encounter a mountain gorilla in the wild, there is no mistaking the bond that exists between primate and man – they share 97.7% of our DNA – and no escaping the poignant reminder that these creatures lie on the brink of extinction. However, your presence on a gorilla trek funds conservation efforts that contribute to the gorillas’ continued survival in the wild.
At day’s end, you return to camp where there is time to relax and freshen up before enjoying another delicious meal. After dinner, you sit around the campfire, recounting the day’s activities. Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023 BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK / ENTEBBE | MORE GORILLA ENCOUNTERS
Enjoy another day of gorilla tracking. Multi-colored forest birds fly through the canopy as you walk amid the brush, occasionally forging your own path and always hoping for an encounter. Many of the experienced guides who accompany you on your tracking excursions have been involved in the habituation process themselves. These guides use their experience, knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and information from the previous day to locate the group’s whereabouts. However, the gorillas are by no means tame. They are completely wild and unpredictable
animals. Because of this, the time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as long as 9 hours.
The number of gorilla families in the park that have been habituated to human visitation can vary from time to time as the families occasionally relocate to areas of the national park not normally open to tourists. Each family, ranging in size from 6 to 22 members, is headed up by an adult
male silverback gorilla and may be comprised of a collection of black backs, sub adults, juveniles, and infants of both sexes.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest CampSATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023 ENTEBBE | DEPART
This morning you are transferred (approximately 1.5 hours) to Kihihi Airstrip for your shared return flight to Entebbe (flight schedule to be advised). transferred to the airport to board your departure flight.
Brussels Airlines 465Â EBB Entebbe (Entebbe Airport) Uganda
Enjoy another day of gorilla tracking. Multi-colored forest birds fly through the canopy as you walk amid the brush, occasionally forging your own path and always hoping for an encounter. Many of the experienced guides who accompany you on your tracking excursions have been involved in the habituation process themselves. These guides use their experience, knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and information from the previous day to locate the group’s whereabouts. However, the gorillas are by no means tame. They are completely wild and unpredictable
animals. Because of this, the time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as long as 9 hours.
The number of gorilla families in the park that have been habituated to human visitation can vary from time to time as the families occasionally relocate to areas of the national park not normally open to tourists. Each family, ranging in size from 6 to 22 members, is headed up by an adult
male silverback gorilla and may be comprised of a collection of black backs, sub adults, juveniles, and infants of both sexes.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest CampSATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023 ENTEBBE | DEPART
This morning you are transferred (approximately 1.5 hours) to Kihihi Airstrip for your shared return flight to Entebbe (flight schedule to be advised). transferred to the airport to board your departure flight.
Brussels Airlines 465Â EBB Entebbe (Entebbe Airport) Uganda
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Cairo, Egypt and The Nile Cruise 2023 # 2
Cairo = April 30, 2023 – May 2, 2023 & May 8, 2023 – May 10, 2023
The Nile Cruise – May 5, 2023 – May 8, 2023
If you would like to see what we ate while we were traveling around Egypt.Â
TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2023Â CAIRO | ANCIENT TREASURES
This morning at 8:30 a.m., gather for a welcome briefing. Then, join your expert A&K Egyptologist for an exploration of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (or the Grand Egyptian Museum, upon its opening), to view its huge collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun and items dating to 4000 BC. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel where your afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House Hotel
This morning at 8:30 a.m., gather for a welcome briefing. Then, join your expert A&K Egyptologist for an exploration of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (or the Grand Egyptian Museum, upon its opening), to view its huge collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun and items dating to 4000 BC. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel where your afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House Hotel
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2023 GIZA | THE PYRAMIDS & SPHINX
Today, roam the Giza Plateau, site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren as well as the Great Pyramid. Built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC), it is the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Revel in the opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures, and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them. Ride a camel across the sands of Giza, and then view the Great Sphinx backdropped by the pyramids, a setting that has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries. Pause for lunch then return to your hotel for some time at leisure.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House Hotel
Today, roam the Giza Plateau, site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren as well as the Great Pyramid. Built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC), it is the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Revel in the opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures, and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them. Ride a camel across the sands of Giza, and then view the Great Sphinx backdropped by the pyramids, a setting that has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries. Pause for lunch then return to your hotel for some time at leisure.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House Hotel
THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023 CAIRO / LUXOR | TEMPLE OF LUXOR & VALLEY OF THE KINGS
Early this morning, fly to Luxor, site of the ancient city of Thebes.
Begin your full day of exploring by visiting the striking Temple of Luxor. View the three large statues of Ramses II along the front of the temple pylons, the Courtyard of Ramses II and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its 50-foot-high columns. Walk in their shadows, as visitors have done since antiquity, and ponder the astonishing feats of engineering it took to create them. Then, step aboard ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ an elegant river cruiser.
Early this morning, fly to Luxor, site of the ancient city of Thebes.
Begin your full day of exploring by visiting the striking Temple of Luxor. View the three large statues of Ramses II along the front of the temple pylons, the Courtyard of Ramses II and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its 50-foot-high columns. Walk in their shadows, as visitors have done since antiquity, and ponder the astonishing feats of engineering it took to create them. Then, step aboard ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ an elegant river cruiser.
Enjoy lunch on board before disembarking to explore the west bank of the Nile River and the Necropolis of Thebes and view the Colossi of Memnon. Continue to the architecturally stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s first female pharaoh and regarded today as one of its most successful. Carry on to the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a period of 500 years beginning in the 16th century BC, tombs were built along this valley for pharaohs and nobles, including that of “the boy king,” Tutankhamun. Enter the tomb of Tutankhamun – found in 1922 by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter – to discover the secrets of this storied chamber. Next, descend into the beautifully decorated tomb of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, one of the best-preserved tombs in the valley.
Accommodation: ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2023 CRUISING THE NILE | LUXOR TO ESNA
This morning, disembark to continue exploring the east bank of the Nile, beginning with a visit to the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Karnak Temple is a temple within a temple, a shrine within a shrine. During your visit you walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall with its massive, expertly aligned columns, truly a sight to behold. Enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise to Esna. On arrival, disembark and visit the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum and marvel at its soaring columns. The beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius.
Take a short walk through Esna’s bustling streets to the temple site, located about 36 feet below the present level of the town where it was excavated from the silt that had accumulated through centuries of annual Nile floods. The walls of the temple are covered with inscriptions, most of which date back to the Roman period – proving that it was a popular attraction even then. Accommodation: ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’
This morning, disembark to continue exploring the east bank of the Nile, beginning with a visit to the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Karnak Temple is a temple within a temple, a shrine within a shrine. During your visit you walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall with its massive, expertly aligned columns, truly a sight to behold. Enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise to Esna. On arrival, disembark and visit the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum and marvel at its soaring columns. The beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius.
Take a short walk through Esna’s bustling streets to the temple site, located about 36 feet below the present level of the town where it was excavated from the silt that had accumulated through centuries of annual Nile floods. The walls of the temple are covered with inscriptions, most of which date back to the Roman period – proving that it was a popular attraction even then. Accommodation: ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’
SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023 CRUISING THE NILE | TEMPLE OF HORUS & KOM OMBO
Today, view the Temple of Horus, falcon-headed god of the sky. Built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III, this amazingly well-preserved and colorful structure reveals what temple worship in ancient Egypt was like.
Back on board, learn to prepare local dishes on a Chef’s Table experience: a cooking lesson with an onboard chef.
Later this afternoon, enjoy a refreshing Scenic Sundowner as your cruise continues. Disembark at Kom Ombo (hill of gold) to visit the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), whom some ancient Egyptians considered the creator of the world. View the mummified remains of several crocodiles that once basked along the ancient Nile shore, just as their descendants do today.
Today, view the Temple of Horus, falcon-headed god of the sky. Built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III, this amazingly well-preserved and colorful structure reveals what temple worship in ancient Egypt was like.
Back on board, learn to prepare local dishes on a Chef’s Table experience: a cooking lesson with an onboard chef.
Later this afternoon, enjoy a refreshing Scenic Sundowner as your cruise continues. Disembark at Kom Ombo (hill of gold) to visit the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), whom some ancient Egyptians considered the creator of the world. View the mummified remains of several crocodiles that once basked along the ancient Nile shore, just as their descendants do today.
Tonight, attend a festive Egyptian-themed costume party onboard your vessel. Sample a buffet of local cuisine, listen to music and dance, and if you wish to look the part, a complimentary galabeyya (traditional Egyptian robes) is provided to each guest from the ship’s bazaar.
Accommodation: ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’
SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2023 ASWAN | MAJESTIC PHILAE
After breakfast, disembark for a visit to the impressive granite quarries and site of the Unfinished Obelisk. Illustrating the skills of Egypt’s stonemasons, this monolith structure measures one-third taller than any other ancient Egyptian obelisk – even in its unfinished state. Next, ride a motorized boat to Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. This sacred complex was dedicated to the Goddess Isis and reflects a fusion of three great civilizations – Egyptian, Greek, and Roman.
The temple was dismantled, and then painstakingly reassembled when the Aswan High Dam was constructed. Built in the 1960s, the dam spans the Nile River, more than two miles across and incorporating 16 times the amount of material that went into the Great Pyramid at Giza. It provides irrigation and hydro-electric power to much of Egypt, and the reservoir that formed behind it, Lake Nasser, is 340 miles long.
After lunch on board – weather permitting – you Ride Like a Local in a traditional Nile felucca, (a typical Egyptian sailing boat) around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands with an opportunity to view the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum high above the river.
Arrive back to ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ in time for high tea and some time at leisure. Accommodation: ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’
After breakfast, disembark for a visit to the impressive granite quarries and site of the Unfinished Obelisk. Illustrating the skills of Egypt’s stonemasons, this monolith structure measures one-third taller than any other ancient Egyptian obelisk – even in its unfinished state. Next, ride a motorized boat to Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. This sacred complex was dedicated to the Goddess Isis and reflects a fusion of three great civilizations – Egyptian, Greek, and Roman.
The temple was dismantled, and then painstakingly reassembled when the Aswan High Dam was constructed. Built in the 1960s, the dam spans the Nile River, more than two miles across and incorporating 16 times the amount of material that went into the Great Pyramid at Giza. It provides irrigation and hydro-electric power to much of Egypt, and the reservoir that formed behind it, Lake Nasser, is 340 miles long.
After lunch on board – weather permitting – you Ride Like a Local in a traditional Nile felucca, (a typical Egyptian sailing boat) around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands with an opportunity to view the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum high above the river.
Arrive back to ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ in time for high tea and some time at leisure. Accommodation: ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’
MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023 ASWAN / ABU SIMBEL / CAIRO | TEMPLES OF RAMSES II & NEFERTARI
Early this morning, bid farewell to ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ disembarking to fly to Abu Simbel, site of the magnificent temple of Ramses II.
Flights to and from Abu Simbel are subject to last-minute cancellations. You will be advised by your Resident Tour Director if the flights are cancelled. In the event of flight cancellations, you will be driven from Aswan to Abu Simbel, approximately three hours each way, with no changes to scheduled sightseeing. There are in fact two temples, namely the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, fronted by the four colossal statues of Ramses II (each nearly 70 feet tall) and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses’ beloved wife Queen Nefertari. Impressive in themselves, these temples are further remarkable in that they were cut into pieces, raised up the hillside from their old location and then reassembled around a concrete dome on the current site, when threatened by floodwaters from Lake Nasser and the High Dam project. At the conclusion of your visit to Abu Simbel, board your return flight to Aswan and connect on to Cairo, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Early this morning, bid farewell to ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ disembarking to fly to Abu Simbel, site of the magnificent temple of Ramses II.
Flights to and from Abu Simbel are subject to last-minute cancellations. You will be advised by your Resident Tour Director if the flights are cancelled. In the event of flight cancellations, you will be driven from Aswan to Abu Simbel, approximately three hours each way, with no changes to scheduled sightseeing. There are in fact two temples, namely the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, fronted by the four colossal statues of Ramses II (each nearly 70 feet tall) and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses’ beloved wife Queen Nefertari. Impressive in themselves, these temples are further remarkable in that they were cut into pieces, raised up the hillside from their old location and then reassembled around a concrete dome on the current site, when threatened by floodwaters from Lake Nasser and the High Dam project. At the conclusion of your visit to Abu Simbel, board your return flight to Aswan and connect on to Cairo, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2023 CAIRO | DESIGN YOUR DAY
This morning drive to Sakkara, site of hundreds of tombs and 14 pyramids, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Built by Pharaoh Djoser during his 19-year reign, it stands at 204 feet and was the largest building of its time.
After lunch, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities, arranged for you by your Resident Tour Director:
-Discover Coptic Cairo, visiting a church built where the Holy Family stayed, as well as St. Barbara and the Church of the Virgin Mary.
-Tour Islamic Cairo, including a walk in El-Moaz Street, and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
-View the Royal Mummies, and countless other artifacts, as you tour the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
This evening at 7:00 p.m., gather with your fellow guests to reflect on your journey through Egypt and along the Nile at a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Museum in Cairo
Intercontinental Hotel – Johannesburg, South Africa
Royal Chundu Island Lodge – Katambora, Zambia
September 17, 2019 – September 20, 2019
September 17, 2019 –Â Today we flew to Zambia and took a helicopter to Royal Chundu Island Lodge. After getting settled in we went for our afternoon sunset cruise and sundowners. We met Johnny and Penny who are unbelievable. We had such a great time with them we decided to have dinner all together.
September 18, 2019 – Today we decided to just relax until we had to leave for our trip to Victoria Falls. We met up with Nano at the falls took some pictures and had lunch and drove back. After the sundowners, we all met up for dinner once again and we had a blast. Unfortunately, while we were at the lodge I got bit by the Tick.
September 19, 2019 –Â Today John and I relaxed on the deck of our room until we were ready to have our canoe lunch on the island. The lunch spread was unbelievable. They had so much delicious food set up. It was lovely! After lunch, we went back to our chalet and relaxed until the Sunset cruise. After the cruise, John, Nano and I had a nice dinner.
September 20, 2019 – Today we check out of Royal Chundu and fly to Johannesburg. We checked into the Intercontinental Hotel and had one last dinner with Nano since tomorrow we are heading in different ways. Unfortunately, we have an 8-hour flight to Dubai and a 2-hour layover and a 15.5-hour flight to Ft. Lauderdale.
If you would like to see what we ate while at Royal Chundu.
Our helicopter ride to and from Royal Chudhu
Helicopter Videos to Mpumalanga Airport
Victoria Falls
Johnny and Penny’s unbelievable video of the Elephant encounter
Sala’s Camp Safari – Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Narok, Kenya
September 13, 2019 – September 16, 2019
September 13, 2019 – Today we checked out of Angama Mara and got picked up by our next camp tour guides. The camp is Salas Camp and our tour guides’ names are Daniel (Driver) Masek (Spotter). They are also very nice, knowledgeable and very patient. The drive to Salas Camp was about 2 hours. Along the way, we were lucky enough to see a Secretary bird kill and eat a lizard which was really cool. The bird got that name because they stomp on their prey like typing on a keyboard.
Upon checking into Salas Camp we got a tour of the property and after getting settled in and having lunch we decided to go for an afternoon game drive. We ended up seeing 2 sets of a different lion pride. After driving around for an hour we met up with the other people who are at Salas Camp and had sundowners.
After the sundowners, we went back to the camp and had a few drinks by the fire pit and had dinner which was really good.
September 14, 2019 – Today we got up at 5:30 am and I barely slept because there was a buffalo and a couple of elephants eating right by our window and they were making a lot of noise. Our game drive started out with the best thing you could ever see a rare sighting of a Cheetah killing a wildebeest. We saw this female cheetah attempt to get one three times and she finally did which was amazing! The poor guy held on for about 5 minutes. We watched the cheetah eat her meal for about an hour. It’s pretty amazing to see that happen in person and hear the tearing of the meat and crunching of bones.
After the cheetah kill, we decided to park by a tree and have our breakfast. Daniel and Masek cooked us an amazing breakfast. The Land Cruiser was equipped with a grill so they were able to cook us a warm fresh meal. We had coffee, tea, apple juice and they made pancakes, egg omelets with bacon and sausage. All cooked on the grill that was part of the Land Cruiser.
September 15, 2019 – Today we went out in the morning and once again it was freezing in the morning. We got a chance to see 5 male cheetahs which are very rare because cheetahs travel alone. Afterward, we had a really nice breakfast once again. Daniel and Masek are great chefs. They made us French toast and eggs and minced meat. It was delicious!
Once breakfast was over we visited a Maasai Village and it was interesting to see how they live and find out what they do to survive with all the wild animals living around them. After the village, we went back to the camp to have lunch and relax before the afternoon game drive.
In the afternoon game drive, we saw the usual animals nothing really exciting but the sundowners were really nice. We got a chance to get to know our tour guides more which was cool.
September 16, 2019 – Last night was really insane there was a male lion circling our tent looking for his pride of females and he kept grunting and it was pretty loud. Today we checked out of Salas Camp and headed to the airstrip to catch our flight back to Nairobi.
Follow us on our journey the next destination is Royal Chudu Island Lodge.
If you would like to see where and what we ate while visiting Sala’s Camp.
Our visit to a Maasai Village
Our welcome Sundowners with Maasai Warriors
Mongoose playing and eating
Vultures
Rhino
Wildebeest Migration
This truck got stuck and we were entertained lol
Angama Mara Safari – Mara Triangle, Kenya
September 9, 2019 – September 13, 2019
September 9, 2019 – Upon arriving at our first campsite we got a tour of the place and got settled in and decided to go for an afternoon game drive. Our tour guide was Robert. He was the best tour guide we have ever had. He was patient as well as a great driver. Another great thing was that he was very knowledgeable. Every question we asked he knew the answer. The first-afternoon drive turned out to be a good one. We got to see a few lions and lioness’s and we also had a rare sighting of a Serval cat and luckily we saw it kill and eat a mouse.
September 10, 2019 – Early game drive and we met Mark and Roberta. We drove around and saw some lions, wildebeests, zebras, elans, warthogs, and hyenas. We met up with the rest of the camp and had sundowners.
September 11, 2019 – Late game drive – Nano, Mark, and Roberta did the hot air balloon ride and we met up with them afterward. The first half of the morning John and I saw a lioness with her cubs and she was dragging her kill into the bushes. We saw mostly the same animals as yesterday except at the end of our game drive we got a chance to see a lioness kill a wildebeest right by the rear tire of our truck.
September 12, 2019 – Early game drive – We basically saw a lot of the same animals.
September 13, 2019 – Today we checked out of Angama Mara and got picked up by our next camp tour guides
Follow us on our journey the next destination is Sala’s Camp.
If you would like to see where and what we ate while visiting Angama Mara.
Rare sighting of a Serval cat catch and eat a mouse (2 Videos)
Ants workingÂ
Elephants Â
Male lion with half a tail Â
Wildebeest Migration – race to get a good viewing spot Â
Actual migration after the race Â
King of the jungle roars to keep the family in line
Lions eating their catch
Life of a lion Â
4 lion brothers casually walking Â
Lion laying down
Warthog babies
The lioness kill – Wildebeest for dinner! (5 Videos below)
The lioness chases the Wildebeest to the rear tire of our truck
The second video is the catch
Another angle of the catch
The third video is the suffocation
Another angle of the suffocation
Our photos from our time in the Mara Triangle
Angama Mara Tent/Hotel – Mara Triangle Narok East, Kenya
Giraffe Manor – Feeding the Giraffe’s – Nairobi, Kenya
September 8, 2019
We got picked up by the Giraffe Manor and it was about an hour drive. When we checked into the manor we decided to go to the giraffe centre where we had a chance to feed the giraffes and go on a nature walk with Felix. The nature walk was a little uncomfortable because there is a chance of seeing wild animals and we are on foot without a weapon so that makes us very vulnerable.
After the nature walk, we had lunch which was really good. After lunch, the giraffes came to be feed and we took a bunch of cool pictures. Once the pictures were done we freshened up and then got ready for dinner.
Once again the dinner was really good. After dinner John, Nano and I hung out by the fireplace and after about an hour we decided to go to bed because the next morning we were getting up at 5 am to have breakfast with the giraffes.
September 9, 2019 –Â Today we got up early to feed the giraffes. It was really cool because they stuck their heads into the window. After we fed the giraffes and had breakfast we got a transfer to the airport to fly to Angama Mara which is located in the Mara Triangle.
Follow us on our journey the next destination is Angama Mara.
If you would like to see where and what we ate while visiting Giraffe Manor.
Nairobi, Kenya
September 7, 2019
Flew to Nairobi by Emirates and then we stayed at the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel for one night.
The hotel had high security. It felt like I was back in Hillcrest High School. The cool thing about this hotel is that it was full of beautiful Roses.
September 16, 2019
Today we checked out of Salas Camp and headed to the airstrip to catch our flight back to Nairobi. When we got to our hotel in Nairobi we just decided to relax because we had an early flight tomorrow to Livingstone, Zambia.
Follow us on our journey the next destination is Giraffe Manor.
The absolute best Chicken Noodle Soup EVER!!!
