Day 1 NairobiTravel to Kenya and start the adventure in the busy streets of Nairobi. Day 2 Lake NaivashaRelax beside Lake Naivasha and watch hippos wallowing on the shore. Days 3-4 Lake NakuruA favourite spot with birdlife, Lake Nakuru is a shimmering sea of pink flamingos. Listen for the chatter of black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops above. Day 5 Mt KenyaTravel through stunning scenery on the way to the slopes of Mt Kenya. Days 6-7 Samburu National ReserveWitness traditional Samburu dancing, and learn about tribal life and customs from the locals. Venture into this vast reserve to try and spot Africa's iconic Big Five. Days 8-9 Marsabit/MoyaleTraverse a surreal, black lunar landscape and pass spectacular craters and termite mounds on the drive to Ethiopia. Days 10-11 KonsoPick up a souvenir at the local market or perhaps take time to admire the traditional houses in the area. Days 12-14 Omo ValleyThe colourful markets and villages are a delight to explore in Ethiopia's picturesque Omo Valley. Meet friendly tribespeople and learn about their fascinating culture. Days 15-16 Arba MinchIn free time, why not cycle around scenic landscapes, embark on a boat trip or visit a crocodile farm. Days 17-18 Wendo Genet/AwasaRecuperate travel-weary bodies in the hot springs of Wendo Gennet, encased in a beautiful panorama with a rich endowment of forest, wildlife and abundant water. Head to Awassa the following day, a city nestled on the shores of a great lake, and home to the Awassa Children's Project, which promotes AIDS prevention. Days 19-21 Bale Mountain National ParkVenture out on game-spotting expeditions in this stunningly diverse park. Day 22 Lake Abiata-Shala National ParkThe natural habitat of the Lake Abiata-Shala National Park is an ornothological paradies with an astounding array of birdlife year-round. Days 23-25 Addis AbabaVisit Ethiopia's bustling capital, Addis Ababa, and indulge in spicy, traditional cuisine at a local restaurant or cafe. Days 1-2 Addis AbabaVisit Ethiopia's bustling capital, Addis Ababa, and indulge in spicy, traditional cuisine at a local restaurant or cafe. Day 26 DejenVisit the Blue Nile Gorge en route to Dejen. Days 27-29 Bahir DarBoard a reed boat bound for the ornately decorated monasteries on Lake Tana's isolated islands and peninsulas. Days 30-32 LalibelaHidden among the hills of northern Ethiopia, Lalibela is home to monolithic churches hewn from the surrounding rocks. Take a walk through the structures with a local guide to unlock the fascinating history of this area. Day 33 Bush CampJourney through the rolling Ethiopian countryside and camp beneath the stars. Day 34 MekeleAdmire the clusters of churches sculpted into caves and a dramatic cliff-face in Tigray. Days 35-36 AksumGet acquainted with the once-mighty city of Aksum, and discover its towering ancient obelisks, crumbling palaces and web of underground tombs. Day 37 Enda SelassieWind through the Ethiopian countryside on the way to one of the country's greatest natural habitats. Days 38-41 Simien Mountains National ParkEthiopia's stunning Simien Mountains are home to a wealth of animals. Hike through the rugged terrain and pass eroded volcanic cores, raging rivers and jagged peaks. Days 42-44 GonderDiscover the castles, churches and palaces of Gonder, often referred to as 'Africa's Camelot'. Day 45 GedarefDay 46 Khartoum Brush up on some Arabic language skills with the friendly residents of Khartoum city, Sudan's busy capital. Relax in a chai house and get ready to start this epic trip through North Africa.Day 47 Meroe Admire the spectacular pyramids of Meroe, explore Naqa's Lion Temple and wander through the palace of Musawwarat.Days 48-50 Nubian Desert Admire the spectacular pyramids of Meroe, explore Naqa's Lion Temple and wander through the palace of Musawwarat.Days 51-52 Wadi Halfa Take in the the last of Sudan's desert scenery on the journey to Wadi Halfa. There's a free day here so perhaps explore the town, wander by the shores of Lake Nasser or sit in the main square sipping tea, people watching and eating fuul (beans) or fried Nile perch.Day 53 Overnight Ferry Embark on an epic ferry adventure across Lake Nasser, an enormous man-made lake. Glimpse spectacular scenery en route to the port of Wadi Halfa at Sudan's northern tip and make the crossing into Egypt.Days 54-56 Aswan Travel north to Aswan and unwind with a stroll along the Nile River, or take a relaxing felucca cruise followed by a sunset cocktail. See a giant, unfinished obelisk, haggle for souvenirs and treasures in the souq or take a trip to see the two magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.Days 57-59 Luxor The ancient Egyptian capital of Luxor houses spectacular temples and tombs. Ride a donkey to the remarkable Valley of the Kings and visit the Temples of Karnak with an Egyptologist.Day 60 El Kharga Oasis Drive through endless dessert scenery to reach El Kharga Oasis. There are many sites of antiquity to explore, more notably the Temple of Hebes and the Bagawaat Necropolis. Perhaps take a camel ride around the oasis or explore the springs close by. Camp under a sea of stars.Days 61-62 Dakhla Oasis Perhaps head out on an overnight camel safari to camp by hot springs or explore the palm groves and Coptic antiquities at the Dakhla Oasis.Day 63 White Desert Bush Camp Relax in the morning or further explore the area before heading to the White Desert bush camp for another glorious night sleeping under the star-filled skies.Day 64 Bahariya Oasis Spend the day exploring the White and Black deserts, visiting Crystal Mountain and discovering the gold mummies that are housed in the fascinating museum here.Day 65 Egyptian Coast Bush Camp/El Alamein Head for the sparkling Egyptian coast, stopping via the famous WWII battleground of El Alamein. Reflect on the tragic toll of the Wester desert campaign before setting up camp for the night.Days 66-67 Siwa Oasis Head south, across Egypt's Western desert and into Siwa - an area famous for its delicious olives and dates. Enjoy a Bedoouin meal and embark on a desert safari, or perhaps stick around in Siwa and explore the maze-like ruins of Shali - the mud brick fort which overlooks the town.Days 68-69 Alexandria Head to Egypt's second largest city, the ancient port of Alexandria. As the ancient capital of Egypt's last royal dynasty, there is no shortage of history here to be explored. Perhaps check out the Roman Amphitheatre and Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, and be sure to feast on some of Alexandria's renowned seafood.Days 70-72 Cairo Explore the iconic Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza and the sprawling Saqqara cemetery with a local guide. There's also time to see precious, ancient treasures housed in the Egyptian Museum. Celebrate the end of a remarkable trip by exploring the markets in Cairo and picking up souvenirs.
|