Cape Town to Cairo: 39 days Cape Town to Cairo

Welcome to Cape Town, a jewel nestled at the southern tip of Africa, framed by the stunning Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Your journey into wonder begins with a luxurious three-night Scenic Special Stay, perfectly located near the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Take an exciting ride up Table Mountain on a rotating gondola (seasonal), offering you unparalleled 360-degree views of Cape Town and its surrounding natural wonders. As you ascend, watch the cityscape expand below and the Atlantic Ocean stretch into the horizon. At the summit, breathe in the crisp mountain air of this World Heritage-listed site. 

Choose from a range of activities to explore Cape Town today. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Cape Winelands Tour: Get a taste of the South African wine industry on this half-day tour of the Western Cape. Visit two local vineyards for tastings and walk through historic Stellenbosch.

Harley Davidson™ Ride: Discover Cape Town’s coast on a two-hour scenic ride on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle (weather dependent).

Township Tour: Take a tour of Langa Township. Gain insights into life in this unique community by visiting local families and businesses and the Langa Dompass Museum.

Bo-Kaap Tour: Indulge in multicultural Bo-Kaap’s culinary delights on this immersive walking tour. Sample exotic cuisine at local eateries.

Set off on a scenic journey along Cape Town's Atlantic coast to the spectacular Cape Point, part of the Table Mountain National Park. This rugged peninsula offers panoramic ocean views and is a vital waypoint for sailors, often referred to as the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Visit the historic Cape of Good Hope, a legendary maritime landmark, before stopping at Boulders Beach, home to a charming colony of African penguins. Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that make this area a unique and memorable destination.

Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to your luxurious lodge, nestled on the edge of the renowned Kruger National Park. Enjoy a three-night Scenic Special Stay, indulging in the lodge's exceptional amenities and breathtaking natural surroundings. Embark on your first safari this afternoon, venturing into the wild to spot Africa's iconic wildlife, including the Big Five. Thornybush offers a deeply immersive bush experience with expert guides, enhancing your chances of unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Scenic Sundowners
At the end of your afternoon game drive, enjoy one of the most enjoyable safari traditions: drinks at sunset.

Experience another day of unrestricted game drives in specially adapted Land Rovers, expertly designed for tracking Africa’s iconic ‘Big Five’: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. These exhilarating safaris offer you the chance to observe these majestic animals up close in their natural habitat, guided by skilled rangers who provide insightful commentary on the behaviour and conservation of these key species. 

Scenic Enrich
Dine al fresco under the vast, starlit African sky, accompanied by the ambient sounds of the surrounding wildlife. This intimate bush dinner offers a unique and unforgettable connection with nature, enhancing your safari adventure.

Venture deeper into the wild with both morning and evening game drives through Thornybush Game Reserve, increasing your chances of spotting Africa’s most iconic wildlife. For a different perspective, join an immersive walking safari with your expert ranger and explore the finer details of the bush — from delicate flora to the often-overlooked creatures that play a crucial role in this vibrant ecosystem.

Fly to Johannesburg and check into your hotel for your two-night stay. Known as the "City of Gold," Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and a vibrant hub of art, culture, and history. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your hotel or enjoying its facilities. As a city that played a pivotal role in South Africa’s past and present, Johannesburg offers insight into both its dynamic arts scene and its complex history.

Johannesburg, often referred to as Jo'burg, pulses with energy, reflecting the rapid transformation from a gold-mining settlement to a modern metropolis. The city is a gateway to South Africa's northern regions and offers diverse cultural experiences, from trendy galleries and world-class theatres to hip cafes and iconic Mandela-related sites. Johannesburg's vibrant spirit is complemented by lush green spaces like the Johannesburg Botanical Garden and Emmarentia Dam, providing a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle.

Scenic Enrich
Explore Soweto, visit Nelson Mandela’s house, and walk the streets he once did. Discover the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles the rise and fall of apartheid and the history of 20th century South Africa.

Board your flight to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, renowned for its breathtaking curtain of falling water that stretches over a mile wide.

Experience the awe-inspiring majesty of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, where panoramic views offer a true spectacle of this natural wonder's thunderous descent.

Enjoy a luxurious three-night Scenic Special Stay at your colonial-style hotel, which offers splendid views of the gorges and mist from the falls.  

This evening, indulge in a traditional boma dinner offering local cuisine and energetic dance performances, followed by an interactive drumming experience.

Enjoy a cruise along the Chobe River, a vital waterway in the Chobe National Park renowned for hosting one of the largest concentrations of elephants and buffaloes on the African continent. Following your river cruise, venture into a game drive along the shoreline, where you can encounter these majestic animals up close, along with other wildlife such as lions, hippos, and numerous bird species that make this park a true wildlife haven.

Scenic Enrich
Visit a traditional Zimbabwean village for a glimpse into tribal life and meet elephants at a local sanctuary.

Scenic Sundowners
Be treated to a special sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and watch the teeming wildlife on the banks, just upstream from Victoria Falls, drink in hand.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Optional Helicopter Flight - Enjoy an optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls (additional cost, please book on tour).

Fly to Nairobi and transfer to your hotel for your two-night stay.

After breakfast, you’ll visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where you can meet and learn about rescued elephants. Following that, explore the renowned Giraffe Centre to get up close with these graceful creatures. Cap off your morning with a delightful lunch at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden. 

Scenic Enrich
This evening, enjoy a rare opportunity to connect with local life over a home-cooked hosted dinner. In the welcoming setting of their private home, share stories, exchange cultures, and gain a personal perspective on daily life in Nairobi. It’s a heartfelt and memorable experience that adds richness and authenticity to your journey.

Depart Nairobi this morning and journey north to Lake Elementaita, pausing en route to admire sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley — a geological wonder and one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Settle in for a two-night stay, nestled within the Soysambu Conservancy and offering exceptional views of the lake and surrounding acacia woodlands. 

Scenic Sundowners
Enjoy sunset drinks overlooking Lake Elementaita, where the air cools, the light softens, and wildlife begins its evening chorus. A perfect setting to pause and take in the rhythm of the land. 

This morning, explore Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for being home to over 300 bird species and the endangered white rhino.

Scenic Enrich
Visit the inspiring Mission in Action school and orphanage, established by a compassionate Australian family, where you'll meet the children and see firsthand how the centre offers them a safe home, quality education, and vital emotional support.  

Scenic Freechoice:
Swahili Lesson: Take an interactive Swahili class led by an experienced teacher. Learn basic greeting words, numbers and food and animal names.

African Cooking Demonstration Class: Join a team of chefs for an African cooking class. Learn about different recipes and traditions of East Africa in this interactive session.

Lakeside guided bird walk: Conducted by the resident naturalist along the lake. It’s a birder’s paradise including flamingos and the endangered Great White Pelican.

Arrive at the renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve, famous for its ‘Big Five’: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. This reserve is also home to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains. Settle in for a luxurious three-night stay at your lodge.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight - Experience the breathtaking savannah at dawn from a hot air balloon. This unique experience offers panoramic views of the wildlife and landscape below, providing an unforgettable perspective of the Masai Mara. Marvel at the sight of the ‘Big Five’ and the Great Migration as you float serenely above the plains, capturing memories that will last a lifetime (additional expense, please book on tour).

Enjoy one more day on the lookout for the ‘Big Five’ in the Masai Mara: lions, savannah elephants, Cape buffaloes, leopards, and black rhinos. Marvel at the incredible wildlife and remarkable landscapes that make this reserve so unique.

Scenic Enrich
Visit a traditional Maasai Manyatta village to experience the enduring spirit of this world-renowned community. Meet the Maasai people, gain insight into their way of life, and be captivated by their lively dances and masterful artistry.

Board your light aircraft for your flight to Migori, before crossing the border via land and then continuing via light aircraft to Tanzania. This afternoon, embark on a thrilling game drive in the world-famous Serengeti National Park, Tanzania's oldest park, spanning 14,763 km2. Enjoy a two-night Scenic Special Stay at your luxurious safari lodge, perfectly situated for exploring the park's abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Spend the day exploring this vast park, immersing yourself in its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. The rolling plains and grasslands are home to the black-maned lion, savannah elephant, and elusive leopard and cheetah.

Drive to Ngorongoro, with a fascinating stop at the historic Olduvai Gorge, renowned as the "Cradle of Mankind" for its rich archaeological discoveries, including early human fossils and ancient tools. Enjoy a two-night Scenic Special Stay at your safari lodge, perfectly situated for exploring the stunning Ngorongoro Crater and its abundant wildlife.

Today, descend 610 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera. This World Heritage-listed site is home to diverse landscapes, including lush forests, grasslands, and a soda lake. Explore the crater's abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and an array of bird species, all thriving in this unique ecosystem.

Transfer to Kenya for an overnight stay in Nairobi.

Bid farewell to Eastern Africa as you fly from Nairobi to Cairo on an overnight flight.

Your Egyptian journey starts with a four-night Scenic Special Stay at your iconic hotel in Giza, excellently located close to the Great Pyramids.  Enjoy breathtaking views from the grounds of the hotel.  These ancient wonders, which have stood for over 4,500 years as the last of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It's a unique opportunity to be immersed in the complex's rich history and architectural marvels.

Relish the luxury of your Special Stay hotel. Enjoy the beautiful, lush gardens, take a dip in the outdoor pool, work out in the 24-hour gym or relax and take time out to indulge in the hotel spa.

Enjoy a further day at leisure in your luxury surrounds. Later join your travel companions for drinks and canapes.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Savour cocktails and canapés while watching the sun set over the magnificent pyramids.

Witness the grandeur of the pyramids, towering monuments of ancient engineering, and stand before the enigmatic Sphinx, a 20-metre-high limestone marvel that has guarded these necropolis grounds for millennia. Venture into the Grand Egyptian Museum for an afternoon steeped in history, where you can explore the precious artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, offering insights into the young pharaoh’s life and legacy.

The Solar Boat exhibit is another highlight, featuring a meticulously restored cedar wood barge dating back to 2500 BC. This ancient vessel, found buried beside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, gives insight into the sophisticated craftsmanship and religious practices of the time, depicting how the Egyptians prepared their rulers for the eternal afterlife.

Fly to Luxor and check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Explore the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious sites in the world, spanning over 200 acres. Marvel at the enormity of the Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 towering columns, each intricately engraved with hieroglyphs, depicting the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian mythology and history. This magnificent site served as a key place of worship and a testament to the architectural prowess of the New Kingdom pharaohs.

This morning, explore the Valley of the Nobles, a site with hundreds of rock-cut tombs belonging to ancient Egyptian nobility. These tombs, richly adorned with vibrant frescoes, provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily activities and cultural practices of their inhabitants. That's because the detailed wall paintings in each tomb showcase the artistic mastery of the time while also offering valuable insights into the social and economic structures of ancient Egypt, depicting scenes of agriculture, trade, and festivities that animated their world.

Board the elegant Sanctuary Sun Boat III and settle into your suite. As you cross to the West Bank of the Nile, prepare to be amazed by the well-preserved, vibrant hieroglyphics that decorate the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. You'll also have the chance to visit the former residence of Howard Carter, the British archaeologist and Egyptologist who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Admire Queen Hatshepsut’s impressive monument.

Unwind on board your cruise and observe the vibrant daily life along the mighty Nile as you journey towards Dendera. There, visit the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt, renowned for its magnificent capitals and the Dendera Zodiac ceiling relief. This temple dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and joy, showcases exquisite architecture and intricate carvings that reveal the sophistication of ancient Egyptian religious practices.

After exploring Dendera, return to Luxor to visit the majestic Luxor Temple. Situated in the heart of ancient Thebes, Luxor Temple is a grandiose testament to Egyptian civilisation's architectural prowess, featuring colossal statues of Ramesses II and amenities originally built by Amenhotep III, which illuminate the religious and political significance of the temple throughout history.

Trace the path once taken by ancient pharaohs' processions as you cruise south along the Nile. Admire the rural villages and majestic temples that dot the riverbanks. Explore the Esna Temple, one of ancient Egypt’s holiest sites, revered for its beautifully preserved hypostyle hall and intricate carvings dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed god of the river. Later, sail to the striking Kom Ombo Temple, strategically located on the East Bank. This unique double temple is dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God, and Horus the Elder, reflecting the duality of ancient Egyptian theology.

As the sun sets, the on board atmosphere livens with a colourful Galabeyya party. Enjoy an evening of Egyptian delicacies, vibrant music, and dancing, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Cruise south to Aswan, the picturesque city and cultural heart of the Nubian community. Explore the Temple of Isis at Philae, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis that exemplifies the fusion of three great civilisations: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. After your visit, relax with a leisurely felucca sail on the Nile, experiencing traditional Egyptian boating.

In the evening, enjoy a vibrant display of Nubian dance performance, celebrating the region's rich culture. Conclude your day with a farewell Gala Dinner alongside the captain and crew, a memorable end to your Nile cruise.

Aswan, nestled at the southern tip of Egypt along the Nile, is celebrated for its serene beauty and rich archaeological sites. This city is a cultural gateway, enriched by Nubian heritage and landmarks like the Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam, which have reshaped Egypt's landscape.

Indulge in luxury during your two-night stay in Aswan. This evening enjoy pre-dinner drinks.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from a range of activities;
Nubian Museum: Explore the Nubian Museum, showcasing the deep history and artifacts of Nubian culture dating back to 2000 BC.

Visit a Nubian Village: Experience the heritage of the Nubians with a guided tour through a village, including a visit to a local home to see life along the Nile firsthand.

Kalabsha Temple: Discover Kalabsha Temple on Lake Nasser's shores, admiring its grand architecture and detailed reliefs.

Fly to Abu Simbel to witness one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sites: The massive World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari. These architectural wonders were meticulously relocated in the 1960s to save them from submersion by Lake Nasser, created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temples are celebrated for their colossal statues and intricate carvings that glorify Ramses' reign and honour Nefertari, reflecting the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Fly to the vibrant city of Cairo for a two-night stay at your elegant hotel, perfectly situated to explore the city's rich history. Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, a premier cultural institution showcasing extensive collections from Egypt's diverse eras. The highlight is the Royal Mummies’ Hall, where you can marvel at the preserved remains of ancient Egypt’s pharaohs, offering a unique window into the medical, artistic, and ceremonial practices of the ancient civilisation.

Enjoy one more full day in Cairo. Choose from varied Scenic Freechoice experience to tailor your day to your tastes and pace.

Scenic Freechoice:
Coptic Cairo: Find yourself winding through the streets of Old Cairo. Visit Cairo’s Coptic Museum containing one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian Christian artifacts. Continue to the Hanging Church and a chance to visit Ben Ezra Synagogue.

Historic Cairo: Explore medieval Cairo’s Sultan Hassan Mosque, learn about Arabic calligraphy, and see community projects at Souq al-Silah and Bayt Yakan.

Roda Island: Discover Roda Island with stops at a 9th-century Nilometer and the Manial Palace Museum, highlighting Prince Muhammad Ali's era.

Bid farewell to your Tour Director and new friends as you are transferred to Cairo Airport for your onward journey, taking cherished memories with you.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.