Cape Town to Cairo: The Ultimate African Expedition featuring Victoria Falls, Maasai Mara, and 4-Night Luxor to Aswan Cruise

Your adventure through Africa begins! Incredible landscapes lead the way to a blend of cultural diversity, an abundance of wildlife, and remarkable history. From urban centers to untamed wilderness, this transcontinental African journey invites you to discover its soul-stirring spirit and awe-inspiring wonders.

Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant gateway city. After your long international flights, today is all about rest and recovery. With your hotel conveniently located near the airport, this evening is designed as a quiet pause before the adventure begins. There are no scheduled activities today, allowing you to settle in at your own pace. While the city center is accessible for those who wish to explore, we recommend taking this time to relax and adjust to the new time zone.

Leave the city behind and start your adventure with a six-hour overland drive into the wild as you head to Kruger National Park — South Africa’s largest game reserve. See how the landscape shifts dramatically, giving you a glimpse of the expansive savannas and diverse ecosystems that make Kruger so unique. Your lodge, positioned at the park’s entrance, sets the stage for your safari experience. Tonight, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Get your camera ready — today is all about the wildlife! Set out on a full-day game drive in an open-air vehicle, searching for Africa’s iconic “Big 5” — the safari “bucket list” of animals includes lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. Pause midday for a picnic lunch, then continue your safari adventure into the afternoon.

This morning in Kruger National Park, it’s your choice! Rise early for a sunrise safari to watch the landscape awaken -OR- or enjoy a slower start and head out later for an afternoon game drive. However you explore, the magic of Kruger surrounds you.

Wave goodbye to the wilderness and fly south to Cape Town, South Africa’s electric cultural mecca. Nestled between mountains and sea, the “Mother City” invites you to explore its vibrant neighborhoods, historic sites, and scenic waterfront. Settle in for your three-night stay.

Start your day with a ride up Table Mountain* by cable car, where panoramic views stretch from Lion’s Head to Robben Island. Then, dive into Cape Town’s rich history on a guided city tour including a drive past the colorful Bo-Kaap and a walk through The Company’s Garden in the center of the city. Your tour will end early afternoon, allowing time for lunch at a location of your choice and a free afternoon. Then, travel to a home of a Capetonian family where you’re an honored guest. Over dinner, exchange stories and get to know what everyday life is like in Cape Town.

Venture along the Western Cape, stopping at the legendary Cape of Good Hope, where dramatic cliffs meet the crashing sea. Take a funicular to the top of Cape Point and hike up sandstone steps to the lighthouse that protects wayward ships from an unfortunate demise. Enjoy lunch overlooking the ocean before heading to Boulders Beach to see the protected colony of endangered African penguins.

Fly to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders — Victoria Falls. Settle in at your lodge overlooking Zambezi National Park.

Feel the mist on your face as you stand before the mighty Victoria Falls — a thundering cascade that stirs the soul. After a free afternoon, unwind with a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River.

This morning, experience an Impact Moment as you connect with conservation efforts during a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. After, travel into Chinotimba township and market — a bustling hub and great place to shop for some African curios to take back home.

This morning, you might opt to join a responsibly organized wildlife encounter with African elephants in their natural habitat as you learn about them from their handlers on a guided walk. Later this afternoon, fly to Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya and your gateway to East Africa’s wonders.

Depart Nairobi early this morning and begin your journey in specially designed 4x4 safari vehicles into the Maasai Mara, one of Kenya’s best spots for wildlife viewing. Traverse through ever-changing landscapes along roads that can be bumpy and dusty at times — it all adds to the adventure! Settle into your tented safari camp — a truly special experience that brings you closer to nature. You won’t sacrifice comfort in these unique semi-permanent tents complete with plush bedding and en-suite facilities. This afternoon, head out on your first game drive and witness the Mara’s incredible biodiversity.

Today, go deeper into the wild with a morning and afternoon game drive. As you explore the Mara’s open grasslands and rolling plains, you’ll have the chance to see large herds of antelope and wildebeest that thrive in this unique ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for the “Big 5” and enjoy a picnic lunch on the open plains, surrounded by zebras, scattered acacia trees, and the rhythm of the savanna.

By now, you’ve become an expert at spotting wildlife! After breakfast, depart on an early morning game drive, returning to camp mid-morning. Perhaps you’ll spend some time in one of the camp’s treehouses, spotting giraffes in the distance or admiring the many bird species that thrive here. Later, head out on an afternoon game drive, returning to camp as the sun sets.

Return to Nairobi and step into the world of Out of Africa with a visit to Karen Blixen’s farmhouse. Enjoy a free evening to relax.

Pre-dawn this morning,** say goodbye to your African Tour Manager before boarding your five-hour flight to Cairo, Egypt. Arrive in the “Land of the Pharaohs” and meet your Egyptian Tour Manager, who will accompany you for the rest of the trip. Feel Cairo’s constant thrum of energy wrap around you as you arrive to your hotel for a two-night stay. Take the rest of the day to relax and catch up on sleep after the red-eye flight. This evening, gather for your first taste of Egyptian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Be prepared for a dose of Cairo’s legendary traffic as you head to Giza this morning. Today, stand in awe before the Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Great Sphinx - timeless icons of human achievement. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy a free evening.

Rise before dawn*** for your 75-minute flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, visit the expansive Karnak Temple - a sprawling 4,000-year-old complex of towering pylons and intricate obelisks. Then, board your Nile River cruise ship and settle in for your four-night voyage. After lunch on board, enjoy a leisurely afternoon to explore the ship. This evening, take in golden hour views from the sundeck before gathering for your first dinner aboard.

As dawn breaks, venture to Luxor’s West Bank, trekking along the elaborate tombs of the Valley of the Kings.**** Delve even further into Egyptian legends with an included viewing of the tombs of King Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for a late lunch. In the early afternoon, set sail to Edfu, where you’ll arrive early tomorrow morning. As you sail upstream, glimpse the small farms scattered along the Nile’s banks, and appreciate the simple, modest livings of local farmers.

In Edfu, pick between an early or a late start to your day, because it’s your choice! Head out at daybreak for a guided visit of the mesmerizing Temple of Horus, returning for a late breakfast aboard -OR- rise at your leisure and linger over a relaxed breakfast, as you take in views of a place where daily life has changed little over the centuries. This afternoon, coast along to Kom Ombo and visit a rare double temple. Then, watch the Egyptian landscape slowly drift by as you sail on to Aswan. This evening, don a traditional Egyptian gown and join a festive galabeya party for a fun evening on board.

Your morning opens in Aswan, the Nubian city. Discover the mysteries of Philae Temple. Located on a small island, this complex can only be reached by motorboat. Philae is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the construction of the High Dam. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you’ll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum. This evening, aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat), take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile before relaxing over dinner aboard.

Early this morning,***** return to Cairo with a 90-minute flight. Upon arrival, head towards the old town and enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more. This afternoon, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

This morning, get a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties during a visit to the recently inaugurated Grand Egyptian Museum. This world-class landmark showcases over 100,000 ancient artifacts, including the treasures discovered in 1922 in King Tutankhamun’s sepulcher. Tonight, toast to the memories made on this epic journey through Africa at a farewell dinner.

Your adventure in Africa ends today. Return home with a heart full of stories and a deeper connection to this extraordinary continent.