Discover the Egypt Safari, Egypt
Experience Overview
The classic Discover Egypt Safari is an addictive combination of desert wilderness, bygone relics, fertile oases, and iconic Egypt. We do, of course, tick off the must-see landmarks such as The Egyptian Museum, mighty pyramids, and the delightful madness that is Cairo. But the USP of this particular tour is our immersion into the different desert facets of ancient Egypt.
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive Cairo
Arrive at Cairo International Airport where you’ll be met by our Airport representative. Enjoy a private, air-conditioned transfer to your hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 2
In Cairo
Today is a rich combination of exploration and culture. After a fortifying breakfast we hit the road for the easy journey to Memphis. Thousands of years older than its Tennessee namesake, this is home to the second largest sphinx in Egypt and a plethora of towering statues, including that of Rameses II. This UNESCO site will captivate you like no other, not only because of its awe-inspiring history, but the way your guide brings the tales to life.
Memphis dates back over 5,200 years, and is the oldest capital city in Egypt. Feast your eyes on amazing antiquities and prized possessions of many pharaohs and kings.
From here we head to a sight so many fail to experience, yet is one of the most treasured landmarks in the whole of the country: the Pyramids of Sakkara. This incredible necropolis is home to the oldest of all of the country’s iconic tombs—the Step Pyramid. And at more than 7,000 years old this takes experiencing history to a whole new level! Prepare to gaze in wonder when you enter these sacred tombs, laying a privileged eye upon inscriptions chiseled out by craftsmen not simply of yesteryear, but of an age that we today can only dream of.
After a morning that would make the most intrepid of explorer weep with joy, we have a very special treat for lunch: dining at the landmark Cairo restaurant, Abou Shakra. Renowned for the quality of its food, this is the perfect location to wax lyrical about the wonders experienced. And it’s only the first morning of exploration!
After lunch we head to what is probably the most famous landmark in the world, the Pyramids of Giza. Forget what you’ve read, forget the pictures you’ve seen, because nothing will prepare you for the awe-inspiring emotions you’ll experience when you first set eyes on the only ancient wonder of the world that still exists today—The Great Pyramid. These marvels of ancient architectural skill are guarded over by the steely gaze of The Sphinx, and we have plenty of time to get up close and personal with these behemoth structures.
DAY 3
Cairo / Fayoum
Today our safari takes us deep into the wilderness. We leave our hotel after breakfast, driving the 100kms towards the Fayoum Oasis, home to some of the richest flora and fauna in the whole of the country. This is a truly special area of Egypt, one that few get to experience in their rush to tick off all the “big ticket” items. The heartland is centered around the great lake of Qaroun, fed by a branch of the mighty Nile River.
Boasting waterfalls, desert sands, and sunsets that’ll take your breath away, one of the best descriptions ever written about the area was penned by Abu ‘Uthmân al- Nabulsi, the region’s ruler some 750 years ago; “Cool are the dawns; tall are the trees; many are the fruits; little are the rains. ” And not much has changed to this day as Fayoum continues to bewitch with her charms.
We take lunch at the spectacularly located village of Tunis, high up on the side of a hill and overlooking the stunning lakeside scenery. We have a chance to explore, and as you wander the alleyways between the mud-brick houses it becomes obvious why this remote outpost draws artists, writers, and painters to visit, ponder, and stay a-while.
We then board our 4×4—necessary transport as we head well off the beaten track—to the Valley of the Whales. So named because of an incredible discovery of fossils that showed us that whales actually hailed from the land (yes, they had legs), Wadi al Hitan is a hugely important archeological site that documents the amazing transition of the whale from land mammal to marine creature.
Tonight we sleep beneath the stars (or canvas, if you prefer) at the ethereal campsite. If you’ve never spent time in the darkness of the desert before, then we promise that this is going to blow your mind! Our home galaxy of the Milky Way flows like a river above you, shooting stars flicker in and out of existence, and satellites trek their soundless journey at implausible speed… Prepare for a late night as the wonders of the universe put on what truly is your own private spectacle.
DAY 4
Fayoum / Cairo
We wake with the sun for a traditional desert breakfast before heading back to the
country’s capital. During the journey your tour guide will set you up for the next highlight on the agenda—an enchanting tour of the medieval Islamic fortification that is the Citadel of Cairo.
Located near the center of the city, it stands on the summit of Mokattam and benefits from stunning views. We explore the mosques and museums of this preserved historic site before heading to explore Old Cairo (also known as Coptic Cairo). This rich historic area has been inhabited since the 6th century BC and has periodically been under Roman rule, Islamic, and Christian.
We take a well-deserved lunch floating on the swirling waters of the Nile River, aboard the delightful Andrea Boat Restaurant. Once sated, it’s time to succumb to the welcoming arms of the mighty Nile aboard a felucca or motor boat to experience Cairo from the perspective of water.
DAY 5
Cairo / Bahariya Oasis
It’s an early start and we leave after breakfast at 08:00AM for the 370 km (approx. 5 hour) drive to Bahariya Oasis. The hue and cry of Cairo soon feels a million miles away as your psyche is enveloped by the welcoming shade of date palms and spring-fed pools just begging to be bathed in.
This stunning location is our home for the next 48 hours, and offers up treasure after treasure for exploration. First up is the Valley of the Golden Mummies, an enormous burial site that was only discovered in 2001. Here 105 mummies were found, each of high ranking Egyptians with many sporting masks of pure gold. Despite being more than 2,000 years old, the skill of the embalmers held true, and they remain in remarkably good condition.
(N.B. On occasion the museum housing the mummies is closed without warning).
We visit the incredibly well-preserved Tomb of Bannantiu—a name that translates literally into “the soul of those who have not.” Although judging by the ornate nature of his final resting place, Bannatiu’s idea of “having not” was somewhat different to that of most people. The interior paintwork belies the thousands of years that have passed with colors that remain vibrant, almost as if they were created only yesterday.
After lunch (taken at our hotel), we expend a little energy climbing the hill to the ruins of a World War II stronghold known as The English House. We promise that the effort it takes is well worth it, both for the history that awaits and for the devastating views over the oasis that sprawls below.
The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring the alien landscapes of the talcum powder-soft sand dunes and the shores of this mysterious salt lake. Dinner is a lavish affair, enjoyed within the welcome air-conditioned comfort of our hotel.
DAY 6
In Bahariya Oasis
We rise early to experience sunrise over the eerily compelling landscape of the Black Desert. Located around 50km south of our hotel, it’s almost impossible to mark exactly where the color change of this aptly named terrain begins. But begin it does, and the ground beneath us darkens thanks to the erosion of the surrounding dark rocky mountains.
We take time out to marvel at the hot spring that bubbles into the Valley of El Haize before heading to the geological miracle that is The Quartz Mountain. Slightly confusingly named (but nonetheless rather romantic), it’s less of a mountain and more of a ridge. This is the only place in the world such a structure exists, and it’s made entirely from calcite crystal that sparkles in the sunlight. An image of you posing beneath the jewel embossed natural quartz arch in all its glory will have your Insta followers groaning in pure envy!
We drive through the ever-changing landscape and rocky formations of the Valley of Agabat as we head towards the wonders of the White Desert. This national park is perhaps one of the most well-known deserts in all of Egypt, if not the world, and with good reason. Blinding white chalk sculptures have been eroded over the millennia by the harsh desert winds, and these celestial shapes loom like ghostly effigies as far as the eye can see.
We’ve eaten on the run today (breakfast and lunch) so the chance to sit around the campfire and enjoy a sumptuous barbeque dinner is a well-earned treat. And tonight we once again get to experience the accommodation of a thousand stars as we spend another iconic night under canvas.
DAY 7
Bahariya Oasis / Cairo
Enjoy a light breakfast before we head back to Egypt’s addictive capital city. We’ve left one of the most amazing spectacles of the whole country for this morning’s visit, The Egyptian Museum. Housing what is probably to most fascinating collection of ancient artifacts on the planet, your experienced guide will ensure you don’t miss the “must-see” attractions,
We savor lunch at one of Cairo’s most iconic restaurants, Felfalah, before preparing for a tour of what is one of the most amazing of all the Islamic thoroughfares in the city, El-Moez Street. This provides the ultimate experience to discover one of the oldest civilizations on the planet. Tread ancient pathways, marvel at the myriad of mosques, and perfect your bartering techniques within the every-changing alleyways of Kahn el Khalili souk.
Once you’ve shopped ‘till you drop, we shrug off the chaos of outside for the charms of the traditional Cairo eatery that is the El Hussein Restaurant. This “last supper” with the folks in your group who’re now likely to become lifelong friends is always a lively affair. We overnight at the luxurious Four Seasons First Residence Hotel, a fitting location with rooms overlooking the Pyramids of Giza for your last night in a country that will surely have stolen a little piece of your heart.
DAY 8
Depart Cairo
Enjoy a final breakfast before boarding your transfer to Cairo International Airport. Here you can relax in the airport lounge before catching your international flight home.
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