Day 1 London to Cairo, Egypt.
Fly by scheduled business class flight. On arrival transfer to the elegant St Regis Cairo, the base for the first two nights of our epic journey. This evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner with views overlooking the Pyramids of Giza.
Day 2 Cairo.
Travel far back in time this morning, as we pay homage to the Pyramids of Giza. We venture into the Pyramid of Khafre, traversing narrow passageways to the burial chamber. We are also granted special access to the feet of the Sphinx. Enjoy further close-up views of the pyramids during lunch at nearby Marriott Mena House before we continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum for a private visit, escorted by a leading lecturer in the field of Egyptology. For dinner this evening, choose from the offerings of one of the hotel’s four restaurants.
Day 3 Luxor.
Return to the airport this morning as we join our business class private jet for the first time and make the short journey south to Luxor (flying time 55 minutes). On arrival we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we visit the Valley of the Kings where the colonnaded glory of Hatshepsut’s Temple steals our attention. Then venture underground, walking in the footsteps of priests and attendants who set Tutankhamun in his tomb. We proceed a short distance to the Valley of the Queens, in search of its most lavish tomb, that of Nefertari. After checking into the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa for our overnight stay, we prepare for a most opulent evening. As the sun sets, we are driven across the river to the Temple of Ramses III, at Medinet Habu. Reserved exclusively for us, this will be a dining event unlike any other. The 3000-year-old walls, pylons and gates light up, creating a most electric atmosphere. With cocktails in hand, we listen intently as our professional Egyptologist leads us past soaring halls and elaborately carved columns, before we are seated for dinner facing the temple entrance.
Day 4 Luxor to Maasai Mara, Kenya.
After breakfast we visit Luxor Temple. Dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut and Khonsu, the temple once figured in the ancient, annual Opet Festival. The statues of the three gods were originally carried here from the nearby Temple of Karnak. At mid-morning, we rejoin our private jet for the flight to Nairobi (flying time 4 hours 15 minutes). We while away the time aboard our jet sampling gourmet delights and fine wines. Touching down in the Kenyan capital, we transfer to a light aircraft for the brief flight to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. From here you will be transferred to the lavish Angama Mara Lodge, our base for the next three nights. This evening, dine on fresh, local produce at your luxury lodge.
Day 5 Maasai Mara.
Start the day by floating over the Maasai Mara in a hot-air balloon, greeting herds of wildebeest as they graze on the dewy grass below. After breakfast we climb aboard jeeps to go off in search of the Big Five. In addition to the abundance of lions, elephants, rhino and buffalo, as well as the more elusive leopard, there are also great waves of zebra to be spotted. Following a break in proceedings for lunch back at our lodge, we return to our game drive, making the most of the daylight, as we seek to encounter as many of Africa’s majestic creatures as we can. As the sun begins to slowly sink, we toast this glorious day while overlooking the expansive reserve of the Maasai Mara. Back at our lodge, sample local cuisine in an awe-inspiring setting.
Day 6 Maasai Mara.
We rise early to again meet the animals on their own turf. No two days along the Maasai Mara are ever exactly the same and the ensuing hours promise to deliver yet more spontaneous action. Duelling zebras, socialising baboons, hyenas seeking to steal a cheetah’s kill any, or all, of these may feature today. We refuel once more back at our lodge before returning to the plains aboard our jeeps later this afternoon. This evening, we bid farewell to the Maasai Mara during a bush barbecue dinner.
Day 7 Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
After breakfast, we take one last game drive on our way to the nearby airstrip. From here, a light aircraft returns us to Nairobi, where we rejoin our private jet. Enjoy a light lunch on board, as we then make our way to the Rwandan capital, Kigali (flying time 1 hour 35 minutes). The final leg of today’s travels sees a fleet of waiting helicopters taking us swiftly to Ruhengeri in the north of the country. At the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, we are welcomed with sunset cocktails, before learning about the work and legacy of Dian Fossey. Afterwards, check in at Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
Day 8 Volcanoes National Park.
There are now only 12 groups of gorillas left in Volcanoes National Park. Being in a position to meet with them is among the rarest of privileges. The gorillas will only meet us on their terms, so we must trek through thick vegetation and several steep inclines in order to reach them. Just eight visitor permits are allocated to each gorilla group on any given day and visits with the gorillas are restricted to one hour. We observe them quietly as they play, groom, rest and feed. Return to our lodge for a late lunch and relax this afternoon, taking in the ambience of the jungle from the comfort of our opulent lodges. Dine upon the delicious creations of our lodge’s chefs this evening.
Day 9 Volcanoes National Park.
This morning there will be a choice of activities in this breathtaking region. Maybe trek in search of the endangered golden monkey, found only in Central Africa. Unlike the gorillas, however, this species resides at the foot of the mountains, so there is no need to walk far. Watch the hyperactive creatures leaping their way from tree to tree within the bamboo forest, pausing to eat shoots, before resuming their playful antics. Alternatively, take the opportunity to visit a local community and learn what it is like to live within this extraordinary region. Should you prefer, you may remain at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing massage. In the afternoon you may wish to return to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and learn more about its conservation efforts or head into town and browse the local shops for textiles and other crafts that may make for a memorable souvenir. Before dinner this evening, we meet with representatives of the Gorilla Doctors, a mountain gorilla veterinary project. Hear about the valuable work undertaken by these veterinarians, who intervene whenever a local gorilla falls ill, or is injured or orphaned. For a final time, we enjoy the culinary creations of our lodge.
Day 10 Livingstone, Zambia.
Depart Volcanoes National Park this morning, taking the road back to Kigali Airport. Our waiting jet then makes the southbound journey to Victoria Falls in Zambia (flying time 2 hours 30 minutes). Lunch is enjoyed on board and we arrive mid-afternoon. From here, we make our way to our hotel, the Royal Livingstone for our two night stay. Enjoy sundowners on the grounds of our accommodation, before dining at your choice of venue from within the hotel.
Day 11 Livingstone.
Following breakfast, we set out for a closer look at Victoria Falls. On our approach, we are treated to the sight of furious spray as it rises majestically above the trees. We are then led on a walk through the rainforest, and on to the base of the falls. Return to our accommodation for lunch and you can choose this afternoon to board a helicopter for bird’s-eye views of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and Batoka Gorge. Alternatively, meet the local chief, who will show you around his village as we learn about daily village life and see how traditional huts are made. This evening’s dinner takes place upon the lawns of the Royal Livingstone, with views of Victoria Falls.
Day 12 Cape Town, South Africa.
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the falls, embarking our private jet for our final flight (flying time 1 hour 25 minutes). On arrival in Cape Town, we board a cable car for the spectacular ascent to Table Mountain. One of the world’s oldest mountains, it predates the Alps, the Andes and the Himalayas. Later this afternoon, we check into the Cape Grace, our luxurious waterfront hotel where we will stay for two nights. Choose where to dine this evening, with many gastronomic delights on offer at our hotel’s restaurant or in some of the city’s finest establishments.
Day 13 Cape Town.
We have a choice of options for our day in and around Cape Town. Maybe take a full day tour and discover the Cape of Good Hope. Wind your way along Chapman’s Peak Drive, with no fewer than 144 bends along the scenic coastline. Visit the lighthouse at Cape Point Nature Reserve, arriving either aboard the Flying Dutchman Funicular or on foot. Then adjourn to Harbour House on Kalk Bay. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame a scene of coastal cliffs and white water breaking upon the nearby rocks. Naturally, seafood is the star of the menu. Alternatively, visit several acclaimed wine estates during a full-day exploration of the Stellenbosch wine region. Boasting fertile, undulating vineyards, set before towering mountain ranges, these proud producers will invite you to partake in guided wine tastings of the area’s celebrated varietals. Another option is to see Nelson Mandela’s former cell at Robben Island prison, a short boat ride away, this morning. Your guide will share stories of his time spent in prison with the celebrated leader and political activist. This evening, a gala farewell dinner awaits us at the spectacular Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa; its brutalist concrete exterior belying the gems within. Begin with a private viewing of the museum’s most coveted pieces, then continue with a sumptuous dinner, looking out onto a 270-degree view of Cape Town.
Day 14 Cape Town to London.
We will check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled business class flight to London.
Day 15 London.
Arrive today.
