Egypt - 16 Days
Oasis and Pharaohs
Starting and finishing in Cairo, this journey uncovers the charm and mystique that has been luring travelers to Egypt for thousands of years and by the end of two weeks exploring this amazing country, it is easy to see why. Much more than a museum, Egypt is a vibrant living culture with the ability to cut deep into the hearts of those who embrace its many facets.
Traveling on the Kumuka expedition vehicle allows us to penetrate deep into the little visited Western Desert and the coastal delights of The Red Sea. Luxor and Aswan are home to an astounding number of temples and tombs - Karnak, Philae, the Valley of The Kings - or take the opportunity to fly to Lake Nasser to see the incredible temples of Abu Simbal which were rescued from the waters of the rising Nile by a massive feat of engineering in the 1960s.
While sailing on a Nile felucca - a traditional Egyptian sailing boat - we quickly discover what an integral part this played in the lives of the overwhelming majority of Egyptians. There is not much that can beat the impressive nature of the Sphinx and Pyramids, but Egypt is far more than a country trading on its past glories. Travelers to contemporary Egypt will find a positive outlook amongst a population and a culture that is forward looking yet proudly aware of its historical importance. Egypt has the advantage of a great climate, which is why we have departure dates for this tour all year round. There couldn't be a better destination for a winter break. Two weeks is quite a compact journey but - as they say in Egypt - there is a lot of water down the Nile.
Add an 8 Day 'learn to dive' or 'qualified diving' package to the start or end of this tour.
Day 1
Travel to Egypt
Days 2-5
Cairo and the Western Desert to Luxor. Cairo is the largest city in Africa with between 12 and 18 million inhabitants - nobody is sure, but there are quite a few. Driving is an experience, as it appears that Egyptian vehicle inspectors are fairly lenient and that the only roadworthy requirement on the cars is a workable horn, which must be continuously tested. The city itself is fascinating. Apart from the rich history, there are good markets, restaurants, banks and even a metro (underground railway). In typical Egyptian style, there are no maps of the underground so you will have to ask the tourist police.
The start of our trip takes us to the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. Though fairly overrun with tourists, it is still an extremely impressive sight. A trip to Cairo would be incomplete without a visit to these two sacred sights. There is a guided tour included at the Pyramids.
From the pyramids we head into the western desert for 3 days to visit some oases and experience desert life. This unique experience is 1300 kms long and passes through the White and Black deserts and visits 3 oases towns. Traveling through the desert we camp under the stars for 2 nights (no faculties) and on a rooftop for the third night. It is important to have warm clothing, as well as swim wear, as between November and May the desert gets cold. Our route leads us South, arriving in the city of Luxor late on the fourth day, we stay at a hotel in the centre of Luxor, once known as Thebes.
Days 6-9
Luxor and Hurghada. We spend the next morning visiting the amazing Temples of Karnak and Luxor, where we have a guided tour. Karnak is an outstanding temple, with huge columns, walls covered with hieroglyphics, and Sphinx Avenue.
In the afternoon we make the 5-hour journey to the coastal resort town of Hurghada on the Red Sea. Here we stay in a hotel and have the option of a boat trip on the Red Sea, which includes lunch and snorkelling equipment, there is the option to scuba dive, we suggest that this is only for experienced divers as the dives are from the boat. We return to Luxor after our two-night stop in Hurghada, once back in Luxor you can have a free afternoon wandering around market stalls and along the banks of the Nile.
The next day in Luxor is spent on the West Bank of the Nile at the Valley of the Kings and Queens. We include entry into the Valley of the Kings allowing you to visit three tombs of your choice. Most people visit the tombs that the Egyptologist suggests as they spend their life in tombs and know which ones are the best. There is also Tutanhkamun’s tomb which is unfortunately an optional extra, the reasons for this is that the Egyptian government tends to open and close this due to the recorded humidity levels and so we cannot guarantee it will be open. We also have the option of visiting the beautiful three-tiered temple of Hatshepsut one of the only women pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
The entrance fee to the Valley of the Queens is also included in the trip cost. This entry covers the two tombs but not the third, which is Nefertari’s tomb, which has spectacular colours. Once again it opens and closes with humidity. This tomb when open allows only 150 people per day entry, and so Kumuka is unable to guarantee entry to this tomb. The reason tombs close for humidity is because the moisture in peoples’ breath encourages growth in the salt content of the stones causing the coloured sections to flake off.
Days 10-12
Luxor to Aswan and Feluccas. From Luxor we head south, catching a train to the city of Aswan. Our first afternoon in Aswan is when we visit Phile Temple. We go via the Aswan dam wall before taking the short boat ride to Phile Temple. The following morning is when excursions can be made to Abu Simbel. The excursion are made by coach and the journey takes approximately 4 hours each way, and costs USD $35 including services of a guide. We also have the chance in the afternoon to take a boat trip to Kitcheners Island, this is a beautiful botanical garden and it is very pleasant to stroll between the trees after spending 3 days in the desert.
After 2 nights at Aswan we board a felucca. A felucca is a traditional Egyptian sailboat of the type that has plied the Nile for centuries. Travelling in this way is one of the best ways to get a taste for the timeless nature of this ancient river. We sail north towards Luxor sleeping under the stars in the warm Egyptian night. During the voyage we will visit the Temple of Kom Ombo and Edfu. The felucca is inclusive and lasts for 2 days (2 nights). Sit back and relax.
Days 14, 15
Luxor to Cairo. On disembarking from the feluccas we make our way to Luxor we board a night train back to Cairo. This train is 2nd class coach and is comfortable. The train will arrive back into Cairo approximately 07.00am in the morning. On our final day of the tour in Cairo, we visit the Egyptian Museum for a guided tour. The museum is home to millions of artefacts, mummies and reclaimed artworks alongside the extremely impressive Tutanhkamoun exhibition.
The trip ends in Cairo after visiting Cairo Museum.
Day 16
Travel Home
ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT
Camping/Hotels
13 Nights
Kumuka Overland Truck
Train
Feluccas
On Foot
HIGHLIGHTS
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS MARKED *
Egypt
Cairo, Pyramids and Sphinx, Cairo Museum, Khan al Khalili Bazaar, Western Desert, Oases, Hurghada, Red Sea, Luxor, Karnak, Valley of Kings and Queens, Aswan, Nile Felucca Trip, Philae, Abu Simbel*, Edfu
