Cairo to Nairobi
Trip Details
- Duration: 72 day(s) days
- Visited Areas: Sudan
Embark on a grand adventure across Africa's north-east: from the marvels of ancient Egypt and Nubia and the Horn of Africa's deserts and mountains to the rolling savannah and lush highlands of Kenya and Tanzania. Along the way, encounter friendly Nubian oasis folk, Sudanese market vendors, Ethiopian Rastafarians, Kenya's proud Samburu warriors and the rarely visited tribes of the Omo Valley. This is a memorable overland escapade through a very special part of the continent.
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Cairo
Explore the iconic Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza and the sprawling Saqqara cemetery with a local guide. There's also time to see precious, ancient treasures housed in the Egyptian Museum.
Days 8-10 Luxor
The ancient Egyptian capital of Luxor houses spectacular temples and tombs. Ride a donkey to the remarkable Valley of the Kings and visit the Temples of Karnak with an Egyptologist.
Days 11-14 Aswan
Arrive in Aswan and unwind with a stroll along the Nile River or take a relaxing felucca cruise, followed by a sunset cocktail. See a giant, unfinished obelisk, haggle for souvenirs and treasures in the souq or take a trip to see the two magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.
Days 15-16 Wadi Halfa
Embark on an epic ferry adventure across Lake Nasser, an enormous man-made lake. Glimpse spectacular scenery en route to the port of Wadi Halfa at Sudan's northern tip.
Day 71 Lake Naivasha
See hippos wallowing on the shores of Lake Naivasha.
Day 72 Nairobi
The journey ends in the busy streets of Kenya's capital Nairobi.
Days 17-22 Nubian Desert
Travel into Sudan and follow a camel route through the rugged terrain of the Nubian Desert, passing oases, small Nile hamlets and ancient relics of past civilisations. In the evening, share a simple meal around the campfire and sleep under the stars as nomadic locals pass by.
Days 23-24 Meroe
Admire the spectacular pyramids of Meroe, explore Naqa's Lion Temple and the palace of Musawwarat.
Days 25-27 Khartoum
Brush up on some Arabic language skills with the friendly residents of Khartoum city, Sudan's busy capital. Relax in a chai house and recount memories of this remarkable North African tour.
Days 40-42 Lalibela
Peer into Lalibela's astounding rock-hewn churches.
Days 43-45 Bahir Dar
Walk around the spectacular Blue Nile Falls, then board a reed boat bound for the lake's isolated monasteries.
Day 46 Dejen
Spend the night in Dejen.
Days 47-49 Addis Ababa
Stop by the bustling capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.
Days 51-53 Bale Mountains National Park
Head out on wildlife-spotting expeditions in the Bale Mountains.
Days 56-57 Arba Minch
Use free time to cycle around Ethiopia's scenic landscapes, embark on a boat trip or visit a crocodile farm.
Days 69-70 Lake Nakuru
Spy iconic animals feeding around Nakuru lake.
Days 3-4 Bahariya Oasis/White Desert
Set of from Cairo and into the Western Desert. Travel in the footsteps of thousands of years of travellers and see why so many people are touched by this part of the world. We explore Ptolemaic tombs, hot springs, palm groves and the remote Crystal Mountain. Camp under the stars at the Bahariya Oasis and in the White Desert.
Day 5 Dakhla Oasis
Journey to the rose-hued rocks, antiquities and greenery of the Dakhla Oasis. There is the opportunity to take an overnight camel trek into the desert to camp near hot springs.
Days 6-7 El Kharga Oasis
The outstanding Temple of Hebes is not the only beauty of this area. Palm tree lined streets, unspoilt springs and numerous antiquities are spoils of the area. Sleep under a million stars in this special part of Egypt.
Days 28-30 Gonder
Discover Gonder's castles, churches and palaces of this city often referred to as 'Africa's Camelot'.
Day 31 Debark
Hike through rugged terrain passing eroded volcanic cores, raging rivers and jagged peaks of the Simien Mountains.
Days 32-34 Simien Mountains National Park
Trek through the dramatic scenery of the Simien National Park, one of Africa's major mountain ranges.
Day 35 Enda Selassie
Explore the ancient city of Aksum, peppered with obelisks and crumbling palaces.
Days 36-37 Aksum
Aksum is one of Ethiopia's oldest cities and home to ruins that are thought to be a palace of the Queen of Sheeba.
Day 38 Mekele
Wander through Mekele's cliff-face churches of Tigray.
Day 39 Woldiya
Travel to the hillside market town of Woldiya.
Day 50 Lake Abiyata
Admire Ethiopia's flocks of flamingos, relax in hot springs and camp overnight in stunning scenery.
Day 54 Wendo Genet
Learn about the Rasta lifestyle and philosophy at a Rastafarian community school and museum.
Day 55 Awassa
Visit the inspiring Awassa Childrens Project in the lakeside town of Awassa. Camp at Wendo Genet and test out their famed hot springs.
Days 58-60 Omo Valley
Visit the remote villages and markets of the Omo Valley and learn about the customs of local tribes.
Days 61-62 Konso
Journey to Konso and perhaps take a tour of some traditional houses.
Day 63 Moyale
Travel through a surreal black lunar landscape into northern Kenya.
Day 64 Marsabit
Travel through dramatic landscapes and pass impressive termite mounds on the way to Marsabit. Spend time at the lovely Lake Paradise, which is a perfect place to spot animals such as elephants and buffaloes.
Days 65-66 Samburu National Reserve
Witness Samburu dancing and learn about tribal life from the locals. Try to spot the Big Five in Kenya's Samburu reserve.
Days 67-68 Naro Moru
Spend the night in a lodge on the slopes of Mt Kenya.