Embark on an enchanting Tanzanian safari, starting in Tarangire National Park, known for its majestic baobab trees and abundant elephant herds. Journey to Lake Manyara, where the diverse landscape offers a unique safari experience, and then explore the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife against the backdrop of the world's largest intact caldera. Conclude your adventure in the legendary Serengeti National Park, where the vast plains host the breathtaking Great Migration and provide an unparalleled wildlife spectacle.
This comprehensive 14-day journey commences in Jordan's bustling capital, Amman. Your exploration delves into the country's rich history and culture, starting with visits to the unique hilltop town of As-Salt, a UNESCO site celebrated for its Ottoman architecture and interfaith harmony, and the magnificent Roman ruins of Jerash. Cultural immersion continues with an authentic 'Daily Life Trail' experience and lunch with a local family in As-Salt, plus a street food tasting in Amman. The itinerary then follows the historic King's Highway south, taking in the biblical sites of Madaba and Mount Nebo, and the Crusader-era Shobak Castle, before arriving at the phenomenal Nabataean city of Petra for a full day's exploration of its rock-carved wonders, including the iconic Treasury reached via the narrow Siq canyon.
Following the awe-inspiring Petra, the adventure leads into the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Here, you'll enjoy a thrilling jeep safari through the iconic scenery made famous by T.E. Lawrence and spend a night under the stars at a traditional Bedouin camp, experiencing renowned local hospitality and cuisine. The Jordanian leg concludes with a visit to the remarkable Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, offering a unique opportunity to float effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters. Throughout Jordan, optional activities enhance the experience, ranging from Petra by Night and cookery classes to various desert excursions in Wadi Rum and potential canyoning in Wadi Mujib (seasonal).
Transitioning to Egypt, you will travel from Amman to Cairo by air. It's worth noting that this flight is not included in the tour price, offering flexibility in booking, while the necessary airport transfers in both cities remain part of the service. The Egyptian adventure immediately immerses you in ancient history with a visit to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, complemented by a taste of local life with an included Koshary lunch. Travelling south via overnight train, you'll explore Aswan, visit the beautifully relocated Philae Temple on its island setting, and experience Nubian culture firsthand with a stay in a local village. A major highlight is sailing the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, offering a peaceful perspective on riverside life and including an overnight stay onboard (with hotel upgrade options available). An optional early morning trip to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel is also offered.
Continuing north, the tour reaches Luxor, often described as the world's greatest open-air museum. Included tours cover the West Bank's Valley of the Kings, the impressive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the village of the tomb builders at Deir El-Medina, and the towering Colossi of Memnon. Optional excursions allow for exploration of the vast Karnak Temple complex and the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night, along with potential hot air balloon rides over the ancient sites at sunrise. The trip utilises overnight trains for travel between Cairo and Upper Egypt (with sleeper upgrades available) before concluding back in Cairo, offering free time or optional final explorations, such as the Egyptian Museum or vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar, before your departure transfer.
Accommodation is in comfortable mid-range hotels, Bedouin tents with proper beds in Wadi Rum, a friendly local Nubian guesthouse in Aswan, plus one night on board the felucca sailboat on the Nile.
Join this exclusive four-day private tour with flights included discovering the gentle giants that live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Uganda is lucky to be the home of the famous endangered mountain gorillas, and it has the highest population of mountain gorillas in the world.
We had a fantastic trip to Egypt. I am a single mum with a 10 and 12 year old. We were in a very small group with just one other family and we had a brilliant time. Mohammed, the group leader was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and fun and made everything run smoothly, even the bits that didn’t (don’t expect the train to be on time, however flashy the new station). He was fantastic with the kids and generous with his experience of all aspects of Egyptian life.
The trip is pretty full on but there is downtime built in. We love Egypt and will definitely go back. We’ll also definitely do another holiday with explore. For me, being on my own with the kids, the group meant I got some downtime and everything being so well organised meant I felt like I got a holiday as well! As an added bonus it was no more expensive to have two rooms at the hotels!
Would totally recommend.