Enjoy a stay in the exclusive Mena House Oberoi Palace as you explore the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Sakkara. Your private guide will unlock the secrets of ancient Egypt. Fly to Luxor to explore the Valley of Kings & Queens and Karnak temple, plus an exclusive private day trip to Dendarah temple is unique to this tour. Your private guide distinguishes you from the rest of the tourists as you explore at your own pace these amazing archeological treasures. Return to Cairo to explore the Egyptian Museum with its incredible Tutankhamun exhibit, and the bustling bazaars. A truly personalized experience with your own private driver and vehicle, plus a trained Egyptologist guide. Fly from Cairo to Nairobi to start the spectacular second half of your tour. Enjoy this private safari with your own guide and vehicle. Kenya Explorer offers the best value option to do game viewing in Africa's finest park, Masai Mara Reserve. You are met at the airport on arrival and transfered to your hotel downtown. Drive north from Nairobi on the newly paved highway to Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley where you can stroll along the lakeside and view the hippos. Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos, and your day trip includes a picnic lunch. Then drive to Masai Mara for three spectacular days of game viewing. You'll stay at Kensington Mara located on the banks of the Talek river on the north side of the reserve. Return to Nairobi for some final souvenir shopping and a farewell dinner.

NOTE; Travel in Egypt often involves early-morning starts, designed to avoid crowds and the hottest midday hours. It can be hot, especially in June, July and August, but there is virtually no humidity and evening temperatures cool off dramatically. Egypt is a moderate secular state, well used to hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. While you will want to avoid revealing clothing, loose shorts and short-sleeved shirts are fine for both genders while sightseeing."

Day 1
Cairo
Travellers will be met in the tunnel by an airport representative who will in turn facilitate the visa process ($17 per person), escort your group through customs and immigration, off to baggage claim and finally to passenger pick up. It is here that your group will connect with our Kensington associate who will arrange airport transfer to your hotel. T Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. The Mena House Oberoi stands tall, yet guarded by the mighty heights of the Great Pyramids of Cairo. Fascinating guests since 1869, the 523 room hotel has continuously held the attention of royalty, political thinkers, and celebrities over time. A range of continental dining and Egyptian specialty restaurants and bars satisfy even the most critical of appetites. The Mena House grants guests the opportunity to relax or stay active by checking out its golf courses, horse and camel stables, and extensive fitness options. Wander a few steps outside the hotel and you may run smack into a pyramid. Forty acres of jasmine-scented gardens will leave their scent on those who depart the hotel. It’s hard to leave this embellished haven of lush furnishings, oriental prints, and hand-woven fabrics. Cairo is the capitol of Egypt and the hub of the country. Millennia of history have made it one of the most fascinating places in the world. The Egyptian Museum whose 107 halls feature huge statues on the ground floor, and small statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and the mummies on upper floors. Other downtown sights include the Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Khan Khalili bazaar. Nearby Giza is famous for the Pyramids of Egypt, among the largest constructions ever built.

Day 2
Cairo
On this full day tour, explore the relics of ages past at ancient Memphis, Sakkara and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Includes entry to either Chephren (Khafre) or Menkaure (Mycerinus) pyramids and the Solar boat (Cheops Pyramid entrance Extra (Great Pyramid of Khufu), clients must arrive early to get into Cheops Pyramid as limited number of people are allowed to enter each day). Also see the famous Sphinx. Includes a trained Egyptologist guide and private vehicle and driver. Enjoy the city's finest cuisine with a private table at the very best restaurants. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Mena House Oberoi Garden.

Day 3
Cairo - Luxor
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. CAI-LXR Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Visit the great temples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank to marvel at the achievements of one of the earliest civilizations. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Sofitel Pavilion Winter Palace is placed in the center of a tropical garden, with a proximity to the Temple of Luxor and the precious River Nile. Time spent on ones balcony will not be wasted, as it is hard to take in the vastness of this beauty in one breath. With 116 rooms, the hotel recognizes the same standards set by its family across the world. The restaurants also meet the expectations built by Sofitel, with a wide selection of international cuisine and a 24-hour café. The city of Luxor is the most remarkable setting for this haven, as it is in itself a treat to discover. When the active guest is not out photographing the spectacular sunsets and artifacts of Luxor, they are unwinding in the swimming pool. Luxor, site of ancient Thebes, and the "world's greatest open air museum". Notable sights on the east bank include the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple. On the west bank is the spectacular Valley of the Kings. For a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles, including Tutankhamun. The nearby Valley of the Queens is said to hold more than seventy tombs.

Day 4
Luxor
This morning you will meet up with your guide and explore some of the most incredible sites of the country. You'll visit the valley of the Kings and Queens where you will have the chance to explore three tombs: Ramses III, Tuhotmoses III and Ramses I. For a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Dynasties of Ancient Egypt). The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, opposite modern Luxor. You'll then visit the nearby Valley of the Kings and also the recently renovated mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was the second pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. She is generally regarded by Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty. Tour includes a visit to the huge Colossi of Memnon which are all that remain of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Sofitel New Winter Palace.

Day 5
Luxor
Half day tour with private guide, vehicle and driver. North of Luxor city (169 km) you will find the ruins of the Dendarah temple dedicated to Hathor, goddess of love, fertility and beauty. Dendarah was one of the most ancient & most famous Egyptian cities. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Dazzling sound and light show on the walls of Karnak temple Overnight at Sofitel New Winter Palace.

Day 6
Luxor - Cairo
LXR-CAI Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. CAI-NBO Enjoy a personalized lunch with your guide at a great local restaurant. This full day tour includes a private tour with your trained Egyptologist guide through the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and its Mummy Room, which houses a priceless treasure of archaeological finds. In the afternoon visit Saladin Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress dating from the 12th century, where you explore the mosque and tomb of the Ottoman ruler Mohamed Ali. Later, a walking tour will take you through the fabled Khan Khalili bazaar filled with exotic treats. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Safir Hotel is situated in Cairo's Giza district, not far from all the sights and sounds of the city. The 304 rooms are clean and comfortable, with many recently renovated. Fresh flowers and complimentary bottled water are just a few of the small pleasantries offered by the hotel. Meals can be taken in any of a number of restaurants and cafes at the hotel, which offer a variety of dishes ranging from Asian favorites to French and Oriental pastries and cakes. Tour this spectacular city and explore its history and artifacts. At the end of the day, relax with a cool drink at any of the hotel bars, near the swimming pool.

Day 7
Nairobi - Naivasha
Includes Flying Doctors air ambulance emergency evacuation to Nairobi in the event of serious illness. Transfer between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru. The drive usually takes 1 hour. Enjoy game viewing on arrival. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Includes a boat trip to visit Crescent island in Lake Naivasha. Crescent Island is a peninsula or island, depending on the lake level, joined to the mainland by a causeway. Among the resident birds are fish eagles, ospreys, lily-trotters, black crakes and a variety of herons. Hippo also live in the lake. A number of mammals can be seen grazing in the surrounding lake environs, such as zebra, impala, buffalo, giraffe, Kongoni and, at night, hippos.
Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Like an African castle in the sky, Sopa Lodge Naivasha spins wondrous safaris from natural treasures below the golden Kenyan sun. It is situated on the southern shores of Naivasha, the largest freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. Let this dazzling resort of 21 cottages prepare you for mouth-dropping silence. Feast on the succulent meats and preparations of the hotel’s talented chefs. Allow your eyes to indulge in the scenery and wildlife that draws so many to visit this hotel, built for open views of nature’s activities at their most untouched. Make sure to wander around the compound. You will be enchanted by the fine architecture, cathedral ceilings, and grand windows. Stroll around the gardens, and take a swim. It’s hard to leave this heavenly escape. Nairobi is the least expensive arrival city for flights with a full range of hotels and local attractions. Dubbed the “Safari Capital of the World” cool, clear and cosmopolitan Nairobi is the natural departure point for most safari itineraries. A city of contrasts, it is simultaneously the largest, the youngest, the most modern, the highest (1700m) and the fastest growing city in East Africa. High-altitude Nairobi enjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round. There are ATMs and banks to stock up on cash, great restaurants, and malls where you can purchase any forgotten items.

Day 8
Nakuru - Naivasha
Game viewing in Nakuru National Park with your skilled guide. The park is noted for thousands of flamingos which form a brilliant pink covering over the surface. Includes national park fees. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Sign up for optional activities at your resort (not included in tour price); horse-riding, bird-watching, fishing, water sports, cycling, lake trips and nature trails. Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Overnight at Sopa. Nakuru is the provincial capital of Kenya's Rift Valley province, and is the fourth largest urban centre in the country. Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes and provides the visitor with one of Kenya’s best known images, thousands of flamingo joined into a massive flock. A pulsing pink swathe of life that carpets the water, the flamingo are a breathtaking sight. The lake forms part of the Lake Nakuru National Park which has good game viewing for a day safari.

Day 9
Masai Mara
Today you'll set out early on your morning game drive with your private guide and vehicle. The Mara is most famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle and the wildebeest from the Serengeti every year from July to October. Transfer between Naivasha and Mara park by road. Includes stops at souvenir shops and refreshment stands. During the rainy season this can be a long drive. Usually takes about 5 - 6 hours. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Sign up for optional activities (not included in tour price); guided nature walk ($40pp), motorcycle safari ($350pp), hot air balloon ($480pp). Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Our new Kensington Mara West Camp has been revamped and relocated to what is surely one of the best views in East Africa. Perched elegantly on the Ololoolo escarpment forming the western boundary of the Masai Mara Reserve itself, this is the authentic ‘Out of Africa’ experience where much of the original film itself was filmed & produced. The camp borders the remote and beautiful western edge of Masai Mara National Reserve. Kensington Mara West provides nature lovers with deluxe accommodations while experiencing the sights and sounds of an unforgettable African safari. Chalets are perched in secluded spots on an escarpment edge overlooking the vast plains of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, giving tremendous views and a sense of private exclusion. Mara West is providing high quality service with beautifully designed, comfortable accommodations. Masai Mara is the northernmost portion of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and features the best game viewing in the region . The small size funnels animals into a tight space, and park rules allowing off-road driving which means that guests can venture into plains covered with hundreds or even thousands of animals. Take an optional hot air balloon ride over the plains, with the opportunity for amazing pictures of the animal herds below.

Day 10
Masai Mara
Today you'll set out early on your morning game drive with your private guide and vehicle. The Mara is most famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle and the wildebeest from the Serengeti every year from July to October. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). This afternoons game viewing will be exciting as you are searching for game with your private guide and driver. The leopard is difficult to see as it moves fast and is very shy. If you're lucky there is a good chance to spot them around waterholes or up in a tree after a hot long day. Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Overnight at Kensington Mara West.

Day 11
Masai Mara
Today you'll set out early on your morning game drive with your private guide and vehicle. The Mara is most famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle and the wildebeest from the Serengeti every year from July to October. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). This afternoons game viewing will be exciting as you are searching for game with your private guide and driver. The leopard is difficult to see as it moves fast and is very shy. If you're lucky there is a good chance to spot them around waterholes or up in a tree after a hot long day. Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Overnight at Kensington Mara West.

Day 12
Masai Mara - Nairobi
Today you'll set out early on your morning game drive with your private guide and vehicle. The Mara is most famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle and the wildebeest from the Serengeti every year from July to October. Take your flight from Masai Mara to Wilson Airport today. The flight duration is approximately 1hr 25mins. Includes opportunity to visit local handicrafts market to stock up on souvenirs. Includes a visit to the Giraffe Manor where you can hand feed the giraffes, and a stop at the Karen Blixen house - made famous in the film "Out of Africa". Before leaving that night, stop by the kensington office for free use of internet, lounge, showers and drinks. (We can arrange dinner at Carnivore game meat restaurant, though there is limited wild meat on the menu these days - please let us know in advance and if you are veg.) Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide. Depart from Nairobi international airport - end of itinerary.