EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
africa egypt & middle east
r Ove s r yea e 0 3 c ien r e Ex p
Inca Experience Tours Individual Tailor-made Tour Packages, Safaris, Cruises & Small Group Departures
CONTENTS PAGE
welcome to africa & egypt INCA TOURS HAS OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE ORGANISING SMALL GROUP TOURS TO VARIOUS DESTINATIONS. JUST IMAGINE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU!
CONTENTS The Highlights of Africa Why Choose Inca Tours? Your Travel Options
Page 3 4 5
Popular Tours & Safaris Days Cape Town to Cairo 27 Ultimate African Safari 28 Kenya & Tanzania Safari 23 Southern & East Africa 25 Southern Africa & Egypt 17 East Africa & Egypt 21 Cape, Namibia, Vic Falls 23
6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Popular Short Tours & Safaris Best East Africa Safari 12 Best of Kenya Safari 9 Best of Tanzania Safari 7 Best of Namibia Safari 13 Mala Mala & Panorama 5 Cape & Peninsula 5 Best of Malawi & Zambia 8 Best of Jordan 7
22 25 27 30 33 36 39 46
Other Tours & Safaris
cape town waterfront
safa ri l odg e
s ia fall victor
Cape, Safari & Vic Falls Cape Town & Safari Safari & Victoria Falls Tsavo & Amboseli NP Safari Southern Tanzania Safari Chobe & Okavango Delta Victoria Falls & Chobe NP Victoria Falls Namibia Sossusvlei Safari Northern Namibia Safari Namibia Etosha NP Safari Namibia Luxury Safari Joburg to Cape Town Cape & Garden Route Malawi Highlights Exotic Zanzibar Gorillas & Gold Monkeys Enchanting Ethiopia Best of Morocco Ancient Egypt Oman & Arabian Fjords Dubai Stopover
10 8 7 6 8 10 5 3 3 5 4 12 16 6 7 7 5 9 8 10 6 4
20 21 21 24 26 28 29 29 31 31 31 32 34 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 47 48
15 22 15 10 10
49 50 52 53 54 55
Budget Tours & Safaris Budget South Africa Budget Cape to Vic Falls Budget Okavango Safari Budget Chobe & Okavango Budget Tanzania Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
ds ami pyr
2 table mountain
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
THE HIGHLIGHTS OF AFRICA
The Real Africa
Amman
Alexandria
Jordan
Africa is a continent of colour and contrast—from the sands and ancient monuments of the North to lush rainforests in the Centre; from the endless grassy savannahs, teeming with wildlife in the East to the unrivalled scenic beauty of the South.
Libya
Iran
Petra
Cairo
Sharm El-Sheikh Khasab Dubai Luxor Aswan Musca UAE Saudi Arabia Abu Simbel Nizwa Egypt
Oman Niger
Renowned for the “Annual Wildebeest Migration” in East Africa, with its attendant predators to the “Big 5” safaris in Southern Africa, no trip to Africa is complete without having visited one of the regions’ famous wildlife areas.
Chad
Sudan
Nigeria Central African Republic Cameroon
Home to the oldest human remains in the form of ‘Lucy’ in Ethiopia and others from the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, Africa deserves its title of “The Cradle of Mankind”. From the Maasai and Samburu with their red loin cloths of East Africa and King Shaka’s Zulus with their familiar feathered headdress of South Africa; the British, German, Portuguese, Belgium and French Colonialists to the Chinese and Indian migrants, Africa is a melting pot of cultures with some of the most friendly and welcoming people on earth.
Yemen
Axum Gondar
Addis Ababa
Somalia Ethiopia
Uganda Kenya Kampala Nairobi Serengeti & Masai Mara Amboseli Dem. Rep. Kigali Rwanda Ngorongoro Crater Of Congo Zanzibar Dodoma Tanzania Dar es Salaam Angola
Malawi
South Luangwa
Nosy Be
Lilongwe Zomba Lusaka Madagascar agascar Harare Livingstone Antananarivo Etosha Victoria Falls Maun Mauritius Namibia Zimbabwe Morondava Port Louis Botswana Windhoek mbique Kruger NP Mozambique Pretoria Sesriem Gaborone Taolagnaro Johannesburg Maputo (Fort Dauphin) Swaziland Mbabane Fish River Lesotho Canyon Durban South Africa Zambia
Africa combines exceptional safari adventures with moving cultural experiences and unbelievable scenery to make a holiday which you will always remember and it keeps you wanting to go back for more. Why wait!
Oudtshoorn Port Elizabeth Cape Town Knysna
The Highlights of the Continent Southern Africa South Africa has been marketed as “The world in one country” which it really is. From beautiful beaches to scenic mountains, spectacular deserts to impenetrable forests and some of the best safari experiences in the world, it has it all. Add to this the vast open spaces of Namibia, the wildlife filled Okavango Delta and the mighty Victoria Falls and you have a most remarkable holiday destination which will suit all tastes and budgets.
East Africa
Ethiopia Ethiopia is a land of wonder and enchantment, a country with one of the richest histories on the African continent, a land of contrasts and surprises, of remote and wild places, home to cultured and friendly people who descended from some of the world’s oldest civilisations. This is the land of the fabled Queen of Sheba, home of the Ark of the Covenant and ‘Lucy’, the world’s oldest known almost complete hominid skeleton, as well as the birthplace of coffee!
Kenya and Tanzania are legendary for their safari experiences as millions of plains’ animals undertake their annual migration through the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas. Include a visit to the gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda or Rwanda with these wildlife spectacles and you have a remarkable wildlife experience second to none. East Africa has some exquisite beach and diving opportunities which add a whole new dimension to a safari. Zanzibar has to be the best place to visit with its palm fringed beaches, coral reefs and historic Old Stone Town.
Egypt
The Gap
Dubai has emerged from the rest of the Middle East as the latest “must visit” destination. From snow covered ski runs to desert dinners, opulent shopping centres and accommodation to suit, all making it a great stopover when visiting North and East Africa. The Arabian Fjords in Oman are easily visited from Dubai or even better still, combined with a visit to historical Muscat and a visit to the wadis in the desert. Jordan has a lot to offer from ancient Roman ruins to Petra and the Dead Sea. The Middle East is an area long visited by Westerners and never fails to amaze.
Often overlooked in favour of the better known Southern and East African destinations, the “gap” countries of Zambia and Malawi have some of the few remaining “authentic” African experiences left on the continent. The national parks in Eastern Zambia combine well with those in Malawi. Add to this a stay along the fresh water shores of Lake Malawi with its local villages and you will have a unique holiday few others will have experienced.
Egypt is home to some of the most recognisable landmarks in the world: the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Tutankhamun’s Gold as well as the Nile River. Egypt boasts many other lesser known treasures like the Monastery of St Catherine, some of the best scuba dive sites in the world near Sharm el-Sheikh and the fabulous temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, undoubtedly the grandest temple in all of Egypt.
The Middle East
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
3
THE AUSTRALIAN OWNED COMPANY
why travel with inca tours? Value for Money
Destination Knowledge
At Inca Tours we believe in clients getting value for money. Cheap tours normally result in dissatisfaction and a feeling that the experience was a waste of money. The reason is that on cheap tours most of what you wish to do and see is not included and requires extra cost, a cost which you have not taken into account when you booked. This is how they keep the cost of the tour down! Had you taken all the costs into account then the so called “cheap tours” do not turn out to have been the cheapest option. For this reason, everything detailed in the itineraries for our tours or in your private tour itinerary is included in the cost unless it clearly states “optional”.
The current owners of Inca Tours lived for many years in various parts of Africa, having organised and lead tours throughout the continent dating back over twenty four years. All of our African Sales Professionals have actually been to the continent and will therefore be giving you first hand knowledge, not information they have read in brochures or heard about from others. To ensure that you receive the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge of the destinations we are constantly updating our staff through visits to this vast continent.
Planning In planning a visit to a diverse region, one not only has to decide what to see and how much time to spend in each location but just as importantly, what to avoid. Tours must be sensibly organised to satisfy special interests, whether they be the majestic scenery, the dynamic cities of today, the monuments of past civilisations, the colourful people who call it home, meeting new friends or just having a good time! We do all this and more, because our tours are planned and operated by people who know and above all, love Africa.
Experience At Inca Tours we have over 30 years experience organising private and small group tours to various parts of the world. This means you can be assured we will suggest the very best private holiday or group tour possible, which results in you returning home having had a great experience. You will remember your holiday for all the right reasons!
Reliability We only use well established operators with a long track record, some for over 25 years. They are not the cheapest but they are the best. We use them because we know what standard of service they deliver and that they will not cut corners to save money.
Strong Past Client Referral In most cases, regardless whether they travelled semi-independently or on a set departure group tour, Inca Tours’ clients return with great memories and an appreciation for the smooth manner in which their holiday was conducted. They are usually so taken with the service that they offer to act as independent ambassadors for Inca Tours. So if you would like to speak with a person who has travelled with us on a similar itinerary to what you are interested in, please let us know and we will put you in contact with one of our valued past clients.
Accommodation All Experience Tour hotels and lodges retain the charm and character of Africa. We avoid where possible, the chrome and glass hotels of major international chains, preferring to experience the culture and lifestyle first hand in properties with local character. All hotels, lodges, ships and trains are of Standard, Superior or Deluxe-class. We only use hotels which have been inspected by a member of the Inca Tours staff or one of our representative offices.
Local Representation Inca Tours has representative offices in (South Africa) Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nelspruit; (Mozambique) Maputo; (Namibia) Windhoek; (Botswana) Maun; (Zimbabwe) Victoria Falls; (Zambia) Livingstone, Lusaka, Mfuwe; (Malawi) Lilongwe; (Mauritius) Port Louis; (Tanzania) Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar; (Kenya) Nairobi, Mombasa; (Ethiopia) Addis Ababa; (Egypt) Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Sharm el-Sheik; (Jordan) Amman, (Oman) Muscat and (UAE) Dubai. These offices are there to support you and to give you piece of mind that help is close at hand should anything arise. This may be as simple as “where is a good restaurant?” to any major incident that requires immediate assistance.
From the Managing Director I hope you can join us on one of our very special Inca Experience Tours or Private Itinerary Tours to Africa. I’m certain you will find it an exciting, educational and enjoyable experience to this unique part of the world. Please call me on 1800 024 955 if you have any questions regarding our services in Africa. Hakuna Matata!
Mike Kuhl Managing Director
4 malawian boy, local markets
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
YOUR TRAVEL OPTIONS
get the most from this brochure the magnificent victoria falls
“ This brochure is more about ideas and possibilities than fixed itineraries...” Points to Consider Some important items you need to research very well when choosing an African itinerary: • Often descriptions in brochures look the same but vary in time and quality when experienced. • The transfers and sightseeing tours in this brochure are mainly run on a ‘seat-in-coach’ basis, unless of course a ‘private’ service is requested. This less expensive alternative, the ‘seat-in-coach’ service, works very well in Africa and as such we recommend it. • In Africa, unlike South America for example, the ‘seat-in-coach’ guide’s commentary will only be conducted in English. This means you will not have to sit while the guide repeats the same information in one or more other languages. • Most of our preferred hotels at Victoria Falls overlook the Zambezi River. No hotel has an actual view of Victoria Falls, with most being located on the shores of the Zambezi River, at various distances upstream from the falls. • Our Experience Tours’ visits to Ngorongoro Crater always involves a hotel overlooking the crater. Many hotels are located on the outside of the crater with no views down into it. • We do not use Nile River Cruise boats for Experience Tours which are rated at less than 5-star. The reason for this is that anything less would be considered 3-star or less by our standards.
Group versus Non-group travel If you are looking to travel as part of a group, you will need to look at our Sensations Tours or Inca Gold Tours brochures or some of the shorter tours, which link into other group departures. Examples of these are Nile River Cruises and the Rovos Rail train service. These itineraries are not flexible so you will have to do them as they stand.
Comparative Costings
Private Tailor-made tours
We appreciate that you may be seeking comparative costings from other agencies so we wish to stress the importance of “comparing apples with apples.” Our clients often ask us to comment on travel proposals they have obtained elsewhere. Because of our experience in Africa we are able to identify subtle differences in the standard of services quoted, non-apparent optional extras and hidden exclusions.
If you do not necessarily want to travel as part of a group or you wish to travel with your own group of friends, then this is where this brochure really comes into its own. Anything you see in the itineraries can be modified and altered to suit what you would like to do. This means you can pick and choose components from the different itineraries and make up your own unique tour to suit exactly what you wish to do. Almost anything is possible at Inca Tours!
A good example of these are the so called “5-star” hotels in Egypt. Many appear to be a great bargain until you get there and discover they are no better than what you would consider a 3-star hotel to be. Because of this we grade hotels ourselves, so if travelling at a 3-star level, you may find yourself staying in one of those “5-star” hotels. In addition, we have had all the properties we use inspected. They are all well located, clean, have private facilities and include breakfast. Having said that, please allow us to make the following points. We do not necessarily contract the cheapest available ground services. However by selecting services on reliability rather than price, we know the quality of our service is second to none. We simply pay more for higher quality, professional and reliable services. This dramatically increases the enjoyment of the tour for our clients.
Costs on the enclosed Price Insert Most tours in this brochure depart with a minimum of two people. We also quote a single supplement but this is not applicable if there is only one person on the departure. It only relates to where there are two or more people and one or more of them are solo travellers.
Inca Tours has a faultless reputation for organising group tours, but what most travellers do not realise is that the majority of clients who travel with us, do so on a private Tailor-made basis. Just tell us what you have in mind: the standard of accommodation; if you want private or seat-in-coach services; and one of our Travel Professionals will do the rest. You can expect a detailed itinerary with everything included that you requested, as well as a clear costing of your tour. All of the Travel Professionals at Inca Tours who handle the Africa and Egypt enquiries and bookings have actually been there. This will give you confidence in the advice they give when constructing your itinerary because their suggestions come from first hand experience, having visited most of the places they are recommending to you.
If you are interested in any of the tours, please call us toll free on 1800 024 955 and we will confirm the current prices for you.
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
5
SOUTH AFRICA, VICTORIA FALLS,
27 days:
cape town to cairo DAY 1
Cairo
Luxor Aswan Abu Simbel
Sunday Arrive Cape Town On arrival in Cape Town you are met and taken to your hotel in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for a two-night stay.
DAY 2 Lake Nakuru Serengeti & Masai Mara Ngorongoro Crater Lake Manyara
Nairobi Amboseli
Victoria Falls Johannesburg Cape Town
This morning you enjoy a scenic drive along the Atlantic, with views of the Twelve Apostles, part of Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Reserve. Following the coast, you return via Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for a visit. Finally, you see Cape Town University and the Groote Schuur Hospital where the world’s first successful heart-transplant occurred in1967. (B)
DAY 3
Experience Tour Highlights • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Expert local guides in each location. Beautiful Cape Town. Table Mountain Cable Car Excursion. Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Victoria Falls. Upper Zambezi River Cruise. Lake Nakuru National Park. Masai Mara Game Reserve. Serengeti National Park. Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara. Amboseli National Park. The City of Cairo. The Pyramids of Giza & The Sphinx. Luxor, Karnak Temple & Aswan. The Valley of the Kings. 4-night Nile River Cruise. The Temple of Horus, in Edfu. Kom Ombo, the “City of Gold”. Abu Simbel, in Nubia. Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Khan El-Khalili Market. Pyramids Sound & Light Show.
Monday Cape Town – Peninsula Tour
Tuesday Cape Town City Tour / Joburg
Today’s city tour takes in the highlights of Cape Town, which include the Castle of Good Hope from1666, the Malay Quarter and magnificent Table Mountain. Here you ascend (weather allowing) by revolving cable car, for a birds-eye view of the city and beaches far below. After descending the mountain you are taken to the airport for your flight to Joburg. On arrival you catch the hotel shuttle to your airport hotel. (B)
DAY 4
Wednesday Johannesburg / Victoria Falls This morning you catch the airport shuttle back to the airport to board your flight to the Victoria Falls. On arrival you are taken to your hotel or lodge for two nights. (B)
Thursday Victoria Falls Following breakfast you are taken on a tour of Victoria Falls during which you see them from the Zimbabwe side. The views from Zimbabwe are better than from Zambia. This afternoon you undertake a cruise on the Upper Zambezi River during which you may see Elephant, Crocodile and Hippo. (B)
DAY 6
Friday Victoria Falls / Johannesburg You have the morning at leisure before being taken to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you catch the hotel shuttle bus to your airport hotel. (B)
DAY 7
Saturday Johannesburg / Nairobi After breakfast you catch the shuttle back to the airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport, you are met by your guide and taken to your city hotel for the night. (B)
DAY 8
Sunday Nairobi / Lake Nakuru NP Following breakfast you are driven to Lake Nakuru National Park. After lunch you have a leisurely game drive taking you through the park, famous for pink flamingos. (BLD)
DAY 9
Monday Lake Nakuru NP / Masai Mara After breakfast you depart from your lodge and are driven to Masai Mara. Here you undertake the first of many safaris. (BLD)
DAY 10 Tuesday Masai Mara Game Reserve You undertake morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular reserve. Masai Mara has a permanent population of plains’ game including some of the “Big 5”: Elephant, Buffalo, Lion & Leopard. (BLD)
DAY 11 Wednesday Masai Mara / Serengeti NP After breakfast you depart for Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, where you have two nights. The landscape with its low vegetation and plains, is ideal for game viewing. Famed for its annual migrations of Wildebeest, Zebra and Gazelle and tracked by an array of predators such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Hyena, you are in for a thrilling few days. (BLD)
Dining Experiences • This Experience Tour includes many
6
DAY 5
but not all meals, allowing you to eat where you like in your free time. • 59 superb meals included in the tour: 26 Breakfasts, 17 Lunches & 16Dinners. cape point, cape peninsula
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
KENYA, TANZANIA & EGYPT male leopard
DAY 12 Thursday
DAY 20 Friday
Serengeti National Park You spend the day game viewing in one of the world’s largest nature reserves. (BLD)
Cairo After breakfast you are taken to the Giza Plateau to visit the Great Sphinx and the Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), arguably the most recognisable landmarks known to man and the only one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World” still standing. Later you visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. (BL)
DAY 13 Friday Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater You say farewell to Serengeti National Park as you drive to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the Wonders of the World and designated World Heritage Site. Your lodge here has probably the most breathtaking views in East Africa. (BLD)
DAY 14 Saturday Ngorongoro / Lake Manyara This morning you leave early in your game viewing vehicles and descend the 670 metres to the Crater floor below for a fantastic day among Africa’s “Big 5”: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo. Following this you drive down the side of the crater to Lake Manyara for a two-night stay. (BLD)
DAY 15 Sunday Lake Manyara Today you undertake a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. The national park is located between the wall of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara. (BLD)
DAY 16 Monday Lake Manyara / Amboseli NP After breakfast you are driven to Amboseli National Park, in Kenya. Situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is famous for its herds of elephant and views of Kilimanjaro. After lunch you have another game drive in search of elephant, lion, giraffe and buffalo. (BLD)
DAY 17 Tuesday Amboseli National Park Today you further explore the park. (BLD)
DAY 18 Wednesday Amboseli NP / Cairo This morning you have a safari drive in Amboseli National Park before making your way back to Nairobi. On arrival you are taken to the airport where you board your flight to Cairo. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel for three nights. (B)
DAY 19 Thursday Cairo You have the day at leisure to relax. (B)
DAY 21 Saturday Cairo / Luxor / Nile Cruise This morning you fly to Luxor, called the “world’s greatest open air museum”. Here you visit Karnak Temple, the world’s largest temple complex, built over 13,000 years. You are then taken to your Nile Cruise boat. Later you visit the West Bank, known in ancient times as “The Place of the Dead”, Here you see the Valley of the Kings. (BLD)
DAY 22 Sunday Nile River Cruise You depart Luxor and sail to Esna. While travelling up the Nile River you see locals farming the fertile banks as their ancestors have done for thousands of years. (BLD)
DAY 23 Monday Nile River Cruise Today you visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Edfu was also known as the “Greek City of Apollinopolis Magna” and was a religious and commercial centre. The Temple of Horus, located on its outskirts, was dedicated to the Falcon Headed God and dates back to 237 BC. After visiting the temple you rejoin your cruise boat and sail to Kom Ombo, “City of Gold”. (BLD)
DAY 24 Tuesday
On arrival you have a tour to appreciate their enormity. You then fly to Cairo and are taken to your hotel for two nights. (BLD)
DAY 26 Thursday Cairo Firstly you visit the Museum of Antiquities, renowned for its Tutankhamun Gold Collection and the mummies of eleven Pharaohs. You then visit Khan el-Khalili Market, founded in1382 to control the movement of goods. Tonight you attend a Giza Pyramids Sound & Light Show. (BLD)
DAY 27 Friday Depart Cairo Today you are taken to the airport. (B)
Cape Town to Cairo
Nile River Cruise This morning you visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, after which you continue to Aswan where you visit the Philae Complex, on a small island in the Nile and the unfinished Obelisk, located where it has remained for centuries following a crack that formed during construction. Later you sail to the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Is. (BLD)
Departures
DAY 25 Wednesday
Combines well with
Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo This morning you are taken to Aswan Airport to fly to Abu Simbel, home to the Temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, Egypt’s most impressive temples!
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Every two weeks
Time to visit Best: Jan to Mar & Sept to Oct Shoulder: April & Nov to Dec Very hot: May to Aug (Egypt)
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star Cape & Garden Route, page 37 Mala Mala & Panorama, page 33 Short Namibia Safaris, page 31 Best of Jordan, page 46 7
SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, ZAMBIA,
28 days: Masai Mara Lake Nakuru & Serengeti Nairobi Virunga Mountains Kigali Amboseli Ngorongoro Crater Arusha Lake Manyara
Ultimate Africa Safari DAY 1
Monday Arrive Johannesburg On arrival in Joburg you catch the hotel bus to your conveniently located airport hotel.
DAY 2
Livingstone & Victoria Falls Chobe Maun Moremi & Savute Johannesburg
Experience Tour Highlights • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Expert local guides in each location. Okavango Delta. Khwai Flood Plains. Savite Marsh. Chobe National Park. Livingstone. Victoria Falls. Lake Nakuru. Masai Mara Game Reserve. Serengeti National Park. Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara. Amboseli National Park. Kigali Genocide Memorial. The Virunga Mountains. Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla Trek. Golden Monkeys.
Tuesday Joburg / Okavango Delta After breakfast you catch the shuttle back to the airport to fly to Maun in Botswana. On arrival in Maun you are met and taken for lunch. After lunch you undertake a scenic flight over the Delta to an airstrip near where your first safari accommodation is set up. This component of your safari involves exclusive sites, no camp duties, spacious dome tents with cot beds for sleeping and an ensuite bathroom attached to your tent with a shower and flushing toilet. (BLD)
DAY 6-7 Saturday & Sunday Khwai / Savute Marsh You then continue overland to the Savute Marsh and Savute Channel, famous for its large predators. This amazing area and its waterholes are explored during your early morning and late afternoon game drives with your expert local guide. (BLD)
DAY 8-9 Monday & Tuesday Savute / Chobe National Park The final stop on your safari is the Chobe River section of Chobe National Park. Chobe National Park is famous for its large herds of Elephant, the largest in Africa, as well as its sunset cruises on the beautiful Chobe River. (BLD)
DAY 10 Wednesday
DAY 3
Wednesday Okavango Area of Moremi The clear channels and waterways of the Okavango Delta are explored on a mokoro with lunch being enjoyed on an island. Later you have an afternoon game drive, taking in the changing colour of Africa’s sunset. (BLD)
Chobe NP / Livingstone Today you are taken by road to Livingstone in Zambia. The remainder of the day is at leisure. In the afternoon you undertake a “sundowner cruise” on the upper Zambezi River during which you have a chance of seeing elephant, crocodiles and hippos. (B)
DAY 4-5 Thursday & Friday
DAY 11 Thursday
Khwai Area of Moremi After breakfast your camp is moved to the Khwai Flood Plains, while you continue to explore the ever changing scenery of the reserve. Enjoying early morning and late afternoon game drives, you will uncover the secrets of this pristine wilderness area and the many species of animal and birdlife that make Moremi their home. (BLD)
Livingstone After breakfast you are taken on a tour of Victoria Falls during which you see them from the Zambian side. Later you visit the Mukuni Village, home to the Leya People. Your afternoon is at leisure. There are many optional activities you may wish to consider such as a helicopter flight over the falls. These activities involve additional cost. (B)
mokoro, okavango delta
game viewing, tanzania
Dining Experiences • This Experience Tour includes many but not all meals, allowing you to eat where you like in your free time. • 67 superb meals included in the tour: 27 Breakfasts, 20 Lunches & 20 Dinners.
8
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
KENYA, TANZANIA & RWANDA elephant, botswana
DAY 12 Friday
DAY 20 Saturday
Livingstone / Johannesburg This morning is at leisure before being taken to the airport to fly to Joburg. On arrival you take the hotel shuttle to your hotel. (B)
Ngorongoro / Lake Manyara This morning you leave early in your game viewing vehicles and descend the 670 metres to the Crater floor for a fantastic day among Africa’s “Big 5”: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo. Following this you drive to Lake Manyara for two nights. (BLD)
DAY 13 Saturday Johannesburg / Nairobi After breakfast you catch the shuttle back to the airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. On arrival you are met and taken to your city hotel for the night. (B)
DAY 14 Sunday Nairobi / Lake Nakuru Following breakfast you are driven to Lake Nakuru National Park. After lunch you have a leisurely game drive through the park, famous for pink flamingos. (BLD)
DAY 15 Monday Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara Today you drive to Masai Mara. Here you undertake the first of many safaris. (BLD)
DAY 16 Tuesday Masai Mara Game Reserve You undertake morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular reserve. Masai Mara has a permanent population of plains’ game including some of the “Big 5”: Elephant, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. (BLD)
DAY 17 Wednesday Masai Mara / Serengeti NP After breakfast are driven to your Serengeti lodge in Tanzania. Here you have two nights. The landscape with its low vegetation and plains, is ideal for game viewing. Famed for its annual migrations of Wildebeest, Zebra and Gazelle and tracked by predators such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Hyena, you are in for a thrilling few days. (BLD)
DAY 18 Thursday Serengeti National Park Today is spent game viewing in this wildlife paradise, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of the world’s largest reserves. (BLD)
DAY 19 Friday Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater You say farewell to the Serengeti as you drive to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the Wonders of the World and designated World Heritage Site. Your lodge here has probably the most breathtaking views in East Africa. (BLD)
DAY 21 Sunday Lake Manyara Today you undertake a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. This national park is located between the wall of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara and is famous for its tree climbing lions, herds of elephants and hot spring waters (Maji moto). (BLD)
DAY 22 Monday Lake Manyara / Amboseli NP After breakfast you are driven to Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Situated at the foot of Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is famous for herds of elephant and views of Kilimanjaro. After lunch you have another game drive in search of elephant, lion, giraffe and buffalo. (BLD)
DAY 23 Tuesday Amboseli National Park Today you further explore the park and if weather permits, view Kilimanjaro. (BLD)
DAY 24 Wednesday Amboseli NP / Kigali You have a morning game drive before being driven back to Nairobi. On arrival you are taken to the airport for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel for tonight. (B)
DAY 25 Thursday Kigali / Virunga Mountains This morning you undertake a Kigali City Tour, which includes a visit to the 1994 Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi. This is for most, a highly emotional event! Later you travel to Kinigi in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains for two nights. (BD)
DAY 26 Friday Virunga Mountains Today you set out to experience mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP, where you visit a habituated gorilla family. Sitting among them as they go about their activities will be one of the most poignant and thrilling wildlife encounters you will have! (BLD)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
DAY 27 Saturday Virunga Mountains / Kigali After breakfast you set off in search of the Golden Monkeys found in this area. This is a very different experience from yesterday’s gorilla encounter. The monkeys react and interact completely differently from the gorillas and usually play hide-and-seek while you watch. This is followed by lunch while heading back to Kigali where on arrival, you check in to your hotel for tonight. (BL)
DAY 28 Sunday Depart Kigali Today you are taken to the airport, where your Ultimate African Safari ends. (B)
Ultimate Africa Safari Departures Once each month
Time to visit Best: June to Aug Shoulder: Jan to May & Sept to Dec
Star rating 3-star to 5-star
Combines well with Cape & Garden Route, page 37 Mala Mala & Panorama, page 33 Short Namibia Safaris, page 31 Exotic Zanzibar, page 40 9
KENYA &
23 days:
Kenya & Tanzania Safari DAY 1
Tuesday Arrive Dar es-Salaam On arrival at Dar es-Salaam Airport, you are met and taken to your hotel for tonight.
Kenya Lake Nakuru Masai Mara Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater Lake Manyara
Tanzania Ruaha
Nairobi
DAY 2 Amboseli
Zanzibar Mikumi
Dar es Salaam Selous
Experience Tour Highlights • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Expert local guides in each location. Selous Game Reserve. Mikumi National Park. Ruaha National Park. The Island of Unguja (“Zanzibar”). Zanzibar’s Old Stone Town. Visit to a Spice Farm. Lake Nakuru and its Pink Flamingos. Masai Mara Game Reserve. Serengeti National Park. Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara. Amboseli National Park.
Wednesday Dar es-Salaam / Selous
Following breakfast, you are taken back to Dar es-Salaam Airport to connect with your flight to the Selous Game Reserve. On arrival you are met and taken to your lodge for a wonderful two-night stay. (BLD)
DAY 3
Thursday Selous Game Reserve The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in the world and boasts a good variety of animals. You spend the morning and evening exploring the various habitats in search of the birds and animals that live here. During the heat of the day when the animals seek shade and sleep, you rest as well. (BLD)
DAY 4
Friday Selous Game Reserve A further day spent exploring this varied park. During the drives you may change to a new lodge for tonight. (BLD)
DAY 5
Saturday Selous Reserve / Mikumi NP Following breakfast you are taken back to the airstrip for your flight to Mikumi National Park. On arrival you are met and taken to your lodge for a unique two-night stay. (BLD)
Dining Experiences • This Experience Tour includes many but not all meals, allowing you to eat where you like in your free time. • 56 superb meals included in the tour: 22 Breakfasts,17 Lunches &17 Dinners.
10 male lion
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
DAY 6
Sunday Mikumi National Park Mikumi National Park is part of the greater Selous Ecosystem and benefits from the highest density of wildlife in the entire conservation area. You spend the morning and evening seeking out the various species of wildlife, both big and small, which call this national park home. During the heat of the day you relax. (BLD)
DAY 7
Monday Mikumi NP / Ruaha NP After a morning game drive you board your flight to Ruaha National Park. On arrival you are met and taken to your lodge where you stay for two nights. After settling in you undertake an evening game drive to explore your surroundings. (BLD)
DAY 8
Tuesday Ruaha National Park The Great Ruaha River begins as a series of clear mountain streams in the Southern Highlands before developing into an extremely beautiful and important feature of one of the largest and wildest game parks in the world. At13,000 square km, it is the size of Belgium. Due to its remoteness, the dramatic topography of its mountains, rocky kopjes (hills) and plains with their vast range of habitats, it is home to an almost overwhelmingly diverse number of wildlife species. You spend the cooler part of the day exploring your surroundings and seeking out the great wealth of wildlife this natural paradise has to offer. (BLD)
TANZANIA mount kilimanjaro, Amboseli NP
DAY 9
Wednesday Ruaha NP / Zanzibar After a morning game excursion in this unique area you are taken to the airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel in Zanzibar’s Old Stone Town, for a three-night stay. (B)
DAY 10 Thursday Old Stone Town City Tour Following breakfast you are taken into the Old Stone Town for a comprehensive city tour. You start off taking a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of Old Zanzibar. Here you experience the rich Zanzibari Culture in its many exotic and colourful bazaars. The walking tour culminates as you are taken through the intimidating slave market and slave chambers. You then pass along Beach Road to the Old British Consulate, the Old Fort and the House of Wonders (Museum of History and Culture of Zanzibar and the Swahili Coast). (B)
DAY 11 Friday Old Stone Town – Spice Tour Zanzibar is referred to as the “Spice Island” for good reason! This morning you embark on a tour to a spice and tropical fruit farm, where you see numerous varieties of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg and mace, as well as jack fruit, bread fruit, perfume and lipstick trees, being grown. You also visit Kibweni Palace to view its famous Persian Baths, built in1850 by the first Sultan of Zanzibar for his wife, Princess Shehrzard. (B)
DAY 12 Saturday Zanzibar / Nairobi Later this morning you are taken to the airport for your flight to Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. On arrival you are met and taken to your city hotel for the night. (B)
DAY 13 Sunday Nairobi / Lake Nakuru Following breakfast you are driven to Lake Nakuru National Park. After lunch you undertake a leisurely game drive through the park, famous for its pink flamingos. (BLD)
DAY 14 Monday Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara After breakfast you depart from your lodge and drive to Masai Mara. Here you will undertake the first of many safaris. (BLD)
DAY 15 Tuesday Masai Mara Game Reserve You undertake morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular reserve, all with superb photographic opportunities. Blessed with a permanent water supply, Masai Mara has a permanent population of plains’ game including some of the “Big 5”: Elephant, Buffalo, Lion & Leopard. (BLD)
DAY 16 Wednesday Masai Mara / Serengeti NP After breakfast you depart from your lodge for the drive to the Serengeti. You cross the border between Kenya and Tanzania and after clearing immigration, are driven to your Serengeti lodge. The landscape of the park, with its low vegetation and vast seas of open plain, is ideal for game viewing. Famed for its annual migrations of Wildebeest, Zebras and Gazelles, which are tracked by an impressive array of predators such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs and Hyenas, you are in for a thrilling few days. (BLD)
DAY 17 Thursday Serengeti National Park You spend today game viewing in paradise, in Tanzania’s largest national park and one of the world’s largest nature reserves. (BLD)
DAY 18 Friday Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater You say farewell to the Serengeti as you drive to Ngorongoro Crater—one of the Wonders of the World and a designated World Heritage Site. Your lodge, with its excellent cuisine, has excellent views, probably the most breathtaking in East Africa. (BLD)
DAY 19 Saturday Ngorongoro / Lake Manyara This morning you leave early in your game viewing vehicles and descend the 670 metres to the Crater floor below for a fantastic day among Africa’s “Big 5”: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo. Following this you drive down the side of the crater to Lake Manyara for a two-night stay. (BLD)
DAY 20 Sunday Lake Manyara Today you undertake a game drive in the national park. This park is located between the wall of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara and is famous for its tree climbing lions, elephants and hot spring water. (BLD)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
DAY 21 Monday Lake Manyara / Amboseli NP After breakfast you are driven to Amboseli National Park, in Kenya, famous for herds of elephant and views of Kilimanjaro. After lunch you have another game drive in search of elephant, lion, giraffe and buffalo. (BLD)
DAY 22 Tuesday Amboseli National Park Today you further explore the park and if weather permits, view Kilimanjaro. (BLD)
DAY 23 Wednesday Amboseli NP / Depart Nairobi You have a final game drive before returning to Nairobi. On arrival your safari ends. (B)
Kenya & Tanzania Safari Departures Every two weeks
Time to visit Best: Jan to Mar & June to Oct Shoulder: April to May & Nov to Dec
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Gorillas & Gold Monkeys, page 41 Enchanting Ethiopia, page 42 Vic Falls & Chobe NP, page 29 Short Namibia Safaris, page 31 11
SOUTH AFRICA, VICTORIA FALLS,
25 days:
southern & East Africa DAY 1
Lake Nakuru Nairobi Serengeti & Masai Mara Ngorongoro Crater Amboseli Lake Manyara
Sunday Arrive Cape Town On arrival in Cape Town you are met and taken to your hotel situated in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for a three-night stay.
DAY 2
Chobe
Victoria Falls
Johannesburg Hermanus Oudtshoorn Knysna Cape Town Montagu
Experience Tour Highlights • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Expert local guides in each location. Beautiful Cape Town. Table Mountain Excursion. Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The Winelands. Stellenbosch. Montagu & Oudtshoorn. An Ostrich Farm. Knysna & Featherbed Nature Reserve. Hermanus, a whale watching site. Victoria Falls. The Upper Zambezi River. Chobe National Park. Lake Nakuru. Masai Mara Game Reserve. Serengeti National Park. Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara. Amboseli National Park.
Monday Cape Town City Tour
Today’s city tour takes in the highlights of Cape Town, which include the Castle of Good Hope from1666, the Malay Quarter and magnificent Table Mountain. Here you ascend (weather allowing) by revolving cable car, for a birds-eye view of the city and beaches far below. After descending the mount you are returned to your hotel. (B)
DAY 3
Tuesday Cape Town – Peninsula Tour This morning you enjoy a scenic drive along the Atlantic, with views of the Twelve Apostles, part of Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Reserve. Following the coast, you return via Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for a visit. Finally, you see Cape Town University and the Groote Schuur Hospital where the world’s first successful heart-transplant occurred in1967. (B)
DAY 4
Wednesday Cape Town / Montagu From Cape Town you travel through the Winelands to Stellenbosch, where you have the chance to have a wine tasting. You then travel on Route 62 to Montagu, known for its historic architecture. Enroute you travel via Robertson, also known for its wines. (B)
DAY 5
Thursday Montagu / Oudtshoorn This morning you continue through the mountains to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo. Enroute you visit a community based farm school. Later you have a guided tour of a working ostrich farm. Finally, you have the opportunity to explore the vast caverns of the Cango Caves. (BL)
DAY 6
Friday Oudsthoorn / Knysna Today you are taken through the Outeniqua Mountains to Knysna, via the Outeniqua Pass with its panoramic views of the coastal plain. On arrival you board the Featherbed Cruise and cross the Knysna Lagoon to the western side of Knysna Heads. A tractor then takes you to the top of the Western Head of Featherbed Nature Reserve with its great views. From here you walk through the Milkwood Trees to the boat jetty. Later you are taken to your hotel in Knysna. (BL)
DAY 7
Saturday Knysna Today you travel to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Mountain Range, via Nature’s Valley. Here you visit the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, one of the largest ‘free ranging’ sanctuaries of its kind. You return to Knysna via the quaint town of Plettenberg Bay. (B)
DAY 8
Sunday Knysna / Hermanus You travel along the coast to Hermanus, one of the world’s best whale watching sites. (BL)
Dining Experiences • This Experience Tour includes many but not all meals, allowing you to eat where you like in your free time. • 47 superb meals included in the tour: 24 Breakfasts,13 Lunches &10 Dinners.
12 clifton & the twelve apostles, cape town
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
KENYA & TANZANIA zebras on the move
DAY 9
Monday Hermanus / Johannesburg
You depart Hermanus and travel via the spectacular coastal road to Somerset West and then to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Joburg. On arrival you catch the shuttle to your airport hotel for tonight. (B)
DAY 10 Tuesday Johannesburg / Victoria Falls This morning you catch the shuttle back to the airport for your flight to Vic Falls. After clearing immigration you are met and taken to your hotel or lodge for two nights. (B)
DAY 11 Wednesday Victoria Falls After breakfast you are taken on a tour of Vic Falls, seeing them from Zimbabwe. The views from Zimbabwe are better than from Zambia. There are optional activities you may wish to undertake this afternoon. Late today you undertake a cruise on the Upper Zambezi River during which you may see elephant, crocodiles and hippos. (B)
DAY 12 Thursday Vic Falls – Chobe National Park Today you are taken on a full day excursion to Chobe National Park, in Botswana. On Botswana’s far northern border lies the Kwando, Linyanti and Chobe River system forming a series of lakes, islands and floodplains. This area forms Chobe NP, famous for its large buffalo and herds of elephants. In addition, there is a large selection of wild game and birdlife here. (B)
DAY 13 Friday Victoria Falls / Johannesburg Your morning is at leisure before being taken to the airport to fly to Joburg. On arrival you catch the shuttle to your hotel. (B)
DAY 14 Saturday Johannesburg / Nairobi You catch the shuttle back to the airport for your flight to Nairobi. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel for tonight. (B)
DAY 15 Sunday Nairobi / Lake Nakuru Following breakfast you are driven to Lake Nakuru National Park. After lunch you undertake a leisurely game drive which takes you through Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its pink flamingos. (BLD)
DAY 16 Monday Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara After breakfast you depart from your lodge and drive to Masai Mara. Here you will undertake the first of many safaris. (BLD)
DAY 17 Tuesday Masai Mara Game Reserve Today you undertake morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular game reserve, all with superb photographic opportunities. Blessed with a permanent water supply, Masai Mara has a permanent population of plains game including some of the “Big 5”: Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Lion which can be quite common. (BLD)
DAY 18 Wednesday Masai Mara / Serengeti NP After breakfast you depart for the Serengeti in Tanzania, where you have two nights. The landscape with its low vegetation and plains, is ideal for game viewing. Famed for its annual migrations of Wildebeest, Zebra and Gazelle and tracked by an array of predators such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Hyena, you are in for a thrilling few days. (BLD)
Lake Manyara / Amboseli NP After breakfast you are driven to Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Situated at the foot of Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is famous for herds of elephant and views of Kilimanjaro. After lunch you have another game drive. (BLD)
DAY 19 Thursday
DAY 24 Tuesday
Serengeti National Park You spend the day game viewing in one of the world’s largest nature reserves. (BLD)
Amboseli National Park Today you further explore the park. (BLD)
DAY 20 Friday
Amboseli NP / Depart Nairobi You have a final game drive before returning to Nairobi. On arrival you are taken to the airport where your safari ends. (B)
Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater You say farewell to the Serengeti as you drive to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the Wonders of the World and designated World Heritage Site. Your lodge here has probably the most breathtaking views in East Africa. (BLD)
DAY 21 Saturday Ngorongoro / Lake Manyara This morning you leave early in your game viewing vehicles and descend the 670 metres to the Crater floor below for a fantastic day among Africa’s “Big 5”: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo. Following this you drive down the side of the crater to Lake Manyara for a two-night stay. (BLD)
DAY 22 Sunday Lake Manyara Today you undertake a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. This national park is located between the wall of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara. (BLD)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
DAY 23 Monday
DAY 25 Wednesday
Southern & East Africa Departures Every two weeks
Time to visit Best: Jan to Mar & Aug to Oct Shoulder: April to July & Nov to Dec
Star rating 3-star to 5-star
Combines well with Best of Namibia Safari, page 30 Best of Malawi & Zambia, page 39 Exotic Zanzibar, page 40 Gorillas & Gold Monkeys, page 41 13
SOUTH AFRICA, VICTORIA FALLS,
17 days:
southern africa &EgyPt DAY 1
Cairo
Luxor Aswan Abu Simbel
Wednesday Arrive Cape Town On arrival in Cape Town you are met and taken to your hotel in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for a three-night stay.
DAY 2
Chobe
Victoria Falls Johannesburg
Cape Town
This morning you enjoy a scenic drive along the Atlantic, with views of the Twelve Apostles, part of Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Reserve. Following the coast, you return via Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for a visit. Finally, you see Cape Town University and the Groote Schuur Hospital where the world’s first successful heart-transplant occurred in1967. (B)
DAY 3
Experience Tour Highlights • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Expert local guides in each location. Beautiful Cape Town. Table Mountain Excursion. Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Victoria Falls. Chobe National Park. The City of Cairo. The Pyramids of Giza. The Sphinx. Step Pyramids & Memphis. Luxor & Karnak Temple. The Valley of the Kings. 4-night Nile River Cruise. Temple of Horus, in Edfu. Kom Ombo, the “City of Gold”. Aswan & the Philae Complex. Abu Simbel, in Nubia. Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. The Tutankhamun Gold Collection. Khan El-Khalili Market. Pyramids Sound & Light Show.
Thursday Cape Town – Peninsula Tour
Friday Cape Town City Tour / Joburg
Today’s city tour takes in the highlights of Cape Town, which include the Castle of Good Hope from1666, the Malay Quarter and magnificent Table Mountain. Here you ascend (weather allowing) by revolving cable car, for a birds-eye view of the city and beaches far below. Following this you are taken to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you catch the shuttle to your airport hotel for tonight. (B)
DAY 4
Saturday Johannesburg / Victoria Falls This morning you catch the airport shuttle back to the airport to board your flight to Victoria Falls. On arrival you are taken to your hotel or lodge for two nights. (B)
Dining Experiences • This Experience Tour includes many but not all meals, allowing you to eat where you like in your free time. • 32 superb meals included in the tour: 15 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches & 8 Dinners. 14 mixing with the locals, botswana
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
DAY 5
Sunday Victoria Falls Following breakfast you are taken on a tour of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side. The views from Zimbabwe are much better than from Zambia. You have the remainder of the day at leisure. There are a number of optional activities you may wish to consider. Late this afternoon you undertake a cruise on the Upper Zambezi during which you may see elephant, crocodiles and hippos. (B)
DAY 6
Monday Victoria Falls / Chobe NP On Botswana’s far northern border lies the Kwando, Linyanti and Chobe River system forming a series of lakes, islands and floodplains. This area forms Chobe National Park, famous for its large buffalo and elephant herds. In addition, there is an abundance of wild game and bird life which enhance these beautiful waterways. Following breakfast you are taken by road to your lodge located adjacent to Chobe. You have time to relax this afternoon before participating in one of the many activities organised for you. (BLD)
DAY 7
Tuesday Chobe National Park Game viewing at Chobe NP is a unique experience as it is the best place in the world to see the majestic African elephant, for Chobe is home to the world’s largest elephant population! Game drives into the Chobe depart daily or alternatively, choose a cruise led by an local expert guide.
BOTSWANA & EGYPT relief, egypt
Cruises along the Chobe River are a great and somewhat different way of viewing the game. At dry season in particular, the wildlife congregate in their thousands at the water’s edge to quench their thirst. Not only is the game viewing spectacular but you can also enjoy just marvelling at the magnificent African sunsets and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. (BLD)
DAY 8
Wednesday Chobe National Park / Cairo After breakfast you are driven to Vic Falls Airport to board your flight back to Joburg On arrival you remain in transit until your flight to Cairo departs later tonight. (B)
DAY 9
Thursday Cairo On arrival in Cairo early this morning you are met and taken to your hotel for a twonight stay. You have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax after last night’s flight.
DAY 10 Friday Cairo After breakfast you are taken to the Giza Plateau where you visit the Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) and the Great Sphinx. In 1798 Napoleon Bonaparte said: “From atop these pyramids, forty centuries look down upon you”. They are the most recognisable landmarks known to man and the only one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’ still standing. Later you visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara which pre-dates the Pyramids of Giza, but which also forms part of the Memphis Necropolis. Memphis was founded in 3,100 BC by Menes, the king who united Upper and Lower Egypt. (BL)
DAY 11 Saturday Cairo / Luxor / Nile Cruise This morning you fly to Luxor, called the “world’s greatest open air museum”. Here you visit the impressive Karnak Temple, the world’s largest temple complex, built over 13,000 years. It is the largest temple complex in the world and is made up of three main temples, some smaller enclosed ones and several outer temples. You are then taken to your Nile Cruise boat. Later you visit the West Bank, known in ancient times as “The Place of the Dead”, Here you visit the Valley of the Kings. Two of the most well known Pharaohs buried here are Ramesses II and Tutankhamun. (BLD)
DAY 12 Sunday Nile River Cruise You depart Luxor and sail to Esna. While sailing up the Nile you witness the locals farming the river banks as their ancestors have done for thousands of years. (BLD)
DAY 13 Monday Nile River Cruise Today you visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Edfu was also known as the “Greek City of Apollinopolis Magna” and was a religious and commercial centre. The Temple of Horus, was dedicated to the Falcon Headed God and dates back to 237 BC. Later you rejoin your cruise boat and sail to Kom Ombo, “City of Gold”. (BLD)
DAY 14 Tuesday Nile River Cruise Today you visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, actually made up of two identical temples! One was dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God and the other to the Older Falcon Headed God, Haroeies. After your visit you complete the final leg of your voyage to Aswan where you are in port for tonight. On arrival you visit the Philae Complex, on an island in the Nile and dominated by the Temple of Isis. This is followed by a visit to the unfinished Obelisk, in the Northern Quarry where it has remained for centuries following a crack that formed at the time of construction. Later you sail to the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Is before returning to your cruise boat for the night. (BLD)
mummies of eleven of Ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs or their wives which are housed there. In addition, it has an impressive collection of large and small statues, jewels, coins and other artifacts. This is followed by a visit to Khan el-Khalili Market, founded in1382 to control goods moving between the East and West. After lunch you will have the opportunity to wonder around these fascinating markets. Tonight you are taken to the Giza Pyramids for dinner and a spectacular Sound & Light Show. (BLD)
DAY 17 Friday Depart Cairo Today you are taken to Cairo Airport where your Southern Africa & Egypt Tour ends. (B)
DAY 15 Wednesday Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo This morning you are taken to Aswan Airport for your short flight to Abu Simbel in Nubia. Abu Simbel is home to the famous Temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari. These temples are arguably the most impressive in Egypt! On arrival you undertake a tour to let you appreciate the enormity of the temples. Later you fly back to Cairo where you are met and taken to your hotel for a final two nights. (BLD)
DAY 16 Thursday Cairo This morning you undertake a tour to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Opened in1902, it is world renowned for its Tutankhamun Gold Collection and the
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Southern Africa & Egypt Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: Jan to May & Sept to Dec Very hot: June to Aug
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Cape & Garden Route, page 37 Short Namibia Safaris, page 31 Best of Jordan, page 46 Best of Morocco, page 43 15
KENYA, TANZANIA
21 days:
East Africa & Egypt DAY 1
Cairo
Luxor Aswan Abu Simbel
Saturday Arrive Nairobi On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, you are met by your guide and taken to your city hotel for the night.
DAY 2
Lake Nakuru Serengeti & Masai Mara Ngorongoro Crater Lake Manyara
Nairobi Amboseli
Sunday Nairobi / Lake Nakuru Following breakfast you are driven to Lake Nakuru National Park where you arrive in time for lunch. After lunch you undertake a leisurely game drive which takes you through Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its pink flamingos. (BLD)
DAY 3
Experience Tour Highlights • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Expert local guides in each location. Lake Nakuru National Park. Masai Mara Game Reserve. Serengeti National Park. Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara. Amboseli National Park. The City of Cairo. The Pyramids of Giza. The Sphinx. Step Pyramids & Memphis. Luxor & Karnak Temple. The Valley of the Kings. 4-night Nile River Cruise. Temple of Horus, in Edfu. Kom Ombo, the “City of Gold”. Aswan & the Philae Complex. Abu Simbel, in Nubia. Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. The Tutankhamun Gold Collection. Khan El-Khalili Market. Pyramids Sound & Light Show.
Monday Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara
After breakfast you depart from your lodge and drive to Masai Mara. Here you will undertake the first of many safaris. (BLD)
DAY 4
Tuesday Masai Mara Game Reserve You undertake morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular game reserve, all with superb photographic opportunities. Blessed with a permanent water supply, Masai Mara has a permanent population of plains’ game including some of the “Big 5”: Elephant, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard which can be quite common. (BLD)
DAY 5
Wednesday Masai Mara / Serengeti NP After breakfast you depart from your lodge with a picnic lunch for your drive to the
Dining Experiences • This Experience Tour includes many but not all meals, allowing you to eat where you like in your free time. • 53 superb meals included in the tour: 20 Breakfasts,17 Lunches & 16 Dinners. 16 old elephant, kenya
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Serengeti. Today you cross the border between Kenya and Tanzania. After you clear customs and immigration, you are driven to your lodge in the Serengeti. The landscape of the park, with its low vegetation and vast seas of open plain, is ideal for game viewing. Famed for its annual migrations of Wildebeest, Zebras, and Gazelles which are tracked by an impressive array of predators such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs and Hyenas, you are in for a thrilling few days of game viewing. (BLD)
DAY 6
Thursday Serengeti National Park You spend the day game viewing in this wildlife paradise which is one of the largest nature reserves in the world. (BLD)
DAY 7
Friday Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater You say farewell to the Serengeti as you drive to Ngorongoro Crater—one of the Wonders of the World and a designated World Heritage Site. Your lodge, with its excellent cuisine, has commanding views, probably the very best in East Africa. (BLD)
DAY 8
Saturday Ngorongoro / Lake Manyara This morning you leave early in your game viewing vehicles and descend the 670 metres to the Crater floor for a fantastic day among Africa’s “Big 5”: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo and other wildlife. Later you drive down the side of the crater to Lake Manyara for two nights. (BLD)
& EGYPT abu simbel, upper egypt
DAY 9
Sunday Lake Manyara
Today you undertake a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. This national park is located between the wall of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara and is famous for its tree climbing lions, herds of elephants and hot spring waters (Maji Moto). (BLD)
DAY 10 Monday Lake Manyara / Amboseli NP Following breakfast you are driven to Amboseli National Park, in Kenya. Situated at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is famous for its herds of elephants and views of Kilimanjaro. This afternoon you have another game drive in search of elephant, lion, giraffe, buffalo and much more. (BLD)
DAY 11 Tuesday Amboseli National Park Today you further explore the park and if weather permits, view Kilimanjaro. (BLD)
DAY 12 Wednesday Amboseli NP / Cairo You have a morning safari drive in Amboseli NP before being driven back to Nairobi. On arrival in Nairobi you are taken to the airport for your flight to Cairo departing early this evening. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel for three nights. (B)
DAY 13 Thursday Cairo You have the day at leisure to relax. (B)
DAY 14 Friday Cairo Today you are taken to the Giza Plateau to visit the Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), as well as the Great Sphinx. They are the most recognisable landmarks known to man and in addition, are the only one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World” still standing. In the afternoon you visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara which pre-dates the Giza Pyramids, but which also form part of the Memphis Necropolis. (BL)
DAY 15 Saturday Cairo / Luxor / Nile Cruise This morning you are taken to the airport for your flight to Luxor, sometimes called “the world’s greatest open air museum”. Here you will visit the impressive Karnak Temple, constructed over1,300 years.
It is the world’s largest temple complex and is made up of three main temples and many smaller ones. You are then taken to your Nile Cruise boat. This afternoon you visit the West Bank of the Nile, known in ancient times as “The Place of the Dead”, where you visit the Valley of the Kings. Two well known Pharaohs buried here are Ramesses II and Tutankhamun. (BLD)
DAY 16 Sunday Nile River Cruise You depart Luxor and sail to Esna. While travelling up the Nile River you see locals farming the fertile banks as their ancestors have done for thousands of years. (BLD)
DAY 17 Monday Nile River Cruise Today you visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Edfu was also known as the “Greek City of Apollinopolis Magna” and was a religious and commercial centre. The Temple of Horus was dedicated to the Falcon Headed God and dates back to 237 BC. Later you rejoin your cruise boat and sail to Kom Ombo, the “City of Gold”. (BLD)
DAY 18 Tuesday Nile River Cruise Today you visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, which is made up of two identical temples: one dedicated to the Crocodile God, Sobek and the other to the Falcon Headed God, Haroeies. Then you complete the final leg of the voyage to Aswan. On arrival you visit the Philae Complex, situated on an island in the Nile and dominated by the Temple of Isis. This is followed by a visit to the unfinished Obelisk, located where it has remained for centuries following a crack that formed in it during it’s construction. Later you sail to the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Is in the Nile before returning to the cruise boat for the night. (BLD)
DAY 19 Wednesday Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo This morning you are taken to Aswan Airport for your short flight to Abu Simbel in Nubia, home to the Temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari. These are Egypt’s most impressive temples! On arrival you undertake a tour to appreciate their enormity and complexity. This afternoon you fly back to Cairo where you are met and taken to your hotel for two nights. (BLD)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
DAY 20 Thursday Cairo Today you undertake a tour to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Opened in1902, it is renowned for its Tutankhamun Gold Collection and the mummies of eleven of Ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs. You then visit the Khan el-Khalili Market, founded in 1382 to control goods moving between the East and West. You have time to wander around this fascinating place. This evening you are taken back to the Giza Pyramids for dinner and a spectacular Sound & Light Show. (BLD)
DAY 21 Friday Depart Cairo Your tour ends at Cairo Airport today. (B)
East Africa & Egypt Departures Every two weeks
Time to visit Best: Jan to Mar & Sept to Oct Wet: Apr to May & Nov to Dec Very hot: June to Aug
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Southern Tanzania Safari, page 26 Exotic Zanzibar, page 40 Gorillas & Gold Monkeys, page 41 Best of Jordan, page 46 17
SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA
23 days:
Cape, Namibia & vic Falls DAY 1
Mahangu Mudumu Etosha Victoria Otavi Chobe Falls Damaraland Otjiwarongo Skeleton Coast Swakopmund Windhoek Namib Desert & Sossusvlei
Cape Town
Experience Tour Highlights • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Expert local guides in each location. Beautiful Cape Town. Table Mountain Excursion. Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Windhoek. The Namib Desert. Sossusvlei & Deadvlei. Swakopmund Resort Town, Namibia. The picturesque Skeleton Coast. The wilderness of Damaraland. A Himba Community. Etosha National Park. The Hoba Meteorite. Mahangu Game Park. Mudumu National Park. Chobe National Park. Victoria Falls. A traditional ‘Boma Dinner’.
Sunday Arrive Cape Town On arrival in Cape Town you are met and taken to your hotel, strategically situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where you are made welcome for a two-night stay. The Waterfront is Cape Town’s most visited attraction.
DAY 2
Monday Cape Town – Peninsula Tour This morning you enjoy a scenic drive along the Atlantic, with views of the Twelve Apostles, part of Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Reserve. Following the coast, you return via Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for a visit. Finally, you see Cape Town University and the Groote Schuur Hospital where the world’s first successful heart-transplant occurred in1967. (B)
DAY 3
Tuesday Cape Town Tour / Windhoek Today’s city tour takes in the highlights of Cape Town, which include the Castle of Good Hope from1666, the Malay Quarter and magnificent Table Mountain. Here you ascend (weather allowing) by revolving cable car, for a birds-eye view of the city and beaches far below. After descending from the mountain you are taken to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Windhoek in Namibia. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel for tonight. Windhoek, with its lingering heritage of old German architecture, activities and atmosphere, is a very interesting city. (B)
Dining Experiences • This Experience Tour includes many but not all meals, allowing you to eat where you like in your free time. • 47 superb meals included in the tour: 22 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches & 17 Dinners.
18 local representative & local guide
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
DAY 4
Wednesday Windhoek / Namib Desert You have the morning at leisure before departing from Windhoek in the early afternoon. Today’s journey takes you via the Spreedshoogte Pass (or Kuiseb Canyon) and Solitaire, to your lodge bordering on the Namib Desert. Here you spend the next two nights under the vast African sky. (BD)
DAY 5
Thursday Namib Desert – Sossusvlei Early this morning you depart for Sossusvlei stopping in the dune belt to enjoy the ever changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. The morning is spent walking among the dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Enroute back to the lodge you visit the rugged Sesriem Canyon. This afternoon you are taken for a nature drive before returning to the lodge for your final night. (BLD)
DAY 6
Friday Namib Desert / Swakopmund After breakfast you travel via Kuiseb Canyon enroute to your hotel in the town of Swakopmund. With its German Colonial atmosphere, it is the principal coastal resort of Namibia. You arrive around midday and the remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy the charm of this destination. (B)
DAY 7
Saturday Swakopmund You have the full day at leisure to explore this interesting town and undertake any of the optional activities available. (BD)
BOTSWANA & VICTORIA FALLS vic falls, from zimbabwe side
DAY 8
Sunday Swakopmund / Damaraland
DAY 14 Saturday
Travelling via the Skeleton Coast you see the Rock Art and the Organ Pipes before arriving at your lodge in the wilderness of Damaraland for two fabulous nights. (BLD)
Etosha NP / Otavi Following breakfast you depart for Otavi via Okahandja, where you visit a local craft market. On arrival in Otavi you have the afternoon at leisure. (BD)
DAY 9
DAY 15 Sunday
Monday Damaraland This morning you undertake a drive in rocky Damaraland, one of the very last wilderness areas in Africa. In the late afternoon you are taken on a guided nature walk. (BLD)
DAY 10 Tuesday Damaraland / Otjiwarongo Following breakfast you visit a Himba community near Kamanjab. The Himba are a semi-nomadic tribe, who live in scattered settlements throughout the region. They are characterised by their proud yet friendly stature and the women are noted for their unusual beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional dress. Time is spent at this traditional Himba settlement learning more about these fascinating people. Following the visit you complete the drive to your lodge for the night. (BD)
DAY 11 Wednesday Otjiwarongo / Etosha NP Early this morning you undertake a game drive near the lodge. Later you are taken via Outjo to your lodge located adjacent to Etosha National Park. In the afternoon the first safari drive is done into the park to look for the numerous animals and birds that call the park home. (BD)
DAY 12 Thursday Etosha National Park A full day is spent exploring the park and visiting the various waterholes that attract the animals. (BD)
DAY 13 Friday Etosha National Park Another day spent exploring the park. Due to its size you should visit different areas to yesterday. Tonight is spent in a comfortable room in one of the parks rest camps. The evening can be spent watching an amazing diversity of animals around the floodlit waterhole bordering the rest camp. (BD)
Otavi / Mahangu Game Park Today you visit the Hoba Meteorite enroute to your lodge located on the Kavango River in the western Caprivi Strip. This evening you enjoy a sunset cruise on the river. (BD)
DAY 16 Monday Mahangu / Mudumu NP You undertake a game drive along the flood plains of the Mahango Game Reserve before visiting Popa Falls on your way to Mudumu National Park. You have a game viewing activity this afternoon. (BLD)
DAY 17 Tuesday Mudumu National Park Following breakfast you visit the Living Museum of Mafwe during which you gain an insight into the traditional culture of the Mafwe people who live in the area. (BLD)
DAY 18 Wednesday Mudumu NP / Chobe NP Today you reach Katimo Mulilo on the extreme eastern end of the Caprivi Strip before entering into Botswana. You drive through Chobe National Park on your way to your lodge located adjacent to the park. Here you spend three nights. This afternoon you undertake a sunset cruise on the Chobe River to see what animals are coming down to drink at the water’s edge. (BD)
DAY 19-20 Thursday & Friday Chobe National Park You explore the fertile bushland bordering the Chobe River in especially adapted 4X4 safari vehicles. At sunset undertake leisurely sundowner cruises on the river. Here your expert guides and trackers will introduce you to one of Africa’s largest concentration of elephant, which top the very impressive list of wildlife found here. (BLD)
DAY 21 Saturday Chobe NP / Victoria Falls This morning you undertake a final game viewing activity. After lunch you are taken to your hotel at Victoria Falls. (BL)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
DAY 22 Sunday Victoria Falls After breakfast you are taken on a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World. This leisurely walk will take you through the lush rainforest surrounding the falls to where you can view many magnificent cataracts, Livingstone’s Statue and a wide variety of birds and plants. In the evening you are taken for a traditional dinner at ‘The Boma’. (BD)
DAY 23 Monday Depart Victoria Falls You have the morning at leisure to relax or to explore further. Later you are taken to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Cape, Namibia & Vic Falls Departures Monthly
Time to visit Best: March to August Shoulder: January to February & Sept to December
Star rating 3-star to 4-star only
Combines well with Cape & Garden Route, page 37 Joburg to Cape Town, page 34 Best of Malawi & Zambia, page 39 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 19
SOUTH AFRICA & ZAMBIA
10 days: Livingstone
Botswana
Kruger NP
Panorama Route Hazyview
Mala Mala
South Africa
Cape Town
DAY 1
Arrive Cape Town On arrival in Cape Town you are met and taken to your hotel, situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where you are made welcome for a threenight stay. Your afternoon is at leisure.
DAY 2
Cape Town City Tour Today’s city tour takes in the highlights of Cape Town, which include the Castle of Good Hope from1666, the Malay Quarter and the magnificent Table Mountain. Here you ascend (weather allowing) to the top by revolving cable car, where you can marvel at the birds-eye view of the city and its beaches far below. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B)
DAY 3
20
This morning you are taken to the airport for you flight to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. On arrival you are met and taken to your lodge for an incredible two-night stay. Mala Mala is a luxury lodge, set on a 30,000 hectare private reserve, which borders Kruger National Park. You undertake your first game drive in the afternoon. (BLD)
views from such lookouts as God’s Window, Wonder View, The Pinnacle and The Three Rondavels. You also visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes—deep cylindrical cavities formed by river erosion. Continuing to the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest—born during the gold rush and now a National Monument, you have the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the old Colonial days. (BL)
DAY 5
DAY 8 Hazyview / Livingstone
DAY 4
Zambia Victoria Falls
Cape, Safari & Vic Falls
Cape Town – Peninsula Tour This morning you enjoy a scenic drive along the Atlantic Coast, with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table Mountain Range; the fishing village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets; and then proceed to Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Following the False Bay Coastline, you return to Cape Town by way of Simon’s Town where you visit the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach. Before your return, you stop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens for a short walking tour of this beautiful place. The final leg of your tour travels past Cape Town University, Rhodes Memorial and the Groote Schuur Hospital where the world’s first successful human heart-transplant was performed in1967. (B)
Cape Town / Mala Mala
Mala Mala Private Reserve
Your expert guide and tracker take you out on morning and afternoon game drives to find the extensive array of wildlife which calls Mala Mala home. With some of the best game viewing in Africa you are in for a treat which includes the “Big5” Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo, among many lesser known species. (BLD)
DAY 6
Mala Mala / Hazyview
After a final morning game drive, you are collected from your lodge and taken to your hotel in Hazyview. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
DAY 7
Hazyview – Panorama Route
The Blyde River Panorama Route is world renowned for its sweeping beauty and scenic views. It is where the “highveld” grasslands descend down the Drakensberg Escarpment to the bushland of the “lowveld” with Kruger National Park and Mozambique in the distance. The Blyde River Canyon drops a thousand metres into the heavily wooded valley below, which appears to stretch forever. This will offer absolutely stunning
This morning you are taken to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport where you board your flight to Livingstone in Zambia. After clearing customs and immigration you are met and taken to your lodge or hotel for a two-night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure. In the afternoon you undertake a ‘sundowner’ cruise on the upper Zambezi River during which you have a chance of seeing elephant, crocodiles and hippos.
DAY 9
Livingstone – Victoria Falls
Following breakfast you are taken on a tour of the Victoria Falls during which you get to see them from the Zambian side. Later you visit the Mukuni Village, home to the Leya people. The remainder of your day is at leisure. There are a number of optional activities you may wish to undertake such as a helicopter flight over the falls. These involve an additional cost. (B)
DAY 10 Depart Livingstone After breakfast you are taken to Livingstone Airport where your tour ends. (B)
Cape, Safari & Vic Falls Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: Mar to May & Aug to Oct Shoulder: Jan to Feb & Nov to Dec Very cold & wet: June to July
Star rating 4-star to 5-star only
Combines well with Malawi Highlights, page 38 Cape & Garden Route, page 37 Best of Malawi & Zambia, page 39 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 panorama route scenery
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
SOUTH AFRICA & ZAMBIA
8 & 7 days:
two south east safaris south african natives
7 day ‘SAFARI & VICTORIA FALLS’
DAY 1
On arrival at Mala Mala airstrip you are met and taken to your luxury lodge for two incredible nights. Mala Mala is on a 30,000 hectare private reserve, bordering Kruger. You have a game drive this afternoon. (LD)
Kruger NP Hazyview
Arrive Mala Mala Reserve
DAY 2
Mala Mala
Mala Mala Private Reserve
The same itinerary as Day 5 to10 on page 20. South Africa
Cape Town
DAY 3
Mala Mala / Hazyview
DAY 4
Hazyview – Panorama Route
DAY 5
Hazyview / Livingstone
DAY 6
Livingstone – Victoria Falls
DAY 7
Depart Livingstone
8 day ‘CAPE TOWN & SAFARI’
DAY 1
Arrive Cape Town
This itinerary is the same as Day 1 to 7 on page 20, the previous page.
DAY 2
Cape Town City Tour
DAY 3
Cape Town – Peninsula Tour
DAY 4
Cape Town / Mala Mala
DAY 5
Mala Mala Private Reserve
DAY 6
Mala Mala / Hazyview
DAY 7
Hazyview – Panorama Route
DAY 8 Depart Hazyview Today you are taken to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport where your tour ends. (B) upper zambezi river & Vic falls as viewed from helicopter
Two South East Safaris Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: Mar to May & Aug to Oct Shoulder: Jan to Feb & Nov to Dec Wet: June to July (Cape Town only)
Star rating 5-star only
Combines well with Cape & Garden Route, page 37 Vic Falls & Chobe NP, page 29 Chobe & Okavango Delta, page 28 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 21 black rhino
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
KENYA &
12 days:
Best East Africa Safari zebra, masai mara game reserve, kenya
Kenya Lake Nakuru Masai Mara Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater Lake Manyara
Nairobi Amboseli Arusha
Tanzania
Experience Tour Highlights • • • • • • • • •
Expert local guides in each location. High quality ‘Serena Hotels’ or similar. Lake Nakuru & its Pink Flamingoes. Masai Mara Game Reserve. Serengeti National Park. Visit to Maasai Village. Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara. Amboseli National Park.
Dining Experiences • This Experience Tour includes many but not all meals, allowing you to eat where you like in your free time. • 31 superb meals included in the tour: 11Breakfasts,10 Lunches & 10 Dinners.
The Best East Africa Safari has proven to be one of our most popular safari options!
DAY 5
DAY 1
After breakfast you depart from your lodge with a picnic lunch for the drive to Serengeti national Park. Today you cross the border between Kenya and Tanzania. After clearing customs and immigration, you are driven to your lodge in the Serengeti. The landscape of the park, with its low vegetation and vast seas of open plain, is ideal for game viewing. Famed for its annual migrations of Wildebeest, Zebras and Gazelles which are tracked by an impressive array of predators such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs and Hyenas, you are in for a thrilling few days of game viewing. (BLD)
Saturday Arrive Nairobi
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, you are met by your guide and taken to your city hotel for the night.
DAY 2
Sunday Nairobi / Lake Nakuru Following breakfast you are driven to Lake Nakuru National Park where you arrive in time for lunch. This afternoon you undertake a leisurely game drive which takes you through Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its pink flamingos. (BLD)
DAY 3
Monday Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara After breakfast you depart from your lodge and drive to Masai Mara where you will have two fabulous nights. This afternoon you will undertake the first of many wildlife safaris. (BLD)
DAY 4
22
Tuesday Masai Mara Game Reserve Today you undertake morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular game reserve, all with superb photographic opportunities. Blessed with a permanent water supply, Masai Mara has a permanent population of plains’ game including some of the “Big 5”: Elephant, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard, all of which can be quite common here. (BLD)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
DAY 6
Wednesday Masai Mara / Serengeti NP
Thursday Serengeti National Park
You spend the day game viewing in this wildlife paradise which is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of the largest nature reserves in the world. (BLD)
DAY 7
Friday Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Crater
Today you say farewell to Serengeti National Park as you are driven to Ngorongoro Crater—one of the Wonders of the World and a designated World Heritage Site. Your comfortable lodge has commanding views, probably the most breathtaking in East Africa! (BLD)
TANZANIA lion having a wash
wilderbeast, ngorongoro crater, tanzania
DAY 8
DAY 10 Monday
Saturday Ngorongoro / Lake Manyara
This morning you leave early in your game viewing vehicles and descend the 670 metres to the crater floor for a fantastic day among Africa’s “Big 5”: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo and other wildlife. Later you drive down the side of the crater to Lake Manyara for a two-night stay. (BLD)
DAY 9
Sunday Lake Manyara National Park
Today you undertake a game drive in the national park. This park is located between the wall of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara and is famous for its tree climbing lions, elephant herds and hot springs. (BLD)
DAY 12 Wednesday
Lake Manyara / Amboseli NP After breakfast you are driven, via Arusha, to Amboseli National Park, in Kenya. Situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is famous for its herds of elephants and (weather permitting) stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. In the afternoon you undertake another game drive in search of elephant, lion, giraffe, buffalo and much more. (BLD)
Amboseli NP / Depart Nairobi You have a morning game drive in Amboseli National Park before making your way back to Nairobi. On arrival in Nairobi you are taken to the airport where your Best East Africa Safari comes to an end. (B)
DAY 11 Tuesday Amboseli National Park You spend the day exploring this interesting park and if weather permits, viewing Mt Kilimanjaro. (BLD) giraffe
Best East Africa Safari Departures Every two weeks
Time to visit Best: Jan to Mar & July to Oct Shoulder: June Wet: Nov to Dec (short rains) & April to May (long rains)
Star rating 4 to 5-star only
Combines well with Tsavo & Amboseli Safari, page 24 Southern Tanzania Safari, page 26 Gorillas & Gold Monkeys, page 41 Malawi Highlights, page 38 buffalo cow
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
23
KENYA
6 days:
Tsavo & Amboseli Safari hippo, amboseli National park, kenya
Kenya
Nairobi Amboseli NP Tsavo West NP Mombasa
Tanzania
DAY 1
Arrive Mombasa
On arrival in Mombasa you are met and taken to your hotel for tonight. You have the afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy this exotic coastal city, with its rich history. (D)
DAY 2
Mombasa / Tsavo West NP
After breakfast you depart from the coast as you are driven to your lodge in Tsavo West NP. In contrast to the open plains of Maasai Mara and Amboseli, Tsavo West consists mainly of bush which can make finding animals more difficult. The advantage of visiting is that it is home to a number of animals and birds which aren’t found in other areas of Kenya and Tanzania. This afternoon you have your first safari. (BLD)
DAY 3
Tsavo West National Park
Today is spent exploring the park both morning and afternoon with your local guide. You visit the Mzima Springs with its underwater observation tank during one of the drives. You may see a Hippo or two as they move around under the water. (BLD)
DAY 4
Tsavo West NP / Amboseli NP
This morning you are taken by road to your lodge, nestled in the Kilimanjaro Foothills of Amboseli, for the next two nights. If you have ever seen a picture of Kilimanjaro with an elephant in the foreground, this is where it was taken! There will be a game viewing activity this afternoon before you settle down for your evening meal. (BLD)
DAY 5
Amboseli National Park
The name Amboseli means “place of water” in the language of the Maasai and despite its sometimes dry and dusty appearance, it actually has an endless water supply filtered through thousands of metres of volcanic rock from Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow melt. Your day will be filled with game viewing activities as you explore Amboseli National Park, with its variety of game. (BLD)
DAY 6
Depart Amboseli NP / Nairobi
Following breakfast you say farewell to the national park, as you are taken by road to Nairobi. On arrival your Tsavo and Amboseli Safari comes to an end. (B)
Tsavo & Amboseli Safari Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: Jan to Mar & June to Dec Wet: April to May
Star rating 3-star or 4-star only
Combines well with Best of Kenya Safari, page 25 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 Southern Tanzania Safari, page 26 Best of Tanzania Safari, page 27 24 giraffe watching for predators
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
KENYA
9 days:
best of kenya safari pink flamingo, kenya
Kenya Samburu Reserve Lake Nakuru Masai Mara
Mt Kenya Nairobi
Tanzania
DAY 1
Arrive Nairobi On arrival into Nairobi International Airport you are met and taken to your hotel for tonight.
DAY 2
Nairobi / Samburu Reserve Following breakfast you are taken through Central Kenya and north across the equator to Samburu National Reserve, arriving at your lodge in time for lunch. Later you undertake an afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner. (BLD)
DAY 3
Samburu National Reserve You spend today exploring Samburu, with an early morning and late afternoon game drive. Samburu is a beautiful and home to rarely found species such as the Beisa Oryx, Grevy’s zebra, blue-necked Somali ostrich and Reticulated Giraffe. During the day you also visit a local Samburu village. (BLD)
DAY 4
Samburu / Mount Kenya Departing from Samburu after breakfast, you are taken to the lower slopes of Mt Kenya, arriving at your lodge in time for lunch. You spend the afternoon relaxing as you watch game from the balcony. Your lodge has a floodlit waterhole which allows the opportunity of seeing elusive nocturnal animals as they drink at night. (BLD)
DAY 5
Mt Kenya / Lake Nakuru NP Following breakfast you are taken to Lake Nakuru National Park on the floor of the Rift Valley, making a brief stop at
Nyahururu Thomson Falls on the way. In the afternoon you undertake a game drive. Besides the pink flamingos, for which the lake is famous, there are roughly 400 other species of birds visiting the lake. In addition, many species of game can be found in the park including the introduced Rothschild’s giraffe, black and white rhino, waterbuck, reedbuck, lion, buffalo, leopard, baboon and many species of plains game. (BLD)
DAY 6
Lake Nakuru NP/Maasai Mara
Today you are driven further along the floor of the Rift Valley to Maasai Mara Game Reserve. After time to relax, you undertake a game drive. (BLD)
DAY 7
Maasai Mara National Park
You spend the day in Maasai Mara, Kenya’s most popular game sanctuary where you have the best opportunity of spotting some of the “Big 5”: lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant. Game drives are flexible, with the option of taking picnic lunch boxes and spending the entire day in the park or alternatively, you can choose to have early morning and late afternoon game drives. You also visit a local Maasai Village. (BLD)
DAY 8 Maasai Mara NP / Nairobi Following an early morning game drive, you are taken to Nairobi for the night. (B)
DAY 9
Depart Nairobi
Following breakfast today you are taken to Nairobi Airport where your tour comes to an end. (B)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
samburu people, kenya
Best of Kenya Safari Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: July to Oct (the migration) Shoulder: Jan to March & June Wet: April to May & Nov to Dec
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Tsavo & Amboseli Safari, page 24 Southern Tanzania Safari, page 26 Best of Tanzania Safari, page 27 Gorillas & Gold Monkeys, page 41 25
TANZANIA
8 days:
South Tanzania Safari
K
dar es-salaam harbour, tanzania
Arusha Lake Manyara
Tanzania
Zanzibar Dar es Salaam
Ruaha NP Mikumi NP
Selous Reserve
Many of the animals and birds seen on this Safari are quite different from those seen in the greater Serengeti / Masai Mara / Ngorongoro, making this a good option to add to a visit to those areas.
You spend the morning and evening exploring the various habitats in search of the birds and animals that live here. During the heat of the day when the animals seek shade and sleep you return to camp. (BLD)
DAY 1
DAY 3
Depart Dar es-Salaam or Zanzibar / Selous Reserve At Dar es-Salaam Airport or Zanzibar Airport you connect with your flight to the Selous Game Reserve. On arrival you are met and taken to your selected lodge for a wonderful two-night stay. (LD)
DAY 2
Selous Game Reserve The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in the world and boasts a good variety of animals.
Selous Game Reserve
A further day is spent exploring this varied park. During the games drives you may change to a new lodge for tonight. (BLD)
DAY 4
Selous Reserve / Mikumi NP
Following breakfast you are taken back to the airstrip for your flight to Mikumi National Park. On arrival you are met and taken to your selected lodge for a unique two-night stay. (BLD)
DAY 5
Mikumi NP / Ruaha NP
After a morning game drive you board your flight to Ruaha National Park. On arrival you are met and taken to your selected lodge. Here you stay for two nights. After settling in you undertake an evening game drive to explore your new surroundings. (BLD)
26
Ruaha National Park The Great Ruaha River is an extremely beautiful and important feature of one of the world’s largest and wildest game parks. At13,000 square km the park is the size of Belgium and due to its remoteness, the dramatic topography of its mountains, rocky hills and plains, it is home to a diverse number of species. You spend the cooler parts of the day exploring and seeking out wildlife. (BLD)
DAY 8 Depart Ruaha National Park After this morning’s game excursion you are taken to the airstrip to board your flight. You have the option of flying to Lake Manyara, Arusha, Dar es-Salaam or Zanzibar. On arrival your tour ends. (B)
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is part of the greater Selous Ecosystem and benefits from the highest density of wildlife in the entire conservation area. You spend the morning and evening seeking out the various species of wildlife, both big and small, which call Mikumi National Park home. During the heat of the day you again head back to your camp. (BLD)
DAY 6
DAY 7
storks, tanzania
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
South Tanzania Safari Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: Jan to Mar & June to Dec Wet: April to May
Star rating 3-star or 4-star only
Combines well with Best of Tanzania Safari, page 27 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 Tsavo & Amboseli Safari, page 24 Best of Kenya Safari, page 25
TANZANIA
7 days:
best of tanzania safari “the great migration”
Kenya Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater Lake Manyara
Arusha
Tanzania
DAY 1
Friday Arrive Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, outside of Arusha, you are met and taken to your lodge for the night.
DAY 2
Saturday Arusha / Lake Manyara
Today you are driven to your lodge overlooking the Rift Valley at Lake Manyara. Here you undertake a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. This national park is located between the wall of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara and is famous for its tree climbing lions, herds of elephants and hot spring waters (Maji moto). (BLD)
DAY 3
Sunday Lake Manyara / Serengeti NP
After breakfast you depart your lodge with a picnic lunch for the drive to Serengeti. The landscape of the park, with its low vegetation and vast seas of open plain, is ideal for game viewing. Famed for its migrations of Zebras, Wildebeest and Gazelles which are tracked by an impressive array of predators such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs and Hyenas, you are in for a thrilling few days. (BLD)
DAY 4
Monday Serengeti National Park
Today is spent game viewing in this wildlife paradise, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of the world’s largest reserves. (BLD)
DAY 5
Tuesday Serengeti /Ngorongoro Crater Today you drive to Ngorongoro Crater—a Wonder of the World and a World Heritage Site. Your lodge has commanding views, probably the best in East Africa. (BLD)
DAY 6
Wednesday Ngorongoro / Lake Manyara This morning you leave in a game viewing vehicle and descend 670 metres to the crater floor for a day among the “Big 5”: Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo. Later you drive back to Lake Manyara. (BLD)
DAY 7
Thursday Lake Manyara/Depart Arusha Today you are taken to the airport. (B)
Tanzania Express Safari Departures Every two weeks
Time to visit Best: January to March & June Shoulder: July to October Wet: April to May & Nov to Dec
Star rating 4 to 5-star only
Combines well with Southern Tanzania Safari, page 26 Tsavo & Amboseli Safari, page 24 Gorillas & Gold Monkeys, page 41 27 view of ngorongoro crater, tanzania, from a serena lodge room
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
ZAMBIA & BOTSWANA
10 days:
Chobe &Okavango delta mokoro excursion, okavango delta, botswana
Zambia Chobe Livingstone Savute Moremi Maun
Botswana
DAY 1
Friday Arrive Livingstone On arrival in Livingstone you are met and taken to your hotel for tonight. The rest of the day is at leisure. On your Chobe NP & Okavango Safari, you will enjoy exclusive sites, no camp duties, spacious dome tents with cot beds and an ensuite bathroom attached to your tent with shower and flush toilet. On this safari you experience the real wilderness of Botswana—to feel the thrill of being “at one with nature”. You enjoy delicious and wholesome hot dinners prepared by the chef on the open campfire, served on a candlelit table, with all the fun and unique experience that only a tented safari can offer but without the work! (D)
DAY 2-3 Saturday & Sunday Chobe NP – Chobe River Today you are driven from Livingstone to the northern part of Chobe NP, Botswana. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery and magnificent sunsets, with the largest elephant population in Africa living in the region. You may witness huge herds during your game drives and an unforgettable game viewing cruise on the Chobe River. (BLD)
DAY 4-5 Monday & Tuesday
28
Chobe NP – Savute Marsh You then continue overland to the Savute Marsh and Savute Channel, famous for its large predators. This amazing area and its waterholes are explored during your early morning and late afternoon game drives with your expert guide. (BLD)
DAY 6-7 Wednesday & Thursday Khwai Area of Moremi After breakfast your camp is moved to the Khwai Flood Plains while you continue to explore the ever-changing scenery of the reserve with your tracker guide. Enjoying early morning and late afternoon game drives, you will uncover the secrets of this pristine wilderness area as you search for the many species of animal and birdlife that make Moremi their home. (BLD)
DAY 1
Tuesday Arrive Maun / Okavango Delta
DAY 2
Wednesday Okavango Area of Moremi
DAY 3-4 Thursday & Friday Khwai Area of Moremi
DAY 5-6 Saturday & Sunday Savute – Chobe National Park
DAY 7-8 Monday & Tuesday Chobe River – Chobe NP
DAY 8-9 Friday & Saturday Okavango Area of Moremi You make your way to the camp with an afternoon game drive, taking in the changing colours of the brilliant African sunset. The following day the crystal clear channels and waterways of the Okavango Delta are explored on a mokoro boat excursion, with lunch being enjoyed on an island. (BLD)
DAY 10 Sunday
DAY 9
Wednesday Livingstone
DAY 10 Thursday Depart Livingstone
Chobe & Okavango Delta Departures Monthly
Okavango / Depart Maun Later this morning you bid farewell to the Okavango Delta when you are taken to the local airstrip for your short flight to Maun Airport. On arrival in Maun your tour comes to an end. (B)
Time to visit
Normally you experience a very good aerial view of the Okavango Delta during the flight to Maun.
Combines well with
Please note: this tour can be undertaken in reverse, starting in Maun and finishing in Livingstone as described to the right:
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Best: April to August Wet: Jan to Mar & Nov to Dec Hot: August to November
Star rating 3-star only (approximately) Cape, Namibia & Vic Falls, page 18 Best of Namibia Safari, page 30 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 Best of Tanzania Safari, page 27
ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE & BOTSWANA
5 & 3 days:
Victoria Falls &Chobe NP pride of lions, botswana
Zambia
3 day ‘VICTORIA FALLS’ Victoria Falls Livingstone Chobe
DAY 1
Depart Joburg / Victoria Falls This morning you will make your way to Johannesburg Airport where you board your flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. After clearing immigration you are met and taken to your selected hotel or lodge for a fabulous two-night stay. Your afternoon is at leisure. There are a number of optional activities you may wish to consider such as a helicopter flight over the falls or a spectacular African Tribal Dancing display.
Zimbabwe
Botswana
DAY 2
Chobe National Park Game viewing in Chobe National Park is a unique experience as Chobe is the best place in the world to see the majestic African elephant. In fact, it is home to the world’s largest elephant population! Game drives into Chobe are daily or alternatively, choose a cruise led by an expert guide. Cruises along the Chobe River are a wonderful and different way of viewing the game. (BLD)
Victoria Falls After breakfast you are taken on a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World. This leisurely walk will take you through the lush rainforest surrounding the falls to where you can view many magnificent cataracts, Livingstone’s Statue and a wide variety of birds and plants. Your afternoon is at leisure. You may like to undertake an optional visit to a local craft community where you have the chance to see its markets and observe the lifestyles of the original people. Early this evening you have a ‘sundowner’ cruise on the Upper Zambezi during which you have a chance of seeing elephant, crocodiles and hippos. (B)
DAY 5
Depart Chobe NP / Joburg After breakfast you are driven to Livingstone or Vic Falls Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg. On arrival your tour ends. (B)
DAY 3
Depart Victoria Falls / Joburg After breakfast you are taken back to Vic Falls Airport to board your return flight to Johannesburg. On arrival your tour ends. (B)
A similar tour can be arranged with Day 1 to 3 being taken from the Zimbabwe side.
A similar tour can be taken from Livingstone on the Zambian side.
Johannesburg
South Africa 5 day ‘VICTORIA FALLS & CHOBE NP’
DAY 1
Depart Joburg / Livingstone This morning you make your way to Johannesburg Airport where you board your flight to Livingstone in Zambia. After clearing immigration you are met and taken to your selected lodge or hotel for a two-night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure. In the afternoon you undertake a ‘sundowner’ cruise on the Upper Zambezi River during which you have a chance of seeing elephant, crocodiles and hippos.
DAY 2
Livingstone Following breakfast you are taken on a tour of the Victoria Falls during which you see them from the Zambian side. Later you visit the Mukuni Village, home to the Leya people. There are also a number of optional activities you may wish to consider such as a helicopter flight over the falls. (B)
DAY 4
Victoria Falls & Chobe NP Departures Daily
DAY 3
Livingstone / Chobe NP On Botswana’s far northern border lies the Kwando, Linyanti and Chobe River system forming a series of lakes, islands and floodplains. This area forms Chobe National Park, famous for its large buffalo and elephant herds. In addition to a variety of predators, there is an abundance of wild game and bird life which inhabit this beautiful area. After breakfast you are driven to your chosen lodge located adjacent to Chobe. You have time to relax this afternoon before participating in one of the many activities organised for you. (BLD)
Time to visit High water flow: Feb to April Low water flow: Aug to October Very hot: September to December
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Best of Namibia Safari, page 30 Joburg to Cape Town, page 34 Cape & Peninsula, page 36 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 29 elephants having a drink
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
NAMIBIA
13 days:
Best of Namibia Safari himba woman, namibia
DAY 9
Wednesday Otjiwarongo / Etosha NP Early this morning you undertake a game drive near the lodge. Later you are taken via Outjo to your lodge located adjacent to Etosha National Park. In the afternoon the first safari drive is done into the park to look for the numerous animals and birds that call the park home. (BD)
Etosha NP Damaraland
Otjiwarongo
Skeleton Coast Swakopmund
Windhoek
DAY 10 Thursday Namib Desert & Sossusvlei
Etosha National Park Today is spent exploring Etosha and visiting various animal attracting waterholes. (BD)
Namibia
DAY 11 Friday
DAY 1
Tuesday Arrive Windhoek
Your tour begins on arrival at your hotel for tonight. Windhoek, with its lingering heritage of German architecture, activities and atmosphere, is a very interesting city.
DAY 2
Wednesday Windhoek / Namib Desert
You have the morning at leisure before departing from Windhoek in the early afternoon. Today’s journey takes you via the Spreedshoogte Pass (or Kuiseb Canyon) and Solitaire, to your lodge bordering on the Namib Desert. Here you spend the next two nights under the vast African sky. (BD)
DAY 3
Thursday Namib Desert – Sossusvlei Today is an early departure for Sossusvlei stopping in the dune belt to enjoy the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. The morning is spent walking amongst the dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Enroute back to the lodge you visit the rugged Sesriem Canyon. In the afternoon you are taken for a nature drive before returning to the lodge for your final night in the desert. (BLD)
DAY 4
30
Friday Namib Desert / Swakopmund
After breakfast, you travel via the Kuiseb Canyon enroute to your hotel located in the town of Swakopmund, with its German colonial atmosphere. It is the principal coastal resort of Namibia where
time is spent at leisure to enjoy the charm of this old town. You arrive around midday and have the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
DAY 5
Saturday Swakopmund
Today is at leisure to explore the town and undertake any optional tours on offer. (BD)
DAY 6
Sunday Swakopmund / Damaraland
Travelling via the Skeleton Coast you see the Rock Art and Organ Pipes before arriving at your lodge in the wilderness of Damaraland for a fabulous two-night stay. (BLD)
DAY 7
Monday Damaraland
This morning you will undertake a drive in rocky Damaraland, one of Africa’s last wilderness areas. In the late afternoon you are taken on a guided nature walk. (BLD)
DAY 8
Tuesday Damaraland / Otjiwarongo
Following breakfast you visit a Himba community near Kamanjab. The Himba are a semi-nomadic tribe, who live in scattered settlements throughout the region. They are characterised by their proud yet friendly stature and the women are noted for their unusual beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional dress. Time is spent at this traditional Himba settlement learning more about these fascinating people. Following the visit you complete the drive to your lodge for the night. (BD)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Etosha National Park Another day spent exploring the park. Due to its size we should visit different areas to yesterday. Tonight is spent in a comfortable room in one of the parks rest camps. The evening can be spent watching an amazing diversity of animals around the floodlit waterhole bordering the rest camp. (BD)
DAY 12 Saturday Etosha NP / Windhoek Following breakfast you depart for Windhoek via Okahandja where you visit a local craft market. On arrival in Windhoek in the late afternoon you are taken to your hotel or guesthouse for a final night. (B)
DAY 13 Sunday Depart Windhoek After breakfast you are taken to Windhoek Airport where your tour ends. (B)
Best of Namibia Safari Departures Weekly
Time to visit Best: March to August Shoulder: September to March (hot & some rain)
Star rating 3 to 4-star only
Combines well with Vic Falls & Chobe NP, page 29 Cape & Peninsula, page 36 Joburg to Cape Town, page 34 Best East Africa Safari, page 22
NAMIBIA
3 4 & 5 days: short namibia safaris red dunes, sossusvlei, namibia
4 day ‘NAMIBIA ETOSHA NP SAFARI’
DAY 1
Etosha NP Damaraland
Today you are taken from Windhoek to your lodge located adjacent to Etosha National Park. In the afternoon the first safari drive is done into the park to look for the numerous animals and birds that call the park home. (D)
Otjiwarongo
Skeleton Coast Swakopmund
Namib Desert & Sossusvlei
Windhoek
DAY 2
Namibia
DAY 1
Windhoek / Namib Desert You have the morning at leisure before departing Windhoek in the early afternoon. Today’s journey will take you via the Spreedshoogte Pass (or Kuiseb Canyon) and Solitaire, to your lodge bordering on the Namib Desert. Here you spend the next two nights under the vast African sky. (D)
DAY 2
Namib Desert – Sossusvlei Today you depart early for Sossusvlei and stop in the dune belt to enjoy the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. The morning is spent walking in the dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Enroute back to the lodge you visit the rugged Sesriem Canyon. In the afternoon you are taken for a nature drive before returning to the lodge for your final night in the desert. (BLD)
DAY 3
Namib Desert / Swakopmund or Windhoek After breakfast you travel via Kuiseb Canyon enroute to Windhoek or Swakopmund. On arrival your tour comes to an end. (B) Departs daily with a min of two. Wednesday departures link well with the next package. 5 day ‘NORTHERN NAMIBIA SAFARI’
DAY 1
Saturday Windhoek / Swakopmund You depart Windhoek this morning as you are taken to the coast via Okahandja and Otjiwarango. On arrival in Swakopmund you check in to your hotel for the night. (D)
Etosha National Park
A full day is spent exploring Etosha National Park and visiting the various waterholes that attract the animals. (BD)
3 day 4 day 5 day
3 day ‘NAMIBIA SOSSUSVLEI SAFARI’
Windhoek / Etosha National Park
DAY 3
DAY 2
Sunday Swakopmund / Damaraland Travelling via the Skeleton Coast you see the Rock Art and Organ Pipes before arriving at your lodge in the wilderness of Damaraland for a fabulous two-night stay. (BLD)
Etosha National Park
Another day is spent exploring the park. Due to its size you should be visiting different areas to the previous day. Tonight is spent in a comfortable room in one of the parks rest camps. The evening can be spent watching an amazing diversity of animals around the floodlit waterhole bordering the rest camp. (BD)
DAY 3
Monday Damaraland This morning you undertake a drive in rocky Damaraland, one of Africa’s last wilderness areas. In the late afternoon you are taken on a guided nature walk. (BLD)
DAY 4
Tuesday Damaraland / Otjiwarongo
Following breakfast you visit a Himba community near Kamanjab. The Himba are a semi-nomadic tribe, who live in scattered settlements in this region. They are characterised by their proud yet friendly stature and the women are noted for their unusual beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional dress. Time is spent at this traditional Himba settlement learning more about these fascinating people. Following the visit you complete the drive to your lodge for the night. (BD)
DAY 5
Wednesday Otjiwarongo / Windhoek
Early this morning you undertake a game drive near the lodge. Later you are taken via Okahandja to Windhoek where on arrival, your tour comes to an end. (B) Departs every Saturday with a minimum of two and links well with the next package.
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
DAY 4
Etosha NP / Windhoek
Following breakfast you will depart for Windhoek via Okahandja where you visit a local craft market. On arrival in Windhoek in the late afternoon, your tour comes to an end. (B) Departs every Wednesday & Saturday with a minimum of two. There are also Saturday departures from Swakopmund.
Short Namibia Safaris Departures Please see the end of each package...
Time to visit Best: March to August Shoulder: September to March (hot & some rain)
Star rating 3 to 4-star only
Combines well with Vic Falls & Chobe NP, page 29 Cape & Peninsula, page 36 Joburg to Cape Town, page 34 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 31
NAMIBIA
12 days:
Namibia Luxury Safari lion observing his kingdom
desert giraffe
DAY 5
belt to enjoy the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. The morning is spent walking among the dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Enroute to camp you enjoy a short hike in the Sesriem Canyon. (BLD)
Himba
Damaraland
Swakopmund
Etosha NP Okonjima
Windhoek
Sesriem
Namibia
DAY 1
Thursday Arrive Windhoek
Your luxury safari begins on arrival at your hotel for tonight. It involves exclusive sites, no camp duties, spacious ‘Out of Africa’ style walk-in tents with comfortable matrass beds and an ensuite bathroom attached to your tent with a hot shower and flush toilet. On this safari you experience the real wilderness of Namibia, to feel the thrill of being “at one with nature”. You enjoy delicious and wholesome hot dinners prepared by the chef, served at a candlelit table but with all the fun that only a luxury lodge and luxury tented safari can offer!
DAY 2
Friday Windhoek / Okonjima You depart Windhoek after breakfast and arrive in Okonjima in time for lunch. The Africat Foundation based here is committed to the long-term conservation and preservation of Namibia’s large predators, especially cheetahs and leopards. After lunch you undertake a wildlife activity. (BLD)
DAY 3-4 Saturday & Sunday
32
Okonjima / Etosha NP After breakfast as you are driven to your exclusive camp on a private concession in Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most important reserves and game sanctuaries. The birdlife is prolific and thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion, elephant are found here. You have morning and afternoon game drives. (BLD)
Monday Etosha National Park
The evening can be spent watching an amazing diversity of animals at the floodlit waterhole adjoining your camp. (BLD)
DAY 6-7 Tuesday & Wednesday Etosha / Damaraland – Himba Your final early morning game drive is via the Western corridor of Etosha NP, enroute to your camp from where you visit the Himba, a semi-nomadic tribe of the region. Known for their proud yet friendly stature, the women are noted for their unusual beauty and intricate hairstyles. A few hours are spent with the Himba People learning about their ways and customs. (BLD)
DAY 12 Monday Sesriem / Depart Windhoek Climbing through the mountains of Namib Naukluft Park, you finish in Windhoek. (B) Please note: we offer an alternative tour at a more modest level, the Namibia Standard Safari. It differs from the above safari in that its tents are not ensuite, rather there is a shared bathroom tent. It visits extra places and is a little longer at 14 days. Because it is of a lower standard than the above, it is also cheaper. Please ask us for further details...
DAY 8-9 Thursday & Friday Damaraland / Swakopmund Travelling via the Skeleton Coast you arrive in Swakopmund, with its German colonial past. You spend time at leisure here in what is the principal coastal resort of Namibia. Included is a morning boat cruise and an afternoon tour to the “Moon Landscape” during which you stop to view the unusual, prehistoric Welwitschia plant, a dwarf tree flourishing on the moisture off the Atlantic. Its lifespan is more than1,000 years. (B)
DAY 10-11 Saturday & Sunday Swakopmund / Sossusvlei You travel via Kuiseb Canyon enroute to your camp on the edge of the great Namib Desert. You depart early the following morning for Sossusvlei stopping in the dune
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Namibia Luxury Safari Departures Monthly
Time to visit Best: March to August Shoulder: September to March (hot & some rain)
Star rating 4-star only
Combines well with Vic Falls & Chobe NP, page 29 Cape & Peninsula, page 36 Joburg to Cape Town, page 34 Best East Africa Safari, page 22
SOUTH AFRICA
5 days:
Mala Mala & Panorama male lions at rest, south africa
South Africa Kruger NP Panorama Route
Mala Mala
Hazyview
Swaziland
DAY 1
Arrive Mala Mala Reserve
This morning you are collected from Mala Mala Airport and taken to your luxury lodge for an incredible two-night stay. Mala Mala is set on a 30,000 hectare private reserve, bordering Kruger National Park. You have your first game drive in the afternoon. (LD)
DAY 2
Mala Mala Private Reserve
Your expert guide and tracker take you out on morning and afternoon game drives to find the extensive array of wildlife which calls Mala Mala home. With some of the best game viewing in Africa, you are in for a treat which includes the “Big5”: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo, among many lesser known species. (BLD)
DAY 3
Mala Mala / Hazyview
After a final morning game drive, you are collected from your lodge and taken to your hotel in Hazyview. You have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (B)
DAY 4
Hazyview – Panorama Route
The Blyde River Panorama Route is world renowned for its sweeping beauty and scenic viewpoints. It is where the “highveld” grasslands descend down the Drakensberg Escarpment to the bushland of the “lowveld” with Kruger National Park and Mozambique in the distance. The Blyde River Canyon drops a thousand metres into the heavily wooded valley below, which appears to stretch forever.
This will offer absolutely stunning views from such lookouts as God’s Window, Wonder View, The Pinnacle and The Three Rondavels. You also visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes—deep cylindrical cavities formed by river erosion. Continuing on to the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest, born during the excitement of the alluvial gold rush and now a National Monument, you have the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the old Colonial days. Following the visit you are taken back to your hotel for the night. (BL)
DAY 5
Depart Hazyview
Today you transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport where your tour ends. (B)
Mala Mala & Panorama Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: March to August Shoulder: September to March (hot & some rain)
Star rating 5-star only
Combines well with Cape & Peninsula, page 36 Best of Namibia Safari, page 30 Vic Falls & Chobe NP, page 29 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 33 lodge, mala mala game reserve
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
SOUTH AFRICA
Joburg to Cape Town
16 days:
western cape, south africa
Mpumalanga Johannesburg Zululand South Africa
Kruger NP Swaziland Ngwenya Durban
Oudtshoorn Port Elizabeth Cape Town Knysna
Experience Tour Highlights • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Tour Conductor throughout. Joburg’s northern suburb of Sandton. Mpumalanga or “Paradise Country”. The Panorama Route. Kruger National Park. Independent Kingdom of Swaziland. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. Zululand. Durban. Port Elizabeth. Knysna, “the Oyster Box of Sth Africa. Oudtshoorn & one of its Ostrich Farms. The spectacular Cango Caves. Beautiful Cape Town.
Dining Experiences • This Experience Tour includes many but not all meals, allowing you to eat where you like in your free time. • 19 superb meals included in the tour: 15 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 2 Dinners.
DAY 1
Sunday Arrive Johannesburg
On arrival at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport you are taken to your hotel for the night. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral rich Witwatersrand Range of hills. The trendy northern of suburb Sandton, with its shopping malls, bars and restaurants and colourful African markets is where your hotel is situated.
DAY 2
Monday Johannesburg / Mpumalanga This morning you start your journey through Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. You drive along the spectacular “Panorama Route”, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26 km long Blyde River Canyon and historic God’s Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) from the edge of the escarpment taking in Kruger National Park. You will then continue on to your hotel for tonight. (B)
DAY 3-4
34
Tuesday & Wednesday Mpumalanga – Kruger NP The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by an open vehicle game drive through Kruger National Park with a pre-packed breakfast. The park offers great game viewing and wildlife opportunities and you will soon appreciate the challenges of managing this unique reserve.
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Search for the “Big 5”: rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard and elephant, as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game. You then return to the hotel to relax for the afternoon. In the afternoon you depart on a community visit to the Amazing Grace Children’s Centre for a tour and a brief look into the lives of the children that are living there. This visit offers you the opportunity to understand more about the rural communities and their lifestyles and to interact with them in a secure and optimistic environment. Optional late afternoon or night open-vehicle game drives are available at additional cost. (B)
Please note: There is an optional Luxury Private Game Lodge option in the Sabi Sand Conservancy available for these two days. This involves an additional cost.
DAY 5
Thursday Mpumalanga / Swaziland
After breakfast you travel to Swaziland, an independent Kingdom adjoining South Africa. It is known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. Here you visit the Ngwenya glass factory, where visitors can watch talented glass blowers create a range of enchanting African animals, birds and fish, as well as tableware, made from100% recycled glass that is collected by the children of Swaziland. In the afternoon the opportunity exists to visit a Swazi candle factory, where you can watch Swazi wax artists make beautiful candles. (B)
& SWAZILAND
DAY 6
Friday Swaziland / Zululand Today you travel to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is quite famous for its conservation of black and white rhino. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve. Tonight is spent at a hotel in the area. (B)
DAY 7
Saturday Zululand / Durban
After breakfast you travel past sugar cane fields, Eucalyptus plantations and Zulu Kraals enroute to Durban. You visit a traditional Zulu Village to experience the local culture, dancing and enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing on to Durban for the night. Durban offers a long golden beach and a fascinating mix of cultures, from the downtown Zulu rickshaws, temples, mosques and oriental bazaar to modern shopping malls. (BL)
DAY 10 Tuesday
DAY 14 Saturday
Port Elizabeth / Knysna Today you head westward along the Garden Route, following the Indian Ocean coastline and bordered inland by soaring mountain ranges and indigenous forests, to Knysna. Knysna nestles on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. (B)
Cape Town Today is free. You may like to undertake one of the following optional tours. (B)
DAY 11 Wednesday Knysna After a leisurely breakfast you enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon below. (BL)
DAY 12 Thursday
Sunday Durban Today is at leisure. You may like to arrange an optional Durban City Tour. (B)
Knysna / Oudtshoorn This morning you are taken through the spectacular Outeniqua Mountain Range to Oudtshoorn where you visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour, before visiting the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders which has been sculpted by nature throughout the ages. Oudtshoorn is the centre of the world’s Ostrich industry. (BD)
DAY 9
DAY 13 Friday
DAY 8
Monday Durban / Port Elizabeth After breakfast you are taken to Durban Airport for the short flight to Port Elizabeth, known as the “friendly city”, where you are met and taken to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure. (BD)
Oudtshoorn / Cape Town Today you travel through “Little Karoo” and Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. Enroute, you stop off in the town of Barrydale, where you visit a local farm school and learn about the local community. You continue to Cape Town for three nights. (B)
First option: This morning you enjoy a city tour taking in the highlights of Cape Town, followed by a spectacular revolving cable car ascent of the magnificent Table Mountain. Second option: Today you board a ferry to Robben Island, formerly a political prison housing Nelson Mandela and now a museum and a National Monument.
DAY 15 Sunday Cape Town Today is also at leisure. You may like to undertake the following optional tour. (B) Today’s tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic Coast, with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table Mt Range; the fishing village of Hout Bay and then on to Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. You then continue along the False Bay Coastline and return by way of Simon’s Town where you visit the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach. Before your return you stop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens for a short walking tour of this beautiful place. Finally, you pass by Cape Town University and the Rhodes Memorial.
DAY 16 Sunday Depart Cape Town This morning you are taken to Cape Town Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Joburg to Cape Town Departures Weekly
Time to visit Best: Feb to May & Aug to Sept Shoulder: Oct to Dec (hot & rain) Worst: June to July (Cape rains)
Star rating 3 to 4-star only
Combines well with Vic Falls & Chobe NP, page 29 Best of Namibia Safari, page 30 Chobe & Okavango Delta, page 28 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 35 leopard, south africa
robben island ferry, cape town
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
SOUTH AFRICA
5 days:
Cape & Peninsula bo-kaap houses, cape town
Oceans meet. Following the False Bay Coastline, you return to Cape Town. Before returning to your hotel, you stop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens for a short walking tour of this beautiful place. The final leg of the tour takes you past Cape Town University, Rhodes Memorial and the Groote Schuur Hospital where the world’s first successful human heart-transplant was performed in1967. (B)
South Africa
DAY 4
Cape Town You have the full day at leisure to explore the waterfront in your own time or alternatively, to undertake an optional tour in or outside of Cape Town. (B)
Cape Town
DAY 1
Arrive Cape Town
On arrival in Cape Town you are met and taken to your hotel, situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Here you are welcomed for a fabulous four-night stay.
DAY 2
Cape Town City Tour
This morning you enjoy a city tour taking in the highlights of Cape Town, which include the Castle of Good Hope from 1666, the Malay Quarter and magnificent Table Mountain. Here you ascend to the top (weather allowing) by revolving cable car, where you can marvel at the birds-eye view of the city and its beaches far below. After descending from the mountain you are taken back to your hotel. (B)
This afternoon you may wish to undertake an optional excursion to Robben Island: You proceed to the harbour, where (weather permitting) you board a ferry to Robben Is. Formerly a political prison, now a museum and National Monument, you view what was Nelson Mandela’s maximum-security prison cell during his 18 years of incarceration.
DAY 3
Cape Town – Peninsula Tour Today’s pleasant tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic Coastline, with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table Mountain Range; the fishing village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets; and then on to Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where the Atlantic and Indian
We recommend undertaking the full or half day Cape Winelands Tour as follows: Your tour covers the country’s major wine routes. While South Africa’s fertile valleys of the Western Cape are famous for their crisp white and classic French-style red wines, the area is also a treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant Oak Trees. Your first stop is at Paarl, where you will be struck by the beauty of the valley. During the day you visit a number of historic estates. The last part of the tour takes you to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa. Here you view the gracious blend of 18 th Century Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings.
DAY 5
Depart Cape Town After breakfast you are taken to Cape Town Airport where your tour ends. (B)
Cape & Peninsula Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: January to May Shoulder: Aug to Dec (wind & rain) Worst: June to July
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Cape & Garden Route, page 37 Vic Falls & Chobe NP, page 29 Best of Namibia Safari, page 30 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 36 robben island & table mountain
typical winelands’ estate
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
SOUTH AFRICA
6 days:
Cape & Garden Route ostrich farm, oudtshoorn
Knysna Lagoon to the Western side of Knysna Heads. A tractor meets you for a transfer to the top of the Western head of the Featherbed Nature Reserve with its spectacular views of the ocean, lagoon and surrounding ranges. From here you begin your walk down through the Milkwood Trees to the boat jetty bellow. Here you have lunch overlooking the lagoon before being taken to your Knysna hotel. (BL)
South Africa
DAY 4 Oudtshoorn Montagu Cape Town Hermanus
DAY 1
Knysna
Wednesday Depart Cape Town / Montagu
You depart Cape Town and travel through the Cape Winelands to Stellenbosch, where you have the chance to undertake a wine tasting. Following the wine tasting you travel to Montagu, known for its historic architecture, along “Route 62”. Enroute you travel via Robertson, known for its wines and Worcester, known for its brandy.
DAY 2
Thursday Montagu / Oudtshoorn
This morning you continue your journey through the mountains to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo. During the drive you stop off at a Community Based farm school to
meet the children and their teachers. Later today you visit a working ostrich farm for a guided tour taking in the feather rooms, incubators, breeding enclosures and Kraal where you have the opportunity to get close to and, if you wish, even sit on the birds! Following this interesting tour you have the opportunity to explore the vast limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. (BL)
DAY 3
Friday Oudsthoorn / Knysna
After breakfast you are taken through the Outeniqua Mountains, via the scenic Outeniqua Pass with its panoramic views of the coastal plain, to Knysna. On arrival you board the Featherbed Cruise and cross the
Saturday Knysna
This morning you travel to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Mountain Range via Nature’s Valley and its spectacular passes. You visit the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, one of the largest ‘free ranging’ sanctuaries of its kind in the world. You return to Knysna via the quaint seaside town of Plettenberg Bay. (B)
DAY 5 Sunday Knysna / Hermanus Today you travel along the coastal mountain ranges via Mosselbay and Swellendam to Hermanus, one of the world’s best shore based whale watching sites between August and November. (BL)
DAY 6
Monday Hermanus / Arrive Cape Town
Today you depart from Hermanus and travel along the spectacular coastal road to Somerset West and Cape Town where on arrival late in the day, your tour ends. (B)
Cape & Garden Route Departures Every Wednesday
Time to visit Best: January to May Shoulder: August to December Worst: June to July
Star rating 3 to 4-star only
Combines well with Cape & Peninsula, page 36 Mala Mala & Panorama, page 33 Southern Africa & Egypt, page 14 Cape, Namibia & Vic Falls, page 18 37 vineyards, robertson
knysna lagoon & heads
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
MALAWI
7 days:
malawi highlights hippo & friends
lake malawi
DAY 3
park, accompanied by a guide from the lodge. Waterbuck, Sable, Impala, Rhino and Elephant are found close to the Shire River. Further into the national park, animals such as Lion, Leopard and Kudu can also be spotted.
Lake Malawi
Malawi Lilongwe
Cape Maclear
Liwonde Zomba
Explore the highlights of Malawi, an unknown treasure in the heart of Africa. Visit the famous Mua Mission and Museum on the road to Cape Maclear, stay at Mumbo Island in the tropical fish paradise of Lake Malawi, ascend to the top of the breathtaking Zomba Plateau before ending your safari with Liwonde National Park.
DAY 1
Arrive Lilongwe / Lake Malawi Your tour begins on arrival at Lilongwe Airport where you will be met and taken by road to Cape Maclear at the bottom end of Lake Malawi. Enroute you visit the famous Mua Mission and Museum where you may gain a better understanding about Malawi’s three main tribes. All their history, culture and rituals are exposed in this colourful museum. On arrival in Cape Maclear you are taken by boat to your fully furnished tented camp on Mumbo Island, in the Lake Malawi National Park, for a two-night stay. The camp is built on the outskirts of the island and provides the most exclusive views over Lake Malawi. (D)
DAY 2
38
Lake Malawi National Park You spend today relaxing on Mumbo Island. Lake Malawi National Park is probably the most important freshwater fish sanctuary in Africa, protecting a diversity of endemic tropical fish species (Cyclids). Scuba diving and snorkelling in this tropical paradise are therefore popular activities, as well as swimming or exploring the island’s surroundings on foot. (BLD)
Lake Malawi / Zomba Plateau
After breakfast on the island you are taken back to the mainland where you are met and driven to the interesting Colonial town of Zomba, the former capital of Malawi. Here you can visit the colourful and busy markets in town before heading up the Zomba Plateau to your hotel, built on the cliffs of the plateau overlooking the beautiful gardens and pine forests of the Zomba Valley below. (BD)
DAY 4
Zomba Plateau
You spend the day on the Zomba Plateau, one of the most popular areas in Malawi for walking and hiking. You may go for a hike to Chingwe’s Hole or to see one of the many waterfalls and stunning viewpoints. (BLD)
DAY 5
Zomba Plateau / Liwonde NP
After breakfast you descend from the plateau as you are driven to your lodge in Liwonde National Park. You arrive around lunch time. Your lodge overlooks the beautiful Shire River with the veranda of each of the chalets raised to ensure prime and discreet game viewing. Mvuu, the name of the lodge, means hippo in Chichewa and the lodge is located on the hippo infested Shire River in the national park. Although relatively small in size, there is plenty of wildlife to be seen here. (BLD)
DAY 6
Liwonde National Park
Today you may undertake game drives, walks, night drives or a boat ride into the
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
A boat ride on the Shire River offers an excellent opportunity to come really close to the many birds and animals who must depend on this beautiful river for their survival. (BLD)
DAY 7
Liwonde NP / Depart Lilongwe
After breakfast you will be driven back to Lilongwe Airport where, on arrival in the early afternoon, your Malawi Highlights Tour comes to an end. (B)
Malawi Highlights Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: April to September Shoulder: Jan to Mar & Oct to Dec (rain & heat)
Star rating 3-star or 4-star only
Combines well with Cape & Peninsula, page 36 Vic Falls & Chobe NP, page 29 Best of Namibia Safari, page 30 Best East Africa Safari, page 22
MALAWI & ZAMBIA
8 days:
best of Malawi& zambia game viewing from kafunta river lodge
Zambia South Luangwa
Lake Malawi Mfuwe
Lilongwe
Lusaka
Cape Maclear
Malawi
Explore the highlights of Lake Malawi, an unknown treasure in the heart of Africa, before ending your safari with South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
DAY 1
Arrive Lilongwe / Lake Malawi Your tour begins on arrival at Lilongwe Airport where you are met and taken to your chosen lodge. Depending on your choice, you are either taken by road to Cape Maclear at the bottom end of Lake Malawi or flown by light aircraft to your lodge on Likomo Island. On arrival you are made welcome for an exotic three-night stay. (D)
DAY 2-3 Lake Malawi You spend these days relaxing at the lodge and undertaking a range of activities on offer. Lake Malawi NP is probably Africa’s most important freshwater fish sanctuary, protecting a diversity of endemic tropical species (Cyclids). Scuba diving (optional) and snorkelling in this tropical paradise are popular, as well as swimming or exploring the island’s surroundings on foot. (BLD)
DAY 5-7 South Luangwa National Park These days will be spent enjoying the wildlife of the Luangwa Valley in open 4X4 safari vehicles by day and at night, as well as undertaking various walking safaris. Wildlife highlights in the Luangwa include most of the big game: Elephant, Lion, Buffalo and in particular, Leopard! (BLD)
DAY 8 Luangwa Valley / Depart Lusaka Following breakfast you are taken back to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Lusaka, where on arrival your Malawi & Zambia Safari comes to an end. (B) This itinerary can be lengthened, shortened or altered to include more game activities. leopard, south luangwa NP
Best of Malawi & Zambia Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: April to September Shoulder: Jan to Mar & Oct to Dec (rain & heat)
DAY 4
Lake Malawi / Luangwa Valley This morning you are either flown or taken by road to Lilongwe Airport where you firstly clear Customs and Immigration. You then undertake a light aircraft flight to Mfuwe International Airport adjacent to South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Here you are met by your guide and driven to your lodge located on the banks of the Luangwa River. Here you have a wonderful wildlife filled four-night stay. (BD)
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Cape & Peninsula, page 36 Vic Falls & Chobe NP, page 29 Best of Namibia Safari, page 30 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 39 local girl, malawi
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
TANZANIA
7 days:
Exotic Zanzibar old stone town, zanzibar
east coast of zanzibar
Culture of Zanzibar and the Swahili Coast). You are returned to the hotel later this morning where you have the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)
DAY 7
Zanzibar Ras Nungwi
Pemba Island Blue Bay Beach Resort
Zanzibar Stone Town
Unguja Island Breezes Beach Club
The exotic Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar or Unguja, which is its correct name, with Zanzibar being the island’s main town, is steeped in a rich and sometimes dark history. This history comes from many influences, having been ruled at different times by Omanis, Arabs, Europeans and now Africans. Zanzibar is often referred to as the “Spice Island” for good reason, as not only are many spices grown here but a number, now grown in other parts of the world, originated here. With its World Heritage listed Old Stone Town and magnificent palm fringed beaches, this mystical island has a lot to offer visitors.
DAY 1
Arrive Zanzibar On arrival at Zanzibar Airport you are met and taken to your hotel, conveniently located in the Old Stone Town portion of the city, for an exotic three-night stay.
DAY 2
40
Old Stone Town City Tour Following breakfast you are taken into the Old Stone Town of Zanzibar for a comprehensive city tour. You start off taking a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of Old Zanzibar. Here you experience the rich Zanzibari Culture in its many exotic and colourful bazaars. The walking tour culminates as you are taken through the intimidating slave market and slave chambers. From here, you pass along the beach road to the Old British Consulate, the Old Fort and the House of Wonders (the Museum of History and
DAY 3
Old Stone Town – Spice Tour Zanzibar is referred to as the “Spice Island” for good reason. This morning you embark on a tour to a spice and tropical fruit farm, where you see numerous varieties of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg and mace as well as tropical fruits such as jack fruit, bread fruit and the perfume and lipstick trees, being grown. You also visit the Kibweni Palace to view its famous Persian Baths, built in 1850 by the first Sultan of Zanzibar for his wife, Princess Shehrzard. This afternoon is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. (B)
DAY 4
Old Stone Town / East Coast Today you are taken to a beach hotel on the East Coast of the island. With miles of white sandy palm fringed beaches and coves, the ocean on this side offers warm clear blue waters, excellent reefs for snorkelling and diving, fantastic fishing, water sports and delicious fresh seafood. (BD)
DAY 5-6 East Coast of Zanzibar You have these two days to relax and enjoy your hotel and its surroundings. Diving and snorkelling can be extraordinary in this part of the world with the seas around Zanzibar considered among the best waters for diving in the Indian Ocean. (BD)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
East Coast / Depart Zanzibar
Today you bid farewell to this most exotic of islands as you are taken to the airport for your onward flight. Your Exotic Zanzibar Tour ends at the airport. (B)
Please note: This tour can be lengthened or shortened to accommodate your wishes or your flight schedule. 4 day ‘ZANZIBAR CULTURAL STAY’ Please see Day 1 to 4 above with the addition of an airport transfer on Day 4. 4 day ‘ZANZIBAR BEACH STAY’ Please see Day 4 to 7 above with the addition of an airport transfer on Day 4.
Exotic Zanzibar Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: May to September Shoulder: Jan to Apr & Oct to Dec (heat & humidity)
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Best East Africa Safari, page 22 Best of Tanzania Safari, page 27 East Africa & Egypt, page 16 Southern & East Africa, page 12
RWANDA
5 days:
Gorillas &Gold Monkeys young mountain gorilla, volcanoes np, virunga mountains
Virunga Mountains Volcanoes NP
Kinigi
Lake Kivu Kigali
Rwanda
Rwanda is a small landlocked country bordering Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Congo. It is dominated by a central plateau made up of steep mountains and deep valleys and is therefore also known as “Land of thousand hills”. On the western side of the plateau is found Rwanda’s principal geographic feature; the famous Virunga chain of volcanoes which extend towards the Congo and Ugandan borders. These volcanoes form part of the Albertine Rift Valley and it is here that one can find Rwanda’s main attraction: the gorillas! Rwanda has a very rich history and culture. It was long regarded as a mysterious kingdom with a legendary military force and as a result, was carefully bypassed by Arab traders and the great Nile Explorers. Together with Burundi and Tanzania, Rwanda formed part of the German East African Colony.
DAY 1
In Rwanda you find memorials across the country to recall the genocide of 1994. The most important Genocide Memorials are those of Kigali (Gisozi) where the history of the tragedy is explained.
DAY 3
Virunga Mountains This morning you commence your search for the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. You have the opportunity to visit one of the habituated gorilla families. Sitting among them as they go about their daily activities will be one of the most poignant and thrilling wildlife encounters of your life! The sheer physical presence of an adult male silverback, three times as bulky as a man, yet remarkably peaceful and tolerant of humans, defies description. (BLD)
DAY 4
Virunga Mountains / Kigali Following breakfast you set off in search of the Golden Monkeys found in this area. A visit to the Golden Monkeys is a very different experience from the gorilla encounter of yesterday. The monkeys react and interact completely differently from the gorillas and keep up their game of hide-and-seek while you watch. This is followed by lunch while heading back to Kigali where, on arrival, you will check into your hotel for tonight. (BL)
DAY 5
Depart Kigali This morning you are taken to Kigali Airport where on arrival, your tour comes to an end. (B)
Gorillas & Gold Monkeys Departures Daily
Arrive Kigali
Time to visit
On arrival at Kigali Airport you are met and taken to your hotel for the night.
Best: June to August Shoulder: September to May (more rain)
DAY 2
Kigali / Virunga Mountains This morning you will undertake a comprehensive Kigali City Tour, which includes a visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi. A visit to the Genocide Memorial is for most visitors a highly emotional event! Later you travel by road to Kinigi in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. Here you check in to your lodge for a two-night stay. (BD)
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Best East Africa Safari, page 22 Best of Tanzania Safari, page 27 Best of Kenya Safari, page 25 Best of Malawi & Zambia, page 39 41 golden monkey, rwanda
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
ETHIOPIA
9 days:
Enchanting Ethiopia
Axum Debark
Simien Mts
Gondar
Lalibela
Lake Tana Blue N
Ethiopia ile
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia is a land of enchantment and wonder, a country with one of the richest histories on the African Continent, a land of contrasts and surprises, of remote and wild places, home to cultured and friendly people who descended from some of the world’s oldest civilisations. This is the land of the fabled Queen of Sheba, home of the Ark of the Covenant and “Lucy”, the world’s oldest known almost complete hominid skeleton, as well as the birthplace of coffee!
DAY 1
Arrive Addis Ababa On arrival in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, you are met and taken to your well located city hotel for two nights.
These have eroded into fantastic crags, pinnacles and flat topped mountains (“the chess pieces of the Gods”, as once described). Here you should see the endemic Gelada or “Bleeding Heart Baboon”. (BLD)
DAY 4
Simien Mountains NP / Gondar This morning you return to Gondar with a visit to the former Felasha or Bait Israel Village at Wolleka enroute. Later you are taken to the Royal Enclosure or Fasil Gibbi. Within the compound are the castles of the various Gondarene Emperors. You also visit the Bath of King Fasilides, where at Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany) a nearby river is diverted to fill an area the size of a small swimming pool! Here worshippers plunge into the cold water in a re-enactment of Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan. (BLD)
DAY 5
Gondar / Lalibela Today you fly to Lalibela for two nights. At the end of the 12th Century, King Lalibela of the Zaghwe Dynasty built a series of rock hewn churches—the “New Jerusalem” as he called it—now acknowledged as one of the Wonders of the World. After checking in you visit these churches. (BLD)
DAY 6
Lalibela After breakfast you walk to the Church of Ashetun Mariam, passing through villages enroute. There are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the mountain where the church is located. After lunch you visit Yemrehane Christos, built by the king of the same name. (BLD)
DAY 7
Lalibela / Axum This morning you fly to Axum for a two-night stay. From around 200 BC to 700 AD, Axum was the seat of an empire which extended across the Red Sea to Arabia, traded with India and China, minted its own coinage and had its own alphabet. After lunch you start your tour of this fascinating area with a visit to the museum and stelae followed by a visit to the Castle of King Kalab, passing Mai Shum (Bath of the Queen of Sheba) on the way. On your return to town you visit the site known as “Queen Sheba’s Palace”. (BLD)
DAY 8 Axum Today you undertake a tour to Yeha, Ethiopia’s first city where settlement dates back more than 2,800 years. Here you visit the remains of a temple dedicated to Ilmuqeh, the Moon God. During today’s drive you will be confronted by the dramatic mountain backdrop of the “Teeth of Adua”, the striking mountain scenery where in 1896 King Menelik II defeated the invading Italian Forces. (BLD)
DAY 9
Axum / Depart Addis Ababa This morning you are taken to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa where on arrival, your tour comes to an end. (B)
Please note: At all places visited outside of Addis Ababa the best hotels are used but some are basic and would be considered 2-star except in Addis Ababa. The meals are also fairly basic outside of Addis Ababa.
DAY 2
Addis Ababa Following breakfast you undertake an interesting city and surroundings tour. You visit the National Archaeological Museum, which houses the 3.5 million year old bones of “Lucy” as well as many other exhibits. Also included are the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, Menelik’s Mausoleum and the Mercato, the largest market in Africa. (BL)
Enchanting Ethiopia Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: April to September Shoulder: Jan to Mar & Oct to Dec (some rain)
DAY 3
42
Addis Ababa / Simien Mts NP This morning you fly to Gondar, the Imperial Capital from the 17th to mid the 19th Centuries. From here travel to Debark by road. Here you visit Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which presents perhaps the most dramatic scenery in Africa: great volcanic plugs, formed 40 million years ago!
Star rating 2 to 4-star only
Combines well with Best East Africa Safari, page 22 Best of Tanzania Safari, page 27 Ancient Egypt, page 44 Joburg to Cape Town, page 34 castles of gondar, ethiopia
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
MOROCCO
8 days:
Rabat Casablanca
Best of Morocco quarzazate, morocco
hotel gardens & pool, morocco
to Ouarzazate you visit the kasbahs at Tiffeltout and Taourirt. Later in the evening you are taken to the airport for your flight to Fez with a plane change in Casablanca. You arrive in Fez late tonight and are met and taken to your hotel for two nights. (B)
DAY 7
Meknes Fez
Morocco Marrakech Ouarzazate
DAY 1
Sunday Arrive Casablanca / Marrakech
On arrival in Casablanca you are met and taken for lunch at a traditional Moroccan restaurant. You then take a short walk in the streets of the old Medina visiting various souks and the main market before returning to the airport for your flight to Marrakech. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel for two nights. (L)
DAY 2
Monday Marrakech
Today you visit the highlights of the ancient city of Marrakech. You see Saadyines Tombs, Menara and Agdal Gardens, the Koutoubia and Bahia Palace. Later you experience the souks of Marrakech and Djemaa El Fna Square before enjoying dinner and a lively folklore show at a typical restaurant. (BD)
DAY 3
Tuesday Marrakech / Ouarzazate After breakfast you are driven through the spectacular High Altas Mountains, to Ouarzazate. Due to the striking landscape, situated in the southern Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate has been the set for many film productions. On arrival you are taken to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. (BD)
DAY 4
Wednesday Ouarzazate / Fez This morning you undertake a half day tour to visit the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, the most spectacular fortress in the south of Morocco. When returning
DAY 5
Thursday Fez
Fez is one of the four so-called “imperial cities”, the others being Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. It is separated into three parts, Fez el Bali which is the old, walled city; Fes-Jdid or the new Fes; and the Ville Nouvelle, the newest section of Fez created by the French. The Medina of Fez el Bali, the largest of the two medina’s of Fez, is believed to be the world’s largest contiguous car-free urban area. A great day of sightseeing awaits! You visit the medieval Medina, the Medersas, the Karaouine Mosque and University (the oldest in the world), as well as the Nejjarin Fountain. In the afternoon you are taken to explore the famous souks of Fez. (BD)
DAY 6
Friday Fez / Meknes
This morning you are driven to Meknes, visiting Moulay Idriss, a sacred Islamic town and the Roman ruins of Volubilis. On arrival in Meknes, also known as the “Moroccan Versailles” you are taken on a sightseeing tour during which you visit the beautiful old medina and the Medresse Bou Inania. (BD)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Saturday Meknes / Rabat / Casablanca
After breakfast you are driven to Rabat. On arrival in the “Imperial Garden City” as Rabat is also known, you visit the Casbah of Oudayas, Hassan Tower, as well as the walls of Mechouar, which surround the Royal Palace. Following this interesting visit you drive down the coast to Casablanca. (BD)
DAY 8
Sunday Depart Casablanca
After breakfast you tour “The White City”, as Casablanca is also known. This includes the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche Boulevard. You are at leisure before being taken to the airport. Your tour ends here. (B)
Best of Morocco Departures Every Sunday
Time to visit Best: Jan to Apr & Sept to Dec Shoulder: May to August (extreme heat)
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Ancient Egypt, page 44 Best of Jordan, page 46 Cape Town to Cairo, page 6 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 43
EGYPT
10 days:
Ancient Egypt Pyramids of Giza, egypt
Cairo
Nile
Egypt Luxor Aswan
Abu Simbel
Experience Tour Highlights • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Expert local guides in each location. The City of Cairo. The Pyramids of Giza. The Sphinx. Step Pyramid at Saqqara & Memphis. Luxor & Karnak Temple. 4-night Nile River Cruise. The Valley of the Kings. The Temple of Kom Ombo. Aswan. The Philae Complex. The Unfinished Obelisk. Kitchener’s Island in the Nile. Abu Simbel, in Nubia. Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. The Tutankhamun Gold Collection. Khan El-Khalili Market. Pyramids Sound & Light Show.
Dining Experiences • This Experience Tour includes many but not all meals, allowing you to eat where you like in your free time. • 22 superb meals included in the tour: 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches & 6 Dinners.
44
DAY 1
Wednesday Arrive Cairo
On arrival in Cairo you are met and taken to your hotel for a three-night stay.
DAY 2
Thursday Cairo You have the day at leisure to relax after your late arrival last night. (B)
DAY 3
Friday Cairo Following breakfast you are taken to the Giza Plateau where you visit the Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) as well as the Great Sphinx. Napoleon Bonaparte summed them up in the following statement to his troops before the Battle of Giza in1798: “From atop these pyramids, forty centuries look down upon you”. They are the most recognisable landmarks known to man and in addition, are the only remaining “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World” still standing. This afternoon you visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara which pre-dates the Pyramids of Giza, but which also form part of the Memphis Necropolis. Memphis was founded in 3,100 BC by Menes, the king who united Upper and Lower Egypt. (BL)
DAY 4
Saturday Cairo / Luxor / Nile Cruise This morning you are taken to the airport for your flight to Luxor, sometimes called the “world’s greatest open air museum”. On arrival you undertake a visit to the impressive Karnak Temple.
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Karnak was constructed over a period spanning thirteen hundred years. It is the largest temple complex in the world and is made up of three main temples, some smaller enclosed ones and several outer temples. You are then taken to your Nile Cruise boat for lunch. This afternoon you visit the West Bank of the Nile, known in ancient times as “The Place of the Dead”, where you visit the Valley of the Kings. Due to the Pharaohs’ fearing that structures such as the Great Pyramids of Giza would be plundered, they changed their thinking and started hiding their tombs as they have done in the Valley of the Kings. Two of the most well known Pharaohs buried here are Ramesses II and Tutankhamun. (BLD)
DAY 5
Sunday Nile River Cruise
You depart Luxor today and sail to Esna. While travelling up the Nile River you witness the local people farming the banks of the river as their ancestors have done for many thousands of years. (BLD)
DAY 6
Monday Nile River Cruise Today you visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Edfu was also known as the Greek City of Apollinopolis Magna and was a religious and commercial centre. The Temple of Horus, located on its outskirts, was dedicated to the Falcon Headed God and dates back to 237 BC. After visiting the temple you rejoin your cruise boat and sail to Kom Ombo, “City of Gold”. (BLD)
the sphinx, egypt
rapids on the nile, aswan
DAY 7
DAY 8
Tuesday Nile River Cruise This morning you visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, made up of two identical temples. One was dedicated to the Crocodile God, Sobek and the other to the Older Falcon Headed God, Haroeies. You then sail on to Aswan where you stay in port for tonight. On arrival you visit the Philae Complex, situated on an small island on the Nile and dominated by the Temple of Isis. You then visit the Unfinished Obelisk, still in the quarry where it has remained for centuries following a crack that formed in it at the time of construction. Later you sail to the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Is before returning to your vessel for tonight. (BLD)
Wednesday Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo This morning you are taken to Aswan Airport for your short flight to Abu Simbel in Nubia. Abu Simbel is home to the famous Temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari. These temples are the most impressive temples in Egypt. On arrival you undertake a tour to allow you to thoroughly appreciate the complexity and enormity of the temples. In the afternoon you fly back to Cairo where you are met and taken to your hotel for a final two nights. (BLD)
DAY 9
Thursday Cairo Following breakfast you undertake a very interesting tour to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Opened in1902, it is world renowned for its Tutankhamun Gold Collection and numerous mummies of Ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs or their wives. In addition, it has an impressive collection of large and small statues, jewels, coins and other artifacts. This will be followed by a visit to the Khan el-Khalili Market, founded in 1382 to control goods moving between the East and West. Here you enjoy lunch. You then have time to wonder around this fascinating market. Tonight you are taken back to the Giza Pyramids for dinner and a spectacular Sound & Light Show. (BLD)
DAY 10 Friday Depart Cairo Today you are taken to Cairo Airport where your tour comes to an end. (B) abu simbel (detail), Egypt
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
tutankhamun gold, cairo
Ancient Egypt Departures Wednesdays or Daily with modified itinerary and slightly different cost
Time to visit Best: Jan to Apr & Oct to Dec Shoulder: May & September Worst: June to Aug (extreme heat)
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Best of Jordan, page 46 Oman & Arabian Fjords, page 47 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 45
JORDAN
7 days: Dead Sea
Best of Jordan petra, jordan
main avenue, jerash, jordan
Your tour starts by horse drawn cart and is followed by a walk through the Siq, a long narrow fissure between the two overhanging cliffs, which are over 80 metres high in parts. After proceeding through the Siq, the Red Rose City with her spectacular treasury, Royal Tombs, Burial Chambers and High Places of Sacrifice will unfold her mysteries.
Rum with its spectacular desert formations and colours. You witness the changing colours as the sun begins to go down before being taken to your hotel in Aqaba for the night. (BL)
Amman
Jordan Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba
DAY 1
Arrive Amman On arrival in Amman, the capital of Jordan, you are met and taken to your hotel for a two-night stay.
DAY 2
Amman This morning you depart on a full day sightseeing excursion beginning with a visit to one of the three Crusader Castles in Jordan, Ajulan Castle. Following the visit you are taken to Jerash which dates back 2,000 years and is acknowledged as one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman Architecture outside of Italy. Here you are taken on a guided tour which is followed by free time to explore further on your own.
You then spend some more time exploring the extensive complex before returning to your hotel to relax. Later this evening you are taken for a Petra-by-Night Tour. (B)
Aqaba / Dead Sea Following breakfast you are taken by road to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth! After checking in to you hotel, you have the remainder of the day at leisure. You may wish to go for an unusual ‘swim’ in the Dead Sea. (B)
DAY 5
DAY 7
Petra / Aqaba
Later in the morning you are taken by road to the port city of Aqaba. On the way you undertake a 4X4 excursion to visit Wadi
Following lunch you undertake a brief tour of Amman during which you should see Jabal al-Qal’a (Citadel Hill), the Umayyad Place and the Roman Theatre. Before returning to your hotel for the night, you undertake a casual walk in the old downtown area of the city, through the Suq (bazaars) and the Gold Market. (BL)
Dead Sea / Depart Amman After a leisurely breakfast you are taken to Amman Airport and assisted with your check in for your onward flight. (B)
Best of Jordan Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: Jan to Apr & Oct to Dec Shoulder: May & September Worst: June to Aug (extreme heat)
DAY 3
Amman / Petra You depart today and drive to the ancient town of Petra. During the drive you travel via the ancient King’s Way and visit Madaba, Mt Nebo, Mujib and see Kerak Castle enroute. (B)
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Ancient Egypt, page 44 Oman & Arabian Fjords, page 47 Best of Morocco, page 43 Enchanting Ethiopia, page 42
DAY 4
46
DAY 6
Petra Today you undertake a full day guided visit to the ancient Nabatean Capital of Petra, dating back over 2,000 years. wadi rum, jordan
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
OMAN & UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Oman & Arabian FJords
6 days:
arabian fjords, oman
Khasab Dubai
UAE Muscat
Grand Canyon Nizwa
Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is located on the northeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula and includes the enclaves of Madha and Musandam, which are completely enclosed by the United Arab Emirates. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
DAY 1
Arrive Muscat On arrival in Muscat, you will be met and taken to your hotel for three nights.
DAY 2
Muscat – Grand Canyon This morning you begin your adventure to Oman’s Grand Canyon. Firstly you are driven to the foothills of the Jebel Akhdar Mountain Range with a stop at the Nizwa Souq, famed for its antiques and silver jewellery. You then have a brief stop at the Round Tower Fort before stopping at Wadi Nakher, located in the depths of Oman’s deepest canyon and Misfah, a pretty mountain village with stone dwellings. Before returning to Muscat you have a final stop at Wadi Ghul in the Jebel Akhdar Ranges, which offers spectacular views. (B)
DAY 3
Muscat City Tour This morning you are taken on a Muscat City Tour, providing a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial centre existing in harmony with its traditional culture. With its natural harbour, Muscat means “Anchorage” and lies in a natural volcanic bowl. You tour the Grand Mosque and the Bait Al Zubair Museum as an introduction to Oman’s history and development.
You are then taken for a drive along the waterfront, known as the Corniche, visiting the Fish Market and the colourful Muttrah Souq enroute. There will be a brief photo opportunity at the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official palace of the Sultan, which is flanked by the 16th Century Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali, before being returned to you hotel. (B)
DAY 4
Muscat / Khasab This morning you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Khasab, where on arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel for two nights. This afternoon you undertake a 4X4 Mountain Safari to Jebel Harim, the highest mountain in Musandam. From here you can view the splendid coastline below with its turquoise blue waters lapping the shore alongside the Birkhat Khalidiya Park. (B)
DAY 5
Khasab – Arabian Fjords This morning you will be taken to Khasab Port where you board a Dhow vessel and begin your cruise to the Fjords of Musandam. These fjords, dubbed as the “Norway of the Middle East” because of the inlets being likened to Norway’s fjords, are spectacular. You enjoy lunch on board. (BL)
DAY 6
Khasab / Depart Dubai Following breakfast you are taken by road to Dubai, where your tour comes to an end. You will either be dropped at the hotel of your choice or at the airport for your onward flight. (B)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
the grand mosque, muscat
Oman & Arabian Fjords Departures Daily
Time to visit Best: Jan to Apr & Oct to Dec Shoulder: May & September Worst: June to Aug (extreme heat)
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Ancient Egypt, page 44 Best of Jordan, page 46 Best of Morocco, page 43 Dubai Stopover, page 48 47
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
4 days:
Dubai Stopover dubai skyline, early evening
Dubai
UAE
Oman
Depending on which airline you fly with to Africa or the Middle East, we have a variety of exciting packages available at different transit points for you to consider. When flying to Southern and East Africa we recommend using South African Airways. It is possible to combine one of their direct flights with a flight which stops in Mauritius when going to or returning from Africa. When flying to South Africa or Egypt we sometimes use Singapore Airlines. An example of this is the Cape Town to Cairo Tour. This gives you the opportunity of breaking the journey in Singapore. Sometimes the best flight connections into Africa are provided by Emirates, allowing the opportunity of stopping over in Dubai.
The dhow is a nostalgic reminder of the Arabian spirit of adventure which dates back to the times of pearl fishing and trading. On board you will be pampered by the Arabian hospitality and spoilt with the choice of delicious food. You may also enjoy the panoramic view of the glittering Dubai City skyline by night and the freshness of the sea breeze. (BD)
DAY 3
Dubai
You have most of the day at leisure. Later in the afternoon you are taken on a safari which affords the opportunity to experience the desert. You stop at a camel camp on the way to view these animals called “the ships of the desert�.
Here you relax in the tranquillity and silence of desert, surrounded by majestic sand dunes which seem to glow by the light of the setting sun. A sumptuous Arabian style BBQ of various succulent fresh meats and salads is served. You will delight at seeing all of the night stars during this unforgettable night in the desert. (BD)
DAY 4
Depart Dubai
Today you are collected from your hotel and taken to the airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)
Dubai Stopover
DAY 1
Arrive Dubai On arrival at the airport in Dubai you are met and taken to your chosen hotel.
Departures Daily
Time to visit
DAY 2
48
You then drive over the high sand dunes, before entering the camp-site which is set in a serene enclave and especially decorated to give it an authentic Arabian ambience.
Dubai This morning you are taken on a tour of Dubai where you experience a variety of sights and scents of the Orient in a cosmopolitan setting, a true introduction to the Arabian Gulf and a good way to help you get your bearings. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the city further, visit other interesting sights around town, relax on the beach or to go shopping. This evening you are taken on a romantic evening cruise on a traditional dhow (Arabic boat).
Best: Jan to Apr & Oct to Dec Shoulder: May & September Worst: June to Aug (extreme heat)
Star rating 3-star, 4-star or 5-star
Combines well with Ancient Egypt, page 44 Oman & Arabian Fjords, page 47 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 Best of Jordan, page 46 original resident
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
SOUTH AFRICA & SWAZILAND
15 days:
Budget South Africa DAY 4
Mpumalanga Johannesburg Zululand Drakensberg
Kruger NP Swaziland Ngwenya Durban
South Africa
Oudtshoorn Cape Town
Knysna
East London Port Elizabeth
DAY 1
Sunday Arrive Johannesburg On arrival into Joburg Airport you take the hotel shuttle to your nearby airport hotel.
DAY 2
Monday Johannesburg / Mpumalanga You depart for Mpumalanga as you travel on the Panorama Route, via Graskop and visit Blyde River Canyon and Bourk’s Luck Potholes before arriving in Hazyview. (BD)
DAY 3
Tuesday Mpumalanga – Kruger NP Early today you depart for the world famous Kruger National Park, where you spend the day looking for the ‘Big 5’: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo found here. (B)
Wednesday Mpumalanga / Swaziland After breakfast you travel to the Kingdom of Swaziland where you visit the Ngwenya glass factory. Here you see glass blowers create a range of enchanting African animals, birds and fish, made from100% recycled glass collected by local children. (B)
DAY 5
Thursday Swaziland / Zululand You continue through Swaziland stopping at some craft stalls, before re-entering South Africa. You visit the KwaZulu-Natal Region where ancient tradition and modern culture of Zulus and Settlers have merged well. (B)
DAY 6
DAY 10 Tuesday East London / Port Elizabeth Today you have an East London City Tour before driving to historic Grahamstown, where you visit the1820 Settler Monument. You then continue on to Port Elizabeth. (B) Day 11 Wednesday Port Elizabeth / Knysna
Today you commence the Garden Route at Tsitsikamma Forest, full of scenic spots. This afternoon you travel to Knysna, known as South Africa’s “oyster box”, on the banks of a lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. (B) Day 12 Thursday Knysna – Oudtshoorn
Friday Zululand / Durban This morning you continue past sugar cane fields enroute to Durban. On arrival you have a City & Botanical Gardens Tour. (BD)
Today you travel inland, over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, the centre of the world’s ostrich industry. Here you visit Cango Caves and an ostrich farm. (BD)
DAY 7
Day 13 Friday Knysna / Cape Town
Saturday Durban / Drakensberg You visit spectacular Howick Falls before continuing on the Midlands Meander Route to your Drakensberg Mountains hotel. (BD)
DAY 8
Sunday Drakensberg A free day to explore the Drakensberg. (BD)
DAY 9
Monday Drakensberg / East London Enroute to East London you stop in Umtata to visit Mandela’s birthplace. After a museum visit you continue on to East London. (B)
Enroute to Cape Town you stop at Mossel Bay’s famous “Post Office Tree”, dating from when tall ships sailed around the Cape. (BD) Day 14 Saturday Cape Town
Today is at leisure to enjoy Cape Town. (B)
Free inclusion: This morning you enjoy a Cape Town City and Table Mountain Tour. Day 15 Sunday Depart Cape Town
Your tour ends at hotel check out today. (B)
Budget South Africa Departures Selected Sundays each month
Time to visit Best: January to May Shoulder: June to December
Star rating 3-star only
Combines well with Vic Falls & Chobe NP, page 29 Cape & Peninsula, page 36 Budget Cape to Vic Falls, page 50 Budget Tanzania Safari, page 54 49 lion, south africa
‘enroute to durban’ road sign
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA,
22 days:
budget Cape to Vic Falls leopard, botswana
Victoria Falls Okavango River Livingstone Etosha NP Chobe Twyfelfontein River Swakopmund Walvis Bay Sesriem Fish River Canyon Augrabies Falls NP
Kgalagadi TP Calvinia
Cape Town
DAY 1
Sunday Arrive Cape Town Your tour starts on arrival at Cape Town Airport where you are met and taken to your hotel for two nights. Set against the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions.
DAY 2
Monday Cape Town – Peninsula Tour
Today we undertake a full day Peninsular Tour. Driving along the Atlantic Coast via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak, we visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve returning to our hotel via the Indian Ocean Coast. A Table Mountain cable car ascent is included. (B)
DAY 3
Tuesday Cape Town / Calvinia
After leaving Cape Town this morning, we pass through the picturesque Namaqualand Region arriving in the historic town of Calvinia, nestled at the foot of the Hantam Mountain Range. Between August and October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the numerous wild flowers of the region. (BD)
DAY 4
50
Wednesday Calvinia / Augrabies Falls NP
Leaving the Little Karoo behind, we head north to Augrabies Falls National Park. Here the mighty Orange River plummets 56 metres into a gorge. The local name for these majestic falls is Aukoerebis or “place of great noise”. We spend the afternoon enjoying the falls from many viewpoints. (B)
DAY 5
Thursday Augrabies Falls / Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park From Augrabies Falls National Park we head into the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous Black-maned Lion. (B)
DAY 6
Friday Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
We will spend the day exploring this interesting park, seeking out the interesting wildlife that calls it home. (B)
DAY 10 Tuesday Sesriem Canyon Today we have an early morning departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We then undertake a five km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. In the afternoon we enjoy a short walk through the picturesque Sesriem Canyon. (BD)
DAY 11 Wednesday Sesriem / Swakopmund After breakfast we cross the desert and reach the coast at Walvis Bay where we have the opportunity of viewing many flamingos. Later today we complete the short drive to Swakopmund where we have two nights. (B)
DAY 7
Saturday Kgalagadi / Fish River Canyon Leaving the Kalahari Region we head west and enter Namibia where we visit the Fish River Canyon. (BD)
DAY 8
Sunday Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is one of the largest and most awe-inspiring canyons to be seen in the world. (BD)
DAY 9
Monday Fish River Canyon / Sesriem Our journey today will take us north through ever changing scenery to our accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert. We enjoy a sunset walk in the dunes surrounding our camp. (BD) fish river canyon, namibia
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
BOTSWANA & ZAMBIA
DAY 12 Thursday Swakopmund Today we will have the whole day at leisure to explore this German Colonial town. (B)
DAY 13 Friday Swakopmund / Twyfelfontein Our drive today takes us inland through the Damaraland Region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. We undertake walks in the Twyfelfontein area to see the “Bushmen Paintings”, rock engravings as well as the Organ Pipes. (B)
DAY 14 Saturday Twyfelfontein / Etosha NP In the morning we visit a Himba Settlement. The Himba are a seminomadic people, living in scattered settlements throughout the region. Characterised by their proud yet friendly stature, the women are noted for their unusual beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and dress. A few hours are spent learning more about these unusual people. We then proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy our first game drive. (BD)
DAY 15 Sunday Etosha National Park Etosha is one of the most important parks in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as Wildebeest, Springbok, Zebra, Kudu, Giraffe, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion and Elephant making this area their home.
Floodlit waterholes at the camp-sites attract an abundance of animals throughout the evening, providing us with many amazing wildlife sightings. We enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives. (BD)
DAY 16 Monday Etosha NP / Okavango River Today we leave the more arid areas behind as we enter the Caprivi Strip where we spend the night among the lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River. (BD)
DAY 17 Tuesday Okavango River We will have a relaxing day whilst enjoying the prolific bird and animal life of the Okavango. There are a number of optional excursions available, at additional cost. (BD)
DAY 21 Saturday Livingstone – Victoria Falls Today is at leisure to explore this most interesting area. Optional activities include visiting the falls, white water rafting, bungi jumping, helicopter flights over the falls, lion walks and elephant back safaris. These activities involve additional cost. (B)
DAY 22 Sunday Depart Livingstone Your tour ends this morning when you check out of your hotel and are taken to Livingstone Airport. There are good connections for flights home or alternatively, you can continue on with another Experience Tour package. (B)
DAY 18 Wednesday Okavango River / Chobe River Our journey today takes us into Botswana as we pass through Chobe National Park. (BD)
DAY 19 Thursday Chobe River Chobe NP is famous for its large herds of Elephant, its magnificent sunsets and restful river cruises. We relax on a sunset gameviewing cruise on the Chobe River. (BD)
DAY 20 Friday Chobe River/ Livingstone Our journey today takes us to, without a doubt, one of the greatest, most spectacular sights in all of Africa: the Victoria Falls. (B) vic falls, zambia, from helicopter
Budget Cape to Vic Falls Departures Monthly
Time to visit Best: March to August Wet: January to March Heat: September to December
Star rating 3-star only
Combines well with Cape & Garden Route, page 37 Joburg to Cape Town, page 34 Budget South Africa, page 49 Best East Africa Safari, page 22 51 waterhole, Namibia
giraffe ‘reflecting’, etosha NP
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
ZAMBIA, BOTSWANA & NAMIBIA
15 days:
budget okavango safari typical okavango delta scene with mokoro
Zambia Kwando River Okavango River Okavango Delta Maun
Victoria Falls Livingstone Chobe River
Makgadikgadi Pans
Botswana
DAY 1
Sunday Arrive Livingstone
On arrival at Livingstone Airport you are met and taken to your hotel for the night.
DAY 2
Monday Livingstone / Chobe River Today we depart from Livingstone as we are driven to our lodge located adjacent to Chobe National Park in Botswana. (BD)
DAY 3
DAY 13 Friday
DAY 8
DAY 14 Saturday
Sunday Okavango Delta / Maun
Later this morning we fly back to Maun and have the afternoon at leisure to explore. (B)
DAY 9
Tuesday Chobe River Chobe is famous for its herds of Elephant, its magnificent sunsets and river cruises. We relax on a morning game drive and a sunset game-viewing cruise on the river. (BD)
We leave the Delta Area behind as we enter the Caprivi Strip in Namibia. Here we will spend the night among the lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River. (BD)
DAY 4
DAY 10 Tuesday
Wednesday Chobe / Makgadikgadi Pans Today we are taken to our traditionally styled lodge located on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Situated among the giant Boabab trees, we have the afternoon to enjoy our surroundings before relaxing around the fire in the Lapa this evening. (B)
DAY 5
Thursday Makgadikgadi / Okavango
Following breakfast we depart for Maun where on arrival, we are taken to the airport for a short scenic flight to our camp located in the heart of the Okavango Delta. (BLD)
DAY 6-7 Friday & Saturday
52
Delta by mokoro and on foot. Early morning and late afternoon excursions take advantage of the natural beauty on offer. Relax in the evenings listening to the many sounds of the African bush. (BLD)
Okavango Delta The days are spent with our private guide exploring the wonders of the Okavango
Monday Maun / Okavango River
Kwando River/ Livingstone Our journey today takes us to without a doubt, one of the greatest, most spectacular sights in Africa: the Victoria Falls! (B) Livingstone – Victoria Falls Today is at leisure. Optional tours include visiting the falls, white water rafting, bungi jumping, helicopter flights over the falls, lion walks and elephant back safaris. (B)
DAY 15 Sunday Depart Livingstone Your tour ends this morning when you are taken to Livingstone Airport. (B)
Okavango River We have a relaxing day enjoying the prolific bird and animal life of the Okavango. There are many optional excursions available, all of which are at additional cost. (BD)
DAY 11 Wednesday Okavango / Kwando River Our journey today takes us further along the Caprivi Strip to our lodge overlooking the Kwando River. Elephant and Hippo can be viewed from the deck of the lodge. (BD)
DAY 12 Thursday Kwando River An afternoon boat excursion and game drive are undertaken in search of the many wild animals that inhabit BwaBwata NP. (BD)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Budget Okavango Safari Departures Monthly
Time to visit Best: April to August Shoulder: January to March & September to December
Star rating 3-star only
Combines well with Cape & Peninsula, page 36 Budget South Africa, page 49 Best of Namibia Safari, page 30 Budget Tanzania Safari, page 54
BOTSWANA & ZAMBIA
10 days:
Budget Chobe &okavango mokoro ride, okavango delta
red lechwe with young
DAY 4-5 Tuesday & Wednesday
Please note: This tour can also be done in reverse from Livingstone to Maun as follows:
Zambia Chobe Livingstone Savute Moremi Maun
Botswana
DAY 1
Saturday Arrive Maun
On arrival in Maun you are met and taken to the camp where you spend the night. On this safari you enjoy exclusive sites, no camp duties, spacious dome tents with cot beds and a separate bathroom tent with shower and flush toilet. You will experience Botswana and be “at one with nature”. (LD)
DAY 2-3 Sunday & Monday Maun / Okavango of Moremi The channels and waterways of the Delta are explored on a mokoro excursion, with lunch being enjoyed on an island. You have afternoon game drives under the changing colours of the African sunset. (BLD)
Khwai Area of Moremi After breakfast your camp will be moved to to the Khwai flood plains while you and your guide continue to explore the ever changing scenery of the reserve. Enjoying early morning and late afternoon game drives, you uncover the secrets of this pristine wilderness area in search of the many species of animal and birdlife that make Moremi their home. (BLD)
DAY 6-8 Thursday to Saturday Savute Marsh & Chobe NP You then continue overland to the Savute Marsh and Savute Channel, famous for its abundance of large predators. This amazing area and its waterholes are explored during your early morning and late afternoon game drives. Chobe is famous for its large herds of Elephant, the largest in Africa, as well as sunset cruises on the Chobe River. (BLD)
DAY 9
Sunday Chobe NP / Livingstone
Today you are taken by road to Livingstone in Zambia. The remainder of your day is at leisure. You may wish to undertake an optional excursion to Victoria Falls or take an optional scenic flight over the falls. (B)
DAY 10 Monday Depart Livingstone This morning you are taken to Livingstone Airport where your Budget Chobe & Okavango Safari comes to an end. (B) young male impala
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
DAY 1
Tuesday Arrive Livingstone
DAY 2-4 Wednesday to Friday Chobe River – Chobe NP
DAY 5-6 Saturday & Sunday Khwai Area of Moremi
DAY 7-8 Monday & Tuesday Okavango Area of Moremi
DAY 9
Wednesday Maun
DAY 10 Thursday Depart Maun
Budget Chobe & Okavango Departures Monthly
Time to visit Best: April to August Shoulder: January to March & September to December
Star rating 2 to 3-star only
Combines well with Cape & Peninsula, page 36 Budget South Africa, page 49 Best of Namibia Safari, page 30 Budget Tanzania Safari, page 54 53
TANZANIA
10 days:
Budget Tanzania Safari young cheetah, tanzania
breakfast is served!
DAY 5
DAY 9
Kenya Serengeti NP Ngorongoro Crater
Lake Manyara
Tarangire NP
Arusha
Tanzania
DAY 1
Friday Arrive Arusha On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you are met and taken to your locally situated lodge for the night.
DAY 2
Saturday Arusha / Tarangire NP Today you are driven to your lodge adjacent to Tarangire National Park. Here you undertake a game drive in the park. Much of the park is open, grassy savannah dotted with Baobab Trees. There are some swamps and permanent water along the Tarangire River which is the focal point of the park. There are some animals, such as Fringe-Eared Oryx and Lesser Kudu, found here that are not found in the better known national parks in Africa. (BLD)
DAY 3
Sunday Tarangire / Ngorongoro Crater
Following a morning safari, you are taken to your lodge on the outer edge of the Ngorongoro Crater—one of the Wonders of the World and a designated World Heritage Site. (BLD)
DAY 4
54
Monday Ngorongoro Crater
This morning you leave early in your game viewing vehicles and descend the 670 metres to the Crater floor below for a fantastic day among Africa’s “Big 5”: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo and other wildlife. Following the visit you return to your lodge for the night. (BLD)
Tuesday Ngorongoro / Serengeti NP
After breakfast you depart from your lodge with a picnic lunch for the drive to Serengeti National Park. The landscape of the park, with its low vegetation and vast seas of open plain, is ideal for game viewing. Famed for its annual migrations of Wildebeest, Zebras and Gazelles which are tracked by an impressive array of predators such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs and Hyenas, you are in for a thrilling few days of game watching. (BLD)
DAY 6-7 Wednesday & Thursday Serengeti National Park You spend the days game viewing in this wildlife paradise which is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of the largest nature reserves in the world. (BLD)
DAY 8
Friday Serengeti NP / Lake Manyara
You say farewell to Serengeti National Park as you are taken to Olduvai Gorge where you visit the archaeological site. Some of the world’s most important anthropological finds have been made here. There is a small museum and at the lookout on the edge of the gorge one of the local experts will tell you about the excavations below, taking you back in time to envisage your ancestors at the dawn of mankind. Following the visit you continue on to your lodge at Lake Manyara where you will stay for two relaxing nights. (BLD)
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
Saturday Lake Manyara
Today you undertake both morning and afternoon game drives in Lake Manyara National Park. This park is located between the wall of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara and is famous for its tree climbing lions, herds of elephants and hot spring waters (Maji moto). (BLD)
DAY 10 Sunday Lake Manyara / Depart Arusha Following breakfast you are driven to Arusha where you have the option of either being taken to Kilimanjaro Airport or to Arusha Airport. You arrive into Arusha around midday. (B)
Budget Tanzania Safari Departures Every two weeks
Time to visit Best: January to March & June Shoulder: July to October Worst: Nov to Dec & Apr to May
Star rating 3-star only
Combines well with Southern Tanzania Safari, page 26 Budget Chobe & Okavango, page 53 Best of Malawi & Zambia, page 39 Exotic Zanzibar, page 40
THE FINE PRINT
inclusions & exclusions Your Experience Tour includes
How to reserve your place on an Inca Experience Tour...
• Accommodation in Tourist-class (3-
• Please contact the travel agent who gave you this brochure or Inca Tours toll-free on
• • • • •
star), Superior-class (4-star) or Deluxeclass (5-star) hotels or lodges, all with private facilities unless stated otherwise. “Meet and greet” transfer services. All tours and excursions with Englishspeaking, specialist local guides. All admission fees on such tours. Meals throughout as indicated: (B = breakfast L = lunch D = dinner). All transportation as described.
1800 024 955 to reserve your place on one of our fixed departure tours or to request a personalised itinerary. If you will be booking through an agent you need to inform Inca Tours of this at the time of making your first direct enquiry with us. • We will send you, or your agent, our official Booking Form & Booking Conditions for the tour. Please complete this form and return it with your per person part tour payment of 20% of the tour cost. We will also send you our recommended travel insurance brochure. • On receipt of your deposit and completed booking form, we will send you our extensive Pre-departure Information Booklet regarding visas, medical issues and much more. • Payment of the balance is then required 60 days prior to your tour’s departure date. There are some exceptions where a greater deposit is required or the payment date for the full payment is more than 60 days prior to departure.
Not included
• • • • • • • • •
Airfares unless stated otherwise. Airport departure & entry taxes. Non-ticketed airport departure taxes. Items of a personal nature. Passport and visa fees. Travel insurance. Excess baggage. Porterage. Tipping.
Terms & Conditions
• All prices in the enclosed Price Insert are quoted in Australian dollars, based on tariffs, airfares, taxes, surcharges and exchange rates applicable on the date of release. Inca Tours will notify of any price changes when a booking is made and reserves the right to levy a surcharge at any time before the tour commences. • Inca Tours does not own any of the hotels, lodges or service providers utilised in making up the tours and safaris in this brochure. As a result, Inca Tours is acting as your agent to book the services and as such, does not accept responsibility for any negligence, omissions, errors or differences in standard experienced by passengers when utilising the operators’ products or services. • Please note: for additional Booking Terms and Conditions please see the back of our Booking Form.
‘Okuti’ permanent camp, okavango delta, botswana
South America & Antarctica Experience Tour Packages Inca Tours are also very well known for their South America & Antarctica Experience Tour Packages. This flexible alternative to group tours are our semi-independent travel options or “Tailor-made Tours”, as we call them. They involve you travelling with your partner, family or friends but utilising the personal assistance our expert local English speaking guides for all transfers, sight seeing activities and check in procedures. South America and Antarctica travel ideas are contained in our green South America Experience Tours brochure. Please be aware that these are merely suggestions to allow you to pick and choose from the many different packages available. One of our specialist Travel Professionals will then put it all together for you and send a (no obligation) detailed itinerary and costing for you to consider. Additionally, for information on our fully-escorted Africa & Egypt or South America Tours at either the 4-star or 5-star level, please call Inca Tours toll-free on1800 024 955. You won’t be disappointed! 55
INCA TOURS ~ EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
“But toursare arejust justnot notfor forme...” me...” “Butpackage group tours Fair enough ... We Valid comment butalso we specialise specialise in in designing designingTailortailormade made Africa Africa and andEgypt EgyptTours toursfor forpersonalised non-group travel. described in this SoIfifthe theExperience SensationsTour ToursPackages described in this brochure notjust suittell you, us what of dobrochure not suitdo you, us just whattell parts of theparts African Africa or Egypt would to see, continent you you would like like to see, whenwhen you you wantwant to totravel traveland andwe’ll we’llconstruct constructananitinerary itinerarytotomirror mirroryour your interests, your timeframe and your budget. Additionally,forforinformation details of our Sensations Additionally, on4-star our fully-escorted Tours or our South 5-star Gold Tours America to Africa or & India Egypt, and luxury, or Central South Central or India contact Inca & Gold ToursAmerica , please call us on, please 1800 024 955.us.
Central AMERICA
EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
africa
south AMERICA Central america
central Central AMERICA america
Inca Gold Tours
Inca Gold Tours
Inca Gold Tours
Inca Gold Tours
for discerning travellers
for discerning travellers Luxury, fully-escorted Guaranteed departures
for discerning travellers Luxury, fully-escorted Guaranteed departures
for discerning travellers Luxury, Fully escorted Guaranteed departures
Central AMERICA
Luxury, fully-escorted Guaranteed departures
EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
sensa tions africa, india, latin of
america & scandinavia
EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
south america & antarctica
Inca Experience Tours Inca Sensations Tours Small Group Tours & Individual Departures all with Guaranteed Departures
Individual Tailor-made Tour Packages, Cruises & Treks all with Guaranteed Departures
central Central AMERICA america experience
india
Central AMERICA
EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
india experience
Inca Experience Tours
Inca Experience Tours
Individual departures &
Individual departures & Small group tours Guaranteed departure dates
Small group tours Guaranteed departure dates
YOUR TRAVEL AGENT
INCA TOURS 68 Pacific Highway, Wyong NSW 2259 Tel (02) 4351 2133 Fax (02) 4351 2526 Toll free from within Australia 1800 024 955 Email sales@incatours.net Web www.incatours.net Licenced Travel Agent No 2TA5698 ABN 28 112 971 838