CULTURAL WONDERS OF AFRICA: A JOURNEY BY PRIVATE JET

Experience the astonishing diversity of Africa on an expedition by private jet that will bring us from Egypt’s temples to spectacular Cape Town, and from the wildlife-rich isle of Madagascar to the timeless medinas of Marrakech. Come face to face with history in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, at Nelson Mandela’s island prison, and on Senegal’s Gorée Island. Delve into rich and ancient cultures in the sacred sites of Ethiopia* and Benin. As we follow the continent’s contour through nine countries, get a close-up view of iconic wildlife, venture to tropical islands and desert dunes, and meet artists and entrepreneurs defining contemporary culture across Africa.

ITINERARY | 23 DAYS

MAY 8–MAY 30, 2024

LON DON, ENGLAND AND LUXOR, EGYPT

DAYS 1–3

Arrive in London, and enjoy a welcome dinner in the historic UN Ballroom. The next day, fly by private jet to Luxor, Egypt. Visit the temple of Karnak, and venture to the Valley of the Kings to see the tombs of Tutankhamun and Seti I. Admire the murals in Nefertari’s tomb, and stop at the temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square; Luxor Hilton

ADDIS ABABA AND LALIBELA, ETHIOPIA*

DAYS 4–5

In Addis Ababa, get acquainted with Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and natural history on a visit to Unity Park. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lalibela, where 11 subterranean churches were carved out of the bedrock in the 12th century, and still draw worshippers today.

Sheraton Addis Ababa

KIGALI AND VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, RWANDA

DAYS 6–8

Fly by private jet to Kigali, and travel to Volcanoes National Park. During a full day of gorilla trekking, experience the thrill of observing these endangered creatures up close. Search for golden monkeys with a biologist, and hear from a researcher at the Karisoke Research Center. Or stay in Kigali to visit the inspiring Akilah Institute and the Ethnographic Museum, and meet with survivors at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Amakoro Songa Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, or One&Only Gorilla’s Nest; Kigali Marriott Hotel

A team of National Geographic Experts will accompany this trip.

Jason Edwards has been at the forefront of natural history photography for three decades. Since starting his career at the Royal Melbourne Zoo, Jason has been recognized globally for his contributions to science, the environment, and the arts. He is a three-time winner of the Communication Arts Photography Annual, and recipient of the Australian Geographic Society’s Pursuit of Excellence Award. As the face of the National Geographic Channel’s Pure Photography, Jason has taken his storytelling to every continent. His imagery has appeared in everything from environmental campaigns to Hollywood blockbusters.

A longtime professor of geography at the University of Amsterdam, Jan Nijman is both Distinguished University Professor in Geosciences and Director of the Urban Studies Institute at Georgia State University. Jan has been affiliated with National Geographic for more than 15 years, as a member of the Society’s Committee for Research & Exploration and Chair of its Global Exploration Fund in Northern Europe. He has traveled the globe in support of Society-funded projects in research, conservation, and exploration. The author of five books and more than a hundred other publications, his expertise is in urban and regional development, and the history of world cities. A Dutch native, Jan speaks five languages, and has received numerous awards including the Nystrom Prize and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Jan lives in Atlanta and Amsterdam.

Tara Roberts spent the last few years following, diving with, and telling stories about a group of Black scuba divers as they search for slave shipwrecks around the world. Her journey was turned into a National Geographic–produced podcast called “Into the Depths,” and a cover story for the March 2022 issue of the magazine. Roberts has worked as an editor for CosmoGirl , Essence AOL Ebony , and Heart & Soul magazines, edited several books for girls, and founded her own magazine for women. Roberts has served as a fellow at the MIT Open Documentary Lab, and graduated cum laude from Mount Holyoke College.

NOSY BE, MADAGASCAR

DAYS 9–10

On the island of Nosy Be, take a guided walk in Lemuria Land, a nature reserve that harbors endemic lemurs, lizards, chameleons, orchids, and more; and visit a ylang ylang distillery. Travel to Lokobe Reserve for a hike in wildlife-rich lowland rainforests.

Ravintsara Wellness Hotel

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

DAYS 11–12

From beautiful Cape Town, ride a cable car up Table Mountain, explore Cape Peninsula National Park, and see the penguins of Boulders Beach. Or examine South Africa’s complex history and heritage on an excursion to Robben Island, the District Six Museum, and the Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Alternatively, head to the Cape Winelands for tastings at renowned wine estates.

One&Only Cape Town

OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

DAYS 13–15

Touch down in Maun, and continue by light aircraft to one of several intimate camps nestled amid these lush floodplains. Enjoy two full days to explore these wetlands, on the lookout for elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, and much more on morning and afternoon game drives, excursions by boat or mokoro (dugout canoe), and bush walks.

Camp Moremi, Camp Xakanaxa, Xugana Island Lodge, Shinde Camp, or Kanana

COTONOU AND OUIDAH, BENIN

DAYS 16–17

Arrive in Cotonou, and drive to Ouidah, a center of the animist Vodun, or “voodoo,” religion. Meet an elder to learn about this ancient belief system, and visit sacred Vodun sites. Tour a museum housed in a Portuguese fort that was once a transit point for enslaved Africans. Ride boats across Lake Nokoué to the fascinating stilt village of Ganvié.

Novotel Orisha Cotonou

DAKAR AND GORÉE ISLAND, SENEGAL

DAYS 18–19

Fly by private jet to Dakar and take a city tour. Ride the ferry to the World Heritage-listed Gorée Island, once a notorious hub for the slave trade. See an excellent collection of West African art at Dakar’s IFAN Museum, and meet local artists in their studios. Or travel to Lake Retba, known as the “Pink Lake,” and visit a Peul (Fulani) village.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO/LONDON, ENGLAND

DAYS 20–23

In Marrakech, stroll Majorelle Garden and its museum; see stunning madrasas, palaces, and mosques; and explore the medina. Alternatively, enjoy a Moroccan cooking class or head into the Atlas Mountains to visit timeless Amazigh (Berber) villages. Soak up the lively atmosphere of Djemaa el Fna before a farewell dinner. A final flight brings you to London, where you’ll catch commercial flights home the next day.

La Mamounia; Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square

KARNAK TEMPLE LUXOR, EGYPT

Your Trip Makes A Difference

The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including the Okavango Wilderness Project—a multinational collaboration led by National Geographic Fellow Steve Boyes to survey the biodiversity of the vast Okavango Delta, and protect its unique ecosystems and wildlife populations for future generations.

INFORMATION

DATE May 8–May 30, 2024

COST $99,995

*Please note: We are closely monitoring the current situation in Ethiopia. If travel to Ethiopia cannot move forward, we will visit Zanzibar instead.

Price is per person, double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to and from London, England is not included in the cost. This trip will be operated by National Geographic Expeditions on flights operated by Icelandair. Visit nationalgeographic.com/ expeditions/terms/private-jet/cultural-wonders-africa-by-private-jet/ to view the Terms and Conditions and Operator-Participant contract for this trip.

Cultural Wonders of Africa: A Journey by Private Jet will be operated on a Boeing 757 customized for 57 guest travelers in two-by-two, VIP-style seats. Visit our website, or call for details.