Africa & the Middle East

The Egypt journey with Smithsonian fulfilled a twenty-year dream of traveling to Egypt. This tour captured the essence of the history of ancient Egypt and the arts that are still in existence today. – Joyce N., Ancient Egypt and the Nile

Ancient Egypt and the Nile

Featuring Abu Simbel

14 days from $6,597

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Sept. 30–Oct. 13, Oct. 7–20, Oct. 14–27, Oct. 21–Nov. 3, Oct. 28–Nov. 10, Nov. 4–17, Nov. 11–24, Nov. 18–Dec. 1, Nov. 25–Dec. 8, Dec. 2–15, 2023 & Jan. 6–19, Jan. 13–26, Jan. 20–Feb. 2, Jan. 27–Feb. 9, Feb. 3–16, Feb. 10–23, Feb. 17–Mar. 1, Feb. 24–Mar. 8, Mar. 2–15, Mar. 9–22, Mar. 16–29, Mar. 23–Apr. 5, Apr. 6–19, 2024

From intricately carved temples to the legendary pyramids, the wonders of ancient Egypt have astonished visitors for millennia. Venture into a world of pharaohs and gods, discovering temples and tombs adorned with elaborate hieroglyphs and colossal statues that have stood the test of time. Unravel the mysteries of Egypt as you explore Cairo, Giza, and Abu Simbel and sail the mighty Nile from Aswan to Luxor.

Highlights Include

Cairo and Giza: See treasured artifacts from the tombs of the pharaohs at the Egyptian Museum and visit the famous mummies in their new home: the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. In Giza, encounter the Pyramids and the Sphinx, and see the intact Solar Boat of King Khufu excavated near the Great Pyramid. Explore Memphis, Egypt’s first capital; the step pyramid of Imhotep at Sakkara; and the lesser-known pyramids of Dahshur—precursors to those at Giza.

Aswan and Abu Simbel: At Abu Simbel, stand before the immense statues of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, who guard temples housing incredibly well-preserved murals. Visit the Aswan High Dam, considered a marvel of engineering when completed in 1965; tour the temples of Philae; and see the Unfinished Obelisk in the Aswan Quarry. Sail in a traditional felucca past Elephantine Island and the botanical gardens on Kitchener’s Island.

Nile River Cruise: Take in timeless scenes along the banks of the Nile during a three-night cruise. Visit Kom Ombo, with its unusual double temple, and Edfu, the largest temple dedicated to Horus.

Luxor: In the Valley of the Kings, visit royal tombs, the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Venture to the village of Deir-el-Medina, home to the artisans who worked on the pharaohs’ tombs. See the influence of generations of pharaohs at the extraordinary temple complex at Karnak, and tour the lovely Luxor Temple and the Luxor Museum.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests. See our website for information on a five-day extension to Jordan.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Annie Shanley (Nov. 4) and Rafael Chacón (Mar. 2)–art historians. Debora Heard (Oct. 21/Mar. 9)–anthropologist specializing in Nubian archaeology. Emily Teeter (Jan. 27) and Solange Ashby (Mar. 23)–Egyptologists. Ashley Arico (Feb. 24)–expert in ancient Egyptian art and archaeology.

Elephant calf with mother

African Safari: A Wildlife Adventure

South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Victoria Falls

14 days from $8,984 / Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees June 4–17, July 2–15, July 24–Aug. 6, Aug. 16–29, Sept. 25–Oct. 8, Oct. 29–Nov. 11, 2023 & Mar. 31–Apr. 13, June 2–15, June 30–July 13, July 31–Aug. 13, Aug. 21–Sept. 3, Sept. 23–Oct. 6, Oct. 27–Nov. 9, 2024

Embark on thrilling wildlife drives in search of the “Big Five,” marvel at magnificent Victoria Falls, and trace the life of Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg on one of our “Top 10” tours. Observe elephants and hippos on the banks of Botswana’s Chobe River, and explore a private game reserve known for its black rhino conservation program in Zimbabwe. Then head to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, an unspoiled wilderness that harbors one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife. You’ll stay in stylish boutique hotels and stunning safari lodges, and learn from local experts about the history, ecology, and culture that define southern Africa.

Highlights Include

Victoria Falls: Spend three days on the Zimbabwe side of this World Heritage site, taking in views of the thundering falls from different perspectives. Set out on wildlife drives in Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, on the lookout for hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and the elusive black rhino. Learn about the region’s history as you stroll the catwalks of Victoria Falls Bridge, and cap off your stay with a “sundowner” dinner cruise on the Zambezi River.

Botswana’s Chobe National Park: During your three-day stay, take early morning game drives and boat safaris that provide abundant opportunities to view wildlife, including the world’s largest elephant population (120,000), along with zebras, lions, giraffes, impalas, and some of the park’s 450 species of birds.

South Luangwa National Park: Enjoy two days of exceptional wildlife viewing on open-vehicle drives and bushwalks. This remote park boasts one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife, from Cape buffalo and leopards to wild dogs and the endemic Crawshay’s zebra. Get acquainted with everyday life on a visit to the local community.

South Africa: Delve into South Africa’s turbulent 20th-century history during a special tour of Johannesburg’s Soweto district. See the home of revered peacemaker Desmond Tutu and visit Nelson Mandela’s home. At the Hector Pieterson Museum, learn about the pivotal Soweto youth uprising, and meet a local resident to hear stories of contemporary life in this township.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Grant Nel (June 4/Sept. 25)–naturalist with expertise in biodiversity and conservation. Mark Geraghty (July 2)–expert on African wildlife and history.

Safari in Kenya and Tanzania

From the Serengeti to the Masai Mara

16 days from $10,996

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

July 6–21, Aug. 6–21, Aug. 27–Sept. 11, Oct. 19–Nov. 3, 2023 & July 2–17, Aug. 6–21, Aug. 27–Sept. 11, Oct. 24–Nov. 8, 2024

Go on safari in five national parks while staying in deluxe lodges and tented camps.

Highlights Include

The Serengeti and Masai Mara: Home to the annual wildebeest migration, these adjacent parks offer some of the best safari experiences in Africa. Spend four days on game drives with knowledgeable wildlife guides.

Amboseli: Meet a researcher at the Elephant Research Center to learn about these creatures, then observe their behavior on morning and afternoon wildlife drives. Visit a Maasai village to see everyday life up close.

Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro: See abundant birdlife, tree-climbing lions, and hippos during game drives in Lake Manyara National Park. Descend into Ngorongoro Crater to see all of Africa’s “Big Five” in one place.

Nairobi: Tour the Karen Blixen Museum, former home of the author of Out of Africa, and see the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe at the Giraffe Centre.

Extension to Mount Kenya: During an optional extension, visit the Mpala Research Centre, where Smithsonian fellows and research staff lead scientific studies, and visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Limited to 17 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Tiiu Lukk (July 6) and Grant Nel (Aug. 2023/Oct. 19)–naturalists. Don Wilson (Aug. 6)–senior scientist and curator emeritus at Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum.

Tanzania and Zanzibar

Featuring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

14 days from $8,997

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

July 16–29, Sept. 24–Oct. 7, 2023 & Feb. 18–Mar. 2, Mar. 17–30, July 14–27, Sept. 22–Oct. 5, 2024

Journey to the depths of Ngorongoro Crater and the vast plains of the Serengeti, then to exotic Zanzibar. Experience the thrill of seeing wildlife up close, learn about the “Cradle of Humanity,” and encounter varied cultures.

Highlights Include

Arusha National Park: With a backdrop of snowcapped Mt. Kilimanjaro, take a game drive in search of leopards, zebras, and giraffes.

Ngorongoro Crater: Descend to the floor of the crater, home to some 25,000 mammals. Plus, visit a local Maasai village to learn about their traditional lifestyle.

Olduvai Gorge: Stop at one of the world’s most important prehistoric sites where in 1959, anthropologist Mary Leakey discovered the 1.8 million-year-old skull of Australopithecus boisei

Serengeti National Park: Take exciting game drives through the Serengeti’s treeless plains teeming with Africa’s “Big Five” of lion, elephant, leopard, Cape buffalo, and rhino.

Zanzibar: Fly to tropical Zanzibar and explore its ancient capital. Tour a spice plantation to learn about Zanzibar’s centuries-old reputation as the “Spice Island.”

Safari Comfort: Stay in deluxe Serena safari lodges that put you where the largest concentration of wildlife flourishes. Limited to 18 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Kate Evans (July 16)–conservation biologist. Robyn Keene-Young (Sept. 24)–travel and nature writer on southern Africa.

Treasures of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana

Featuring the Rovos Rail

16 days from $10,290

Includes $250 special savings / Special air rates available

July 30–Aug. 14*, Oct. 10–25, 2023 & Mar. 5–20, 2024

Discover the rich natural and cultural heritage of southern Africa as you explore three of the continent’s most fascinating countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Our extraordinary adventure features the cultural and political heritage of South Africa, a rail journey aboard the legendary Rovos Rail, safaris in three important parks, and a stay at dramatic Victoria Falls.

Highlights Include

South Africa: A comprehensive overview of Cape Town includes views from Table Mountain and Cape Point, a visit to Boulders Beach to see African penguins, and a tour of Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela and other political dissidents made strides in attaining equal rights. In Soweto township, visit many of the sites associated with important leaders in the anti-apartheid movement.

Safari Adventures: Experience the thrill of close-up encounters with animals in the wild—lions, elephants, leopards, Cape buffalo, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and more—during safaris at three important parks. Spot the “Big Five” on game drives during a three-night stay at South Africa’s Kapama Private Game Reserve. Stop at Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park to watch animals gather at The Hide’s water hole. Plus, see the renowned elephant herds at Botswana’s Chobe National Park.

Rovos Rail: Savor the romance of the “golden age” of train travel during a three-night rail journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls. Ride in vintage carriages that have been restored to mint condition and take in sweeping landscapes and wildlife from the observation car or lounge. Find more details on our website.

Victoria Falls: Feel the awesome power of Victoria Falls, a World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. These immense falls plunge into the basalt gorges below creating a mist that can be seen for 50 miles. Enjoy a two-night stay at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel.

Space reserved for 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests. *The July 2023 departure will run in the reverse direction and follow a

Splendors of Morocco

From Imperial Cities to the Sahara

14 days from $6,679

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Sept. 1–14, Sept. 22–Oct. 5, Oct. 8–21, Nov. 24–Dec. 7, 2023 & Feb. 2–15, Mar. 3–16, Mar. 31–Apr. 13, Apr. 14–27, Sept. 10–23, Sept. 29–Oct. 12, Oct. 13–26, Dec. 1–14, 2024

Morocco is a land of dramatic contrasts—desert dunes and snowcapped mountains, Roman ruins and sacred mosques, ancient adobe fortresses and spirited souks. Explore four imperial cities from Rabat to Marrakech, encountering incomparable Moroccan artistry in palaces and madrassas covered in intricate mosaics and stucco work. Step back in time in the enchanting alleyways of Fez’s medieval medina, where artisans ply their age-old crafts. Between your city stays, venture to red-rock gorges, fortified kasbahs, and oasis towns, and watch the sunset over the Saharan dunes.

Highlights Include

Imperial Capitals of Rabat, Meknes, and Fez: Explore Morocco’s ancient imperial capitals, each now a World Heritage site. Venture into the Kasbah of the Oudaias in Rabat and enjoy lunch in a family home. Visit the Bab el Mansour gateway and the imperial stables in Meknes, then admire mosaics at the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Spend two days in Fez, discovering artisans’ quarters and madrassas in the medina. Visit a 17th-century synagogue and the home of 12th-century Jewish scholar Maimonides in the old Jewish quarter.

High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert: Travel through the cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains to the edge of the Sahara in a single day. Ride a camel to watch the sunset over the dunes and stay in a kasbah-style hotel. Witness everyday life in Berber villages and palm oases as you make your way along the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs,” and explore dramatic Todra Gorge and the World Heritage–listed adobe village of Ait ben-Haddou.

Marrakech and Casablanca: Experience marvelous Marrakech and its architectural gems such as Koutoubia Mosque and El Bahia Palace. Stroll the lively square of Djemaa el-Fna, watching snake charmers, acrobats, and merchants vie for attention. Tour the Majorelle Garden and its excellent Berber Museum, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Conclude the trip in Casablanca with a tour featuring the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.

Cultural Experiences: Meet a family for dinner in their riad in Fez, and enjoy a discussion on Islam with an imam in Marrakech. Watch artisans craft pottery and attend a concert of enchanting gnaoua music. Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Alia Kate (Sept. 22/Sept. 29)–expert in international relations. Wil Rollman (Nov.)–historian with expertise in northern African, Middle Eastern, and Islamic history.

Cruising the Arabian Coast

From Dubai to Muscat Aboard the 184-guest Le Bougainville

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $5,950*

Jan. 26–Feb. 2, 2024

Experience some of the most architecturally exciting cities in the world as you trace the coast of the Arabian Peninsula from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Doha and Muscat on an eight-day cruise. Venture back in time in bustling souks and sand-swept fortresses, get acquainted with vibrant cultures, and encounter creativity and innovation amid stunning desert landscapes.

Highlights Include

Architecture and Design: Delve into an enthralling concoction of futuristic design and Arabian tradition. Ascend Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, reaching more than a half-mile into the air. In Abu Dhabi, admire the craftsmanship of the Qasr al Watan and marvel at the 82 marble domes and hundreds of gem-encrusted columns at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Visit the new National Museum in Doha, built by a renowned architect, and stroll through the immense Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat.

Dubai: Set out on a guided tour of this exciting, boundary-pushing city. Meander through the aromatic spice souk and the glittering gold souk; and visit the Dubai Museum, housed within a historic fort that is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Then explore Emirati culture at the Sheikh Mohammed Center of Cultural Understanding, and sit down to a Bedouin-style lunch. Qatar: Dynamic Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a burgeoning center of culture and style, with striking high-rises at its center and traditional souks threaded throughout its streets. Visit the exquisite Museum of Islamic Art, designed by IM Pei, or take a city tour and sail a dhow off the coast. Then delve into the colorful bustle of Souk Waqif, built on the site of an ancient marketplace, to soak up the local ambiance and visit souks that feature falcons, gold, spices, and handicrafts.

United Arab Emirates: In cosmopolitan Abu Dhabi, enjoy high tea and a private tour of the Emirates Palace. Trace the evolution of world art the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a joint effort between France and the U.A.E that opened in 2017. Later, visit Fujairah Fort, the oldest and largest castle in all of the Emirates, and learn about its colorful history. Examine archaeological finds in the museum, and head to the oasis of Al Bithna to see its mud-andstone mosque.

Oman: Oman’s remote Musandam Peninsula is a place of deep fjords and craggy peaks, with fishing villages perched on the shore. Arrive in the lively town of Khasab and set out to explore the peninsula in a traditional sailing dhow. Glide into narrow fjords, on the lookout for dolphins, and take in views of the spectacularly rugged coast. End your voyage in the enchanting capital of Muscat. Add a one-night extension in Dubai or a two-night extension in Oman.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on this cruise include Benjamin Sutherland, a reporter for The Economist Visit our website for the additional expert.