Africa Tours

Delve into the history of the slave trade on this interesting Urban Adventure through Accra's dark past. Evidence of the slave trade can be found in the ruined forts and castles dotted along the coast of Accra. This tour reveals the personal stories, impacts and legacies of this appalling yet fascinating time in history in a meaningful, poignant way. read more

Delve deep into West African voodoo culture on this fascinating Urban Adventure. Be introduced to one of Kumasi's voodoo priests, learn about voodoo religion and gain insight into traditional voodoo medicine which is still commonly used throughout Ghana to relive pain and illness. With plenty of interaction and time to ask questions - this may be the only chance you'll get to converse with a voodoo priest! read more

HIGHLIGHTS: Cairo - Pyramids of Giza - Valley of the Kings - Luxor - Aswan

You'll be stunned by the majesty and sheer longevity of the Pyramids, get swept up in the bustle of Cairo and feel urban living drop away as you sail down the Nile. There are no half measures here: trinkets sit proudly next to ancient tombs and you'll travel from dusty deserts to rich coastal resorts. Take in the history of Egypt with our expert Egyptologist guides but don't miss out on the contemporary scene.

WAS $619*, NOW $534*, SAVE $85* read more

The Garden Route is Africa’s most famous coastal drive, connecting Port Elizabeth with Cape Town and offering something for everyone. Addo Elephant National Park takes us face to face with majestic elephants and other large animals of southern Africa, Tsitsikamma National Park offers a scenic walk that continues beneath the forest canopy and Cango Caves showcases the mysterious subterranean world. For something completely different, we even get to ride an ostrich in Oudtshoorn! read more

HIGHLIGHTS: Cairo - Aswan - Luxor

This compact adventure offers maximum Egypt at minimum cost. Stare in amazement at the pyramids and float down the Nile on a felucca. Embrace the culture and meet remarkable people as you dine on traditional fare with a local family in a Nubian village.

You'll enjoy basic accommodation and transport to the best sites. Walk through the Valley of Kings or explore Karnak - it's your call. Don't just dream of Egypt, wake up in the Land of the Pharaohs and open your eyes to adventure. read more

HIGHLIGHTS: Cairo - Luxor - Aswan

We begin in Cairo, where we spend a morning exploring the great pyramids and the nearby Sphinx before taking the Overnight Train to Luxor. Here we have ample time to check out the bazaar and the numerous sights on the east bank. Crossing the Nile, we ride donkeys up into the Valley of the Kings and later we continue our journey to Aswan. Aswan has an easygoing charm and we soon find ourselves slipping into its laid - back rhythm.

While here we head out on a traditional felucca, sailing around the islands and on the far bank we can ride camels to the Monastery of St. Simeon - always great fun We then continue upriver to a nearby Nubian village where we enjoy some local specialities for dinner. Back in Cairo, we have a free day for further exploration and most of us will head to the fabulous Khan al - Khalili bazaar. Our trip ends in Cairo.

Day 1 Cairo. Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. Please refer to your for the joining hotel name and address. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.

Day 2 Cairo - Luxor. With a population of around 16 million people, Cairo is one of the world's biggest cities, and there's a lot to see and do. With our local site guide we may visit the pyramids and the Sphinx, and we also see the wonderful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren). (entrance fees not included) The afternoon is free to explore further and many will want to check out the Egyptian Museum (just a short taxi ride away on the other side of the river… depending on Cairo traffic). In the evening we head to the train station for the Overnight Train to Luxor - always a fun experience. Our air - conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a plane) that recline back at about 45 degrees. Dinner is taken at the hotel prior to departure. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.

Day 3 Luxor. Luxor boasts the greatest quantity of ancient sites anywhere in the world, and there's heaps to see and do while here. After checking our gear in to the hotel, just near the bazaar, we have time for a quick breakfast and then we are off to explore our surroundings - or perhaps enjoy a swim in the rooftop pool. The bazaar is pretty big and will keep shopaholics busy for hours. Alternatively you can visit the excellent little Luxor Museum - or take a stroll around Luxor Temple, dominating the centre of town. Entrance fees for these two options are listed below. Another popular activity is to take a horse - carriage ride to Karnak Temple, dedicated to the great God Amon, and considered one of the greatest of Ancient Egyptian monuments. Your tour guide can help organise the carriages. Don't miss the sunset tonight over the West Bank.

Day 4 Luxor - Aswan. We wake early and may take the very popular option to cross the Nile where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up the donkeys to our riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It's great fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. (all costs extra) Around midday we return to east bank where the rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening we take the train down to Aswan, where we spend the night.

Day 5 Aswan. Those who have booked the optional excursion to Abu Simbel will rise early and travel by road along the shores of Lake Nasser to the great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most impressive ever built. For the rest of us, there's heaps of things to do in and around Aswan. It's one of our favourite places and very popular with travellers. It has an easy - going charm and the locals are very friendly. We can visit the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae, saved from the rising waters of the Nile, or just hang around in town, exploring the vibrant Nubian bazaar and checking out the excellent Nubian Museum. In the afternoon we board our traditional felucca and sail around the islands. We stop on the west bank, where there's time for an optional camel ride, just as the sun is tinting the evening sky. We then head to a nearby Nubian village for a traditional dinner.

Day 6 Aswan - Cairo. We make our way back to Aswan where the rest of the day is free to explore further, or shop in the Nubian bazaar. In the late afternoon we have an early dinner and are transferred to the train station for the overnight recliner train back to Cairo.

Day 7 Cairo. Arriving back in Cairo we are met with breakfast boxes and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al - Khalili bazaar - an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There's time for everything both and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain Tonight we can enjoy a final evening together.

Day 8 Cairo. Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check - out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo. read more

HIGHLIGHTS: Aswan - Wadi El Seboua - Amada - Kasr Ibrim - Abu Simbel

Created as a result of the Aswan High Dam, the lake covers a 500km2 region adjoining pristine desert landscapes. It is a magical wilderness of stunning desert scenery bordered by the clean waters of the lake, and exudes an atmosphere of tranquillity, vastness and adventure.

Explore the natural beauty in a comfortable and leisurely atmosphere while visiting the rich archaeological heritage. With historical monuments relocated on to the shores, these treasures can be enjoyed by travellers with a passion for discovery and a taste for comfort - aboard the cruise ships Eugenie and Kasr Ibrim.

The cruises operate between Aswan and Abu Simbel either for three or four nights. Spacious interiors full of warmth and elegance await you on board these vessels, the first of their kind launched on Lake Nasser many years ago. These are not your average cruise ships, as they evoke a feeling of an era gone by with a genteel and intimate atmosphere. Explore the natural beauty, archaeological treasures and Nubian culture in a gracious and leisurely way provided by your attentive and experienced hosts.

Day 1: Aswan On arrival in Aswan you will be met and transferred to board the MS Kasr Ibrim or MS Eugenie. After Lunch visit Kalabsha temple, Beit El Wali, and the kiosk of Kertassi. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge. Dinner and overnight on board in the Aswan Harbour.

Day 2: Wadi El Seboua - Amada Sail to Wadi El Seboua while passing the Tropic of Cancer. Lunch is served on board. Visit Wadi El Seboua temple, the temple of Dakka and temple of Meharakka. Sail to Amada. Dinner and overnight aboard.

Day 3: Amada - Kasr Ibrim - Abu Simbel Breakfast is followed by a morning visit to the temples of Amada and Derr as well as the tomb of Penout. Sail to Kasr Ibrim. Visit the citadel of Kasr Ibrim. (Tour is conducted from the ship's sundeck as entrance to the site is not permitted). Sail to Abu Simbel. Lunch is served on board. Visit the Abu Simbel temples. Attend the Sound and Light show at Abu Simbel temples (non-compulsory, ticket not included). Candlelight dinner on board and overnight.

Day 4: Abu Simbel Breakfast on board and for those who wish, there is a possibility of a second visit to Abu Simbel (entrance ticket is not included). Tour ends. read more

Enjoy a little taste of the winelands of the Western Cape We meander thought the bustling alleys of historic Stellenbosch town - the heart of the country's famous wine growing region - and savour award-winning wines and cheeses over two days. Our culinary exploration concludes with an unforgettable evening of African cuisine and culture at the unique Moyo @ Spier restaurant. read more

HIGHLIGHTS: Marrakech - Imlil - Aremd - Tizi 'n Tamatert

The Atlas Mountains reward their visitors with a stunning combination of valleys, summits and traditional villages clinging to mountainsides. On this active adventure through one of Morocco's most naturally beautiful regions, you'll experience magnificent views and enjoy meeting local people along the trail.

Recount the day's exploits over home-cooked dinners each night from the comfort of your cozy accommodations. Designed for those of average fitness, the challenging but rewarding hikes are taken at a leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to catch your breath then the chance to lose it all over again while admiring the stunning views. read more

HIGHLIGHTS: Marrakech - Atlas Mountains - Agadir - Essaouira

A place where ancient cultures are intertwined with dramatic landscapes and time-worn medinas give a glimpse into imperial cities of the past. Now, the whole family can fall under Morocco's spell on an action-packed adventure from magical Marrakech to the old pirate port of Essaouira, covering everything from camel-clad deserts to pristine beaches along the way. So whether it's in spice-infused back alleys, among crumbling Roman ruins or below the snow-capped Atlas Mountains - the allure of Morocco will prove impossible to ignore.

Day 1 Marrakech Navigate Marrakech's sea of colourful pottery, donkey carts, perfumed gardens, acrobats and merchants - taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of this classic Moroccan city.

Days 2-3 Atlas Mountains Rise to the heights of the Atlas Mountains, one of North Africa's most breathtaking landscapes. Using the Berber village of Ifergane as a base, explore the captivating scenery which features palm-lined oases, gushing mountain streams and quaint local communities. Perhaps hop on a donkey and trot around one of the lush fields, or enjoy a sweet mint tea while watching the sunset over the mountains.

Day 4 Agadir Journey through fruit and argan tree forests, where there is a chance of seeing goats climbing in the trees - a bizarre natural phenomenon that makes for a great photo opportunity. Reach the Atlantic Coast and enjoy a swim, a picnic lunch and an afternoon spent relaxing on the beach

Days 5-6 Essaouira Jump on a camel and explore the expansive dunes of Sida Kaouki from this unique and memorable vantage point. Continue on to Essaouira and see why the whitewashed houses, bright blue shutters and wood workshops of this charming town have inspired artists from Orsen Wells to Jimi Hendrix. Spend some free time browsing the plentiful markets and art galleries for that perfect souvenir, or witness a daily fresh seafood auction and feast on the catch of the day.

Days 7-8 Marrakech Return to Marrakech and delve deeper into the many faces of this electric city with a guided tour. Hone your bargaining skills in a souq, marvel at the many entertainers vying for attention in the medina and watch enthusiastic chefs whipping up fragrant local delicacies. read more

HIGHLIGHTS: Port Elizabeth - Addo Elephant National Park - Tsitsikamma National Park - Oudtshoorn - Cape Town

The Garden Route is Africa's most famous coastal drive, connecting Port Elizabeth with Cape Town and offering something for everyone. Addo Elephant National Park takes us face to face with majestic elephants and other large animals of southern Africa, Tsitsikamma National Park offers a scenic walk that continues beneath the forest canopy and Cango Caves showcases the mysterious subterranean world. For something completely different, we even get to ride an ostrich in Oudtshoorn

Day 1 Port Elizabeth. Today is an arrival day in Port Elizabeth, the largest city in the Eastern Cape, but you will need to arrive before 2 pm. to join in today's activities. After meeting up with your tour guide and tour group you embark on a tour of Red Location, which is the oldest township in South Africa. A highlight is sure to be a stop in the local township pub called a shebeen. The shebeen also acts as an informal meeting house and is an important part of township life. We may get to share a few ales with the locals and maybe a few jokes as well.

Day 2 Addo Elephant National Park. (Driving time: approx 1 hour; game drive times variable) Leaving the coast we venture inland to Addo Elephant National Park. Originally proclaimed as a national park in 1931 with the only eleven elephants remaining in the region, it now offers sanctuary to more than 450 specimens. From our campsite located within the park, we take a late afternoon game drive in search of resident wildlife such as elephant, black rhino, Cape buffalo and various species of antelopes, including eland, kudu and hartebeest.

Day 3 Addo Elephant National Park - Tsitsikamma National Park. (Driving time: approx 4 hours; game drive times variable) This morning we enjoy a morning safari around Addo Elephant National Park before travelling along the famous Garden Route to our next destination - Tsitskikamma National Park. En route we pass by the world-renowned surfing Mecca of Jeffrey's Bay. Upon reaching Tsitsikamma National Park we set up camp at Storms River, which is our base to explore this wilderness region. Tsitsikamma National Park covers over 80 kiLometres of rugged coastline with spectacular sea views and striking landscapes. Departing from the mouth of Storms River we hike the beginning of the Otter Trail, following the rugged, rocky shoreline of the coast. We pause along the way to take in the stunning scenery and explore the base of a majestic waterfall before hiking back to camp. One of the most impressive features of the park are the ancient giant trees that tower above the land to form an evergreen canopy.

Day 4 Oudtshoorn. (Driving time: approx 5 hours) We spend the day driving along the Garden Route, passing the seaside towns of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. We finish with a breathtaking drive over the Swartberg Mountains to visit Cango Caves. Here we take a guided tour through the vast limestone chambers, filled with stalactites, stalagmites and helictites. It is truly a natural underground wonderland that abounds with intriguing formations, some of which are over a million years old For those with a keen sense of adventure there is the option to delve deeper into the cave complex via Jacob's Ladder - a long flight of stairs across a boulder chamber that leads to a smaller, although no less stunning, series of caves. But be warned, this section requires you to crawl along narrow tunnels that are at times only 45 centimetres wide and involves over 400 stairs, so it's definitely not for the faint - hearted Once we emerge from our underground adventure we continue the short distance to Oudtshoorn, where we spend the night.

Day 5 Oudtshoorn - Cape Town. (Driving time: approx 7 hours) In the morning we visit an ostrich farm to learn all there is to know about these huge, flightless birds and their many uses. Oudtshoorn is home to 97% of the world's ostrich population and here we have the opportunity to get up - close and personal to these curious creatures. The most daring amongst us may even want to try their hand at riding an ostrich We then venture further west and travel to the Western Cape. The area around Stellenbosch is the oldest and most famous wine region in South Africa and home to a unique variety of grape called pinotage. Time permitting, we may stop at a winery and sample the enticing local produce before continuing on to the 'Mother City' of South Africa and our final destination - Cape Town. Nestled at the foothills of the dramatic Table Mountain range with captivating views of the Altantic Ocean, Cape Town truly is one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Day 6 Cape Town. Our tour ends after breakfast and you are free to leave any time. However, we do recommend you book accommodation for additional days and stay on to explore the vibrant city of Cape Town and its beautiful surrounding regions. Not - to - be - missed excursions include catching the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), taking the ferry across to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, and a day trip down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope peninsula. read more

WAS $976* NOW from $826* SAVE $150* HIGHLIGHTS: Cairo - Aswan - Abu Simbel - Luxor

There is much to see and do in Egypt, and this short holiday is packed with highlights. The Nile is Egypt's lifeline, a fertile green ribbon that brings life to the desert and supports an ever-burgeoning population. Since ancient times it has transported people and their goods on a lively assortment of ships, boats and barges.

These days the boats are carrying a different cargo, with many travellers enjoying a riverboat cruise between Aswan and Luxor. It's a great way to observe everyday life in the Nile Valley, and also allows the opportunity to explore the ancient temples at Komombo and Edfu.

Day 1: Cairo Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.

Day 2: Cairo - Aswan Cairo is the 'Mother' of all cities, a massive, sprawling metropolis of some 16 million people. Our first stop today is the celebrated Egyptian Museum, where our local site guide explains the history and mysteries of Ancient Egypt. We see the golden mask of King Tutankhamun, and numerous other treasures and later we drive out to the edge of the desert to explore the pyramids and the nearby Sphinx. We also visit the beautiful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren), a superb example of Old Kingdom engineering. In the evening we are transferred to the station for the night train to Aswan. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a 'plane) that recline to about 45°, and a simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.

Day 3: Aswan On arrival in Aswan we head to our hotel where we can relax for a while before heading out to explore the Nubian bazaar - a long and colourful street that snakes through the centre of town. Another option is a visit to the stunning Temple of Isis at Philae Island. After a break for lunch we might decide to head out on a felucca sailboat and then take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St. Simeon - a great way to spend the afternoon

Day 4: Abu Simbel - Nile Cruise Rising early we travel by road to Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive temples ever built and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We follow the shores of Lake Nasser and generally arrive at the temple just after sunrise, a perfect time for photographs. We enjoy a tour of the site and later return to Aswan, arriving around midday, where we board our Nile Cruise boat. After lunch the rest of the day is free to sleep or relax on the sundeck.

Day 5-6: Nile Cruise Cruising along the Nile is a magical experience, sitting on the sundeck, watching timeless scenes as we glide over the dark waters. We stop at Komombo to visit the Temple of Sobek, a Greco-Roman temple that overlooks the river, and at Edfu we explore the well-preserved Temple of Horus, considered one of the finest examples of temple construction. All meals are served in the comfortable dining room, and on one evening we enjoy an impromptu fancy-dress party, which is always great fun. On arrival in Luxor we take horse-drawn carriages to the massive complex at Karnak, built over a period of some 2000 years, and one of the greatest temples ever constructed.

Day 7: Luxor - Cairo We rise early to cross the Nile, where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up the donkeys to our riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It's a great experience and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We return to the east bank where the afternoon is free to explore the bazaar. In the evening we take the overnight recliner train back to Cairo, with dinner served on board.

Day 8: Cairo Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar - an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There's time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain This evening we can enjoy a final night out together.

Day 9: CairoYour trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo. read more