Compare Beach & Bush Ramble by Acacia Africa vs Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa & Egypt in 28 days - Essence of Africa - Luxury by Exoticca

Day 1-7: Johannesburg - Kruger National Park, South Africa - Xai-Xai - Tofo, Inhambabe - Vilanculos, Mozambique

From cosmopolitan Johannesburg we head east to South Africa’s premier wildlife region; the Kruger National Park where we hope to spot the ‘Big 5’ – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – on the acacia-studded savannahs. From here we cross the border into tropical Mozambique and head north to enjoy a few days relaxing at the rustic resorts between Xai Xai and Vilanculos. These feature sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, a balmy climate and the azure and warm Indian Ocean alive with marine-life. Optional snorkelling trips are on offer, or simply relax in a hammock, take a long walk on the near-deserted bleached-white sand or feast on a seafood lunch.

Day 8-12: Great Zimbabwe Monument - Motobo National Park - Bulawayo - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

We cross into Zimbabwe and head to Masvingo where we visit the nearby ruins of the intriguing ancient city of Great Zimbabwe – after which the country is named. Then on to Zimbabwe’s second biggest city, Bulawayo, where the nearby Matobo National Park shelters ancient rock paintings and the last significant population of the endangered white rhino in Zimbabwe; both of which we can visit on an optional foot safari. Our next Big Game encounters are in Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife reserve, Hwange National Park, famous for its large concentration of elephant that congregate around the waterholes as well as rarer species like African wild dog.

Day 13-20: Victoria Falls - Livingstone - South Luangwa National Park

The next three days are spent in the Victoria Falls area, the town named after Africa’s most wondrous waterfall. There’s time to see the Falls themselves and to do some of the adventure activities that give the town the name of the ‘adrenalin capital’ of Africa. Choose from white water rafting or canoeing on the Zambezi, or gorge-swinging or bungy jumping over the gorge, and viewing the Falls from above from a helicopter. Alternatively enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbank or shop in the curio market. From here we head north into Zambia and on to South Luangwa National Park before continuing onto the border with Malawi.

Day 21-28: Lake Malawi - Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar, Tanzania

We spend a couple of relaxing days on the beaches of Lake Malawi; ‘The Lake of Stars’, where we can enjoy the crystal clear fresh water and perhaps go snorkelling or sailing, and visit the lakeside villages on informative cultural walking tours to meet the friendly people. Then we head into Tanzania and drive northeast to the capital Dar es Salaam, from where we get the ferry to the exotic island of Zanzibar. Here we spend our days exploring the intriguing historic alleyways of Stone Town and head to one of the tropical palm-fringed beaches to enjoy the Indian Ocean at its best.

Day 29-36: Arusha - Serengeti National Park - Nairobi, Kenya

Back on the mainland, from Dar es Salaam we drive past the foothills of Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain and if lucky we will catch a glimpse of its snow-capped peak – to Arusha where we can shop for curios, visit a snake park, and meet the people of a Maasai village. From here we transfer to 4x4 vehicles for an optional excursion to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park; both World Heritage Sites with spectacular scenery and home to an impressive array of wildlife including the ‘Big 5’. After an exciting safari, we return to Arusha and then head north to Kenya where our tour ends in the country’s vibrant capital, Nairobi.

Day 1: US - Night on board

It's time to discover the essence of Africa on an unforgettable journey throughout this diverse continent. Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Nairobi

Touch down and transfer to your hotel in Nairobi. The capital of Kenya, Nairobi is the jumping-off point for safaris into Kenya's most captivating wildlife reserves. Overnight stay in Nairobi.

Day 3: Nairobi - Amboseli National Park

Breakfast at the hotel and depart to Amboseli National Park, arriving in time for lunch at the Lodge. In the afternoon take an exciting photo safari tour. The park is known for its large elephant herds and views of immense Mount Kilimanjaro, across the border in Tanzania. Dinner and overnight stay in Amboseli.

Day 4: Amboseli National Park - Nairobi

Seize the day with a captivating morning safari as the sun slowly rises over the savannah. After breakfast at the lodge, return to Nairobi. Arrive and enjoy a free day to discover the sights of the capital at your own pace. Maybe take a look at The Nairobi National Museum for a taste of Kenya’s heritage. Additionally, you will find wonderful dining facilities, a beautiful botanical garden, and eclectic shopping facilities. Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant and overnight stay in Nairobi.

Day 5: Nairobi - Aberdares

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off to Aberdares today and enjoy lunch at Aberdare Country Club. The park contains a wide range of landscapes - from the mountain peaks that rise to 13,000 ft above sea level, to their deep, V-shaped valleys intersected by streams, rivers, and waterfalls. Moorland, bamboo forests and rainforests are found at lower altitudes. In the afternoon transfer to the lodge for a night of game viewing. Dinner and overnight stay in Aberdares.

Day 6: Aberdares - Lake Nakuru

Breakfast at the lodge. Today, discover the amazing birdlife and unforgettable landscapes of Lake Nakuru National Park, stopping to visit Thompson Falls in Nyahururu along the way. Arrive at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, located in the Great Rift Valley and home to huge flocks of flamingos. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge in Lake Nakuru.

Day 7: Lake Nakuru - Masaai Mara

Breakfast at the lodge. Set off to the famous Maasai Mara Natural Reserve, named after the unique Maasai tribe that inhabits the area and the Mara River that crosses it. Every year, it plays witness to the great migration, considered the eighth wonder of the natural world. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge and, in the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in the iconic Maasai Mara Reserve to discover the varied wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

Day 8: Maasai Mara

Today, enjoy either a full day on safari with a picnic lunch, or split your game drives into the morning and evening for a chance to see the immense size and diversity of this beautiful reserve and the changing landscapes as the sun rises and falls. We also recommend an optional Hot Air Balloon Safari.* All meals at the camp and overnight stay. * If you chose the Balloon Safari, you won't do the morning game drive. * Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: Experience the majesty of the Maasai Mara from the sky on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari. Ascend at dawn and experience the most unforgettable sunrise imaginable as the savannah and its wildlife spring to life in the soft morning light. Please note: The optional Hot Air Balloon Safari is dependent on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot go ahead, it will be refunded when you return from your trip.

Day 9: Maasai Mara - Nairobi - Victoria Falls

Breakfast at the camp.* Return to Nairobi and transfer to the airport ready to check-in for a flight to Victoria Falls. Named after Queen Victoria of England by the explorer David Livingstone, these impressive waterfalls are just one of the gifts that nature has given to southern Africa. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Get comfortable at the hotel and perhaps explore the surroundings at your leisure. We recommend an optional Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River, an unforgettable way to spend your first night in Zimbabwe.** Overnight stay in Victoria Falls. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast. ** Optional Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River: Transfer to the jetty for a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. Includes drinks and snacks on board.

Day 10: Victoria Falls

Breakfast at the hotel. Today visit the Zimbabwe side of the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls. Described locally as 'The Smoke That Thunders', Victoria Falls sits at the southern end of the Zambezi River, between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Spend some time admiring the power of the falls and visit different vantage points to discover the sheer scale of this natural wonder. During the afternoon we recommend an optional Flight of the Angels Helicopter Experience * or the optional Guided Tour of the Falls from Zambia and Zimbabwe sides.** Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Victoria Falls. * Optional Flight of the Angels Helicopter Experience (13 Minutes): To put the Victoria Falls into a true perspective, they must really be seen from the air. The sheer size and grandeur of the spectacle become all the more clearer from above. The huge Zambezi River flowing slowly south as the water spreads across the full width of a great rent in the earth before crashing over the lip in a burst of spray and then squeezing into a narrow, foaming, blast of water rushing down the zigzag funnel of the gorges. ** Optional Guided Tour of the Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe): A guided tour of the falls enables you to delve into the local customs and traditions while gaining insight into how such an exquisite creation came to be. An aura of excitement envelopes everyone who lays eyes on this incredible spectacle and guided tours are conducted from both Zambia and Zimbabwe sides.

Day 11: Victoria Falls

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure or take our optional safari and river cruise in the Chobe National Park in Botswana, a must for nature lovers! Overnight stay in Victoria Falls. * Optional Full-Day Excursion to the Chobe National Park: Embark on a safari game drive in the Chobe National Park, known for its large herds of elephants and wandering prides of lions. Cruise along the Chobe River, and spot the local game before enjoying lunch at a safari lodge. Take in the spectacular landscapes and wildlife before returning to Zimbabwe for an overnight stay. You will need to take your passport and Botswana visa with you on this trip to cross the border. Please note: If you choose this optional excursion you will need to obtain a double-entry visa-on-arrival at Victoria Falls airport when you first arrive. Cost approx $50-70.

Day 12: Victoria Falls - Johannesburg

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Johannesburg. Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure exploring the city and its diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. Tuck into the vibrant food scene and pop-up eateries. The city is a real cultural hub and it a great place to catch live music performances and indulge in trendy bars and restaurants. Overnight stay in Johannesburg. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast. Why not make the most of your time in South Africa by adding one of our optional excursion packages. Choose between our Gastronomic or Adventure packages in the next step of the booking process! Our Gastronomic Package includes two meals at excellent restaurants in Cape Town plus a Bo-Kapp Cooking Tour and Cape Winelands Excursion. Our Adventure Package includes a Full-Day Kruger Game Drive, an exciting Shark Cage Diving Experience and an Atlantis Dunes Quad Biking Excursion. Please note: you can only choose one of the optional excursion packages (Adventure or Gastronomic).

Day 13: Johannesburg - Mpumalanga - Kruger

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time transfer by road to Mpumalanga. You're headed for Kruger, home to some of the most iconic wildlife in South Africa. Along the way, see some of the most iconic sights of the Panorama Route such as Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels (entrance fees not included). You'll fall in love with the natural beauty of South Africa's landscapes!* Arrive and transfer to the hotel to check-in. Dinner and overnight stay in Kruger. * Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

Day 14: Kruger National Park

Begin the day early with a morning safari in the southern area of South Africa's most famous game reserve with breakfast on the go. The game viewing area is known as the 'Southern Circle' and is renowned for its rhinos and lions. Later in the day, enjoy an afternoon game drive to discover the amazing diversity of animals in one of the world's largest game reserves. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, warm and rainproof jackets, sunhat and protection and cameras to capture the beautiful wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay in the Kruger Region.

Day 15: Kruger National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Kruger and the White River. We recommend an optional day trip to Kruger National Park to experience more of its wildlife-rich eco-systems.* Dinner and overnight stay in the Kruger Region. * Optional Kruger National Park Day Trip: Set off to the wilds of Kruger for your chance to spot the famous Big Five. Enjoy a slow drive through the national park, home to elephants, buffalos, giraffes, impalas, zebras and, of course, lions. An unforgettable day in the wilds of Southern Africa. Packed lunch included.

Day 16: Kruger - Johannesburg - Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by road back to Johannesburg, stopping to see the exterior of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the official headquarters of the South African government.* Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Cape Town. Touch down in South Africa's 'Mother City', known for its towering Table Mountain, cosmopolitan culture and fabulous beaches. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the neighbourhoods and sights of Cape Town. Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

Day 17: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the hop on hop off tour ticket in Cape Town. South Africa's capital combines cosmopolitanism, culture, architecture, and the best of nature. With the hop-on and hop-off ticket, you will be able to do over 30 stops to enjoy some of the most remarkable attractions of the 'Mother City'. Take the Cableway and go up to Table Mountain where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Africa's landscapes.* Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Cape Town. * Please note: the Table Mountain Cableway in Cape Town will be closed for maintenance from the 25th of July until the 28th of August 2022. If your trip coincides with these dates, you will enjoy an included Sunset Cruise instead and your included Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets will still enable you to visit the lower station of the cableway if you wish.

Day 18: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day by discovering the city further. We recommend taking the optional Cape Winelands excursion, especially if you're a wine lover as this region is known for its award-winning whites and reds.* Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Optional Full-Day Wine Route Excursion with Wine Tasting: Set off into the lush Winelands outside of Cape Town and visit the wine producers in Stellenbosch for delicious wine tasting and a cellar tour.

Day 19: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day by discovering the city further. We recommend taking the optional excursion to the Cape Peninsula, a paradise of natural beauty, vineyards and coastal seal and penguin colonies!* Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Optional Full-Day Cape Peninsula Excursion: Enjoy the delights of the Cape Peninsula including Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno and the amazing Twelve Apostles. Pass through Noordhoek and see the local ostriches before visiting the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Fall in love with the Penguin Colony and Boulder's Beach and see Simons Town and Muizenberg Beach.

Day 20: Cape Town - Johannesburg

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Johannesburg. Arrive back in vibrant Johannesburg and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Explore the historic neighborhood of Soweto to visit the Apartheid Museum or immerse yourself in the city's vibrant street-food scene. Overnight stay in Johannesburg.

Day 21: Johannesburg - Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel.* The last leg of your epic African adventure begins today as you transfer to the airport to board a flight to Cairo. Night on board. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Day 22: Cairo

Touch down in Cairo and transfer to the hotel. Once you've settled in, the remainder of the day is free at your leisure to get to know the sights and sounds of Cairo, in the shadow of the Great Pyramids! Go shopping at the local souk or sample the national cuisine. Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 23: Cairo

Breakfast at the hotel. Get to know the Egyptian capital today with a tour of Cairo's most emblematic sights. Begin at the Giza plateau, home of the three Great Pyramids, built over 4,500 years ago and one of the original Seven Wonders of the World! Explore the pyramids and learn about their fascinating history as you walk in the footsteps of the pharaohs. Continue to the Great Sphinx to unearth more secrets of Ancient Egypt. The remainder of the day is free to explore Cairo at your leisure. We recommend an optional Pyramids Sound and Light Show.* Overnight stay in Cairo. * Optional Pyramids Sound and Light Show: Experience the iconic Great Pyramids at night, as they are lit with dancing lasers and visuals, accompanied by atmospheric music. The perfect way to kick-start your Egyptian adventure! Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip! Important: The order of the optional excursions may vary depending on your departure day. Optional excursions can only be reserved at the time of booking or up to four days after booking.

Day 24: Cairo - Luxor

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Luxor On arrival, transfer to the port to board your Nile Cruise Boat, your home for the next four nights. Get settled in your cabin and enjoy lunch and the views of the river Nile. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Karnak, a huge complex of decayed temples, columns and other buildings. On the way back to the ship, stop at the impressive Temple of Luxor, dedicated to Amun-Ra, Mut and Khonu and built by Amenophis III and Ramses II. Back on the ship, enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 25: Luxor - Edfu

Full-board on board. Begin the day with a visit to the legendary Valley of the Kings, the burial site of the pharaohs between the 18th and 20th ancient Egyptian dynasties and the famous site of the tomb of Tutankhamun. After exploring the valley, head to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set on large terraces beneath the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. Continue to the Colossi of Memnon, two imposing stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, before returning to the ship as it navigates towards Edfu. Overnight on board. Please note: The excursion to the Valley of the Kings includes visits to three tombs. Entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun is not included but, if you are interested in visiting, you can buy a ticket to see this tomb at the site during your visit.

Day 26: Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan

Full-board on board. Disembark the ship in Edfu and take a buggy ride to the magnificent Temple of Horus, the famous, falcon-headed Egyptian god. Explore the atmospheric temple ruins as you trace the footsteps of the pharaohs. Return to the ship and continue sailing south to Kom Ombo. Upon arrival explore the twin Temples of Haroeris and Sobek and see the amazing Nilometer, used to measure the rising and falling levels of the Nile, an important life source in Egypt. Return to the ship and relax onboard as you continue towards Aswan. Overnight on board.

Day 27: Aswan

Full-board on board. This morning, we recommend an optional visit to the amazing temples of Abu Simbel.* Today, enjoy a tour of Aswan to uncover the sights of this fascinating city. Explore the famous granite quarry, where the building blocks of many of ancient Egypt's monuments were produced and visit both the old and new Aswan Dams, monumental engineering works built in the 19th and 20th centuries respectively to control the flooding on the banks of the Nile. End the day with a peaceful ride in a felucca, a typical fishing boat, on the river Nile. Overnight on board. * Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel: Visit these amazing temples, carved on the western cliff of the desert by Ramses II in the Xl century BC. See the iconic 20-metre high statues, dedicated to the god Amon Ra, and the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Please note: If you take the optional excursion to Abu Simbel, you will depart from the ship at approximately 3 a.m. to make the most of the coolest and quietest part of the day. This way, you can fully experience Abu Simbel without the crowds and avoid sightseeing in high temperatures. Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip! Important: The order of the optional excursions may vary depending on your departure day. Optional excursions can only be reserved at the time of booking or up to four days after booking.

Day 28: Aswan - Cairo

Breakfast on board. At the indicated time, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Cairo. Arrive in the capital and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to get to know Cairo. While away the day visiting the amazing Egyptian Museum, where it's worth spending some time to really get the most out of its unbeatable exhibitions or go shopping in the busy city souks to bag a bargain. We recommend an optional excursion to the Saladin Citadel.* Overnight stay in Cairo. * Optional Excursion to Saladin Citadel: Visit the Alabaster Mosque and medieval fortification of Saladin Citadel, perched atop a hill in central Cairo and dating back to the 12th-century. Learn about the importance of the site to Egypt's Islamic heritage before walking through the Coptic Neighborhood, home to various churches. Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip! Important: The order of the optional excursions may vary depending on your departure day. Optional excursions can only be reserved at the time of booking or up to four days after booking.

Day 29: Cairo - US

Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to bring your unforgettable African adventure to a close. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US.** Arrive in the US and end your trip, filled with treasured memories of your magical journey through Africa! * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** If your return flight departs in the evening, your arrival in the US will be the following day and the total duration of your trip will be 30 days.