Egypt
Trip summary statistics
12days
Egypt & Kenya: Ancient Pyramids & Big Five Safari
Cairo, Luxor, Nairobi, Masai Mara
Stand face-to-face with the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids and the legendary Sphinx in Giza.
Uncover the archaeological treasures of Karnak and Luxor with a private Egyptologist guide.
Explore the temples and tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.
Witness the care of rescued elephants at a renowned orphanage near Nairobi National Park.
Seek out the Big Five on a thrilling Masai Mara safari arranged by your Destination Expert.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
CairoGet In and Get Some Rest
- Airport Assistance & Visa Service
- Airport Transfer with Private Vehicle
- Time at Leisure
CairoSee the Signature Sights in Style
- The Best of Giza: Pyramids, Sphinx & Grand Egyptian Museum (with Lunch, 7-8 hrs) - Private Tour
CairoSee the Signature Sights in Style
- Saqqara, Memphis & Dashur (6-7 hrs) - Private Tour
- Lunch at a Local Restaurant
CairoExplore with an Expert
- National Museum of Egyptian Civilization with Royal Mummies Hall (4 hrs) - Private Tour
- Nile Maxim Dinner Cruise
Cairo to LuxorSights and Insights
- Airport Transfer with Private Vehicle
- Cairo - Luxor [1 hr] - Economy
- Private Transfer to Accommodation
- Private Sunset Visit to Karnak and Luxor Temple | 4 hrs
LuxorIt’s All Ancient History
- Excavating the Valley of the Kings & Queens (with Lunch, 7 hrs) - Private Tour
- Time at Leisure
Luxor to Cairo to NairobiThe Journey Continues…
- Private Transfer to Accommodation
- Luxor - Cairo [1 hr] - Economy
- Cairo - Nairobi [5 hrs] - Economy
- Meet & Greet Assistance at Jomo Kenyatta Airport
- Private Airport Transfer
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance Included
NairobiCall of the Wild
- Visit to Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
- Nairobi National Park Fees
- Karen Restaurant Recommendations
- Giraffe Center, Karen Blixen House & Kazuri Beads
- Private Vehicle & Guide in Nairobi
Nairobi to Masai MaraA Change of Scenery
- Private Airport Transfer
- Nairobi - Masai Mara [Direct (45 mins)] - AK
- Shared Airstrip Transfer
- Afternoon Game Drive
- Mara North Conservancy Fees - Included
- Dining at Karen Blixen Camp
Masai MaraHakuna Matata
- Morning Game Drive
- Afternoon Game Drive
- Mara North Conservancy Fees - Included
Masai MaraBig-Game Galore
- Morning Game Drive
- Afternoon Game Drive
- Mara North Conservancy Fees - Included
Masai Mara to NairobiBon Voyage
- Shared Airstrip Transfer
- Masai Mara - Nairobi [Direct (45 mins)] - AK
- Private Vehicle & Guide in Nairobi
- House of Waine Dining Experience
CAIRO
Get In and Get Some Rest
For your added comfort, upon your arrival at the airport, an airport representative will greet you in front of customs and immigration. The representative will facilitate the included visa process for you. Continue to the baggage claim hall and passenger pick up. Here you will be met by your driver for a private transfer to your hotel.
Meet your driver and English-speaking representative for a private airport transfer.
Settle in at your own pace, whether exploring independently or unwinding at your hotel with access to its full range of amenities.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe King Room
CAIRO
See the Signature Sights in Style
Cross an item off your bucket list as you explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World on a private tour. Today, you will get an opportunity to marvel at one of the true ancient masterpieces, the Sphinx and the Pyramids. Following a pick-up from your hotel, you will be transferred to the Giza Plateau. Ponder at the majesty of the Great Pyramids and listen to your guide as they reveal the history of Ancient Egypt. Your experience includes a visit to a panoramic viewpoint, where you will be able to marvel at the grandeur of the Pyramids in all their glory. Continue to the Great Sphinx with its head of a man and body of a lion, gazing imposingly across the valley. During today’s tour, you will also enjoy a delicious lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge overlooking the Plateau. Proceed to Grand Egyptian Museum, home to some of the most valuable treasures from this era. Your tour provides a unique opportunity to witness a selection of the most impressive artifacts, including magnificent statues, royal regalia, and ancient monuments. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you on this journey back in time, sharing insights on the treasures you'll encounter along the way. After the visit, transfer back to the hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe King Room
CAIRO
See the Signature Sights in Style
The Great Pyramids of Giza are the best-known pyramids in Egypt, but the step pyramid of Saqqara pre-dates the Giza complex by several centuries. Meet with your private Egyptologist guide and head to the ancient capital of Memphis, which lies 12 miles from Cairo on the west bank of the Nile. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is an open-air museum of the ruins. At Saqqara, see the oldest complete stone building complex known in history, the Pyramid of Djoser, featuring an early example of step pyramid construction that functioned as a non-royal burial complex for millennia. The structure was an early prototype of pyramid construction dating back to the 3rd Dynasty of the Egyptian Old Kingdom. Next, visit the Dashur pyramids, which consists of two important Egyptian monuments, the Bent and Red Pyramids. Located just south of Cairo, these two unique monuments are among the oldest and largest preserved structures in all of Egypt. Created by the Pharaoh Snofru, the father of Khufu, the Bent pyramid is said to have such a unique shape due to an engineering crisis during its period of construction. The second attempt resulted in the world's first smooth-sided pyramid, Snofru's Red Pyramid, renowned for its sheer size and red-colored limestone facade.
Relax and enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, including a choice of a small bottle of water, soft drink, tea or coffee.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe King Room
CAIRO
Explore with an Expert
With a view of Ain El-Seera Lake the NEMC was built on the archaeological site of El-Fustat, the first capital of Egypt. The museum showcases Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to present day, using a multidisciplinary approach that highlights the country's history. Your private tour will bring you to an internationally recognized research and conservation center that plays an important role in raising awareness and conservation of Egyptian history. With a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits your visit will help add to your knowledge and understanding of Egypt's ancient and modern civilizations. Today you will also explore the Royal Mummy Hall with your included entrance fee, where some of the world’s most powerful people are now resting, excavated from their tombs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens.
This evening take part in a Nile River dinner cruise aboard the "Nile Maxim", one of the most elegant cruising restaurants sailing the world's longest waterway. Enjoy top-class service aboard your Nile cruise, gliding past Cairo's illuminated skyline while you dine. Entertainment is provided by a spectacular belly-dancing and folklore show. Choose from a delicious a la carte menu, sit back, and enjoy your experience as you meander down the globe’s mightiest river. The dinner cruise includes pick up and drop off from your hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe King Room
CAIRO TO LUXOR
Sights and Insights
Meet your driver and English-speaking representative for a private airport transfer.
Board a flight in Cairo with direct service to Luxor. Approximate flight duration is one hour.
Please note, luggage restrictions apply to this regional flight. 1) Maximum of one checked bag, weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg) – Economy, 70 lbs (32 kgs) - Business; Checked baggage cannot be larger than 62 linear inches (158cm). 2) Guests can also bring a piece of carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of 17 lbs (8 kg). Passengers flying in Business Class may bring two pieces of carry-on luggage.
Transfer from Luxor Airport to your accommodation by private vehicle.
As the sun drops over Luxor's East Bank, the sandstone columns of Karnak take on a quality no photograph prepares you for. This private evening journey with your Egyptologist guide moves through one of the ancient world's most extraordinary temple complexes, along the Avenue of Sphinxes and past colossal columns transported 100 miles along the Nile. A pause at a nearby bazaar offers a glimpse of local life before continuing to Luxor Temple, dedicated not to pharaohs but to the rejuvenation of kingship itself. Private transfer included.
Where you’ll be staying
Guest Room
LUXOR
It’s All Ancient History
Some of the most spectacular sites in all of Egypt can be found on the West Bank of the Nile, near Luxor. Over the centuries, the West Bank has proven to be the ultimate playing ground for adventurers, archaeologists and looters. Today’s custom-designed Kensington Tours experience not only gets you up close and personal with the most renowned heritage sites of this area, but also provides you with deep insight into how they weathered across millennia, from their construction, to rediscovery, to the impacts of modern-day tourism. Begin with a visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an astonishing terraced temple partly imbedded in the limestone mountain itself. Explore the world-famous Valley of the Kings, where you will be guided through imposing ancient tombs carved deep into the rock face. Tour the Howard Carter House; hear about the search for King Tut’s Tomb and learn how its discovery ignited global interest in Egypt and its treasures. Pause for a delicious lunch at the Marsam Hotel and learn about its role in the history of archaeology in the Valley of the Kings. Finish your day off in the Valley of the Queens and tour the Tomb of Nefertari, arguably the most beautiful and best-preserved tomb in all of Luxor.
Settle in at your own pace, whether exploring independently or unwinding at your hotel with access to its full range of amenities.
Where you’ll be staying
Guest Room
LUXOR TO CAIRO TO NAIROBI
The Journey Continues…
Transfer from Luxor Airport to your accommodation by private vehicle.
Board a flight in Luxor with direct service to Cairo. Approximate flight duration is one hour.
Please note, luggage restrictions apply to this regional flight. 1) Maximum of one checked bag, weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg) – Economy, 70 lbs (32 kgs) - Business; Checked baggage cannot be larger than 62 linear inches (158cm). 2) Guests can also bring a piece of carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of 17 lbs (8 kg). Passengers flying in Business Class may bring two pieces of carry-on luggage.
Board a flight in Cairo with service to Nairobi. Approximate flight duration is five hours.
Once through arrivals, your English-speaking representative is waiting with your name board to walk you through your welcome documents and answer any questions before your journey into Kenya begins.
A private transfer between your hotel and the airport in Nairobi is provided.
A Flying Doctors emergency evacuation insurance policy is included for all guests, covering the cost of an evacuation flight to Nairobi for treatment in the event of serious illness or injury. Medical treatment costs are not covered. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for full coverage.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Room
NAIROBI
Call of the Wild
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is a world renowned rescue and rehabilitation initiative primarily focused on the well-being of elephants and rhino’s. Since 1977, the Orphan’s Project has assisted in the recovery and reintegration of more than 150 elephants, returning them to the wild herds of Tsavo. Today, stop in for a visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, found at the Nairobi Game Park Headquarters. Arriving in time to participate the morning feeding, which takes place between 11am and 12pm, you will have the chance to meet the elephants as well as other endangered animals like the black rhino. This shared visit does not require the fostering of an elephant, however, if you are interested in contributing to the orphanages efforts, please visit https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/fostering.asp to learn more.
Nairobi National Park is a remarkable wildlife reserve located just 4 miles (7 km) south of Nairobi’s city center, making it one of the only national parks in the world set against a capital city skyline. Covering approximately 117 square kilometers, it features open grass plains, acacia bush, and seasonal rivers that support a wide range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and one of Kenya’s most successful populations of black rhinos.
There are numerous dining options during your stay in Nairobi, ranging from garden cafÉs to fine-dining establishments. Your Destination Expert can assist with making reservations. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions, requirements, or specific food requests.
Karen Blixen Coffee & Gardens – Set within lush gardens near the Karen Blixen Museum, this charming restaurant offers a relaxed ambiance and a menu featuring fresh local ingredients with a global twist. Perfect for lunch or a leisurely afternoon coffee in the shade of acacia trees.
Cultiva – A modern, farm-to-table restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and an ever-changing menu that highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Expect bold flavors, creative plating, and a stylish yet laid-back setting.
The Talisman – A beloved Karen institution combining fine dining with a laid-back, artistic vibe. Once the home of wildlife photographer Alan Root, it now offers a menu of international fusion cuisine prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients. The lush gardens and cozy interiors make it ideal for both lunch and dinner.
House of Waine – For a tranquil dining experience, enjoy a meal or afternoon tea at House of Waine, an elegant boutique hotel surrounded by manicured gardens. Guests can also book a lunch or dinner package that includes a welcome drink, a selection of teas or coffees, and access to the pool and garden area.
Tamarind – One of Kenya’s most renowned seafood restaurants, Tamarind Nairobi offers an elegant dining experience with exceptional service. Enjoy freshly caught seafood, prime meats, and Swahili-inspired flavors in a refined atmosphere.
Tin Roof CafÉ – A relaxed garden cafÉ known for its wholesome, freshly made salads, wraps, sandwiches, and smoothies. With a focus on healthy, organic ingredients, it’s a local favorite for casual lunches and coffee breaks.
Make the trip to the Giraffe Center to learn about the world’s tallest terrestrial animal and to see these wonderful creatures up close and, if you so choose, to feed them by hand! After the Giraffe Center, visit the Karen Blixen Museum – a home once lived in by Karen – and made famous in the film “Out of Africa” featuring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford (consider watching the movie before setting out on your trip). After exploring this landmark, head to Kazuri Beads. An all-woman craft workshop renowned for making handmade ceramic jewelry and pottery, Kazuri – which means “small and beautiful” in Swahili – is a co-operative enterprise founded decades ago by an English woman who wanted to help single mothers become self-supporting. The clay beads, jewelry and pottery are as amazing as the story of its people, making Kazuri Beads the perfect place to round out your day in Nairobi.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Room
NAIROBI TO MASAI MARA
A Change of Scenery
A private transfer between your hotel and the airport in Nairobi is provided.
Sit back and relax during this short, scenic flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara today. Approximate flight duration is 45 minutes.
Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1) Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2) Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.
A shared transfer between the lodge and the airstrip is provided for your onward flight.
Head out this afternoon on an exciting game viewing adventure. The locations visited will be determined by your expert guide as they have an intimate understanding of the daily routines of animals and how best to track them. On this afternoon excursion, visit several wildlife hot-spots with an aim to espy elusive animals such as the leopard. These spotted cats blend almost seamlessly into the tall grass and shrubbery, and are even more challenging to spot when in their favorite hangout, the trees. Exploring the region, your guide will take you to nearby watering holes where on a hot day you’ll spot many birds and mammals, including, with luck, the elusive leopard. After a thrilling afternoon game drive, you will be returned to your lodge in time to freshen up for a delicious safari dinner.
Dining at Karen Blixen Camp reflects a classic safari style, with a focus on fresh ingredients, balanced menus, and consistent execution throughout the day. The cuisine follows an international approach, complemented by regional influences and locally sourced elements where possible.
Meals are designed to suit the rhythm of the safari experience. Breakfast offers a mix of lighter options and cooked dishes, while lunch features simple, well-prepared plates such as salads, grilled items, and seasonal selections. Dinner is more structured, typically served as a multi-course menu with a combination of familiar flavors and locally inspired dishes.
The setting is centered around the main dining area overlooking the Mara River, where wildlife is often visible nearby. Service is attentive and well-paced, aligning naturally with daily activities in camp. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Please advise your Destination Expert ahead of time of any dietary restrictions, allergies, or specific meal requests.
Where you’ll be staying
Tent Room (Package)
MASAI MARA
Hakuna Matata
Today you will set out on an early morning game drive with your expert guide. The Masai Mara is home to a diverse range of animals. The park is home to the Big Five (Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and Leopard) and numerous other species including Thomson's and Grant's Gazelles, Impalas, Topics, Hartebeest, Zebra and Masai Giraffe. It's also home to over 450 species of birdlife; among them are vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches, long-crested eagles and African pygmy-falcons.
On today’s afternoon game drive, the possibilities for adventure are endless! Search for the Big 5 or expand your horizons to discover some of the regions lesser known animals. The Masai Mara not only has a rich mix of mammals both large and small, but is also host to an incredible array of birdlife that includes approximately 450 different species, from the fierce bateleur (or short tailed eagle) to the musical sooty chat.
Where you’ll be staying
Tent Room (Package)
MASAI MARA
Big-Game Galore
Early this morning head out on a rewarding game drive. Today, see if you can spot the elusive leopard. The smallest of the four "big cats," the leopard was once found across eastern and southern Asia and Africa, from Siberia to South Africa, but its range has decreased radically because of hunting and loss of habitat. It is now chiefly found in sub-Saharan Africa. Compared to other members of the Felidae family, the leopard has relatively short legs and a long body with a large skull. It is similar in appearance to the jaguar, but is smaller and more slightly built. The species success in the wild is in part due to its opportunistic hunting behavior, its adaptability to various habitats, its ability to run at speeds approaching 36 miles per hour, its unequaled ability to climb trees even when carrying a heavy carcass, and its notorious ability for stealth. Ever elusive, these animals are one of the prized sightings within the Masai Mara.
Head out this afternoon on an exciting game viewing adventure. The locations visited will be determined by your expert guide as they have an intimate understanding of the daily routines of animals and how best to track them. On this afternoon excursion, visit several wildlife hot-spots with an aim to espy elusive animals such as the leopard. These spotted cats blend almost seamlessly into the tall grass and shrubbery, and are even more challenging to spot when in their favorite hangout, the trees. Exploring the region, your guide will take you to nearby watering holes where on a hot day you’ll spot many birds and mammals, including, with luck, the elusive leopard. After a thrilling afternoon game drive, you will be returned to your lodge in time to freshen up for a delicious safari dinner.
Where you’ll be staying
Tent Room (Package)
MASAI MARA TO NAIROBI
Bon Voyage
A shared transfer between the lodge and the airstrip is provided for your onward flight.
This short domestic flight departs from Masai Mara and arrives at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Approximate flight duration is 45 minutes.
Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1) Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2) Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.
Enjoy a delicious meal at the House of Waine. Begin this experience with a refreshing welcome drink as you make your selection for your 3-course meal. An added bonus of dining at the House of Waine is the exclusive access to the swimming pool and garden area, which is yours to enjoy following your meal.
CAIRO
Hyatt Regency Cairo West
Hyatt Regency Cairo West boasts spectacular views over one of the world’s greatest wonders, the Giza Pyramids. Located in the midst of Cairo’s cultural and commercial hub, the hotel delivers a timeless infusion of culture and modernity. Hyatt Regency Cairo West offers 250 guest rooms, each featuring stunning views of the legendary pyramids, the hotel gardens, or the city. Savor culinary delights with five dining venues to choose from, experiencing a selection of stimulating and unique culinary journeys. Unwind after days of adventure with a visit to the on-site spa or soak up the sunny Cairo weather in the outdoor pool.
LUXOR
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Escape to the banks of the Nile at the exquisite Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa, just 10 minutes from Luxor town center. Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is located in the village of Karnak on the east bank of the lush River Nile. Expect glorious views over the river and the historic city of Luxor. This stylish resort is the ideal base for exploring the region’s historical attractions. Among the eight restaurants and bars, you'll find fragrant Arabian-style teas and Turkish coffees with waterfront views at Diwan Shisha CafÉ. The sunken Oasis Pool Bar serves tasty drinks.
NAIROBI
Radisson Blu Nairobi Upperhill
Enjoy upscale comfort near Nairobi National Park at the stylish Radisson Blu Hotel in the Upper Hill area of Nairobi. Each of the hotel’s 271 rooms and suites come complete with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and a minibar, along with lovely city or park views. The nutritious Super Breakfast includes excellent hot and cold drinks, fresh baked goods, cereals, an egg and pancake station and much more. Dine on international classics and Kenyan dishes all day in the Larder restaurant, or savor an African-inspired meal beside the open kitchen at the elegant Chop House. You can also enjoy food and glass of wine at the Alfresco Pool Bar & Grill, then stop by the sophisticated cigar lounge. Stay in shape on your Nairobi trip at the hotels state-of-the art gym or enjoy a relaxing treatment in the spa. Finally, the scenic swimming pool lets you bask in the warm African sun or cool off with a refreshing dip.
MASAI MARA
Karen Blixen Camp
Karen Blixen Camp in the Masai Mara offers an authentic ’yester-year’ experience for visitors wishing to gain that little extra from their safari. Set on the bank of the Mara River the, camp consists of luxurious tents. The location is spectacular, with the great Mara plains behind the camp and the impressive escarpment and Mara River in front. Throughout the day, zebras, elephants and hippos come to drink from the river. Long gone are the days when staying in a tented camp meant roughing it. You will find that the Karen Blixen Camp experience is a step back in time with the comforts of today. The spacious tents are set on large mahogany platforms, each with a veranda from which one can enjoy an afternoon siesta taking in the wonderful surroundings. The tents are furnished with comfortable furniture for the ultimate 'glamping' experience. Camp facilities also include a restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool, as well as wellness treatments that are offered by the resident masseuse.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.








