Optional excursions available on tours to Kenya
Maasai Mara Balloon Safari - 3 hrs (2.5 hrs approx based on transfer to/from) - $450pp US
This morning enjoy an amazing experience as you take a balloon ride over the Maasai Mara. This is probably one of the most scenic views you will ever experience as you depart at dawn and float, suspended in a basket beneath a canopy while viewing the sights of the mighty Maasai Mara and its wildlife. On landing, you’ll be provided with a delicious bubbly-style bush breakfast.
Optional excursions available on tours to Tanzania
Serengeti Balloon Safari - (2.5 hrs approx based on transfer to/from) - $450pp US (minimum 4 participants)
This morning enjoy an amazing experience as you take a balloon ride over the Serengeti National Park. Launching at dawn, rising as the sun rises, you’ll gently float over the plains of the magnificent Serengeti. On landing, you’ll be provided with a delicious bubbly-style bush breakfast (a 5% surcharge applies when paying by debit/credit card).
Optional excursions available on tours to Namibia
Swakopmund Scenic Flight (Cessna 210 Craft) –2 hrs 15mins (610km) - $390pp US (minimum 4 participants)
Often described as 'the flight of a life time', we take you from the Swakopmund airfield along the Kuiseb River bed, the natural border of the dune formations. Forward onto Gogabeb, the desert research station. Although the Namib is just as dry as the Sahara, it has a much richer fauna and flora, attracting researchers worldwide. We continue our flight over Tsondabvlei. Shortly the awe-inspiring dunes at Sossusvlei will come into sight. The colour and shadows of these gigantic mountains of sand change by the hour from beige to rust-red to purple, dazzling the eye. With Sossusvlei lingering in your mind’s eye, we overfly the forbidden diamond area where remains of old diamond camps can still be seen. Our flight continues over the ‘sea of sand’, approaching the shore at Conception Bay. Soaring along the coastline we fly over the shipwreck of a German passenger liner, Eduard Bohlen. Stranded in 1909, she now lies inland, for the entire world as if she were sailing through the desert. Forthwith the shipwreck of the fishing trawler, Shaunee, comes into sight. As we continue northward we see the never-ending battle for supremacy between the sand and the sea, as we pass the 'Lange Wand', a 500 feet high dune rising from the waters edge. Nearing Sandwich Harbour, your pilot will ascend to 1500 feet. Sandwich Harbour is a large saltwater lagoon and home to an incredible variety of bird life and one of southern Africa’s greatest natural bird sanctuaries. From Sandwich Harbour our flight takes us over the salt mines and Namibia’s major harbour, Walvis Bay. Next we fly over the guano-collecting wooden platform, where thousands of seabirds settle and leave their droppings. Periodically these are scraped up and fertilizer results. The recreational resorts Dolphin Beach and Longbeach are our next destination. As the town of Swakopmund comes into sight, your pilot will prepare for landing.
Optional excursions available on tours to Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls Helicopter Tour – 12-13 mins - $150pp US (minimum 3 participants) 25-30 mins - $290pp US (minimum of 3 participants)
After take-off you will fly out over the Victoria Falls where your pilot will fly left- and right-hand circuits over the falls in both directions. Continuing the flight downstream over the Batoka Gorge, experience the natural beauty of this awe-inspiring dramatic feature, following the mighty Zambezi as it carves its way between steep cliffs. Includes return transfers from your Victoria Falls hotel. Excludes Park Fees and Government Fees of $15pp US, which are to be paid locally to the operator.
Optional excursions available on Cairo to Zanzibar
Islamic Cairo - 3 hrs - $52pp US
Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum - two houses from the 16th & 17th century built with a unique architectural style & filled with antiques from all over the Middle East. Nearby is the Ibn Toulon Mosque, one of Cairo's biggest mosques, built in the 8th century with strong Persian design influences. The final stop is the El Sultan Hassan Mosque, built in the 13th century & considered one of the best examples of Islamic architecture from that era.
Sound & Light Show at Giza - 1 hr - $55pp US
The Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids takes place on the Giza plateau. You will hear the story of Egypt as seen through the eyes of the Sphinx over the ages, & see the breathtaking sight of the floodlit pyramids lit up under the stars.
Please Note: You may not be permitted to use video cameras during this performance.
Dahshur Pyramid - 2 hrs - $63pp US
Dahshur forms the southernmost area of the Memphis Necropolis & contains a number of pyramid complexes & monuments. This site was used as funerary grounds beginning in the time of the Fourth Dynasty, where King Senefru built two of his three pyramids: the 'Bent' pyramid, named for the angle of the sides, & the 'Red Pyramid' named for the red limestone used in its construction. The latter was the first complete pyramid in Egypt.
Coptic Cairo - 3 hrs - $52pp US
Discover the ancient sites & culture of Coptic Christians throughout Old Cairo. Visit the Hanging Church, possibly the oldest Christian church in Egypt & Abu Serga, a place where the Holy Family rested after fleeing Israel from King Herod. See Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt. Set in a shady garden, it was built on the site of a 4th-century Christian church.
Luxor Museum – 1 hr 30 mins – $53pp US
Experience one of the best displays of antiquities in Egypt at the Luxor Museum, including artefacts from King Tutankhamen's Tomb.
Includes: Egyptologist tour guide, private car & driver, museum representative & entrance fees.
Sound & Light Show Karnak – 1 hr 30 mins – $55pp US
Experience the beauty of Karnak Temple illuminated against the night as the pharaohs of the New Kingdom take you on a journey into Ancient Egypt.
Please Note: You may not be permitted to use video cameras during this performance.
City Tour in Aswan - 1 hr 30 mins - $40pp US
Witness local life in Aswan, highlights include a visit to the Grand mosque in Aswan, 'Tabbia Mosque' and the Grand Coptic Church.
Nubian Village - 3 hrs - $52pp US, including camel ride; $42pp US, without camel ride
Travel by motorboat to a local village, visit a Nubian family and enjoy tea in their home, discovering their simple and natural way of life. The Nubian language is solely a spoken language, and is the common feature that characterises Nubian of today and is the centre of their identity.
Sound & Light Show Philae - 1 hr 30 mins - $55pp US (minimum 10 participants)
A magical experience visiting Philae Temple at night for the Sound & Light Show. Walk through the dramatically lit temple as its history is narrated. Please note: you may not be permitted to use video cameras during this performance.
Please Note: All optional tours are based on a minimum of 2 participants (unless otherwise stated) and are subject to availability. The length of tours advised is an approximate only. Tours can be booked on tour directly with your Tour Director. We recommend arranging the booking at the beginning of the tour to avoid disappointment. Prices are a guide only and are subject to change without prior notice. Payment by cash is preferred as there are no guarantees that credit card facilities will be available. Please check with your Tour Director locally for information relating to this. Credit card fees and exchange rates are at the discretion of your bank.
