Addis Ababa to Cairo (38 Days) Nile Trans
Addis Ababa to Cairo (38 Days) Nile Trans
Addis Ababa to Cairo (38 Days) Nile Trans
38 Days Starting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and ending in Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Visiting: Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Gondar, Khartoum, Meroë, Wadi Halfa, Aswan, Luxor, Cairo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
426
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Physical rating:
Moderate
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2897
$2752 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$145
Tour Overview
This expedition through the historically and culturally rich, and geographically diverse countries of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt takes you from the Ethiopian highlands (Africa's largest mountain range), to the deserts of Sudan and the coral reefs of the Red Sea. Ethiopia, itself has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other African country and Egypt needs very little introduction to its unique historical sites. This trip takes in major exotic-sounding cities, like Khartoum and gets well off the beaten track in between.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 7 : Addis Ababa To Bahidar
Location: Addis Ababa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Itegue Taitu Hotel
We spend a couple of days in Addis Ababa where we have the chance to indulge in some authentic Ethiopian coffee or explore 'El Mercato' - one of East Africa's largest open air markets. We also spend the next few days organising our Sudanese and Egyptian visas - before heading onto Bahir Darvia the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge & Falls.
Day 8 - 16 : Bahidar To Sudan
Location: Lalibela, Gondar
Bahidar is based on the southern edge of Lake Tana - you can organise boat trips to some of the small islands which have Monasteries dating back up to 900 years, and which are still looked after by monks who live from subsistence farming, or take a trip to Blue Nile Falls. Lalibela, famous for it's 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches is our next destination where you have the option of a guided tour of one of Ethiopia's holiest cities.
Gondar (the capital of Ethiopia from 1632 until 1868), we spend a few days where it is possible to organise overnight trips to the Simiens Mountains National Park - home to the Gelada Baboon, hikes are available in the area. You may also wish to arrange a trip to the holy city of Axum dating from the 12th Century have been kept alive by generations of dedicated priests who guard their precious religious and artistic artefacts. The border with Sudan is not far from Gondar and the first towns after the border are Gedaref & Wadi Medani.
Day 17 - 23 : Khartoum To Wadi Halfa
Location: Khartoum, Meroë, Wadi Halfa
The hospitality in Sudan can be surprising - but very genuine. For such a poor country with so many recent problems - Sudanese people are often too willing to invite you for a meal or a cup of 'Sudanese whisky' - better known as tea! Khartoum is our next stop and it has a fantastic setting on the confluence of the Blue and White Niles. Our stay here is on the banks of the Nile at the quirky but interesting Blue Nile Sailing Club. It houses one of General Kitcheners old Gunboats, a relic from the British military campaign against the Mahdi over a century ago. For such a large city, Khartoum feels quite laid back. Here you can visit the Hamed al Nil Tomb or take a trip to the daily camel market or viewing the confluence of the two Niles are also an interesting ways to pass the time.
The ancient Pyramids at Meroe lie to the north of the capital Khartoum. Our drive across the Nubian Desert will see us either hugging the banks of Nile as it snakes its way north or possibly experiencing the vast open desert plains which is dissected by the main train line from Khartoum - making this our only real point of reference. Whether passing through sleepy Nubian villages, resting in tea rooms, pottering around the local souqs or experiencing total isolation in the middle of the desert - a unique experience awaits you along this not so travelled route to Wadi Halfa.
Day 24 - 30 : Wadi Halfa To Luxor
Location: Wadi Halfa, Aswan, Luxor
Upon reaching Lake Nasser and Wadi Halfa in Northern Sudan, we enter Egypt and board the ferry to Abu Simbel - our ultimate destination on our expedition. We arrive into the small village of Abu Simbel, here you will notice you will notice one of the many cultural changes on this trip - the darker Nubian people lead a more relaxed and less hectic pace of life than their Egyptian countrymen. You have the opportunity to visit Abu Simbel - the massive stone monuments built by the greatest of all pharaohs, Ramses ll, after spending the night we will travel in convoy to the city of Aswan. Philae temple, Nubian museum, an evening boat cruise to a nubian village and walking through the colourful souk, is a great way to spend your days here. You can also join a 2 or 3 day felucca boat cruise to Edfu and/or Kom Ombo before arriving into Luxor.
Day 31 - 38 : Luxor To Cairo
Location: Luxor, Cairo
Accommodation: Camp
You will be kept busy exploring in Luxor - where we visit the Valley of Kings and Queens. Here, the remarkably well preserved tombs of the ancient rulers -namely Ramses ll and Tutankhamun -have coloured paintings and hieroglyphics that still seem fresh even after 3000 years. Karnak and Luxor Temples are both in easy walking distance from our camp - as is the local souq where you can pick up the last of your souvenirs. The following day we drive out towards the Red Sea Coast. You will have time relax on the beach or try your hand at various watersports such as snorkelling, windsurfing or scuba diving in the cool clear blue waters.
Our final destination, Cairo is only a days drive away. Visiting the great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza with our Egyptologist guide and also the Egyptian Natural History Museum in the afternoon is definitely a fitting way to end this amazing expedition.
What's Included
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Accommodation - approx. 50% camping & 50% simple hostels/hotels
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Entry into Meroe Pyramids
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Lake Nasser Ferry
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Pyramids & Sphinx day tour & guide
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Meals - approx. 60%
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All Transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
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Camping and Cooking equipment
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Services of Oasis Crew
What's Not Included
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Visas
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Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
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Flights
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Airport Taxes & Transfers
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Travel Insurance
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Meals - approx. 40%
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Drinks
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Tips
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Local payment from US$850
Local Payment (LP) is in the addition to the Trip Price and is paid to your Tour Leader at the start of your Trip.
It covers some of the trip's day to day expenses such as food and accommodation which your tour leader pays direct to local people.
More Info
This expedition through the historically and culturally rich, and geographically diverse countries of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt takes you from the Ethiopian highlands (Africa's largest mountain range), to the deserts of Sudan and the coral reefs of the Red Sea. Ethiopia, itself has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other African country and Egypt needs very little introduction to its unique historical sites. This trip takes in major exotic-sounding cities, like Khartoum and gets well off the beaten track in between.
Mode of Transport
For most of your trip the Oasis expedition truck will be your new home - giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use purpose built truck's which have been converted especially for this expedition, which pass through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all the equipment we may need en route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts and the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an overland trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed.
Check out our Q&As
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What to expect at meal times?
When 'on the road' or camping, we usually cook using gas or over open fires in a rota system and you can expect to cook in a group of two or three people approximately once every ten days depending on the number of people on trip and whereabouts you are. Your cook group will have to decide on what to cook, utilise stocks from the truck stores and locally obtain ingredients from markets, shops etc. and rustle up a meal. But don't worry if you're not a Gordon Ramsay as the rest of the group and the Tour leader usually lend a helping hand. Here is an idea of what to expect at meal times: Breakfasts: Usually simple - we help ourselves to cereal, toast, hot drinks and on occasion we will splurge with a cooked breakfast. Lunch: Cold and usually quick. The cook group will put out bread, tinned supplies and maybe make a salad. Dinner: Cooks come into their own in the evening, and will always attempt to cook up some delights. When the truck is parked up for a few days in a town or city most people usually like the option to eat out at local restaurants - so we often don't cook all meals when at these locations.
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What is the maximum group size?
Maximum 10 people.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary.
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Where does the trip start?
The trip starts from the Itegue Taitu Hotel at approximately 8am on the morning of Day 1 of your trip. The Itegue Taitu Hotel, was the first hotel built in Addis Ababa. The hotel is situated in the middle of the city in the Piazza area, amenities include a restaurant and bar, outdoor garden seating area, souvenir shop, travel agents and WiFi. The hotel is close to banks, cafes, shops, restaurants in a very popular part of the city. Trip Joining Point: Itegue Taitu Hotel - Addis Ababa Start Time Day 1: 08:00 Address: Taitu Street, Piazza, Addis Ababa Telephone: +251 11 1 560787 Website: www.taituhotel.com Email: reservations@taituhotel.com
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
You need to arrive at your departure city at least the day before your trip begins. Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities (if you are joining in Victoria Falls - we suggest arriving at least 2 days before if you wish to partake in the many adrenaline activities on offer). One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry. Departure Taxes: Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
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Wednesday - Friday
Jul 24, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024Wednesday - Friday
Jul 09, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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