15 Days Africa Tour of Ghana and Egypt
Route in Ghana: Accra - Castle of Elmina - Cape Coast - Kakum Park - Accra
Route in Egypt: Accra - Cairo - Aswan - Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor -Cairo
Day 1: Arrival Accra, Ghana
On your arrival at the airport in Accra, you will be picked by Hallmark Travel Planners representative and transfer to your hotel – African Royal Beach Hotel or similar.
Day 2: Day in Accra, Ghana
After breakfast we will set off to discover Ghana’s capital Accra, a busy city with its own distinctive style. Among our stations: DuBois House, National Museum, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial, plus a brief visit to Makola market, Accra’s commercial heart. Our relaxation program for the afternoon begins at the pool or you may visit Labadi Beach. Overnight at African Royal Beach Hotel or similar.
Day 3: Visit Elmina and Cape Coast Slave Castles - Unesco Heritage Sites
After breakfast, set out for the Sensational Canopy Walk. Early tour to visit two famous UNESCO Heritage Sites: the Slave Castle of Elmina and Cape Coast Castle.
The Portuguese built the Elmina castle in 1482, originally established as a trading post for goods bartered for local gold and valuable gem. However, as the demand for slaves increased in the Americas and Caribbean, the castle became strategic in the perpetuation of this abhorrent human cargo trade. The storerooms of the castle were converted into dungeons, and the ownership of the castle changed hands several times, eventually ending up being seized by the British in 1872. By this time, slavery had been abolished. The British didn't use Elmina to house slaves; they used Cape Coast Castle for that.
Elmina Castle, known then as the slave castle, is one of over twenty castles built along the shoreline of the Gold Coast (now known as Ghana). The Gold Coast was one of the richest markets for slave traders during the peak of the slave trade. Hundreds of thousands of captives passed through the dungeons of Elmina Castle, and were shipped off, like commodities into the Americas and Caribbean against their wishes. This illicit human trade carried on for close to 300 years.
You will then continue our excursion to Kakum National Park for our first encounter with the tropical jungle. Following a sensational walk from tree to tree we will end the day with a sun downer at Coconut Grove Hotel or similar.
Day 4: Kakum National Park,Ghana
Free Day. Take this day to explore the immediate community and relax.
Day 5: Relaxation
Beach, Sand & Sun. We will enjoy the warm Atlantic all day, on the palm lined beaches of Brenu-Aykiiim and Ampenyl. Back to Coconut Grove in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Visit Busua and Dixcove
On excursion. It is a trip to enjoy the pristine beaches of Busua and Dixcove. On the way we will sight see Sekondi Takoradi, Ghana’s third largest city. Return to Elmina in the evening and to Coconut Grove Hotel.
Day 7: Day in Accra
After an early return to Accra, we will spend our last full day on the lookout for souvenirs: Osu Road, the Arts Centre. Visit the coffin makers of Teshie Nungua and last walks on Labadi Beach or relax at the pool side of your hotel.
Day 8: Flight Ghana to Egypt
The return. Early morning arrival at your place of departure. Transfer to airport for flight to Cairo, Egypt.
When you arrive at the Cairo International Airport, you will be met by Hallmark Travel Planners representative. After the immigration and customs procedures, you transfer by air-conditioned coach to your hotel for check in. Dinner on your own account. Overnight in your Hotel in Cairo – Meals None.
Day 9: Overnight train from Cairo - Aswan
Today, you do a tour of Cairo. After your breakfast at the hotel, your guide will meet with you to begin the tour. You visit the Egyptian Museum and, then the Pyramids of Giza, where you will also see the Sphinx. These form part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You may enjoy a camel ride round the Pyramids as you contemplate the achievements of Ancient Egypt. In the late afternoon you transfer to the station to take the Sleeper Train to Aswan. Dinner & overnight onboard Sleeper Train.
Day 10: Sail from Aswan to Kom – Ombo
You walk up on the train in time for your breakfast. You arrive Aswan and transfer to the Nile Cruise liner. You will be introduced to your guide on board the cruise line. Lunch will be served as you sail.
This afternoon, you will visit the Aswan High Dam, the Old Dam, The Granite Quarries and the Temple of Philae. The Granite Quarries are the site of the giant Unfinished Obelisk. The Philae Temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis, an important figure in Egyptian mythology.
After this tour, you will sail to Kom Ombo. Dinner on board. After dinner you may enjoy music and dance. Overnight onboard Nile Cruise.
Day 11: Sail from Kom Ombo to Edfu
Breakfast on board. After breakfast, you visit the Temple of Kom Ombo.
The Graeco-Roman Temple located at Kom Ombo consists of 2 separate temples. Each of the temples has its own entrance, colonnades, hypostyle hall and sanctuary. The southern temple is dedicated to the crocodile god known as Sobek, while the northern one honours the falcon god known as Horus.
After the tour of the temples at Kom Ombo sail on to Edfu while enjoying your afternoon tea. After an oriental dinner, you will enjoy a Galabiya and costume party. Overnight onboard the Nile Cruise
Day 12: Sail from Edfu to Luxor
Breakfast on the boat. After breakfast, visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu.
Edfu was the cult centre of Horus - the falcon god. This temple is perhaps the best preserved of all the ancient temples of Egypt. Two majestic granite falcons adorn the entrance and some of the walls bear reliefs depicting Horus.
After this tour, sail to Esna while enjoying your lunch on board. And then sail further on to Luxor. After dinner enjoy a disco party. Overnight onboard Nile Cruise.
Day 13: Train Luxor to Cairo
Breakfast is served on the boat. After breakfast, visit the West Bank Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon.
The city of Luxor is the highlight of the Nile cruise tour. The range, magnificence and diversity of the monuments in the Luxor area is unsurpassed in all of Egypt. The Valley of Kings is where the rulers of the period historians refer to as the New Kingdom period (BC 1550-1070) awaited the afterlife. Over 60 tombs have so far been excavated in this valley. Among the best tombs to visit are those of Ramses I, Tuthmosis III and Ramses VI. Tutankhamun's is the most famous today.
On the other side of the Valley of Kings is the Temple of Deir el-Bahri. This temple was built by Queen Hatshepsut. It is very impressive from a distance and is a great place to take photos. You will also take more photos at the Colossi of Memnon. These are 2 huge statues that are the sole legacy of the temple of Amenhotep III.
After this tour, you thereafter disembark from the boat and transfer to take the Sleeping Train to Cairo. Dinner & overnight onboard Sleeper Train
Day 14: Day in Cairo
Breakfast will be served onboard Sleeper Train. After arrival at Cairo, transfer to your hotel. This day is free for your relaxation or shopping in Cairo. You are booked on bed and breakfast basis. Overnight in Cairo Overnight in your Hotel in Cairo
Day 15: Depart Cairo
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight back home.
End of services
The Package of Tour Services Will Include:
In Ghana
- Arrival & departure transfers to and from international Airport at the destination.
- Bed & breakfast accommodation on the first day where applicable.
- Use of customized safari vehicle with Pop up roof for game viewing & photography
- All entry fees where applicable in the parks, reserves and sanctuary
- Full board meal plan while on Safari – breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Qualified local English - Speaking driver guide
- Game drives as per the program
- All government taxes applicable
- Arrival & departure transfers to and from international Airport
- 2 nights in Cairo at a 4 star hotel on bed & breakfast basis
- 3 nights in 5 stars Nile Cruises - all meals included
- All transfers in the program by air-conditioned coach
- Sightseeing in Cairo / Cruise with English speaking guide
- Entrance fees during sightseeing'
- Service charge & tax
- Sleeper Train Cairo- Aswan & Luxor- Cairo (including dinner & breakfast)
- Extras at the lodges –tips, drinks, telephone, laundry or any other personal expenses
- Flights into/out of Africa and between Countries
Entry Visas
