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In Cairo you feel the weight of history. Nowhere else has such a sense of ancient civilisation overlaid by a veneer of modernity. Commencing our journey in Egypt's capital we'll head out into the wilds of the Western Desert, overlanding from oasis to oasis and camping out under the stars. In Luxor we'll encounter the full glories of Egypt's ancient past, visiting Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. From Aswan we cross Lake Nasser and enter Sudan, experiencing incredible hospitality in small villages en route that rarely see outsiders. Travel in Sudan is challenging, but hugely rewarding. With deserted temples, imposing pyramids, and frequently impassable roads, this is a real adventure. We'll stop in Omdurman to see the extraordinary Whirling Dervishes before crossing the Nile and ending our trip in Khartoum.

what's included?

Nights 1-2: Egypt & Cairo

• 2 or 3 night stay and guided tour of Islamic Cairo
• Guided tour of the Egyptian Museum
• Guided visit to the Giza & Saqqara Pyramids

Nights 3-7: Western Desert Route

• 4 or 5 day exploration overland journey along the Western Desert oasis route
• Visits to Bahariya oasis, Crystal Mountain, the Black Desert and wildcamp in the White Desert

Nights 8-10: Luxor & Surrounds

• 3 night stay in Luxor with guided tour of Karnak Temple
• Guided visit into the Valley of the Kings and to other West Bank ruins

Nights 11-15: Aswan & Lake Nasser

• 3 nights in Aswan to explore the town, the Nile, local ruins and the surrounding area
• Boat crossing of Lake Nasser to Sudan

Nights 16-21: Sudan & the Nubian Desert

• 6 day Nubian Desert crossing and exploration of the Nile Valley
• Nile Valley camping and small village stays. Visit to remote temples like Temple of Sulb
• Overland via Dongola to the Kushite temples & pyramids at Jebel Bakul
• Khartoum & the confluence of the Blue and White Niles

Nights 22-26: Nile Valley

• 3 day expedition to the southern Kush Pyramids at Meroe and the temples at Naqa and Musawwarat
• Witness the spectacular Whirling Dervishes of Omdurman
• Explore Omdurman market in Khartoum

what can I do on the way?

(Activities available at extra costs)

• Check out the Golden Mummies at Bahariya Oasis or the Bogawaat Necropolis in Kharga Museum
• Felucca Sailing at Aswan
• Day trip to the temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel
• Camel safari in Western Desert from Dakhla Oasis

General Notes:

Rough roads, remote deserts and few western amenities, a true expedition. In the Sudan the itinerary will be flexible and is likely to vary from that published. There is little or no tourist infrastructure in Sudan.

If you want to see the Whirling Dervishes on northbound trips you must arrive in Khartoum before the trip starts as this event occurs in Omdurman on Friday PM.

Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.

Alternative routes starting from Cairo: