Day 1 - April 6 - Monday: Depart Beijing overnight to Dubai
Depart from Beijing on Air Emirates flight EK307at 23:55 and overnight to Dubai:
arrive next day.
Day 2 - April 7 - Tuesday: Arrive Dubai - Flight to Ghana
- Arrive Accra, Ghana
Arrive in Dubai at 05:05 and depart for Accra, Ghana on Air Emirates flight
EK787 at 07:30, arriving in Accra at 12:00 noon. You will be met by your tour
representative from Sunset Vacations and transferred to the La Palm Royal Beach
Hotel. Take the rest of the day off to relax and recover from your flight. Dinner
in hotel and overnight at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel (4 star).
Day 3 - April 8 - Wednesday: Accra - City Tour
After breakfast, depart at 9:00 for a daylong tour of Accra, the capital of
Ghana.
First we visit Burkina Faso Embassy to start visa process for Burkina Faso.
Visit the historic Jamestown area and the Lighthouse. Continue to the National
Theatre, which was designed and built by a Chinese company in 1992 and recently
renovated. The building was designed to resemble sails being caught by the wind.
It was also a public symbol of the link between Ghana and China. It was the
Chinese who lent Ghana the money and the construction workers for the building,
and later cancelled the debt - making this elegant theatre a gift to Ghana.
Have lunch at the restaurant near the National Museum. In the afternoon, continue
the tour to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial, the first president of Ghana and finish
the day at the National Arts Centre, which is home to many artisans and shops
offering pottery, textiles, carvings, beads and antiquities. Dinner in the city
at Champs Sports Bar. Overnight at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
Day 4 - April 9 - Thursday: Accra - meet Tourism Officials
and Chinese Embassy
Morning: First, pick up Burkina Faso Visas - then a courtesy call at the Chinese
Embassy and meet the Chinese Ambassador if possible. Then visit fantasy coffins
before having Lunch at the Ramada Resort - formerly the New Coco Beach Resort.
Late Afternoon: (4:00 - 6:00 pm) Press Reception and interviews at the open-air
Ghanaian Village Restaurant in the La Palm hotel to announce the Trans-Sahara
trek to the Ghana media and tourism officials. Evening: have dinner at one of
Accra's Chinese restaurants. Overnight at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
Day 5 - April 10 - Friday: Drive Accra to Cape Coast
Morning: After breakfast, begin the 3-hour drive to Cape Coast and Elmina in
the Central Region of Ghana. Arriving before noon, you first visit Cape Coast
Castle that served as both a military garrison and prison for slaves waiting
to be shipped to the Americas and the Caribbean to work on plantations. Cape
Coast Castle has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Elmina
and check into your hotel. After lunch depart for the nearby Elmina Castle,
the first European building in sub-Saharan Africa, constructed in 1488. Here
is where the Portuguese first made contact with West Africa and established
trade with local tribes. It too is a World Heritage Site. Following this tour,
you will take a short walk around the colourful fishing harbour to see the fish
market and the traditional dugout canoes that the local people use for their
livelihood. Return to the hotel in late afternoon. Overnight at the Elmina Beach
Resort (3 Star).
Day 6 - April 11 - Saturday: Kakum National Park - Ashanti
Goldfields - Kumasi
Morning: After Breakfast, get an early start to arrive by 8:00 am at the Kakum
National Park - an original old-growth tropical rain forest. Kakum is famous
for its 300 metre long Aerial Walkway through the tree canopy high above the
forest floor. Reaching a height of 60 metres, visitors get a bird's-eye view
of the tropical hardwood trees and numerous species of birds. Kakum is known
for its more than 200 species of birds, monkeys, rare forest elephants and other
animals. After the walkway, take a short hike along a jungle trail where a forest
ranger explains how local people use the forest resources for traditional medicine
and explore the many species of tropical trees. Lunch at Hans Botel - this hotel
is near Kakum and is known for its resident crocodiles and many bird species.
After Lunch, continue the drive to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. En route you
will stop briefly in the town of Obuasi to visit a statue of a gold miner at
the roundabout in town. This is the home of the Ashanti Goldfields, the single
richest goldmine in the world. Ghana is the second largest producer of gold
in Africa and the goldfields have historically contributed to the wealth of
the Ashanti Kingdom. Continue the drive to Kumasi, arriving late afternoon and
transfer to your hotel. Have dinner at the hotel's Chinese Restaurant. Overnight
at the Royal Park Hotel - This 3 star hotel is owned by a Chinese couple and
considered one of Kumasi's best.
Day 7 - April 12 - Sunday: Kumasi - Bolgatanga
Morning: Get an early morning start for Bolgatanga in the far north, stopping
to have our picnic Lunch at the Kintampo Falls, which are right near the road.
The falls cascade down rocks from a height of 30 metres in a forest glade. Continue
to Tamale with a brief stop to see the new Soccer Stadium built by the Chinese.
Continue the drive north into the Upper East Region of Ghana to the town of
Bolgatanga. You have now entered the dryer Sahel region of West Africa - the
transition zone between the forest lands of the south and the Saharan desert
to the north. The land is dry and sparse bush scrub with pockets of huge baobab
trees. Here there are also many farms growing corn, millet and small garden
type crops. Arrive in Bolgatanga in the late evening and check in at the Siralodge
Hotel. Try to make a visit to the local Straw market before dinner. The people
of this area are known for their wonderful baskets and other items woven from
straw. Near the Straw market and Bazaar is the Swad Restaurant, which is known
for its pizza, spicy Indian food, and local Ghana dishes. Overnight at the Siralodge
Hotel (1 star)
Day 8 - April 13 - Monday: Bolgatonga - Navrongo - Paga -
Ouagadougou
Morning: Depart for Sirigu to see the famous painted houses and pottery village.
Sirigu is a community-based eco-tourism initiative that showcases the houses
of the people who live in north-eastern Ghana. The homes are painted with abstract
designs and decorated only by the women. Although this type of home is found
throughout the area, Sirigu has some spectacular examples. Depart Sirigu for
the town of Navrongo where you will have Lunch at the Saint Lucien Guesthouse.
Depart for the Paga Sacred Crocodile Pond to see the crocodiles. The crocodiles
are considered to be sacred. The people of Paga believe that within each crocodile
there rests the spirit of one of the people of the community. It is therefore
forbidden to kill or harm a crocodile. A fetish priest will toss a live chicken
to one of these reptiles and tourists can then go right up and grab their tails
or even sit on their backs. This is one photo that you must have from this journey!
Depart for the town of Navrongo where you will have Lunch at the Saint Lucien
Guesthouse. Afternoon: continue the drive to Ouagadougou, arriving in the evening.
You will enter Burkina Faso just north of Paga and complete the necessary Customs
and Immigration formalities. After arriving in Ouagadougou and checking into
your hotel, I suggest you have dinner at the "Le Jardin Bambou" Restaurant,
which has excellent Vietnamese food. But if you are tired, you can just eat
in the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Laïco in Ouagadougou (formerly Sofitel
5 star)
Day 9 - April 14 - Tuesday: Ouagadougou - Bobo-Dioulasso
Morning: After Breakfast, check out of hotel and have a brief tour of Ouagadougou
before departing by road to Burkina's second largest city of Bobo-Dioulassa,
arriving mid to late afternoon. Check into your hotel before having a small
tour of this "garden city", including a visit to the ancient Grande
Mosque. Overnight in Bobo-Dioulasso at the Hotel L'Auberge (3 star)
Day 10 - April 15 - Wednesday: Bobo-Dioulasso - Bamako, Mali
After Breakfast, continue the drive to Bamako, Mali. You will cross the border
at Koloko, about 150km west of Bobo-Dioulasso, and reach Bamako in the late
afternoon. Bamako, the capital of Mali with a population of about one million,
acts as a magnet for many of Mali's artists. Would-be singers, dancers and musicians,
artisans, painters and sculptors, film-makers, writers and poets, designers
and fashion creators all journey to the big city. Originally, the city developed
on the northern side of the Niger River, but as it grew, bridges were developed
to connect the north with the south. Transfer to the Grand Hotel and overnight
in Bamako. Perhaps you will have time for a short city tour on this day.
Day 11 - April 16 - Thursday: Full Day in Bamako - Meet Chinese
Ambassador
A full day in Bamako to meet the Tourism Minister, Press/Media activities and
meet the Chinese Ambassador. Overnight at the Grand Hotel.
Day 12 - April 17 - Friday: Travel on River Niger from Bamako
to Segou
Begin your journey on the Niger River to Niamey in a traditional pirogue (dug-out
canoe), called a pinasse by the Malians. These boats have been used for centuries
for travel on the River Niger. Sail along in a grandiose, natural setting, discovering
changing landscapes: white dunes, desert beaches, hanging villages, savannahs
lined with trees and verdant marshland. Overnight Tent Camping.
Day 13 - April 18 - Saturday: Travel on River Niger from
Bamako to Segou
Arrive in Segou and transfer to hotel. After Lunch, take a walking tour of Segou
and visit the Colonial Quarter, a fabric of local beer and craftsmen's shops.
Overnight at the Hotel Auberge.
Day 14 - April 19 - Sunday: By River from Segou - to Djenne
Continue on the River Niger to the vicinity of Djenné, the oldest known
city in sub-Saharan Africa, inhabited since 250 BC. A UNESCO World Heritage
Site, Djenné became a market centre and an important link in the trans-Saharan
gold trade. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was one of the centres for the
propagation of Islam. Overnight Tent Camping.
Day 15 - April 20 - Monday: Excursion to Djenné
Take a 4x4 from the river to visit the ancient city of Djenné, Timbuktu's
sister-city. Observe the colourful Monday Market, held every week in the shadow
of the Grande Mosque. Take a city tour and see the magnificent Great Mosque,
the best example of the classic Sudanese style mosques found in West Africa.
Return to the boat for Overnight Tent Camping near Djenné.
Day 16 - April 21 - Tuesday: Travel on River Niger from Djenné
to Mopti
Travel on the River Niger - Arrive in Mopti. The River Niger is wide, brown,
slow moving and serene. It carves its way through the flattest landscape you're
ever likely to see, but lots of people do live here, as evidenced by the tiny
villages perched on the riverbanks. The arrival of a pinasse is a big event
round these parts, and when the captain starts to slow down and turns into the
current, ready to drop the anchor, the whole village starts yelping and screaming
its way down to the river to greet the new arrival. Transfer to Hotel Kanaga
and overnight in Mopti.
Day 17 - April 22 - Wednesday: Full Day in Mopti - Relax
and take City Tour
Mopti's main feature is its harbour where boats arrive from Timbuktu laden with
slabs of salt from the salt mines in the north of Mali, dug out of ancient lakes.
More boats leave for the north weighed down with barrels of petrol, sacks of
rice, watermelons and so many people that the lower decks sprout arms and legs
like oars. Here too you will find the crossroads of many of Mali's indigenous
cultures: the Peul, Fulani, Bozo, Bella, Toureg, Bambara and Dogon peoples.
Overnight in Mopti at the Hotel Kanaga.
Day 18 - April 23 - Thursday: Full Day in Mopti - Excursion
to Dogon Country
Depart in the early morning for the Bandiagara Escarpment and the Dogon Country.
The Dogon people live in a series of villages along the Bandiagara escarpment
in three zones: the plateau, the cliff, and the lower plains. They arrived on
the scene in the 14th or 15th century, after fleeing their lands along the Niger,
refusing to convert to Islam. Visit the village of Sangha to see the traditional
architecture and the hilltop where young men undergo circumcision rights. Continue
in the afternoon to the villages of Kani Kombole and Teli at the bottom of the
escarpment. On the return drive to Mopti, briefly stop in Severe to see the
"Farafina Tigne Bead Museum", the only one of its kind in Africa.
Overnight at the Hotel Kanaga.
Day 19 - April 24 - Friday: Travel on River Niger from Mopti
to Timbuktu
We continue our river journey by pinasse. It is on the river that we see Bozo
fishermen tirelessly casting their nets and Nomad shepherds guiding their herds.
We arrive in Guidio and our destination at the end of the day: at the foot of
the cliff and entry to the majestic Lake Debo. Overnight Tent Camping.
Day 20 - April 25 - Saturday: Travel on River Niger from
Mopti to Timbuktu
Today we arrive at the heart of lake Debo, a true inland sea in Mali. A picnic
lunch in the middle of the vastness: white dunes, the golden reflections of
the sun and island villages... all working together to create a sparkling panorama
of light. Dinner and Overnight Tent Camping on the edge of Waki.
Day 21 - April 26 - Sunday: River Niger - Mopti to Timbuktu
- Arrive Timbuktu
Complete the journey by river from Mopti to Timbuktu. Leaving the African Sahel,
we are now entering the lower border of the actual Sahara Desert. Timbuktu is
assumed to have had one of the first universities in the world, with 25,000
students back in the 1400s. Its geographical setting made it a natural meeting
point for nearby West African populations and nomadic Berber and Arab peoples
from the north. Its long history as a trading outpost that linked west Africa
with Berber, Arab, and Jewish traders throughout North Africa. Arrive in Timbuktu
and overnight at the Hotel Azalai.
Day 22 - April 27 - Monday: River Niger - Mopti to Timbuktu
- Arrive Timbuktu
Spend a full day in Timbuktu and explore the ancient mosques and the houses
of legendary explorers. If Timbuktu wasn't Timbuktu, it would still be an interesting
place to visit, but its fame is what makes it special. Timbuktu was once the
most important trading post in the Sahara, a meeting point for caravans of camels
as they carried salt, ivory, slaves, gold and untold riches along the Saharan
trade route, in the days before European sea power reduced the trans-Saharan
trade to a trickle. Overnight at the Hotel Azalai.
Day 23 - April 28 - Tuesday: Travel on River Niger from Timbuktu
to Gao
Depart for the town of Gao, a distance of 320 km by river. Passing near the
remote town of Bamba, the locals crowd the quay, splashes of colour beside the
light brown mud houses that squat round the port like ancient, weather-beaten
castle turrets, dwarfed by the dunes that lead off downstream. An impromptu
market sprouts out of nowhere as women traders offer vegetables and "essentials"
to the river travellers. Overnight Tent Camping on the banks of the River Niger.
Day 24 - April 29 - Wednesday: Travel on River Niger from
Timbuktu to Gao
Continue along the Niger River to the towns of Tamera and Bourem, catching glimpses
of Toureg nomads along the banks, women washing their clothes and fishermen
at work. Overnight Tent Camping near the town of Bourem.
Day 25 - April 30 - Thursday: River Niger from Timbuktu to
Gao - Arrive in Gao
We complete the journey to Gao, the last large town in eastern Mali on the Niger
River. Huge pink dunes are visible on the horizon, and the river is wide, flat,
calm and dotted with green vegetation, a lovely contrast with the light brown
desert and the clear, blue sky. Overnight at the Tizimizi Campground in Gao.
Day 26 - May 1 - Friday: Full Day in Gao and Environs
Take the day to relax and perhaps explore the sights and sounds of Gao. Sandy
paths criss-cross through the sights of Gao's market. Salt sellers peep out
from behind piles of salt slabs, women bake small round pancakes in large skillets,
and half-finished boats under construction, line the shore. Away from the market
lie the back streets, providing a fantastic microcosm of African life that's
both beautiful and starkly harsh. Dotted along the river banks, sandwiched between
square mud houses and the green-brown pond of the Niger, are dozens of squat
tents, each of them with a little porch area that's home to a cooking fire and
the odd grass mat. Overnight at the Tizimizi Campground in Gao.
Day 27 - May 2 - Saturday: Travel on River Niger to Haoussa-Foulana
Continue on the River Niger to the town of Haoussa-Foulana. Along the banks
of the river, the desert yields to the life-giving waters, sustaining some agriculture
in the forms of vegetable gardens, small rice paddies and fields of millet.
Overnight Tent Camping at Haoussa-Foulana.
Day 28 - May 3 - Sunday: Travel on River Niger to Ansongo
Continue on the River Niger to the town of Ansongo. The small eastern town of
Ansongo is known mainly for its mining activities of antimony and small-scale
uranium. There is also a livestock market held here once a week. Overnight Tent
Camping at Ansongo.
Day 29 - May 4 - Monday: Travel on River Niger to Ouatagouna
Continue on the River Niger to the town of Ouatagouna. A market is held in Ouatagouna
once a week, where all the nomads from the surrounding areas gather - sometimes
even the giraffes from the bush meet there too. At the end of the day, the villagers
gather around the blacksmith as he mends his tools; then the women go to the
river to refresh themselves, getting fresh supplies of water, and carrying out
household tasks. Overnight Tent Camping at Ouatagouna.
Day 30 - May 5 - Tuesday: Travel on River Niger to Labbezanga
and Ayourou
Today we reach the border town of Labbezanga and leave Mali to enter Niger.
After the departure and new entry formalities, we continue on to the town of
Ayourou in Niger, known for its population of river hippopotamuses and bird
life. Overnight Tent Camping at Ayourou.
Day 31 - May 6 - Wednesday: Travel on River Niger to Tillaberi
Continue on the River Niger to the town of Tillaberi. Tillaberi is an administrative
region of Niger and the city is a hub of commerce for agriculture and livestock.
In times of drought and famine, the town is a major distribution point for food
aid. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world and is subject to frequent
droughts. Overnight Tent Camping at Tillaberi.
Day 32 - May 7 - Thursday: Travel on River Niger to Gotheyé
Continue on the River Niger to the town of Gotheyé. The Niger takes one
of the most unusual routes of any major river, a boomerang shape that baffled
European geographers for two millennia. Its source is just 150 miles (240 km)
inland from the Atlantic Ocean, but the river runs away from the sea into the
Sahara Desert, and then takes a sharp right turn near the ancient city of Timbuktu
and heads southeast to the Gulf of Guinea. Overnight Tent Camping at Gotheyé.
Day 33 - May 8 - Friday: Travel on River Niger to Karma
Continue on the River Niger to the town of Karma. Karma lies at the heart of
one of Niger's Proterozoic basement geologic zones and is a prime candidate
for uranium exploration. Niger is the world's third largest uranium producer,
after Canada and Australia. Uranium accounts for the bulk of foreign earnings
in Niger and represented 70% of export revenues in 1997. Currently, Niger has
two main uranium producing areas, the Arlit and Akouta situated in the north
of Niger. Overnight Tent Camping at Karma.
Day 34 - May 9 - Saturday: Finish River Trip on the Niger
River - Arrive in Niamey
Last day on boat on the River Niger. Transfer to 4x4 to detour around the river
shallows - Arrive in Niamey and transfer to hotel. Niamey is an airy city with
broad, open spaces between buildings except along the few streets of the city
centre. Niamey's Grand Mosque is a huge structure of distinctly Arabic design
with soaring minarets, glistening domes, fabulous marbled porticos, and intricately
carved woodwork. Overnight in Niamey at the Hotel Sofitel.
Day 35 - May 10 - Sunday: Full Day in Niamey - Rest Day and/or
City Tour.
Take a day to rest and/or explore the city of Niamey, the capital of Niger.
Boubon Island is 15 miles northwest of Niamey, and is known for its pottery
and birdwatching. It is also possible to take a trip just outside Niamey to
Kour and see the last free roaming giraffe herd in Niger. It is a major tourist
attraction, and tour guides are available at many of the hotels in Niamey. Overnight
at the Hotel Sofitel.
Day 36 - May 11 - Monday: Full Day in Niamey, Niger - Reception
Meet with Chinese Ambassador. Meet with Tourism Minister - Press/Media. Reception
or other activities. Overnight at the Hotel Sofitel.
Day 37 - May 12 - Tuesday: Niamey to Agadez.
Drive to Agadez and arrive in Agadez. Overnight in Agadez at hotel.
Day 38 - May 13 - Wednesday: Continue drive to Tamanrasset
Leave Agadez in the morning and drive to the Algerian border and cross the Algerian
border at Assamakka. Representatives from the Fulani Tours will pick us up at
the border. Continue driving to Tamanrasset. Overnight camping.
Day 39 - May 14 - Thursday: Arrive in Tamanrasset
Continue drive to Tamanrasset and arrive in Tamanrasset in late afternoon. Transfer
to hotel. Overnight in Tamanrasset.
Day 40 - May 15 - Friday: Begin Camel Trek Tamanrasset - Assekrem
Transfer to hotel in the early hours of the morning. Morning free to visit the
market, pm drive to Assekrem, one of the highest peaks of the spectacular Atakor
mountains in the Hoggar. It is an arid but impressive landscape. The cars will
take us to the Refuge at Assekrem. From here it is a 20 minutes walk to the
top. The view over the volcanic landscape with its chaos of black and forbidding
rocks, basalt peaks, cliffs and mountains is breathtaking. Pierre de Foucauld,
a French priest, built the chapel in 1911. He came to the Hoggar to study Tuareg
culture, but was killed in Tamanrasset in 1916 during a revolt against the French.
We will spend the night in a dormitory in the Refuge de l'Assekrem, just under
the summit.
Days 41 - 45 ** ( May 16-17-18-19-20 ) ** Saturday through
Wednesday
Camel Trek: Assekrem / Aouknet / Tin Esmeguert / Edekelt / Ellel Narakaya /
Illanianen
The dramatic Hoggar Mountains are a true highlight for visitors to Algeria's
southern region. They consist of a plateau of granite and volcanic rock. Eroded
cliffs and granite needles form fascinating shapes in pink, blue or black basalt
formed into spectacular pillars. The view from Assekrem is overwhelming. The
landscape below is chaos of black and forbidding rocks, cliffs, peaks and mountains.
We transfer to the camels on Monday morning. To begin our journey, leaving modern
civilisation behind us, as we start the crossing of this mountainous region
of the great desert of the Hoggar. We will pass though ouads where the caravans
of the desert pass by to refill their water bags (goatskin guerbas). As you
may expect, wells are an essential part of desert life and an important symbol
for the nomadic people. 5 nights camping.
Day 46 - May 21 - Thursday: Return to Tamanrasset
We return to Tamanrasset in the afternoon. Tamanrasset is a charming town of
red mud brick houses. The town emits a vibrant air, despite being situated in
the middle of the Sahara desert. Tamanrasset used to play a key role in the
trans-Sahara trade between northern and sub-Sahara Africa. Nowadays it still
is a meeting point for Touaregs traversing the Hoggar. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 47 - May 22 - Friday: Tamanrasset to Tamekrest
After a two-hour drive through the Hoggar Massive, we arrive at the natural
spring of Tamakrest. Here in the parched desert terrain is a small waterfall
that runs down the smooth pink and purple granite. Toureg herdsmen from the
surrounding camps bring their goats and camels here to drink. Above the granite
rocks is a small oasis with lush green vegetation. Overnight Tent Camping.
Day 48 - May 23 - Saturday: Tamekrest to Youfihakit
Today we follow an oued (wadi - dry gully) and cross a vast lunar-like landscape
with piles of dark rocks to arrive at Youfarlal and Youfihakit. Huge rock formations
and mushroom-shaped boulders are surrounded by soft rolling sand dunes. This
is a great area to explore with lots of photo opportunities. The spectacular
needle-shaped rocks point to the sky and can be seen from a great distance,
making clear landmarks in a landscape of mainly rounded boulders. Overnight
Tent Camping at Youfihakit.
Day 49 - May 24 - Sunday: Youfihakit to Tin Agoula
We continue through the fantastic landscapes of Youfihakit and Youfarlal to
Tin Agoula. Here in the Tin Agoula Mountains, we pass the night - Tent Camping.
Day 50 - May 25 - Monday: Tin Agoula to Tadent
Passing through a low hilly landscape with rocky outcrops and rolling sand dunes,
we head for Oued Tadent. Reaching there we will visit a small Toureg camp and
the Well of Tadent. Tent Camping Overnight at Tadent.
Day 51 - May 26 - Tuesday: Tadent to Erg Admer
Today we follow the wide, shallow riverbed of Oued Tafassesset as we make our
way to the Erg Admer, a vast sea of sand dunes that lie southwest of Djanet.
Overnight Camping in the dunes.
Day 52 - May 27 - Wednesday: Erg Admer to Tassili Mountains
and Djanet
Located in a strange lunar landscape of great geological interest, the Tassili
n'Ajjer has one of the most important groupings of prehistoric cave art in the
world. More than 15,000 drawings and engravings record the climatic changes,
the animal migrations and the evolution of human life on the edge of the Sahara
from 6000 B.C. to the first centuries of the present era. The geological formations
are of outstanding scenic interest, with eroded sandstones forming 'forests
of rock'. Continue on to Djanet. Spend a relaxing evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day 53 - May 28 - Thursday: Return Flight to Algiers and
Flight to Tripoli, Libya (day 1)
Air Algeria AH6233 - Depart Djanet at 02:40 - Arrive Algiers at 04:30
Air Algeria AH4006 - Depart Algiers at 11:15 - Arrive Tripoli, Libya at 14:00
Meet representative from Waradd Tours - assist with entry formalities. Transfer
to the Al Kendi Hotel in the Tripoli City Centre. Enjoy an evening to relax.
Overnight in Tripoli.
Day 54 - May 29 - Friday: Tripoli - Sabratha - Sebha (day
2 in Libya)
In the morning, depart for the ancient city of Leptis Magna, 110 kms east of
Tripoli. Leptis Magna, the best-preserved and most extensive Roman city in the
world, is a World Heritage Site on the Mediterranean coast. Originally founded
by the Phoenicians in the 10th Century BC, it became a Punic city and part of
the new Roman province of Africa around 23 BC. Among the many sites of interest
at Leptis Magna are the Severan Arch, the Palaestra or Sports Ground, the Nymphaeum,
the Hadrianic Baths, the Colonnaded Street, the Severan Forum, the Severan Basilica,
the Theatre, the Harbour, the Circus, the Temple of Liber Pater, the Temple
of Rome and Augustus, the Arch of Trajan, the Arch of Tiberius and the Market.
Return to Tripoli for your evening flight to Sebha, in the heart of the Sahara.
Arrive in Sebha and transfer to Al Fezzan Hotel (or similar).
Day 55 - May 30 - Saturday: By 4x4 Jeep from Sebha to Ghat
(day 3 in Libya)
Follow Programme determined by Fulani tours. Overnight in tents.
Day 56 - May 31 - Sunday: Ghat - Ubari - Murzuq (day 4 in
Libya)
Follow Programme determined by Fulani tours. Overnight in tents.
Day 57 - June 1 - Monday: Murzuq - Zwilla - Timessa (day
5 in Libya)
Follow Programme determined by Fulani tours. Overnight en-route to Waw Al Kabir
in tents.
Day 58 - June 2 - Tuesday: Waw Al Kabir - Waw Namous - Jebel Muarif (day
6 in Libya)
Follow Programme determined by Fulani tours. Overnight in tents.
Day 59 - June 3 - Wednesday: Jebel Muarif - Tazerbu (day
7 in Libya)
Follow Programme determined by Fulani tours. Overnight in tents.
Day 60 - June 4 - Thursday: Tazerbu - Jalu (day 8 in Libya)
Follow Programme determined by Fulani tours. Overnight in tents.
Day 61 - June 5 - Friday: Jalu - Benghazi (day 9 in Libya)
Follow Programme determined by Fulani tours. Overnight at a Uzo hotel.
Day 62 - June 6 - Saturday: Benghazi - Tobruk (day 10 in
Libya)
Follow Programme determined by Fulani tours. Overnight at a Masira hotel.
Day 63 - June 7 - Sunday: Drive from Tobruk to Egypt Border and to Siwa Oasis
(day 11)
Depart in the morning to the coastal town of Shahat and the early Cyrene Greek
and Roman sites, including the ancient Port of Apollonia. Continue drive to
Tobruk with overnight at the Al Masira Hotel.
Day 64 - June 8 - Monday: Continue Overland to Siwa Oasis
and the town of Shalli
Tour the old Siwan village of Shalli. The area is famous for its dates and olives,
and is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Egypt. Olive oil is still made
in the area. Dinner and overnight at the Dream Lodge Hotel.
Day 65 - June 9 - Tuesday: Siwa - and the Great Sand Sea
After breakfast, visit the Mountain of the Dead, Alexander the Great's Temple
(Temple of the Oracle) and take a donkey- drawn cart for a tour around the city
before heading off road 17-km to the Great Sand Sea, where you rest at the hot
springs of Bir Wahid, We bathe, have dinner and relax while looking at the stars.
Overnight camping at Bir Wahid.
Day 66 - June 10 - Wednesday: Siwa - Bahariya Oasis
After breakfast, head off road on a 450-km journey to Bahariya Oasis. Pass by
Bahrein, Nawemisa and Sitra Oases. Lunch en route, you pass through magnificent
sand dunes of the Great Sand Sea. Upon reaching Bahariya Oasis, check into your
hotel, dinner and overnight in the Beshmo Hotel.
Day 67 - June 11 - Thursday: Bahariya Oasis (day to relax)
After breakfast, visit the Museum of Bahariya where you will find the Golden
Mummies. Take the rest of the day to relax and explore Bahariya Oasis. Overnight
in the Beshmo Hotel.
Day 68 - June 12 - Friday: Bahariya Oasis - Black Desert
- White Desert
Then travel 160-km on/off road to the Black Desert and the dune area, start
your climb of a 50-meter dune. On route to Farafra we visit the crystal mountain,
an area with the wonders of the desert roses and the arch. Moving on we head
to the White Desert and explore the formations and wind-carved sculptures that
resemble human and animal faces in a landscape resembling a different planet.
The night is spent in the desert, dinner and overnight camping.
Day 69 - June 13 - Saturday: White Desert - Farafra Oasis
- Dakhla Oasis
Reaching Farafra oasis (40-km on the road) we visit the city, bathe in the hot
spring, and then visit the museum of Badr "the local artist". Then
move on To Dakhla Oasis 280-km. Upon reaching Dakhla, we visit the Old Covered
City with its oil press, school, Courthouse and dwelling chambers, Muzzawaka
& Deir El Hagar, have lunch, dinner and overnight in the Mobarez Hotel.
Day 70 - June 14 - Sunday: Dakhla Oasis - Kharga Oasis
Leaving Dakhla behind, we head to Kharga Oasis (190-km). Upon arrival at Kharga
Oasis we check into the Hotel. In Kharga we visit El Bagawat Cemetery, the Temple
of Nadura, Kharga Museum and visit the Temple of Hibis. Dinner and overnight
in the Kharga hotel.
Day 71 - June 15 - Monday: Drive from Kharga Oasis to Abydos
and Luxor
From Kharga, it's a 150 km drive to the ancient city of Abydos. Before continuing
on to Luxor, you stop here to see the Temple of Seti I, the oldest complete
temple in Egypt, dating back to 3150 BC. Dedicated to the god Osiris, the Temple
of Seti I is still hailed as a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian monuments. While
the temples of Karnak and Luxor are renowned for their colossal size, it is
the remarkable quality of the bas-relief carvings that distinguishes the Temple
of Seti I. Continue on to Luxor, (ancient Thebes), the capital of the new Kingdom
Dynastic Period. Transfer to the New Pavilion Hotel. Before or after dinner,
take a short walk along the Cornice du Nile to see the fabulous Temple of Luxor
illuminated at night. Visit the Winter Palace Hotel for a cocktail at the bar.
Built in 1886 on the Nile banks in a tropical garden, has played host to kings,
presidents, royalty and movie stars. It was here that the famous archaeologist,
Howard Carter stayed during his search for the tomb of Tut-Ankh-Amon. Overnight
in Luxor.
Day 72 - June 16 - Tuesday: Temples of Karnak and Luxor -
Sunset Felucca on the Nile
Morning: Visit the ancient Temple of Karnak, the largest religious structure
ever built. Karnak is actually a city of temples built over 2000 years and dedicated
to the Theben triad of the gods Amun, Mut and Khonsu. The temple of Karnak is
famous for its 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows in the Hypostyle Hall.
122 of these columns are 10 meters tall and the other 12 are 21 meters tall
with a diameter of over three meters. After Lunch, visit the Temple of Luxor,
described by some as a "Symphony in Stone". Many festivals were celebrated
in Thebes. The Temple of Luxor was the centre of the most important one, the
festival of Opet. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, the temple
was a suitable setting for the rituals of the festival. On the face of the great
pylon at the entrance are carved episodes from the Battle of Kadesh, when Ramesses
and his army defeated the forces of the Hittites and their allies. Take a late
afternoon sunset cruise on the Nile River in a traditional felucca sailboat.
Overnight in Luxor at the New Pavilion Hotel.
Day 73 - June 17 - Wednesday: West Bank Necropolis - Valley of Kings and
Medinet Habu
Spend the day on the West Bank exploring several tombs of pharaohs in the Valley
of Kings before visiting the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III called Medinet
Habu, the best-preserved temple of ancient Thebes. From there, continue to the
magnificent Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri. Visit the Colossi
of Memnon, two statues that are all that remains of the Temple of Amenhotep
III before visiting a few Tombs of Nobles. These are the burial places of some
of the powerful courtiers and persons of the ancient city; many contain beautiful
coloured scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt. Return to the East Bank in late
afternoon and overnight in Luxor at the New Pavilion Hotel.
Day 74 - June 18 - Thursday: Drive to Hurghada via Dendera,
Qus, Qena and Safaga
Depart this morning from Luxor for the last day of crossing the Sahara from
West to East. En route we stop at Dendera to visit the Ptolemaic Temple of Hathor.
The Temple of Hathor was built between 30 BC and 14 AD, making it one of the
youngest Egyptian temples. It was an important centre for healing and was also
used by royals as a birthing temple. One of its most famous patrons was Cleopatra
whose portrait appears on a rear wall. After Lunch we continue to the Red Sea
passing through the final desert via the towns of Qus and Qena to the port of
Safaga. Here we will stop briefly to celebrate the completion of the crossing
of Africa from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea before continuing north on
the coastal road to the resort town of Hurghada. Check into hotel and for dinner,
attend the "1001 Nights Fantasia Show" at Alf Leila We Leila. The
evening begins with an Oriental Moroccan dinner, followed by a Sound and Light
Show, then a horse show with acrobatics. The finalé show is an oriental
belly dancer and Tanura. Overnight in Hurghada at the Le Pacha Resort.
Day 75 - June 19 - Friday: Full Day in Hurghada on the Red Sea - Evening
Flight to Cairo
Full day with late checkout - enjoy a day on the beach at the Red Sea or take
a boat ride over the reefs. Late afternoon or evening flight to Cairo. Transfer
to the 4 star Oasis Hotel in Giza near the Pyramids.
Day 76 - June 20 - Saturday: Cairo - Sphinx & Pyramids at Giza - Sakkara
& Memphis
Morning: After breakfast, visit the Sphinx at Giza to avoid the crowds and have
the best morning lights. Spend the balance of the morning exploring the Great
Pyramids at Giza. One of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, these
enormous landmarks are nearly 5000 years old and date from the time of the early
Egyptian Dynasties in the old Kingdom. After lunch, take an excursion to the
south to see the Step pyramid of Zhoser at Sakkara, the first of the pyramids
that was built by the great architect Imhotep. From Sakkara, drive to Memphis
to see a gigantic statue of Rameses II and the Alabaster Sphinx before returning
to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo at the 4 star Oasis Hotel in Giza.
Day 77 - June 21 - Sunday: Cairo - Egyptian Museum - Alabaster
Mosque - Nile Cruise
This morning visit the Egyptian Museum - the single largest repository of Egyptian
Antiquities in the entire world. Pass through the galleries of the Old, Middle
and New Kingdoms, including the Ptolemaic and Roman eras - the highlight of
this visit are the rooms housing the collection of artefacts found in the tomb
of Tut-Ankh-Amon. After lunch, visit Old Cairo and the Citadel before visiting
the Muhammad Ali Mosque (also known as the Alabaster Mosque). Finish the day
with a dinner cruise and show (with belly dancers) aboard a Cairo Nile Cruise
ship. Overnight in Cairo at the 4 star Oasis Hotel in Giza.
Day 78 - June 22 - Monday: Cairo - Alexandria - Roman Sites,
Catacombs & Waterfront
Cairo - After breakfast, be met by your guide at your hotel. Suggest you leave
the hotel around 7 AM to avoid heavier traffic later in the day. The drive is
about three and half hours. On arrival in Alexandria, the first stop is a visit
the National Museum; the building was originally built in 1926 for the US consulate
in Alexandria and is a masterpiece in 1920's architecture & Mediterranean
style buildings. Then visit the Roman Amphitheatre, the Koum El Shougafa Catacombs,
then on to a horse-drawn carriage ride on the waterfront, and inspect the exterior
of the mosque of the Alexandrine local "saint": Morsi Abu-Al-Abbas.
Continue with a leisurely walk through the local souks and Zanket-El Setat to
get a feel of this charming old part of Alexandria, followed by Lunch in an
Alexandria restaurant. After lunch, check into your hotel - suggesting the legendary
deluxe Helnan Palestine Hotel, overlooking the Mediterranean, and the Al-Montazah
Royal Palace of the former Royal Family of Egypt. In the afternoon, visit the
Library of Alexandria, an ambitious project that rivals the ancient Library
of Alexandria, which was one, the largest repository of knowledge in the ancient
world at the time of Greek and Roman influence in Egypt. Overnight in Alexandria.
Day 79 - June 23 - Tuesday: Alexandria to Wadi El-Natroun - to Cairo
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 am for a Tour of Qayet Bey Fortress built on
the same site of the ancient wonder of the world: the famous Alexandria Light
House. Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum housing the huge mummified Bulls that
were worshipped by Ancient Egyptians. Then a brief stop at " El Selsela"
the site of the underwater reserve where the Cleopatra Palace was discovered.
Then after lunch, head south and on to Wadi El-Natroun, deep in early Egyptian
Church territory and the base of early Christianity in Egypt. Wadi El Natroun
is almost half way between Alexandria and Cairo; tour the Coptic Monasteries,
where early Egyptian Coptic monks and Popes took refuge escaping the Vatican
aggressive effort to bring the Egyptian Church into the fold. Reach Cairo late
afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo at the 4 star Oasis
Hotel in Giza.
Day 80 - June 24 - Wednesday: Chinese Ambassador - Khan-el-Khalili
- Depart for Airport
This morning is reserved for you to arrange a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador
or courtesy call at the Chinese Embassy on Zamalek Island. Check out of the
hotel by noon, put your luggage in the van and then depart for Khan-el-Kahlili
to have lunch at the Naguib Mahfouz Café. This was the favourite restaurant
of a famous Nobel Prize winning Egyptian author. The food is traditionally Egyptian
and known for its quality. In the afternoon, explore the medieval bazaar at
Khan-el-Kahlili where you will find papyrus, perfumes, antiquities and much
more. Shop for last-minute souvenirs. Depart for the airport in time for Air
Emirates flight EK924, leaving at 19:30 to Dubai, arriving in Dubai at midnight.
Day 81 - June 25 - Thursday: Dubai to Beijing - Arrive Beijing - Onward to
Kunming
Depart Dubai at 03:20 on Air emirates EK306 to Beijing, arriving in Beijing
at 15:15 and connect for onward flight to Kunming.
Air Emirates: April 6 - Flight EK307 Depart Beijing at 23:55
- Arrive Dubai at 05:05 April 7
Air Emirates: April 7 - Flight EK787 Depart Dubai at 07:30 - Arrive Accra at
12:00 April 7
Air Emirates: June 24 - Flight EK924 Depart Cairo at 19:30 -
Arrive Dubai at 00:05 on July 2
Air Emirates: June 25 - Flight EK306 Depart Dubai at 03:20 - Arrive Beijing
15:10 on July 2