"Africa: Desert Kingdoms & Natural Splendors" brings you everything worth experiencing in Africa - and in the luxury and convenience only Abercrombie & Kent can provide.

	TOUR DIRECTOR, John Webley Born and raised in Africa, John has turned his love of his homeland into a profession, joining A&K in 1990. Simultaneously, John embraced his love of the African environment, wildlife, cultures and conservation by being an active Board Member for many years with Friends of Conservation and an international Board Advisor to Friends of Africa.
	Tour Manager, Linda Long-Innes Born in Johannesburg, Linda's past experience as a travel product manager and marketer serves her well in her current vocation as a professional guide. Linda has been the popular leader of many Marco Polo Club Invitational Tours and has accompanied A&K's Private Jet tours worldwide.
	TOUR MANAGER, David Bromham David Bromham began his safari career on the back of an elephant at age three. He is a keen birder, photographer and horseman with a deep understanding of East Africa's wildlife and culture. David's experience and knowledge make him a favorite of all his clients, from Princes William and Harry to hundreds of satisfied A&K travellers.
	TOUR MANAGER, Lynne Leakey A self-taught naturalist and guide, Lynne's marriage into the wellknown Leakey family of paleoanthropologists started her on a career studying East Africa's wildlife, ecology and tribal life. Lynne's expertise and passion add meaning and depth to any safari adventure.

Day 1: Arrive New York City, New York
Transfer to your hotel in the heart of Manhattan by private car. After settling into your room at the historic St. Regis Hotel, built in 1904 by John Jacob Astor IV for his visiting friends, meet your fellow passengers this evening at a cocktail reception and welcome dinner. St. Regis Hotel D

Day 2: New York City - Funchal, Madeira
(Flight Time: 6 hours)
After breakfast, board your private jet for Madeira. Arrive in the evening and transfer to your overnight accommodations.
Choupana Hills Resort & Spa B, L, D

Day 3: Funchal - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(Flight time: 6 hours)
(Tech stop en route)
(Flight time: 4 hours, 50 minutes)
Your private jet whisks you east across Africa to Ethiopia, the ancient desert seat of the Queen of Sheba and among the first regions on earth to embrace Christianity. Your home in Ethiopia is the deluxe Sheraton Addis, the only hotel in the world with seven presidential suites.
Sheraton Addis B, L, D

Day 4: Addis - Lalibela -Addis
(Local flight time: 1 hour, 15 minutes each way)
Board a local charter flight to Lalibela - an isolated town partially modeled on Jerusalem and famous for its rock-hewn churches. Each church has a unique architectural style and is superbly carved out of the pink granite rock; they are among the unacknowledged wonders of the world. After lunch, return to Addis Ababa to view a replica of one of the world's most famous fossils at the National Museum. A curator explains the discovery of 3.4 million-year-old "Lucy" in Ethiopia in 1974. Her skeleton is preserved in a vault in the museum's basement. This evening dine à la carte at your hotel. Sheraton Addis B, L, D

Day 5: Addis Ababa - Kilimanjaro, Tanzania - Serengeti National Park
(Flight time: 2 hours, 20 minutes)
(Local flight time: 1 hour)
On arrival in Kilimanjaro, board your bush plane to Serengeti National Park - true safari country. Your arrival coincides with the Serengeti seasonal migration, an annual wonder in which hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra cross the plains in search of grazing land, a spectacle you will observe firsthand in the ensuing days. After settling in to your lodge accommodations, unwind with a sundowner by the pool, followed by a bush dinner with local Maasai tribal dancers.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge B, L, D

Days 6 & 7: Serengeti National Park
Famed throughout Africa and around the world, Serengeti National Park's 10,000 square miles are home to the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant). Spend two exciting days on safari, with morning and afternoon game drives. During your stay, take an optional morning excursion such as a ride in a hot air balloon (subject to availability and weather), a photographic safari, a birding expedition, or spend a morning at Olduvai Gorge where Louis and Mary Leakey made historic anthropological discoveries.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge B, L, D

Day 8: Serengeti National Park - Kilimanjaro - Mauritius
(Flight time: 4 hours, 10 minutes)
(Local flight time: 1 hour)
Set in the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the island of Mauritius is a water sports paradise that combines sophisticated standards of hospitality with unspoiled island beaches. After your arrival, transfer to luxurious Le Touessrok, the summit of tropical luxury and one of the most picturesque places on earth. You have time to relax and enjoy the resort's amenities before dinner.
Le Touessrok B, L, D

Day 9: Mauritius
Begin your morning with a drive to Pamplemousses Botanic Garden, a 60-acre paradise with 500 plant species including stately palms, fruit and spice trees and giant Amazon water lilies. Continue on to Eureka, site of a historic colonial home. Later, visit Curepipe, where beautiful model ships are made, before returning to your hotel.
Le Touessrok B, L, D

Day 10: Design Your Day in Mauritius
Design Your Day as you please on the beautiful island of Mauritius. Take advantage of the island's pristine waters with snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and sailing, play a round of golf, or spend the day in complete indulgence at your hotel's Givenchy Spa. Dine tonight at the hotel or nearby island restaurants.

DESIGN YOUR DAY OPTIONS:
Deep-Sea Fishing
The waters surrounding Mauritius are superb for year-round deep sea fishing. Mauritius holds several world fishing records (IGFA) and is known for its large population of black and blue marlin.

Mauritius Independence Day
Begin your Independence Day celebration at Champs de Mars, the Southern Hemisphere's oldest racecourse. Watch the races with refreshments from the comfort and security of Crown Lodge, former private box of the Racing Stewards.

Cruise on the West Coast
Board a spacious, well-appointed catamaran and sail the tranquil waters of the island's west coast. Spot dolphins and go swimming or snorkeling before sitting down to lunch on board.

Golf
Situated on a private island opposite the resort is an 18-hole par-72, championship, golf course designed by Bernhard Langer. A state-of-the-art golf academy offers a teaching and practice facility for couples and singles.

Givenchy Spa
Take time off from sightseeing for a rejuvenating treatment at the resort's Givenchy Spa. Choose from programs developed specifically for Givenchy, including facial and body treatments, massages, hydrotherapy, sauna and herbal wraps.
Le Touessrok B, L, D

Day 11: Mauritius - Cape Town, South Africa
(Flight time: 5 hours, 30 minutes)
Today you fly to Cape Town, a thriving modern city surrounded by natural splendor. Transfer to the Cape Grace Hotel, stopping en route at Signal Hill for magnificent views of Cape Town. Built in a classic style, the Cape Grace provides the elegance of a luxurious small hotel amid the vibrant activity of the waterfront. Dinner tonight is à la carte at your hotel.
The Cape Grace Hotel B, L, D

Day 12: Cape Town - Cape Point - Cape Town
Board your private 53-foot luxury catamaran. Sail along the Cape coastline's bucolic Hout Bay valley, with its bustling fishing harbor, white sand beach and picturesque village. Your journey continues to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve at the end of the Cape Peninsula. The southern tip of the reserve lies at Cape Point, a great pinnacle of rock. You can climb the steps or ride a funicular railway to the top to observe southern right whale, dolphin and a variety of seabirds. Next, visit Boulders, a lovely beach sheltered from the wind and famous for its colony of endangered African penguin. Return via a breathtaking helicopter flight along the rugged coast of the Cape Peninsula. Relax before a private dinner at Groote Schuur. former residence of Cecil Rhodes, a British colonial statesman, financier and one of main promoters of British rule in South Africa, Groote Schuur was the official Cape residence of the former President of South Africa.
The Cape Grace Hotel B, L, D

Day 13: Design Your Day in Cape Town
After breakfast, continue exploring Cape Town on your own or select a Design Your Day option. For dinner, choose from a selection of recommended restaurants on the waterfront (transportation is provided).

DESIGN YOUR DAY OPTIONS:
Kirstenbosch Gardens
This morning, ascend Table Mountain by cable car for panoramic views of the city and sea. Then visit Kirstenbosch, one of the top 10 gardens in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, have a delightful lunch at the garden's Silvertree Restaurant.

Winelands Excursion
Explore the Cape Winelands, home of some of the world's finest wines, accompanied by a specialist guide from the John Platter Wine Emporium. From here, continue to Stellenbosch, where you are guided on a walking tour of the picturesque Dutch town before stopping for lunch at a local historic estate.

Robben Island
Since the end of the 17th century, Robben Island has been a place of exile for social outcasts, rebels and political prisoners under apartheid, most notably Nelson Mandela. A morning or afternoon transfer to the Cape Town waterfront brings you to the Nelson Mandela Gateway, the starting point of your cruise and your private visit to Robben Island, guided by one of the institution's former inmates (subject to operating conditions).

Santé Wellness Spa
Visit the Santé Wellness Center in the Winelands, the only spa in South Africa to offer Vinotherapy®, a treatment that uses crushed grape seeds and grape seed oil applied in massage, hydrotherapy and body scrubs.

Shopping
Cape Town is a shopper's paradise. From upscale malls and boutiques to open-air craft markets and curio shops, the treasures waiting to catch your eye are endless. Where do you begin? With your own personal shopper. Spend the morning or afternoon comfortably shopping with your tireless local "friend."
The Cape Grace Hotel B, L, D

Day 14: Cape Town - Kruger Mpumalanga - Mala Mala Game Reserve
(Flight time: 2 hours, 15 minutes)
(Local flight time: 30 minutes)
Take your private jet to Kruger Mpumalanga, where you board a bush plane bound for the Mala Mala Game Reserve. Mala Mala is South Africa's legendary safari destination. Internationally acknowledged as one of the top safari camps of the world, it is beautifully situated on the banks of the Sand River. After lunch and leisure time, during the heat of midday, enjoy a late afternoon game drive.
Mala Mala B, L, D

Days 15 & 16: Mala Mala Game Reserve
You have two full days of wildlife viewing in this private game reserve. Your daily schedule here is determined by the habits of the animals you have come to see. Rise early for morning wildlife drives, then return to camp for breakfast. All drives are conducted in open Land Rovers for optimum viewing, and your professional guides are experts on the flora and fauna of South Africa. The custodians of this reserve are deeply committed to wildlife conservation and to the preservation of this sanctuary. The atmosphere at your camp is relaxed, with an emphasis on superb animal viewing in a peaceful, harmonious environment.

After a leisurely lunch and perhaps a short nap, a late afternoon game drive is another chance to spot lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and much more - over 200 species make this area their home. Following a stop for sundowners at dusk, continue your search for nocturnal animals before returning to your camp in time to freshen up for dinner. Each evening, as your day of wildlife viewing draws to a close, relax with your fellow travellers and recall the extraordinary events of the day.
Mala Mala B, L, D

Days 17: Mala Mala Game Reserve - Kruger Mpumalanga - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
You have two full days of wildlife viewing in this private game reserve. Your daily schedule here is determined by the habits of the animals you have come to see. Rise early for morning wildlife drives, then return to camp for breakfast. All drives are conducted in open Land Rovers for optimum viewing, and your professional guides are experts on the flora and fauna of South Africa. The custodians of this reserve are deeply committed to wildlife conservation and to the preservation of this sanctuary. The atmosphere at your camp is relaxed, with an emphasis on superb animal viewing in a peaceful, harmonious environment.

After a leisurely lunch and perhaps a short nap, a late afternoon game drive is another chance to spot lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and much more - over 200 species make this area their home. Following a stop for sundowners at dusk, continue your search for nocturnal animals before returning to your camp in time to freshen up for dinner. Each evening, as your day of wildlife viewing draws to a close, relax with your fellow travellers and recall the extraordinary events of the day. (Flight time: 1 hour, 40 minutes)
(Local flight time: 30 minutes)
After an early morning game drive, transfer to the Mala airstrip for a local flight to Kruger Mpumalanga airport. There you board your private jet for Zimbabwe. On arrival in Victoria Falls, transfer and board the restored 1922 Class Ten steam train to experience the romance of a bygone era. Enjoy champagne and canapés en route to The Victoria Falls Hotel, with a stop on the famous Victoria Falls Bridge.

Arrive at your elegant hotel where lunch is served on the terrace. This afternoon take a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River above the falls. Glide down the river looking for hippo, elephant or buffalo coming to drink at the water's edge. Relish the quietness of the African bush as sunset brings the day to a close, sometimes in a fiery farewell, sometimes in a myriad of blended colors.
The Victoria Falls Hotel B, L, D

Day 18: Victoria Falls
Take the celebrated "Flight of the Angels," a dramatic helicopter ride offering unrivalled views of one of Africa's greatest spectacles: magnificent Victoria Falls. In addition to the falls themselves, keep a keen eye out for wildlife; the Zambezi National Park is home to elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, crocodile and giraffe, so have your camera ready. Continue your explorations on a privately guided walking tour of Victoria Falls, with scenic outlook stops along the way.

Transfer to the Elephant Wallow for a memorable afternoon with these gentle giants. After a barbecue lunch, interact with the elephants and experience their intelligence and majesty face to face. Your choice of afternoon activities includes an elephant-back safari, rhino game drive, canoe trip or wildlife viewing by jet boat on the upper Zambezi. Tonight's dinner is outdoors and features local entertainment.
The Victoria Falls Hotel B, L, D

Day 19: Victoria Falls - Bamako, Mali
(Flight time: 6 hours, 55 minutes)
Transect the vast continent to arrive in Bamako, the capital of Mali. Bamako was a prosperous hub of the gold, ivory and salt trades, and its character is the result of centuries of foreign invasions and influences. Yet remnants of the ancient Ghana Empire still linger in present-day Mali. The Bozo people of the Niger River Valley trace their roots back to the 10th century; they remain experts at fishing, and their arts and crafts are found in markets throughout Bamako.

En route to your hotel, visit the National Museum of Mali, considered one of the finest museums in West Africa for its extensive collection of ethnographic artifacts. A museum curator leads your privately guided tour. Afterward, witness the Dogon mask dance, an incredible spectacle of colorful masks and ritualistic dances performed on stilts. This evening, enjoy cocktails, dinner and a welcome talk by an officer from the U.S. Embassy.
Hotel Salam B, L, D

Day 20: Bamako - Timbuktu - Bamako - Marrakech, Morocco
(Flight time: 3 hours, 20 minutes)
(Local flight time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Each way)
Depart your hotel and board a local charter flight to Timbuktu, an intellectual and spiritual hub and a center for the propagation of Islam throughout Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its three great mosques, Djingareyber, Sankore, and Sidi Yahia, are a testament to Timbuktu's golden age. Today, visit the different mosques and the library, with its remarkable manuscripts. You may glimpse the Tuareg "blue men" of the desert, so named for their indigo-dyed clothing. Return to Bamako by local charter and board your private jet to Marrakech, the most famous city in Morocco. After an early evening arrival, transfer to your hotel in time for dinner.
Sofitel B, L, D

Day 21: Marrakech
This morning, discover the secrets of Marrakech, for centuries the last stop of the trans-Saharan caravans. Most of the city's architectural attractions are inside the Medinat, the old walled section of the town. Built in the 12th century, the Koutoubia minaret is a landmark Islamic monument. Next, pay an evocative visit to the Saadian Tombs. Discovered in 1917, two exquisitely decorated mausoleums house approximately 60 members of the Saadi Dynasty, dating back to the late 16th century. The detailing and delicate use of Italian marble, cedar, inlaid tile, and traditional stucco make this one of the most beautiful structures in Marrakech. The Bahia Palace is a masterpiece of domestic architecture and a glimpse into the lives of the privileged during the 19th century. Your survey of Marrakech treasures concludes fittingly at the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Crafts. Formerly Dar Si Said palace, the museum houses stunning collections of traditional woven carpets and Berber silver jewelry.

This afternoon, stay and shop or explore the nearby souk. As evening approaches, head to the city's main square, where fireeaters, mime artists, snake charmers and street musicians perform at every turn. For dinner, choose from a selection of recommended restaurants (transportation is provided).
Sofitel B, L, D

Day 22: Design Your Day in Marrakech
Today you may continue exploring Marrakech on the Design Your Day excursion of your choice. Alternatively, you may venture out to browse or shop Marrakech on your own. Tonight's festivities include a private dinner outside the city limits in a palm grove, featuring local musicians and colorful entertainers.

DESIGN YOUR DAY OPTIONS:
Atlas Mountains
Drive high up into the Atlas Mountains, North Africa's greatest mountain range, to Kasbah De Toubkal. Restored from an ancient Berber fortress, the Kasbah is a mountain retreat with 360-degree views of the mountains and surrounding valleys from its rocky hilltop location. This excursion includes a stop at one of the many Berber villages.

Cooking Lesson at La Maison Arabe
Shop for fresh market ingredients with a local chef and learn how the exotic flavors of Morocco's cuisine come to life. Afterward, visit the kitchens of La Maison Arabe, where you prepare a Moroccan salad and a tagine stew of your choice.

Marrakech Gardens
This morning board a horse-drawn carriage for a leisurely visit to the beautiful gardens dotted around the city, including the Menara Gardens, set in an extensive olive grove. At its center is a rectangular pool with a spectacular view of the Atlas Mountains. The Jardin Majorelle was designed by the French artist Jacques Majorelle, who took residence in Marrakech and turned his garden into a tropical paradise, surrounded by vivid cobalt blue buildings with verdant groves, lily-covered pools, and enormous sculptural cacti.

Afternoon at the Spa
Indulge in the restorative spa treatment of your choice at your hotel. Choose a facial, massage or manicure - it is our treat.
Sofitel B, L, D

Day 23: Marrakech - New York
(Flight time: 3 hours)
(Tech stop en route)
(Flight time: 6 hours, 20 minutes)
Board your private jet for the last time to cross the Atlantic en route to the U.S. Following a fuel stop in the Azores, you arrive in New York City in the afternoon. After clearing U.S. arrival procedures, connect to an evening commercial flight to your home city or stay in New York for a few post-tour nights. Hotel reservations are available on request.
B, L, D

Itineraries and pricing are subject to change.

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