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Jewel of the Nile – Egypt
Early Bird 23% Off Egypt
Africa · Egypt
Jewel of the Nile
Cairo · Giza · Luxor · Aswan · Abu Simbel · Cairo
13 Days Max 16 guests Cultural Africa Tour starts in Cairo
★★★★★ 4.9
[('Patricia W.', 'PW', '"Egypt was mind-blowing. Seeing the pyramids at sunrise with only our group of 12 — no crowds — is something I will carry with me forever. Our Egyptologist guide was extraordinary. Oncor got it exactly right."', 'Jewel of the Nile · 13 Days'), ('Robert B.', 'RB', '"The Nile cruise was the highlight — four nights drifting between temples, meals on the sun deck, and our guide explaining the hieroglyphs at every stop. Abu Simbel stopped me in my tracks. Truly humbling."', 'Jewel of the Nile · 13 Days'), ('Claire M.', 'CM', '"I have been on a lot of tours and this was the best guided experience of my life. Our guide could read ancient Egyptian — he translated the tomb inscriptions as we stood in front of them. Unforgettable."', 'Jewel of the Nile · 13 Days')] reviews
Top Rated Tour 2025
Overview
Inclusions
Itinerary
Hotels
Optional Tours
Reviews 3

This is Egypt at its most complete — 13 days that take you from the chaos and wonder of Cairo, through the temples and tombs of Luxor, along the Nile by private riverboat to Aswan, and south to the extraordinary temple of Abu Simbel, carved into a cliff face by Ramesses II more than 3,200 years ago.

Traveling with a maximum of 16 guests and led by an Egyptologist guide who has spent a career studying these sites, you will experience ancient Egypt with a depth and intimacy that simply cannot be achieved in a larger group. All entrance fees, most meals, and a 4-night Nile cruise are included.

Pyramids at Dawn
Visit the Great Pyramid of Giza before the crowds, with your Egyptologist guide bringing the pharaohs to life.
4-Night Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile on a private riverboat from Luxor to Aswan, stopping at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
Valley of the Kings
Descend into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramesses — painted walls that have survived 3,000 years.
Abu Simbel
Fly south to witness the twin temples of Abu Simbel — one of the most breathtaking sites in the ancient world.
Expert Egyptologist Guide
Our guides are not tour leaders — they are scholars who have spent careers unlocking the secrets of ancient Egypt.
Egyptian Museum
A private early-access visit to Cairo's Egyptian Museum — home to Tutankhamun's golden mask and 120,000 artefacts.
Route map — Cairo → Giza → Luxor → Nile Cruise → Aswan → Abu Simbel → Cairo
1
Day 1
Arrive in Cape Town

Fly overnight from New York to Cape Town. On arrival you'll be met by your Oncor guide and transferred to your boutique hotel in the vibrant De Waterkant neighbourhood. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace — grab a coffee on Bree Street, stroll the V&A Waterfront, or simply rest up after the long flight.

IncludedAirport welcome transfer to The Gorgeous George, Cape Town
IncludedWelcome dinner at hotel restaurant with your group
OptionalV&A Waterfront evening walk & craft beer tasting +$45/pp
2
Day 2
Cape Town City & Table Mountain

A full day discovering Cape Town with your local guide. Morning visit to the colorful Bo-Kaap district, followed by the cable car up Table Mountain for panoramic views. Afternoon at leisure in the V&A Waterfront.

IncludedGuided Bo-Kaap walking tour with local historian
IncludedTable Mountain cable car (weather permitting)
IncludedBreakfast at The Gorgeous George
OptionalCape Town food market tour & cooking class +$85/pp
OptionalRobben Island ferry & museum visit +$55/pp
3
Day 3
Cape Peninsula & Boulders Beach

Scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope, with a stop at Boulders Beach to see the famous African penguin colony. Return via the charming fishing village of Kalk Bay.

IncludedFull-day Cape Peninsula guided drive
IncludedBoulders Beach penguin colony entrance fee
IncludedCape of Good Hope Nature Reserve entry
OptionalFunicular ride to Cape Point lighthouse +$12/pp
OptionalFresh seafood lunch at Kalk Bay harbour restaurant +$35/pp
4
Day 4
Stellenbosch Winelands

Drive into the Cape Winelands for private tastings at two celebrated Stellenbosch estates. Enjoy a sommelier-guided lunch surrounded by the vineyards before checking into a wine estate guest house for the night.

IncludedPrivate wine tasting at two Stellenbosch estates
IncludedSommelier-guided lunch in the vineyards
Included1 night at Lanzerac Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
OptionalPrivate cellar tour with winemaker +$40/pp
OptionalHot air balloon flight over the Winelands at sunrise +$220/pp
5
Day 5
Garden Route: Knysna

Scenic drive east along the Garden Route, one of the world's most beautiful coastal roads. Stop at the Knysna Lagoon and explore the charming waterfront town before checking into your boutique hotel.

IncludedGuided drive along the Garden Route
IncludedKnysna Heads viewpoint & lagoon walk
Included2 nights at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna
OptionalKnysna Lagoon oyster boat cruise +$55/pp
OptionalPezula Spa treatment (60 min) +$95/pp
6
Day 6
Tsitsikamma & Storms River

Morning walk through the ancient forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park, with a guided suspension bridge crossing above the Storms River mouth. Optional zip-line adventure in the afternoon.

IncludedTsitsikamma National Park entrance & guided forest walk
IncludedStorms River suspension bridge crossing
OptionalTsitsikamma zip-line canopy tour (8 slides) +$75/pp
OptionalBlackwater tubing on the Storms River +$65/pp
7
Day 7
Fly to Kruger National Park

Fly from Port Elizabeth to Hoedspruit (included). Transfer to your private game lodge bordering Kruger — settle in and enjoy an afternoon tea on the deck as impala and zebra graze below.

IncludedInternal flight Port Elizabeth → Hoedspruit
IncludedLodge transfer & welcome to Singita Lebombo Lodge
IncludedAfternoon game drive with ranger & tracker
OptionalBush sundowners at a private scenic lookout +$30/pp
8
Day 8 — Highlight
Full Day Big Five Safari

Two game drives today — one at dawn and one at sunset — with your expert ranger and tracker. The Kruger ecosystem is home to all of the Big Five; your guide will track lion, leopard, elephant, white rhino, and Cape buffalo throughout the day. Bush dinner under the stars tonight.

IncludedDawn game drive (5:00 AM departure) with expert ranger & tracker
IncludedSunset game drive & Big Five tracking
IncludedBush dinner under the stars — all meals at lodge included
OptionalNight drive with spotlight (leopard & nocturnal wildlife) +$55/pp
OptionalPrivate photography guide for the day +$180/pp
9
Day 9 — Highlight
Safari & Bush Walk

Morning guided bush walk with your ranger — tracking on foot brings a completely different perspective to the wild. Afternoon game drive followed by sundowners on a rocky outcrop overlooking the bushveld.

IncludedGuided bush walk with ranger (2–3 hrs, on foot)
IncludedAfternoon game drive
IncludedSundowners on a private rocky outcrop with your group
OptionalRhino conservation talk with anti-poaching unit +$25/pp
OptionalHot air balloon safari over the bushveld at sunrise +$350/pp
10
Day 10
Fly back to Johannesburg

Final morning game drive before transferring to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Afternoon free to explore Sandton or the Apartheid Museum. Farewell dinner with your group tonight.

IncludedFinal dawn game drive at Singita Lebombo
IncludedInternal flight Hoedspruit → Johannesburg
Included1 night at Saxon Hotel, Johannesburg
IncludedFarewell group dinner at the Saxon
OptionalApartheid Museum guided visit +$30/pp
OptionalSoweto township guided tour +$65/pp
11
Day 11
Depart for home

Transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your overnight return flight to New York. Your Oncor guide will be with you until departure. Arrive home the following morning with memories to last a lifetime.

IncludedPrivate transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport
IncludedReturn international flight Johannesburg → New York (JFK)
These activities are not included in your tour price — they're available to book before departure or with your guide on the day. Prices shown are per person. Ask your Oncor advisor to pre-book any you'd like to secure in advance.
Robben Island
📅 Day 2 · Cape Town
Robben Island Ferry & Museum
Cross Table Bay by ferry to the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. A guided tour is led by former political prisoners — one of the most powerful experiences in South Africa.
Half day (4 hrs) All fitness levels
$55/ person
Cape Town Food Tour
📅 Day 1 · Cape Town
Cape Town Food Market Tour & Cooking Class
Explore the vibrant Old Biscuit Mill market with a local chef, source fresh ingredients, then cook a traditional Cape Malay meal together. Includes wine pairing and recipe booklet.
Half day (5 hrs) All fitness levels
$85/ person
V&A Waterfront
📅 Day 1 · Cape Town
V&A Waterfront Evening Walk & Craft Beer Tasting
A relaxed guided evening walk through the waterfront, stopping at three craft breweries with local beer pairings and light snacks. A great way to wind down after the long-haul flight.
3 hours All fitness levels
$45/ person
Hot Air Balloon Winelands
📅 Day 4 · Stellenbosch
Hot Air Balloon Flight over the Winelands
Float above the vineyards and mountains of the Cape Winelands at sunrise, with panoramic views of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Includes a champagne breakfast on landing — one of the most magical experiences on the tour.
3 hours (5 AM start) All fitness levels
$220/ person
Cellar Tour
📅 Day 4 · Stellenbosch
Private Cellar Tour with the Winemaker
Go behind the scenes at Lanzerac's historic cellar with the head winemaker. Learn the art of blending, taste barrel samples, and leave with a signed bottle of your personal blend.
2 hours All fitness levels
$40/ person
Knysna Oyster Cruise
📅 Day 5 · Knysna
Knysna Lagoon Oyster Boat Cruise
Board a traditional wooden oyster boat for a guided cruise across the Knysna Lagoon. Sample freshly harvested Knysna oysters — among the finest in the world — paired with local wine as you pass through the famous Heads.
2.5 hours All fitness levels
$55/ person
Zip Line
📅 Day 6 · Tsitsikamma
Tsitsikamma Zip-Line Canopy Tour
Fly through the ancient Tsitsikamma forest on 8 zip-line slides, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h through the forest canopy. A fully guided, safety-certified adventure — no prior experience needed.
2.5 hours Moderate fitness
$75/ person
Blackwater Tubing
📅 Day 6 · Tsitsikamma
Blackwater Tubing on the Storms River
Float through dark river gorges, jump from rocks into ice-cold pools, and drift through underground caves on inflatable tubes. A thrilling introduction to the Storms River's hidden world.
3 hours Active
$65/ person
Night Drive
📅 Days 8–9 · Kruger
Spotlight Night Drive
After dinner, head out into the darkness with your ranger and a powerful spotlight. Night drives reveal leopard, hyena, porcupine, aardvark, and the sounds of the bush after dark — a completely different safari experience.
3 hours (9 PM) All fitness levels
$55/ person
Hot Air Balloon Safari
📅 Day 8 · Kruger
Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Bushveld
Drift silently above the Kruger at sunrise, watching herds of elephant and buffalo from above with the Lebombo Mountains in the distance. Includes a bush champagne breakfast on landing. Truly bucket-list.
4 hours (5 AM start) All fitness levels
$350/ person
Photography Guide
📅 Days 8–9 · Kruger
Private Wildlife Photography Guide
Join a specialist wildlife photographer for a full day in the bush, learning composition, light, and fieldcraft. All skill levels welcome — the guide brings spare lenses and a 500mm telephoto for participants without long glass.
Full day All fitness levels
$180/ person
Rhino Conservation
📅 Day 9 · Kruger
Rhino Conservation Talk with Anti-Poaching Unit
A 45-minute briefing from Singita's on-site conservation team and anti-poaching rangers — an eye-opening look at the efforts to protect South Africa's white and black rhino populations.
45 minutes All fitness levels
$25/ person
Apartheid Museum
📅 Day 10 · Johannesburg
Apartheid Museum Guided Visit
One of the world's great museums, telling the story of South Africa's apartheid era through powerful exhibits, film, and personal testimony. A guided visit adds crucial context to everything you'll have seen on the tour.
3 hours All fitness levels
$30/ person
Soweto Tour
📅 Day 10 · Johannesburg
Soweto Township Guided Tour
Explore Soweto with a local resident guide — visiting Vilakazi Street (home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu), the Hector Pieterson Museum, and a community lunch at a local shebeen.
4 hours All fitness levels
$65/ person

All properties are hand-picked by your Oncor advisor — no chains or cookie-cutter hotels. Every stay is included in your tour price.

Cape Town
Days 1–3 · 3 nights
The Gorgeous George
Cape Town City Centre
★★★★★
A chic design hotel on St George's Mall in the heart of Cape Town, steps from the V&A Waterfront and vibrant Long Street. Rooftop pool with panoramic Table Mountain views.
Rooftop pool Restaurant City centre Breakfast incl.
Stellenbosch
Day 4 · 1 night
Lanzerac Wine Estate
Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands
★★★★★
One of South Africa's most celebrated wine estates, dating to 1692. Manor house rooms overlook the vineyards and Jonkershoek Mountains. Working winery on-site with private cellar tours.
Wine estate Spa Pool Breakfast incl.
Knysna
Days 5–6 · 2 nights
Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa
Knysna, Garden Route
★★★★★
Perched on the cliffs above the Knysna Heads with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and the famous lagoon. Award-winning spa and direct access to championship golf.
Ocean views Award-winning spa Golf Breakfast incl.
Kruger
Days 7–10 · 3 nights
Singita Lebombo Lodge
Kruger National Park, Limpopo
★★★★★
Perched above the N'wanetsi River in a private concession within Kruger, Singita Lebombo is widely considered one of the finest safari lodges in Africa. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, private plunge pools, and unrivalled game viewing.
Private concession Plunge pools All meals incl. Game drives incl.
Johannesburg
Day 10 · 1 night
Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
Sandhurst, Johannesburg
★★★★★
Set in a tranquil Johannesburg suburb, the Saxon is one of South Africa's most iconic luxury hotels — this is where Nelson Mandela finished writing Long Walk to Freedom. Elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and a world-class restaurant.
Historic property Spa Fine dining Breakfast incl.
What's included
International flights not included — arrange your own travel to Cape Town.
All internal flights (Port Elizabeth → Hoedspruit → Johannesburg)
10 nights boutique accommodation
All breakfasts + 6 dinners
All guided game drives at Kruger
Expert Destination expert tour leader throughout
Private group transport (max 16 guests)
All entrance fees and park permits
Wine tasting at Stellenbosch estates
24/7 in-trip support from Oncor Travel
Not included
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Lunches (except Day 4 wine tasting)
Personal spending & gratuities
Optional activities (zip-line, etc.)
Visa fees (if applicable)
Good to know
Minimum age for safari game drives is 6 years.
Malaria prophylaxis recommended for Kruger area — consult your physician.
Passport must be valid 30+ days beyond return date with 2 blank pages.
U.S. citizens enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days.
Safari lodge dress code: neutral, muted tones recommended.
4.9
★★★★★
186 reviews
5 stars
91%
4 stars
7%
3 stars
2%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
ST
Sarah & Michael T.
March 2025 · Traveled as a couple
★★★★★
"Our South Africa safari exceeded every expectation. We saw all of the Big Five within the first two game drives — our ranger was extraordinary. The Stellenbosch wine tasting was a perfect counterpoint to the bush, and Cape Town is simply one of the world's great cities. The small group of 14 meant everything felt intimate and unhurried. We'll be back."
RK
Rachel K.
February 2025 · Solo traveler
★★★★★
"I was nervous about traveling solo on a group tour, but I needn't have been. The group was warm, the guide was wonderful, and Oncor had thought of everything. The highlight? Sitting at a bush dinner under a sky full of stars after a leopard sighting that afternoon. Completely magical."
DP
David & Patricia P.
October 2024 · Traveled as a couple
★★★★★
"This was our third Oncor tour and, once again, it delivered. The Garden Route day was a beautiful surprise — we hadn't expected the drive itself to be so dramatic. Kruger is simply unforgettable, and having flights included made the whole booking stress-free."
$2,499
per person · land only
✦  No obligation
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