Trekkup Dubai ✔

Although “Oh my God, it's so HUGE!!" is most commonly heard by spiders, yet the statues of Abu Simbel are truly a gigantic masterpiece of ancient engineering.

From the towering pyramids of Giza to the massive statues of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel, this is a land of truly gigantic masterpieces of ancient engineering, built on a scale that still surprises, even thousands of years later.

Egypt is one of the world’s great centers of civilization, with human habitation going back millennia. At the heart of it all is the Nile, the longest river in Africa and possibly the world, which did the near-impossible by turning desert into farmland and supporting an entire empire. It also doubled as ancient Egypt’s main highway, filled with wooden boats carrying everything from crops to the massive limestone blocks that eventually became the Great Pyramid of Giza.

This Trekkup dives into Egypt’s wonders, following the mighty Nile to discover the country’s most famous landmarks and the remarkable feats of engineering that have become iconic symbols of the ancient world. We begin with the essentials in Cairo and nearby Giza: marvelling at the pyramids, coming face-to-face with the Sphinx, and visiting the early sites of Saqqara and Memphis, where Egypt’s first experiments in monument-building are found.

Next we head south to Nubia, a lesser-known region of the eastern Sahara where Egypt’s sense of scale reaches new extremes. Here, at Abu Simbel, it becomes obvious that Pharaoh Ramesses II thought subtlety (and modesty) was overrated. Built in the 13th century BCE, two temples are carved directly into the mountainside, guarded by four colossal, seated statues of the ruler himself. In addition to being a jaw-dropping sight, the technical and scientific aspects are just as impressive: the temples are aligned so that sunlight penetrates the inner sanctuary twice a year, on the dates associated with Ramses’ birth and coronation.

Nearby Aswan sits at the southern frontier of the Egyptian empire, a city with a long history of stonework and engineering. It supplied the raw materials for many ancient monuments and, in modern times, became home to the Aswan High Dam, one of the great engineering projects of the 20th century. Standing 111 metres high and stretching an impressive 4 kilometres in length, an astonishing 11,000 cubic metres of water surge through it every second. Rising above Lake Nasser, the dam makes it clear that Egypt’s tradition of thinking big did not end with the pharaohs.

On this trip, you’ll tick every Egyptian bucket list box, from selfies with the Sphinx to gazing up at Ramesses II’s disapproving face. Grab your camera and get ready to stand in the shadow of Desert Giants.

Let’s go!

DAY 0 // WED // DEPARTURE

Meeting at SHJ International at 9pm for a direct flight to Cairo. Arrival in the early hours, immigration clearance, overnight in 5 star hotel.

DAY 1 // THU // CAIRO

After breakfast we hit the road to Giza. We’ll get up close with the Pyramids, move on for some riddles or selfies with Sphinx, then drive to Sakkara and further to Memphis for more temples and even older pyramids. Overnight in 5 star hotel.

DAY 2 // FRI // CAIRO - ASWAN

Today we start at recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest museum in the world, then head to the Cairo Citadel, a massive fortress with incredible panoramic views over the city, and home to the Ottoman-style Muhammad Ali Mosque (Alabaster Mosque) and historic Gawhara Palace.

In the evening we’ll catch a domestic flight to Aswan, spending the night at our hotel overlooking the Nile.

DAY 3 // SAT // ABU SIMBEL & NILE CRUISE

Early wake-up call for the drive to Abu Simbel. After an awe-inspiring exploration of the temples and surroundings, we’ll return to Aswan. In the afternoon, we’ll board a felucca boat for a relaxed sailing excursion on the Nile, passing by Elephantine Island, the Botanical Garden and the Agha Khan mausoleum.

DAY 4 // SUN // ASWAN

Today we begin with a visit to the High Dam, which offers an amazing view of the first cataract on the Nile and Lake Nasser. Next is a boat cruise to Agilkia Island to visit its temple complex dedicated to the Goddess Isis (originally it was located on the island of Philae, which was flooded during the construction of the Aswan dam). Later, we sail on down the Nile to a Nubian village, where we’ll take a short hike for some views over the area.

In the evening we say bye-bye to the Pharaohs and head back to the airport for a domestic flight to Cairo, where we’ll connect to our return flight to Sharjah.

Level of Difficulty: Easy, available to everyone.
Activities: Sightseeing, boating and lots of discoveries of ancient and modern world wonders!!
Rooms & Meals: 5 star hotel in Cairo, traditional Nubian guesthouse 4 star in Aswan - double sharing. Meals excluded.

Cost: AED 6,400 all incl. 4 flights - international and domestic, until JAN 30.

Specifically excluded:

• visa,
• meals,
• tips,
• optional entry fees, ie. inside pyramid.

Along the banks of the River Congo on the western side of Central Africa are two capital cities, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kinshasa, and the Republic of Congo’s Brazzaville, both home to dapper Sapeurs, gateways to vibrant tribes of mystical dancers, gorillas, geologic wonders in heart of darkness rainforest jungles, and kingly incarnations among ancient tribal kingdoms.

If you haven’t heard the term before, Sapeurs are followers of a fashion culture in Brazzaville and Kinshasa, members of the Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People, made up of day labourers, taxi drivers, or even gardeners, but dressed to impress in dapper designer suits and treated like rock-stars in their communities for the joy and colour. We’ll find these Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congo in both capital cities and they’re looking forward to meeting you!

Beyond Brazzaville and into the heart of the Republic of Congo we’ll find the Téké Kingdom and it’s own capital village Mbé where we’ll meet the modern incarnation of their King Makoko. The village has preserved the vestiges of this once heroic kingdom which once spread across 85,000 square kilometres extended into Congo and the former Zaire. Expect to hear stories from village elders, chieftains painting their faces in bright yellows and reds, and tribal ceremonies to keep you up at night.

Our trip would not be completed without meeting eye to eye with lowland gorillas, for which one of best spot is on our way in Lesio Louna.

Further on into the rainforests is the Nkila Ntari Caves, a descent of more than a kilometers deep underground will take us past cave paintings.

Let’s go!!

Day 1 // Kinshasa Arrival
After arrival and immigration formalities, we’ll have a first look around Kinshasa and take in the high fashion of the Sapeurs before dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 2 // Kingdom of Kuba
Congo coffee and fufu breakfast before we hit the bumpy road to Kuba Kingdom.

The Kuba village we will head to, is one of the remnants of what was once powerful 17th century empire. They are renowned for rich artistic traditions, particularly intricate geometric raffia textiles, and had a complex, centralized political system with a royal army and administration.

Day 3 // Voodoo ceremony
We start the day with traditional voodoo ceremony and continue taking in the best of Kinshasa, including National Museum and artisan galleries.

DAY 4 // Crossing to Brazzaville

In the morning we head to port for boat crossing to Brazzaville! Take in the Sapeurs performance on the other side and wander around town before we check-in to hotel. Enjoy a dinner and toast to our border crossing into the Republic!

Day 5 // Lowland Gorillas and Teke Kingdom

Departure to Lesio Louna Reserve for encounters with the Lowland Gorillas. Then we’re off to Mbé village to meet King Makoko in the capital of the old kingdom of the Tékés! Village elders will tell tales of the old kingdom, chiefs will paint their faces in red and yellow, and we’ll have a chance to talk to the King himself. After our encounters with kings, head to our lodge in Ngabé for dinner and rest.

Day 6 // Queen Ngalifuru and Kebe-Kebe in Ngabe

This morning we meet Queen Ngalifuru and deliver a few gifts as tribute. Be mindful, she has a few magical powers! We have much to explore and people to meet in Ngabé before the mystical dance of the Kébé-Kébé in the evening, a performance not to miss! We’ll spend the night in Ngabé lodge.

Day 7 // Nkila Ntari Caves and Punu Tribe
Very early breakfast before drive to the Nkila Ntari Caves where we’ll have a speleologist-led look around the rock arts and formations of this kilometre-long tunnel. Afterwards continue on to Nkayi to meet and see the Punu tribes’ performances. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 8 // Pointe Noire
Quick look at this coastal city before souvenir shopping and return flight home.

Activities:
Experience raw and authentic Africa, gorilla trekking, participating in local ceremonies, boating, cultural immersion.

Room & Meals: Lodges and hotels - double sharing. Restaurant meals excluded.

Cost: 11,400 AED excl. flights until JAN 20.

Specifically Excluded: international flights, restaurant meals, visas.

Visas:
- DRC - Evisa (455 USD) or LOI for Consulate visa (150 USD LOI + 100 visa stamping)
- ROC - Visa on arrival based on LOI (120 USD LOI + 100 visa stamping)

YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificate is mandatory to cross inter-african borders.

This is a travel to malaria endemic region, prophylactics is compulsory for all participants.

See yah in Congos x

Famous for its unique culture and stunning landscapes, Bhutan, the legendary Kingdom of the Himalayas, is a country unlike any other. Often called the last Shangri-La, this is a place where time runs slower, and the government operates by the unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness.

Many factors contribute to the famed happiness and contentment of Bhutan’s population, from the country’s pride in preserving its traditions, languages, and customs to the prioritization of wellbeing over material wealth. In this land of dense forests and towering mountains, incredible vistas are all around, and a connection to nature is deeply ingrained in the culture. In addition, the practice of Mahayana Buddhism profoundly influences the Bhutanese way of life, emphasizing inner peace, compassion, and community harmony.

With stupas and monasteries on every corner, spirituality is embedded in daily life here. Centuries of religious devotion have led to the creation of incredible landmarks and sacred spaces, including the country’s iconic crown jewel: Taktsang monastery, or the Tiger’s Nest. One of the most venerated places of pilgrimage in the Himalayas, the monastery appears like something out of a fairy tale, clinging to the rock a towering 800m (2,600ft) above the valley floor.

Nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural environment richer and more diverse than it is in Bhutan, home to high, rugged mountains and deep valleys which have been recognized as one of the world’s ten most important biodiversity hotspots. One of Bhutan’s ancient names was Menjong Yul, meaning ‘the land of medicinal herbs’, and the people’s respect for the natural environment means that even today it remains pristine and mostly undisturbed.

Here we’ll discover ancient spiritual practices, trek into untouched landscapes and feel the awe of nature’s majesty in this hidden corner of the world.

This time we will take you off the beaten trail and bring you inside equatorial wilderness, African adventure Eldorado, as we search for gorillas, trek through Uganda jungle, meet the pygmies and take in the views from relaxing shores of Lake Bunyonyi!

Meeting face to face with mountain gorillas is one of the most overwhelming experiences in the world of safaris. Encounter of jungle beast, only a few feet away can be scary, but there is no need to panic! They are actually quite calm animals, laziness ambassadors by excellence.

Observing the mountain gorillas in their habitat is an amazing spectacle; you will notice the social dynamics, hierarchy and most touching of them all, the gorilla mothers and their babies, since they live in family units of 30 to 40 members.

The timing spent with them is mesmerizing and hypnotic, it is impossible to stop looking at them. They pretend to ignore you, from time to time they cross their gaze with yours, and that is when you realize that the differences between humans and them are minimal. Their eyes speak as the human gaze does, with the movements of the lips we can know if they are smiling, worried or angry, the gestures of the hands are almost identical to ours. Humans and Gorillas share 98% of DNA.

The KING of the Jungle, the silver back, is one of the most beautiful creatures on earth… he is imposing, majestic, elegant, strong and gorgeous. His sudden appearance can leave you breathless, shivering… but do not worry, he will ignore you - green leaves are tastier for breakfast.

There is a lot of action in the group: eating, playing, fighting, grooming each other, rolling on the floor, hitting the chest... it is endless. The baby gorillas will rock it in a proper show of naughtiness… they will make you laugh. Those cute cubs have so much curiosity for humans, so be ready to witness a show of funny and noisy games to catch your attention.
Following the rangers advice, choose a good spot, look around and get the best shots of lifetime memories!

At the beginning, we will traverse through the jungle aka impenetrable forest. The length of the trek is entirely dependent on the gorillas, sometimes the guides can track them down in less than two hours, other times it takes much longer.

Mountain gorillas are nomadic, travelling in families and staying in an area just long enough to clear it off food. They also don’t follow a clear path, you’ll realize when tracking them, they like to meander. On your first sighting, you may see mothers holding their babies, juvenile gorillas playing, or dominant silverbacks keeping an eye out for their family!

But gorillas are only a part of our trip - we will head to Lake Bunyonyi, an undiscovered treasure of serenity and scenic views. We will visit the indigenous Batwa people, who are the original forest dwellers of southwestern Uganda. Expect lots of interactions, cultural demonstrations, and storytelling sessions. The Batwa are known for their vibrant music, dance, and folklore. You can enjoy traditional dances, drumming sessions, and songs that tell stories of their forest life, spiritual beliefs, and the deep connection they have with nature.

Definitely a trip on the wild side with more relaxed approach to seek out gorillas in their habitat and enjoy pristine jungle in the heart of Africa!

Lets go!

DAY 1// TOUCHDOWN RWANDA, KIGALI – VOLCANOES NP.
Meting at DXB T2 at 00:15 for a flight to Kigali at 01:50.
Welcome to Africa! Immigration clearance, short rest and a coffee.
We will start with key spots of Kigali: Genocide Memorial Museum, Hôtel des Mille Collines, Nyamirambo Women's Center, Parliament and Kandt House Museum. Further on, transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 2// GOLDEN MONEKY TREK + IBW'ACHU CULTURAL
After an early breakfast, we will move to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing. By 8:00 AM, we will proceed to the trailhead just outside the park to begin our trek. The golden monkeys inhabit the bamboo forests near the edge of the park, offering relatively flat and accessible terrain. After spending approximately one hour observing the golden monkeys, we will return to the trailhead and drive back to the lodge for lunch. Post lunch, we will visit Gorilla Museum at the Karisoke Research Center to learn about Rwanda's gorilla conservation history.

Further on we head to Uganda via Cyanika border towards Bwindi with a stop at Ibw'achu Cultural Village. Overnight accommodation at Ichumbi.

DAY 3// GORILLA TREK IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Early in the morning, we will head to Bwindi National Park for gorilla trekking. This experience is considered one of the most thrilling wildlife adventures. The trek takes between 2 to 6 hours and is led by an experienced ranger who will provide insights regarding the jungle's flora, fauna, and the gorillas' lifestyle. After spending one hour with the gorillas, we will return to the lodge and subsequently be transferred to Lake Bunyonyi. Overnight accommodation at Bunyonyi.

DAY 4 // LAKE BUNYONYI AND PYGMIES VILLAGE
After breakfast, we will enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi, navigating its stunning waters and passing numerous islands, including Punishment Island, which has a significant historical narrative. Post boat cruise, we will visit a pygmy village. Overnight accommodation at Bunyonyi.

DAY 5 // KIGALI
Following a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, we will head back to Rwanda and Kigali. Quick look at bazaars for souvenir shopping and a dinner. Head back to airport for a flight back home.

Level of Difficulty:
Easy to Moderate, including jungle trekking.

Duration:
5 Days.

Room & Meals:
Comfortable lodges / hotels - double sharing, meals in Uganda included, meals in Rwanda excluded.

Cost: AED 10,850 all incl. flights until JAN 30th.

Specifically Excluded:
Any expenses related to visas, insurance, meals in Rwanda, single supplement.

Visas:
Rwanda: Eastern African visa on arrival or eVisa (for both countries).

Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate required for border crossings.

See yah with gorillas x

Trekkup Crew