Captain’s Choice’s 16 Days by Private Jet, Cairo to Cape Town is an African odyssey to remember

From exclusivity to safety, there are endless reasons why exploring the world in a private jet is so appealing at the moment. Strap yourself in to witness some of the planet’s most remarkable wonders across East Africa – in serious style – with Captain’s Choice.  

Nothing quite prepares you for the moment you first set eyes on a mountain gorilla in the wild – the sheer thrill of seeing these majestic and endangered primates in their natural habitat of mist-shrouded Volcanoes National Park will set your pulse racing. The fact that so few people ever get the chance to glimpse them makes the experience even more special. This is just one of the exclusive experiences on the life-changing ‘16 Days by Private Jet, Cairo to Cape Town’ itinerary with Captain’s Choice, purveyors of life-enriching travel in unmatched style. 

Pioneers in private jet travel

Established in 1994, the Australian family owned Captain’s Choice bills itself as ‘pioneers of the uncommon’ – which is to say, taking discerning travellers to destinations that are remote and ravishing, and offering experiences that most people don’t even know about, let alone have had the chance to do.

And the adventure is always done in the highest of style. Think private planes and jets, exquisite accommodation, the finest wines and meals, and talented staff at your disposal ready to personalise every moment. Everything is included and taken care of, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride. On the ‘Cairo to Cape Town’ itinerary, from the top to the bottom of east Africa, that ride is only shared among 58 lucky guests.

Wonders of the world

This spectacular adventure begins in Cairo, Egypt’s intoxicating capital and the gateway to the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. When you’re not cruising the Nile in a felucca, you’re gazing up at the Great Pyramid of Giza, with special access to the feet of the Sphinx and exclusive private tours with a leading Egyptologist. The ‘pinch-me’ moments continue in Luxor, where the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens – and all their glittering riches – await. And just when you think things couldn’t get any better, you’re whisked off to an opulent evening within the 3,000-year-old walls of the Temple of Ramses III. Remarkably, you have this fabled venue all to yourselves.

Your private jet takes you on to Nairobi, where you’re about to set out on a Kenyan safari of epic proportions. The Maasai Mara unfolds before you – you’ll see it from the sky at sunrise in a hot-air balloon… as well as from the ground in a jeep, giving you the chance to spot the ‘big five’, along with so many other wild and wonderful animals that this part of the continent is known for. In between, there are village visits, sunset cocktails, champagne breakfasts and lavish meals showcasing the finest Kenyan cuisine.

Jungle rhythms

Arriving in Rwanda, that encounter with mountain gorillas is on your agenda. Just eight visitor permits are allocated to each gorilla group – there are only 10 remaining – on any given day, with tours restricted to one hour. This rare privilege gives you the chance to observe these exquisite primates as they play, groom, rest and feed – and you’ll also take a deep dive into their lives with a gorilla doctor at the Dian Fossey Gorillas Fund.

If you thought the sound of the gorillas was goosebump-inducing, just wait until the thunder of Victoria Falls arrives. Between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the largest waterfall in the world is also one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders on the planet, a place where the Zambezi River plunges down a series of basalt gorges – at such force that its iridescent mist can be seen 20 kilometres away. Get set to be blown away walking through rainforest to the base of the falls, before taking to the sky to gain some perspective of this two-kilometre span from the comfort of a helicopter.

Life in the slow lane

From the air to the rails – your next adventure sees you boarding Rovos Rail’s exclusive Pride of Africa. This privately chartered train journey through South Africa is mesmerising, offering a leisurely and luxurious glimpse into destinations including Pretoria, the goldfields of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Klerksdorp and Kimberley – the latter responsible for sparking the modern diamond trade.

The scenery outside your window is captivating, traversing semi-desert landscapes – look out for wildebeest and antelope – as well as Victorian towns such as Matjiesfontein, a place where time seems to stand still, right down to the vintage cars on the road. All the while you’re enjoying exceptional wines and meals prepared by celebrated chefs. Is there any better way to explore a country?

This extraordinary journey ends in Cape Town, wedged between the magnificent Table Mountain – you’ll head to the top – and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, with winelands all around. There are few places quite as visually dramatic, or tasty for that matter – this is South Africa’s it city, after all, and some of the world’s finest chefs and vintners have restaurants and bars here.

Relax, take in the view and toast a life-changing 16 days in East Africa with Captain’s Choice.