Day 2 : Upon waking to the rising sun, and having breakfast prepared for us, we will head of for a day full of exploring. Firstly we will return to the oasis of Kharga and visit the ancient Christian burial site of el Bagawat, one of the oldest and best preserved Christian burial sites in the world. Some of the mausoleums date back to the days just as Christianity was taking a foot hold across the Middle East. The depictions painted onto the walls of the tombs are as bright and colourful today as they were the day they were painted upon the mud brick walls. The Biblical depictions are well worth taking the time to make out and comparing the acts that are illustrated to that of the Biblical facts we are taught and read today. After a short refreshment break at the foot of the burial site, we will continue to the site of Nadura, an interesting site comprising re-used stone from the original temple that laid at the foot of the escarpment and was moved to the higher elevation, most probably as a secure vantage point across the desert floor for oncoming caravans and other travellers some of which were not invited or wanted. After lunch we will continue to the sites of Gheita and Zyann both mud brick fortresses, that provided a stronghold for the local inhabitants of the area against invading armies or rival tribesmen. The outposts are surrounded by what was once a fertile agricultural land, some of the fields are still tended today but most have been retaken by the sands of time. There again is an exotic mixture of architecture both mud brick and stone and the use of the wooden supports is rare. It is an idea to keep an eye for the graffiti that has been etched to the walls of some of these sites and one can sometimes makes out the signature of early European travellers and explorers not to mention Napoleonic soldiers who had once deserted and took to the desert as a means of escaping their fellow brothers in arms against the Saracens. It is hoped that we will be able to camp at a remote, now deserted Roman outpost that once stood at the bottom of the Gebel (Arabic for mountain) just north of Kharga, here the sands of the Libyan desert come cascading over the ridges and form huge sand dunes that flow from the tops of the mountain ridges like huge beautiful waterfalls. Again as the previous night our drivers and accompanying Egyptian friends will prepare our camp while we take stock and reflect on the day's events.

 

Day 3 : Another early rise, today the Sand Club will drive around the escarpment that separates Kharga oasis from that of its neighbouring oasis; Dakhla. Once a small community during the early part of the 19 th /20 th century's but now , a major hub for commerce in the Western desert, huge amounts of investment has poured into this once tranquil oasis to help reclaim the desert floor for Egypt's much needed food basket. The irrigation projects are staggering and the amount of water that is being pumped from the sandstone bedrock is beyond belief, you will witness a transformation as we drive towards Dakhla oasis as you see sand and fertile lands encroaching on one another in a kind of harmonious dance of who will win the battle the sand or man. On arriving in Dakhla, a refreshing pit stop and possibilities of a shower or for the adventurous a dip in one of the many hot springs that are running 24hours a day here. Pure sulphur enhanced water is pumped deep from below ground and is pumped into huge concrete tubs before running off into irrigation channels to feed and water the surrounding agriculture. Afterwards, for those who are feeling up for the challenge a sun set camel ride out to the evenings camp, not your usual touristic camel ride but amongst a wild herd of pack camels owned and raised by the local sheik himself. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and ends at the foothills of the escarpment we drove to this day. For the remainder of the group that have taken the easy option the 4x4's will drive you there through the semi cultivated land. The local Bedouin camp will provide us with a hearty meal and warming camp fire with traditional Egyptian entertainment to keep us occupied.

 

Day 4 : Rising with the sun is one of life's pleasures that we in today's modern society have forgotten and left to those whose lives revolve around this daily ritual, however, you will miss it once you return to civilisation I promise you. Breakfast and tea will spark the life back into you before we head back for the Bedouin camp and reunite with our 4x4's and drivers. Today we will head for the next oasis of Farafra, but not before taking in the site of el Qasr, an ancient Islamic village built upon a once Greco settlement possibly even Pharaonic due to the build up of sediment and debris over the centuries it is impossible to ascertain the true date and origin of this settlement but the mud brick architecture employed here is quite beautiful with its narrow winding streets and small handmade windows, do pay attention to the intricately carved door lintels that have been inscribed with the holy texts of the Koran , some are so beautifully inscribed , they should be in an art gallery. Afterwards the drive to Farafra and the White desert awaits us. Unfortuanlty due to the ever changing laws of Egypt, it is now necessary for us to produce all kinds of documentation to enter this national park, so a delay will be endured at Farafra, but this will also allow us time to stock up on provisions for the rest of the trip and take some time out to just relax while we carry out the necessary paperwork to allow us to continue. Note: please note that we may be accompanied by a serving officer of the Egyptian police, this is for our own protection and he will be armed, there is no need for concern, it is just a precautionary measure aimed at keeping all tourists safe while enjoying the beautiful and glorious sites that Egypt has to offer. After our short delay in Farafra oasis itself a short but beautiful ride out the White desert where we camp amongst some most spectacular natural formations of lime stone ever to be found anywhere. Truly magnificent, these mushroom and sometimes eerie sculptures will keep you looking at all times. The colours of the White desert are what you would expect from its name “White”, but wait till sunset where the formations take on all manner of different colours as the sun sets behind the horizon, a truly photogenic moment for those of you who are keen photographers. As previous evenings, a banquet of food will be prepared and the evenings camp fire for us to discuss and talk about the trip so far and the Adventures we have so far come through.

 

Day 5 : So by now, it will have felt like you have been out in the desert for at least a month or two, your natural alarm clock will have adjusted to the morning sun rise and your aching bones will rejoice at that first morning cup of tea. But for those of you who are still attached to your mobiles and I-pods, breakfast will be served and the camp will break for a off road experience through the White desert stopping at any available photo spot for the Sand Club to take those all important snaps. We will continue deep into the White desert and emerge on the other side in an area frequented by those who are more spiritually aware shall we say. We will have arrived at Crystal Mountain better known for its quartz crystals than its ancient occupiers who are buried in the vicinity, the quartz crystal mounds just rise up out of the desert floor along with other fascinating crystal formations. One can certainly loose oneself in this area, there is a stillness that is medative in its apparel and yet blissful to those who are not so aware of their spiritual self. The day will take us up and over the landscape of this truly magnificent desert area, camping on the outskirts of the next Oasis Bahariya. Again our stomachs and souls will be fed by our Bedouin brothers and by the enchanting surroundings.

 

Day 6 : By now you will have forgotten all about how a bowl of cornflakes tastes or how marmite on toast tantalises the taste buds, on arrival at home you will be adding that pinch of sand to your boiled egg instead of the usual table salt. But back to the day at hand, after your breakfast fit for a king, we will head of for the many sacred sites at the little oasis of Bahariya, we will allow our drivers to be our guides this day as this is their home town, they know it better than anyone else, so we leave the itinerary in their hands in the knowledge that we will be taken care of and see many wonders that the normal tourist never see's. We will make camp just outside the main town itself and enjoy the enthusiastic merriment that our hometown brothers will provide us with.

 

Day 7 : Waking from dreams of soft pillows and modern toilets we will drive to the main Oasis town of Bahariya, where we will stock up on water and petrol before taking on one of Egypt's most exotic roads across the great sand sea and head for the small and little unchanged oasis of Siwa, home to the ancient Oracle of Egypt where Alexander the Great himself was proclaimed the son of Ra and legitimate heir to the throne of Egypt herself. Unfortuanlty or fortunate however you look at it, we will not make it across the great sand sea in one day and will camp somewhere in between the two oasis far from any civilisation. This will be the last of our encampments with our Bedouin brothers so enjoy the delights of the desert cooking and the blanket of stars held above your heads. You will miss the smell of the camp fire believe me.

 

Day 8 : Waking up in an area that has no obvious signs of modern life is one thing but knowing that there is nothing for a tremendous distance is another, enjoy this time alone with nature, take in as much as possible, after breakfast we head for the last oasis of our desert experience and arrive at Siwa, as I mentioned before the great Oracle or Temple of Jupiter as it was later renamed during the Medieval period. This oasis has seen little change over the centuries except for the invading armies and ever increasing traffic of tourism. Its houses though have succumbed to the new modern techniques of building materials but sitting on their own shadows cast by the masterpiece of this oasis is the ancient city of Shali, encompassing the whole hill, its mud brick dwellings and winding streets as they climb ever higher around the hillside. Shali is a beautiful place to explore, but please do be careful as the mud brick is very weak and unstable in parts, but do enjoy and the views from the top are breathtaking and will remain etched in your memories for ever. The town looks amazing lit up at night and it is hoped that our hotel will be one located at the foot of Shali with its roof top bar proving us with a spectacular view. There is little to do in the evening in Siwa except to wander the little streets and take in a coffee at one of the few little bars opened in the town for the tourists that pass by. But there are bargains to be had saying that, if you're interested in rugs, Siwa has some of the most beautiful handmade Bedouin rugs available and can be sold all over Egypt in the tourist souks, however, you will be able to buy them here for well below the retail value, so dust your selves down and haggle to heart's content and take home a souvenir of your desert experience with your very own flying carpet. Our evening meal will be provided either by one of the local restaurants or by the hotel depending on our timings and arrangements.

 

Day 9 : Waking in a soft bed with pillows and non sandy blanket will feel like luxury not to mention the flushing toilet and the privacy it provides, you think you are kings and Queens as you indulge yourselves in these luxurious surroundings. But do not get too used to it as we are still in the oasis and there are sites to explore and Adventures to be had in Siwa. So after a hearty breakfast and hot shower, (change of clothes optional). We will visit the Oracle first , here you will be able to ask the Oracle herself whether you're going to win that all important lottery or whether you will ascend the throne of the United Kingdom or just take in the glorious views that are offered to you from the top of this once sacred site. It is one of those sites that you can still feel the presence of the ancients, remember your treading in the footsteps of the great Alexander himself, as you kneel in the holy of holies so did he in that very spot as he heard those enchanting whisperings from within the walls of the temple informing him he was a living God and that he would rule all Egypt and her dominions. A mere man becomes immortal, quite a feat, and you thought it was bad enough travelling across the Western desert without a hsower for 8 days. Afterwards we will investigate the Temple of Umm Ubayd located below the temple of the Oracle, it will be here that you will be able to witness the devastating effect the rising water table is having on the antiquities of the Western desert as the salty water are soaked up by the dressed stone blocks allowing them to flake and disintegrate, lost forever. From here we shall continue on our ancient travels and visit the tombs of the area, there is an ongoing debate as to whether Alexander the Great was actually buried in Siwa, some believe he was and others not, only time will tell. There are many excavations taking place in Siwa some controversial in investigating this myth and others conservational. Siwa has a long documented past, there is evidence of the Neolithic settlers living in the oasis and the olive plantations have been a source of legend for many years. Rommel had a house and well tended gardens here during the Second World War until Monty got the better of him. In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to relax and take a long overdue soak in the cooling and refreshing waters of Cleopatra's pool, this naturally fed spring has a manmade dry stone walling and serves as a local bathing place to cool of in the heat of the summer, many tourists are attracted by the romantic story behind the name “Cleopatra's Pool” , other may just want to unwind and take in the fresh air in the palm grove on the upper floors of the Bedouin cafe that was recently built here, lunch and refreshments will take us into the evening before heading back for the main town, where an evening meal awaits us.

 

Day 10 : By now you're missing your sandy bed and wondering how you ever liked waking in a normal modern bed with a soft mattress. After breakfast we will say our good byes to the desert as we head for the Mediterranean and drive for our first stop of the day at al-amein. Al-amein, is one of the sombering moments for the trip as we visit the allied burial cemetery, those who wish to have time here will be allowed to wonder at their own discretion. After light refreshment we will continue along the shore line to the city of Alexandria once the Greek capital of Egypt. Home to the Ptolemaic dynasties that gave way to the Roman Empire, Alexandria has so much to offer us. We will if time permits stop at the ancient site of Taposiris Magna on the outskirts of the city before we head for our hotel, where civilisation awaits us. Sitting at a restaurant will feel a little uncomfortable as you acquaint yourself once again with the rudimentary skills of polite society. Alexandria is famous for its fish restaurants and tonight we dine as pharaohs at one of Alexandria's famous fish restaurants. After a stroll along the cornice that overlooks the bay and Qataby fort once the site where the great pharaohs lighthouse once stood guiding ancient mariners safe passage we will be able to relax, finally no sand or smoke in our eyes and no flies to bother us.

 

Day 11 : after a civilised breakfast at a more conjusive time we will depart our hotel and head for the first site of the day, kom el Dekka, a roman amphitheatre and columned roadway flanked by various ruins and debris. The site's main attraction is the amphitheatre with its almost intact seating arrangements, if one stands on the spot marked in its base one may sit quietly on the top seating row and hear that person whisper a ditty, amazing acoustics. The other main feature of the site is its well preserved mosaics, depicting various birds and geometric patterns named after its avian illustrations the villas of the birds is one site no to miss. Kom el Dekka also has the tanks used to conserve items that have been retrieved from the bay where much of ancient Alexandria still lies to this day after the devastating earthquake around 400Bc which saw much of the ancient city totally destroyed and lost forever. However thanks to the dedication of the local SCA (Supreme Council of Antiquity) and international archaeological missions, much of Alexandria's antiquity has and is being saved for future generations. After light refreshments we will continue our journey through Alexandria and visit the catacomb tombs of kom el shukafa where the tombs themselves lay several meters below ground in an elaborate series of tunnels and levels. Good idea to bring your desert torch with you as the lighting down there is not very good. After lunch we will proceed to the serapeum where Pompeys pillar as it is referred to stands reminiscing of the pharaoh's lighthouse, singular and prominent. Surrounding this enormous pillar lies a site full of various degrees of architecture and excavation, the site has undergone a massive clear up operation over the years spearheaded by the SCA, it is now possible to walk around the site to view all the valuable preserved structures and ruins, the tombs here are also well worth visiting as we will do, they too are situated beneath ground and provide us with a clear insight into the burial practices of the ancient Greco/Egyptian society of the time. If time allows, we will finish the day with a visit to the famous library of Alexandria, this new modern building captures the imagination and shows that even in the midst of all this ancient architecture and colonial extensions, Egypt can show that it too is in step with the modern world, housing an impressive array of books, both printed and electronic, it boasts beautiful museums dedicated not only to the ancient world but also the literary as well. There is also a fine art collection and various other exhibitions taking place here all year round. We will finish our day with a relaxing meal and a cordial stroll around the city of Alexandria at night taking in one of the famous coffee shops, which are more famous for their pastries/chocolates rather than their coffees.

 

Day 12 : we bid farewell to Alexandria after breakfast and head for our final destination Cairo, we will be travelling by train departing Alexandria in the morning the journey takes approximately 3 hours and we should arrive in Cairo in time for lunch, unfortuanlty due to the traffic conditions of Cairo and the amount of time it will take the group to settle we will be unable to visit any of the sites in Cairo due to the winter closing times. Therefore we suggest a free afternoon and evening to enjoy at your leisure, for those of you who wish to we will be arranging a stroll through downtown Cairo and taking in dinner at one of the small restaurants on offer there.

 

Day13 : after a well earned rest and one of those modern styled breakfasts not like the Bedouin breakfast you have come to love. We will embark on visiting the last remaining seventh wonder of the ancient world the great pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx herself. The pyramids have baffled archaeologists for centuries on how they were built, you will be able to see for yourself first hand these amazing achievements by man and gaze upon them as many have before you in wonderment at that size and stature. There are many conspiracy theories out there regarding the pyramids especially the great pyramid of Cheops and whether it was built by aliens or a long lost civilisation etc, we will allow you to make your own mind up on this subject after a closer examination when we enter the great pyramid itself, this part of the trip is possibly the most hazardous part of the entire expedition, it is not recommended for those of the group who are faint hearted or in seriousness suffer from any medical condition that would otherwise place themselves or others in danger, the tunnels are small and claustrophobic in nature and increase in a steep gradient. The rewards though are beyond as you emerge from the tiny tunnel entrance and enter the grand gallery in the centre of the pyramid itself, a feat of engineering not to mention architectural achievements beyond anything seen so far upon the trip. Climbing the grand gallery one can look back and down at the tiny hole in which one emerged from and then enter the kings chamber itself through the elaborate security devices left by our ancient ancestors. The granite slabs now either broken or fixed in position once blocked the entrance to the king's chamber it was thought for an eternity, but this was not to be. The kings chamber itself is a rectangular room with clean cut lines and definition to each and every corner situated to the far end wall lays the open and damaged sarcophagus of the pharaoh himself. Now lying empty and dormant. The acoustics are a remembrance of kom el Dekka and one can hear the slightest heart beat of those who have just climbed the gallery and tunnels before to reach this amazing chamber in the seventh wonder of the ancient world. There are other pyramids on the plateau that do not present such a physical endurance to enter and enjoy. The plateau itself is well worth investigating and walking around to view the quarried landscape and the pot holes and paving that lies around the pyramids, the boat pits are of interest as well and pose another baffling question on how they were manoeuvred into such a position, the boat museum is open to those who wish to view the only boat that removed from the pits and has now been fully restored to its original state of repair and sits within its own purpose built museum. The sphinx lying at the base of the plateau is our final destination and the valley sphinx temple that lies next to it. On entering the temple, it is well worth noting the extraordinary use of quarrying stone that was used to build this temple, the juxtaposing positions of stone are reminiscent of the pyramids and structures of southern America and not Egypt. On climbing up and out of the temple to its rear processional route one can gain a beautiful view of the sphinx herself , possibly one of the most photographed monuments in the world, she sits gracefully forever watching over Egypt and enchanting her ever increasing following of admirers.

We will have time to stop at the sphinx cafe for light refreshments before heading off to the museum in downtown Cairo, to view the world's most exhaustive collection of Egyptian antiquities anywhere in the world, usually groups take a guide with them and are shown very quickly around the museum, we do not advise a guide as they are usually more worried about the time and not what you're interested in looking at. The museum is actually very well laid out in a chronological order leading form the naqada period to the later Ptolemaic period. The mummy room is well worth visiting and the tickets can be purchased inside the museum itself for this attraction, the Tutankhamun exhibition is always packed and bustling with tourists, take your time and try to take it all in, DO NOT RUSH, there is no need to rush at all, take your time. There is a pleasant little restaurant situate outside next to the gift shop and offers food and refreshments at reasonable prices. The museum is the last visit of the day , so please let me reiterate, do not rush take your time, there is so much to see in the museum that sometimes you become almost bored with looking at yet another statue etc. Try not to fall into that trap. Pace yourself. Note: it is forbidden to take any kind of camera into the museum, there are two security checks to go through to enter the museum they are very, very strict on this ruling, DO NOT TAKE A CAMERA OR MOBILE THAT HAS A CAMERA FEATURE INTO THE MUSEUM, YOU MAY LOOSE IT. You have been warned. Other than that enjoy. After finishing the last visit of the day to the museum we will return to the hotel for freshen up and light refreshments before heading of for our final evening meal together as a group, we will be heading for khan el khalili, famous for its touristic souk and its bargains to be had, but also famous for its sheesh kebab and other delicacies. We will take in an evening meal first followed by a whirling dervish show unlike anything seen before, afterwards a pleasant but can be annoying stroll around the souk to one of the famous coffee houses of Egypt alfoushis, here we can take in the sights of the souk while enjoying a Turkish coffee and an apple shisha and watch the world go by and reminisce on our groups travels together.

 

Day 14 : after last night's entertainment and meals etc a lie in would be appropriate, unfortuanlty we have one last site to visit and Saqqara awaits us, home to the step pyramid of Djoser one of Egypt's finest pharaohs from the old kingdom, his pyramid stand likes a testament to time itself, a step excuse the pun for mankind as he enters the realm of building monuments to praise a divine power. The whole site is encompassed by a castalating wall with 40 odd false doors only one of them open allowing us to enter this scared of sacred sites. Saqqara has been a fascination to man ever since he was able to place two bricks together and begun building. Its design is not without fault or design but in its simplicity it has achieved what was thought then impossible and monument pointing towards the heavens where gods dwelled. Lying though beneath the great step pyramids runs a labyrinth of tunnels and catacombs to fool any foolhardy tomb robbers. Recently the S.C.A. has excavated various aspects of the labyrinths and found some very interesting artefacts, the burial chamber itself is bereft its king and owner but it still holds an air of prestige about it. The outer casing of the pyramid if there was indeed one is now missing but there is ongoing renovation and conservation work being carried out on the fabric of the structure to maintain it for future generations. An important and yet intriguing element to look out for at Saqqara are the amount of false doors complete with hinges and bolts all dressed out of stone, as if they would move at one point a feat of masonry. The curvature of some of the buildings is also worth noting as is the finesse of the masonry employed at Saqqara. The tombs that also lay in and around Saqqara complex are also worth visiting with their fine reliefs and intact interior decor. The processional causeway that leads to the pyramid of Unas is also a fine feature of the site as too are the enormous cavernous pits that are laid in and outside of the perimeter of the temple complex. The museum at Saqqara is our last place to visit, it has only been recently opened and its exhibits area fine collection and explain in greater detail the layout and architectural innovations that you have just witnessed on sight, there is also a fine representational model available to view of the entire site and is well worth taking in. Light refreshments are available at the restaurant before departing back for Cairo. Some of you may be leaving to the UK and other s will be departing for Luxor. All transportation to and from airports will be arranged for those who require it.

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Dates

Please Email for a full list of available dates:

questforegyptianadventure@gmail.com

 

Please. Note that we will provide all the nescersary equipment for the entire trip and all refreshments and food. We do not offer alcohol on our trips but this can be arranged if required, we would ask you kindly to refrain from drinking alcohol at any of the sacred sites and especially when in the desert at night, the deserts of Egypt are not a playground and should be treated with utmost respect at all times, many have lost their lives in the deserts through fool hardy pranks and misjudgement. But above all else enjoy.

Notes

The group may not exceed a maximum of 15 persons. Hence why we offer a range of dates to cover the usuall demand for this type of Adventure.

For those who will be travelling from outside of Egypt or already holidaying within Egypt then hotel accommodation will be provided on the night before departure for the W.D.S.C.E. This is to facilitate preparations prior to leaving Luxor.

Copies of all passports will be required prior to leaving Luxor to facilitate the permissions required to travel from Bahariya oasis to Siwa oasis.

It is advisable that you pre-pack a small personal first aid pack for your own personal use. A main first aid will be available during the entire trip.

September - April is noted for its clement weather here in Egypt but the desert can be deceiving, do not under dress but at the same time do not over dress, heat exhaustion has serious side effects. Dress appropriately at all times. Sunburn can be one of the most depressing effects of over sun exposure. Sun block, sun screen or equivalent creams are advisable, but please remember you are in the desert, a greasy oily sun cream can become very very uncomfortable in a matter of seconds , turning yourself into a desertman is not fun especially when there are no showers available .

Avoid alcohol whenever possible, alcohol and the sun do not mix well nor does camping or pitch black desert landscapes at night, think before drinking in excess.

All transportation, hotel accommodation during the trip is included within the price. All food and refreshments on the trip are also covered within the main price.

Any extra refreshments bought at cafes/restaurants etc are not covered within the main price. It is advisable to carry as small denominations of local currency as possible, suitable for tipping and buying of any souvenirs on route. Try to avoid large denominations of currency; there are no currency exchange outlets in the oasis of Egypt.

As much as we prepare and have the best interests of our guests at all times the desert can and is a hostile place, it is home to many dangerous and poisonous animals, wherever possible do not approach any animals no matter how cute they may look. Rabies is still prevalent in Egypt as are many diseases that are no longer common in Europe. Be aware and on your guard at all times. Especially during toilet breaks in the desert, look around you and check the area first. Always check your shoes in the morning and get in the habit of tapping them before entering any foot. This extends to bags and clothes that have been left lying around over night or in the shade during the day time.

Off roading means off road, high sand dunes bumpy uneven surfaces can lead to serious neck and back injuries if you are not properly seated and aware of the track you are travelling upon, keep vigilant at all times. The man in the seat in front does not want you half peeled orange squashed into his scalp nor does he require your peeling knife in the lower part of his back as you jump over a sand dune. Think, be vigilant.

The ancient monuments of Egypt have survived the test of time so far, they have overcome , wars, changing religions, hostile acts of invasion etc, please respect them, remember these were places of worship and in some rare cases still are to this day. Burial chambers are places of rest, pay due respect for the graves and tombs that you come across. You will encounter many dismembered skeletons in the Western desert, if you happen to come across a bone fragment treat it as you would wish to be treated, cover with a stone or sand if possible and leave it where it lies.

Leave nothing in the desert or sites and take only photographs please.

We try to instil in our groups a sense of belonging and cultural understanding if you are found in a situation you are uncomfortable in please inform a member of the team and act responsibly and with respect.

Tipping is a way of life in Egypt, we will where appropriate tip when necessary, if you feel obliged to tip at any time do so in a appropriate amounts, do not be too generous but do not under tip as this can be taken as an insult to their quality of work etc.

All fees and admissions for sites etc are included with the main price. One of the main problems faced by tourists in the deserts of Egypt is the sand and its disastrous effects it can have today's electronic gadgetry, be careful , replace your cameras into a zip lock bag if available, and keep mobile phones stored safely in your luggage.

There is limited mobile service in the Western desert, we do at all times carry a satellite phone for emergency calls, but this is limited to emergency calls only.

Please make the team aware of any medical conditions that you feel are appropriate. Any food allergies, medicine allergies etc. There is a good emergency service covering the entire Western desert. But this is very costly; please make sure you have adequate medical insurance before departure.

A member of the Egyptian police force will accompany us on the majority of our journey in the Western desert, he is there for our protection, and there is no need to be alarmed by his presence. He will be armed and usually makes a good member of the team.

Footwear, general rule of thumb for the desert, comfort. Whatever you are comfortable in wearing, this off course does not extend to high stilettos, this would be regarded as inappropriate footwear by most, plus the heels would soon break off in the sand.

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Price

The total cost for the 14 day itinerary including all transportation to and from destinations (not international airfare, I'm afraid), food & refreshments (not alcohol, the trip is on a full board basis i.e.: breakfast, lunch and evening meal including light snacks where applicable) hotel accommodation where applicable (single supplements may apply where room sharing is not either appropriate or agreeable), site entrance fees, tipping in most cases except for personal service, permits and permissions.

7,500.00 LE (Seven Thousand Five Hundred Egyptian pounds) this may be paid in any given currency at the exchange rate of the time.

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The total price does not include any personal expenses incurred during the trip, incoming visas, private tipping, and alcohol, extra activities that are not covered by the itinerary, damages or breakages to equipment resulting in either repair or replacement.

Payment: we would kindly ask that a deposit of 50% be paid in advance of the trip. This enables us to cover the costs for booking the transportation, internal airfares, permits and hotels.

Cancellation: up to 1 month prior to the trips commencement a cancellation will entitle a 25% refund of the deposit paid. Cancelling within the 1 month period prior to departure will result in no refund being given due to the airline bookings and hotel cancellation fees being applicable to ourselves. Refunds paid in other currencies other than Egyptian pounds will be paid back at the rate of exchange applicable at the time of first payment.

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