Egypt holiday, desert explorer
| country: | Egypt |
| location: | Pyramids, Luxor |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2009: 22 Nov 2010: 23 Mar, 25 May, 20 Jul, 19 Oct, 16 Nov, 21 Dec 2011: 12 Apr, 24 May, 19 Jul, 18 Oct, 15 Nov, 21 Dec |
| price: | From £899 - £1279 (10 days) per adult and from £989 - £1169 per child including flights from the UK. From £429 - £759 per adult and from £659 - £759 per child excluding flights. Local payment 100 GBP. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 11 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
Desert adventure in undiscovered Egypt
Desert Oases & 4WD Safari
Heading straight out of Cairo, you travel south to Wadi Rayyan, a man-made oasis which is now a bird sanctuary. The fossilised skeletons of whales await at Wadi Hittan, where you set up camp for the night. You continue by 4WD to the tomb of Alexander the Great and the mysterious rock formations of the White Desert.
Camels, Luxor & Cairo
Your journey through the desert continues using a different form of transport – the camel! After visiting Dakhla Oasis, you join your camels for a day and a half trekking in the desert. Leaving the desert behind, you drive to Luxor, where you visit the Valley of the Kings before returning to Cairo, for the majesty of the Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx.
El Gouna Extension
If you’ve got time, you can extend your trip with a few days on the Red Sea coast.
Desert Oases & 4WD Safari
Heading straight out of Cairo, you travel south to Wadi Rayyan, a man-made oasis which is now a bird sanctuary. The fossilised skeletons of whales await at Wadi Hittan, where you set up camp for the night. You continue by 4WD to the tomb of Alexander the Great and the mysterious rock formations of the White Desert.
Camels, Luxor & Cairo
Your journey through the desert continues using a different form of transport – the camel! After visiting Dakhla Oasis, you join your camels for a day and a half trekking in the desert. Leaving the desert behind, you drive to Luxor, where you visit the Valley of the Kings before returning to Cairo, for the majesty of the Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx.
El Gouna Extension
If you’ve got time, you can extend your trip with a few days on the Red Sea coast.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London After your flight, you transfer to your first night’s accommodation and check in. Hotel - 1 night |
| Day 2: | Wadi Al Hittan Today you begin your journey into the Western Desert; although it appears bleak and barren at first, it gradually reveals its secrets and wonders as you pass through its wilderness. Your first stop is Al Fayoum Oasis, a favourite holiday spot for the 13th dynasty pharaohs! Today, the 60km long oasis is a fertile spot famed for its vegetables, citrus, nuts and olives. Beyond Al Fayoum is Wadi Rayyan, which is renowned for its birdlife. After stops at these two places, you continue to Wadi Al Hittan. The Valley of the Whales is a geological wonder and you will be one of only a few tourists to visit here. It’s not an easy day today, as you journey deep into the desert to the valley the terrain becomes tougher and you will be glad of your 4WD vehicles! The Valley of the Whales contains the fossilised bones of hundreds of prehistoric whales – they are 40 million years old. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s unique because it shows the transition of these large mammals from a land to sea based existence. After your exploration here today, you will transfer to your desert camp.Desert camp - 1 night (BLD) |
| Day 3: | Desert Camp Today you make the five hour journey from Wadi Al Hittan to Bahariya. En route you will stop at a warm spring for a refreshing swim, before continuing further into the wilderness to your desert camp this evening. Desert camp - 1 night (BLD) |
| Day 4: | Bahariya Waking near Bahariya you are immediately struck by just how fertile the oasis is, even though you are several hundred kilometres into the Western Desert. It is home to more than 30,000 people who earn a livelihood through the cultivation of dates, olives and by rearing turkeys. You spend the morning exploring the oasis and its environs, including the Black Desert where from the top of its dunes, you get a fantastic view of the whole area. You will also take a jeep safari to the tomb of Alexander the Great. There is much debate about where Alexander the Great was buried, but one late theory connects this site in Western Egypt to the man himself. Next you travel deeper into the desert which to most of us is a harsh wilderness. However, the untrained eye is unable to see the clues that its residents leave behind. This is the home of the fennec fox and jerboa, whilst in the sky both vultures and eagles can be seen. You travel via Crystal Mountain, a large mound of quartz, and also Black Mountain. Finally, after four hours, you reach the isolated oasis of Farafra, whose inhabitants (population just 2300) are mostly of Sedarin descent. Most earn a living by cultivating apricots, dates and watermelons from the desert soil, as well as, amazingly, figs, mangoes and oranges! The women are well known for the high quality of their embroidery work. This evening you travel into the desert to spend a night camping under the stars. Music plays an important part in the lives of the Egyptian people, and in the evening it is likely you will be able to enjoy the sound of local music after dinner. Desert camp - 1 night (BLD) |
| Day 5-6: | Dakhla; Camel Trek Today you head south-east by bus, a journey of about four hours. You wind your way through unoccupied oases, skirting desert dunes to finally reach the lively oasis town of Dakhla – after approximately 310km (five hours). En-route you’ll pause to visit the beautiful abandoned town of Al Qasr whose houses are made from sun-dried mud bricks. Streets are narrow, essential in these desert parts, to keep out the sun and sand, blown by the khamsin wind. This was once a Roman settlement and later became the medieval capital of the region. Once in Dakhla you load up and head out into the wilderness for around two hours by camel, for a real taste of traditional desert travel. As the sun dips below the horizon, and the campfire crackles into life, tea is brewed in the traditional way of the nomadic desert dweller. The crew manages to cook surprisingly tasty meals given the simple and rustic conditions, and it’s wonderful to laze in camp after supper as the sun gives way to the moon and stars. The next morning you set-off by camel again! Heading into the desert, you will be riding for a full day today, although there will be 4WD support should you feel tired, or you can walk alongside these beasts. Riding in the desert is a truly magical experience. There’s time to freshen up at Ber Homda, before heading to your second desert camp for the evening. Desert camp - 2 nights (Bx2,Lx2,Dx2) |
| Day 7: | Luxor Leaving this incredible wilderness you now turn to the east, making the long drive to the verdant banks of the Nile and Luxor via El Kharga. You arrive late in the evening after a seven and a half hour drive and check into your hotel. Hotel – 1 night (B) During shorter daylight hours (Oct-Jun) you will begin your road journey to Luxor direct from the desert camp. During the summer months there may be time for a short camel ride before starting your journey. |
| Day 8: | Luxor Your day starts early as you cross the Nile and take to donkeys for an exciting and fun-filled journey to the Valley of the Kings. Following the route of the builders and artisans who built the tombs, you’ll stop to witness sunrise over the Nile, before moving to the valley itself. On reaching the valley you learn from your local guide about the unique treasures that have lain hidden here for centuries. After your visit, and on your way back to the river, you stop at the imposing structure of the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female ruler. In the afternoon you travel by calesh (horse-drawn carriage) to the magnificent Karnak temple, which stands as a testimony to the power, wealth and skill of the ancient Egyptians. Built over a period of 1500 years, the temples here are breathtaking both in size and complexity. Accompanied by your local guide, who helps to explain the intricacies of Karnak, you experience the majesty of the great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns, and the beauty of the pink granite obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut. It is possible to see the ‘Sound and Light’ show (optional) later this evening. Sleeper train – couchette berth (BD) NB: In order to ensure the comfort and safety of both donkeys and riders, donkeys are only available for the ride to the Valley of the Kings for clients up to a weight of 80kg (approx 12.5 stone). A taxi, following an alternative route, will be arranged for non-riders |
| Day 9: | Cairo With a population estimated at 15 million people, Cairo is by far Africa’s largest city yet despite its size, it still manages to retain a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Its long and colourful history dates from the 7th century, when it was established by the Arab leader Amr ibn al-As, and called Fustat (the tent). This morning you make your way to the Egyptian Museum where amongst the many thousands of exhibits, you’ll view the Tutankhamun collection which is simply breathtaking. You then move to the west bank of the Nile, and the great Pyramids of Giza. The Pyramids and Sphinx have overlooked the city for millennia, and bear witness to the ingenuity of their ancient architects and builders. The afternoon is left free for you to explore at leisure or shop for souvenirs; there are lots of things to see and do in and around Cairo. Depending on your interests, you can visit the oldest pyramid in the world at Saqqara or drive to Old Cairo to explore the Citadel - a complex of mosques and museums housed inside a magnificent fortress that stands in an imposing position overlooking the city. A walk around Khan al Khalili bazaar is also a must - it is one of the largest bazaars in the Middle East and hundreds of artisans, traders and shopkeepers sell their wares here. Alternatively you may choose to simply relax in one of the many traditional tea houses. On your last evening your Group Leader will no doubt organise a traditional ‘last supper’. Hotel - 1 night (B) |
| Day 10: | Fly To London The trip ends for Land Only clients. Those on our group flights to the UK will transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B) |
travellers' tales
Thought I'd let you know we have just returned from one of our best holidays ever... Everything was a highlight, especially the three nights in the desert where we slept under the stars and joined in with the bedouin music and songs. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: Our policy of staying in locally owned accommodation, having local guides and group leaders and using transport owned and operated by local people wherever possible is continued in Egypt. Our small groups (maximum of 16 people) have a minimal impact on the fragile environment. All tour guides are responsible for ensuring that the guests understand the nature of the environment that they are in and minimise the impact that they may have and litter is collected and disposed of along the way. Genuine local contact is present on this trip as we stay with the Bedouins in the desert.
We have joined forces with the Sunshine International Project, Luxor, to assist in providing education and a home for children in Egypt. You will have the opportunity to visit the home during your stay in Luxor and meet the residents, where you’ll be assured of a cheery welcome! If you would like to go, please speak to your Group Leader early on in your trip and they will give you the details so you can arrange your visit. Please also be aware that there maybe times that you can’t visit, for example because of itinerary timings or opening times of the Sunshine International Project. If you would like to give a gift they would be delighted to receive the following; children’s winter clothing – for boys and girls aged between one month and 14 years, i.e. long trousers, sweatshirts, cardigans & long-sleeved dresses. They’d also like white glue, glitter, colouring books and educational or children’s film DVDs to play with! Long-sleeved pyjamas, disposable nappies, milk formula and baby shampoo are also always needed. These goods are available to buy cheaply locally (helping the local economy) and your Group Leader will be able to advise on where to buy things. Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |