Egypt family adventure holiday
How Egypt family adventure holiday makes a difference
Environment
Wildlife: On the Red Sea we took time identifying a locally owned Diving and Snorkelling company that shared our commitment to preserving the Red Sea ecosystem. The company we use ensure that all Red Sea explorers-whether snorkelling or diving are aware of the delicate ecosysyem that exists and the negative impact they can potentially have on it. Water users are therefore advised on not standing on the coral, not touching the marine wildlife etc.The company also organises regular free 'Trash Dives'-removing potentially wildlife damaging rubbish from the sea and is an active supporter of HEPCA Turtle Watch. (HEPCA’s Mandate being the protection and conservation of the land and marine ecology in the Red Sea area).
Suppliers: Following on from this we try to ensure that all our suppliers share our environmental and ethical values. In Luxor, for example, our donkeys for our village donkey ride are supplied by Taayeb, who sources them from local farmers. Part of Taayeb's role is to ensure that only healthy, well-cared for donkeys are used. This encourages the local farmers to look after their donkeys-otherwise they will miss out on tourist income, a welcome supplement to their generally subsistence farming income.
Community
Travelling With Respect: Prior to leaving the UK all our travellers are supplied with detailed pre-departure information on travelling responsibly. This includes information on respecting local customs and people-for example what to wear, how to behave and what to expect during Ramadan and religious festivals etc. All our Tour Leaders are also Egyptian and are keen to share their knowledge of local communities and customs. They will also teach you some words of Arabic during your trip-especially the useful ones -like 'please', 'thank you' and basic greetings. Local people respond well to travellers' efforts to speak their language and sometimes enjoy a laugh at the interesting accents!
Volunteering and Charity: As a company we support two charities in Egypt. In Cairo, we make a regular monthly financial contribution to a school for Sudanese Refugee children-the Sudanese Development Community Project. This school receives no state funding and without it these children would have no access to formal education. We have also set up a Sponsor-A-Child scheme to support the school, have donated a variety of educational materials and organise fundraising events in the UK.
In Luxor, we support, by regular monthly financial contribution, the Sunshine Project. There is an opportunity to visit this project that offers a Home, care, shelter, education, recreation and health facilities to abandonned, orphaned or needy children during your trip if you would like to.
Egypt family adventure holiday
1of9
Listen to the podcast below:
