Egypt desert & culture tour
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
01273 823 700 Calling from outside the UK? rosy@responsibletravel.comDeparture information
Travelling with a local operator
This holiday is operated by a company based in the holiday destination and they will be able to provide expert local knowledge. They will be able to tailor make your holiday to suit your requirements not only concerning the dates of travel but also typically the standard of accommodation, and thus price. It is rare for local operators to be able to help with the booking of your flights.Responsible tourism
Responsible tourism: Egypt desert & culture tour
Our local staff in Bahariya and the White Desert co-operate with the government to annually clean the areas used as camps for tourists so 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. Most employees are local people and most food whilst camping is locally sourced. Our guides always urge clients to take care of water and energy conservation.
Moreover, at all historical sites in Egypt part of the fees contribute to conservation. For example, there is local staff for cleaning at these sites taking their salaries from those fees. During this program, clients will have the ability to deal directly with Bedouin people during their stay at camp and during their visit to the historical places in the oases, and get to know their habits and customs. We will provide our clients with a copy of our responsible travel policy upon arrival at Cairo Airport. We offer our clients the chance to visit a charitable organisation like Masr Al Mahrusa Baladi. This NGO tries to improve the quality of education in Egypt at governmental schools, especially primary schools, and takes care of genius students at governmental schools. Also, the organisation helps in wiping out illiteracy, in addition to bringing up and educating orphans. We send information on climate, customs, traditions and clothes to clients by e-mail after confirming their reservation.
3 Reviews of Egypt desert & culture tour
Reviewed on 07 Jan 2012 by Jo Carter
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Camel ride round the Pyramids (you do have to barter hard), Abel Simbel and best of all Valley of the Kings. Also the fact that we were in our own family tour group with own minibus/tour guide and always felt safe and well looked after. Meeting such friendly enthusiastic Egyptians!!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Two days in Cairo is enough...it is very busy, lots of rubbish, half finished buildings but felt should have spent longer at Egyptian Museum. Let your guide know if not interested in visits to carpet schools etc as they are just a way to get you in shop! Flying to Abu Simel is definitely the best option...arrive after the bus groups have left so even quieter. Was not sure if 2 hours enough but was and the plane seems to wait till everyone back anyway! Stay at Ana kato hotel if want small local hotel (see review on trip adviser). Only did one day of sight seeing at Luxor. There was things we did not see but was nice to have 2 days relaxing. Balloon ride is a must.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Used an Egyptian company who employed Egyptians so hopefully money (except for large international hotels) went into the Egyptian economy. Hotel in Aswan owned by Nubians. Worried more about the impact on environment as flew/drove covering a large area (although all the planes were full) and no recycling in Egypt (there does not seem to be any refuse collecting either!!)
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic...was a great holiday for 3 teenages (although they had been prepared for the early starts). I would like to thank all at the operator for organising such a memorable holiday.
Reviewed on 28 Jun 2011 by Janice Gould
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole holiday has been a dream of mine for 25 years and it more than lived up to expectations. The pyramids, temples and tombs were amazing. The Nile cruise was 10 times better than we expected - lovely staff and surroundings, especially the surprise animals made out of towels on our beds each night!. The operator was so organised and helpful. I would recommend this company to anyone. The diving in Hurghada was awesome.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for the heat. It exhausts you along with touring the sights. Remember to have a good siesta! A personal guide means you understand and learn more and they are very good at getting rid of unwanted hawkers.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. All our guides and drivers were local to the area and very aware of how to support local industry/sales.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was definitely one of our top 3 holidays. The only negative was the Sea Star Beau Hotel in Hurgada which was geared towards Russian 'all-inclusive' guests. i.e. watery beer and awful local spirits!
Reviewed on 06 Mar 2008 by Irene Ennenga
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole Egypt holiday was memorable and each part was different and equally exciting. Spent a few days in Cairo seeing the sights - the Pyramids are phenomenal; then did Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise which was quite luxurious; spent a few days travelling through Western desert and spent a night under the stars in White desert - what a pleasure to commune with nature and be away from the hustle and bustle of city life; then on to Alexandria and the magnificent library. Treat yourself and see all of Egypt - there is more to Egypt than you can imagine!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take enough spending money and this should include the 'baksheesh'; take enough time to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and meet the local population - your life will be enriched; eat Arabic food rather than Western - you can get Western at home and every where else; see Egypt by day and by night and attend at least one Sound and Light show; go with an open mind when visiting Egypt and allow your mind to be filled with cultural diversity and a most interesting history.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes and Yes to both questions.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great, marvellous and wonderful. Something to be repeated.
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