Spring: 70°F - 85°F; Summer: 80°F - 130°F; Autumn: 70°F - 85°F; Winter: 60°F - 85°F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses are also recommended. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Arabic is the local language. Limited English is generally understood and spoken as well.
Passport and visa required.
Passports: To be valid at least 6 months or longer after the date of travel. Please check with the Embassy or nearest Consulate of the country that you plan to visit for their requirements.
Visas: If a visa is required, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative. Some nationalities can get the visa on arrival, Like USA, Canada, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Argentine, Brazil, Ecuador, East & West Europe
The Egyptian pound is the currency of Egypt
Tips are always a matter of personal discretion. No employees of Egypt Highlights are permitted to request tips either personally or on behalf of other service providers. Although bills normally include a service charge, it is customary to add a small gratuity in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Tipping is considered by locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation". There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
We will give you a tipping guideline on arrival, you may use this guideline (as appropriate)
The voltage used is 220 volts.
*Note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances
No inoculations are necessary when arriving in Egypte. But consult with your health care provider before traveling.
*To prevent "Montezuma's Revenge," avoid the tap water, including raw fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.
*For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's traveler's hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov
Conservation/Code of Conduct
Islam is the dominant influence and many traditional customs and beliefs are tied up with religion. The people are generally courteous and hospitable and expect similar respect from visitors. Handshaking will suffice as a greeting. Because Egypt is a Muslim country, dress should be conservative and women should not wear revealing clothes, particularly when in religious buildings and in towns (although the Western style of dress is accepted in modern nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars in Cairo, Alexandria and other tourist destinations). Official or social functions and smart restaurants usually require more formal wear. Smoking is very common.
We are not responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings; you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport.
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim.
General information about the Nile Cruise
A Luxury Nile Cruise boat is a highly appointed, floating, 5-star hotel, with most of the facilities of a normal 5-star hotel, including a relaxing sun deck and swimming pool. All your meals are included, though beverages and bottled water are not included. You will have your own en-suite, air-conditioned cabin (we book upper deck cabins wherever possible), and full use of all the boats facilities (restaurants, ships, sun deck, swimming pool, etc)
We use several different cruise boats on the Nile, and we will inform you exactly which boat we will use enough time before your departure, as the boats shuttle back and forth on the Nile between Aswan and Luxor, with regular breaks for cleaning and maintenance. However, we regularly inspect to ensure they are of the same 5-star deluxe standard.
All of the boats offer comfortable accommodation and have mainly twin bedded cabins all of which are air-conditioned and have private facilities. All of the cabins have panoramic windows affording views of the passing river bank. With the exception of Viking I & II all the boats have the added benefit of a fridge, internal telephone and TV with local and video channels. Suites are also available if you want to have that little bit of extra comfort. These cabins are larger than standard berths and have a double or twin beds and are equipped with en-suite facilities, internal telephone, fridge and TV local channel.
One of the pleasures of cruising is the food and your Nile cruise operates on a full board basis with buffet breakfast followed by lunch and dinner which can either be a set menu or buffet style. The only additional expenses are drinks, tips, souvenirs and optional excursions available on board. A credit system operates on board the boat whereby all extras will be billed to your cabin. There is limited money exchanging facilities on board, so it is advisable to ensure that you have enough local currency although your guide will allow time for a bank stop during your cruise.
The lounge bar is the perfect place to relax on comfortable sofas and enjoy a cocktail before dinner and entertainment in the evenings.
On the sundeck you will find a plunge pool with sun beds and towels, there are also chairs and tables in a shaded area where you can relax. The reception area has safety deposit boxes and there's even shop on board where you can buy souvenirs and essentials.
Guest Cabins feature:
Broad panoramic Windows
Private, direct-dial Telephone
Hairdryer
Safety Deposit Box
Mini-bar
Music System
Individual Climate Control
Television and Movies Program
Bathroom equipped with full-size Bathtub
Accommodation aboard the cruise boats is on full board basis. All meals are included and are in an open buffet style, some days there are many varieties, depending of the type and quality of the cruise boat; these meals are served with a fixed timetable.
Tea and coffee is available, while on the move, every day at 5:00 pm. Other drinks are offered in the bar area.
A tempting selection of international and Egyptian cuisine is served in the on board restaurant. Breakfast is buffet style, with a choice of fruit juices, tea and coffee, cereal, rolls and breads, cheese and cold meats, pastries, boiled eggs or omelette. Lunch and dinner are taken in one sitting often buffet style with a wide selection of starters including salads and delicious soups with fresh rolls and breads. A number of main course choices are available - chicken, beef and fish dishes, fresh vegetables, pasta and rice. For dessert take your pick from superb pastries and creamy puddings whilst a healthy option of fresh fruit is usually available if you prefer. To accompany your meal, choose from a range of soft drinks, beer, wine or bottled water. Remember, you just sign for them as you go along and pay at the end of your cruise. Afternoon tea and cake is usually served on the sundeck when the boat is sailing "Drinks are extras"
Discotheque, Belly Dance Show, Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party, fancy Galabia Party and Nubian Folkloric Show
Every day there is a full entertainment program, which differs from one boat to the other. On most cruise trips that I have conducted, the first day is usually a cocktail party, run by the boat, where they offer free drinks and introduce the staff on board. This party is also called “the manager’s party”, where the manager introduces his crew to the guests on board; don’t forget to wear formal clothes during this party!
Another night there is a “Galabia party” or long dress party, where you will be encouraged to get Egyptian outfits and wear the local Galabia. During such parties, some games are conducted; the tour guides on board run the party, which offers much fun!! To buy a Galabia will cost you around 50 LE, but if you do not wish to buy one, you can hire one from the bazaar shop located on board.
Another night will have a Nubian show, where you will see Nubian dancers and singers in their local outfit.
The last evening’s entertainment is usually has: a belly dancing show, a juggler’s show, and local singers and bands.
There are many bazaars outside the Temples that you will be visit during your cruise. Don’t forget to haggle hard!
During the daytime, while enjoying the tours, you can wear whatever you like, though due to the extreme heat it is recommended you wear lightweight clothes. While relaxing on board you may wear shorts and swimming costumes, if you wish. Breakfast and lunch can be taken dressed like this, but for dinner, please wear smarter clothes!
All extras such as drink, laundry, and telephones bills, should be settled on the last day of your cruise at check out time. Payment can be made with credit cards, traveler's cheque, or cash. Make sure you have enough cash, just in case your card is not working properly.
Please note: Many cruise boats do not accept personal cheques or money orders!
Don’t forget to leave tips for the cruise staff, not less than $3 PER PERSON PER DAY!
These tips should be given to the boat, place them in a an envelope and hand it to the reception. After all the groups have checked out, the cruise manager, together with the accountant and the reception, will open all the envelopes and distribute the money to all of the crew. This way each person will get his fair share.
Please Note: this does not include tips to your Tour Guide, this is separate, and it is entirely up to you to decide the size of tip that you will give to him/her.
12% Service Charge, 5% Sales Tax and 2% City Tax.
Check-in 12:00 p.m.
Check-out 08:00 a.m.
220 volts, AC, 50 cycles.
Our weather is sunny year-round, with infrequent rain and cool temperatures during winter nights.
Daily guided excursions to ancient Egyptian sites:
Kitchener's Island
Agha Khan Mausoleum
Temple of Philae, temple shared by two gods, Sobek and Haroeies, in Kom Ombo
Temple of Horus
Valley of the Kings and Queens
Temple of Hatshepsut at El Deir El Bahari
Colossi of Memnon
Karnak and Luxor Temples
Health and Safety onboard cruise ships:
All Nile cruise boats are equipped with safety features and life jackets are normally placed under your cabin bed.
During the daytime, while enjoying the tours, you can wear whatever you like, though due to the extreme heat it is recommended you wear lightweight clothes. While relaxing on board you may wear shorts and swimming costumes, if you wish. But beware of too much exposure to the sun! Apply plenty of high factor sun block!
*You should avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol especially if you have equilibrium problems. You are not just putting yourself at peril, but also the other guests and staff too.
*People with equilibrium problems should not spend too much time on deck at night, on a fast moving ship; it is dangerous in case you fall over.
*Smoking in bed is dangerous; the mattresses are very flammable!
*People who tend to sleep walk should never take a cabin with a balcony, an inside cabin with a window would be far safer.
*Make sure that you know where the muster stations are, in case you have to abandon ship.
*If you get sick whilst on board, some cruise boats have a resident doctor on board. If not, they have doctors assigned in each town that can be called on in case of emergency.
*If you need some more heath and safety tips, please read my health page to know more about health and safety on board a Nile cruise.
*For practical reasons on the Nile, the cruise may be subject to slight alterations at short notice while you are in Egypt.
*Most sailing is done during the day, but during some periods some sailing may be required after dark
*At busy periods the boat may be required to wait for a short time to get through the lock on the Nile at Esna
*When moored, several cruise boats may be required to moor alongside each other. This can restrict views and require clients to cross several boats to reach the shore. Assistance will be provided if required.
*Esna lock is closing for annual maintenance twice per year first time from 01st. June until 15th, June, second time from 01st, December until 15th December, therefore all the Nile Cruise stop behind the lock and use a car to transfer you from Esna to Luxor to make the sightseeing in Luxor
*When first checking in on the cruise boat, it is advisable to leave your valuables in a safety deposit box. This will be available either in the reception, or a private safe in your cabin.
*If you wish to buy any items from the shops on board, the opportunity for shopping is generally limited due to the small size of these shops. But on the other hand you will get plenty of time to check what you are buying, and haggle over the price!
*To call home, most of the cruise boats offer telephone facilities on board, but the quality is not as good as onshore.
*I would recommend visiting a bank, to change your money, before cruising, as most of the cruise boats do not offer this facility and you will not get access to onshore banks while you are cruising.
Lake Nasser Nile Cruises "Abu Simbel Nile Cruise"
Since prehistoric times, the Nile River provided the main trade route between the Mediterranean and Africa, with Nubia the point of contact between the two worlds. For Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Arab civilizations, Nubia was a valued province and the corridor to Africa, the home of diverse cultures and political powers over thousands of years.
In the last century this region has witnessed two of the greatest engineering feats in modern history; the construction of the Aswan High Dam with the consequent creation of Lake Nasser, and the UNESCO project which saved the historical sites of Nubia threatened with permanent submersion beneath the waters of the Lake.
The total volume of the dam itself has been calculated at 17 times that of the Great Pyramid, and to build it 30,000 men worked round the clock for 10 years. The resulting reservoir extends 500 kilometers, some 380 of which lie in Egypt, with an average width of 10 kilometers.
When the decision was made in 1954 to build the dam, the evacuation of the Nubian community of over 100,000 people became an imminent reality. Meanwhile, urgent attention was required to safe-guard the Nubian monuments. In 1960, UNESCO responded to appeals for assistance by launching the Nubian Campaign, an enterprise that involved the resources of some 54 nations over a 20-year period. The degree of ingenuity required to save the temples was a fitting tribute to the creative genius that accomplished their original construction. It was the first time in history that so many countries, individuals and disciplines united in an undertaking dedicated to the idea of a common cultural heritage and the universality of art.
Although the Nubian Campaign was officially completed in 1980, the Lake and its monuments remained isolated from tourism for over a decade. Thanks to the efforts of Mostafa and Tarek el-Gendy, the owners and operators of the Eugenie and Kasr Ibrim, the immense lake and the temples on its banks were made accessible to travelers as of 1993. Lake Nasser's coasts are currently uninhabited, but it is the el-Gendy brothers' dream that this wealth of fresh water and land will once more host thriving communities, as it has throughout the ages.
Kalabsha Temple: Built by the Roman emperor Augustus and dedicated to the Nubian version of the god Horus (protector and guider of souls through the underworld) known as Mandoulis.
Beit El Wali: Rock-cut temple dedicated to the god Amun-Re (known as 'the pilot who knows the water'), smallest of its type, built by Ramses II (19th dynasty).
Kiosk of Kertassi: erected in honor of Isis (goddess of motherhood, magic and healing) with two splendid Hathoric columns.
Wadi el Seboua (Valley of the Lionesses): Named for the avenue of sphinxes which led to the rock temple built by Ramses II and dedicated to the god Amun. Was later used as a church.
Temple of Dakka; Meriotic and Ptolemaic temple reconstructed on the site of an earlier temple dedicated to Thoth (god of wisdom and science) built by Amenophis II.
Temple of Meharakka: Late Ptolemaic period temple to Serapis (a composite of Osiris, the Apis bull and various Greek deities)
Amada: Sandstone temple of Amun-Re and Re-Harakhte (god of the morning sun, a combination of Ra and Horus) built by Thutmose III and Amenhotep II, with a pillared court added by Thutmose IV.
Derr: Rock cut temple dedicated to Re-Harakhte, Ramses II, Amun-Re and Ptah (god of creation and patron of artists and artisans).
Tomb of Penout: Rock-cut tomb of the viceroy of Nubia under Ramses VI, the only extant one of its kind.
Kasr Ibrim: The only monument on Lake Nasser that still exists in its original location. Before the creation of the lake this fort stood atop a high bluff overlooking the valley, a strategic site since ancient times. The fort may date to the Middle Kingdom and it has been rebuilt and used in a variety of ways over time, including as a church and mosque.
Abu Simbel: The temple of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, Abu Simbel also represents of the triumph of UNESCO's Campaign to salvage the temples, without which these monuments would have been forever lost beneath the Nile waters.
Egyptian Oasis Desert Safari
The Egyptian Oasis and Western Desert is truly one of the natural wonders of the world. From the great sand planes of Siwa to the breathtaking Black and White Deserts of Bahariya, we offer year round organized desert safari tours from two day trips to several week long excursions. Tailored to fit your time and travel itinerary, trips with our experienced local guides will lead you through the desert oasis by day and include hotels and or Bedouin camping by night.
With our luxury service with the 4x4 vehicles that can be your choice to use Egypt Highlights desert safari Tours' Toyota Land cruiser to be your safe and comfort during your trip in the safari desert tours, As we do have the experienced drivers and a comfortable seats designed to your Safety & Comfort during your trip as well as we do rent all type of Cars
What to expect in a Safari Tour !
Have you ever been to a Safari tour in the Desert? If the answer is no, then maybe you should read through this :
Most probably you never experienced the adventure of getting stuck in the sand! it is an assumed adventure as you will be traveling among sand dunes. However because we expect the we are prepared for it, relax and enjoy it and have - a story to tell your friends when you go back.
Also, due to the nature of the trip in the desert, we do carry as much water as needed for necessities, please note that unfortunately SHOWER IS NOT ONE OF THEM! So on nights of camping you will not be able to take a shower, but in hotel nights of course you can experience that luxury and appreciate it even more!
As for sleeping bags, we are providing clean sheets for your comfort.
Due to the nature of the unpaved roads, We expect to repeatedly have la tires, again do not be over concerned, we are prepared and we have more than one spare for each car.
We travel a long way and in tough conditions, we except to have a car breakdown, god forbids, therefore we are prepared we have an extra car with us for Emergences. "for the long safari programs only – more than 08 days"
During PASSING THROUGH SAND DUNES, drivers will TURN OFF THE AIR CONDITION of the car to ensure full power of engine.
Equipment & Safety Precautions
• Regular checks on cars prior to each trip.
• Each car is provided with seat belts for all passengers.
• In each car there is a first aid kit.
• Each car has a fire extinguisher.
• Our drivers are experienced and trained to drive in the desert and off road tracks.
• Our drivers have strict instructions for a maximum distance to be covered per day under any circumstances to ensure they are perfectly alert during driving time
• Mattress, blankets, sleeping bags
Either: Tuna / Sausage / Sardines / Beef
With green salad/Cheese mixed with tomato and one kind of fruits.
Soup / Rice or Pasta / Vegetable / Beef or Chicken
Coffee/tea will be served all the day
Any special request can served upon your require.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Egypt desert road destinations
Cairo / Alexandria : 220 Km
Alexandria / Alamein : 120 Km
Alamein / Marsa Matrouh : 160 Km
Alexandria / Siwa : 580 Km
Marsa Matrouh / Siwa : 300 Km
Siwa / Baharya : 400 Km
Baharya / White desert : 180 Km
White desert / Cairo : 500 Km
White desert / Farafra : 30 Km
Farafra / Dakhla : 295 Km
Dakhla / Kharga : 200 Km
Kharga / Luxor : 320 Km
Cairo/Bahariya : 340 km
Cairo/Siwa : 800 km
Traditional Nile Felucca Sailboats:
A felucca is a sea-craft, made to a traditional design, with broad canvas sails. Essentially, the craft is reliant on wind-power with no motor, and are dependent upon the wind factor to propel forth, so itineraries are subject to change from time to time. The craft carries between 5-10 passengers comfortably and the deck is strewn with soft colorful cushions and rugs and equipped with a canopy that offers shade and protection from the elements. Your felucca will cruise from picturesque Aswan through to Kom Ombo, taking in some stops at points of interest en-route with various stops, planned or impromptu, the peaceful routine of life aboard allows us to escape the stress of everyday life! We dock at shoreline for dinner and later sleep under the stars
All meals are included in the cruise and cooked on board by the crew. Accommodation is on the cushioned boat deck itself. There are no ablution facilities aboard, however the captain makes regular stops en-route, for both sightseeing, ablutions and indeed swimming in safer areas of the Nile River, where the water is fast flowing and the swimmer is at minimum risk of contracting bilharzias.
Traveling down the Nile by felucca is a 'must-do' in Egypt. The sun setting across the Nile in the evening aboard a graceful felucca can't be beaten!
Please be an environmentally friendly. While on the Nile please place all toilet paper and sanitary items in the bags provides and we will dispose of them.
What to pack on board a felucca?
1-Sleeping bag / or Sheet / or blanket
7-Toilet paper/ sanitary products for your journey
9-Warm clothes for you, it does get slightly cold in the evening and in the
10-early hours of the morning
12-Plenty of film for your camera.
13-Snacks for yourself throughout on board
14-If you have a weak stomach bring some medications for Diarrhea and Vomiting with you
15-Drink plenty of water whilst on the felucca so you do not get dehydrated as in summer it can reach up to 41 degrees
Tap water in Egypt is very heavily chlorinated and U.S embassy tests have confirmed the water to be safe and fit for consumption. However, if you are in Egypt for a relatively short- term stay, - doctors recommend that you stick with bottled mineral water, in order to avoid gastric upsets. It takes a while for our digestive systems to adapt to even a minor change in water content, so by drinking mineral water, you'll be a happier, healthier traveler-ultimately! Siwa or Baraka or Schweppes branded bottled mineral water is safe reputable brands. Just ensure that the bottle sealing is not broken!
Felucca captain and stuff
The felucca captains (crew) are totally responsible about make it sail and stop in some routes, also they cook all the meals on board
Water, soft drinks and beer can be purchased aboard at very reasonable cost, a tally for which is kept. You are not permitted to take on board any drinks that the crew sell. Drinks for sale will be stored in a cold box and the crew will ensure they are kept icy cold. On the last day, everybody pays his or her drinks bill with the felucca captains.
Water 3LE
Soft drinks 2.5LE
Beer 10LE
We would suggest tipping EGP20-30 per person for the Felucca captain (for entire tour) for a job well done. Ultimately, it is up to you!
There are no toilet facilities on board. You can use the toilets provided at the sites you visit during the day, at night you are moored by the riverbank and will need to find somewhere onshore. In general, and that is why it is a real adventure, you can use the toilets in the sites (temples & museums) the general standard of public toilets, when you can find them, is to a poor hygienic standard. Most come with a water squirter for washing yourself, so always have toilet papers with you!
Entertainments on felucca
Our Nubian felucca crew entertains you with their music and dance; have fun and join them in this; also you can play cards, read a book, chat with the other people on board, swim, or help the crew in preparing the meals.
By now you will have become accustomed to the traditional felucca sailing boats as we use them to visit the West Bank at Aswan and the islands of the First Cataract. Nevertheless the thought of a two day sail can be a little daunting for some, so we take time to give you an introduction to this part of our itinerary.
During day trips we sit on padded benches at the edges of the boat with our legs resting inward towards the centre. On overnight trips the felucca is transformed into a 'floating hotel'. Wooden boards are placed across the felucca's centre (from bench to bench) to make a deck on which mattresses are placed to make a comfortable platform from which to lay back and watch the river-banks pass by (underneath the decking makes a secure place for our luggage). An awning can be erected above this platform to protect you from the sun if needed. Overnight the awning is put in place and canvas sheets are erected around the outer sides of the felucca to form a cozy, tent-like place in which to eat and sleep. We recommend you bring a sleeping bag with you, but th
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