Desert Explorer(Trip #60463)

Tour Overview

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.

Responsible Travel
We stay with local people in the desert and use Egyptian group leaders and staff, providing vital employment. Our small groups make a minimal impact on the environment, whilst eating meals in local restaurants and staying in small hotels again puts money into the pockets of local people, helping even distribution of the money we spend.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 47 residents - aged between two months and 11 years old. You'll be assured of a cheery welcome!If you would like to give a gift they would be delighted to receive the following; pyjamas, disposable nappies, milk formula & baby shampoo. All of 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. For further details please see: www.sunshine-international.co.uk, where the children have placed a wish-list!

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1
Join trip Cairo

Day 2
Wadi Rayyan & Wadi Hittan

Day 3
4WD journey to Bahariya

Day 4
Cemetery of Alexander the Great; White Desert

Day 5
Dakhla; half-day camel trek

Day 6
Full-day camel trek

Day 7
Kharga; drive to Luxor

Day 8
Valley of the Kings; train to Cairo

Day 9
Pyramids; Egyptian Museum

Day 10
Trip ends in Cairo

Departure Dates

12/03/2008
26/03/2008
24/05/2008
21/06/2008
26/07/2008
30/07/2008
13/08/2008
17/09/2008
18/10/2008
01/11/2008
20/12/2008
27/12/2008
14/02/2009
04/04/2009
23/05/2009
20/06/2009
25/07/2009
24/10/2009
21/11/2009
19/12/2009
27/12/2009

Prices

Date: Base Price
12/03/2008: £399
26/03/2008: £349
24/05/2008: £398
21/06/2008: £399
26/07/2008: £399
30/07/2008: £399
13/08/2008: £429
17/09/2008: £399
18/10/2008: £429
01/11/2008: £429
20/12/2008: £429
27/12/2008: £429
14/02/2009: £429
04/04/2009: £429
23/05/2009: £429
20/06/2009: £429
25/07/2009: £429
24/10/2009: £429
21/11/2009: £429
19/12/2009: £499
27/12/2009: £499

Local payment: GBP 100

Single Room Option: £20, not available in desert camp
Insurance: £40

Trip Information

Trip Essentials
Although graded gentle, this journey visits some of Egypt's wildest landscapes. Be prepared for basic conditions and long driving days while in the desert.

Transport & Accommodation
Minibus, train, jeep, camel, donkey
Hotels (3nts), desert camp (5nts), overnight train (1nt)
9 breakfasts & 1 dinner

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a sleeping bag?
Clients are able to hire a sleeping bag locally in Cairo at a cost of £10 (payable in cash to your Group Leader in Cairo) per person, per trip. If you would like to hire a sleeping bag, please advise us at time of booking. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own (2-season Apr-Oct, 3/4-season Nov-Mar). Although we are usually able to provide a sleeping mat for your use, we regret that on occasion this may not always be possible. We therefore recommend that you bring a mat, despite the inconvenience.

Do I need malaria tablets?
Although there is a slight risk of malaria in certain parts of Egypt during June-October, it is not normally found in the areas visited on this trip. Bring insect repellent, containing Deet, or a natural one such as MosiGuard to reduce the number of insect bites. Consult a doctor or travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departing to get the most up to date information.

What are facilities like while camping in the desert?
Facilities in the desert are quite basic - there are no toilets or washing facilities. You should bring wipes and/or anti-bacterial gel for washing. Showers are available at the oases camps.