Egypt Family Holiday - Feluccas & Pharaohs
Factfile
We appreciate that parents wish their children to have as full a
range of experiences as possible and the geographical and cultural
awareness that travel brings can play a great part in their
development and education. However, we feel we should remind you of
some of the negative aspects of travelling with children. This is
not necessarily intended to put you off, but to give you the
information you need to make an informed decision.
Culture shock: From the minute you arrive,
different sights, sounds and smells assault your senses. There are
different customs, new food, noisy and crowded cities, and less
personal space. People may want to touch and play with western
children. This culture shock can be daunting for adults, and even
more so for children.
Different standards: Standards of hygiene can
be considerably lower than at home particularly so when you travel
off the traditional tourist path. Children may be more prone to
sickness than adults and standards of medical care can be extremely
variable. Similarly, standards of transport and accommodation may
be lower than you are used to.
Degree of physical difficulty: Most of our
trips are more demanding than mainstream travel and include a
reasonable amount of walking -be it sightseeing, day-walks or full
scale trekking. Whilst your children could be fitter than you, a
period of time in tropical heat with unfamiliar food could affect
them adversely. Generally we advise against travelling with us if
you and your children have not had some similar travel
experience.
Responsibility: If you decide to travel with
us, your children won’t be pampered but treated as small adults by
your group leader. If you wish to opt out of some activity or part
of the trip it is your responsibility to make alternative
arrangements.
Conclusion: This may seem a little negative but
we must point out the potential lows as well as the highs. On the
positive side, you’re likely to find that children have a wonderful
way of opening doors and breaking down cultural barriers. Children
are usually more curious and less inhibited with foreigners than
adults are, and you’ll be amazed how quickly friendships build
between your kids and local children despite the language
barrier.
Other Important
facts
RAMADAN: Please note that during Ramadan, the
Muslim holy month of fasting, sites and museums throughout Egypt
are subject to reduced opening hours and there may be some
limitations as to the provision of services. The impact on our
trips is usually minimal and indeed this can be an interesting time
to visit as the streets are usually lively during the late
evenings. The month culminates in the celebration of Eid al Fitr,
when families eat together in celebration. The approximate dates of
Ramadan in 2008 are 02 Sep-02 Oct; in 2009 they are 22 Aug -20
Sep.
LIFE ON BOARD A FELUCCA
A felucca is a traditional boat with a large lateen sail, of the
kind used in Egypt for centuries. The boats are about ten metres
long, and the deck area is covered with mattresses and cushions for
comfort. During the day a sunshade is rigged to shade the deck.
All food is cooked on board by the crew and, given the confines
of space, they do a marvellous job of producing simple, yet tasty
and plentiful meals. Tea and coffee is included and soft drinks can
be bought from the crew. Hygiene is important: and germicidal soap
is provided so everyone can wash their hands before and after
eating.
You will moor for the night on the river bank at sunset. There
are no toilets on the feluccas but once moored, the crew will erect
a toilet tent. When ready for bed, you simply roll out your
sleeping bag and drift off to sleep below star-filled skies.
CLIMATE: Even in winter (Nov-Feb) it is
generally warm and sunny in Egypt (average daytime temperature in
Cairo 22°C), although it can be breezy and very cold at night (down
to 4°C/5°C), especially on the river.
In the summer (Mar-Oct), it is dry and hot during the day
(average daytime temp. Cairo 30-36°C, higher in the south), and
warm at night. There is hardly any rainfall at any time of year in
the south, although Cairo does get some, generally short-lived,
rain in winter.
BAGGAGE: Our general advice is to pack as
lightly as possible -space is restricted so please limit your
luggage to a maximum of 12 kg per person. This is in your own
interest as you are expected to carry your own luggage at airports,
between buses & hotels etc. though distances are never
great.
One main piece – a soft lockable bag rather than a hard
suitcase
A daypack is useful
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR: Although you may see
other travellers dressed otherwise, as in any Muslim country, tight
or skimpy clothing should not be worn by adults out of respect for
local customs. Long, loose shorts are acceptable but you should be
aware of local sensibilities.
For women no halter neck or sleeveless tops, whilst a headscarf
is useful – it’s both a local custom and useful for shielding
against the strong sun. Hurghada is different at it's an
international beach resort and as such more liberal dress is
acceptable. Below is a suggestion of what you might find useful to
take on this trip. It is not an exhaustive packing list. If you
need further advice, please call us or consult your nearest
specialist outdoor clothing and equipment store.
In summer (Apr-Oct), light cotton clothing is adequate for kids
and adults alike, with a light sweater or sweatshirt, just in case.
Remember long sleeved shirts and long trousers to guard against the
sun! I
In winter (Nov-Mar), night-time temperatures are low – perhaps
as cold as 4°C and it can be windy, making it feel even cooler.
Given this you should pack accordingly -a windproof outer layer, a
warm mid-layer (wool or fleece) is essential, as are long, warm,
trousers. If you particularly feel the cold you may also wish to
take a hat and gloves.
Comfortable shoes or trainers
Sandals/flip-flops for relaxing
Sun-hat
EQUIPMENT:
Sleeping bag (Mar to Nov -2-3 season; Dec to Feb – 4-season)
Please note that in desert countries like Egypt, summer
temperatures can fall to almost freezing point at night. Although
you may not experience such low temperatures, it is the reason we
strongly advise you to take a sleeping bag of a suitable
rating.
It is possible to hire a sleeping bag locally in Cairo at a cost
of UK£10 (payable in cash to your group leader in Cairo) per
person, per trip. Please advise us at the time of booking.
Torch
High-factor sunscreen & lipsalve
Waterbottle
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Personal first aid kit
Toilet paper for the felucca section of the trip
Although there are not great numbers of mosquitoes, you may wish to
bring a mosquito net for the felucca section of the trip
Waterproof bags for valuable items like passports, cameras
etc
A laundry service may be available in some hotels, but we recommend
you take biodegradable travel detergent so you can wash clothes as
you choose.
Please note: Although snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and
fins) is provided, these are generally in adult sizes. We recommend
that you bring a mask and snorkel from home for children intending
to snorkel. Alternatively, equipment can usually be purchased
locally, though the price and quality may vary.
TIPPING: Although it is always at your discretion
-your family will be expected to tip to reward service. Your group
leader will be able to give you an indication of when and how much
is appropriate. This can vary widely, but please calculate on the
basis of UK£20 per person (including children) for this trip. Also,
if you wish to tip your group leader (in recognition of their
contribution towards your overall enjoyment of the holiday) a
suggested guideline would be approximately UK£1 to UK£2 per person,
per day.
Quick links:
egypt family holiday -feluccas &
pharaohs - introduction
egypt family holiday -feluccas &
pharaohs - itinerary
egypt family holiday -feluccas &
pharaohs - map
egypt family holiday -feluccas &
pharaohs - dates & prices
egypt family holiday -feluccas &
pharaohs - booking enquiry
egypt family holiday -feluccas &
pharaohs - before you go
REF:Egypt -Feluccas & Pharaohs FEG - AC0001
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