Travel tips
Before you come
The questions every guest asks, answered the way we answer them on WhatsApp.
When to come
Monthly highs in Cairo and Luxor. Green is comfortable; red is for early starts and long lunches.
Cairo Luxor
Do I need a visa, and how do I get it?
Most nationalities buy a visa on arrival at Cairo airport for about $25. Check before you fly whether your passport needs approval in advance.
At the bank windows before passport control, pay in cash and you get a sticker. Put it on an empty page, fill in the arrival card from the plane, and go to passport control to be stamped.
We meet you right after, with your name on a sign.
What should I wear?
Men: anything you would wear at home. T-shirts, shorts and trousers are all fine.
Women: full-length trousers or capris with a T-shirt are the easiest choice in the city; half sleeves are fine everywhere. Carry a light scarf for your shoulders and hair in mosques. On the Red Sea, normal beachwear.
Everyone: a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable closed shoes for the sites, and a warm layer for desert nights from December to February.
When is the best time to come?
October to April is the comfortable season everywhere. Cairo days are 20 to 28°C, Luxor and Aswan a little warmer, desert nights cold.
Summer is hot and dry: 35 to 40°C in Cairo and over 40 in Upper Egypt, where 50 has been recorded. We start early, rest at midday and keep you supplied with water.
Rain is rare except on the Mediterranean coast between November and February. The Khamsin wind in spring can bring a few dusty, hot days.
Money, tipping and small change
The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Dollars and euros are accepted in tourist areas but at poor rates; ask us before you change money and we will take you somewhere fair.
On our tours every tip at the sites is already paid, so nobody will ask you for money at the pyramids. Tips for your guide and driver at the end are at your discretion.
Keep EGP 2 to 5 coins and notes for public toilets, and tissues or wet wipes in your bag.
Will I be understood?
Arabic is the language; English is spoken wherever tourists go. All our guides speak English, and Rania and Rami will teach you enough Arabic to make the bazaar fun.
Is Egypt safe for women travelling alone?
Many of our guests are solo women and it is why Rania is part of the team. You can request her as your guide, stay at the guest house with the family, and we handle every transfer so you are never negotiating a taxi at midnight.
Phone, Wi-Fi and staying in touch
The guest house has free Wi-Fi throughout, scored 10/10 by guests. A local SIM with data costs a few dollars at the airport; we will show you which counter.
WhatsApp is how Egypt talks, and it is how you reach us at any hour.
What exactly is in the price?
Your room, every entrance ticket, breakfast and lunch, all tips at the sites, private transport and the domestic flights listed in your itinerary.
Not included: your visa, international flights, dinners that are not named in the plan, drinks, and tips for the team. Students pay the student rate with a valid card; children under 5 pay half and over 5 pay 75%.