I am planning on spending three weeks in Egypt in July, doing the Felucca Sailtrek in the first week of July and then travelling solo to the Sinai Peninsula.
While I understand that this is probably one of the hottest months to visit Egypt, can anyone tell me whether this will be completely unbearable - especially as I will be spending three days on a felucca?
Also, as a female travelling solo, am I likely to have too many hassles? Are coastal places like Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab and Nuweiba a bit more relaxed in terms of attitudes to women, dress codes etc than places like Aswan and Luxor?
I was also hoping to get to Eilat in Israel for a few days and do a day trip to Petra, however with the current political situation is this advisable, or is Eilat pretty far removed from it all? Would I be better off going to Jordan directly from Egypt, crossing the Gulf of Aqaba? What would be involved with this? And are there any good places in Jordan close to the Dead Sea?
Any help with any of these questions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Re: Egypt - weather in July, travelling solo, going to Jordan
Louise we did the felucca last year in August and we managed to bare up well. It was very hot but the cover saved our bacon.
We found that the heat when not sailing was unbareable at most times in the day. While sailing we had a steady breeze down the nile, which meant we could enjoy the trip. We felt the felucca was the best trip we have ever done.
We only did Saint Catherine monastery and stayed at the monastery (very expensive). Much cooler in sinai but a little more humid.
Getting to sinai was a hassle for us, we took a public bus and being two females we had plenty of unwated attention, but no incidents.
Hope this helps you and we are planning another trip to Egypt in the new year.
Re: Egypt - weather in July, travelling solo, going to Jordan
Hi Sal,
Thanks so much for that - it's very helpful.
Cheers,
Louise
Re: Egypt - weather in July, travelling solo, going to Jordan
Nuweiba, Dahaba, are very relaxed in a Bohemian sort of way! From Nuweiba, you could travel to Taba, cross to Eilat easily. From Eilat, it is simple to cross into Jordan at Aqaba, then travel on up to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea Hotel is to the southwest of Amman (not sure of distance)and a nice place to enjoy the buoyancy of the Sea. It is also possible to travel from Nuweiba by ferry directly to Aqaba, Jordan. There are two ferries (or were) one of which is considered *fast* - take it; otherwise you'll be on a rusty tub taking several hours to make a 60 mile journey across the Gulf of Aqaba. My first choice in travelling from the Sinai would definitely be to cross from Taba to Eilat, then Eilat to Aqaba, then to Petra but I suggest at least one night instead of a day trip. Eilat is very removed from the regional turmoil, no problem there, however, do check on border
crossing schedule of operation, as the borders are not open 24 hours a day. And, hot it will be !!!