I have a few questions regarding the Egypt/Jordan Caravan Tour. I am booked for the tour scheduled for March 30th - April 14th. My questions are as follows:
1. The tour includes a trek up Mt. Sinai in early April. Do you know average temperatures during that time and if it is still wise to wear gloves, hats, etc...? And...is this trek only for the truly fit?
2. Is it true that if traveling overland from Egypt to Jordan, the tour group must have armed security escort?
3. Is it possible to know the number of people booked for this trip as well as the age ranges and nationalities of the individuals as well as if there any single travellers?
4. Is the Santana hotel near shops and restaurants?
Many thanks!
Re: Questions regarding Egypt/Jordan Caravan Tour
Dear Ms. Cleo,
Climb of Mt. Sinai can be done by camel (extra $$) but they don't go all the way to the top -- there are several steep "stairs" to climb -- the stairs very in height and aren't even; you can always stay at one of the stations enroute to the top with the Bedouins and their camels (I was unable to make the trek to the top -- knee issues as only made it to the first station); the climb is early in the morning, in the dark and cool (need a fleece); we had armed guards on the cruise ship when in port on the Nile and when camel riding in Aswan; you will note that at all tourist sites there are armed guards (for your protection); the Santana Hotel in Cairo is in a residential area and there are shops and restaurants -- not really close but say in a 10 minute walk -- not right around the corner.
Don't worry about the details, just enjoy the travel -- your tour director and the local guide are there to assist you!
Re: Questions regarding Egypt/Jordan Caravan Tour
Hi Ms Cleo,
The post above answers pretty answers much all of your questions. We have given the Mt Sinai climb a trek grade of 'easy' which means if you have a good general level of fitness then you should be fine to climb it. It is however optional and you don't have to do it but the views at the top are amazing, you do also have the option of using the camels do to most of it for you. As said it is early in the morning so you will need to take several layers to keep warm.
You will have armed escorts at several different times throughout the tour and again this is for your safety.
I'm afraid I don't have ages for everyone on the tour but for the ones that I do the youngest is 28 and the oldest is 37. There is a good mix of males and females and of single/group travellers.
The details of the hotel are as already answered.
Hope this helps, have a great tour!
Re: Questions regarding Egypt/Jordan Caravan Tour
Hi! There, I will be taking the same tour and same dates. Where are you travelling from? I'm travelling with a friend and I'm from Canada. Can't wait to meet everyone on the tour.
Re: Questions regarding Egypt/Jordan Caravan Tour
Hi Ms Cleo,
Just some extra info on the hotel Santana.
The shops aren't just around the corner, but they are VERY close.
In under 10 minutes walk (all in the same direction) I could (and did!) access:
* Cleopatra pharmacy (a few times, very helpful English speaking attendant)
* an internet cafe with the best rates we found through our entire tour
* a supermarket with an ATM that seemed to accept everyone's cards - great for stocking up on low-magnesium bottled water
* a low-key eat-in/takeaway restaurant that sold among other things schwarma (yum!), fries, soft drinks and tea.
(There is also a KFC, staffed by hearing imparied people only, but the quality of food was a bit ho-hum)
You will have a wonderful time!
Megan
Re: Questions regarding Egypt/Jordan Caravan Tour
Thanks so much,everyone - you've given me great information, and I am very much looking forward to this trip!