Desert Trips

While you may be inclined to take an all-inclusive guided desert safari, there are some common sense tips that cannot be taken for granted so that you can make the most of your trip with minimum discomfort.

Acclimatise to full desert conditions - do not over exert yoruself as heat and dryness can bring on fatigue faster that you'd expect.

Direct sunlight should be avoided at all times and move from shade to shade, which is what the locals do.

Protect your head & neck from the sun with sunscreen and hat, or cloth wrap. 

Drink up to 10-15 litres of water a day, even if there is no actual feeling of thirst.

Eat hot, cooked food to avoid food poisoning as cold meat and salads spoil quickly.

Sleeping off the ground can minimise (rare, but possible),bites from scorpions, spiders, and snakes are found.

Food & Drink

Food and water are generally clean and it is safe to eat at small establishments and even stand up snack bars if you need something on the run. Seasoned roast chickens and shawarma (Gyros), lamb cooked on a vertical spit are delicious options over western meals (which can be expensive).

Restaurants open late for dinner, and it is common for families to take a siesta after a late lunch.

If you are invited into a family home, use bread if you are not given silverware and you will need to refuse a few times to show that you don't need more servings, although you are not expected to finish your plate.

Clothing

Do not bathe topless or nude as Egypt is a conservative country - when in doubt, cover up.

The summer is very hot so always wear loose, breathable clothing, and layer up in winter so that you're not too hot when walking around during the day, and you have some protection from cool evenings. Learn from the Bedouin who wear layers of flowing robes as loose garments keep them cool and layered garments allow wind to enter and circulate, creating a natural ventilation system. Protecting the head and neck from loss of moisture prevents heat stroke. In

You will be doing a lot of walking during your exploration, so comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses are essential.

Customs & Conduct

The Egyptians are deeply religious and are either devout Muslims or Coptics. The Muslims don't drink alcohol, but will not object to others drinking. Explicit sexual material--magazines, photos, tapes, or records--is illegal and subject to confiscation.

Don't be surpised if you see some segregation for women -  some queues are occasionally segregated and women should line up with other women, and you may need to be seated in the front with other women on buses. On the metro lines, the first car is usually reserved for women. In some family homes, men and women may have pre-dinner conversations and refreshments separately, coming together only at the main meal.