Embark on a unique adventure with an overnight journey on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat. This offers a truly authentic and relaxing way to experience the Nile River. While the felucca provides basic accommodations with mattresses and blankets, it's recommended to bring your own sleeping sheet, blanket, or a light sleeping bag, especially during the cooler months from November to February.

Keep in mind that feluccas don't have toilet facilities onboard. However, a support boat with a toilet and warm showers will accompany you throughout the day and night. Mosquito nets are provided for sleeping, but it's advisable to bring mosquito repellent for the evenings and early mornings.

During your journey, you'll enjoy delicious meals cooked by your Nubian boat crew, who will also provide evening entertainment.

If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can choose to upgrade to an extra night at the hotel in Amman. This allows you to rejoin the group the following morning after their felucca experience and continue the journey to Luxor together.

We believe in the power of small group travel, offering a more intimate and enriching experience. With fewer fellow travelers, you'll have more opportunities to connect, engage with your guide, and truly immerse yourself in the destination. Unlike large group tours, we avoid overcrowded buses and prioritize unique accommodations and activities that wouldn't be feasible with larger numbers.

Our small group tours to Jordan and Egypt have a minimum of 2 participants. In Jordan, the maximum group size is 14, while in Egypt it's 18, allowing for potential collaboration with travelers on our Egypt-focused tours.

Throughout your journey, you'll be accompanied by expert local guides. In Jordan, an English-speaking tour leader/driver will be provided, along with specialist guides in Jerash, Amman, and Petra. Groups of 5 or more will have both a driver and a dedicated guide for the entire trip. In Egypt, a professional Egyptologist guide will lead you through Cairo and from Aswan to Luxor. We also have representatives in major towns and cities along the route to ensure smooth logistics and support.

At Egypt Uncovered, we exclusively employ local Jordanian and Egyptian guides and representatives, believing this provides the most authentic and insightful travel experience.

To ensure your comfort and safety throughout this tour, appropriate footwear and a degree of mobility are essential. Here's what you need to know:

• Jordan: This portion of the tour involves several walks and hikes. While you don't need to be an athlete, sturdy and comfortable footwear is crucial.

  • In the Ajloun Forest Reserve, we'll enjoy a few hours of hiking through diverse terrain. The guide will tailor the route and duration based on the group's preferences and weather conditions.

  • We'll also have a short, easy walk amidst the scenic hills near Dana village. The trails here are typically dry and slightly rocky.

  • Exploring Petra involves considerable walking. Expect to cover at least 8km, including the Siq, Treasury, Theatre, and Byzantine church. If you wish to hike to the Monastery or High Place of Sacrifice, anticipate an additional 2-3km, with some inclines and declines. You can set your own pace, but be prepared for a full day of walking. Comfortable shoes and a daypack are essential.

• Egypt: While there are no long walks in Egypt, you'll need to be reasonably agile to navigate the planks and steps used to board and disembark the feluccas.

This tour departs regularly throughout the year, with guaranteed departures every Saturday. To ensure a personalized experience, each group is limited to a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 18 travelers.

For a complete list of departure dates and prices, please visit our website or request our "Dates & Prices" sheet. Be sure to check our website for special offers and discounts on select departures.

The tour price does not include entry fees for the sites visited during the tour.

Jordan:

It is highly recommended to purchase a Jordan Pass before travelling to Jordan. This package, developed by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, offers discounted entry fees for all the major sites included in this tour (and many more) and also provides downloadable digital brochures for each attraction. Additionally, it includes a free tourist visa for entering Jordan (normally JD40 when obtained on arrival). Having the Jordan Pass also helps us save time by avoiding ticket queues at the sites.

Some sites visited during our tours are not covered by the Jordan Pass, such as Mt. Nebo, St. George’s Church in Madaba, and the Shawmari & Azraq Reserves. For simplicity, the entry fees for these sites are included in your tour price. If you choose to visit other attractions not covered by the Jordan Pass during your free time or additional excursions, you will need to pay those entry fees directly at the sites.

The Jordan Wanderer Pass, which is suitable for all our tours that include a single-day visit to Petra, costs JD70 (approximately US$99). If your itinerary includes the Baptism Site at Bethany, you’ll need to add a JD8 supplement (discounted from the JD12 payable at the site). You can obtain the pass online by completing a simple form, ensuring your passport details are accurate as they also serve as your visa application. The pass will be emailed to you as a PDF, which you should print and carry with you. Present this printed pass at the immigration desk upon arrival in Jordan to secure your free entry visa, and at each attraction where it will be scanned for access.

If you do not obtain the Jordan Pass prior to arrival, you will need to pay the entry fees at each site individually and also pay JD40 for your visa on entry to Jordan (or pre-arrange your visa).

Learn more about the Jordan Pass [here].

Egypt:

In Egypt, the tour price does not cover entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary. Please refer to the Exclusions section for a guide on how much to budget for this tour. Discounts of up to 50% may be available for minors or ISIC card holders, though this is not guaranteed and fees are subject to occasional changes.

For convenience, your guide will typically collect all entrance fees in cash at the beginning of the tour and manage payments at each site for you.

This tour includes a meet-and-greet service and airport transfer on the first day. Our representative will be waiting with an Egypt Uncovered signboard or your name clearly displayed for easy identification. If you are unable to locate our representative, emergency contact numbers will be provided on your tour confirmation voucher.

A transfer to the airport is also included at the end of the tour. Please review the tour itinerary and your flight times carefully. Most international flights departing from Khartoum are scheduled in the early hours of the morning. If you have upgraded to a 4 or 5-star hotel in Khartoum, only a day-use room is typically included for your final day. A full night's stay is provided at the standard 3-star hotel. If you require a full night’s accommodation in an upgraded hotel, an additional charge may apply.

Refunds are not available for missed transfers or parts of your trip due to incorrect flight details or delayed arrivals. Any additional expenses incurred to join the group will be your responsibility.

If your flights are scheduled to arrive before the tour starts or depart after the tour ends, we can arrange extra accommodation and airport transfers. We will strive to book these at the same hotel as the main tour, subject to availability (upgraded hotels can also be arranged upon request). Please note that if you do not book additional accommodation through us, arrival and departure transfer services will not be included, and you will need to organise your own transport.

Arrival Procedure

Be prepared for potential delays at immigration, especially if you are obtaining a “visa on arrival” (refer to the Passports and Visas section). After passport control, proceed to baggage reclaim, where further waiting times are common. Once you collect your luggage, you will need to show your baggage receipts (typically attached to your boarding pass), and your bags may be manually inspected by airport staff. This is standard procedure to ensure no prohibited items, such as alcohol or inappropriate materials, are brought into Sudan. Be aware that some magazines with certain images might also be considered inappropriate and could be confiscated without return.

After completing these formalities, you will find our representative waiting just outside the glass doors with an Egypt Uncovered signboard or your name clearly displayed.

We aim to offer you as much flexibility as possible when booking your holiday with us. To accommodate travellers with varying plans, we exclude international flights from the main tour price. However, we are happy to assist with flight suggestions that complement the tour. Simply provide us with your preferred dates and departure airport, and we will present a selection of airlines, schedules, and fares for you to choose from.

Your transfers between the airport and hotel are included on the first and last days of the tour. Our Sudan tours begin and end at Khartoum airport (KRT).

Occasionally, we also offer flight-inclusive packages from selected airports. When these are available on our website, the prices quoted are accurate at the time, but are subject to the availability of the fare used. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking, and we will also provide you with flight times and airline details before issuing tickets.

Flight-inclusive prices are based on the cheapest Economy ticket class available, which is generally non-refundable and non-changeable unless the flight is cancelled due to circumstances like Covid-19, in which case airlines tend to offer more flexibility. If you require more flexible ticket options or wish to upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class, these can be arranged for an additional supplement. Any changes to flight-inclusive bookings will be subject to the airline's terms and conditions.

Flight CO2 Emissions:

Flying is a wonderful way to see the world, but it does contribute to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which have an impact on the environment. By considering the CO2 emissions of your flight when booking, you can help reduce your travel footprint.

When booking international flights, we recommend you also take into account the CO2 emissions of your chosen airline. Some airlines and flight search engines (such as Google Flights or Skyscanner) provide this information, allowing you to compare your options and make a more informed choice. Many airlines are now working towards more sustainable practices, and by opting for greener flight options, you can contribute to positive environmental change while still enjoying your adventure.

Tipping in Sudan: An Overview

Tipping, or bahsis (pronounced bahk-sheesh), is a common and widely accepted practice in Sudan. The wages for service workers are generally low, and tips play an essential role in supplementing their modest incomes.

However, tipping remains voluntary, and the amount should reflect both the quality of service you receive and your personal financial situation. Many people seek guidance on how much to tip, so here are some general suggestions to help:

• Restaurants and Taxis:

  • For local markets and casual dining spots, simply leaving the small change is appropriate.
  • In more upscale restaurants, a tip of around 5% to 10% of the total bill is recommended.

• Local Guides:

  • If you have a local guide accompanying you during your travels, a tip of USD 2 per person per day is a suitable amount.

• Drivers:

  • You may have private drivers throughout your trip, some for brief periods and others for longer durations. While USD 2 per person per day is generally acceptable, you may consider a higher tip for those who are more involved in the trip.

• Tour Guides:

  • For your main tour guide, we suggest tipping between USD 25 to 40 per person for the entire duration of the tour. Ultimately, the amount should reflect your level of satisfaction with their service and your budget. There's no pressure to give a specific amount—it's entirely up to you.

You should ensure you have comprehensive insurance that covers medical emergencies, including emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Vaccination recommendations and other health precautions vary depending on the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. It is advisable to consult your GP, healthcare provider, or a travel clinic for the latest vaccination information for your destination. Additionally, make sure that you are up-to-date with the vaccines and boosters recommended for your regular life back home, such as those for occupational risks, lifestyle-related exposures, and any underlying health conditions. Below are the additional vaccinations and health precautions typically recommended for the countries in this region:

• South Africa: Hepatitis A, Malaria precautions (Malaria map), Yellow Fever certificate (Required if coming from or transiting through an infected area).
• Namibia: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria precautions (Malaria map), Yellow Fever certificate (Required if coming from an infected area).
• Botswana: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria precautions (Malaria map), Yellow Fever certificate (Required if coming from or transiting through an infected area).
• Zimbabwe: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria precautions (Malaria map), Yellow Fever certificate (Required if coming from or transiting through an infected area).
• Zambia: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria precautions (Malaria map), Yellow Fever certificate (Required if coming from or transiting through an infected area).
• Malawi: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria precautions (Malaria map), Yellow Fever certificate (Required if coming from or transiting through an infected area).
• Tanzania: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria precautions (Malaria map), Yellow Fever certificate (Required if coming from or transiting through an infected area).
• Kenya: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria precautions (Malaria map), Yellow Fever certificate (Required if coming from an infected area).
• Uganda: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Malaria precautions (Malaria map), Yellow Fever certificate (Required if coming from an infected area).
• Sudan: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Malaria precautions (Malaria map), Yellow Fever certificate (Required if coming from or transiting through an infected area; may also be needed for departure).
• Morocco: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria not usually present, Yellow Fever certificate not required.

Please note that this information may change at short notice. For the most up-to-date health and vaccination requirements, we suggest contacting your medical practitioner or travel clinic.

Malaria: There is no vaccine for Malaria, a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. To reduce the risk of infection, wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers, use insect repellents, and sleep under a mosquito net if needed. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. Consult your GP or a travel clinic for the most suitable malaria prevention medication for the areas you are visiting.

Yellow Fever: This disease is transmitted by mosquitoes active during the day. Many countries require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate as part of their entry requirements, particularly if you have travelled from or through an infected region, including stopovers of more than 12 hours. You can refer to US CDC information to check where Yellow Fever is present and which countries require proof of vaccination. Ensure that you arrange for the certificate in advance and carry it with you throughout your trip.

Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma, as well as any prescription medications you are taking. Additionally, we need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities.

If you are taking part in an Overland tour or a wildlife safari, be aware that you may be travelling on rough or bumpy terrain for extended periods. This can be uncomfortable or even painful, especially if you have a back condition. Please contact us if you have any concerns.

The time in Sudan is 3 hours ahead of GMT. Daylight saving time is not observed.

Luggage:
To ensure smooth transport of everyone’s luggage in the vehicles, we kindly ask that you bring soft luggage instead of hard suitcases. A small daypack or bag is also recommended for daily outings. Your main luggage will typically stay at your accommodation during sightseeing trips, so you won’t need to carry it far. Hotel porters are usually available to assist with luggage handling.

Luggage Restrictions:
To optimise space and comfort in the vehicles, we ask that your main luggage does not exceed 15kg for this tour. As for hand luggage, most airlines allow between 5kg and 10kg, but we kindly request you limit yours to 5kg.

Clothing:
Sudan's climate varies from hot and dry in the north to humid and tropical in the equatorial south. The best time to visit is from October to April. During October/November and March/April, daytime temperatures range from 30-38°C, with nights around 12-18°C. In December/January/February, temperatures are slightly cooler at 25-30°C during the day, with nights dropping to 5-10°C. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C, but tours are generally not held during this time. Dust storms (haboobs) can occur from July to August and again from November to January. You will need clothing suitable for hot days but also something warm for the cooler evenings and nights, especially in the desert areas.
Sudan is a predominantly Muslim country with Sharia law in place, and modesty is highly valued, particularly for women. Therefore, it’s advised that clothes be loose-fitting and not revealing. Women are not required to wear a veil or cover their heads, but it’s a good idea to bring a headscarf or sunhat as they are often helpful in the desert sun. Shorts should be avoided by both men and women.

Other Essentials:
Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillow) will be provided at the Meroe desert camp, but we recommend bringing a lightweight sleeping sheet or liner for added comfort year-round (sand tends to find its way everywhere). Additionally, we suggest you bring a sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a basic first aid kit, toiletries, a money belt, a small torch, a camera, and chargers.

Nimitti:
Between February and April, there can be an abundance of “nimitti” in the northern regions (Tombos, Soleb area). These small, harmless flies, which aid in palm pollination, can be quite bothersome. We will provide fly nets for face protection, and your tour leader will suggest wearing long-sleeved tops to help minimise discomfort.

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.

December 2024 update: As of December 2024, we are required to provide a copy of your passport photo page to the Egyptian Authorities prior to your arrival. Our sales team will request this from you prior to your trip start date. It is not yet clear if this will be a temporary or permanent requirement. 

We recommend that you contact your closest Egyptian consulate or embassy for current information for your nationality.

In general official advice is that all nationalities obtain their Egypt visas in advance, as we cannot guarantee that you can get them in the airport. An online e-visa is available through visa2egypt. Please do not use any other website as there are many scam sites offering Egypt e-visas.
In practice however, many nationalities (including British and European, Australian, New Zealand, USA) can and do obtain their visas on arrival in Cairo airport. The process is much quicker and simpler, the cost is currently US$25 p/p and must be paid in hard currency (i.e. GBP, USD or EUR) - you'll be given change in local currency if necessary. There are no forms to fill in and you don't need to bring passport photos. Visas are issued at one of the bank desks in the immigration hall, before you get to passport control. If flying into Cairo International Airport our representative will have met you by this stage and will assist with the process.

Imporant Note: Due to recent changes in the visa regime for Canadians, a visa on arrival or e-visa will no longer be possible for Canadian Citizens entering Egypt after October 1st 2023. Until further notice Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa prior to arrival, from the nearest Egyptian Consulate. 

All African & Indian nationals, and some others, will need to obtain their visas in advance.

For further information on your visa requirements, please either contact us or your local Egyptian embassy/consulate.

Our Egypt tours include a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in Cairo airport, your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers. Our representative will meet you in the immigration hall of Cairo airport before you get to passport control (if you are flying into Sphinx International Airport, our representative will be waiting outside, after you have passed through immigration and re-claimed your luggage). They will assist with visa formalities before helping you collect your luggage and taking you to your hotel.

Your airport transfers are only included on the first and last day of the set tour itinerary, plus on any additional days if you book your hotel room with us. If you make your own arrangements for additional accommodation at either the beginning or the end of the tour then you will need to arrange your own airport transfers on these days.

Our Small Group tours do not include entrance fees to the tourist sites mentioned in the itinerary. We do however normally include these in prices for Tailor-Made and Escorted tours. Please check the Inclusions and Exclusions section below the tour itinerary for a details about your tour and the amount you may need to budget. This amount is subject to change and will be reconfirmed in Egypt at the start of your tour. A 50% discount for minors or ISIC card holders is often, but not always available.

Your guide will be happy to collect payment for all the entrance fees at the start of the tour, and pay them for you as you go along if you wish. This payment is normally collected in US Dollars cash together with payment for any Tipping Kitty used on the tour, though you may also pay with Egyptian Pounds or other currencies, converted to USD. Local exchange rates are set on a monthly basis and based on local bank rates so may not match the exact rates you may find online on the day.

Entrance Fee Increases:
Please note that whilst we make every effort to keep the amounts we advise for local entrance fees as up to date as possible, these amounts should be considered a guide only due to fluctuating exchange rates and local rate changes imposed by the Egyptian government. We are aware that the Egyptian Government will be updating their entrance fees in November 2024 and our website will be updated at that time to reflect the revised fees.

The sockets in this area are two-pronged and provide 220 volts. Universal adaptors can be found in most airport shops if you haven't already got one. Standard European adapters will also work, though they may fit a bit loosely in the sockets. Every hotel room comes equipped with electrical sockets for charging devices like cameras and phones. Hair dryers are typically available upon request at the hotel reception if not already provided in your room. If you're travelling with US appliances, you'll need both a voltage converter and a plug adapter.

The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, often denoted 'LE'. The Egyptian Pound can vary significantly in value against the British Pound, but sticks fairly close to the value of the US Dollar. You do not need to arrange to bring any Egyptian Pounds with you to Egypt, as change facilities are available in all the hotels, airports and banks. You should try to obtain and keep hold of small denomination notes or coins on you during the tour as these are useful for toilets, tips and small purchases. ATMs are readily available in major towns and many local shops will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge fees of up to 10% - check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can not be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees.

While in Egypt you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in Egyptian Pounds. You may also need to pay for the tour Tipping Kitty and site Entrance Fees while you are in Egypt. Payments for these may be made to your tour guide in hard currency (USD, GBP, EUR) at the start of your tour. Please see your tour Included/Excluded details for more information and guideline amounts for these.

It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 15-25 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks.

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.

To promote tourism to the country, the Jordanian government has designed the Jordan Pass. This provides adults of most nationalities with a free single entry Jordan visa (for stays of 3 nights or more), a discounted package of entrance fees, and free digital brochures for the various sites in Jordan. Please check the Jordan Pass tour note for more information.

Please note that whilst the Jordan Pass is recommended for the vast majority of our Jordan Tours where entrance fees are not included, this is not recommended for our Petra & the Bedouin Trail tour as entrance fees to Petra and Wadi Rum are already included in the cost of this tour. 

Double or multi entry visas for Jordan are no longer available and you will need to arrange two visas if you are doing a combination tour (eg. with Egypt and/or Israel) that visits Jordan more than once. Exceptions may occur if you are crossing to and from Israel via the King Hussein Bridge - please contact us for details.

If you wish to arrange your visa separately in advance, or if your stay will be shorter than four days/3 nights, then a visa fee of 40JD (approx. USD 57) will be due.

Families with children under 12 are recommended not to purchase the Jordan Pass for the children as entrance fees are not charged in Jordan for children under 12. Instead, the adults should purchase a Jordan Pass and we will arrange a free visa for the children which you will receive when we meet you on arrival into Amman airport.

Other nationalities may require a visa prior to arrival and to obtain this in advance, please contact your local Jordanian embassy or consulate or a visa agency for details. In addition, if you plan to enter Jordan via the southern Wadi Araba crossing (Eilat-Aqaba) or the Allenby Bridge/King Hussein border with Israel in the north, you will need to obtain your Jordan visa in advance as these are not available on arrival at the border.

We are dedicated to offering small group tours, as we believe this provides the best opportunity for everyone to connect with fellow travellers and fully engage with their guide. There’s little value in having exceptional guides if you’re struggling to see or hear them over a crowd of 30-40 people! That’s why we’ll never place you on a 50-seater coach with 49 other passengers and a single guide. Instead, our Jordan group departures are limited to a maximum of 18 travellers.

In Jordan, all of our sightseeing tours are led by fully trained, local English-speaking guides. Additionally, our local representatives in each town and city along the route are available to assist, ensuring all practical arrangements are taken care of for the tour.

At Egypt Uncovered, we exclusively employ local Jordanian guides and representatives, as we believe this enhances your experience of both the country and the sights you are visiting. For more details and profiles of some of our most renowned local guides, please visit our website.

For groups of up to five, we provide an escort driver along with specialist local guides at Jerash and Petra. For groups of six or more, an escort guide will accompany the group throughout the tour.

The currency used in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). There is no need to bring Jordanian Dinars with you as you can easily exchange currency at international airports, hotels, banks, and currency exchange offices in major cities. It is advisable to carry small denominations of notes or coins for things like using public restrooms, tipping, and small purchases. ATMs are widely available in large towns, and many local shops accept VISA, Mastercard, or Amex, although they may charge a fee of up to 10%, so it’s wise to confirm this before making a payment. Traveller’s cheques are no longer widely accepted and can come with high exchange fees.

During your time in Jordan, you will need to cover costs such as meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and personal expenses like laundry. These are typically paid for in Jordanian Dinar, but tips for guides and drivers can be given in foreign currency such as GBP, USD, or EUR.

It’s hard to give a precise figure for personal spending, as this depends on individual preferences, but as a rough guide, we recommend budgeting USD 15-25 per person per day. If you plan on shopping extensively or purchasing alcoholic drinks frequently, it’s advisable to set aside more.

The sockets are two-pronged and provide 220 volts. Universal adapters can usually be found in most airport shops if you don’t already have one. Standard European adapters will fit, though they may feel slightly loose in the sockets. All hotel rooms are equipped with electrical sockets, so you can charge cameras, phones, and other devices. Hairdryers are generally available upon request at hotel receptions, if they aren’t already provided in your room. If you're bringing US appliances, you'll need both a voltage converter and a plug adapter.

Jordan info