Our trips feature a mix of different transport options. We want you to feel like you’re really experiencing the country you're travelling through, but at the same time we want you to finish journeys refreshed enough to enjoy the next stage of the tour. In Egypt we do not use any public tourist buses or overnight coach journeys as we know that people don't sleep on board and end up very tired for the following few days. All the vehicles we use are air-conditioned, many are fitted with speed limiters, and all are inspected and checked daily. Some 4WD vehicles used on desert safaris may not always have air conditioning where they are only used for short periods.

For the overnight train journey between Cairo and Aswan this tour uses the overnight sleeper train. You will have a private lockable twin cabin on board which holds two large seats and fold down beds which the carriage steward will make up for you in the evening. Sheets, blanket & pillows are provided. The cabin also contains a wash basin and storage cupboard. An airline tray-style evening meal and breakfast are provided. The Cairo-Aswan journey takes around 12 hours.

We run regular small-group departures on this tour starting on Saturdays throughout the year. All departures are guaranteed to run with a minimum of 2 travellers and a maximum of 18. Departure dates and prices are listed on our website and on a separate dates & prices sheet available on request.

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.

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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.

We pride ourselves on being a small group operator, as this allows travellers to connect better with their companions and fully engage with their guide. Having a great guide is of little benefit if you’re stuck behind 30-40 others trying to catch a glimpse. That’s why we’ll never place you on a 50-seater coach with 49 other people and a single guide. Instead, our Egypt small-group tours are capped at 18 travellers.

Shoestring tours accommodate a maximum of 26 participants. For dedicated Nile Cruise tours, sightseeing excursions may involve larger boat groups, although you can book a private Egyptologist guide for an additional fee (advance booking required). Specialist escorted tours and workshops may have varying group sizes—please refer to the Tour Notes for specifics.

In Egypt, we work with fully trained, local English-speaking graduate Egyptologist guides who will accompany you during all sightseeing in Cairo and the Nile Valley. Additionally, we have permanent local representatives in all major towns, cities, and Red Sea resorts who manage the practical aspects of your tour. For desert excursions, we partner with local Bedouin guides.

While most of our tours are guided in English, we also offer a limited selection of small group departures led by experienced Egyptologist guides fluent in French or Spanish. These are marked clearly alongside the departure dates. Private tours with guides fluent in other languages, such as German, Italian, or Polish, can also be arranged—please get in touch for details and pricing.

On certain itineraries, one guide may accompany you in Cairo, with another taking over for the journey between Aswan and Luxor.

At Egypt Uncovered, we exclusively employ local Egyptian guides and representatives. This ensures you gain the most authentic and insightful experience of Egypt and its incredible sites. Visit our website to learn more and discover profiles of some of our renowned Egyptian guides.

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.

Most of our small group tours use high quality hotels at the Egyptian 5-star level in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Hurghada, all with swimming pools and a choice of restaurants and bars. 

However, some of our lower budget trips (eg. Egypt Express, Pharaonic Encounters and Sands & Seas) use good quality 3 and 4-star level hotels, all with air-conditioned en-suite bathrooms. On some tours we also use a Nubian styled hotel in Aswan which is full of character and has a great location by the Nile and in the heart of a Nubian village.

Our private/tailor-made tour itineraries use a wider mix of hotels, from comfortable mid-range hotels at the 3-4 star level (generally the best available in some of the less visited places included in the particular itinerary) up to some of the very best deluxe 5-star properties in the country.

Please check the Accommodation tab on the tour page or download these Tour Notes for details of the normal hotels used. On our group tours, these hotels may change from time to time for other properties of a similar standard. If you would like to guarantee a particular hotel, please request a tailor-made tour.

Nile cruise tours are generally based on Egyptian 5-star level boats - perhaps equivalent to a decent international 4-star hotel standard. Please check the Accommodation section on the tour page for details. Deluxe 5-star level boats, all-suite boats, and Dahabiyas are also available on private and tailor-made tours. Please contact us for details.

Accommodation is based on twin, triple or double en-suite rooms/cabins with air conditioning. All couples will be given a private double room/cabin. Triple cabins are not available on Nile cruise boats. 

Please check the Single Room Supplement option for details on room sharing options and charges for solo travellers on this tour.

Gala Dinners
Many of Egypt's hotels and Nile cruise boats arrange a very special gala dinner with entertainment in the evening on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Payment for these is often optional on Christmas Eve (24 Dec) but may be compulsory on New Year's Eve (31 Dec), whether you attend or not. Prices can range from around US$50 to over US$180 per person. Final decisions on prices and whether dinners are compulsory are made relatively close to the time. We aim to always select hotels that make their Gala Dinners optional, though this is is not always possible. Gala dinner prices are therefore not included in our prices above, but will be added to your booking if they become required. More information is available on request.

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.