LOCAL CULTURE
FOOD
Food from street vendors should not be eaten.
RELIGION
When visiting religious places such as mosques or churches, please wear appropriate clothes. Shoulders should be covered and long trousers should be worn. A head scarf should be worn by ladies.
TIPPING
Tipping is part of the local culture. Gratuities should be given for good service and a maximum of 10% is seen as normal.
WATER
Please do not drink the tap water. All water consumed should be from a sealed bottle. All salads or fruits and vegetables should be washed in purified water before consumption.
WEATHER
The sun is extremely strong during the summer months and a high factor sun cream and headwear is strongly recommended.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Dugong
Many of the world's dugong populations have been hunted to near extinction. But the bay of Marsa Moubarak continues to provide a haven to these rare marine mammals where they live happily alongside large numbers of spectacular sea turtles. Our Concierge Team will be more than happy to arrange a spectacular exeprience to make your trip unforgettable.
Elphinstone
Situated 6.5 miles from the Marsa Alam coast, Elphinstone is well-known to experienced divers who particularly relish the challenge of its southern plateau, which drops to 70 meters. An incredible variety of sharks also visit the region, including Grey Reef sharks, Hammerhead sharks and the White Tip shark.
Natural Underwater Park - " Dolphin House "
Shaab Samadai is a stunning horseshoe shaped reef on the southern coast of Marsa Alam known to the locals as "Dophin House", a pod of over 60 spinner dolphins are regular visitors here. Snorkeling and dinving trips can be arranges by our professional PADI / SSI diving center.
" Fustat " Bedouin Experience
Take a trip with 4 X 4 cars, passing by old trees and gold mines on your way. Arrive at the Bedouin Village and have a welcome drink, then follow the steps of Lawrence of Arabia when travelled through the desert on a camel and complete your authentic experience with a Bedouin dinner under the stars. Our Concierge Team will be pleased to arrange an unforgettable exeprience.
WHAT TO PACK
Cameras
Don't forget your camera! There are lots of fantastic photo opportunities. Even better, bring a video camera and make your trip truly unforgettable.
Clothes
Bring light clothes during the summer months as temperatures can be extremely high. During the winter months heavier apparel is recommended as temperatures can be significantly cooler.
Currency
It is recommended to bring some local currency (Egyptian Pounds) to cover incidentals and this is the currency used on a daily basis. The entry visa into Egypt is $15 which can be paid in US Dollars, Euros or Egyptian Pounds. Currencies can be changed at the bank nearby the hotel.
Medicines
If you are currently on medication prescribed by your doctor, be sure to bring enough with you because you might not find it available in Egypt. In case of acute illness, we can arrange a transportation to Port Ghalib pharmacy or you can visit our hotel clinic which is available 24 hours.
Sun Screen
Sun screen is strongly recommended as the sun can be extremely strong during the day. Headwear is recommended for those particularly susceptible to sunstroke.