jahlie

Has anyone been to a camel market in Egypt? I know there is one outside Cairo, Birqash and another outside Aswan, Darau. If you've been to one of those or another, please tell me about your experience. I think it would be an interesting thing to see, maybe not the most humane treatment of animals I'll see in my lifetime, but the fact that this is the way things have been done for centuries, intrigues me. Any comments?

Axel2DP

I visited the Birqesh Camel Market outside of Cairo in May. I enjoyed the experience very much. You pay 20L.E. to get in and then 10L.E. extra if you plan to take pictures. Once you're in, no one, and I mean no one, will try to sell you anything. Imagine that Some locals might approach you. They all were very nice and friendly to me. Some might even ask you to photograph them, and they won't expect any money in return. Imagine that! Another unique concept in Egypt

Regarding the camels, I didn't see any overly harsh treatments of them. Sure there were people with canes hitting some of them occasionally, but it wasn't like OMG. You might hear some of them give out loud cries, etc. If you're wandering out and about in the middle of the actions then you have to watch your steps though; Sometimes a herd of 4-5 camels could be hobbing fast towards you and you better get out of their way pronto. I think people should be lucky that the camel never learn to bite back. These are big animals and could do some damage if they knew what they're capable of.

It wasn't smelly at all. You also don't really have to worry about stepping in their droppings accidentally. Camel's dungs are small circular pellet, so if you step on them it's no big deal.

For me, I think the camel market visit was the only truly authentic local experience that I had while I was in Egypt (but I did spend too much of my times in temples, lol).

jahlie

That sounds like something I want to experience for myself. Do you remember how long it takes to get there from Cairo? Did you go with a car and driver? Where did you stop along the way?

Your description and warnings are just what I need to hear. I've been to the Pushkar Fair but I know that's a bit different from the usual camel market.

Thank you so much.

Axel2DP

I think it took maybe 1 to 1.5 hours to get to the Market. I was staying in Mohandiseen, which is about a 10-15 minutes cab ride to downtown Cairo. Yes, I had a car and driver to drive me there. The camel market was the only to-do thing on my itiniary that day, so we went straight to the market and back. If you know where you want to go after visiting the market then I'm sure you can prearrange that with your driver.

We did drive by a camel meat processing plant, and I saw a carcass in one of the open room. I'm glad I only saw it from a distance. As the car got closer to the market I also saw one or two dead camel carcasses on the side of the road.

MissGreen

I'd enjoy seeing the carmel market if they are all being treated kindly.

Casual_Cairo

Miss Green - don't count on that. Remember most of the camels being sold there are being sold to the butchers for meat.

MissGreen

CC....That what makes me a bit hesitant in Egypt & Petra... potentially donkeys or horses in the sun all day baking around the pyramids etc... I think I would rather walk than put the animal through it. I would love a pet Donkey btw... my husband is sick of me saying it!

jahlie

MissGreen, I don't remember how I came across this website, but if you contact them I know they'll address your concerns and perhaps give you some peace of mind http://www.ace-egypt.org.uk/ (maybe Casual_Cairo?) I sent them an email asking where I could ride camels that are treated humanely and got a reply in a few days. I was told that camels don't respond well to bad treatment so are generally treated pretty well. If the stables look clean and the have access to food and water, then they're fine. It looks like an admirable organization.

MissGreen

Jahlie... thank you so much for that website. I am a softie.. I could feel tears briming in my eyes as I read the website. I have contacted them about adopting Felix the donkey! (His picture is there and he is so cute.. !) The form I needed to fill out didnt show up so I will wait for the inform. Thank you so much.

MissGreen

I clicked on a video.. I shouldn't of done it. I am in tears. Not sure how I'm going to go in Egypt. I so wish I was super rich... so I could offer so much to them.

Casual_Cairo

In Cairo at the Giza area, I highly recommend Nasr Breesh and his stable NB. He has earned a good reputation with the expat foreigners here in Egypt as one they can trust their animal with if they lease or buy a horse and need to board it. His horses and camels are well looked after, and you can see the difference between his and the others when you go there. If anyone needs directions or phone number, let me know.