portia12

My husband wants to take a tour to Egypt but I'm not in the best physical shape. I can walk long distances just fine but do have some difficulty with climbing and I definitely do NOT want to ride a camel. I notice that all the tours have camel rides. Are the camel rides required or is alternative transportation offered for the timid?

thit_cho

My guess is that for the type of tour you are considering, the camel rides are short loops purely for entertainment, and not a trek into the desert. If that's the case, you will not be required to get on the camel.

bobi

There is a lot of stairs and in some cases a long walk to lots of sights. In the Valley of Kings all of the tombs have stairs, most very steep. It was also hot and stuffy in them (we went in October). I would advise you to take a comfortable pair of shoes and lots of water on each outing. I work in an office and exercise little but was able to see most everything by taking my time, tell you guide if you are having problems, and taking a rest whenever you can. No you can't be forced to ride a camel. I rode but not everyone in our group did. It was only a short distance and our boat met us at the end. Also, if you go on a cruise, that is a good way to rest and if you don't want to go on with the tour that day, you can stay on board. I would say to you GO! Don't miss this amazing country! As in my case, getting around in the airports getting there and back was much more tiring than the tour.

portia12

That you Thit cho and bobi for your replies. Bobi, you gave me confidence that I could handle the trip. Did you do a tour? If so, which company? Would you recommend them?

portia12

I can't spell. I meant to say Thank you not that you.

neejas

We just returned from a 2 week trip to Egypt last month. My mom went and had recently hurt her ankle. Our tour guides and directors were really great and accommodating. She used a light weight foldable wheelchair (14 pounds) and a collapseable chair/cane to get around some of the sites. The Cairo Museum had an elevator but was not working the day we visited, so she couldn't trek up to the second floor to visit the Mummy Room. We took a 7 day cruise along the Nile, and it was very relaxing and unbelievable to sit back and see the landscape.

The Valley of the Kings and Queens, you have to take a litte train down into the entrance and then from there, there are covered areas to sit with ceiling fans. Most of the tombs are along a walkable path and in close distance. There are steep ramps going inside, and small rooms cut inside.

The terrain to some sites is very rocky. Other sites/temples have really great walking paths. The desert heat is very dry, so if you can find some shade, the temperature drops several degrees. Bring lots of water and stay hydrated even if you don't feel thirsty.

As far as camel rides, we took a 15 min. camel ride along a short path. Not a ride into the desert as I imagined.

You need to just GO and enjoy. You'll be fine. The Egyptian people were so kind and mom had a blast and went to most of the sites and temples. We've been all over Europe, but Egypt has been one of our best vacations ever.

bobi

We went with Smithsonian Journeys. Overall it was a great tour. Our Egyptologist was Tarek Salim (I think I got it right) and his lectures every night were great. For anyone not familar with Ancient Egypt, it was very informative and really let you understand what you would see the next day. Also on the bus and at the sites (where allowed) our director would point out interesting things and answer questions. There was never a mix-up with arrangments and all hotels & cruise ship was wonderful. You can handle the trip just take your time, drink plenty of water and ENJOY. This wonderful country it not to be missed! I hope I can visit again in the future!

gail

I am not in good shape, somewhat overweight and there was no way I was getting on a stinky, nasty camel - we were in Egypt in 2001.

I never felt my unathletic-ness was any problem in Egypt - everyone was hot and tired. On most tours they either walk around sites at a lesiurely pace, stopping to point out history, memorable things and often then turn you loose for a while to see things on your own - and you do that at your own pace. The only climbing I had a problem with was climbing into the pyramid - the ancient Egyptians did not think to put handrails at the entrance.

Regarding the camel ride. Our camel opportunity came at the Great Pyramid. About half of those took the ride and the more intelligent half declined. The funniest part of the trip was when our daughter and another teenager on the tour ended up on a camel, we ended up tipping the camel man 6 times for the chance to take various photos and when I turned my back, they appeared to be going off into the desert. Mr. Camel Man kept telling me her was taking them on a "Leetle Ride" - which scared me half to death - but another small tip and they were returned to me.

Husband and daughter reported that the camels were smelly, had weird bugs on them and spit. In my opinion you are showing good judgement not to want to ride a camel.

sandi

Though I've done a short camel ride when in Kenya and found it fun and easy enough, I have to admit "a camel is not a pet." Ours happened to have been clean, no flies and had very thick and cushy seats and foot rests... we were lucky, compared to previous stories I had heard about others camel experiences.

When in Egypt, a camel ride was the last thing on my "to do" list and never gave it any further thought.

With the exception of the heat, depending on where and time of year, Egypt is a relatively easy adventure regardless one's physical condition.

PamR

Bobi, Just wanted to clarify that your tour guide was Tarek Swelim. I add that because some people may be searching on his name and not find your recommendation otherwise. He guided a tour I took years ago and you are right that he is excellent. I saw that he received a notation from Time Magazine as being one of the top international guides, too. Isn't Egypt amazing?

heymo

Just returned from Egypt, and can say I believe with a few exceptions you should be just fine. Valley of the Kings is more of a challenge since you will be either climbing stairs to visit a tomb (Tuthmosis III) or going down at an angle (Rameses IV) but if you take your time you should be okay.
As for the camel ride- we rode camels for an hour at the Great Pyramid. I found them neither smelly nor buggy- and it was a wonderful way to see the Pyramids. Of course you don't have to ride one, but for me it was part of being in Egypt. It would be like visiting India or Thailand and not riding an elephant!

Have a great time-you will love it!

bobi

Thank you PamR for the correct spelling for Terak Swelim's name. I found his business card later and realized the error. I am glad he has been recognized for his wonderful contributions to Egyptology. He also gave our group a great insight on the Muslim world and not only spoke on ancient Egypt but their history up to modern day. I have noticed in my new Archaelogy mag that he is leading a tour in January for Archaeological Institute of America Tours. Not plugging for them, but it would be a great learning experience for anyone going to Egypt.