In Egypt, not all travel hitches are man-made; desert sandstorms (including the Khamsin in March to May), which can play havoc with the local air schedules and tour itineraries, as well as the water level of the Nile, are two natural phenomenon. In this latter connection, some cruise vessels cannot pass through the Esna Lock for a period, and cruise / sightseeing schedules have to be amended. However, Abercrombie & Kent's Nile fleet have been designed with a shallow draft, which minimizes such problems, although delays may still occur due to the volume of vessels traversing the locks.

When traveling in Egypt, be prepared for early starts, often designed to avoid traveling during the hotter hours of the day, and to enjoy the monuments in the most favorable conditions. Inevitably some degree of mental and physical fatigue can result at times. The length of visits to Abu Simbel largely depends on flight punctuality (and delays may curtail sightseeing).

Travel Destinations

Domestic Flights

Egypt air is the primary airline operating. It has a modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Overbooking by the airline does occur and for this reason, punctual check-in is important.

At busy times of year, particularly local festivals, holidays and pilgrimage to Mecca, domestic flights are subject to change - often at short notice. Our local office works very closely with Egyptair to ensure minimum disruption to itineraries and every effort will be made to retain the original itinerary content. Changes can occur even after confirmation.

It is also prudent to take the first flights of the day whenever possible when flying to Upper Egypt from Cairo, although this will necessitate an early departure from the hotel.
There are however advantages to an early start in the day:

If you miss the first flight for any reason, for example because of re-scheduling, delays to incoming flights, or overbooking, on most days there is a later flight, whereas if you take an afternoon flight, you may not have alternative means of reaching your destination.
The early morning is a cooler time in which to travel.

Esna Lock
At peak times, congestion caused by the number of vessels waiting to pass through the lock at Esna, can mean delays which may affect the timing, and on rare occasions the duration of cruising and sightseeing programs. We will endeavor to advise you of any changes prior to your departure.

 

Nile Cruising

Cruising the Nile is not like conventional ocean cruising, and the actual distance covered on cruises between Aswan and Luxor is a mere 150 miles. Your cruise boat provides, primarily, a comfortable base from which to explore the famous sites. Nor is cruising for late risers! At peak times or during the hot summer months you may need to get up with the dawn to visit the monuments. Often a morning's sightseeing is completed by 10am.

A lack of proper docking facilities en route may require disembarkation on planks over rocks and up steep inclines. Sightseeing can also mean some strenuous walking across sands or walls. Sometimes boats dock against one another, several abreast, and so a view of the Nile cannot always be guaranteed. Our Sun Boats endeavor, wherever possible, to secure private docking facilities. We already have our own Abercrombie & Kent docking facilities in Luxor and Aswan.

Taxis

Taxis are a relatively cheap method of travel, but you should ensure you take a licensed taxi. Always agree the price before your journey and do not pay until you reach your destination. Drivers normally expect a 10% tip.