ABOUT EGYPT

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Having traveled to and lived in Egypt, we have found that even during the “Arab Spring”
and political unrest, the people of Egypt are kind, helpful and peaceful. Always check the
news and your country authority on travel to get advice and needed information to confirm
the appropriateness of travel at the time you choose. Don’t be alarmed from the prominent
presence of police, tourist police, and army wherever you go, this is for the safety of all.
Egypt is very keen on safety as tourism is a major income to the country.

Is it safe for women to travel alone?

Many women travel alone in Egypt and find it safe. The police, tourist police, and army are
always close by and the Egyptians themselves are generally safe and will try to protect solo
travelers. Although the chances of being confronted are almost negligible, please ensure
that you take the same precautions that you would anywhere else and do not be tempted to
walk in deserted areas alone. You may receive some invitations, which overall are innocent,
do not accept any of these from strangers as you wouldn’t anywhere else you travel to.

Do I need a Visa for entry into Egypt?

For American, Canadian, Australian, British and most European passport holders can
receive a visa upon arrival at the airport. There are additional nationalities that can receive a
visa upon arrival. Please check your requirements for travel with your local Egyptian consulate or embassy.

Are any vaccinations required for travel in Egypt?

Varying health organizations and countries have recommendations that change for all
countries around the world. There are no specific requirements. Always check the news
and your local authority on recent or new developments prior to traveling anywhere.

What are the best months to travel to Egypt?

In general Egypt has great temperatures throughout the year and has varying regions that
are more seasonal than others. Check the various destination pages for general best times
and average weather conditions.

Traveling during Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic Calendar with the beginning and end marked by the
astronomical new moon, so it always falls on the same day of the Islamic Calendar (a lunar
calendar), but the date on Gregorian Calendar (a solar calendar) varies from year to year. It
is a month of fasting, prayer, and introspection, so Muslims abstain from ingesting any
substance from sunrise to sunset every day.

During Ramadan, the general pace of life in Egypt slows down compared to that in normal
days. Shops, museums, and historical attractions officially close earlier before sunset.
Almost all Muslims try to get home or to a restaurant in time for the “Iftar” (meal to break the
fast), which is at sunset every day.

Some restaurants and cafés open only after sunset and may stop serving alcoholic
beverages during this month, while almost all hotels operate normally, including their
restaurants and bars serving meals and alcoholic drinks as usual, as many tourists
love to explore Egypt during this special month.

Houses, mosques and alleyways are specially decorated with “Fanous Ramadan” (special
Ramadan lanterns), creating a magical atmosphere. Some hotels may hold “celebrations and music performances” until late at night, as the city comes to life again from sunset until dawn.

Thought a little inconvenient as it may be, visiting Egypt during Ramadan is truly a
fantastic way to discover an important part of the Egyptian culture and enjoy the special
atmosphere pervading throughout the country. The culture and the festivities make for a
uniquely rewarding experience.

What’s Egypt policy on Alcohol?

Alcohol is permitted in Egypt. Usually you are allowed 2 liters (2 bottles) of spirits, there
may be promotions or further allowances, it’s always good to check from your departing
country. There are duty free shops at Cairo international and most major airports in Egypt
where you are permitted to purchased alcohol up to 48 hours after your arrival. There are
also in city duty free shops, check online for Egypt duty free locations. There are local
alcoholic wines, beers and spirits which are purchasable throughout Egypt. There are many
bars, clubs and restaurants that have alcohol menus. Please note that the public
consumption of alcohol is forbidden.

How much time should I plan on spending in various cities or areas in Egypt?

Depending on your unique travel style, what you want to get out of your trip and what your
unique Egyptian tale entails, we will conceive the most value and unique travel experience
for you. Generally, Egypt is vast in terms of experiences and you can spend as short as a few
hours in a city, town or region to a week or more and still discover and experience new
things.

What should I pack for my trip to Egypt?

We will provide details on any specific attire required based on the tale we have crafted for
you. Generally, Egypt is moderate with regards to the attire.

Can I use my credit/debit cards easily?

Yes. Most places accept credit and debit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard. As for
American Express and Discover, it is less acceptable. You are advised to carry cash when
shopping in the many street markets (souks) or in small villages or towns.

Are there plenty of ATM’s?

Almost every bank has an ATM outside it, or just inside the front doors. Many shopping
malls have standalone ATM’s and you can also find them located on some sidewalks with
high foot traffic. Airports and railway stations also have ATM’s as do the larger tour
company offices and gas stations.

What voltage does Egypt have, and what kind of plugs?

Egypt has a voltage supply of 220V, and the plugs are the 2-round pin type that is common
throughout Europe (except the UK). Most devices can be used with an adapter such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets. Make sure you read about the device you wish to charge or plug in for use as to ensure that it can accept the voltage.

Can you purchase alcohol in Egypt?

Yes. Local alcohol is available. Beer wine and spirits. Imports are available for purchase from duty free shops up to 48 Hours after arrival.

Is it common practice to provide gratuity in Egypt?

It is customary to provide gratuity between 2%-5%. It is not compulsory. Rewarding
exceptional service and the act of giving is always a positive gesture.

Will I be able to easily exchange Dollars, Euros, British Pounds or other currencies in

Egypt?

Yes, there are many banks and exchange offices throughout Egypt. Its recommended to
exchange what’s needed when you arrive at the airport.

Is it safe to drink the water in Egypt? What about the ice?

It is highly recommended to drink only bottled water. The water in Egypt is safe but
various bacteria effect people differently.

CULTURAL

Clothing in Mosques and other holy places.

How should I dress for entering a mosque (male)?

The protocol does ask for men to wear long trousers as opposed to shorts, though
Egyptians are used to the latter being worn and so say nothing, or little if it occurs.

How should I dress for entering a mosque (female)?

The protocol does ask for women to cover bare skin as much as possible and so shoulders,
especially, should be covered and a simple scarf will suffice. Again, it is advised to wear
long trousers, or skirts, as legs should also be covered. Heads do not need to be covered,
despite what some tourist books say, though it is a sign of respect if you do this.

What clothes should I wear when visiting sites?

This really depends on which site you are visiting and at what time of the day. Some offer
little shade and so you should ensure that you do not have too much skin available for the
sun to burn (the Giza Pyramids, in the afternoon, is a prime example of this). Temples are
well shaded so you do not have to cover so much, but remember that even though they are
shaded well, tombs tend to accumulate the heat from the sun as well as the many visitors,
so try to wear something lightweight in them, especially cotton fabrics. Though many
people like to wear open-toed sandals, please note that many of the floors are exceedingly
un-level and so it can be easy to stub your toes. Ladies, please do not wear high heels; not
only can you easily break them, they can also become trapped between the large stones in
flooring, and you will also find you will tend to slip and slide on the stone. High heels and
sand are not the best partners either as the heels will sink in (you may laugh, but many
ladies do insist on wearing high heels).

Are there any special customs I should observe?

Yes, most Egyptian customs differ from the Western customs due to the cultural and religious differences, we point out a few below;

• It’s common for men to greet each other with a kiss on each cheek and a hug. This is
not a sign of preferred sexual orientation.

• It’s the norm that women do not great men in any physical way but rather verbally
only. However, you will find in different venues, areas and amongst varying classes that
physical greeting of men and women via a handshake, kiss on the cheek or hug is also
acceptable. Ask if you are not sure.

• Normal contact is quite acceptable, but intimate actions in the public such as kissing,
and fondling may irritate most.

• Most mosques require visitors to remove their shoes before entering.

• It is not allowed to take photos of soldiers, tanks or any other military property.

SAILING

What conditions should I expect sailing in the Nile?

The Nile is calm and moderated by the Great Dam in Aswan. You should not feel any motion
sickness as there are no waves. Nevertheless, it’s always recommended to have “seasickness” medication, just in case.

What is included in my sailing price?

Unless otherwise specified, our sailing experience includes room and board as well as site
visits, tickets, professional guides and entertainment as well as transportation from airport
or hotel in Luxor to the sailboat and similarly in Aswan to any destination in the
city or the airport.

Is alcohol available aboard?

Alcohol is permitted on board, but you should bring your own or request support from our
staff to purchase locally.

Can I privatize/charter the cruise?

Yes, we would be pleased to accommodate your charter dates. Check availability in our Availability Calendar at our Nile Sailing page and contact us to curate your journey.

Is a guide included in the sailing price?

Yes, we always have a Host on board and a Guide for all the various visits.

Is WiFi available on board?

Although it’s time to switch that phone, computer or ipad off, we have wifi on board.

How many people fit in a room? Can you have 3 people per room?

Please refer to the Room section on our Nile Sailing page. All our rooms can accommodate 2 people, and some accommodate 3.

Do you provide discounts on the sailing for Egyptian residents?

Our sailing is priced the same for all.

Are children allowed on board the cruise?

If you have chartered or booked all of the rooms in a group of family or friends, you may bring
children of all ages. If you are just booking a room, we allow children 12 and over.

What time does the sailing start in Luxor?

We start sailing at 12:00 PM noon on the scheduled departure date

What time does the cruise end in Aswan?

We are usually docked in Aswan by the 4th evening. Checkout time on scheduled sails is
12:00 PM.

What clothes should I wear while sailing?

You may wear whatever you like onboard.

What type of cuisine/food do you serve while sailing?

Kemet offers a sumptuous & elegant iternational, fusion & local cuisine. The menu has been curated by a remarkable local chef. It is regionally aspired and sourced and designed to intrigue and please all pallets!

Which meals and drinks are included while sailing?

Unless otherwise stated, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are included in your stay; as well as mineral water, tea, coffee, fresh juices & carbonated drinks. For those early risers, tea and coffee service will be available. Meals typically consist of the following:

• Breakfast: Continental and a la carte Egyptian

• Afternoon tea: (Selection of pastries, cookies and fresh fruits)

• Lunch & Dinner: International & Egyptian faire

We usually serve the meals on the upper deck in open or enclosed areas dependent on weather.

Can you accommodate my special dietary requirements?

Yes, please email us all your dietary restrictions so that we may accommodate them.

Is it safe to swim in the Nile?

Yes, it is, please ask the staff.

How much should I tip the crew?

It is customary to tip between 2% and 5%, but it is not compulsory.

Is it possible to shorten or extend the sailing?

If you charter, we can accommodate any number of days. We recommend a minimum of 4 nights to give you enough time to explore the wonders of the Thebaid. If you are onboard our regular or a pre-planned sailing trip and need to join later or leave earlier, please contact us for that possibility.

Following the sailing, how can I travel to Aswan or back to Luxor?

Our sailing includes transporting you anywhere in Aswan or the airport. If you need travel arrangements beyond that, please contact us for support and arrangements.

POLICIES

What are our payment terms, cancellation and refund policies?

Our payment terms and refund policy is reflected at checkout or on your curated itinerary
as they vary.