Podcast conversation with Amr Badr.
Amr is a wealth of information on Egypt. From knowing the hotel rooms with the best views, to how to navigate the culture, to access to fascinating people and places. We had a great conversation about the range of cultural, historic, culinary and active experiences in this intriguing country.
HOTELS – a few favorites:
- Cairo
- Marriott Mena House
- 4S Nile Plaza
- 4S First Residence
- Nile Ritz Carlton
- St Regis – opened in Jan 2021 Upper Egypt
- Sofitel Winter Palace, Luxor
- Sofitel Old Cataract, Aswan – where Agatha Christie stayed – writing Death on the Nile
- Eco Nubia Lodge, Aswan
Nile Cruises
- Sanctuary Nile Adventurer – named as one of National Geographic’s ‘Journeys of a lifetime
- Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
- Sanctuary Sun Boat III- several times been voted among the top 100 most beautiful boats in the world by Condé Nast readers
- Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau – Spectacular and available only for private charter
EXPERIENCES
- Cruise on the Nile
- Culinary
Adventure/Active
- Scuba diving in the Red Sea
- Hiking in Jabal Musa, Sinai
- Rock climbing in Wadi Gnai
- Camping in the White Desert
- Kite Surfing
- Camels
FASCINATING PEOPLE
- Everyday Egyptian people and families
- Egypt historians and experts
- Former ambassadors
- Former first lady of Egypt
Unconventional transportation
- Camel
- ATV
- Hot air balloon
- Felucca (a typical Egyptian sailboat)
Some Favorites
- Lunch on the Nile in a felucca (super romantic)
- Pier 88 Bar & Restaurant
- Khan Al Bazaar, Cairo
- El Gouna, Red Sea
Insider Access/behind the scenes
- Great pyramids, up to the paws of Sphinx
- Grand Egyptian Museum
- Temples & Tombs
- Royal Palaces
- Hot Air Balloon over Luxor
Takeaway tips/info
- Low season – May-Sep
- High season – Dec, Feb-Apr
- Wake early to beat the heat
- Bring small bills for tips and inexpensive market items
- There are a lot of steps – bring comfortable shoes