Traveling with group leader Doug Baum provides an
insight into the local culture that is just not
available otherwise. Baum's relationships among the
Bedouin with whom you'll stay in the Sinai started out
not as a business venture, but as a cultural
connection he was seeking. Doug, a camel trek guide in
Texas since 1999, longed for more knowledge about the
camel and its role in the lives of nomads and
semi-nomadic peoples.
After much searching, Doug
was "connected" with Saleh bin Suleiman of the Muzeina
Bedouin tribe in South Sinai. The bond forged between
the two transcends commerce. Baum is welcomed and
accepted as family into the homes and tents of Saleh and
his extended relations and, by association, so are the
guests who accompany him.
Doug made numerous visits
before the idea to guide trips in Egypt was ever thought
of. In fact, Baum feared that exploiting these very
relationships might ruin what he loved so much. The
economic impact that is left on Saleh's family is key in
Doug's mind, to his reconciling bringing guests into
what was, in the beginning, a very private journey for
him. It is with the utmost responsibility and
sensitivity that Doug operates his trips to maintain
this credibility.
Bedouin children come
running from the village at Wadi Samghi when they hear
that "Doo-glas" is approaching. The silly magic tricks
he's taught them are mimicked by the kids visit after
visit. Ask Baum, though, and he'll tell you he's
received far more from the Bedouin than they've ever
received from him. Doug is honored to share
these relationships and knows that far after your memory
of the Pyramids and the sight, sounds and smells of the
souks fade, it will be these bonds that you recall when
remembering your trip to Egypt and Sinai.
Day one: Arrival in
Cairo.
Meets and assist from
airport to home of Adel Said Hamza, Giza, Egypt.
Day two: Transfer via private van/bus across
Sinai Desert to Red Sea port town of Nuweiba. Overnight
at home of Saleh bin Suleiman, Muzeina Bedouin.
Day three: Jeep transfer to village of Wadi
Samghi to meet camels. Trek to Wadi Arwaybayya to stay
in tent of Salem and Emira and family.
Day four: Camel trek (hike Closed Canyon en route
to oasis of Ein Hudra, believed to be the Biblical oasis
of Hazeroth where we overnight in thatched huts).
Day five: Camel trek (visit Maktoub, the
Inscription Rock, en route to 3,500 year old Nabataean
tombs of Nawamis). Private transfer to town of St.
Katherine. Overnight at Monastery Guest House.
Day six: Early morning hike up Mt. Sinai and tour
inside of 1,600 year old Christian Monastery of St.
Katherine at base of Mt. Sinai. Afternoon transfer via
private van/bus back to Cairo. Overnight at home of Adel
Said Hamza, Giza, Egypt.
Day seven: Visit camel market of Birqash (suburb
of Cairo) and take guided tour of Pyramids in Giza by
camelback. Climb inside either the Great Pyramid of
Khufu or the middle Pyramid of Khafre. Overnight at home
of Adel Said Hamza, Giza, Egypt.
Day eight: Guided tour of Egyptian Museum (which
houses King Tut's treasures) and Citadel. Evening
shopping at historic Khan el Khalili market and visit
adjacent Al Azhar mosque. Transfer to airport &
departure or connect to another Egypt itinerary.
Egypt
Tours
