Nile by Felucca 28 Nov

I'm signed up and gradually getting myself sorted out.  I've just booked my airport transfer so I should be about ready by the time the 28th of November comes around.

Dean

Hi Dean. Im getting my Visa application in the post tomorrow so hopefully everything will be ok in time. I think the Felucca will be fun - I cant wait, it seems like ages away yet.  Miranda

I was going to wait until I got there and get it at Cairo Airport.  I think I can add that to my organised column as I've at least made a decision, even if I haven't got the visa.

Hi. I spoke to Exodus today and they said I could get the visa done at the airport, which I might actually do now as Im worried about the postal strikes and potentially losing my passport in the post!  Have you been to Egypt before? I went on a one day trip from Cyprus years ago, so I have seen the pyramids but have always wanted to go down the nile and see some of the other temples. 

I think the trip notes said it was £15 at Cairo airport.  I went to Kenya a couple of years back and not only did I have the hassle of posting my passport, the queue at the airport for people with visas took twice as long as the one for people paying on the spot.  This time I thought I'd pick it up there and eliminate the problems of our postal service.

This'll be my first time in Egypt and at the moment I'm looking forward to the whole Felucca thing.  I quite fancy the idea of drifting along doing next to nothing.

Thanks for the top tip about the visa. I nearly posted it today too and then thought Id better check to see if it was necessary or not - Im glad I did now.

Im doubly looking forward to the trip on the Felucca as it will be my birthday one of the nights we are on there and I cant think of a better way to spend it - under the stars on a boat on the Nile having a bit of an adventure. 

Hi both.

Sounds like I'm not the only one slightly confused about this.  If it can definitely be done on arrival, then that suits me; one less thing to sort out beforehand.  Still need to look into vaccinations though.

 Anyway, really looking forward to the trip.   

Chris

Thanks for the reminder!! Blimey, better get that booked in. Need to get a sleeping bag too - any recommendations anyone? 

You can definitely get your visas on arrival in Cairo.  I asked someone today who's just returned and that's what he did.  Didn't ask about vaccinations though...

The trip notes say "It is advised that you are vaccinated against diphtheria; tetanus; poliomyelitis; hepatitis A and typhoid." and that November-February is 3-season sleeping bag weather on the Felucca.

I've got a feeling that tetanus, polio and hep A are standard vaccinations in the UK.  Don't know about typhoid and diptheria and I wouldn't rely much on any medical advice from me.

As far as sleeping bags go I'm going to take my 2-season and a liner.  If I do get cold then I'll wrap up a bit warmer and wear a hat.  I think temperature is hard to gauge because it depends so much on how many people are in the room, draughts, what you're lying on, etc.

Save yourself £90 and get your jabs done at the GP. If you get them booked in now you should be ok, leave it too late and you may not get a slot. Dont leave it until the last minute either - Ive been told they can take 28 days to kick in!

Hi All,

 I'm contemplating signing up for this trip but this would not only be my first trip with Exodus, but my first holiday alone.

 Do I have anything to worry about?

 Matt 

Hi. Its my first time on an Exodus tour and my first time travelling alone too. Nothing to worry about as far as I can see as this trip is designed for solo travellers. Cant wait!

I'm glad, I wasn't the only girl going on the trip! I'm looking forward to meet you all, hopefully we would get along just fine. I've been reading the comments and it was a good thing that I did! I still got a few things left to do too including... How am I going to get to the airport and back without using a taxi or my parents as a taxi driver?? If anyone living in a Lincolnshire or Cambridgeshire area please let me know maybe we could shares a cost of fuel and parking fee.

 

Just made an appointment for next week, can someone come to hold my hand please... hehe. I can't wait to get it out of the way then I need to make another appointment for the third one!

I had two injections that covered all 5 - one in each arm... man did it hurt the next day - dont try and lift anything heavy.

How's your arms now? Have you got everything sort it out yet?

Hi. Not sure what your name is...?

My arms are fine now, it took a few days to wear off. Just bought a rucksack for the trip so the only thing left to get is a sleeping bag - they all seem to cost a fortune. After that its a question of what to pack and how much money to take. Im gonna do the visa at Cairo. How are you getting on?

Nice to hear from you. I'll get my visa over there. I'm having my jabs next week then another one as a later date, not looking forward to it at all. I don't have a sleeping bag and have no idea how much money should I take with me but that wasn't a big problem if I don't leave it too late! I can borrow from someone (sleeping bag). I don't want to spend more than I have too and I still got to sort out my parking fee at airport and that was it, I think.

I stumbled across 50% off sleeping bags in Millets this week, so snapped up a bargain :-) 

As far as what to pack, Im pretty sure Im going to pack much more than I actually need as always. I think we need to cater for a variety of temperatures and weather conditions, so a bit of everything will probably end up going in.

It will be an adventure for sure and I cant wait!

What a bargain! You must be please with it. I think, you're right about packing. You never know what are you going to needs especially when you are a lady.. hehe.. I think, I'll bring my hair strightener with me.. just joking.

Hmmm, no shower on the felucca for 3 nights, plus all kinds of weather, it will be a guaranteed disaster zone for my hair. You'll be able to pick me out of the crowd though - I'll be the one wearing a baseball cap 24/7   >_<

I'm sure your hair would looks fine and at least you got some to help to protect your head from the sun. As for me I have more than enough, difinitely needs cutting before the trip.   

Hi Miranda, and everyone else. Just touching base as the trip's starting to get nearer now, and I need to start getting organised!! Thought I'd look at what everyone else has done about jabs as getting mine sorted tommorrow (assuming the jabs I had for Tanzania a few years ago are out of date).

Phil

Hi Phil

www.nomadtravel.co.uk do travel check lists, which is a good guide on what to pack, although Im cutting out some stuff as it caters for campers too. The only thing Im not sure about is whether Im gonna need some kind of mozzy net at night on the boat - just to cover my head popping out of the sleeping bag.

Can anyone recommend a mozzy spray that doesnt repel absolutely everything coz it stinks so much? 

I've never tried it, and I don't personally know anyone who has, but there is a story that circulates about Avon's Skin So Soft range.  Apparently it wards off mosquito. 

They also seem to have brought out some specific insect repellant.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Avon-Skin-Spray-Fresh-150ml/dp/B001GUAWO2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1256464281&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Avon-Skin-So-Soft-Guard-Expedition-Spray/dp/B001GRV9OW/ref=pd_sim_kh_2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Avon-Guard-Picaridin-Vitamin-Spray/dp/B0026NR2OQ/ref=pd_sim_kh_3

Hello All,

It's getting ever closer now - very excited. Glad that the visa can be got at airport... and hopefully there won't be too many mossies, and the no shower thing won't be too traumatic... ah well I'll be on holiday so that should keep me in good humour :)

Bit worried about a BMI flight all the way to Egypt.. I've only ever used them short haul!

 Katy 

 

Hopefully it would be a good break for everyone. I can't wait!

Just been sent the joining instructions which state that we should have our visas sorted before we travel!! Im guessing that is a standard piece of text and that they havent suddenly changed their minds on that front!? (gulp)

Checked out the hotel on trip advisor... http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294201-d302696-Reviews-Maadi_Hotel-Cairo.html 

M  

Don't worry about the visa.  That last e-mail said:

 "If you are a British passport holder and a visa is required for your trip, a visa information sheet will have been sent to you with your booking confirmation. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct documentation before you travel."

And the visa information sheet says:

 "British passport holders require a visa for Egypt. If you are not a British passport holder please check with the your nearest Egyptian Embassy. You can get your Egyptian visa either on arrival or before departure.If you wish to get your visa on arrival you will need the following• Visa fee of £15• Your passport (which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended length of stay)If you wish to get your visa before departure then we recommend the following:• Through Travcour who will apply for the visa on your behalf but there will be a service charge. They are a very experienced visa agency that Exodus has worked with for many years.• Or directly with the Egyptian Embassy."

As far as I'm aware the only thing you absolutely have to have sorted out beforehand is travel insurance.

Hi Guys

Is anyone going to be travelling up the M3? If you are do you fancy doing a car share??

Miranda 

Hi Miranda

Where abouts are you? I'm coming round the M25 from Epsom but may be able to pick you up on the way. Havent booked it yet but I was going to do a park and ride from a place near Windsor I've used before (if I can find their details!!). 

Phil.

Hi Phil

Im will be coming up the M3 from Winchester. I was thinking of heading up the night before and staying in one of the airport hotels - the cost is pretty much the same as paying for parking for a week.  

Miranda 

Hi Miranda

Winchester is probably less than an hour from me and isnt too far for me to pick you up on the way if you'd like. Give me a call on 07763 436897 if you want to discuss it.

Phil

... till we are in Egypt!!!

 Work has been crazy-busy so really looking forward to it.. saw some photos recently from a friend and the pyramids looked fantastic!

Katy

Hi Katy

Are you having as much trouble as me trying to decide what to pack? Not knowing what kind of weather we're gonna have and trying to cater for pretty much most things including sleeping out on a boat, is turning out to be a nightmare - particularly as my holdall isnt that big. I think I will just have to pack various layers and hope for the best! Hopefully I will be able to cobble something together if we decide to glam it up a bit one night - but I cant guarantee it. 

Miranda 

Hi Miranda

I know what you mean.. I had a rucksack that was pretty good for a week or two.. but add in a sleeping bag.. and there goes half the space. Treated myself to a 70 litre bag.. that I can probably nearly fit myself into.. but means that I have enough space and I am sure I shall use if again.

Packing.. well I guess its going to be warm (but I don't think really hot) during the day, and I reckon we'll need the layers for the evening and night. I'm going for crop trousers, t shirts and a couple of light jumpers and cardigans. Luckily my sleeping bag is 3 seasons so I shall be tucking down in that when we're on the felucca.

Glam it up.. well I think we should have at least one night like that... I've got one dress packed.. but its cotton so no sparkles :)

Katy 

 

Hi Katy

I think Ive packed and repacked 20 times already. The stupid thing is I probably wont wear everything in the end anyway. Layers are definitely the way forward but the jury is still out as to whether a coat will make it in or not. Think I might just make do with a waterproof jacket.

Good thinking on the dress front by the way - I do actually have one that doesnt crease (much).

Toiletries even in 100ml bottles still take up a chunk of space (or is that just me?).

Not long now... yay! 

See holiday-weather.com for a weather forcast for the next week (separate listings for Cairo, Luxor & Aswan). Looks to be hottest about 6pm in the evenings - about 24*C up to 32*C on some days!! Mucher colder at night and early morning though - down to about 11*C at night and only 5*C on a couple of days.  

Phil

I think you can probably get away without anything waterproof.  Annual rainfall for Egypt south of Cairo is only 1-2 inches. http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT000180

Other than that I'm just going for the standard set of summer clothes, sunglasses, hats, sun-block, wet-wipes, and a warm top.

 

Hi Miranda

I went on the October Felucca trip and I can honestly tell you that it was the most amazing experience ever - you will love it. Its the perfect amount of time to relax after seeing all the sites, beautiful. I am going back in January it was that great. If you are lucky you will get Captain cheeky - dont play him at cards - he always wins!  O and dont worry about the lack of toilet facilities its fine, and bathing in the Nile is an amazing experience.

Enjoy

Jacqui G

Just read through some of the other comments, my advice, Take plenty of Afterbite! But there are lots of pharmacys around. And yes you get your visa at the Thomas cook desk at the airport it was about £12

In terms of getting delhi belly, our group only got ill on the plane going home eating the airplane food!

JacquiG

Hi Jacqui

Thanks for the info.. the Felucca seemed daunting and now I know what it is like I feel totally chilled out. Flying tomorrow - SO EXCITED!!

 Katy