Joanne Clayton: General Manager & Tour Organizer
Joanne is a full-time chef with 30 years of experience, originally from Toronto, Canada. She has called Egypt home for over five years, splitting her time between Dahab in Sinai and Bahariya Oasis in the Western Desert. With a strong background in hospitality, logistics, communications, and leadership, she manages bookings at the eco-lodge, organizes desert safaris, and builds complete itineraries—from a quick 2-day escape to a 30-day journey covering all of Egypt.
Deeply immersed in the Bedouin culture of the northern Oasis, Joanne has traveled extensively across Egypt. She understands travel timing, checkpoint procedures, and desert permissions, and will help design a customized itinerary for your Egyptian adventure. Don’t hesitate to reach out to her—she’s an invaluable resource for planning your trip.
📧 Email: alhaizegypt@gmail.com
🔗 Facebook: Joanne Clayton
https://web.facebook.com/joanneclayton.19/
Saied Shaban Ahmed: 4×4 Safari organizer and driver
Saied is part of this family-run business as the brother of the owner. He has spent his life leading desert safaris across Egypt’s Western Desert. With over 18 years of experience as a driver, guide, chef, and musician, Saied (whose name means “happy”) will always greet you with a smile.
🔗 Facebook: Saied Ahmed
https://web.facebook.com/saied.ahmed.1441
Kosa ‘Kabir’: Expert Bedouin Guide & 4×4 driver
Kosa “the elder” has spent a lifetime traversing the Western-Libyan Desert. He conducts regular exercises with the Egyptian Military teaching the young cadets how to drive, read GPS, manage mechanical issues and more in the desert. We are honored to have the inspiring and fun-loving Kosa on our team. Fun fact: he prefers green tea over the traditional Bedouin “red” tea.
Ibrahim Badry: Large event Bedouin chef & desert safari driver
A generational resident and organic farmer from Al Haiz Village, Ibrahim brings expert desert knowledge and a passion for satisfying guests with his delicious, traditional cooking style.
Rageb Abu Ala: 4×4 driver, mechanic
Rageb is an absolute pillar of good will and expertise. As a lead driver and the main mechanic for our fleet of seven Toyota Landcruisers, no deep-desert excursion takes place without him in the lineup.
Abdu Shawky: Ecolodge head chef
‘Aboudi’ as he is affectionately known, makes the most delicious meals from many fruits and vegetables from our land. Nephew of Abdu, his traditional Bedouin dishes are made with love you can taste.
Khaled & Waheed: Bedouin chefs, desert safari team players
Both are family and long-time team members. They handle all meals, camp setup, and tea service. Waheed is a talented drummer—and if the Bedouin music moves you, Khaled is your dance partner.
Mohammed ‘Mido’ Samir: our go-to-guy for all your needs at the Lodge or in the desert, you will definitely be calling ‘Mido!’: 