Water Mountain Expedition 17th Feb- 25th Feb, 2024 (9 Days)
Overview:
Deep in the heart of the Western Desert of Egypt there is a ‘stone temple’ dating thousands of years old. The site was recently discovered in 2001 by the German explorer Carlo Bergmann. Carlo explored the desert relying entirely on his physical stamina and on the ‘ships of the desert’, the camel, Carlo followed ancient trails based on the writings of historians and geographers. The discovery of the Mountain was the highlight of the German explorer’s desert research work and it had provided massive new information on Ancient Egyptian existential projects and travels in the Libyan Desert; thus, this is one of the most important sites in the Western Desert of Egypt.
This expedition is unique and exceptional at this time for many reasons including; first, the area had been off-limits for the last 10 years and we have been granted a permission to access; second, the entire area is full of prehistoric rock art that has not been properly surveyed and new sites can actually found; third, we have time to invest in the area in search of and documenting the known sites; finally, you are to join two of the most experienced desert guides, and organizers in Egypt, Mahmoud Marai and Abdu Shaban.
The expedition will start from Al-Haiz, the southernmost village of the Baharyia Oasis, in well-equipped, and well-maintained Land Cruisers. The vehicles and crew will have our provisions and supplies loaded and we will be ready to begin our desert expedition. First, we will head towards one of the oldest caves with paintings and hand prints, Obayied Cave. Following visiting this site, we will advance into the formidable dunes of the Great Sea of Sand; a land mass the size of England with only sand dunes. Finally we will arrive at the foot of the Djedefra Water Mountain to camp for two nights to marvel at the site and explore nearby areas. The last day will take us to Dakhla Oasis where we will dive into a hot natural spring and a traditional Bedouin dinner.
Itinerary
Cairo- Al Haiz Oasis- Obayied Cave- Great Sea of Sand- Water Mountain- Dakhla Oasis- Cairo
Duration
8 nights/ 9 days
Full- Board Accommodation
Detailed Program
Day 1
Saturday 17th Feb
Meet in Cairo and drive to Baharyia Oasis in a private, comfortable shuttle bus.
Timing and arrangements will be organized once we know when our guests/participants will arrive. Arriving to Al-Haize Eco Lodge for welcome drinks, orientation and check-in.
Bedouin BBQ dinner and union with the entire group and crew.
Day 2
Sunday 18th Feb
7:00
Wake up and breakfast
8:00AM
Checkout and help our crew in loading the vehicles with our luggage.
9:00
Drive to Obayied Cave. Depending on our timing and progress we will plan what else can be done during this first day. However, lunch, and dinner will be served by our crew in camp in the desert.
Day 3- Day 7
Monday 19th Feb- Friday 23th Feb
Our daily routine will be waking up by first sunlight; a bonfire is lit for a warm reunion; hot drinks and refreshments served as our crew prepare for us breakfast. You will begin to pack all your belongings at this time and by the time breakfast is ready, all your materials, luggage and camping gear should be delivered at the cars. As you are having breakfast our crew will start loading the vehicles and dismantling camp.
We should start our daily drive by around 9.30AM to have plenty of time to cover ground and explore. We will be stopping whenever we have an interest in a place or to look for something new. At midday, we will stop to rest and have lunch. Following food and a good cup of strong traditional Bedouin tea, we will resume our course.
Each day we will sleep in a different location, and we will set camp prior to sunset to enjoy the last moments of the sun as it sets in the western horizon. A typical day will look like this
6:00
Wake up and coffee/tea
7:00
Breakfast
9:00
Leave camp and start progressing into the desert
12:30
Stop for rest and lunch
14:00
Resume course towards night camp.
18:00
Stop for night camp
20:00
Dinner
Day 8
Saturday 24th Feb
6:00
Wake up and breakfast 7:00
Breakfast
9:00
Leave camp and start progressing towards Dakhla Oasis to dive in a hot natural water spring 16:00
Arrive camp in Dakhla to have dinner and sleep
Day 9
Sunday 25th Feb 6:00
Wake up
7:00
Breakfast
8:00
Drive towards Al-Haiz Oasis, 450km away 13:00
Arrive at AL-Haiz for wash-up, rest and lunch. 15:00
Hop on the private shuttle and drive to Cairo.
NOTE:
This is only an approximate schedule for our expedition; however, this is a completely un-structured type of undertakings and timings may vary.
PRICE: 1890 EUROS/ All Inclusive (no alcohol please)
Special discounts for past participants from previous tours and for groups more than 3 travelers.
This price includes the following
- – All transportation from and to Cairo.
- – All meals minimum 3meals/day/wanderer.
- – All supplies of bottled water needed for the hike.
- – All permissions, guides, camels and the support is also vehicle included.
- – All camping gears is also provided which include, a mattress, and blankets; however, you may bring yourown favorite sleeping bag.
- – Price does not include international flights, or any hotels in CairoFor Guests coming from overseas; we can provide additional assistance during their visit. These servicesinclude
- – Meet and Assist in Cairo airport whenever you will arrive. And drive you to the hotel (not included in the price).
- – Guests can extend their visits and we can plan additional activities, or extend our trip.*Please provide us with the flight details.
For any additional information and enquiries, kindly don’t hesitate to contact me at Whatsapp: +201220190989
mahmoudmarai@yahoo.co.uk or mahmoudmarei@email.arizona.edu
