This morning we were greeted at the hotel by our Egypt operator including a tour coordinator, guide, and driver for the two of us. They drove us to the Meridien Pyramids to check into our room overlooking the pyramids. The room was lovely and well worth the cost.
After check in, we drove to the nearby Sphinx and Pyramids. Contrary to my impressions from books and movies, the pyramids are essentially located in the center of Cairo (Giza is one side of the Nile, Old Cairo is the other, but they are all part of one large 22 million person metropolis). We were literally in stop and go 6 lane traffic with commericial buildings all around and there were the pyramids on our left. The Sphinx was right across the street from Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Despite the metropolitan location, the pyramids did not disappoint. They are an architectural phenomenon for our time, let alone 4500 BC when they were first built. We were able to climb up the first 20 or so steps to get a sense of the amazing gradeur of the Great Pyramid. The entire pyramid had once been covered by a white limestone sheath so that it at one time looked like a smooth, glistening, and geometrical perfect pyramid.
Travelers are allowed to enter only a short distance within the pyramid. Unfortunately, I was still suffering from terrible TD so I was not up for very much. We headed instead to the panoramic viewpoint where you see most photos of the 3 pyramids, complete with the swath of the only sand in the area.
Next, we visited the Sphinx, standing in a crowded line waiting to get close enough for a good photo. While we waited, our guide detailed the theories of the Sphinx creation and the reasons for the statue.
We finished our tour shortly after noon and headed back to the hotel for some much needed R and R to recover from our stomach troubles. We ordered room service (soup and bread) and spent much of the afternoon napping so that we would be ready for the evening Sound and Light Show.
The Sound and Light Show was truly incredible. They had ~ 200 chairs set outside the Sphinx. Using lasers and dramatic colored spotlights, the Sphinx narrated the history of the Pyramids and Ancient Egypt. Though the historical accuracy was questionable, the show was beautiful and the temperatures by evening are comfortable.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.