Privétour naar de Abu Simbel-tempel vanuit Aswan

I will forever remember this trip to Egypt especially the time spend with Shimaa Esmail our guide. She share her knowledge and love of her country with us and her professionalism is undeniably the best I’ve seeing. She made us feel welcomed and safe whenever we were with her. I will consider her a friend forever.. Margarita Symia

I usually visit places of interest on my own. But not in situations where the historical richness and network of connections won't give you a chance to explore it. We shouldn't leave them known only in a small part. For me, one of such places was Egypt last April, specifically Abu Simbel, Aswan, Luxor area (although I prefer the original name Waset), then Sakkara, Dahshur, Giza and Cairo. If you're a professor of Egyptology or you have 6 months to gain knowledge - OK you' re a lucky guy. I had only 8 days and didn't want to waste even one. Believe me a local guide and as small group as possible is the best solution. Local - it is very important. Guide's plate opens many official places, but real local secrets and tricks are known only to few. A small group (I opted for the smallest - I was alone) is the key to a valuable trip. A private tour is obviously more expensive, but if you really want to learn something, it will be the best used money on your trip. If you just need a photo for social media, it is rather not worth it (unless a photo with Abu Simbel behind your back and without the crowd in the background is a 'must have', there is no choice - you have to buy a private tour ;) ). I've initiated contact with Mohammed Badawy through a recommendation found on a blog (thanks Koen!) few days before my trip. I spent two wonderful, extremely interesting days with Mohammed. He is not an 'ordinary´ tour guide. Contact him if you plan to visit Upper Egypt. You will be more than satisfied, and believe me after your return you will be narrating to your friends and family for weeks what you had seen and had heard.

Abu Simbel is jaw dropping. Don't go to Egypt without seeing it! Well worth the drive. The scale is astounding but to know it was moved, along with the hillside, to save it from the flood is mind blowing. My guide Shenouda Habib was a walking encyclopedia and taught me so much.