EGYPT
An Exclusive Ride in the OASIS of SIWA
October 19-26, 2008
10 Riders
Introduction
Eight hundred km southwest of Cairo and three hundred km from the nearest settlement, the oasis of Siwa remains a secret to most (but for how long…). Located in a 90 km-long depression, 18m below sea level, it is surrounded by a desert of golden dunes and salty lakes. Northeast of Siwa lies the vast Qattara depression, over one hundred meters below sea level, covered by salt.
In ancient times, the oasis was an important stopover along the caravan route running from North Africa to the Arabian peninsula and beyond. It was also considered to be one of the world’s most important oracle centers. Such was its reputation among the Greeks that Alexander the Great rode for days through the blistering desert, from what was to be the city of Alexandria, all the way to Siwa to consult the oracle of Amon. Today, the oasis is known for its spectacular landscapes, lush palm and olive groves, salt lakes, and some 230 natural freshwater springs that represent the principal life support system of the oasis.
Based at Adrere-Amellal, the unique eco-lodge created by Mounir Neamatalla nestled at the foot of a majestic mountain overlooking ancient olive and palm groves, you will be transported in a world that "caters to travelers who share a love of nature, a yearning for adventure and an appreciation of indigenous culture".
Every day, our intrepid horses, trucked all the way from Cairo a week prior to our arrival, will take us through a variety of unforgettable landscapes with gourmet picnic lunches in the shade of authentic and colorful Berber tents. Evenings are spent back at the lodge with candlelit dinners under the stars, each night in a surprise location!
To avoid two days of a lengthy and boring drive, a charter flight will whisk you in an hour-and-a-half from Cairo to Siwa’s military airstrip and back.
THE RIDE
Day 01 - (Sunday Oct. 19) - Cairo
Arrive at Cairo Airport – meet and greet by our exclusive representative who will assist you with all customs and visa formalities. Transfer to Four Seasons Hotel at First Residence and check in.
Overnight Four Seasons Hotel at First Residence 5*L
Day 02 - (Monday Oct. 20) – Day in Cairo
Morning visit to the Giza Plateau of (Pyramids, Sphinx, Sun Boat museum…) and possibly a privately owned Arabian stud Farm.
Afternoon at leisure (various tailor-made programs can be organized).
Dinner party
Overnight Four Seasons Hotel at First Residence 5*L
Day 03 – (Tuesday Oct. 21) Cairo - Siwa
After a buffet breakfast transfer to Cairo Airport to board our private charter for the 1 _ h flight to Siwa military airport.
Vehicle transfer to Adrère Amellal Eco-lodge (20mn) arriving in time for lunch.
During the afternoon meet the horses and a short ride to connect with your mount.
Dinner and Overnight Adrère Amellal Ecolodge
Days 4–07 (Oct. 22 to Oct.25) - Siwa
The next 4 days will be spent exploring on horseback the various areas surrounding the Oasis of Siwa. A different program each day full of surprises.
Overnights Adrère Amellal Ecolodge
Day 08 – (Sunday Oct. 26) - Siwa/Cairo
Morning at leisure or one last ride before lunch.
Transfer to Siwa Airport to board the private charter flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival our exclusive representative will transfer us to our hotel in Heliopolis where rooms are reserved for everyone to refresh and have a light dinner before transferring back to Cairo International Airport according to your flight home—unless you decide to extend your stay in Egypt with a cruise on the Nile: Oct. 27-31—Louxor to Aswan, on M.Y. “Nile Adventurer”, one of A&K’s most luxurious and exclusive boats!
End of service
For further details about this ride and possible extensions please email or call Christine Chauvin
Christine@adventuresonhorseback.com
Tel. +1-212-421 0671
Horses
The horses on this ride belong to a friend of Christine’s and are trucked from Cairo to Siwa (800km) one week before the ride. They are Arabian/ thoroughbred crosses; all trained to play polo. They are well schooled and extremely well taken care of.
Tack
English / polo saddles
Pace
The pace is moderate with sustained canters when the terrain permits. No galloping in deep sand!
Experience
It is important to have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience over varied terrain and to control a horse in any given circumstance. No beginners.
Hours of riding
From 3 to 6 hours in the saddle per day.
Weight limit: 190 lbs / 87 Kg.
ACCOMMODATION
Cairo: The Four Seasons at First Residence (Superior Rooms)
A five-star deluxe hotel, located on the Nile, Giza side, a few minutes from the city center. Spacious and elegantly furnished rooms with Nile River, side river and garden views.Includes a Fitness center and fully-equipped spa offering massages, sauna, jacuzzi, body-wraps, and specially-developed Egyptian beauty treatments. Business center open 24 hours, including all regular services and the “First Mall” shopping arcade next door offers elegant outlets and international designer names. Outdoor heated swimming pool.
Siwa: Adrere Amella Eco-lodge
Bordering the largest expanse of sand in the world near the oasis of Siwa lies Adrère Amellal (White Mountain in Siwan Berber) the brainchild of Dr. Mounir Neamatalla, who for the past 20 years has headed a Cairo company that consults on low-impact economic and social development projects throughout Egypt, north Africa and the Middle East. Built out of indigenous material using traditional Siwan building techniques and styles so as to have a minimal impact on the land Adrère Amellal sets an example for eco-lodge development. Natural ventilation, which takes advantage of the dry desert climate of the area has been adopted, thereby ruling out the need for expensive energy and maintenance-intensive air conditioning. The lodge has been designed to rely on solar and alternative energies, and to recycle the waste and waste-water it produces. Food prepared at the lodge is organically and predominantly locally grown.
Heliopolis: The Fairmont Hotel
The newly opened Fairmont Heliopolis hotel offers deluxe accommodation and a convenient location just 5km from Cairo International Airport. Heliopolis is a tree lined suburb of Cairo that is home to Egypt’s Diplomatic and Presidential offices.
A Client's Comment from a Previous Trip to Egypt
"Back again into everyday life, I can’t forget the magic moments we spent together, the wonderful experiences we shared, the pleasure of your company… Adrere Amellal seems now so remote, so distant…yet so deeply carved in my soul among my most precious memories. It was a dream, a dream come true…thank you Christine for making it possible, thank you all for some of the most pleasant days in my life…"
—Ines Menendez Behety from Argentina
COST
(on the basis of 10 riders, if less than 10 riders cost will be adjusted accordingly)
Ride & ground operations $4,980 p/person in double/twin accommodation
$990 Single supplement
Air charter Cairo/Siwa/Cairo $1,250 p/person (subject to increase)
Includes: Accommodation on Bed and Breakfast in Cairo, on full board including beverages in Siwa, dinner party October 20 in Cairo, all ground transfers and visits in Cairo and Siwa, air charter flights to/from Siwa, riding program and excursions.
Excludes: International flights, Visa entry, hotel beverages, tips, personal expenses (laundry, tel. calls, etc…)
For further information about this ride please call
Christine at (1) 212-421 0671, or email christine@adventuresonhorseback
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