The ‘greatest Egyptologist in the world’

I am probably biased but Abdul is a fantastic Egyptologist—nothing can beat a local guide when travelling in a new area.

In the early hours of a warm Egyptian morning Abdul made himself known to us at Luxor International Airport; he quickly became our new best friend for a week as he escorted us down the Nile from Luxor to his home town of Aswan and back. We had booked onto a Sonesta cruise for seven nights.

His knowledge is immense, his enthusiasm didn’t wane and his patience with our questions did not falter. He was joining us on the cruise and I would not recommend a trip to Egypt without him. He freelances his way round the tourist spots and despite the decline in tourism in his country recently he is busy, which is perhaps testament to his skills.  

He prearranges temple tickets, wards off beggars and street sellers and deals with tipping drivers etc.—in other words, he deals with those things you might be unsure or uncomfortable with. He has been a guide for twenty-five years working for a range of well known tour operators; he studied Egyptology for a number of years and I feel there is nothing that he doesn’t know.

We were a small group of three which meant we had Abdul’s undivided attention as he led and taught us about hieroglyphics, ancient and modern Egyptian history as well as life along the banks of the Nile.

He made sure we arrived at temples early and that we stood in the shade to avoid large groups of people and the noon day sun. He organised a felucca trip, our wake up calls and kept us updated with football scores as internet access was expensive to come by. There was always a car to drive us to and from, and we were never kept waiting all thanks to Abdul’s organisation.

When it was time to say goodbye it was with a heavy heart, but if you are travelling to Egypt and would like his services then contact Abdul  at  [email protected] and you won’t be disappointed.  Nothing can replace a well informed local guide, and nothing will replace his genuine love for his country and his job and his enthusiasm and friendliness will bowl you over. His work is in no way limited to the Nile, there is much to see in other areas such as Cairo and Alexandria…and I reinforce! you will not be disappointed!

We saw a range of temples and landmarks with Abdul including Valleys of the Kings and Queens, Luxor, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, Aswan Dam and the unfinished Obelisk. For more about this trip and The Grey Traveller  connect with me at my links below!