TRIBAL SINAI: 10 DAYS
© Robert Murray-John
TRIBAL SINAI: 10 DAYS
Follow in the footsteps of great explorers including British TV presenter and naturalist Bruce Parry
Page 2
Expedition Overview
Page 3
Tribal Overview
Pages 4 – 5
Itinerary
Page 5
Accommodations
Page 6
Expedition Cost
Page 7
Luxury Upgrade, Scheduled Departures & Booking Procedure
Page 8
Booking Form
www.baobabexpeditions.com
1
EXPEDITION OVERVIEW Trek through the land of the Pharaohs, where myths and legends have been born.
Discover the rich history of the people and places of this vast landscape
From the ancient St Catherine’s Monastery to the azure waters of the Blue Hole
Visit Mt. Sinai and travel deep into the desert with our Bedu guides
Sinai is the great mixing pot of all three of the West’s great religions- Judaism, Christianity and Islam. We get to know Sinai as a holy land: a vast expanse crossed time and again by prophets, saints, pilgrims and warriors. Step back in time and enjoy the simplicity and magic of desert life and the friendships that can only be forged around a campfire at the end of a day’s trekking. Trek through the Sinai desert with the Bedu, through a rich and diverse history, hear about the Bedu culture and the history of the land they call home. Location of Adventure: Egypt, N.E. Africa Group Size Limit: Minimum 2, Maximum 10 Physical Requirements: Moderate to Difficult Getting There & Getting Home: Fly to and from Sharm el-Sheik. International flights are relatively easy to find to Sharm el-Sheik.
www.baobabexpeditions.com
2
TRIBAL OVERVIEW
© Robert Murray-John
The Bedu of the Sinai are split into 12 different tribes with distinct boundaries. The main languages are Bedu Arabic, English and Hebrew. The Sinai is a true desert with rainfall less than 100 mm a year. However snow sometimes falls on the high mountains in winter, where Ibex and falcons still roam free. The traditional Bedu live either in tents made of woven goat hair, known as a bait sharar [house of hair], palm-frond shacks called barasti, or in the shelter of a few bushes or trees, on which they may drape blankets for more protection from the wind. Bedu families stay close to their permanent wells during the dry summer months, and then migrate to better grazing areas during the winter. The Bedu can travel as much as 1,600 miles [3,000 kilometres] or more in a year. Bedu territory covers the Arabian deserts of the Middle East, their entire range extends almost 1 million square miles [over 2.5 million square kilometres]—about the size of Western Europe.
www.baobabexpeditions.com
3
ITINERARY Day 1: Dahab We transfer to Dahab where we have dinner on the beach and overnight in a seafront pension. Dahab ['gold' in Arabic] is situated on the gulf of Aqabar, 100 kms north of Sharm el-Sheik. One of the main attractions of Dahab is the unique on-the-ground restaurants, a mixture of Hippie and Bedouin styles developed over several decades. Large cushions and low tables are placed next to the sea. Most of these restaurants have fish stalls in front, where you can pick the fish of your choice and have it prepared according to your wishes. Day 2: Temple of Hathor Today we head to the Temple of Hathor on the west coast in 4x4s. Attracted by the rich turquoise veins in Sarrabeit el-Khadem, the ruins are the only Pharaonic site in the peninsular and the birthplace of the proto Sinaitatic language, the basis of Modern Hebrew. It is here we meet our guides and camels and have our first night under the stars. Day 3: Open Desert We move out after sunrise into the open desert and start our trek South-East towards the great ring dyke and the high mountains. Walking for approximately four hours each morning, we will rest up during the heat of the day and continue for another two hours in the afternoon, making camp before sunset. Day 4-6: Wadi Fairan Continuing South East we head across the sand desert towards Wadi Fairan and the high mountains. Wadi Fairan is the Sinai's largest wadi and one of its most archeologically important stretches of terrain. It was here, according to local Bedu, that Moses struck a rock with his staff, creating a spring so his people could drink. Food during a trek is all prepared in the traditional Bedu way; some of our favorites are; Baba Ganush [baked Aubergine] and Ful [beans, garlic and Tahini] served with tomatoes that have been grown in the local gardens. Depending on the season, wild dates, mulberries, carobs and figs can be picked along the route. After dinner fall asleep under the clear starry skies on a comfortable mattress and sleeping mat. Day 7: Nabataean Ruins Arrive at the foot of the escarpment and the ruins of the 5th century BC Nabataean civilisation. Based in Petra, Jordan, it had a closely guarded trading network across the Sinai and North Africa. Formed during the power vacuum left by the Babylonian Exile, it was eventually assimilated into the Roman Empire. We sleep under the Sinai stars.
www.baobabexpeditions.com
4
Day 8: Mt. Sinai In the morning we will trek up into the great Ring Dyke to the base of Mt Sinai, climb up Naqb Freia and onto the Farsh [plateau], where we will get our first sight of Mt Sinai and Mt St Catherine’s. Now in the Jebalaya territory, where the descendants of Macedonian peoples relocated here in the 5th century by the emperor Justinian to build and protect the monastery. Here we spend the night camping in a Bedu garden that dates back to the Byzantium era. Day 9: Dahab We will visit the oldest surviving Monastery in the world of St Catherine’s, situated at the foot of Mt Sinai; it has the second largest library of religious texts outside the Vatican. The prophet Mohamed is reported to have rested there and Napoleon re-built the defensive walls after his defeat at the battle of the Nile. After lunch we will transfer back to Dahab and your pension for a well earned shower and a cold drink. The afternoon can be spent shopping, snorkelling or just relaxing at any of the beachfront bars. Dinner will be at our favourite restaurant on the beach. Day 10: Dahab Dahab is world-renowned for its scuba diving and snorkelling, especially at the nearby Blue Hole. If people are interested in doing an introduction dive or obtaining their PADI open water, we can arrange this for you.
ACCOMMODATIONS
© Robert Murray-John
Sinai Accommodations You will stay is desert camps during your trek sleeping under the clear skies on a comfortable mattress and sleeping mat. Food during a trek is all prepared in the traditional Bedu way; mostly vegetarian it’s both tasty and healthy.
www.baobabexpeditions.com
5
EXPEDITION COST 2012
1. 2. 3.
TRIBAL SINAI: 10 DAYS
US$
£
€
Per person sharing a twin room from-
$3,733
£2,333
€2,745
Luxury Camp Upgrade-
$4,768
£2,980
€3,506
Prices are based on 12 guests travelling. Should the passenger numbers change, the price will change accordingly. Prices are valid until 31 December 2012 unless unforeseen circumstances require them to be changed. Prices are based on indicative exchange rates with the US dollar: 1.60 US dollars to the £ sterling and 1.36 dollars to the euro. For payments in Euro the Dollar shall be converted at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment.
INCLUDED: -
Airport Transfers
-
All Local Transport, Excursions, Entrance to Attractions
-
Local Experienced Guides
-
All Meals on Expedition and Breakfast at Hotels
-
Drinking water
-
Donation to our carbon offsetting program
-
Royal Geographic Society Membership
EXCLUDED: -
Travel to Egypt
-
Travel Insurance
-
Alcoholic Drinks & Soft Drinks
-
Snacks away from Meal Times
-
Tips
www.baobabexpeditions.com
6
LUXURY UPGRADE The Luxury Upgrade option on this expedition is a chance to experience the highlights of these spectacular locations in extra comfort and style. This includes; -
Higher quality hotels [where available.]
-
Use of tents instead of hammocks, mozzy nets and bashas.
-
Extra Porters
-
Vehicle upgrades [use of Land Cruisers instead of Land Rovers etc.]
-
Soft drinks included while on trek.
SCHEDULED DEPARTURES DEPARTING: 10-19th April 2012 12-21st June 2012 21-30th August 2012 18-27th September 2012
BOOKING PROCEDURE: -
Please complete and return the enclosed booking form to us either per fax or scanned email.
-
We require a 25% deposit on the cost of your expedition (excluding international flights). The balance of your expedition must be paid 8 weeks before departure.
-
The price of International flights needs to be paid in full and we can confirm the flight details upon receipt of your payment.
-
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions on our website for additional booking conditions.
www.baobabexpeditions.com
7
BOOKING FORM Please complete and return to: Email: [email protected] / Fax: +1 516 622 2201 Email: [email protected] / Fax: +44 20 8951 1051 Email: [email protected] / Fax: +27 21 680 5011
Date:
Expedition Type:
Tribal Expedition
Expedition name:
Tribal Sinai
(please select departure date)
TRAVELLER'S DETAILS (As shown on traveller's passport) Surname
First Name
Title
Passport No.
Nationality
D.O.B
Postal address: Telephone number:
Email address:
Emergency contact details: Special requests (i.e. dietary, non-smoking, etc): PLEASE CONFIRM THE FOLLOWING: By signing this form, I authorize and accept the Baobab Expeditions terms and conditions on behalf of all members listed above.
www.baobabexpeditions.com 8
Expiry Date
Issue Date
TRIBAL SINAI: 10 DAYS
Follow in the footsteps of great explorers including British TV presenter and naturalist Bruce Parry
Page 2
Expedition Overview
Page 3
Tribal Overview
Pages 4 – 5
Itinerary
Page 5
Accommodations
Page 6
Expedition Cost
Page 7
Luxury Upgrade, Scheduled Departures & Booking Procedure
Page 8
Booking Form
www.baobabexpeditions.com
1
EXPEDITION OVERVIEW Trek through the land of the Pharaohs, where myths and legends have been born.
Discover the rich history of the people and places of this vast landscape
From the ancient St Catherine’s Monastery to the azure waters of the Blue Hole
Visit Mt. Sinai and travel deep into the desert with our Bedu guides
Sinai is the great mixing pot of all three of the West’s great religions- Judaism, Christianity and Islam. We get to know Sinai as a holy land: a vast expanse crossed time and again by prophets, saints, pilgrims and warriors. Step back in time and enjoy the simplicity and magic of desert life and the friendships that can only be forged around a campfire at the end of a day’s trekking. Trek through the Sinai desert with the Bedu, through a rich and diverse history, hear about the Bedu culture and the history of the land they call home. Location of Adventure: Egypt, N.E. Africa Group Size Limit: Minimum 2, Maximum 10 Physical Requirements: Moderate to Difficult Getting There & Getting Home: Fly to and from Sharm el-Sheik. International flights are relatively easy to find to Sharm el-Sheik.
www.baobabexpeditions.com
2
TRIBAL OVERVIEW
© Robert Murray-John
The Bedu of the Sinai are split into 12 different tribes with distinct boundaries. The main languages are Bedu Arabic, English and Hebrew. The Sinai is a true desert with rainfall less than 100 mm a year. However snow sometimes falls on the high mountains in winter, where Ibex and falcons still roam free. The traditional Bedu live either in tents made of woven goat hair, known as a bait sharar [house of hair], palm-frond shacks called barasti, or in the shelter of a few bushes or trees, on which they may drape blankets for more protection from the wind. Bedu families stay close to their permanent wells during the dry summer months, and then migrate to better grazing areas during the winter. The Bedu can travel as much as 1,600 miles [3,000 kilometres] or more in a year. Bedu territory covers the Arabian deserts of the Middle East, their entire range extends almost 1 million square miles [over 2.5 million square kilometres]—about the size of Western Europe.
www.baobabexpeditions.com
3
ITINERARY Day 1: Dahab We transfer to Dahab where we have dinner on the beach and overnight in a seafront pension. Dahab ['gold' in Arabic] is situated on the gulf of Aqabar, 100 kms north of Sharm el-Sheik. One of the main attractions of Dahab is the unique on-the-ground restaurants, a mixture of Hippie and Bedouin styles developed over several decades. Large cushions and low tables are placed next to the sea. Most of these restaurants have fish stalls in front, where you can pick the fish of your choice and have it prepared according to your wishes. Day 2: Temple of Hathor Today we head to the Temple of Hathor on the west coast in 4x4s. Attracted by the rich turquoise veins in Sarrabeit el-Khadem, the ruins are the only Pharaonic site in the peninsular and the birthplace of the proto Sinaitatic language, the basis of Modern Hebrew. It is here we meet our guides and camels and have our first night under the stars. Day 3: Open Desert We move out after sunrise into the open desert and start our trek South-East towards the great ring dyke and the high mountains. Walking for approximately four hours each morning, we will rest up during the heat of the day and continue for another two hours in the afternoon, making camp before sunset. Day 4-6: Wadi Fairan Continuing South East we head across the sand desert towards Wadi Fairan and the high mountains. Wadi Fairan is the Sinai's largest wadi and one of its most archeologically important stretches of terrain. It was here, according to local Bedu, that Moses struck a rock with his staff, creating a spring so his people could drink. Food during a trek is all prepared in the traditional Bedu way; some of our favorites are; Baba Ganush [baked Aubergine] and Ful [beans, garlic and Tahini] served with tomatoes that have been grown in the local gardens. Depending on the season, wild dates, mulberries, carobs and figs can be picked along the route. After dinner fall asleep under the clear starry skies on a comfortable mattress and sleeping mat. Day 7: Nabataean Ruins Arrive at the foot of the escarpment and the ruins of the 5th century BC Nabataean civilisation. Based in Petra, Jordan, it had a closely guarded trading network across the Sinai and North Africa. Formed during the power vacuum left by the Babylonian Exile, it was eventually assimilated into the Roman Empire. We sleep under the Sinai stars.
www.baobabexpeditions.com
4
Day 8: Mt. Sinai In the morning we will trek up into the great Ring Dyke to the base of Mt Sinai, climb up Naqb Freia and onto the Farsh [plateau], where we will get our first sight of Mt Sinai and Mt St Catherine’s. Now in the Jebalaya territory, where the descendants of Macedonian peoples relocated here in the 5th century by the emperor Justinian to build and protect the monastery. Here we spend the night camping in a Bedu garden that dates back to the Byzantium era. Day 9: Dahab We will visit the oldest surviving Monastery in the world of St Catherine’s, situated at the foot of Mt Sinai; it has the second largest library of religious texts outside the Vatican. The prophet Mohamed is reported to have rested there and Napoleon re-built the defensive walls after his defeat at the battle of the Nile. After lunch we will transfer back to Dahab and your pension for a well earned shower and a cold drink. The afternoon can be spent shopping, snorkelling or just relaxing at any of the beachfront bars. Dinner will be at our favourite restaurant on the beach. Day 10: Dahab Dahab is world-renowned for its scuba diving and snorkelling, especially at the nearby Blue Hole. If people are interested in doing an introduction dive or obtaining their PADI open water, we can arrange this for you.
ACCOMMODATIONS
© Robert Murray-John
Sinai Accommodations You will stay is desert camps during your trek sleeping under the clear skies on a comfortable mattress and sleeping mat. Food during a trek is all prepared in the traditional Bedu way; mostly vegetarian it’s both tasty and healthy.
www.baobabexpeditions.com
5
EXPEDITION COST 2012
1. 2. 3.
TRIBAL SINAI: 10 DAYS
US$
£
€
Per person sharing a twin room from-
$3,733
£2,333
€2,745
Luxury Camp Upgrade-
$4,768
£2,980
€3,506
Prices are based on 12 guests travelling. Should the passenger numbers change, the price will change accordingly. Prices are valid until 31 December 2012 unless unforeseen circumstances require them to be changed. Prices are based on indicative exchange rates with the US dollar: 1.60 US dollars to the £ sterling and 1.36 dollars to the euro. For payments in Euro the Dollar shall be converted at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment.
INCLUDED: -
Airport Transfers
-
All Local Transport, Excursions, Entrance to Attractions
-
Local Experienced Guides
-
All Meals on Expedition and Breakfast at Hotels
-
Drinking water
-
Donation to our carbon offsetting program
-
Royal Geographic Society Membership
EXCLUDED: -
Travel to Egypt
-
Travel Insurance
-
Alcoholic Drinks & Soft Drinks
-
Snacks away from Meal Times
-
Tips
www.baobabexpeditions.com
6
LUXURY UPGRADE The Luxury Upgrade option on this expedition is a chance to experience the highlights of these spectacular locations in extra comfort and style. This includes; -
Higher quality hotels [where available.]
-
Use of tents instead of hammocks, mozzy nets and bashas.
-
Extra Porters
-
Vehicle upgrades [use of Land Cruisers instead of Land Rovers etc.]
-
Soft drinks included while on trek.
SCHEDULED DEPARTURES DEPARTING: 10-19th April 2012 12-21st June 2012 21-30th August 2012 18-27th September 2012
BOOKING PROCEDURE: -
Please complete and return the enclosed booking form to us either per fax or scanned email.
-
We require a 25% deposit on the cost of your expedition (excluding international flights). The balance of your expedition must be paid 8 weeks before departure.
-
The price of International flights needs to be paid in full and we can confirm the flight details upon receipt of your payment.
-
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions on our website for additional booking conditions.
www.baobabexpeditions.com
7
BOOKING FORM Please complete and return to: Email: [email protected] / Fax: +1 516 622 2201 Email: [email protected] / Fax: +44 20 8951 1051 Email: [email protected] / Fax: +27 21 680 5011
Date:
Expedition Type:
Tribal Expedition
Expedition name:
Tribal Sinai
(please select departure date)
TRAVELLER'S DETAILS (As shown on traveller's passport) Surname
First Name
Title
Passport No.
Nationality
D.O.B
Postal address: Telephone number:
Email address:
Emergency contact details: Special requests (i.e. dietary, non-smoking, etc): PLEASE CONFIRM THE FOLLOWING: By signing this form, I authorize and accept the Baobab Expeditions terms and conditions on behalf of all members listed above.
www.baobabexpeditions.com 8
Expiry Date
Issue Date
