Camel train from Sudan to Egypt
Hi everyone,
I had an old post 'crossing sahara east to west' and I'm creating this new thread for a new route I'm planning.
I am planning to travel from Omdurman in Sudan to Cairo in Egypt via camel train, through the Sahara off the beaten track away from the tourists. I will hire camels in Omdurman (as I can't buy them) and travel to the border at Wadi Halfa, there I'll have to give the camels back, cross the border and continue.
I have a tour operator helping me for the Sudan leg, however the Egypt leg is proving more difficult. To travel 'officially' in Egypt you need a lot of paper work (and escorts), however several people have mentioned it's fine to do it unofficially, just stay clear of check points. Has anyone had experience with this? The Western Desert is also closed, does anyone have experience with the Western Desert?
I've never been to Africa or had experience with camels, I am planning a 1-2 week mini trek in Sudan with my contact, guide and camels, so I can get some experience, then I will head off. I am currently reading both of Chris Scott's books Sahara Overland and Sahara Camel Trekking, plus a couple of others. And I'm taking Arabic lessons.
Any and all advice and opinions will be very welcome, particularly about trekking in Egypt, adventure tour operators, local guides, camel hire etc. I am in contact with a couple of operators, however it seems things run a bit slower in Egypt regarding communication...
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Dan
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