Have you gone to Egypt & Africa WITHOUT being on a tour?
Question by BWANA: Have you gone to Egypt & Africa WITHOUT being on a tour?
We have traveled almost all over the world, and we NEVER go on a structured tour. We find them much too restrictive because we want the freedom to come and go as we please, and keep our own time schedule.
We are planning a trip to Egypt and East Africa in early 2011, but were told that it is much too dangerous for Americans, and much too expensive, to travel there without being on an “accompanied” tour while in Egypt, or a Safari in East Africa. We would much rather just arrive and make the arrangements for lodging, guides, drivers, and safaris, by ourselves on the spot.
Has anyone gone to Egypt and Africa WITHOUT being a member of a tour group, and made the arrangements AFTER you got there for the things you wanted to do? If so, how was it? Did you have a good time? Do you think it would have been better with a tour group? Were you ever in any real danger? Was it really THAT expensive?
Best answer:
Answer by G. #2
Yes I have because I am Egyptian, lol.
And no, Egypt is not dangerous for anybody including Americans.
Also in Egypt, you don’t need a tour guide, you might ask what are the things to visit, and then go visit them on your own, however a tour guide might explain the importance and significance of what you are visiting, but you can read this also in books, so it’s up to you.
Anyways, you don’t have to be on a guided tour, and will be all fine.
I don’t know about East Africa though coz I’ve never been there.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Egypt is safe for tourists. You definitely don’t need a tour.
Random hint: traffic in Cairo is terrible. If you need to be anywhere at a certain time, make the most pessimistic assumption, and then add an hour. Yes, it is that bad…
Never been to east Africa, so I can’t comment on that.
First of all, just to clear everything up, whoever told you its dangerous for Americans to go to Egypt and East Asia or the Middle East, thats a big fat lie and that what the media want. What dangerous for Americans is walking in Chicago at the middle of the night. that what I call it dangerous.
I’m from Dubai and I go to Egypt every year. they are the most friendly people on Earth, everything is inexpensive (Hotels, Food, Night-Life, Transportation). I suggest you NOT to go with a group or a travel agency. plan your trip simple by choosing a good location Hotel and when you arrive to the hotel they will give you a driver to drive you around and show you everything you want for a whole day for only ($70). The only thing you should worry about is the hotel and when you arrive there everything will be simple.
I suggest you as well to travel to “Saudi Arabia” & “Dubai”. they are heaven.
AGAIN, relax and don’t listen to those who says “its dangerous for Americans to go there”.
GOOD LUCK
You dont need a tour , But you need a Plan.
Tourism agencies arent here to protect you , they are here to plan ahead and make reservations and look up the best tour for your money.
but were told that it is much too dangerous for Americans
No its not.
Has anyone gone to Egypt and Africa WITHOUT being a member of a tour group, and made the arrangements AFTER you got there for the things you wanted to do?
A lot did , but they know where to reserve hotels , they know their ways around the city , and more important , they know what they plan to visit and where it is. You can make your own tour if you know the details.
If so, how was it? Did you have a good time?
If you know your way , and have a certain plan , you’ll have a good time. If you dont , you’ll end up getting lost , staying at lower uncomfortable hotels , etc.
Do you think it would have been better with a tour group?
Tourism agencies are your insider. They plan for you.
Were you ever in any real danger?
Unless you go into the desert without company / lack of experience , you’ll be more than fine.
Was it really THAT expensive?
Depends on the details.