Visiting A Camel Market
No Perfume Behind These Ears!
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Hotel
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Meals
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Transfer
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Staff Guide
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$90 pp
Adults ≥ 17 Yrs Group of 2
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$85 pp
Groups 3-5 adults
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$80 pp
Groups ≥ 6 adults
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$60 pp
Child 6 – 16.9 Yrs
Overview
Domesticated camels only became a part of Egypt after the Arab conquest around 200 AD as part of trade caravans from the Arabian Peninsula. Their association with ancient Egypt probably arises from the fact that camels were a part of life in North Africa. And the closeness of Egypt to these regions contributed to the perception that camels were a part of Egyptian life. Camels linked the trade and travel across the region and of course Egypt’s links to neighbouring economies. It was only in the Greco-Roman era that camels become a part of Egyptian society.
Camels have often been associated with life in Egypt. However, it seems the ancient Egyptians didn’t use camels much. Camels are not depicted in ancient Egyptian murals or tomb decorations. And remember that ancient Egyptians didn’t travel across the desert. They navigated their travel via the Nile and along the coastline.
Camels still help Egyptian Bedouin communities travel and trade. Originally herders, the Bedouins have become either seminomadic or sedentary. Commonly called ‘ships of the desert’ camels’ endurance and ability to cope with the heat and lack of water make them superior to horses in the demanding desert environment.
And camels have become a tourist attraction at the pyramids and various sites that tourists visit. They have become an iconic part of the Egyptian landscape.
Many camels in Egypt are herded from Sudan and end up in various markets in the country. The camels travel over 3 months and 700 miles to reach their final destinations to get there. Camels are also herded through Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia. And what ensues is a vibrant, dynamic market for camels which is so characteristically Egyptian. Camel markets engage buyers and sellers in a raucous, energetic and exuberant display of offer and rejection, of negotiation and stalemate. It’s all part of the experience and an amazing one at that.
Gallery
Ancient Egyptian Research Association
One Horizon Africa is a member of AERA. AERA brings together archaeologists and specialists from around the world to address questions regarding the origin, nature, and development of the Egyptian state. By becoming a member of AERA you support the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and the survey, mapping, excavation, and the analysis of archaeological sites. We encourage everyone to become a member and support the work of AERA.
Itinerary
What To Expect From This Experience
This is everyday Egyptian life for traders and buyers of camels in Egypt and you get a real glimpse of an aspect of Egyptian life that even many Egyptians may not see at all.
It’s an introduction to the trade that goes on in a vibrant and energetic way and probably in a way which many people are have not seen before. It is noisy, animated and an energetic display of a combination of theatre and commerce.
It one of those experiences that you will remember for life.
We Travel to A Local Camel Market
Depending on the day you nominate for your camel market tour, we take you to one of the well-known camel markets in Cairo. There are numerous markets held in an around Cairo and as we travel to the market you will see Egyptians going about their everyday lives.
Walking Through the Market
Upon arrival at the market your guide will provide an overview of what you are about to see, how the traders spend their time and the spirited bargaining that is going on. There is, perhaps, no other market like the camel markets of Cairo.
A Cultural Experience Like No Other
The markets and their traders have often come from hundreds of kilometres away. They are there to position their camels as the ones to buy. And the buyers like to put down the claims of the sellers. So, in seeing and hearing the animation of the locals it’s a time to appreciate the game that is being played out and the noise and volume of the debates. As a cultural phenomenon it is beyond question a fascinating day. It is not a show for guests, but a true reflection of the intensity of the moment in the quest for a good deal.
About Lunch
We enjoy taking our guess out for lunch because it’s another way to experience Egyptian culture. We just want to make the following points. We only take our guests to the best restaurants. We place good hygiene and cleanliness as the number 1 priority. The restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. If you choose to pass on lunch, we won’t take it personally. But please be assured, your health and safety is our overriding priority.
Inclusions
This half day tour can be combined with other tours for a full day’s activities. The other tours include Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Old Cairo (Coptic and Islamic History), the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Stairways to Eternity (The Pyramids of Giza) and many others. Please enquire at One Horizon for your options.
Inclusions
- Pick up and return to your hotel
- Water
- Lunch
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- (Optional) Membership of the Ancient Egyptian Research Association (AERA) which supports the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and field work excavations in Egypt
Exclusions
- Personal expenditure of any kind
- Tips
- Alcoholic Drinks and extra meals (other than those stated in the itinerary)
videos
We would like to acknowledge NC TV (New China) for this video which is publicly available on You Tube.
ARCHAEOLOGY 2.0
Dr Mark Lehner ranks amongst the most outstanding Egyptologists of the modern era. Within a select group of Egyptologists such as Petrie, Carter, Hawass and others, Mark has earned his international reputation based on over 40 years of conducting research and excavations in Egypt. His discoveries, such as the workers village close to the Giza Pyramids, and his academic treatise and publications have contributed greatly to the world’s understanding of ancient Egypt. Mark is also the founder of the Ancient Egyptians Research Associates (AERA) whose work includes training the next generation of Egyptian Egyptologists.
Within One Horizon, training our tour guides so that they provide our clients with the most factual, up to date and insightful information draws heavily from Mark’s 40 years of research, analysis and dedication. And so, our guides remain at the forefront of current learnings and knowledge that enhances our guests Egyptian experience with us.
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