Table of Contents Welcome Wild Women! ...... 1

Details for Your Adventure ...... 2

Itinerary Details ...... 4

Day-by-Day Itinerary ...... 5

Accommodations ...... 8

Notes About Meals ...... 9

Pre-Trip Preparations ...... 11

Packing ...... 17

Wild Women Orientation ...... 19

Post Trip Details ...... 21

Welcome Wild Women! Thank you for signing up for an adventure with Wild Women Expeditions!

2016 is our 26th season offering a wide variety of outdoor adventures and we've had the pleasure of welcoming thousands of women on canoe and kayak trips, multi-sport adventures, hiking trips and yoga retreats.

My first trip with Wild Women, long before I became the owner/Director, was a week of kayaking on the North Channel of Lake Huron in Northern Ontario. It was my first kayak trip and I was so nervous, but excited! That trip turned out to be one of the most empowering experiences of my life, and now kayaking is one of my greatest passions. I trust that you too will find your Wild Women adventure to be a joyful and empowering experience and seize the opportunity to grow as an outdoorswoman and build your confidence in the wild.

This trip info package provides you with all the essential background info about your Wild Women trip. If you have any additional questions, please be in touch with us any time and we will do our best to ensure that you are comfortable and ready for your adventure!

A desire to share our love of the outdoors, our sense of adventure and be in the company of other spirited women is what brings us together. This is the fertile ground that has produced and deepened many incredible relationships over the years, and keep so many Wild Women coming back again and again. We are proud that almost half of our trip participants this year are returning Wild Women 'members'.

So I warmly welcome you to the Wild Women community and look forward to connecting with you, seeing your pictures and hearing the stories of your upcoming adventure!

Wildly, Jennifer Haddow

WWE Director [email protected]

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Details for Your Egypt Adventure Introduction This Wild Women Expeditions Trip Information Package has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith and it is subject to change.

Please review your trip itinerary and flight schedule a couple of days prior to travel in case there have been changes that affect your plans. Also please review the WWE Waiver and Booking Terms & Conditions prior to your trip.

Trip Description A brightly colored scarf snaps in the evening breeze. A scent fills your nose – something so spicy sweet it tickles your throat…while the heat hugs you like a thick cloak. You have always wanted to come here – to a land so utterly foreign, that you feel wildly awake. This place leaves you wide-eyed, your senses so keyed your stomach flutters with butterflies. You are in the ancient land where Isis and Cleopatra reined, where Hatshepsut and Hathor were the Divine feminine powers. This place practically vibrates with herstory. And despite everything you may have expected, you can feel a woman’s power here, in a way you’ve never quite experienced before.

As you climb aboard your Dahabiya yacht and glide down the crystalline waters of the , you pass the ghostly ruins of ancient temples. The sultry air hangs heavy, and you watch the sails ripple in the wind– realizing this is the exact same way travellers from the 19th century made their way through these winding waters.

Everywhere, something is stirring. A man dips a camel’s mouth to drink – the skirt of a Sufi spins wildly in a shock of color – a belly dancer’s hips snake in the shadows. And yet, Cairo somehow still bursts with all that is expected of modern life. The Pyramids of Giza a mystical landmark looming over the landscape and the ancient Avenue of the Sphinxes awaits you with its watchful eyes. Clouds appear to have dropped from the sky, and powdery tornados seem to have ceased their swirling – frozen in place.

But don’t expect to just float through this experience like a tourist in a turban-tying competition. This is a chance to really learn about this land – to meet the women artisans of Aswan…to hear the stories first hand of what life is really like for a contemporary, Egyptian woman. And if you still don’t feel the power of this place – sit before the Blind Girls Orchestra – a chamber orchestra composed entirely of Egyptian women without sight. Listen as they blast through a Mozart piece with wild, fearless joy as you feel the strength of those long ago goddesses swirling by your side…

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What’s Included  All meals from dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 12  11 nights accommodation in 4/5 star hotels and comfortable Dahabiya cruise boat  All in country travel, including return train Cairo-Luxor  Egyptian guides  Airport transfers  All entry fees to museums/temples and activities listed in the itinerary

What’s Not Included  Pre trip accommodations (nights before Jan 4) or Post trip accommodations (nights starting Jan 15)  Alexandria and/or Jordan/Petra Extensions  Round Trip International Airfare or other travel to the trip destination  Travel Insurance (Medical/Evacuation coverage required)  Personal clothing, gear and equipment  Any expense of personal nature (souvenirs, alcoholic drinks or drinks not included with meals, laundry services etc.)  Tips (for your guides, drivers, hotel staff)

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Itinerary Details Trip Joining Information

Joining Wild Women Expeditions Egypt Adventure  Arrive into the Cairo International Airport on January 4, 2016 before 5pm local time  In the arrivals area, look for Wild Women Expeditions and/or your name on a sign. You will be meeting Tamer Hassan here. Tamer’s cell# 01066792769. Arrival airport transfer to Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel is included. ** Alexandria extension details sent separately.  Pre trip accommodations at the Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel are available. o Double room is $175USD/night and single is $135USD/night. Additional nights will be added to your final balance or you will be invoiced through WWE. o Email [email protected] to book.  The trip officially begins at 7pm. Meet the group in the lobby – look for the Wild Women T-shirt.

Departure from the Wild Women Expeditions Egypt Adventure  Departure flights can be booked for January 15, 2016 anytime from Cairo International Airport. Transfer from Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel to Cairo Airport is included. **Jordan extension details sent separately.  Post trip accommodations at the Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel are available, same as above.

Transportation Arrangements You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to the trip start location (Cairo International Airport), as well as your departure from the trip. Should you need assistance with these arrangements, we recommend you contact;

Megan Vonhone - Travel Consultant at Flight Centre Summerhill  1238 Yonge St | Toronto, Ontario | M4T 1W3  Phone: 416 966 4333 | Toll Free: 1 877 966 4333  Email: [email protected]

**For international destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes, which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from travelling.

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Day-by-Day Itinerary Day 1 – Jan 4 Arrive at Cairo International Airport by 5pm where you will be greeted by your Egyptian guide and join the Wild Women group at a central upscale hotel. The trip officially begins at 7pm. Meet the group in the lobby – look for the Wild Women T-shirt.

Overnight: Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel - Cairo Meals: D Day 2 - Jan 5 We’ll start our day with an orientation to the tour, which highlights the ancient and modern lives of . Our tour will put women in the spotlight as we learn the stories of ancient Goddesses, such as Isis (goddess of health and wisdom) and Hathor (goddess of joy, motherhood, and foreign lands.) We’ll also discuss legendary queens, like the female Hatshepsut, as well as the modern day heroines who are playing a dynamic role in their communities.

We’ll set out on a fascinating Islamic Cairo walking tour, and visit the bustling, trinket-filled Khan El Khalili market. After, we’ll stop by the iconic Al Fishawi café, where people puff on hookahs and sip rich coffee as they people watch. Afterwards we’ll visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, with over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the many treasures from the wondrous tomb of .

Overnight: Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel - Cairo Meals: B, L, D Day 3 – Jan 6 An Eyptologist will lead us on a breathtaking tour of the magnificent pyramids of Giza, as well as the awe- inspiring Sphinx. After, we’ll venture to Sakkara, and take in the infamous, step-like Pyramid of Djoser, which is the world’s 1st large-scale cut-stone structure.

In the evening we’ll go out on the town for a dazzling performance of Sufi dancing, or to witness the overwhelming talent of the Blind Girl Orchestra – a chamber orchestra composted entirely of Egyptian women without sight.

Overnight: Sleeper Train to Luxor Meals: B, L, D Day 4 – Jan 7 Upon arrival to Luxor we’ll explore the famous Temple of Luxor and its towering obelisks, followed by the Temples of Karnak, Egypt’s greatest compound of temples. We’ll round out the day with a guided tour of the museum.

Overnight: Sonesta Hotel - Luxor Meals: B, L, D

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Day 5 – Jan 8 Early morning tour of the West Bank of Luxor. The tour will include visits to the tombs of the in the Valley of the Kings, and the tombs of the princes & queens in the Valley of the Queens. We’ll also visit the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom – and tour the massive, unbelievable Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon, we’ll hike in the resplendent Qurna Mountains of the West Bank.

Overnight: Sonesta Hotel - Luxor Meals: B, L, D Day 6 – Jan 9 In the morning we drive to Edfu to visit the best-preserved temple in Egypt, the Temple of Edfu, which was dedicated to the God Horus – the falcon god – and was built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III. Then we’ll board our floating home, a traditional ‘Dahabiya’ sailboat and dock overnight by Nile Island. We’ll sail the river just as they did in the 19th century, and along the way we’ll indulge in Egyptian cooking lessons. We’ll learn about the unique culture of food dishes and drinks as our boat glides through the water.

Overnight: On ‘Dahabiya’ sailboat near Nile Island Meals: B, L, D Day 7 – Jan 10 In the morning we’ll sail to Silsila and visit the enormous sandstone quarries. Our voyage will continue to the enthralling sandstone temple of Kom Ombo. We dock tonight in Daraw.

Overnight: On ‘Dahabiya’ sailboat in Daraw Meals: B, L, D Day 8 – Jan 11 Today we visit the Daraw local camel market – which is truly a foreign experience unlike any other. Sailing onward to Aswan in the afternoon, we’ll overnight on our trusty Dahabiya.

Overnight: On ‘Dahabiya’ sailboat in Aswan Meals: B, L, D Day 9 – Jan 12 We’ll continue our tour of Aswan, this beautiful jewel of a town along the Nile, where we’ll visit the vibrant, rainbow-hued Aswan spice market – which is a sensory delight. We’ll adorn our hands with intricate Henna designs, and meet local female artisans to buy some treasures to take home. You’ll also have the option to take a day trip to Abu Simbel to explore the temples of Ramesses II. Then it’s time to once again board a sleeper train for an overnight ride back to Cairo.

Overnight: Sleeper Train to Cairo Meals: B, L, D

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Day 10 – Jan 13 Upon arrival to Cairo, we drive to the Oasis of Fayoum and visit Tunis Village to learn more about the local culture and the pottery products of the area. Then continue to Wadi El Rayan National Park where the golden sands of the desert meet the blue waters of Rayan lakes.

Overnight: Hotel – Fayoum (TBC) Meals: B, L, D Day 11 – Jan 14 This morning we head to the UN World Heritage Site of the 'Valley of the Whales', which is known as one the most important site worldwide for learning about the history of whale skeletal development, and hundreds of fossilised whale skeletons as well as mangrove roots and crab tunnels have been found in the sand. Many of these are now displayed on the sand surface and we can take a walk of a few Kilometres through the desert to view these. In the late afternoon drive back drive to Cairo.

Overnight: Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel - Cairo Meals: B, L, D Day 12 – Jan 15 Departures are anytime today with airport transfers available all day. If you’re joining the Jordan and Petra extension, we will follow up directly with details.

Overnight: None Meals: B

Itinerary Disclaimer Wild Women Expeditions and our local partners intend to adhere to the described itinerary and this is only a general guide to follow on your tour of the region. WWE itineraries are subject to change, as we cannot predict the weather or other environmental conditions. We are continually striving to make improvements to all our trips based on feedback from WWE members, guides, partners, and other research. WWE reserves the right to alter itineraries based on this feedback at anytime.

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Accommodations All accommodations are double occupancy. Upgrade to your own room for $425USD for the whole trip. Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa in Cairo Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa is beautifully set in its own landscaped gardens with an unrivaled and time-honored location, less than 1 km from the Sphinx and the Giza Pyramids, one of the seven ancient wonders of the World and only twenty minutes from Cairo's city center. Rooms are spacious and modern with warm colors and Egyptian linens. Rooms feature; magnificent pyramid views, in room safe, mini bar, high-speed Internet (for a fee), signature bathroom amenties, telephone, and hairdryers. The hotel also has High Speed Wi-Fi in all restaurants & lobby area, Laundry Service, Safe Deposit Boxes, spa services and 24- Hour Security. Sleeper Train between Luxor & Cairo The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing. Sonesta Hotel in Luxor The hotel is luxurious and sophisticated. Enjoy a sweeping terrace with majestic views of the Nile and the short walk to the temples of Luxor and Karnak which have been preserved in time. All guest rooms feature well- appointed bathrooms, in-room business facilities and separate sitting area offering 5-star amenities which include: LCD screen, High-speed Internet access, city or Nile views, climate control, Electronic door locks, Hair dryer, Direct-dial telephone, and Digital safe. Our Dahabiya Sailboat Dahabeeya is an Arabic word that menas “golden boat”, describing the golden painted boats used by the pharaohs and nobility of . Dahabeeya’s today are built identically to the 19th centry vessels to offer the old sytle luxury while taking adventage of modern comforts and techniques. They usually measure between 35-38 metres in length and 7-10 metres wide. Propelled by two Latin sails, this is a peaceful and relaxing way to cruise the Nile. Cabins have their own shower, wash basin and toilet. Hotel in Fayoum (TBC)

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Notes About Meals has thousands of recipes that has a combination of earlier Egyptian meals and also elements of Lebanese, Turkish, Syrian, Greek, and French cuisines, modified to suit the Egyptian tastes and local resources. Even within Egyptian governorates you will find influences coming from neighbouring countries as in the case of Alexandria on the Mediterranean and Nubian cooking in the south.

A typical Egyptian breakfast will have pitta-type ‘aish shamsi (sun-raised bread made from white flour) or ‘aish baladi (made from coarse wholewheat flour). It will also have Fuul (pronounced “fool”; fava beans) and can be prepared in many ways. It can be mixed with tomatoes, onions and spices, and served with boiled eggs. There is also Taamiya () which is deep-fried patties of spiced green beans, usually served in pitta bread with salad, pickles and tahina dressing which is a sauce made from sesame paste and mixed with oils and garlic. Both Taamiya & Fuul can b offered as sandwiches too. Actually bread is an essential element of an Egyptian meal, it is eaten with all meals and snacks.

For those who do not want to eat Fuul & Taamiya , they can have sandwiches with or basturma (pastrami). There are two main : gibna beyda (white), which tastes like Greek , and gibna rumi (“Roman”), a hard yellow cheese tasting a bit like Edam but more fatty. Hotels for breakfast you will often offer a mixture of imported processed and local cheeses.

A common appetizer is , a mixture of pickled radishes, turnips, gherkins and carrots. Some would have the torshi with their lunch and dinner too.

Restaurants and diners catering to travellers to Egypt, usually offer a broad range of dishes that will be lighter and less spicy from a typical Egyptian meal. Some of the classic meals would be lamb or (spiced mince patties) with salads and dips. Dips can come in a big variety as (which is made from chickpeas), tahina (which is made of sesame seeds) and babaghanoug (which is a mixture of tahina with aubergine). Another popular dish is grilled Chicken with french fries or rice. Fish is another popular dish for both visitors and locals . Types of Fish include sea bream, snapper, Nile perch in addition to squid and prawns.

There are also many dishes for vegetarian travelers, such as Mahshib (which is stuffed vegetables) and torly (which is a mixed vegetable casserole). Torly for non vegetarians is offered with beef. Another famous Egyptian dish is kushari. It is a mixture of noodles, rice, macaroni, lentils and onions, in a spicy sauce. Some restaurants will serve soup and a large selection of mezze, often including olives and stuffed vine leaves and dishes such as molukhiyya (Jew’s mallow stewed in stock – a lot tastier than its disconcertingly slimy appearance suggests), with meals.

For a lighter meal , sandwiches are very popular. It is slices of marinated meat or chicken, stuffed into pitta bread or a roll and garnished with salad and tahina .

For desert, Egyptians have a sweet tooth! A typical desert would include (filo pastry soaked in honey and nuts), (which is a syrup-drenched semolina cake), katif (similar but with shredded wheat), and a variety of milk or cornflour-based puddings, such as mahalabiyya (blancmange) and Umm Ali (made with pastry, milk, sugar, coconut and , usually served hot).

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For lighter desert, fruit would be the best alternative, there are oranges, bananas, , strawberries, mangoes, melons, peaches, plums, grapes and fresh dates . Of course some of these fruits are seasonal.

Tea, coffee and Karkaday Egypt’s national beverage is tea (shai). Tea is prepared by boiling the leaves, and served black and sugared to taste (though an increasing number of Egyptians use tea bags). There is also tea with a sprig of mint (shai bi- na’ana’) and it is refreshing when the weather is hot.

Coffee (’ahwa) is traditionally Turkish coffee, served in tiny cups pre-sugared to a persons’ specifications: saada (unsugared), ‘ariha (slightly sweetened), mazboota (medium sweet) or ziyaada (syrupy).

Then there is the famous Karkaday (or karkadé) which is a deep-red infusion of hibiscus flowers. Most popular in Luxor and Aswan, it is equally refreshing drunk hot or cold. Other infusions sold in ’ahwas include helba (fenugreek), yansoon (aniseed) or ’irfa (cinnamon). On cold winter evenings Egyptians enjoy sahleb, a thick, creamy drink made from milk thickened with ground orchid root, with cinnamon and nuts sprinkled on top.

In general, tap water is considered unsafe for tourists to drink. Bottled water is cheap and readily available.

**If you have food allergies or a restricted diet, you must inform WWE upon registration or if changes occur, ASAP. Review allergies and restrictions with your WWE representative, local guide and operations staff during the orientation meeting or on an as needed basis.

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Pre-Trip Preparations Egypt Quick Facts Population: 82.1 million Size: 386,900 square miles Official Language: Arabic Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET) is UTC+02:00 Electricity: 220-volt, 50-cycle AC with European-style sockets for two round pins Currency: (EGP) Tour Highlights: 3 nights aboard a traditional dahabiya, Museum of Antiquities, Valleys of the Kings and the Queens, Temple of Luxor, Black Desert, Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, traditional markets, as well as cities of Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor. Local Outfitter & Guides Wild Women Expeditions is partnering with Great Wonders of Egypt. GWE is all about for sustainable travel and was founded in 2007 by Manal Kelig, Basem Salah & Samar Samy. The three founders have BA degrees in Tourism studies and have started their careers in tourism in 1992. Along the years they have accumulated postgraduate studies in several fields including , Modern History , Cultural Heritage preservation, comparative religions and development.

GWE is dedicated to operating only responsible travel to Egypt and the Middle East, and developing programs that foster a culture of peace between the travelers and the locals while preserving the host communities. For our group, GWE is providing a female Egyptologist for the duration of our trip.

For our inaugural Wild Women Egypt Adventure, WWE’s Director, Jennifer Haddow, will be travelling with the group. Jennifer has lived and worked in Cairo as well as visited many of the areas on the tour.

Passports & Visas Many nationalities including all Western European and Arab countries, USA, Australia and New Zealand are able to obtain a one-month single entry visa on arrival at Cairo International airport or at the Egyptian land border.

Look for windows (marked "banks") selling these visas in the area where you line up to have your passport stamped. You need to get the visa before entering the passport line. The visa is a sticker which you need to stick into your passport before handing it to the authorities for stamping. The cost is USD15 or equivalent in EUR/GBP. All change will be given to you in Egyptian Pounds. Please note that for other nationalities it is necessary to organize your visa before you travel. It is vital that you check the conditions attached to your particular passport and make the necessary arrangements in advance.

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are

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from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Travel & Health Insurance Medical insurance for is compulsory for all WWE trips if you are travelling outside of your country or province of residence.

Medical insurance must include adequate coverage for;  Accidents, medical expenses (including any related to pre-existing medical conditions), emergency repatriation (evacuation), and personal liability.

WWE also recommends that you obtain adequate coverage for trip and flight cancellation and curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Your deposit and final trip balance are non refundable/non transferable within 90 days of the trip departure date but can be claimed through your insurance provider only if you have purchased cancellation insurance prior to your decision to cancel.

For details about insurance for Canadians, please contact;  Megan Vonhone - Travel Specialist o 1238 Yonge St | Toronto, Ontario | M4T 1W3 o Phone: 416 966 4333 | Toll Free: 1 877 966 4333 o Email: [email protected]

Please Note Medical Insurance must be obtained from an insurance provider in your home country. WWE recommends travelgaurd.com for non-Canadians.

Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement Wild Women Expeditions is committed to taking excellent care of all of our trip participants, and WWE does NOT assume liability for any loss or damage to person or property in traveling to the location of a WWE trip or event, or during or after participation in the event. WWE trips may be operated using one or more local third party activity suppliers and we endeavor to use the best available suppliers, who offer quality equipment and follow our high standard safety procedures.

Prior to participation in any Wild Women Expeditions program, you will be required to sign our standard Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement.

Where WWE is working with local outfitters, you may also be required to sign the outfitters waiver. If you would like to see copies of additional waivers that may be presented for your signature on your trip in advance, please contact our office. Due to the element of inherent risk involved in any outdoor adventure activity, we recommend that you obtain whatever personal insurance you feel is appropriate.

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Money Matters The official unit of currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP). ATMs are found within main cities in Egypt and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible as while there is no hard and fast rule, some banks seem to only work with one brand of card. Please note, your bank will change a fee for overseas withdrawals.

Cash Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. Euros, British Pounds and US Dollars are all easy to exchange to the Local currency. Please note that you should bring some cash with you for emergency situations but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix.

If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 1996, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional $200USD (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Credit Cards & Travellers’ Cheques Increasingly, shops and restaurants accept credit cards and often prefer them to cash. The banks charge between 3% -5% as commission for using credit cards. American Express credit cards are not very popular as the commission charge on it is 6% .The charge for Dinner Club cards is 10%.

Tipping (Baksheesh) Tipping (also widely referred to by its Arabic term as “baksheesh”) is a way of life in the Middle East. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the incredibly low salary and wages of the Middle East region.

While on tour in the Middle East, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.

A guideline for tipping is about $3-5USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your Wild Woman guide).

Also at the end of your trip if you felt that your Wild Women Expeditions guide did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however $5-12USD per person per day can be used as a general guideline.

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Emergency Contact Numbers Should you require any assistance during your travels with WWE, please contact us directly at the number listed below. You may leave the WWE number with family or friends should an emergency arise and they need to contact you while you’re on trip.

Wild Women Expeditions Office 1-888-993-1222 (Canada/USA) 1-250-888-2194 (Outside Canada/USA)

WWE Partner GWE Mr. Basem Salah - Director of Operations 01009990377 Health & Fitness Wild Women Expeditions trips travel to remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist. A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely; however, should it arise we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you. You must provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information to the WWE office at the time of registration and keep us updated if there are changes. If you do not disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, WWE guides and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their Medical Travel Insurance or personal expense.

Generally, our expeditions are intended for travellers in reasonably good health for their safety, along with that of their fellow travellers. There are no specific health or fitness requirements for this trip.

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. However, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt, it is not normally found in the areas where we travel. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure.

We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers/ antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

DRINKING WATER: It is advisable to drink bottled water in Egypt.

Safety & Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. 14

When travelling on a group trip, please note that your guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your guide will accompany you on all included activities. While your guide will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations - Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our guides to make arrangements on your behalf for water-based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s). Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. Weather Most hotels provide a temperature controlled environment. In January temperatures alternate between balmy and cool, averaging 15°C (60°F). The only rain you are likely to run into is on the Mediterranean coast. The one place it is always cold is the pre-dawn hours in the desert. Average temperature during the day in January is 20 degrees and a low of 9 degrees at night.

A Word about Alcohol & Drugs… We are committed to putting your safety and wellbeing first on all of our trips. WWE want to create a space together where all women in the group feel safe and empowered physically, spiritually, and emotionally, and we strongly feel that alcohol is not needed to create a fun, social atmosphere. We also recognize that some people have issues with alcohol consumption, who may have been affected by alcohol abuse, and we want to honor their option to be in an alcohol free space.

Each WWE trip has a different tolerance for alcohol consumption and in some trip scenarios, responsible use of alcohol is permitted. This tolerance is based on many factors such as; location, accommodation types, local outfitter policies, activities etc. Alcohol is tolerated on WWE trips only when we stay at fixed roof accommodations, are base camping, dine out in local restaurants or visit licensed establishments. On this trip, since we are at a basecamp, alcohol is tolerated in the evenings only in moderation such as a beer or glass of . WWE will not be providing alcohol.

WWE does not tolerate any trip participant to be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants while participating in the outdoor activity portions of the trip. If your guide thinks that you are not in the appropriate 15

condition to undertake the activity, for any reason, she has the right to decline your participation or may suggest a modified approach. The use of illegal substances/drugs are not permitted and any use of these will result in being evicted from the trip at your own expense.

We want you to have the best possible adventure and appreciate you helping us create an inclusive and healthy group environment that is about taking excellent care of ourselves and each other.

Hazards Come prepared for the heat. Use a high factor sun block and drink plenty of water to guard against exposure and dehydration, which can result in serious health problems.

A heavy security presence is observable throughout Egypt. Visitors and residents alike are requested to cooperate with Egyptian authorities. The tourist police department and the Ministry of Interior Security have to be informed of groups traveling in Egypt, which we arrange.

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Packing Checked luggage on airplanes can get lost or delayed. Therefore, you should prepare for this possibility by wearing or carrying on the items that are essential to your adventure. While most clothing, gear and equipment can be replaced prior to your trip, there are some things that cannot. You should wear and carry one complete outfit on the plane, including a long sleeve shirt, long pants, underwear, socks, and walking shoes. In your carry-on baggage (day pack), you should bring your waterproof jacket and pants, insulated jacket, snacks, toiletries, medications, camera and all paperwork.

While visiting mosques and other religious monuments you should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and you shouldn't wear short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and the more touristic centres, local dress is often more conservative and we recommending loose-fitting clothes with your shoulders covered. Documents Checklist □ Passport (with photocopies) □ Travel insurance (with photocopies) □ Airline tickets (with photocopies) □ EUR/USD cash □ ATM and credit cards □ WWE Trip Information Package □ Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

Clothing & Equipment Checklist □ Light Jacket □ 1-3 Long pants/ capris □ 1-2 Long dresses or skirts □ 5-10 tops (mix of t-shirts and light weight long sleeves) □ Underwear □ Good support and comfortable bras □ Pajamas □ Brimmed Hat and/or Bandana/ Buff/ Scarf/ Sarong □ Breathable, comforatble walking shoes or sport sandals □ Sunglasses (with leash optional) □ Small Travel Towel (optional) □ Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.) □ Prescriptions □ Sunscreen, Lip Balm (with SPF), Insect Repellent □ Personal First Aid Kit • Should contain; Ibuprofen/ ASA, band aids/plasters, second skin, adhesive tape, anti- histamines, Polysporin, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, throat lozenges, extra medications/ vitamins you may be taking, motion-sickness medication for car travel or sea sickness, hand sanitizer/wipes etc. □ Ear plugs (recommended) □ Snacks (optional) □ Electrolyte drink mix (to aid in rehydration, optional) 17

□ Reading Material (optional) □ Pencil and Notebook/ Journal (optional) □ Travel alarm clock or watch (optional) □ Camera and accessories, with extra batteries □ Electricity plug adapter and converter (for the hotel) □ Luggage locks □ Money belt/Travel wallet □ Small day pack/bag for items you might need throughout the day.

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Wild Women Orientation Group Size & Fellow WWE Group Members Over the years, we have learned the importance of creating an inclusive environment on our trips and we welcome diversity. Wild Women members come from a wide range of backgrounds, yet we all share something powerful. We believe in honoring and respecting diversity and welcome women of all ages, sexual orientations, and identities, including transgendered women. As you travel on your group trip, you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group.

We ask that you try to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Please try your best to uphold your responsibilities as a group member; for example, if you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you are there so you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this only takes a little effort from each member.

For Everyone’s Safety and Enjoyment WWE organizes trips in natural areas where the environment can sometimes lead to unpredictable conditions. To avoid possibly dangerous situations, both for our travelers and animals, it is extremely important that everyone obey rules and regulations imposed by the Tour Leaders and/or Local Guides and follow instructions given by them.

Wild Women Expeditions’ Tour Leader, local guides or other representatives decisions will at all times be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip. We reserve the right to prohibit any traveler from continuing on a trip with no right of refund if, in our opinion, that traveler’s actions pose a threat to the safety of others, to the wildlife, themselves, or if the traveler’s actions and/or behaviors are harming the enjoyment of the trip for others.

Cultural Notes  Journey with an open mind - travel with a genuine desire to learn more about who you meet and what you observe.  Appreciate all the cultures you discover. Be aware of the feelings of other people, to prevent what might be offensive behaviour on your part.  Be sensitive about photography. Ask yourself why you are taking a picture and would you enjoy being photographed in the same situation.  Cultivate the habit of listening and observing, rather than merely hearing and seeing.  Realize that often the people in the country you visit have time concepts and thought patterns different from your own. This does not, make them inferior, only different. Try to understand and enjoy this difference.  Respect and protect the natural environment. Instead of looking for just "stunning views”, look for the richness of another culture and way of life, along with the impressive history of the geological formations.  Make no promises to people in your host country, unless you intend to carry them through.

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 Enjoy yourself, but remember that an extravagant display of wealth is insensitive to local people who may have to manage on much less money than you have. Be conservative in your dress. You will get closer to people if you do not look very different.  Share your ideas, rather than enforce them – we all have a method that works for us.  Love, live and laugh – what a way to start and finish each day! Responsible Travel One of our core values is our deep care and respect for the environment. WWE, our partners and guides on this trip, are committed to ecotourism and fostering a greater appreciation of our natural world. While on trip we aim to leave whatever place we have been to in better shape than when we got there. We see being in nature not as if we are visitors, but instead as being at home and so treat it that way. WWE is a strong believer in environmental conservation and supports the actions of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society through attending events and financial donations. WWE intends to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on all trips. We encourage you to learn more, so you can help ensure our trips have minimal environmental impacts. The 7 LNT Principles are: ● Plan Ahead and Prepare ● Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces ● Dispose of Waste Properly ● Leave What You Find ● Minimize Campfire Impacts ● Respect Wildlife ● Be Considerate of Others

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Post Trip Details WWE really appreciates your feedback. Your opinions really help us to adapt to changes and offer great trips based on your experiences. After your WWE Adventure, there will be the opportunity to provide feedback through WWE Feedback forms, as well, you might be asked to complete feedback for our outfitter.

Please connect and share your experiences with the Wild Women Community! Like our Wild Women Expeditions Facebook page

Join our groups on Facebook! Wild Women Members Community! Wild Women Adventures!

Follow @wildwomenexpeditions on Instagram

Writing & Photo Contest We are calling out to all women who are adventuring with WWE this year to share the images and/or stories from the trips you have participated in.

You could WIN $500 towards your next adventure!

Photo Contest Writing Contest

Photos may be of any theme you like – We are looking for writing entries that tell we are especially interested in: a story about your Wild Women adventure  Funny photos – it could be humorous, explore themes

 Most Scenic Landscape such as healing, spirituality and personal

 Best Group Shot growth, or talk about the landscape or

 Best Action/Adventure shot natural or cultural features of a destination.

Anything goes!

The Prize The winner of each contest gets $500 to be applied to any WWE trip. Prize must be redeemed in 2017.

Eligibility Anyone who has been a participant on any WWE trip in 2016.

Terms for Photo Entries  All photos must be submitted by Sept 15, 2016.  All photos must be submitted electronically as jpeg files (minimum resolution 300 dpi) by email to [email protected]  Photos may be sent via link to online photos album (e.g. on Facebook, Dropbox or Flickr)  You may enter as many photos as you like!  Photos submitted may be used for WWE promotional materials/website or media partners

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 Photo subjects have agreed to their image being used in this contest. By submitting photos you are confirming this permission has been granted.  Please submit photos with caption descriptions in the title wherever possible. Please also indicate the trip the photos were taken on (trip name/location, year)  If you require photographer credit, please indicate this in a cover note.  Photos must have be taken on a WWE trip.  If the photo depicts a minor, permission to reprint, publish or otherwise reproduce the images, as described above, must be obtained by the photographer, in writing, from the child’s parent or guardian.  Winners will be announced by Dec 1, 2016.

Terms for Writing Entries  All stories must be submitted by Sept 15, 2016 by email (in .doc or .docx format) to [email protected]  Stories must be between 500 – 1000 words.  You may enter as many stories as you like!  Stories submitted may be used for WWE promotional materials/website/blog or media partners.  Photos may be submitted with the story – subjects have agreed to their image being used in this contest. By submitting photos you are confirming this permission has been granted.  Winners will be announced by Dec 1, 2016.

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The Wild Women Way

We are wild and we know this to be true, deep in our bellies and down to our very bones. We belong in Nature. We are explorers, seeking Earth’s mysteries, fuelled by wanderlust. We seek snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers and ancient valleys, towering waterfalls and serene still lakes. We seek off-beaten paths that lead to endless vistas, where the whole world seems to open up before us with infinite possibilities.

We seek peace and rest. We seek momentum and passion. We seek crackling campfires, singing to the stars, and belly laughs. We seek strength and sisterhood. We seek the beauty of burnt orange sunrises and shimmering full moons. We seek magnificence. We seek the magic of our wild wonderful world. And we find it, discovering more about ourselves along the way.

Because we are wild women. All of us. We laugh. We listen. We set ourselves and each other free. We are Wild Women and this is our way... We listen.

And “we” means all of us on this Wild Women Expedition. We're all in this together. And because we – you and me and all of us – are committed to listening, then yes, you can express yourself and please do. We need not be silent or shamefaced about asking for what we want. We are Wild Women. This is our place. We listen and we will be heard. We protect.

We protect ourselves by being willing to speak up and be heard. We protect other women by steering way, way, way clear of all the “isms”. We never say anything homophobic, racist, classist, or oppressive about each other or to each other. That's how we protect each other and keep each other feeling safe and included. We protect our wild world. It's a campsite cliché - “leave it better than when you came” - it's our end and our practice. We respect the environment, so we don't litter, we don't destroy, and we do help each other out. (And we welcome better ideas about how we can do that.) We all lead.

And we lead up, not down. We lead through contribution. We each contribute our personal strengths and skills: our storytelling, our wit, our mean skill with a paddle, our soft touch for someone struggling. We give each other, our guides and our hosts respect. And it is returned...- because we lead with kindness. It's the Wild Woman way.

We are free. Don't wanna wear a bra? No problem! No one's looking, no one's judging (hey, no judging!). Want to keep wearing your mascara? Glam up, girl! Dreaming of skinny-dipping at dawn? Make it happen. You are free. We are free. We support each others’ quests to be free. We trust.

We trust that if we speak up, we will be heard. We trust that our guides know what they're doing (they do!) and will accommodates our needs and desires whenever safely possible. We trust our needs and desires. We trust our bodies, we listen to them, we do the best we can and if we have to stop, or rest, we do. And that's ok. It's more than ok: it's the right thing to do. We trust that this is not a race and there's no competition! We trust ourselves and each other to make our trip a safe and welcoming experience for everyone. We trust that we're going to have a stupendously good time. And then we make that happen.

Your Wild Women Expedition is a spirited vacation and a great adventure.