Camels, Cairo

when visiting the Pyramids at Giza, be prepared to be surrounded by or followed by men touting for customers for their horses or camels.

Unique Suggestions: the best thing is to ignore them. or say "La, shukran' [no thankyou] and then walk on.

Fun Alternatives: it is better to hire a taxi for the whole trip who can take you up to the viewing point and wait till you have finished your explorations. It will be costly, but less stressful and can be a blessing if the sun is too hot.

I haven't done this but the camel keepers are very aggressive inviting you to ride their camels. Be careful and negotiate the price before you get on a camel because they can ask for more money when you have to get off. I've tried riding a camel during a safari in the desert and believe me, an inexperience person can't get off a camel without help.

Many salespeople are trying to sell you something or ask money for a picture. Try to avoid these people (it will not be easy). They are very stubborn. Once you have looked at the product they won't go away until you bought someting. It can spoil the real purpose of your visit; watching the pyramids

Unique Suggestions: Stop the conversation with the people as soon as you know they want to sell you something. The will be angry, but don't feel embarrassed. It's all part of the act.

Fun Alternatives: Staying with a group might help a little. Especially when you have a good tourguide who knows about these practices.

The camel trap.

There is a popular trick they play on you near the Pyramids. You are offered a free photo on a camel just for the sake of doing you pleasure. But when you climb the beast, it gets up and its owner demands from 10 to 50 dollars from you to get the camel down. I jumped off, so got out without loosing my money. Just be careful and a bit more sceptical!

I was lucky to have an Egyptian national as a friend and guide. One of the best recommendations he made was. If you want to ride a camel, then wear cloths you are willing to burn after riding a camel. The smell permiates the cloths and can not be removed. Also never go out on a camel by yourself once the camel guide gets you out in the desert and your by yourself he may demand $100 american dollars to return you to the city. Make sure you are in a group and you have a responsible tourguide with you.

If you decide to ride a camel make sure that you agree about a price BEFORE you get on the camel or otervise it will be expensive.

Unique Suggestions: Agree about the price fist.

Friend of mine, lady, was in Egypt before me. She wanted to ride a camel. She paid and the guy took so far from the group. She thought that he will not turn her back. Be careful with that.