Cairo Travel Forum

Hi
We have hired a car and driver to take us, a party of five from Cairo to Taba leaving mid-afternoon. I have read that you need to travel in conveys around some areas in Egypt. Are we safe traveling in this area and at this time of day it will be after dark when we arrive in Taba or should we look to travel with others.
Many Thanks Dave.

No nead for a convoy in Sinai desert. Just some roadblocks along your way. Keep your passport at hand.

The biggest hazard can be driving by night because the roads are not lighted and Egyptian drivers have the tendency to drive without lights or play with them.
There can be an occasional group of camels or goats blocking the road.

We did it several times and always arrived safely.

I agree 100% with the first response. Driving at night is especially hazardous as she points out,but of course most travelers don't have any problem. But I would reconsider your departure time if at all possible, and leave early enough to arrive before dark. Also, if you should have any sort of car trouble, it's better to be stranded by daylight! Your driver will almost certainly tell you that it's perfectly safe to drive at night, but since you're paying, you get to call the shots. I'm sure it will be a great trip...travel safe and enjoy!

Based on our experience in March of this year I can tell you that if you are from the US or England (and perhaps a few other countries) the tourist police WILL require you either travel in Sinai as part of a convoy or have a officer from the tourist police in the car with you. This is a commitment Egypt made to the these countries following Sept 11, 2001 in order to try to get tourism back and they take it very serious.

This is also true in el Minya and Fayuum areas as well.

Gottagocit

I have been to the Sinai twice in recent years, after 2001. We always used private cars and never had to follow a convoy.

But we are from Holland, maybe the convoy rule doesn't apply for Dutch citizens.......

Oh yes, I forgot to include the areas near Luxor. When traveling overland from Luxor to visit Abydos and Dendera you will be required to travel in a convoy regardless of nationality. Here we were not given the choice to use a single escort in our car.

Yes, on the mainland of Egypt you do need to follow a convoy!

Not much trouble, it just takes a little bit more time and adjusting.

I do live in Egypt and what you say is bulls--t. There is no need to follow a convoy in Sinai, and no need to take a policeman with you, whatever your nationality. The policeman may have wanted a ride home, very simply.

Take your passports with you so you can handle them at each checkpoint. It's not advisable to drive at night as Egyptians drive like crazy but there is no danger apart from that. If you drive one or two hours at dark it's no big deal, just make sure your driver does not drive too fast and forbid him to drive without visibility (example : in case of sandstorm, do ask him to stop).

I am sorry you feel the need to be so rude. Relax.

I assure you it is required for those from some country. I did not particularly like it but it is what it is. As you say you live there it would obviously not be required for you.

To the one who posted the question. This person is mistaken or is upset at the world or something. If you are from the US you will need an officer to accompany but it is not big deal. You guide will arrange it for you. There is no cost to you.

If there is any doubt in your mind contact your tour agency and you will see what I mean.

Have a great trip,
Gottagocit

Reading the reply written by 'Catw' again I can't help but think he/she is just confused about what I am telling. Sure you do not need an escort in Sinai if you in Sharm or one of the other tourist areas but you certainly do if you are from the US and are going (as we did) into the Sinai desert such as Neweiba to Sharm or Sharm to St. Catherines.