TABA

After Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada Taba is the 3rd most visited holiday resort on the Red sea coast. Very favorite place in the Gulf of Aqaba especially for its locations near the borders with Israel and Jordan.

This was also the reason why we chose to stay in Taba. From the airport, you can reach most of the resorts within half an hour. We came here in the middle of March and considering the time of the year it was for us coming from cold Europe very hot. A temperature of 30’C and a warm sea was a very pleasant surprise.

We stayed in Sonesta beach resort and were very happy with the service and the facilities in the resort. The first few days we were getting familiar with the hotel, staff, and people around us. We started with regular swimming, tennis and other sports. I also had an opportunity to be beaten in table tennis by two staff members. I have to say though, it doesn’t happen very often that someone beats me in table tennis. All credit to those skilled boys.

When we got familiar with the place we met one gentleman who worked as a security guard on the ramp. He was the ex-pilot of Egyptian air forces and showed us many pictures and told many stories from his years in duty. We became friends and he took us one day also with his wife for a ride to the nearest city in Taba.

We went to a little port and apart from that there is not much to see. Taba is located in quite a windy area surrounded by picturesque mountains. The next day we decided to go for a Moto safari into the desert. We took a short ride to the agency where they gave us 2 quads. Off we go for an adventurous ride into the desert. You can drive pretty fast on those dusty and bumpy roads. The trip was followed then by a camel ride which we already did in Morocco but it’s always an experience to have contact with these amazing animals.

Later on we came to a Bedouin village where we tried their famous tea, and delicious food and they also prepared a short music program. It’s really interesting to see the way how they prepare and bake their bread and tea considering the conditions they have.

Just imagine you sit in a Bedouin tent, drink their tea, listen to their music, puff from the shisha and when you lift your head you can see the sky full of stars…  I feel like I am back there again.

As mentioned before, we didn’t stay in Egypt very long because our trip followed us to Israel and Jordan. The time we spent in Egypt though was amazing. We felt a bit sorry for Egyptians considering their troubled political past and recent events because the country has such a huge potential. What makes this country so special are the people there and the service they offer. They are thankful for every tourist coming to their country and treat them like royalty.

Tip 1: Go for a Moto safari and try Bedouin tea, their bread, and also the shisha.

Tip 2: Take a trip to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine Monastery and see the amazing sunrise from the top of the mountain.

Tip 3: The location of Taba right on the border with Jordan and Israel is perfect for trips to Petra and Jerusalem.

Total costs:  7 nights All Inclusive (Flight + Accommodation + Meals):  £600.00 

(Prices as of March 2012)

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