Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Sunday, 30 March 2014
14 Animals You Didn’t Know Live in the Nile
Looking out at the Nile from Cairo, you might find it difficult to believe that anything could possibly live in the polluted cesspool that the Nile (in many parts) has become today. At the Empire, we wondered the same thing – what animals are resilient enough to live in such a trying habitat? And what creatures reside in the cleaner parts of the Nile, such as Lake Nasser and the river south of the Aswan dam?
1. African Tigerfish
Known as the “piranha of Africa,” the giant tigerfish is one of several fish species that makes its home in the Nile. Their large, razor-like teeth and strong jaws make these fish vicious carnivores. Few attacks on humans have been reported but they appeared to be out of defensiveness rather than malice – just a few years ago a tigerfish bit a spearman in Kariba causing a gash that required 16 stitches. Although they tend to avoid people, tigerfish have been documented attacking animals as large as crocodiles.
2. Mudfish (Clarias Anguillaris)
Also known as the eel catfish, the mudfish is one of the few fish species capable of living in the Upper Nile. Catfish, in general, are known for their resilience, making them more likely than other species to survive in rivers with high rates of water pollution and habitat destruction. But even with the mudfish’s unique ability to live in horrible conditions, you’d be lucky to spot one north of Lake Nasser.
Fun fact: No water? No problem. During drought periods, mudfish bury themselves in the mud where they can survive for several months using a metabolism-slowing process called “aestivation” (similar to hibernation).
3. Vundu Catfish
Okay, so maybe it’s not so surprising that catfish are one of the more common species in the Nile. As bottom feeders, they can live on literally just about any kind of diet…including garbage.
The Vundu catfish, a fish of many names across many countries, can grow up to 130 kg. Its long, slender and muscular body is powerful enough to pull a full-grown man to the bottom of a river (and yes, this has happened to fisherman in the Nile causing several deaths).
Fun fact: Vundu catfish have air-breathing capabilities that enable it to survive out of water for extended periods of time.
3. Marbled lungfish
Also known as salamanderfish due to their slender bodies and primitive leg-like fins, lungfish are unique to other fish because they possess lungs. Like mudfish, marbled lungfish can survive droughts by burying themselves underground. They’re also known for having incredibly long lifespans (a Queensland lungfish has been living at the Shedd Aquarium at Chicago since 1933).
Fun fact: The marbled lungfish has the largest genome of any known vertebrate on the planet, with 133 billion base pairs!
4. African knifefish
Found on the vegetated edges of the Nile basin, the African knifefish resembles an electric eel and possesses similar (but weaker) electrifying capabilities. Its body, which can reach a length of up to one meter, is surrounded by a small, symmetrical electric field used to sense surrounding environments and for stunning prey.
The African knifefish is wired to viciously attack anything that disturbs its electric field.
Fun fact: If two African knifefish swim too close to each other, their electric fields will collide and distort their sense of surroundings, making them confused and debilitated
5. Nile perch
The Nile perch is one of the largest freshwater fish found in the world. Reaching up to 2m long and 200kg, these beasts are easily the largest fish found in the Nile. They require highly oxygenated water, limiting their range to deep, less-polluted bodies of water such as Lake Nasser.
Fun fact: Nile perch are aggressive predators and known cannibals.
6. African softshell turtle
African softshell turtles are found along the Nile in areas with sandy, smooth bottoms. They are highly adaptable and able to live in salty, brackish and fresh water habitats.
Fun fact: These funky looking reptiles are able to stay submerged for ridiculously long time periods due to an underwater breathing mechanism that allows them to inhale 70% of necessary oxygen through their skin.
7. Nile monitor
Nile monitors are the second largest reptile in the Nile next to the Nile crocodile, growing as long as 2.1 m and as large as 15 kg. However, they’re not quite as ferocious as they look and their favorite meal is not children but rather Nile crocodile eggs.
Fun fact: Nile monitors are the closest living relatives of the mosasaur, a sea dinosaur that went extinct 65 million years ago
8. African shoebill
These odd-looking birds are often called “monster” birds by scientists due to their prehistoric appearance. They’re also called “whaleheads” and “shoe-billed storks.” At 1.4 meters tall, these birds are related to the giant Goliatha bird of Egypt’s Oligocene era. You won’t them in Egypt anymore, but you can find them hanging out together on (and around) the Nile in Sudan.
Fun fact: The shoebill behavior of “siblicide” observed in chicks, where siblings aggressively attack and kill each other, has been studied extensively by scientists.
9. African sacred ibis
In ancient Egypt, the African sacred ibis was venerated (and mummified) as a symbol of the deity Thoth, who played an important role in stabilizing the universe. Troth was often depicted with the head of a sacred ibis. These days, sacred ibises are found commonly wading in the Nile and have been introduced to countries around the world including France, Italy, Spain and the US.
Fun fact: According to mythology, the sacrifice of a sacred ibis could exterminate plagues of disease-bearing flies.
10. African common toad
African common toads are native to Egypt and found in basically any habitable area with a permanent water source. They’re often kept as pets and captured for sale in the international pet market (getting exported to places like Europe, Canada and the US).
Fun fact: We know it’s tempting but you should never kiss a toad because 1.) they live in the Nile 2.) all toads are toxic and 3.) Prince Charming only exists in Disney movies.
11. Nile tilapia
Reaching up to 9.5kg, Nile tilapia are extremely resilient fish that can live in brackish water and survive in waters with ridiculous ranges in temperature (between 8 and 42 degrees C). Because mosquito larvae is a huge staple in their diet, Nile tilapia have been used as a way to fight malaria in countries like Kenya where there are high rates of the mosquito-borne disease.
Fun fact: Nile tilapia are a highly patriarchal species, with males getting privilege when it comes to feeding and breeding
12. Dice water snake
Found in northern Egypt (in the Nile Delta as well as the lower Nile Valley), this highly aquatic, nonvenemous snake’s range has expanded since the construction of the Aswan Dam. They can also be found near the Suez Canal area and Fayoum. While relatively common, its numbers have declined over the past few years due to habitat destruction.
Fun fact: Hate snakes? You should probably steer clear of the Nile – there are up to 10 venomous snakes that live in the Nile river valley habitat.
14. Egyptian goose
Thought of as sacred by ancient Egyptians (no they didn’t just love cats – turns out they had an affection for birds, too), Egyptian geese are indigenous to other parts of Africa but were brought to Egypt by the ancient Egyptians where they were bred for food. Escaped domestic birds established feral colonies along the Nile, which have grown into today’s population.
Fun fact: In order to impress females during mating season, male Egyptian geese show their availability by honking and engaging in “neck stretching” and feather displays.
Saturday, 22 March 2014
Look At Egypt Tours (REAL EGYPT): Egypt travel agency and tour operator
Look At Egypt Tours (REAL EGYPT): Egypt travel agency and tour operator: LOOK AT EGYPT TOURS Look at Egypt tours is an Egyptian travel agency and tour operator that specializes in holidays and travel packages ...
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
Egypt sport holidays
What Kind of Sports?
Egypt isn’t all about dead Pharaohs and holy
lands. You can also find luxury tours that
highlight sports! In fact, ancient Egypt was very into sports even thousands of
years ago. Some of the most common sports back in the day included gymnastics,
javelin throwing, swimming, rowing, weight lifting and marathon running. These
sports are still represented today by way of resorts that feature gyms, sports
courts, swimming pools and diving centers.
Scuba Diving and Golfing
You can find many guided tours that showcase scuba diving
activities for the whole family, whether you are a beginning or experienced
swimmer. There are also numerous golf courses, such as the Mena House Golf
Course, and the Royal Valley at Luxor, as well as tennis courts at the finest
luxury hotels.
An even better region of Egypt for sports and private tours is Dahab. Though originally a Bedouin village, Dahab has evolved into a tourist-friendly paradisiacal area for scuba divers and windsurfers. It is well liked because of its high winds and very modern facilities. Along with surfing and diving, the area also gives you the opportunity to go mountain biking, kite surfing and sailing.
Hurghada is a very popular city and offers more water sports, golf and even casinos than most other Egyptian cities.
Many tourists state that though you can rent diving equipment from your hotel or diving center, you may want to bring your own snorkel and mask for hygienic reasons. After all, thousands of people have put their face and lips on these rented items, which might make you feel a bit germophobic! Tourists are also advised to bring sun block and light clothing.
An even better region of Egypt for sports and private tours is Dahab. Though originally a Bedouin village, Dahab has evolved into a tourist-friendly paradisiacal area for scuba divers and windsurfers. It is well liked because of its high winds and very modern facilities. Along with surfing and diving, the area also gives you the opportunity to go mountain biking, kite surfing and sailing.
Hurghada is a very popular city and offers more water sports, golf and even casinos than most other Egyptian cities.
Many tourists state that though you can rent diving equipment from your hotel or diving center, you may want to bring your own snorkel and mask for hygienic reasons. After all, thousands of people have put their face and lips on these rented items, which might make you feel a bit germophobic! Tourists are also advised to bring sun block and light clothing.
Camel Riding...
Another popular activity is camel riding, a
popular though unofficial “sport” that many tourists love, given the rarity of
a camel in western civilization.
Fishing and Trekking
Fishing is certainly an exciting sport and most
areas along the Nile River will accommodate your for fishing activities, as
well as Lake Nasser just south of the city of Aswan. While the Nile River is
the best river for fishing, the Red Sea is the best location for scuba diving.
Last but not least, check out Sinai. Though this isolated region is mainly for
historical value, trekking land tours are still tremendous fun.
There are numerous budget tours and more expensive day tours that cater to your love of sports. Egypt’s charms may be in its history, but it certainly brings a thrill to active vacationers who want to play as hard as they work.
There are numerous budget tours and more expensive day tours that cater to your love of sports. Egypt’s charms may be in its history, but it certainly brings a thrill to active vacationers who want to play as hard as they work.
Look At Egypt Tours (REAL EGYPT): EGYPT DESERT SAFARI
Look At Egypt Tours (REAL EGYPT): EGYPT DESERT SAFARI: White Desert Safari Camping Egypt White Desert Safari Tours 2 days/1 night Day 1: White desert Departure from Cairo at 7:30 am for...
EGYPT DESERT SAFARI
White Desert Safari Camping
Egypt White Desert Safari Tours
2 days/1 night
Day 1: White desert
Departure from Cairo at 7:30 am for a 365 km trip to Baharia
Oasis, lunch in Baharia Oasis Proceed to visit the wonderful area the white
desert passing from Mushroom valley and ice cream valley you will be able to
take sunset photos from the new white desert and have barbeques dinner with
Bedouin tea over night in a camp.
Day 2:
Enjoy the light Breakfast after the sunrise, driving by jeep
to cross the sand dunes towards the black desert to visit the divided mountain
then driving towards el Zogag mountain. The top of this mountain has a very
nice view to all of the black desert after that depart the black desert then
drive to visit the crystal mountain.
Drive back to Cairo.
Western Desert Safari Tour 2
El Bahariya Oasis - Black & White Desert
3 days/2 night
Day 1: El Baharia Oasis
Depart
from Cairo for a 4 hour drive (385 km) to the old town of El Baharia Oasis
Bawiti. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: White desert
After
breakfast full day tour at El Baharia Oasis monuments. Visit the Museum of
Golden mummies the temple of Alexander the Great, Ain El Maftella and the tomb
of Bannintue, and the crystal mountain. Lunch then drive back to White Desert
to enjoy the fabulous landscapes of sand dunes, the wind carved chalk cliff and
see the transformation of black and white desert.
Overnight camping at the white desert.
Overnight camping at the white desert.
Day 3:
Breakfast
then transfer back to Cairo
Western Desert Safari Tour 4
- Cairo
- Alexandria
- Siwa
- Bahariya
- Farafra
- Cairo
- 6 days/5 night
·
Day 1:
·
Early pick up and
transfer from Cairo to Alexandria to start full day tour visiting the Greco
Roman museum, Catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa, the Montazah Gardens and Alexandria
library.
Overnight in Alexandria.
Overnight in Alexandria.
·
Day 2:
Day 2:
·
After breakfast, we leave
Alexandria behind, we arrive to Alamein 60-km. There we visit the WWII Museum and
the war memorial. (Lunch en route) Moving on, we pass by Marsa Matruh. Upon
reaching Siwa 300-km, we tour the old Siwan village of Shali, Dinner.
Overnight Camping.
Overnight Camping.
·
Day 3:
Day 3:
·
After breakfast drive to
Dakhla Oasis and on the way pass by the Farafra to reach Dakhla Oasis. On the
way visit the picturesque village of El Qasr and Deir El Hagar. Visit the Roman
burial Ground of Mozawaka then drive to the painted rock at the yallew desert
to enjoy the camel rock.
Overnight camping.
Overnight camping.
·
Day 4:
Day 4:
·
After breakfast we head
off road on a 450-km journey to Bahariya Oasis. We pass by Bahrein, Nawemisa
and Sitra Oases. Lunch en route, we pass through magnificent sand dunes of the
Great Sand Sea. Upon reaching Bahariya oasis, we check in our hotel, after dinner
we go off road to bathe in the hot spring under the stars,
Overnight camping.
Overnight camping.
·
Day 5:
Day 5:
·
After breakfast, we tour
the city; visit the temple of Alexander the great, the tombs of the nobles, the
golden mummies and the English mountain. Lunch en route, on reaching the White
Desert 160-km on/off road, we start exploring the formations, the wind carved
sculptors that resemble both human and animal faces. We explore the formations
that resemble the surface of a different planet.
Dinner, Overnight Camping in Farafra.
Dinner, Overnight Camping in Farafra.
·
Day 6:
Day 6:
·
After breakfast we go
on/off road to the black desert and the dune area. We start our climb of a
50meter dune. On route to Bahariya we visit the crystal mountain and the area
of the wonders with the desert roses and the arch. After lunch we head towards Cairo
370-km.
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