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Day 4:
In the Way to Aswan we'll stop at
the impressive temples of Edfu (the largest and best preserved in the
whole of Egypt) and Kom Ombo (in effect a double temple to the gods
Sebek and Haroeris). Likely birds on the journey include
Black-shouldered Kite, Senegal Thick-knee and Purple Swamphen. After
lunch we'll relax in a uniquely Egyptain way--by cruising around
Elephantine and Kitchener Islands
in a white-sailed felucca to tally seven (we hope) species of herons
including Striated. There'll be an opportunity for more relaxing on
our hotel balconies or on the hotel grounds or maybe a visit to the
new Nubian museum. Night in Aswan.
Day
5: We'll visit the Temple of Philae, saved from the waters of Lake
Nasser and reconstructed on an island in the lake, a delightful place to
study
Nile Valley Sunbird and Graceful Prinia. We'll then drive or fly south
across the Nubian Desert to Abu Simbel to visit the truely spectacular
temples that were saved from drowning in the lake. A second visit after
sunset will give us the opportunity for another sound and light show, this
time incorporating the latest laser technology. With luck, Egyptian Nightjar
might fly into the lights. Night in Abu Simbel.
Day 6: At the
remote but now easily accessible Abu Simbel, a spinoff for birdwatchers is a
chance to look for sub-Saharan African species seldom seen elsewhere in the
Western Palearctic including Long-tailed Cormorant, Pink-backed Pelican,
Yellow-billed Stork, African Skimmer,
Pink-headed Dove and African Pied
Wagtail. Provided the authorities grant us permission, We'll spend several
hours using a boat to explore otherwise inaccessible bays on Lake
Nasser--rarities seen here in recent years have ranged from Goliath Heron to
Grey Hypocolius. We'll also explore the area by land searching for
Kittlitz's
Sandplover which we've discovered breeding here. Night in Abu Simbel.
Days 7: After
locating a camel stop in the desert (usually a good area for Spotted and
Crowned Sandgrouse) we'll fly back to Cairo. In the afternoon visit Cairo
Museum; the fabulous Tutankhamen collection and many other wonders of
ancient Egypt, will ensure that all the marvels of the last two weeks will be
brought into perspective. We'll then go to the old Islamic district of Khan
el Kalili for some fun shopping in the narrow streets of the bazaar,
culminating in our final meal together at a famous old Egyptian restaurant.
Night in Cairo.
Day 8: Transfer to
Cairo International Airport and Final Departure.
For more information kindly send to
info@truedreamegypt.net
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