Top 5 Reasons to Travel Egypt

From the comfort of your living room, it may be hard to imagine just what it would be like if you joined us on a Jelani Women voyage. That is totally understandable. After all, if this is your first trip to Africa you might not know what to expect. Let me paint a picture of what you should anticipate when visiting Egypt with us in 2021. Here are the top 5 pictures you will add to your album after an adventure with Jelani Women Travel:
​
The Pyramid of Giza
First, things first, you must see this ancient wonder of the world. Surely, we’ll snap a picture of you trying to balance your finger atop the tallest among them, Khufu’s pyramid. You will know that you’re different from the other tourists in the Giza plateau because you’ll be surrounded by a group of Black American women who are also trying to learn more about the history of these sites, who built them and how, as well as the Kings, Queens, and Pharaohs entombed inside. In this expanse of the Sahara desert, you’ll feel drenched in the sun rays of the Egyptian Sun God, Ra, as we capture you giving nose kisses to the Sphinx.

​The Nubian village of Aswan
There is so much to love about Nubia. How many times have you heard Black women and girls called “Nubian queens” and “Nubian princesses”? So many that you’ve lost count, but you really had no idea what it truly meant until you came on this trip, with this group of Nubian descendant women. The houses here in Aswan are gorgeous and the exterior designs feel so welcoming. You are taking pictures everywhere! Kids are coming up to you and saying a few words in English, and you are just in love with the smell of spices. You have to catch the boat back before sunset, but you are more honored than ever to be associated with the people of Nubia.

Hot air ballooning over Luxor
Picture this. You woke up to darkness, threw off your lush blanket, and have already had a hearty breakfast. You and your travel mates - who you have learned a lot about over these last few days - arrive just in time to climb into a hot air balloon that will take you over all the famous monuments of Luxor. Quite literally, you and the sun will share a rise. Your private, local tour guide will speak in heavily accented English, explaining the history of this region and solidifying the fact that this excursion was well worth the early morning. And he’ll snap aerial photos of you as Queen Hatshepsut's Temple and the Statue of Thebes come into view. You will be so glad you came to Luxor, because it is nothing like Cairo. You’re so happy you didn’t miss this view. 

Overnight cruise up the Nile
Many people say that this is the best part of the trip. Traveling up the Nile on a cruise is said to be the best way to get a sense of the Egyptian people. After all, this river is the lifeblood of this region. There are kids and donkeys bathing on its banks, farmers and fishermen are using its waters to feed their families. You look forward to this, not just because it is another opportunity to get to know the ladies, but also because this trip falls within peak season and the weather is perfect to enjoy the night air. Tonight, you will learn how to tie a Crowned by Jelani head wrap while cruising the Nile. There will be lots of laughs until there’s triumph, when you can finally do this on your own - without a mirror.  

Shopping in the Night Souk in Cairo
You and your new travel sisters have connected deeply over these late nights and early mornings. Those are private moments that won’t be marked with photos, but will be remembered as bonding conversation. You’ve gotten to know each other quite well. Because of this, you’re really excited to go with this group of ladies to Cairo’s night souk at the Khan el Khalili bazaar. You’ve been told it’s best not to bring flashy cameras, so there will just be mental pictures and souvenirs to show for this adventure. You buy pearl inlay boxes for your friends at work. You love gemstone jewelry, but decide to let one of the other women get the ring you were eyeing. You learn more about alabaster, which you initially confused for marble, and you score yourself a shawl made of handpicked Egyptian cotton, which you immediately put into use. You browse the maze of shops and stalls, pass up fragrant oils and papyrus art, but opt for a brass engraved teapot set instead. This set will impress your friends and family, when you invite them over later to share the highlights of your trip. You have to set the scene, of course, to explain just how epic and life-changing this trip really was.
​