Cairo Tourist Trap Tips by SabrinaSummerville

Camel Ride may have hidden "Humps" Camels Review

If you haven't ridden a camel before, the temptation to do so at the Pyramids will be overpowering. It seems so romantic an idea - riding to or from the Pyramids on your trusty camel.

However, unless your guide actually arranges it for you I would have to advise very strongly against it.

I had done my camel thing in Tunisia many years ago, so I wasn't tempted, but in any event our guide warned us that many camel owners will take you on a long camel ride, but then will refuse to let you dismount unless you pay several hundred dollars. If you've been seperated from your group, the temptation to pay and get away would be irresistable.

Be wary!

Beware of Egyptians bearing... Bandages! Hawkers and hassle Review

We stopped at a locally known lookout point to take some spectacular pics of the Pyramids when a very old and innocent-looking Egyptian man wandered up to my Mum. He gestured to ask if she wanted him in a pic with her and, in her innocent delight, she said yes and he posed beside her.

Next thing, before she had a chance to object, he unwound some dirty bangades and wrapped them around my Mum's head.

"Hey!" I thought "This guy is trying to make a Mummy of my Mammy. She was a bit upset and nervous at this point and I could see that she was bothered by the dirty headdress.

The trick from the old guys point of view was that he would not take the bandages off her unless she gave him money, and he would not leave without his bandages.

I handed him some money, he demanded more, but our guide intervened and he took his bandages away.

It was a really unpleasant experience though - if I were Mum I'd still be scratching my head.

Unique Suggestions: Watch out for the locals wandering the Pyramids - most of them are up to some scam.