Luxor in August 07- Advice pls!

summerday

We are hoping to go to Luxor, Egypt in August 07. We have looked at hotels and like the look and reviews for Sonesta St George, and can get quite a good deal through Portland Direct.

Lots of people have said that Egypt is unbearably hot in August, which worries me a bit as we definitely wouldn't want to lounge in the pool all day every day, we want to get out and see the sights.

Please can anyone tell me if they have been in July/August and whether they found it ok, and of course any tips for moneysaving when we get there.

Cheers, Sarah

Mirtos

I've been in August. It IS ridiculously hot, but if you're determined you'll cope - I did, and we had a ten year old in our party who was fine. If I could give you some advice it would be to take a big shady hat and a parasol, as well as lots of comfy linen clothes! Make sure you drink LOTS of water (I mean it, 2 litres a day if you can!) and take some diarrhea (sp?) remedies just in case. - If you want any more info, feel free to PM me.xxx

black-saturn

If your planning on taking a trip to Cairo and the pyramids it might work out cheaper in the long run to actually stay in Cairo as the excursions from Luxor to the pyramids are really expensive.

Dora_the_Explorer_5

It's as hot as hades in August, far too hot to sunbathe. As suggested, cover up arms and legs with cotton/cheesecloth/linen clothes, I found lomng sleeve caftans and and ankle length skirts were ideal, but probably not if you're a bloke! A big hat is a must - make sure it shades the back of your neck. As well as upset tummy medication, take a good supply of rehydration sachets - Boots stock them. Most of the sightseeing trips are extremely early in the morning, to avoid the heat. You'll might find your hotel can arrange them for you for less than Portland will. A local guide with a car is also quite inexpensive if there are 2/3/4 in your group and can be arranged through your hotel.
As for saving money, eating out in Egypt is still very cheap

You'll find tips on Luxor written by people who've recently visited here
http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/egypt/luxor/index.jsp

Becles

My parents went in the "winter" and it was too hot for them during the day.

They did the sightseeing from very early morning, then went back after lunch to their air conditioned room to sleep during the afternoon, and went out again early evening when it was cooler!

dapoodee

I went to Luxor in late April and it was getting too hot towards the end (touching 50 degrees celcius).

I am quite slim and managed to cope but the larger members of our party were huffing and puffing when out site seeing.

I can only recommend getting out very early in the morning and avoiding the mid-day sun.

treacle

You will not enjoy Egypt in August - it will be unbearable. I have been to Luxor and Cairo twice in February and March. During these months alone it can be quite difficult walking 200 metres plus into underground tombs where there is little air and no ventilation. There is no respite from the heat when you are doing the touristy things and it can be extremely tiring. They don't recommend some of the tombs if you suffer with asthma, claustrophobia etc and trying to imagine it in August scares me.

That said it is a wonderful country - and I will never tire of it. If you do go in August just be careful. The locals are used to the heat of course, and follow their advice and take an umbrella and hat to keep the sun off you.

I can recommend the Luxor Novotel - it has a beautiful floating pool over the Nile. But you won't be lounging by the pool in August!!!

turroncin

I used to live in Cairo, summer is very hot, but if you restrict yourself to early morning (4am onwards) and late evening then you should be able to see something. I doubt you'll be up for much sunbathing but it is do-able if you choose a hotel with a large cool pool to do it from!

diddydi

In my humble opinion it is far too hot - quite unbearable. May temperatures were enough for me.