Cairo Unusual Day Tour Visit Camel Market in Birqash
Description
Take this 4 hour unusual Cairo tour which visits the camel market at Birqash. Egypt's largest Camel Market is in an area called Birqash, about 35km away from Cairo.The best day to visit is claimed to be Friday and Sunday because the market is the most lively in the earlier part of the morning, around 7am-9am. The market is open till 1pm but most of the trading happens before 11am.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza by tour guide to start your tour . Egypt’s largest camel market is held at Birqash (pronounced Bir’ash), a small village 35km northwest of Cairo, just on the edge of the Delta’s cultivated land. It's not for the faint of heart – many traders treat the camels with intense cruelty – but it's a very local experience. Hundreds of camels are sold here every market day, with the liveliest action between 7am and 10am. Tour Finishes with drop off at Customer Hotel in Cairo or Giza
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
As per requested time our tour guide will be waiting inside the lobby area and he will be holding a sign showing our company name Emo Tours
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The market is busiest on its designated market days. The itinerary may be adjusted if market operations change due to local conditions or holidays.
Reviews(11)
We wanted to go to a camel auction. Unfortunatlaty the day we went it was closed. Thier were several camels there but bassically it was not open. Would have been better on auction day.
A visit that felt like going back in time. Almost biblical. But the treatment of animals was shocking. We went with a guide and it was recommended as a glimpse of authentic Egyptian culture. This market is huge with hundreds of animals. It is chaotic. Loud. Overwhelming. I’ve see. Nothing like it. But it was the treatment of the animals that was shocking. It was brutal. I am sure they are stubborn beasts but the treatment I saw was shocking and unnecessary. Animal welfare is clearly not a priority. I would think carefully before going here and I certainly wouldn’t take children.
This was an amazing experience but not for the faint of heart. As a frequent visitor, I had been alll over, seen the museums, most of Egypt, so the unusual in the title really caught my eye. Boy, did it live up to the hype. Camels, big ones fresh from Sudan, running everywhere, chaos just barely controlled. But it was truly wonderful. The guide was wonderful, explaining it all and pointing out various camel buyers that he knew. One caveat, most of the camels were destined for Eid el Adha plates and restaurants:
This was a trip that I will definitely remember! What an experience! Mo was a fantastic guide, completely calm in a crazy market! Bear in mind there are runaway camels so you need to be on your toes!
Dear our valued customer Thank you for writing this fantastic review and giving our dealership such an excellent star rating . It’s great to hear we were able to go above and beyond your expectations and provide you with a memorable experience . We look forward to seeing you again soon . Best regards, Emo Tours Egypt
I did not upload any photos because I never took any photos. Why? Because the driver/guide never showed up for the trip at the hotel. They did not answer the phone either. Or respond to WhatsApp message from me. So EMO tours has a lot of improving to do if they want to be professional and responsible. I could never recommend EMO tours to anyone. Worse part is that it was the last chance to make the trip before leaving Al Cairo.
This is an unusual tour that I found fascinating and culturally enriching. Having grown up on a farm in the US, I enjoyed seeing how the market operated as well as learning about the different breedings of the camels. If you want a different sort of experience than looking at museums and Giza, this will definitely give you another side is life in Egypt.
If you like to see the unusual and unique locations in Egypt, consider a visit to the Camel Market. Camels are used, in Egypt, for: food (a delicious meat with many nutrients), for work and travel, and kept as pets. They are big animals. At market, one leg is bent and tied at the knee, to help restrain each animal. Small boys attempt to keep order in the market. Now a visitor can partake in a part of life in ancient Egypt.
Dear our valued customer Thank you for your excellent review We thrilled your time with us was so amazing!we endeavor to go above and beyond to ensure our guests have a memorable experience. It’s not surprising that Mohamed took such wonderful care of you and made you feel so valued. He is an important member of our team. We look forward to seeing you again soon for another fantastic experience! Have a beautiful day! Best regards, Emo Tours Egypt
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing life outside the city and this camel auction. It's a true slice of Egyptian life. We were the only tourist there most of the time. Two more tourists arrived later. Those involved in the auction pretty much ignored us and we got too see what really happens. Iyman and the driver guided us carefully through the area, dodging camels, cows and vehicles from time to time. This is real life and if you will have a difficult time seeing these camels, some not in very good shape, or dodging poop on the ground - think twice. If not, enjoy observing this culture and something you likely wont see anywhere else. Emo Tours did a great job. Hotel pick-up on time, Iyman was great explaining things and added a lot to this tour. This was one of 3 tours we did with Emo before we start a Viking River Cruise in Egypt.
Dear Our Valued Customer First of all we would like to convey our heartiest thanks to you for your wonderful Feedback We are sure that Without your Feedback, it would not have been possible at all for any other travelers to know about who we are we are happy that you and your family enjoyed the day We appreciate your time and efforts in Providing a feedback to us . Thank you Kind regards, Emo Tours Egypt
I strongly recommend this tour to everyone!!! It’s such an unusual, unique and truly unbelievable experience!!! The guide, Ayman, took really good care of me and explained me everything about the market. He was my personal bodyguard along with the driver, I felt super safe. It’s really good to have him and the driver with you at all times, the market is truly crazy with camels running around everywhere. Again, I’m so glad I did this and got to see how camels are being bought. Worth it!!!!!
Dear Our Valued Customer Thank you for Submatting your Excellent Review on the most famous Travel site. We Highly appreciate your feedback and your perspective towards Emo Tours as your feedback was a challenge and a phenomenal success for us We are very pleased to serve you in Egypt & We hope to serve you for many years to come We wish you a happy thanksgiving Sincerely Emo Tours Egypt
<p>Probably the most unusual tour I have ever been on.<br/> There were hundreds of camels, some running around even with one leg tied up.<br/> And dozens of auctioneers selling camels all over the market.<br/> The tour guide was excellent - kept a close watch on me and protected me from being run over by a camel.<br/> Definitely worth it!</p>
