Egypt is a wonderful country where people have lived for over 8,000 years. It is an ancient culture that values family and its vast history, and many buildings are hundreds or even thousands of years old. Modern Egypt still contains many of these ancient structures which are impossible to retrofit for handicapped access. Egypt is also largely desert except for the narrow strip along the Nile River.
Egypt is full of amazing places that are only accessible by walking up stairs, on uneven streets, through sand, or by walking across a narrow wooden board propped on a cinder block (yes, we have done that!). Many outdoor stairs do not have railings. Egyptian airlines board via a wheeled staircase pulled up to the plane. Motor and sailboat rides in Aswan and Luxor require you to climb down into the boat and then back up. In short, Egypt doesn’t follow the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!
But don’t worry, there are plenty of Egyptians whose job it is to help you walk / board / climb / carry your stuff. An adventurous spirit is an asset!
Q: I use a wheelchair. Will I be able to enjoy Egypt?
A: Yes. There are many places to visit in Egypt which are handicapped accessible, including modern shopping areas, larger hotels, and big cities such as Cairo, Luxor, and Alexandria. It will be less easy to visit the desert, as it is impossible to use a wheelchair on the sand.
Q: Can I bring my small children with me to Egypt? I’d need to use a stroller.
A: It is possible to take small children to Egypt, but it is not recommended. Smaller hotels, the old market, shops in the bazaars, the desert, and Nile cruise ships don’t have smooth places to use a stroller, and many have only stairs (no elevator). Please note that our rules state that travelers under 19 require a parent or guardian to accompany them, but we really recommend a minimum age of 16 to truly enjoy the trip.
Q: I can walk, but I get tired quickly. What places can I go in Egypt?
A: The best options for people with stamina issues are desert trips and the Nile cruises. Once you arrive, you will have transportation and small half-day or day trips with plenty of places to rest.
As long as you can walk, there is really no limit to where you can go in Egypt. All TOET tours feature plenty of restroom and snack breaks. (Hey, this agency is run by Southern women. We love to eat.) There’s always travel time on the bus between venues, but if you get tired during the day, just tell your tour guide and we can take a break, no problem.