General info

Satellite phone
The GSM mobile phones work well in most of the oasis crossed by the Rally. In any case it is greatly advised to have a personal satellite phone for security reasons.

Flashing torch
A flashing torch is meant to signal your presence to rescue vehicles after sunset. This light is visible within 5 km in optimum sight conditions. Approximate price Euro 38.00.

Hand rockets
Three rockets are meant to draw attention of a vehicle or an airplane passing by at night. Keep the cylinder still, take off the cap and pull the string. It must be kept as far as possible from your body. Approximate price Euro 5.00.

Anti-sand plates
The anti-sand plates are compulsory.

Twin trip master
The setting and use of a twin trip master is compulsory, as it allows to comply with the obligation to follow the track outlined on the road book.

Boxes transport
The transport fee is 350.00 Euro, up to space availability. The boxes must be locked and the tyres chained and locked to the organization truck structure by an organizaer officer. PHARAONS RALLY JVD is not responsible for any missed and/or changed piece.

Gasoline super
It does not exceed 95 octane; it is suggested the use of an additive for compressed engines. Estimated price 3.00 LE (Euro 0.50).
Requested Car fuel self-sufficiency: 500 Km (it is suggested to estimate + 10% for sandy terrain)
Requested Motorbike fuel self-sufficiency: 250 Km (it is suggested to estimate + 10% for sandy terrain)

Assistance
It is suggested to use a 4x4 vehicle. For those not interested to register an assistance vehicle it is foreseen the transport of one mechanic on one organisation vehicle for all the Rally at the cost of Euro 700.00 (limited seats). An organisation truck 4x4 will be anyway available for participants with power generator, light, technique and logistic equipment.

Assistance/Rally plate
The Assistance/Rally plate is required in order to follow the Rally group and to give assistance. It includes:

  • authorisation to access the desert military areas usually prohibited but open for the Rally
  • access into assistance areas in case of breakdown or accident
  • road book delivery
  • participation at the daily briefing.

The cost of this plate, compulsory for vehicles rented in Egypt, for the Middle East participants as well as for those who do not undertake the sea transport from Europe, is:

  • motorbike € 250
  • quad € 300
  • car € 500
  • truck € 650

NOTE: the Assistance/Rally plate is included in the transport fee for the vehicles paying transportation from Europe.

Hotel
In progress ...

Bivouacs
Five bivouacs in the desert under the big Arab tent, where it's possible to taste the atmosphere of a 'real' Egyptian holiday or simply relax after the efforts of the day.

Included in the entry fee, the bivouac rate includes:

  • breakfast
  • basket lunch (an energy pack, vital in the desert where days are often long)
  • buffet dinner at 7.30 p.m. after the briefing (due at 7.00 p.m. this being compulsory for all!!!)

Whoever gets early at the bivouac, finds the kitchen ready to serve hot dishes also at midday, against payment.

Documents
Passport: expiry date must be at least six months from the date of your entry in Egypt. Most European Countries do not need visa entry, replaced by a stamp you can buy directly at the airport upon arrival. It is advised to double check with the Egyptian Embassy/Consulate of your country

Driving licence
The international driving licence is compulsory for all who will drive a vehicle.

Vaccinations
No vaccination is required. It is suggested to take medications for likely gastrointestinal problems and other drugs for personal use possibly difficult to find.

Languages
The official language is Arabic, but English is spoken and understood almost everywhere.

Currency
Local currency is the Egyptian Pound. There is no limitation to import foreign currency, easy to change in all banks. Beware: Egyptian pound is not part of the international financial market, therefore it has no value out of Egypt and it can be changed only within the Country.

Climate
Climate is Mediterranean on the coast,  desertlike inland with very cold nigths from November to February. Days are warm, dry and windy in winter and very hot from April to September. Only Cairo can be slightly humid. Spring can take dust and sand storms.

Clothes
Light clothes from March to November, advisable a pullover for evenings and against the air conditioning of hotels. Do not forget the swimsuit, good sunglasses, a cap and one pair of comfortable shoes. Egypt is a Muslim country: it is advised to remind it when choosing your clothes.

Shopping
Many craft products come from leather works, alabaster, silver, copper and brass, from hand loomed carpets, from cotton spinning. It is an Arabic habit a long and often hilarious bargain before each purchase. Note: Friday is holiday and many shops are closed.

Cooking
The cuisine is international in hotels, but it is worth to taste some local specialities, with dishes based on rice, onions, beans (many broad beans), beef or mutton meat cooked on barbecue or on the spit: they are very tasty and sometimes a bit too spiced. Egyptian chefs in our bivouacs search always for a middle way able to fulfil all tastes.

Rental offers

Car:

  • NISSAN / TECNOSPORT ITALIA
    Maurizio Dominella dominella@tecnosportspa.it mob. +39 335 695 4557 - ph. +39 031 525223
  • NISSAN / DESSOUDE
    Géraldine Deshayes ph. +33 2 33756666  

Bike:

  • PATTONO - KTM / YAMAHA
    Corrado Pattono ph. +39 0125 72186
  • BOANO RACING: info@boano.com
  • FRANCO PICCO RACING - piccof@gmail.com
    ph. +39 335 593 6495 --- +39 392 042 6522

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More practical INFO on Pharaons Rally GUIDE (coming soon)