Traveller's notes
-Arriving in Aswan, our group was collected by the easy mannered, but brutally efficient Yasser. Snapping up our tickets and relegating us to the side as our bags were piled on a trolley and wheeled out to the minibus, we were left with little to do but yawn and gripe about the appalling circus that is the temporary domestic terminal at Cairo Airport.-Whether you are already in Egypt or you fly in from abroad, your trip is seamlessly guided by African Angler's staff, all of whom speak English. Meals and transport are all included in the fare, but a night in a hotel, which is usually necessary to squeeze in a full final day of fishing, is an additional expense. This can be booked by the staff.
-Our meals were all sit-down and, despite our primitive surroundings, resplendently presented in silver servers reminiscent of five-star buffets. Our resourceful and talented cook, Rabi, offered something different every day and had to be coaxed from the kitchen for accolades. Drinks are put on a tab, but are not marked up to extortionate rates.
-African Angler has three "mother boats" and nine fishing boats, each with two bunks, but comfortably sleeping three. The scope of your safari is quite flexible, and trips can be anything from a weekend getaway to two weeks. People can come individually, or in groups.
-A safari like the one Al-Ahram Weekly joined will cost roughly $150 per day, although there are discounts for citizens and residents. A night arranged by African Angler at the Basma Hotel, in Aswan, will cost about $60.
-If this article has peaked your interest but you don't know a lure from a hole in the ground, fear not. No fishing snobs are to be found among the staff at African Angler and guides are already possessed with a wealth of patience from dealing with anxious anglers. Equipment is available, so you can show up with nothing but the clothes on your back and a good attitude and have a fine time indeed.
-EgyptAir operates five daily flights from Cairo to Aswan at 4.15am, 4.30am, 6.30am, 7.30am and 7.45pm. Round trip tickets cost LE497 for Egyptians, LE1,445 for foreigners staying in Aswan for less than a week and LE2,009 for foreigners staying over a week. EgyptAir Tel: Adly St (00+(202) 392 7649 and Hilton Hotel (00+202) 579 3046.
African Angler , Tel. 097 309 748; Fax 097 310 907; Web site: www.african-angler.co.uk: E-mail: a- angler@link.net
Al-Ahram Weekly Online : 27 November - 3 December 2003 (Issue No. 666)
Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/666/tr2.htm