If you haven’t already felt the heat by now, summer is here, and it’s getting hotter by the minute! That also means that you’re most likely getting ready to head on over to Egypt’s Sahel and the North Coast to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, catch some sun, and hit the beach. If you are not a local than this is the perfect guide to get you settled in the it summer destination.
The Planning Stage
If you’re in Cairo, What’s your plan? When are you going to go? What are you going to listen to? And Do you have everything prepped? These are all important questions that you need to have figured out before you leave.
Remember to make some safety checks on your car first. Like making sure there’s air in all four tires and the spare, there is enough engine oil and there’s water in the car’s radiator. Don’t forget to bring extra just in case though.
Night Owl
If you’re a night owl, traveling in the middle of the night is perfect since you’ll be awake the way there. Also, the streets will most likely be empty as you make your way to the ticketing gates. Beyond that, it’ll be just you and the open road.
Mix that drive with some nostalgic music from singers like the Backstreet Boys, Michael Jackson, and old-school Amr Diab, and you’re golden. Also, remember to bring some snacks and a couple of energy drinks with you for when you feel drained along the way.
Early Riser
While you’ll most likely be waking up at dawn, you’ll make your trip with the sun rising on the horizon, ensuring everything is visible in all directions.
There will be some slight traffic on the road itself, but it’s nothing you can’t handle for sure. Furthermore, your drive will benefit from having the blazing sun accompanying you; so to set the mood, I recommend playing some Latin music that will have you feeling the summer vibes all the way there.
Grabbing the First Bite to Eat of the Day
We all know the saying, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” and since you’re there in the early hours of the morning, it’s time to get a bite to eat to keep you going through the rest of the day.
That said, there are so many options to choose from, everything from foul to bagels, but what to pick?
Lychee
Let’s get the healthy option out of the way first, but being a healthy option doesn’t mean it isn’t a tasty one, Lychee has a plethora of options to choose from, including wraps, delicious pancakes with gooey blueberry sauce, and healthy salads, it’s a great place if you’re looking for something different.
There are four branches in Sahel, two in Swan Lake, one in Seashell, and the other in Almaza Bay. They all open at the same time from 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m., however, I recommend calling and making a reservation early on; their hotline is 15522.
Qahwa
A fan favorite here in Cairo, you can still have Qahwa’s famed omelets and plates that include everything from foul to apple blueberry yogurts. You can also go for their desserts like their scrumptious Lotus pancakes or Nutella on French toast or waffles for a sugar rush early in the day.
You’ll be able to find them in Marassi, and Hacienda White, open daily from 10 a.m; for reservations, call them on 01029958689.
Shabrawy
Sometimes you don’t want to make decisions, and just have a traditional Egyptian breakfast that won’t bust the bank either, this situation makes Shabrawy in Golf Porto Marina the best choice.
The menu has all the classics you need from foul and tameya to feta cheese with tomatoes and potatoes with salad and tahini. I recommend that you pick up your order as sandwiches and enjoy them by the beach for an amazing view as you eat. You can call ahead on 16842 too.
Beach Time!
Now that you’ve finished eating, it’s time to head on to the beach (if you haven’t already), where you have a wide selection of things to do; but which beach should you head on off to?!
Hacienda Bay and White
Hacienda’s glamorous white beaches are a must-try in Sahel, with rowdy music that’ll make your body move and turquoise waters, you’ll be mesmerized, to say the least.
You can either start your routine by bathing in the sun as you get a tan that will make everyone at the office jealous when you return or have a dip in the cool waters of the Mediterranean. Hacienda is legendary when it comes to its pools, so check them out, if you want an alternative to the sandy beach. Like most of Sahel it is a private beach and you will need to be either a resident or enter as a resident’s guest.
La Vista
La Vista’s beaches are certainly one of the best to enjoy cool calm waters, and sandy beaches are the order of the day, as you sit down, relax and enjoy.
Like any beach, you can enjoy the water activities, or just chill and read a good book by the seaside, but there is a famous pier there that you have to have a stroll on, not only will it be relaxing as you watch the waves around you, but you might also give in to your urges and jump into them too. La Vista also has over 20 pools so make sure you check a couple out! Another private beach you will be needing to be a resident or a guest of.
Almaza Bay
The epitome of class and relaxation, Almaza Bay’s beaches are the perfect slice of heaven you’re looking for. With sandy white beaches, blue waters, and a refreshing cool breeze, you’ll be feeling chill and tranquil in no time. Unless you are staying in the hotel this is another private beach where you will need to be a resident.
Activities
The most important part of getting the most out of your day is the feeling of satisfaction that you get when you have a good time and enjoy every moment of it; this can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Some people just want to relax, others want to get out of their comfort zone. So we have a few activities that will satisfy most people looking for something to do in Sahel.
Surfing
A booming water activity that has a lot of people excited, surfing is going to be the best new thing you try this summer. All you need to do is head on over to Surf Camp Egypt in either Hacienda Red or White and sign up for a course. You’ll learn the ropes and then apply them on the waves for an adrenaline boost and some laughs; you can contact them through their Instagram page, beforehand to make a reservation too.
Yoga by the Beach
One of the most relaxing things you can do by the beach besides laying down is yoga, it’s perfect for those looking to find their zen with the sound of waves as their soundtrack of the day. Stamina Sports and Fitness are one of the teams you need to contact for that as they conduct several yoga sessions that will have you as peaceful as possible. You can usually find them at Diplo, but this year they stated that they have a lot of surprises, you can call them either on 01220893687 or 01270806677.
Jet Skis and Banana Boats
These are perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush, as jet skis will provide that much-needed speed feeling on the water that will definitely put a smile on your face. On the other hand, banana boats are great for groups as you all ride on the banana-shaped float jumping over the waves and falling one by one, it’s fun, heart pumping, and you’ll get a few good laughs in before lunch.
Each resort has its own team dedicated to these activities, you’ll be able to find them either next to the beach or at a port where they’ll have a small boat.
Lunch/Dinner Time!
After a few hours on the beach, head on to your room/villa/bungalow, take a shower to get the sand off, relax for a few minutes, and you’ll find your stomach telling you it’s time to eat! There is a multitude of options for what to enjoy in Sahel, each offering a unique selection of dishes, while the previously mentioned Lychee and Qahwa have lunch/dinner offerings, we’re going with three other ones that have more robust dishes.
Sax
Hailing from Lebanon, Sax offers an unforgettable atmosphere with succulent Mediterranean dishes that will have you rushing for the next bite, all in a one-of-a-kind instagrammable experience. You shouldn’t be surprised if you see some of Egypt’s biggest stars there from Amr Diab to Tamer Hosny, it’s never a dull moment there. You’ll need to make a reservation for sure, so call them on 01200008377.
La Citta
Located in Marassi, La Citta is the place to go for an amazing Italian dinner, from pizzas and lasagnas to mozzarella sticks and risottos, they have almost everything, and if you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to go out, they also deliver! Call them on 01277414187 or make your order online.
Clams and Claws
You can’t go to Sahel and not have some seafood, right? Clams and Claws scratches that seafood itch perfectly as you eat your way through their crustaceans in both Spanish and Southern American styles. From crabs and lobsters to paellas jambalaya and everything in between you’ll have a good time there, trust us. They’re located at The Alley and Rivette mall on the North Coast, and they can deliver too, call them on 01023024402.
Nightly Activities
Even though it’s now nighttime, that doesn’t mean that the day is over, as there are several things you can do in Sahel after the sun finally sets, and we’re going to tell you what!
A Chill Night In
If it’s your first day in Sahel, we understand if you feel tired and want to relax after a long day of traveling and adventuring, so we recommend doing one of these activities: read a book out on your balcony, stargaze into the night sky, play some board games with your friends and family, or, our favorite, just chill on the sofa and watch a movie with some popcorn and soda.
Check Out A Concert!
There’s always an event of some kind in Sahel, and it’ll most likely be related to music, and it’s the perfect thing to check out as you party in the open area listening to music and dancing the night away. One of the most anticipated ones this year is John Legend who will be performing at Playa North Coast on July 22, tickets range from 1500 to 3000 EGP. For reservations, you can call 01555552590, or get tickets to the event here.
Catch A Movie
While most people associate going to the cinema with being back in Cairo, Sahel does have an impressive cinema complex at Al Masa Mall, New Alamein City that will immerse you into the movie you’re watching, for more details call 01200118833. Other cinemas include O Cinema also In New Alamein and Porto Marina cinema.
Now that you’re done for the day, there’s just one thing left to do, go to sleep so you can do all the things you missed the first time around. Remember to have fun and enjoy yourself!
WE SAID THIS: Don’t Forget… Celebrating International Surfing Day: 5 Best Spots In The Middle East To Catch Some Waves
