Egypt Ice Hockey Experience

You probably didn’t think it was possible to play ice hockey AND see the famous Pyramids of Giza on the same day, but that’s exactly what you’ll do if you sign up for the inaugural EIHE. For our second ever African event, we’re heading to Cairo for a 3 on 3 tournament hosted by Egypt Ice Hockey. When we’re not on the ice, we’re going to explore the dynamic metropolis of Cairo, explore the magnificent White Desert with Bedouin guides, and, of course… see the pyramids! In this document, you will find a detailed overview of the trip as well as details for how you can get involved. Hold your place today, spaces are limited!

We will start the trip in Cairo at 1pm, meeting up at the Al Masa Hotel to check-in and do a trip briefing. The afternoon will be spent discovering the Cave Church of St. Simon in Garbage City. For dinner, we’re heading for a cruise down the mighty Nile River for a night of belly dancing, traditional performances and sunset views of Cairo. After dinner you can either rest up for the big week ahead of you, or join your new team mates for a few drinks at a local bar.

Get ready for a big day of hockey in Africa! After breakfast at the hotel we’ll head to the rink for our first day of round-robin games. Lunch and dinner will be served rink side and will consist of a wide selection of local dishes for you to try. While you’re not playing, you’re welcome to stay and cheer on local teams or head out and explore the city. Just make sure you’re back on time for your game!

Get ready for another big day of hockey in Africa! After breakfast at the hotel we’ll head to the rink for our second day of round-robin games and the first round of playoff games. Lunch and dinner will be served rink side and will consist of a wide selection of local dishes for you to try. While you’re not playing, you’re welcome to stay and cheer on local teams or head out and explore the city. Just make sure you’re back on time for your game!

Egypt Ice Hockey works hard to grow the game of hockey in Egypt. One of their initiatives involves a partnership with a local orphanage. After breakfast, we’ll be visiting a group of 20 kids at the orphanage and conduct basic stick skill workshops, before boarding the bus together and heading to the rink. Once we arrive at the rink the Egypt Ice Hockey Experience championship games will get underway, providing the kids with the opportunity to watch a real live hockey game! After the games, we’ll bring them on the ice for skating drills and a fun scrimmage. We’ll cap the day off with a final Friendship Game where we’ll mix rosters with local teams and have a bit of fun before the big Friendship Banquet!

A trip to Egypt isn’t complete without a visit to the pyramids! Under the guidance of a qualified Egyptologist, we’ll spend the day visiting the ancient pyramids and discovering their mysteries. Stops will include the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Pyramid of Cheops, Khafre’s Pyramid, the Great Sphynx, the Menkaure Pyramid, the Sakkara Pyramids, and the Mit Rahina Museum. We will be spending approximately 30 minutes on camels as we explore the pyramids!

Just to the east of Cairo lies the White Desert, a region of peculiar rock formations moulded by the wind into spires, mushroom shape objects and more. Under the guidance of local Bedouin community members, we will explore the White and Black deserts, Crystal Mountain, English Mountain, and the village of Bawiti. Spend the night having a barbeque under the stars before camping out surrounded by fascinating rock formations.

After having a final breakfast in the White Desert, we’ll return to Cairo, stopping at various scenic points along the way. Our arrival in Cairo will mark the end of the main portion of the Egypt Ice Hockey Experience. We’ll say our goodbyes in Cairo, before extension participants head to the Sinai Peninsula.

After having a final breakfast in the White Desert, we’ll return to Cairo, stopping at various scenic points along the way. Our arrival in Cairo will mark the end of the main portion of the Egypt Ice Hockey Experience. We’ll say our goodbyes in Cairo, before extension participants head to the Sinai Peninsula.

Ras Sedr happens to have shallow water and high winds, making it an excellent place to learn how to kitesurf. We’ll spend the morning getting our adrenaline fix before heading deep into Sinai to visit the St. Catherine’s Monastery. While Covid restrictions may prevent us from going inside, we will see the stunning exterior before embarking on a 3 hour sunset climb of Mt. Sinai – the very place Moses received the Ten Commandments. After the hike we will make the short drive to Dahab where we will check-in to the hotel and relax.

Take the morning off or get an early start and discover the Dahab region at your own pace. We will meet up again for lunch before heading out for a walking tour of the Dahab Canyon and a snorkeling tour of the beautiful blue hole.

We’ll get an early morning start with breakfast at our hotel, before making the scenic drive across the Sinai Peninsula to Cairo, stopping at scenic spots along the way.

Included:

• Guides and translators
• Group transport in country
• Three meals per day as well as snacks periodically
• All accommodation during trip– based on double occupancy
• Entrance fees to all excursions
• Tickets to all tournament games and events for spectators
• Ice time and referees
• Water and beer for during/after game
• Ticket to Friendship Banquet
• An equipment donation to the local program
• Contribution to cover costs for orphanage ice hockey day
• Pre-trip support and guidance
• Recordings of all games

Not Included:

• FL Jersey ($70 USD, mandatory for participants who would like to keep it)
• Egyptian visa
• Travel insurance (mandatory for all participants)
• Tips for local guides
• Souvenirs
• Additional snacks and drinks as desired