Hi, I'm Mara, the founder of Mara House Hotel in Luxor. I believe time is precious, and great holidays are vital for our wellbeing. My first trip to Egypt, from Ireland, was an ordinary tour package; I knew nothing about the country and, while the trip was good, it wasn't the dream journey I offer today.
Over 20 years later, I'm best known for creating unforgettable experiences with transparent pricing, and I am extremely fortunate to be working with a great Egyptian team that shares my passion and commitment.
Whether it's booking your hotel in Cairo, organizing your Nile cruise, or planning your tailored itinerary, I myself will be handling every detail, ensuring your journey through Egypt is both personal and unforgettable.
Feel free to reach out via email if you'd like to explore how I can help plan your ideal holiday. Just an opportunity to see if we're a good fit! This is my email: maraegypt@gmail.com
While Egypt offers awe-inspiring experiences—like standing in the shadow of the Great Pyramids or floating down the Nile—it’s important to be realistic about what solo travel here truly entails. Egypt can be overwhelming, chaotic, and yes, at times, unsafe, especially for a solo traveler who may be navigating unfamiliar territory with idealized expectations.
The romanticized idea of meeting a handsome or beautiful stranger and having a life-altering love story is one that I’ve seen lead to heartbreak more often than happiness. I’ve encountered travelers, men as well as women, who came with dreams of finding their soul mate in a desert oasis or a bustling market, only to face harsh realities—cultural misunderstandings, unbalanced power dynamics, or, worse, exploitative relationships.
Egypt, while enchanting, is not the backdrop for a Hollywood-style love story. It’s a country with rich traditions, deep-rooted societal norms, and complex interpersonal dynamics that can be difficult for outsiders to navigate, especially those looking for a whirlwind romance. What’s often overlooked is the need for caution, understanding, and a grounded approach to interactions with locals.
Solo travel in Egypt can absolutely be rewarding and transformative, but it must be approached with eyes wide open. If you’re traveling to Egypt to explore its ancient wonders, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, or seek a deeper understanding of its people, you’ll walk away fulfilled. But if your motivation is rooted in romantic notions of escape or finding a perfect “happily-ever-after,” you may leave disappointed or even vulnerable.
My advice? Travel to Egypt for the adventure, the history, and the self-discovery—but leave the fairy-tale expectations at home. Egypt will change you, but not in the way an Elizabeth Gilbert novel might suggest. Let the experience unfold naturally, without the burden of romanticized hopes.