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MARA HOUSE LUXOR
  • EGYPT TRAVEL ADVICE from Mara
  • MARA HOUSE LUXORExpand
    • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
    • The Salahadeen Feast
    • Compare Mara House to 3 Top Tour Companies
    • Guests’ Photo Gallery – Mara House Luxor
    • Mara House Luxor – Hotel Gallery
    • Guest Book
  • TOURS in EGYPTExpand
    • TOURS IN LUXORExpand
      • Abydos and Dendera tour
      • Karnak Temple Tour
      • Luxor Temple Tour
      • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
      • Luxor & Aswan
      • West Bank Tour – Valley of Kings etc.Expand
        • Medinet Habu: The Pharaoh’s Bargain with Chaos
    • TOURS IN CAIROExpand
      • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA
      • Abdeen Palace
      • Antiquities Museum at Tahrir Sq.
      • Cairo Basic Tour – 3 Nights
      • Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Garbage City
      • Gayer Anderson Houses
      • Giza Plateau
      • Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
      • Ibn Tulun Medieval Mosque
      • Islamic Museum
      • Medieval Cairo
      • Saladin Citadel, Sultan Hassan and Rifaii Mosques
      • Saqqara 7-Step Pyramid & Serapeum
    • SMALL GROUP TOURS WITH MARAExpand
      • Family Tour of Egypt – A Child’s Eye View of Ancient Egypt
      • Egypt Tour with Mara – A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
    • First-Time in Egypt? Here’s the Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for You
    • Egypt – 9 nights incl Nile Cruise
    • 2027 Eclipse: The Hero’s Journey — and Yours
    • Insider Advice – Hidden Pitfalls in Tour Websites
  • TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVELExpand
    • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
    • Sacred Journey of Remembering Along Egypt’s Chakras
  • NOMADS! – Mara House: Your Home in Egypt
  • EGYPT HISTORY & CULTUREExpand
    • Egyptian Rulers & Legends
    • Cairo History & Heritage
    • Luxor History & Heritage
    • Gods of Egypt
    • Muhammad Ali Dynasty
  • Who is Mara?
  • Mara’s Blog
  • Contact Mara
MARA HOUSE LUXOR

Egypt Travel Tips

Egypt Travel Planning

Planning Your Trip to Egypt: Mistakes Tourists Make

ByMara 10/08/202310/08/2025

Planning a trip to Egypt? Avoid the common pitfalls that can turn a dream holiday into a struggle. Here’s what seasoned travellers—and first-timers—often get wrong, and how to make sure your visit is meaningful, relaxed, and unforgettable.

Read More Planning Your Trip to Egypt: Mistakes Tourists MakeContinue

Egypt Travel Planning

Travel by Train and Plane in Egypt

ByMara 21/07/202301/08/2025

Discover How to Get Around Egypt: From Car Travel to Sleeper Trains and Internal Flights. Learn about the transportation options available for tourists in Egypt, including essential tips for booking and navigating the country’s diverse travel methods.

Read More Travel by Train and Plane in EgyptContinue

Booking Tours in Egypt – How to “Read Between the Lines”
Egypt Travel Planning

Booking Tours in Egypt – How to “Read Between the Lines”

ByMara 23/06/202310/08/2025

Not all Egypt tours are created equal. Learn how to read between the lines of vague tour descriptions, avoid hidden costs, and choose experiences that deliver everything you hoped for—and more.

Read More Booking Tours in Egypt – How to “Read Between the Lines”Continue

Egypt Travel Planning

14 Things to do to Travel Safely in Egypt

ByMara 30/05/202328/07/2025

Planning a trip to Egypt? Uncover vital travel insights that many overlook, but are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Read More 14 Things to do to Travel Safely in EgyptContinue

Is Egypt too hot in summer?
Egypt Travel Planning

Is Egypt too hot in summer?

ByMara 26/04/202309/08/2025

Embrace the Egyptian sun with these tips for a comfortable summer experience. From well-planned schedules to essential items for your day bag, discover how to make the most of your summer trip. Learn the secrets of staying cool, hydrated, and sun-safe while enjoying the beauty of Egypt’s dry heat.

Read More Is Egypt too hot in summer?Continue

Luxor Travel & Accommodation

Hospital in Luxor

ByMara 23/04/202306/08/2025

Discover your options for medical care in Luxor. Plan ahead for your healthcare needs in Luxor to ensure a smooth experience.

Read More Hospital in LuxorContinue

Egypt Travel Planning

Are You Sure You Have a Hotel Booking? Hidden Pitfalls with Online Reservation Systems

ByMara 10/03/202310/10/2025

Ever received a hotel confirmation email and thought you were set? I did — until I almost arrived in Egypt without a room! Here’s how to avoid the trap.

Read More Are You Sure You Have a Hotel Booking? Hidden Pitfalls with Online Reservation SystemsContinue

Luxor Travel & Accommodation

Thinking of Visiting Luxor’s West Bank? Not that easy.

ByMara 05/03/202317/08/2025

Returning to Luxor after years away, I encountered unexpected challenges crossing to the West Bank. Learn how to avoid taxi pitfalls, safely navigate local transport, and explore with guided tours for a smooth, stress-free experience.

Read More Thinking of Visiting Luxor’s West Bank? Not that easy.Continue

Two guests riding a horse-drawn calesh outside the double wrought-iron doors of Mara House Luxor
Luxor Travel & Accommodation

How Many Days in Luxor?

ByMara 20/02/202327/09/2025

Not sure how long to stay in Luxor? I’ve been welcoming guests here for years, and this guide gives you the perfect itinerary to see the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Abydos, Dendera, and more — without feeling rushed.

Read More How Many Days in Luxor?Continue

Egypt Travel Planning

Eat Like an Egyptian – fun

ByMara 03/01/202310/08/2025

Western meals often mean waste. In Egypt, meals are shared, small, and full of variety. At Mara House Luxor, our Salahadeen Feast brings this beautiful tradition to life — come and taste it for yourself.

Read More Eat Like an Egyptian – funContinue

Egypt Travel Planning

Cairo Airport – Lost Luggage Problems

ByMara 24/11/202209/08/2025

Lost luggage in Egypt isn’t rare — it’s recurring. After hosting guests without bags yet again, I’m sharing what to do, how to prepare, and why you must stay proactive.

Read More Cairo Airport – Lost Luggage ProblemsContinue

Booking Your Holiday in Egypt – First 3 Priorities
Egypt Travel Planning

Booking Your Holiday in Egypt – First 3 Priorities

ByMara 23/04/202209/08/2025

Dreaming of Egypt? Before diving into Nile cruises and pyramids, set three priorities: insurance, budgeting for hidden extras, and vetting accommodation. Skip these and your dream trip might turn into a horror story.

Read More Booking Your Holiday in Egypt – First 3 PrioritiesContinue

Egypt Travel Planning

Winter Weather in Egypt

ByMara 13/11/201909/08/2025

Prepare for a different side of Egypt during winter. Discover the need for warm layers, cozy nightwear, and jackets for chilly evenings. Explore temperature variations across Egyptian regions and stay comfortable while sightseeing, even amidst the sunshine. Pack wisely for your December and January trip to Egypt.

Read More Winter Weather in EgyptContinue

Egypt Travel Planning

Communication Problems in Egypt

ByMara 23/04/201809/08/2025

Speaking the same language doesn’t guarantee understanding. Here’s how cultural differences in Egypt can derail conversations—and how to avoid the most common pitfalls.

Read More Communication Problems in EgyptContinue

Relaxation in Egypt
Egypt Travel Planning

Relaxation in Egypt

ByMara 17/03/201803/08/2025

When I first moved to Luxor in 2003 and wanted to buy material/cloth, curtains, sheets, house furniture etc. I had to go to Cairo for them.  Anything available in Luxor was NOTHING even remotely near what I needed.  Finding a laptop to buy was impossible. It took me 18 months and 6 trips to Cairo…

Read More Relaxation in EgyptContinue

Tourist feeling sick in front of the pyramids in Egypt with text overlay saying How to Avoid This
Egypt Travel Planning

Egyptian Tummy Bug – Pharaoh’s Revenge!

ByMara 14/08/201724/10/2025

The saddest thing for me is when a tourist arrives at my door suffering from Egyptian Tummy – the worst part is that it’s not that hard to avoid it when you know how and carry the remedy in your pocket – just in case. There is a local, fast acting remedy and every traveller should buy it on arrival in Egypt.

Read More Egyptian Tummy Bug – Pharaoh’s Revenge!Continue

Two guests riding a horse-drawn calesh outside the double wrought-iron doors of Mara House Luxor
Luxor Travel & Accommodation

Transport in Luxor

ByMara 23/04/201708/10/2025

Avoid rookie mistakes when getting around Luxor. From taxis and calèsh to ferries and Uber, here’s what to ask, check and clarify — plus how Mara House guests avoid the hassle.

Read More Transport in LuxorContinue

Egypt Travel Planning

Rising Cost of Egyptian Holidays

ByMara 06/04/201710/08/2025

The overnight devaluation of the Egyptian pound a few months ago meant a short term ‘bargain basement’ bonanza for foreign tourists coming here.  The value of the Egyptian Pound to the dollar was halved, which meant that tourists were able to buy some goods at half the previous price – a bonus for the tourists…

Read More Rising Cost of Egyptian HolidaysContinue

Luxor Travel & Accommodation

Egypt Noise Pollution – bring earplugs!

ByMara 26/04/201609/08/2025

If you live in country which has noise control levels and are used to getting a good night’s sleep in quiet surrounding…..please don’t expect this anywhere in Egypt unless you are going to the Desert!  Noise pollution levels in Egypt must be among the highest in the world. There is no awareness in Egypt on…

Read More Egypt Noise Pollution – bring earplugs!Continue

Egypt Travel Planning

Egypt Airports – Arrivals, Departures, Lost Luggage

ByMara 23/04/201528/07/2025

Luxor and Cairo Airports – what you need to know about your arrival and departure, entry visas and taxi transfers

Read More Egypt Airports – Arrivals, Departures, Lost LuggageContinue

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Mara House Update re solar eclipse tour Mara House — 2027 eclipse

Apologies if you’re waiting for an email from Mara — we’re currently very busy with bookings for the new 2027 solar eclipse tour.

I’m personally working through messages and will reply as soon as I can. Thank you so much for your patience.

— Mara, Mara House

Paula A********* message

Paula – you contacted me 24 Oct via email re private visit in Jan 2026 – please contact me again – my responding email bounced back to me.  –  Mara

Pausing for breath during the climb from the Pit of the Great Pyramid, overwhelmed by the blissful energy of the ascent.

Private Pyramid Visit

Share your Cairo dates and I’ll let you know if I can fit you into a small group for a private visit inside the Great Pyramid, after dark.

maraegypt@gmail.com

No obligation

Recent Posts

  • Wait. Please Don’t “Budget” Your Dream Trip to Egypt. 18/10/2025
  • The Narrow Gate of Destiny: Thutmose III at Megiddo 16/10/2025
  • An Invitation from a Keeper of the Keys 10/10/2025
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Mara - your host at Mara House Luxor standing outside the ornate wrought Iron door of Mara House Luxor
A personal moment at the door of Mara House — Mara seeing guests off with warmth and gratitude
  • EGYPT TRAVEL ADVICE from Mara
  • MARA HOUSE LUXOR
    • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
    • The Salahadeen Feast
    • Compare Mara House to 3 Top Tour Companies
    • Guests’ Photo Gallery – Mara House Luxor
    • Mara House Luxor – Hotel Gallery
    • Guest Book
  • TOURS in EGYPT
    • TOURS IN LUXOR
      • Abydos and Dendera tour
      • Karnak Temple Tour
      • Luxor Temple Tour
      • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
      • Luxor & Aswan
      • West Bank Tour – Valley of Kings etc.
        • Medinet Habu: The Pharaoh’s Bargain with Chaos
    • TOURS IN CAIRO
      • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA
      • Abdeen Palace
      • Antiquities Museum at Tahrir Sq.
      • Cairo Basic Tour – 3 Nights
      • Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Garbage City
      • Gayer Anderson Houses
      • Giza Plateau
      • Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
      • Ibn Tulun Medieval Mosque
      • Islamic Museum
      • Medieval Cairo
      • Saladin Citadel, Sultan Hassan and Rifaii Mosques
      • Saqqara 7-Step Pyramid & Serapeum
    • SMALL GROUP TOURS WITH MARA
      • Family Tour of Egypt – A Child’s Eye View of Ancient Egypt
      • Egypt Tour with Mara – A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
    • First-Time in Egypt? Here’s the Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for You
    • Egypt – 9 nights incl Nile Cruise
    • 2027 Eclipse: The Hero’s Journey — and Yours
    • Insider Advice – Hidden Pitfalls in Tour Websites
  • TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVEL
    • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
    • Sacred Journey of Remembering Along Egypt’s Chakras
  • NOMADS! – Mara House: Your Home in Egypt
  • EGYPT HISTORY & CULTURE
    • Egyptian Rulers & Legends
    • Cairo History & Heritage
    • Luxor History & Heritage
    • Gods of Egypt
    • Muhammad Ali Dynasty
  • Who is Mara?
  • Mara’s Blog
  • Contact Mara
Mara - Mara House Luxor

Meet Mara

Hi, I’m Mara — the heart behind Mara House Luxor.

Over twenty years ago, I came to Egypt on an ordinary tour. It could have been so much better. And so, over time I created the kind of memorable experiences that I should have had. If you want to know more about the face behind the website, stories and business, click on Who is Mara.

You can book everything directly with me via email. I respond to all emails personally: maraegypt@gmail.com

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Please note that some pages and posts contain affiliate links to Amazon.  If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Rest assured, I only endorse products I’ve personally used and would recommend to a friend.

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© 2025 MARA HOUSE LUXOR - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP

  • EGYPT TRAVEL ADVICE from Mara
  • MARA HOUSE LUXOR
    • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
    • The Salahadeen Feast
    • Compare Mara House to 3 Top Tour Companies
    • Guests’ Photo Gallery – Mara House Luxor
    • Mara House Luxor – Hotel Gallery
    • Guest Book
  • TOURS in EGYPT
    • TOURS IN LUXOR
      • Abydos and Dendera tour
      • Karnak Temple Tour
      • Luxor Temple Tour
      • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
      • Luxor & Aswan
      • West Bank Tour – Valley of Kings etc.
        • Medinet Habu: The Pharaoh’s Bargain with Chaos
    • TOURS IN CAIRO
      • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA
      • Abdeen Palace
      • Antiquities Museum at Tahrir Sq.
      • Cairo Basic Tour – 3 Nights
      • Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Garbage City
      • Gayer Anderson Houses
      • Giza Plateau
      • Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
      • Ibn Tulun Medieval Mosque
      • Islamic Museum
      • Medieval Cairo
      • Saladin Citadel, Sultan Hassan and Rifaii Mosques
      • Saqqara 7-Step Pyramid & Serapeum
    • SMALL GROUP TOURS WITH MARA
      • Family Tour of Egypt – A Child’s Eye View of Ancient Egypt
      • Egypt Tour with Mara – A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
    • First-Time in Egypt? Here’s the Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for You
    • Egypt – 9 nights incl Nile Cruise
    • 2027 Eclipse: The Hero’s Journey — and Yours
    • Insider Advice – Hidden Pitfalls in Tour Websites
  • TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVEL
    • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
    • Sacred Journey of Remembering Along Egypt’s Chakras
  • NOMADS! – Mara House: Your Home in Egypt
  • EGYPT HISTORY & CULTURE
    • Egyptian Rulers & Legends
    • Cairo History & Heritage
    • Luxor History & Heritage
    • Gods of Egypt
    • Muhammad Ali Dynasty
  • Who is Mara?
  • Mara’s Blog
  • Contact Mara