Founded in 1977, SEKEM is an exemplary initiative of the Egyptian pharmacist and social entrepreneur Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish. At the time, he bought a 70-hectare piece of land of dry desert soil, about 60 kilometers to the northeast of Cairo. Biodynamic cultivation and improved irrigation methods helped to transform the desert into fertile soil for the cultivation of various vegetables and medicinal plants, and to create living conditions for thousands of trees where there had previously been none.
From the very beginning, sustainable environmental management as well as economic viability were the goal in order to lay the foundation for the well-being of the local population. The initiative developed into a model for sustainable development that encompasses ever more areas of life: natural soil management, pesticide-free cotton, vegetable and medicinal plant cultivation, sustainable livestock farming according to Demeter guidelines, innovative water management - essential for a water-scarce country like Egypt - and the new possibilities of using solar energy.
Today, SEKEM has almost 3,000 hectares of its own Biodynamic farmland. With the help of the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA), SEKEM has advised and supported around 15,000 farmers in Egypt in their transition from conventional to organic and sustainable agriculture. The largest biodynamically cultivated agricultural areas are 1,000 hectares each on the Sinai peninsula and near the central Egyptian city of Al Minya as well as around 800 hectares of date plantations and wheat cultivation in the Bahareya oasis.
Over the years, SEKEM has founded various companies: Agriculture and livestock management, herbal medicine production, the production of organic textiles and clothing, the production of organic food and tea, where SEKEM products are even the market leader in Egypt. Numerous products are now successfully marketed worldwide. Furthermore, SEKEM established the independent SEKEM Development Foundation (SDF), which operates a comprehensive school, a kindergarten, a vocational training center, an outpatient hospital and many other projects. In 2012, the state-recognized Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development started teaching with 350 students.
A number of international awards show SEKEM's increasing importance in sustainability issues, such as the Alternative Nobel Prize, which was awarded to Dr. Abouleish and SEKEM in December 2003 in the Swedish Parliament.
In the following we offer you a trip where you can gain an interesting insight into SEKEM's activities and methods near Cairo and in the Bahareya Oasis and at the same time observe the solar eclipse on August 2, 2027 at an excellent spot (in the Bahareya Oasis). Part of the trip is also a tailor-made sightseeing program in Cairo.
Arrival in Cairo and transfer to the SEKEM farm, about 60 kilometers to the northeast of Cairo. Welcome and allocation of the rooms in the SEKEM guesthouse. Depending on the arrival time, meal or snack in the restaurant.
The SEKEM Guest House has 32 comfortably furnished rooms, all of which are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom with shower/WC and a balcony or terrace. The guesthouse has its own restaurant, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. The ingredients for the dishes are organically grown on the SEKEM farm. A relatively large pool is available to guests for refreshment in between meals and in the evening (open early in the morning and from 17:00). Film screenings and presentations are sometimes organized in the spacious lobby, while a large hall on the second floor is available for bigger events.
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After breakfast, guided tour of the 70-hectare farm with its diverse biodynamic agriculture. An elaborately irrigated oasis with over 1,000 date palms, casuarinas, orange and neem trees.
After lunch, transfer to Cairo to the Heliopolis suburb in the east of the city. Visit the Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, managed by SEKEM. Return to the farm and dinner.
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After breakfast, you will visit the companies, the schools (from the baby group to the upper school and vocational training), the medical center, the stable, the farmland, and anything else that interests you. You will be accompanied by a SEKEM employee who will be happy to answer all your questions. Lunch in the restaurant. The afternoon is at your disposal. Dinner in the restaurant.
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After breakfast, drive to Cairo. First we go up to the citadel and the Mohammed Ali Mosque. The citadel is a medieval Islamic fortress built by Saladin from 1176 and further extended by later Egyptian rulers. For almost 700 years, from the 13th to the 19th century, it was the seat of Egypt's government and the residence of its rulers. At the highest point of the citadel, the Albanian-Ottoman governor and de facto ruler of Egypt, Mohammed Ali Pasha, had the impressive mosque named after him built. Built between 1830 and 1848, the building is also known as the "Alabaster Mosque", as the interior is clad in alabaster.
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You will then visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Opened in 2017, the museum is located in Old Cairo and displays exhibits from all phases of human civilization in Egypt, from prehistory and early history to the present day. A special highlight of the museum is the mummy hall with 20 royal mummies, including some of the most important rulers in Ancient Egypt, such as the mummy of Ramses II, probably the most powerful pharaoh of all time, or the famous Queen Hatshepsut.
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Finally, you will visit the Coptic Christian quarter of Cairo with the famous "Hanging Church" - Al Moallaka - and the Abu Serga Church, whose crypt already existed in pre-Christian times and where the Holy Family is said to have found shelter for three months during their flight to Egypt. The Church of St. Mercurius (Abu Seifein), famous for its frescoes and impressive icon collection, is also worth a visit. You can also visit the Ben-Ezra Synagogue within the walls of Old Babylonia, where, according to tradition, Moses was found in his basket in a papyrus thicket.
Approximately one hour free to relax with coffee or tea (the cost of the order is not included in the total price). Afterwards, drive to the Khan el Khalili bazaar. The bazaar was founded in the 14th century and is one of the oldest in the Middle East. You will have around one and a half hours in the bazaar to put your haggling skills to the test. Transfer back to the guesthouse on the SEKEM farm and dinner.
You will be accompanied by a German-speaking, qualified tour guide during the sightseeing tours. The stroll through the bazaar takes place without a guide.
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Heute besichtigst Du zunächst das Gizeh Plateau mit den drei großen Pyramiden des Cheops, des Chephren und des Mykerinos. Die Pyramiden wurden während der 4. Dynastie des Alten Reiches (ca. 2580–2560 v. Chr.) erbaut und dienten als Begräbnisstätten der Pharaonen. Die Pyramide des Pharaos Cheops ist das einzige noch erhaltene Weltwunder der Antike. Neben den drei großen Pyramiden, umfasst das Areal auch eine Reihe von kleineren und weniger gut erhaltenen Grabanlagen. Anschließend besichtigst Du die Sphinx. Sie stellt einen liegenden Löwen mit Menschenkopf (wahrscheinlich des Pharaos Chephren) dar und wurde vermutlich unter Pharao Chephren errichtet, um sein Grabmal zu bewachen (es gibt jedoch mehrere Theorien und genau bekannt ist der Zweck des Bauwerks bis heute nicht). Die Sphinx gilt als die älteste bekannte Monumentalskulptur Ägyptens. Seit 1979 gehört der Pyramidenkomplex von Gizeh zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe.
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Finally, you will visit the imposing, architecturally innovative new archaeological museum (Grand Egyptian Museum), which opened in early 2025. It houses a huge collection of artifacts from ancient Egyptian history, including many important exhibits from the tombs of the pharaohs. Of particular note is the exhibition of Tutankhamun's entire treasure, which is on display for the first time in its full glory. The museum also presents numerous statues, works of art, mummies and everyday objects from ancient Egypt. Transfer back to the guesthouse on the SEKEM farm and dinner. On this day you will be accompanied by a qualified German-speaking guide.
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Transfer to the Siwa Oasis (approx. 7 hours of driving time). Transfer to your booked hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
In the heart of the mystical oasis of Siwa stands one of the most fascinating sites of ancient Egypt: the Temple of the Oracle of Amun. Surrounded by desert, salt lakes, and palm groves, this sacred site served for centuries as a spiritual center that attracted travelers, priests, and rulers from across the ancient world. The temple became particularly famous following a visit by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C. According to legend, Alexander consulted the famous oracle here, which confirmed him as the rightful ruler and son of the god Amun. This event made the remote oasis known worldwide and gave it an almost mythical reputation. Today, the temple ruins offer a unique insight into the history and spirituality of ancient Egypt. Visitors can walk among the ancient stone walls, let their gaze wander over the vast desert landscape, and experience the special atmosphere of this historic site.
The Siwa Oasis is home to numerous salt lakes, many of which are known for their intense turquoise color. We offer our guests the opportunity to take a dip in one of these lakes. Thanks to their exceptionally high salt content, the lakes effortlessly buoy visitors on the water’s surface, much like the Dead Sea. Travelers enjoy the weightless sensation of floating in the warm water while also appreciating the mineral-rich composition, which is considered beneficial for the skin and body.
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To round off this day of sightseeing, we take our guests to the small island of Fetnas Island, located in the oasis’s largest lake. There, we enjoy a beautiful sunset before returning to the hotel for dinner.
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The “Mountain of the Dead” is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Siwa Oasis. The cone-shaped hill rises at the edge of the oasis and contains hundreds of tombs carved into the rock dating from the Greco-Roman period. The artfully designed burial chambers continue to impress visitors today with their ancient wall paintings, hieroglyphs, and religious symbols, which offer insights into the burial rituals and the lives of Siwa’s inhabitants at that time. Particularly well-known are the tombs of Si Amun, Mesu-Isis, and Niperpathot, whose colorful decorations are exceptionally well-preserved. From the summit, visitors can also enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the palm groves, salt lakes, and the vast desert of the Siwa Oasis.
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The hot springs of the Siwa Oasis are among the most fascinating natural wonders in the region. Mineral-rich water bubbles up from deep underground to the surface, forming natural springs in the middle of the desert landscape—surrounded by dunes, palm trees, and the unique tranquility of the Sahara. We take our guests to what is arguably the most famous spring in the oasis, “Cleopatra’s Spring,” a natural thermal spring that feeds a round stone basin with crystal-clear water, offering refreshment and relaxation to people in the desert for centuries. According to legend, even Queen Cleopatra VII is said to have bathed here—hence the spring’s famous name. While it remains uncertain whether the story is historically accurate, the special magic of this place can still be felt today.
After a relaxing dip in the spring, we’ll visit the Siwan Museum (also known as the “Siwa House Museum”), which showcases the traditional culture of the Siwa Berbers. The small museum was built using ancient methods with salt and clay and offers a glimpse into the daily life of the oasis’s inhabitants in the past. On display are traditional clothing, silver jewelry, musical instruments, household items, and handicrafts.
The day concludes with a stroll through the historic Shali Fortress, the heart of Siwa’s history. This centuries-old mud-brick settlement rises on a small hill in the middle of the oasis and tells the fascinating story of Siwa’s culture. Shali was built in the 13th century to protect the oasis’s inhabitants from attacks. The narrow alleys, multi-story houses, and winding ruins were built from “kershef”—a traditional building material made of salt, mud, and stone that is typical of Siwa. As they stroll through the ruins, visitors are transported to another time. Between the ancient walls, impressive views of palm groves, salt lakes, and the surrounding desert open up time and again. Shali takes on a particularly magical atmosphere at sunset, when the warm light makes the sand-colored walls glow.
Today is all about the longest total solar eclipse until the year 2114. We’ll take you to a spot located near the centerline of the path of totality. The total phase will last well over 6 minutes there. The total phase begins shortly after 10:00 UT (1:00 p.m. local time) with the Sun at an almost vertical angle (81 degrees). The event lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from the start of the partial solar eclipse.
Eye protection: Observing a solar eclipse without protective filters (solar eclipse glasses) can lead to serious and permanent damage to the eyes, including blindness. HERE you will find expert tips on how to protect your eyes.
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In the early morning, start the return journey to Cairo. Transfer to the airport*.
*If your return flight cannot be reached in time (you should be at the airport at least three hours before departure), another overnight stay in Cairo is necessary, with a return flight on 04.08.27.
Alternatively, you can extend your trip with sightseeing tours in Luxor and/or Aswan or along the Red Sea.
Im Preis enthaltene Leistungen: Alle Transfers vor Ort mit modernen klimatisierten Fahrzeugen*, Inlandsflug von Kairo nach Luxor, Übernachtung in Doppelzimmern (5 Nächte im SEKEM Gästehaus & 4 Nächte in der Oase Siwa im Siwa Safari Paradise Hotel), Verpflegung: Halbpension und zusätzlich Mittagessen am 2. und 3. Tag, Fingerfood und Getränke am Tag der Sonnenfinsternis, non-limit Wasser, Softdrinks, Tee & Kaffee vom 6. bis zum 10. Tag, Besichtigungen und Ausflüge nach Programm, alle Eintrittsgelder und Gebühren, deutschsprachige** Reiseführung wie im Programm vermerkt, Trinkflasche, Eclipse T-Shirt oder Eclipse Kappe, Sonnenfinsternisbrille, individuelle Betreuung durch Beluga Mitarbeiter vor Ort, Insolvenzabsicherung.
*kleine Gruppen mit 4 - 8 Gästen pro Microbus. Der Transfer zur Oase Siwa & retour erfolgt mit einem großen Bus, der über eine Toilette verfügt.
**other languages on request
Price per person: on request.
Minimum number of participants for this program: 4 participants.
On request: Visa & airport service. One of our associates will be waiting for you inside the airport terminal to take care of the visa formalities. € 30,- per person (subject to visa price increases).
Gerne bieten wir Dir auch einen Flug nach Ägypten & retour an (die Flugpläne werden voraussichtlich im August/September 2026 veröffentlicht).
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The tour operator for all trips listed on this website is Beluga Reisen GmbH.
