Mona Gomaa

Where to begin ? Mona absolutely made our holiday !!!! She was fantastic.

My daughter and I had just cruised down the Nile and whilst the guide was good, he was a little ‘hum drum’. When we moved on to Cairo we hired Mona who was totally different and in a league of her own.

I found her through Trip advisor and contacted her via a tour website – I wanted a guide as we were going to Cairo for a few days. She immediately made contact me with ideas for an itinerary which we refined through messages back and forth over the next few days. Communication was brilliant. That said, Mona was totally open to going with the flow and doing whatever we fancied as well as making suggestions about trips to places we hadn’t thought of.

When we finally met it was quite literally like meeting a long-lost member of my family – she was so warm and open and spoke perfect English. Given the traffic in Cairo and our limited time, she offered to meet up at the airport and that night we went to the night markets in the old town. She guided us through the citadel streets and took us to hidden coffee bars and the best shops with the best prices. Nothing was too much trouble.

Over the next few days, we did all the usual the sights in an air-conditioned car with Mona and a driver – it was seamless and utilised all of our time to the maximum effect. Mona got us in to the best position to see the sights amid the crowds, we didn’t queue or to have to deal with the usual tourist stresses that go with the crowds in Egypt.

She organised camel rides, feluccas, fantastic afternoon tea and snacks in the best cafes and restaurants, all the while beguiling us with her in-depth knowledge of ancient Egypt.

Nothing was too much trouble – be it getting us boxes to take home souvenirs or finding me antibiotics for my throat.

My teenage daughter loved Mona and the two chatted away with ease and humor.

We hired mona for just over three days along with a driver ( you couldn’t navigate Cairo as a tourist without help – the traffic is insane ) and paid just over £300 – I thought she was excellent value for money as we packed in so much and it was such a fabulous experience.

But the best part was Mona herself. She was such a kind, warm and lovely, lovely person that I think she is now a friend for life ! (My daughter and I were a bit teary when we had to part company)

I can’t recommend Mona enough – she was fabulous and worth every last penny!