Thread: A question on Nile Group Festival in Cairo practicalities - Advice appreciated

I'd like to ask tips, advice and experience of those bhuzzers who already have participated Nile Group Festival(s) in Cairo:

The dates of yearly Nile Group festivals in Cairo are announced on their web pages very early but it seems that each workshop schedule and teachers are presented only a few weeks before each festival... NGF offers a package price (festival site hotel plus transportation from the airport and vice versa plus evening shows). Should one wait until the workshop schedule is published and only then book both the hotel package + workshops preferred? Or should one book the festival hotel package well in advance (and workshops chosen only after they've been announced)? Any experiences?

And... do you have recommendations on other good hotels near the festival site (Pyramisa Hotel)? Many thanks ..g.:!

I have been to three Nile Group Festivals, and they are a lot of fun! If you already know when you are planning to go, I would make hotel arrangements. It seems the Pyramisa is popular with tour groups, so it's possible that it can fill up.

How many classes are you planning on taking? It is very easy to add classes, but it's not so easy to have them changed once they are paid for. If there's someone already on the schedule that you know for sure you want to take a class from, then sign up with your hotel reservation. Since the Nile Group has three festivals a year, the classes tend to be smaller - definitely a plus as a student! It also means that classes don't fill up as quickly either.

Have you been to Cairo before? If not, this will sound silly, but many people are afraid to cross the larger streets. It's very chaotic, but if you are nervous you can usually tag along with a local for safe delivery to the other side. The Concorde and King Hotel are both nearby, but you do have to cross a major street. The rooms at the King are hit and miss, and I've never stayed at the Concorde (though I know folks who have & I will probably stay there next time). Staying at the Pyramisa definitely has it's advantages, but it's also more expensive. The Sheraton is also nearby, and it's rates are about the same as the Pyramisa's.

Let me know if you have any other questions - have fun!