The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

We all need to get away from Cairo from time to time, and for most
of us, a visit to the Red Sea is just what we need.

Moonbeach offers more than just a beach visit as it has a serious
water sports centre. Just 30km past Ras Sudr on the Gulf of Suez (a three-hour drive from Cairo), Moonbeach’s primary focus is windsurfing, and they
have a good supply of equipment from beginner to advanced levels. If you
go on a windy weekend, you’ll be on the water with some very experienced
sailors cruising at high speed and showing off some pretty awesome
tricks. 

You can rent beginner windsurf kit for 150LE per hour, or take a
lesson for 200LE. They also offer a weekend course and rental program for 700LE,
which is suitable for those totally new to the sport. After completing the
course, you will be on the board and moving.

 If you are not into windsurfing, or there just isn’t enough wind
that weekend, there are other options such as simply soaking up the sun or
going for a swim, yoga (starting in August), renting a paddle boat, kayak or
even a stand-up paddle board. There are certainly enough options to ensure that
you get your fresh air and exercise on your weekend away. You may even get a
visit from their regular pod of dolphins!

After your day at the beach, the windsurfing centre has a
relaxing lounge area and bar, which is always popular and a good place to make
some new friends. There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on offer
and you can also order food from the restaurant to have at the bar. Don’t
expect spectacular food; but it will certainly sustain you throughout the day.
The bar is open daily from 9AM until late.

 There is only the one hotel in Moonbeach, which is at about a
3-star level, but all of the huts are a very short walk away from the
beach. Accommodation at the hotel costs 350LE per night for a double room,
including a simple but complete buffet for dinner as well as a breakfast
buffet.

You can take the local bus from Cairo to Ras Sudr for about 30LE to
40LE each way then hop in a taxi from Ras Sudr to Moonbeach for about 60LE each
way. A taxi from Cairo is approximately 300LE to 500LE each way.

Numbers to contact the hotel and book a room: 0237 604050. The hotel’s opening hours are 10AM to 3PM Saturday to Thursday; closed on Fridays.The windsurfing centre can be contacted via 0105810088, or via their website or email admin@moonbeachholidays.com