Responsible travel in Egypt

At Rickshaw, we believe travel can be a force for good – for you, the people you meet and the places you visit. Egypt is a country rich in history, culture and local traditions, and we want our trips to help protect what makes it so special. That means travelling in a way that supports local communities, respects culture and looks after the environment and animals too.

We know tourism has an impact, both positive and negative. Our aim is to make sure your journey through Egypt feels meaningful, authentic and responsible, while still being full of the experiences that make travel exciting.

One of the best ways to travel responsibly is by making sure your trip benefits local people. That’s why we work closely with locally owned hotels, guesthouses, guides and drivers wherever possible. Whether you’re staying in a family-run guesthouse in a Nubian village or being shown around Cairo by a local guide, your trip helps support livelihoods in the places you visit.

We also try to avoid large-scale mass tourism where we can, preferring smaller-scale accommodation with local character and experiences that help you connect with the destination in a more meaningful way.

Egypt is a welcoming and fascinating country with a proud culture and strong traditions. We encourage travellers to approach it with curiosity and respect – whether that’s dressing modestly in more conservative areas, asking before taking photos of people or supporting local cafés, restaurants and artisans. Small choices often make a big difference.

Animal welfare is something we take seriously.

In Egypt, you’ll often see animals around tourist sites, including camels at the pyramids, horse carriages near temples and donkeys used for transport. While some owners care for their animals responsibly, welfare standards can vary significantly, and unfortunately poor treatment, overworking and neglect are often an issue.

As a travel company, we believe we have a responsibility to make thoughtful decisions about the experiences we offer. That’s why we do not actively include animal experiences unless we are confident welfare standards are high, and even then, we are selective. We generally encourage travellers to avoid activities where animals may be exploited for entertainment or working in unsuitable conditions.

We also know that travelling can sometimes raise difficult questions. If, while travelling, you see something that makes you uncomfortable or doesn’t feel right, please tell us. Feedback from our travellers helps us review suppliers, challenge poor practices where possible and encourage positive change. Responsible travel is something we’re always working on, and we believe transparency matters.

Egypt is one of those destinations that stays with you long after you return home. From conversations over mint tea to sailing the Nile or staying in a local guesthouse, the most memorable moments often come from meaningful local experiences.

Our goal? That you leave Egypt with unforgettable memories, while helping ensure the country, its communities and its animals are respected and cared for along the way.