Guest Feedback
“The trip with Juliette and Monty was an unforgettable delight from start to finish: the highly individualized travel planning, the professional organization of the trip, Juliette’s cultural and linguistic expertise, and the always suitable selection of hotels and restaurants allowed us relaxed travel, unique experiences, and authentic insights into the local culture. A trip to Egypt is unforgettable: diverse desert landscapes, sleeping under a starry sky, visiting pyramids, temples, sites of ancient civilizations, and gems of Islamic architecture, immersing oneself in a universe of sensory impressions, as well as diving into fascinating, species-rich coral reefs – Egypt has everything one could wish for, and a trip couldn’t be more pleasant than with Juliette and Monty! We wholeheartedly recommend Mystic Desert Tours in every respect and hope to be guests on a trip again soon!”
Couple (Switzerland), December 2022
Feedback 2009 – 2014
“This journey leaves the deepest marks within me. When I look back, I have images stored in my mind that I can recall, and with these images, the peace and absolute silence of the desert return; it is simply this nothingness and yet everything. I had been on a path to find myself for quite some time, and today I know that it was in the desert, for the first time, that I managed to simply be. Thanks to your excellent all-round care, I didn’t have to think about anything organizational and could go within myself without any everyday worries. Your loving attention, yet considerate restraint, also contributed to my well-being. The storm, during which we sought shelter under a rock, was also particularly impressive; the calm of our companions transferred to me, no fear or concerns arose at all, I never felt unsafe or endangered on my journey with you. My great thanks go to you, keep up the good work, don’t get carried away by the hustle and bustle of time. Thanks also for the impressions I gained in the oasis, this closeness to the people and their way of life.”
“The desert trip I experienced with Juliette, Monty, Kosa, and Taxi was something very special for me. It wasn’t just the starry sky that touched me, but the endless expanse that almost took my breath away and reflected what can also be found within me. The landscape and our respective sleeping places were of indescribable beauty. I no longer had to wonder who the best artist in the world might be 🙂 Each sleeping spot had its own magic, its own mystique. We spent a total of 8 days in the desert without ever encountering anyone else or even a trace of civilization. That was very soothing, and with each day, I came a little closer to myself and was able to rediscover myself completely. The guides were very attentive and kind and, with great sensitivity, opened us all up to the beauty of the desert. Additionally, we always had an incredible amount of fun together, and the laughter of the silence filled me with new courage. Not without reason your name – Mystic Desert Tours 🙂 The food was also very good, and we felt completely safe and well-guided. I would go on a trip with Mystic Desert Tours again anytime.”
“First of all, a heartfelt thank you for everything. For me, this trip was the greatest thing I have ever done: this infinite finiteness, these springs, tombs, poverty, the dirt of the people, etc., and you as an absolute top tour guide, simply excellent. The sleeping arrangements and the food were exquisite; what these people provided for us, we couldn’t even cook without a refrigerator and stove.”
“A very heartfelt thank you again for the impressive days you made possible for us. It couldn’t be organized better, more pampering isn’t possible, and I can’t imagine a safer tour. Since it’s not the first time I’ve traveled in the desert with local guides, I allow myself this judgment: You were truly knowledgeable about the area and terrain, and that gave me a sense of security that allowed me to sleep soundly. And what’s more: You all pampered us, fussed over us with a service that couldn’t be better in a hotel. Factual information on culture, geography, and geology was also exceptional. In short: Heartfelt congratulations on this achievement. You all gave me an unforgettable experience.”
“We spent wonderful days in the desert! The desert itself is naturally beautiful, and then we had Mohammed “Kosa” as a competent guide, with two cooks/drivers who did their job very well. We ate well (there was always far too much!), slept warmly, and were completely taken care of; ‘pampered’ is probably a more accurate description. We walked in sections again and again, which was a special experience for us. Everything was simply beautiful and good!”
“For me, the week with you was simply brilliant! Since I usually travel alone, I truly enjoyed spending a perfectly organized holiday week for once. Everything was perfect: great food, very comfortable accommodations for me, your information about the country and its people was just right; in short, it was a super week!!!”
“This was my third trip to the Black & White Desert and my first with Juliette and Montaser. This trip was the best of all. Despite a sandstorm, thanks to the excellent equipment, we were able to sleep outdoors and enjoy the food with only a few grains of sand. It was truly great. Juliette and Montaser had everything perfectly organized and prepared. You didn’t have to worry about anything! You could simply BE, enjoy nature, and relax. Our wishes were taken into account, and Juliette and Montaser were very flexible. The staff were pleasant, helpful, and competent. We were able to spend this time with excellent food, breathtaking, beautiful scenery, exceptional weather conditions, and interesting people. The team was there with much love, respect, attention, joy, and helpfulness, so we enjoyed the trip from beginning to end. It was an exciting experience with a guaranteed relaxation factor. Thank you very much.”
“Juliette, Monty, what you both offered us during nine days far exceeded all expectations – our heartfelt thanks for these unforgettable days in the desert. The Great Sand Sea with its endless expanse particularly impressed us; these three days without solid ground beneath our feet, the fascinating landscapes, the picturesque sunsets, the stimulating evenings around the campfire; all this and so many more impressions will stay with us for a long time! Above all, you impressed us with your thoughtful manner; you pampered us completely, both culinarily and culturally – we will come again!”
“Everything went very well with our trip, and we enjoyed it immensely. It was truly very impressive – an unforgettable journey. Everything really worked out perfectly; Saad was very punctual and also very kind. It was fun practicing our Arabic a bit with him! After half a year in noisy Cairo, the days in Siwa were truly wonderfully relaxing. Back in Cairo, the days almost seem a bit unreal to me now!”
“Everyday life has me back. But I’m still reveling in the fantastic, indeed overwhelming, memories of the Mystic Desert Tour. For me, the structure of the trip – a new highlight every day – and the careful introduction to this different world were very pleasant. From an organizational standpoint, truly skillful. The intertwining of European expectations and the Egyptian way of life was very successful for you. All in all, my already high expectations were far exceeded. I sincerely thank you for all the unforgettable experiences!”
“The desert trip, however, miraculously recharged my batteries, so hopefully I can draw on it for a long time 😉 You and Monty are a well-coordinated duo that considers many things: It was a journey from highlight to highlight, very professionally organized, with expertise and attention to detail (the small thoughtful gift of a scarf and pillow was incredible too!): The routes, the selected locations – with the special touch of somehow bringing a small new enhancement every day… Bravo! The cooking team was superb: always conjured up wonderful things with great kindness. The car was simply perfect. And the hotels in Siwa and especially in Bahariya were absolutely great.”
“I recommend the Mystic Desert Tours team to anyone who wants to take a trip to Egypt! Whether it’s a desert trip, a journey to the country’s great cultural heritage sites, or into the hustle and bustle of Cairo, you are always optimally and individually looked after. The fact that the core of the team consists of Juliette Kaltenrieder (Swiss) and her husband Monti Farag (Egyptian) is incredibly beneficial. There are no language barriers. Both are at home in both cultures and are knowledgeable. They master the sometimes difficult conditions in Egypt with flying colors. And since they themselves are enthusiastic about the incredibly impressive cultural heritage of the country, they provide travelers with an impressive access to the history of Egypt. It is particularly wonderful to travel into the desert with them. Calmly and serenely, one traverses the different types of deserts on camelback, discovering an overwhelmingly rich variety of rock and sand formations. At the rest and overnight stops in the middle of the desert, you are truly pampered, allowing you to completely surrender to the silence and beauty of the desert. Conversely, you are also in excellent hands with them in the hustle and bustle of Cairo. Since they know the city intimately, you are safely guided from place to place and can explore the labyrinth of the Cairo souk to its furthest corners. A trip with Mystic Desert Tours will definitely be an unforgettable experience, thanks to the very personal, dedicated, locally knowledgeable, and expert tour guiding!”
“Ancient Cairo, Coptic Cairo, Islamic Cairo, Downtown Cairo, shopping, Dervishes – Cairo, all the treasures, Cairo this menacing behemoth, Cairo – hundreds of images. And you guided us through it, advised, accompanied, translated, and taught us in a way I couldn’t have dreamed of better: equipped with great knowledge, calm, unruffled, solution-oriented, never annoyed, impatient, or uncomprehending – what more could one wish for. Then the trip: Siwa, the desert, Bahariya, camels, a thousand impressions again – wonderful. The hotels, the food, the bed in the sand, the organization and the processes – just perfect.”
“The trip and the time with you were very beautiful! I have been richly gifted on various levels and am very grateful for it! The desert, in particular, gave me so much and made me realize how little we need… what it means when heaven and earth touch, how the soul is one with everything – and much more – forgiveness on a spiritual level and connection to new ideas seems possible.”
“The trip to Egypt was unforgettable for me. With a Swiss woman who could translate and explain everything, and an Egyptian desert guide, we had chosen exactly the right thing; an uncomplicated, well-organized trip that was rich in experiences. I never felt that decisions were made over my head; I was allowed to express my wishes and say if something wasn’t right for me. I saw an incredible amount and gained new experiences – for example, that you can never ‘tick off’ Egypt in 10 days. An extremely pleasant tour guide and many unexpected beautiful experiences made the trip, so much so that I still regularly enjoy looking back on it.”
“For us, it was 10 unique and unforgettable days – especially the desert days. You organized and carried out the trip exceptionally well. You put together a program that suited us. We greatly appreciate that. We felt very well looked after, and our wishes were accommodated. The people who work for you are, in our opinion, competent, friendly, and extremely pleasant. We would like to sincerely thank you again for the wonderful and unforgettable days. We often and fondly look back on them. Besides the impressions of the country, the people, and the food, we took away many positive experiences, great conversations, and unique moments with you. Thank you very much!”
“Our expectations for this trip were very high. It was meant to be a break for us from our currently stressful everyday lives. We wanted to experience the lightness of being, childlike carefree spirit, and the feeling of ‘just letting go’ once again. All of you involved managed to whisk us away into this world. We didn’t have to worry about anything! … And then the landscape, paradisiacal! Words fail to describe these images! Once again, a big thank you to everyone, you all gave us so much!”
“Well, I don’t really have much to say about our trip: It was simply brilliant! I’ve never had such an eventful holiday! Monti and you, you are a perfect team, super organized, experienced, and intimately familiar with the local conditions. The love for what you do is clearly palpable! Keep up the great work!”