Sundowner: Autumn/Winter 2019

I LIKE TO DELVE INTO
DEEPER ANCIENT EGYPT.
I TAKE PEOPLE TO THE LOST
CITY OF CLEOPATRA, WHERE
MANY OF THE SITES ARE
RARELY VISITED
guests. “There are new discoveries and research every year
that allow me to add more elements to the tours. It’s an
ongoing passion.”
And although he delights in taking guests around Egypt’s
most famous attractions – the ‘Big Five’ of the Pyramids and
the Sphinx; the Egyptian Museum containing the treasures of
Tutankhamen; Karnak Temple Complex; the Valley of the Kings;
and the great temples of Abu Simbel – Abul Ella points out that
there are 50 other sites that he can introduce guests to, his own
personal hidden treasures among them.
“I like to delve into deeper ancient Egypt. I enjoy taking people
to Alexandria to talk about the lost city of Cleopatra. It was once
the greatest city in the world, even bigger than Rome, but many of
its sites are rarely visited, such as the catacombs and royal tombs.
“I take people to the tombs of Saqqara; to Abydos, the most
beautiful temple on the Nile with its exquisite reliefs and colourful
frescoes; to tombs in Luxor rarely visited by tourist crowds. We go
to the workers’ village, the tomb of the artisans, and talk about the
other side of Egypt’s history, the people who built the tombs and
the artists that decorated them, shedding light on life in ancient
Egypt from a different perspective.”
Among his recent guests have been Kerry Golds, A&K’s own
managing director, and her family who, he says, were blown away
by the size and power of Karnak.
“We walked down to the temple and turned to see the gigantic
statues of Ramses II, deeply carved into the rock. Kerry was
completely taken by surprise: pointing to the breath-taking view,
she said, ‘This is way better than the pictures!’”
With his wealth of experience, in-depth knowledge, and
abiding love for his subject, Abul Ella is highly valued by A&K;
and the feeling is mutual. “I have a very special relationship
with A&K. I joined the company in 1995. I was fairly young for
the role, because they hire the best in the market, with years of
experience. I grew up inside the company – it’s been almost 25
years now, and I enjoy every tour I take.
“What makes A&K so special is the sense of commitment.
I’m committed to our guests, to providing quality tours. The
company is committed to offering that service, and the guests are
committed to enjoying their trip! It’s a circle of professionalism
and happiness. That’s what makes me stay.”
opposite page: Ahmed Abul Ella Ali sharing his wonder at the Pyramids
this page from top: The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut; Abul Ella;
one of Egypt’s ‘Big Five’, the Pyramids and the Sphinx
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information on luxury tailor-made holidays to Egypt
or to reserve a place on a Nile cruise, call to speak to our North
Africa & Middle East travel specialists on 01242 547 703.
abercrombiekent.co.uk | 35