Meet Mohamed Aboeloyoun: a true work of art.
For Mohamed Aboeloyoun, guiding tours through Egypt’s ancient wonders is more than a job—it’s a lifelong love affair. With 31 years of experience and an infectious passion for history, he transforms each tour into an unforgettable performance, seamlessly blending knowledge, humor, and human connection.
We sat down with Mohamed to uncover the magic behind his craft, and from the moment we began speaking, his energy was electric.
“This job is a show,” he says with a grin. “The guide is both the actor and the director. We bring history to life, and every group is a new audience. The key is understanding them—adjusting your performance, your humor, your pacing to fit their interests and culture.”
And just like that, we could see it—Egypt’s temples and tombs weren’t just relics of the past. In his hands, they became vibrant stories, echoing with the voices of pharaohs and priests, architects and artisans.
Mohamed’s Day
The Ritual of Readiness: Preparing for the Journey
A 7-day tour in Luxor and Aswan means early mornings, long hours, and an endless stream of questions. So how does Mohamed stay sharp after three decades on the job?
“Preparation. Every single time. I refresh my notes, check the weather, make sure everything is in place—because no matter how many times you do this, there’s always the thrill of the unknown. New people, new challenges. It’s like stepping onto a stage every single day.”
His morning begins in silence, a ritual to clear his mind. Then, music—something upbeat to set the mood. Before meeting the group, he pores over the list of names and nationalities.
“Names tell you a lot. If I see an older group, I slow things down, keep it classic. If there are kids, I make it playful. It’s all about knowing your audience.”
Once the logistics are double-checked, the real work begins: welcoming the group at the airport, ensuring their arrival is smooth, and setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.
The First Impression: Setting the Tone
The welcome meeting is the first act, where Mohamed builds trust and rapport.
“This is where you set the ground rules. But it’s not about lecturing—it’s about making them feel at home. You tell them, ‘These artifacts have survived for thousands of years—let’s not be the ones to ruin them in a few days,’ and they laugh, but they also respect it. That’s the balance.”
Egyptians are known for their humor, and Mohamed uses it wisely.
“Accidents happen, bad weather happens. But in Egypt, we laugh through it. We make the best of it. I want my guests to adopt that mindset—to enjoy the journey, even when things don’t go as planned.”
The Performance Begins: Bringing History to Life
Once inside the temples and tombs, Mohamed transforms. He becomes the storyteller, the historian, the entertainer.
“You have to read the crowd. Is anyone bored? Are they tired? In the summer heat, I’m always watching for signs of fatigue. We take breaks, we adjust the pace. My job is to make sure they not only learn but love what they’re learning.”
Engagement is everything.
“I avoid jargon. I use metaphors, jokes, pop culture references. If I’m talking about ancient taxation, I’ll compare it to modern life—suddenly, it makes sense. History isn’t just dates and facts. It’s about people, their struggles, their triumphs.”
Beyond the Sites: The Real Questions Tourists Ask
After decades of guiding, Mohamed knows what’s coming before it’s even asked:
“The number one question? Minimum wage. People want to understand our economy, our social structures. They ask about religion, about why some women wear hijabs and others don’t. They ask about the unfinished brick buildings they see everywhere. My job isn’t just to inform—it’s to bridge cultures. To help them see Egypt beyond the pyramids.”
His fluency in multiple languages, especially French, has been an asset.
“Speaking their language builds trust. And trust is everything in this industry.”
The Challenges and Rewards of a Life on the Road
Being a tour guide is not for the faint of heart. The exhaustion is real—long hours, constant travel, missing holidays with family. The industry is unpredictable, with no guaranteed income or stability.
“It’s not easy. But if you love it, really love it, you make it work. The pride I feel when I see a group completely immersed in Egypt, when I see that spark in their eyes—that’s what keeps me going.”
His favorite moments?
“When a group makes up a song about me! It’s happened more than once, believe it or not. But the best is when someone who was dragged on this trip by their spouse tells me at the end, ‘I didn’t expect to love this, but I’ll be back.’ That’s everything.”
Final Advice: A Tour Guide’s Wisdom
To future guides, Mohamed offers simple but powerful advice:
“Passion. You need it. This job will test you physically and mentally, but if you love it, it will give you so much in return.”
For visitors coming to Egypt?
“Research. Egypt is more than just history. Know what you want—whether it’s beaches, adventure, or culture, there’s a place for you.”
And for those who ask what his favorite places in Egypt are?
“Dahab. It’s peaceful, the people are kind. And the Philae Temple—it’s pure romance.”
The Legacy of a Tour Guide
Mohamed Aboeloyoun is more than just a guide—he’s a bridge between worlds, a storyteller keeping Egypt’s history alive. And as long as there are travelers eager to listen, he will keep telling its tale, one tour at a time.
Malek Garranah Owner of Tarot Tours shares his admiration:
“Mohamed Aboelyoun is one of the finest guides in the industry. If you have literally any question about Egypt’s history or the tourism world, he’s the go-to guy.”
Quick Facts About Mohamed Aboelyoun
- 31 years of guiding experience
- Fluent in Arabic, French, English & Italian (French like a native!)
- History buff – Expert in ancient to modern Egyptian history
- Master of antiquities, geography, arts & museums
- Top guide in Luxor & Aswan
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