Birkash Camel Market

Camel rides are extraordinarily popular today all across the Middle East. Real Egypt has now taken this experience to the next level and visited the camel market in Cairo with our guests. See one of the world’s largest gatherings of camels, known as the ‘Ships of the Desert.

This can make an unforgettable day trip, especially for photographers, as the market provides a glimpse of Rural Egyptian life, which is exclusive to this part of the country.

The market is considered one of the biggest of its kind in Africa, and people from all over the world, traders and tourists alike come to visit.

Hundreds of camels are sold at the market almost every day, with the peak of the action taking place between 7 and 9 am on a Friday. However, for a calmer experience, most of the surrounding afternoons are rather subdued in comparison.

There are two big camel markets in Egypt: one in Lower Egypt called Birqash, and one in Upper Egypt called El Daraw.

The majority of the animals are brought up the 40 Days Road from Western Sudan, to just North of Abu Simbel in Nubia, Upper Egypt, by camel herders. From there, the camels are taken to Daraw camel market in Upper Egypt. Unsold camels are then taken in trucks for the 24-hour journey to Birqash camel market in Lower Egypt. In addition to those from Sudan, there are camels from various parts of Egypt (including Sinai, The West and The South) and sometimes from as far away as Somalia and Libya.

They are traded for cash or other livestock, such as goats, sheep, and horses, as well as being sold for farm work or slaughter. Smaller camels go for as little as 15000 EGP, but bigger beasts can sell for 30000 EGP and up. ( 2017 prices due to the devaluation of The Egyptian Pound)

Camel meat is a healthy source of meat and is free from any diseases or epidemics like other kinds of meat. Many stands in the market serve camel meat and liver.