Al Manara Hostel

We are located in the most beautiful beach of Egypt. Volunteering with us will give you the opportunity of learning a lot of things about the Bedouin culture and also the chance to spend some time in this Egyptian paradise. In fact, you will become a local!

We love to exchange and learn about new cultures. You are going to become part of our family and learn and teach everyday. You are more than welcome to join us in exploring the surrounding areas and to visit local places.

My name is a Faraj, and I am a proud Bedouin man who grew up in the desert with 500 sheep but now I own a hostel (Al Manara) in the busy beach city Marsa Matrouh. Bedouin culture is about hosting guests, sharing food, and having great conversations, and I want to share Bedouin culture through hospitality. The name Al Manara means 'lighthouse' in Arabic, and I want to share my space as a warm and bright place to build memories together. I have worked many jobs throughout my life, including working as a business lawyer in my private law firm. I have many stories to share from my rich and unique life, and I would love to share my love of the desert with you. I also love to learn new things, and I would be excited to learn new skills you can teach me. You can learn more about me on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004660537886), @the_bedouin_man on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the_bedouin_man/?hl=bg), or connect with me on linkined (https://www.linkedin.com/in/faraj-kassem-841344269/). I have significant experience as a host, having hosted over 250 travellers and more than 30 volunteers. I also have have an account on Workaway (https://www.workaway.info/en/host/283289287116), where you can my extremely positive reviews, and am an active ambassador for Egypt on couchsurfers. So what are you waiting for? Come to Marsa Matrouh for your next adventure!


Reviews

5.0
5 reviews5

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

United States

5

My experience with Faraj was absolutely wonderful! From the first day I felt so welcomed and at home. Faraj made such an effort to teach me about Bedouin culture and show me all around Marsa Matrouh. This was definitely the most culturally immersive Worldpackers experience that I've had yet! The accommodation is very nice, you get a full-size bed on the top floor of the building, so you also have excellent views of the sea and the surrounding city from the balcony. I highly recommend this experience if you want to visit Egypt and I definitely hope to return someday!

about 2 months ago

Paraguay

5

My experience at Al Manara was excellent. Faraj is a very attentive and pleasant host, willing to learn, share experiences and make you feel at home. My days as a volunteer were enriching.
I was able to help Faraj with his Spanish learning and improve my English communication skills. I was able to immerse myself in Egyptian culture, Bedouin culture and see different parts of Marsa Matruh.
The place offered by the host is very comfortable and clean, close to the beach and within reach of everything.
I definitely recommend it!
I will return with more time :)

4 months ago

United States

5

I volunteered at Al-manera hotel in Marsa Matrouth from March 5th thru April, 2023, teaching my host English and cooking international meals My accommodation was a spacious upstairs apartment beautifully decorated Egyptian style with a balcony.
The sunset views were spectacular

My host, Farrag, was very welcoming and made me
feel at home, He has a very easy going sense of humor, always good about providing the needed ingredients for meals, and very open to trying new types of food
and. new strategies off learning English. I highly recommend this work exchange.


12 months ago

Portugal

5

Volunteering at Al Manara Hostel was a very enriching experience. Working with Faraj was super nice! He is such a nice guy, really flexible and easy going so you feel free to do thinks in your own time and way. He is also very open to new ideas so anything you want to suggest will be very welcoming. Regarding the place itself, we stayed in a 2 room’s apartment (each room is for 2 people), with a shared kitchen and bathroom, a very nice living room and a huge balcony. The place is just in the middle of the city and it’s 5 min. walking from the city’s beach.
I would easily go back! 😊

about 1 year ago

Brazil

5

It was amazing volunteering at Al Manara. First of all, they are located in a sweet spot in Marsa Matrouh, an amazing beach in Egypt. The place is comfortable, clean, near to the beach, full of locals and super chilled. Faraj, the owner, is very open minded, super flexible with schedule and work, very enthusiastic, into learning different cultures and also teaching his own. We had a great time together, learned a lot, exchanged a lot and we had a wonderful time there. I strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a good time, get to know a paradise and who are open to new experiences.

about 1 year ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Business

Contact with nature

City & Town

Beach

Mountain

Adventure Sports