EXPLORE THE MIDDLE EAST
Getaway Experiences
Discover unforgettable getaway experiences and must-try things to do across the Middle East, from local food tours and cultural encounters to outdoor adventures. Travel with trusted local guides, explore hidden gems, and enjoy authentic experiences in Jordan, Egypt, and beyond!
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL
Local Living Experiences
Discover immersive local living experiences crafted by real people in Egypt, Jordan, and others. From farm visits and hidden cafes to spiritual nights and walking tours, connect with the Middle East through everyday life and culture.
Planning a trip to the Middle East?
Discover unforgettable things to do across Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and more, from cultural adventures and food tours to guided walks with trusted local guides. Find the most authentic Middle Eastern experiences, crafted by the people who know them best.
Explore the Middle East on a Whim!
Spontaneous Hangouts
No plans? No worries! With Simsem's Spontaneous Hangouts feature, you can instantly book any active local host near you to guide you through authentic Middle Eastern experiences.
Whether it's a last-minute adventure or a sudden craving for local flavor, Simsem has got you covered!
Why Travelers Choose Simsem
Transparent Pricing
No surprises, just clear costs for a straightforward booking experience.
Authentic Experiences
Dive into the real Middle East with curated adventures by locals who share their stories.
Sustainable Impact
Travel responsibly and make a positive impact on local communities.
Escape Commercial Noise
Say goodbye to clichés and hello to genuine cultural immersion.
What Travelers Say About Simsem Tours
SIMSEM BLOG
Vibes of the Middle East
Explore captivating locales and uncover hidden gems off the beaten path with inspiring travel tips, local insights, and authentic Middle East experiences all in one place.
Where to Stay in Dahab: A Local Guide to the Best Areas
Dahab is small and strung along the water, so the area you pick matters more than the hotel you book....
Where to Stay with Simsem: Partner Stays in Egypt, Jordan and Syria
Dahab, home to two of Simsem's partner stays — photo: Simsem Where should you stay with Simsem? Simsem works with...
Jordanian Food: 25 Dishes to Try & Where to Eat Them
Jordanian food is built around the shared table. The national dish, mansaf, arrives on one big platter for everyone; breakfast...
Ancient Egyptian Culture: Beliefs, Writing & Daily Life
Ancient Egyptian culture grew over three thousand years along the Nile, shaped by belief in the gods, a powerful priest-king,...
Jordanian Culture : A Visitor's Guide
If one thing defines Jordanian culture for a visitor, it is hospitality. Understand how a host welcomes a guest —...
The White Desert, Egypt: The Complete Guide to a Desert Camping Trip
The Mushroom Rock, White Desert — photo: AmiraAdel93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Imagine a desert where the rocks...
Egypt Itinerary: 7, 10 and 14 Days (Routes That Work)
Day 1 of almost every Egypt trip: the pyramids of Giza — photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons...
Diving in Aqaba: Best Dive Sites, Wrecks and Snorkeling
A diver in the Gulf of Aqaba — photo: Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Rolston, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons...
Algerian Food: Dishes, Street Food and Sweets to Try
Algerian couscous with vegetables — photo: HaJunkiyada, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons What is Algerian food like? Hearty, generous...
Syrian Food: Dishes, Street Food and Sweets to Try
Mezze served near Krak des Chevaliers — photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons What is Syrian food...
Amman Food Tour: Where to Eat in Downtown Amman
The fruit and vegetable market in downtown Amman — photo: Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons The best...
Oran and Tlemcen: Things to Do in Western Algeria
Oran and its coast — photo: Benba.d.mourad, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Are Oran and Tlemcen worth visiting? Yes....
Ghardaïa and the M'zab Valley: A Visitor's Guide
The market square of Ghardaïa — photo: Camille Gillet, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons What is the M'zab Valley?...
The Algerian Sahara: Djanet, Tassili n'Ajjer and Timimoun
Tassili n'Ajjer, in the Algerian Sahara — photo: Septfontaine, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons How do you visit the...
Best Time to Visit Algeria: Month by Month
Tipaza on the Mediterranean coast — photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons When is the best time...
Algeria Visa 2027: Embassy Visa and Sahara Visa on Arrival
The Bay of Algiers by night — photo: toufik Lerari from Nice, France, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Do...
Is Algeria Safe to Visit? An Honest 2027 Guide
Notre-Dame d'Afrique above the Bay of Algiers — photo: Chettouh Nabil, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Is Algeria safe...
Mount Sinai Tour: The Sunrise Climb & St Catherine's Monastery
Few walks carry as much weight as the climb up Mount Sinai. Known as the Mountain of Moses, it rises...
Jordan Itinerary: 4, 7 and 10 Days, Day by Day
Wadi Rum, a highlight of every Jordan itinerary — photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons How many...
Ramadan in Egypt 2027: Dates, Tips and What to Expect
A street iftar in Egypt during Ramadan — photo: Ahmed Emad Hamdy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons What is...
SIMSEM STAYS
Book with our Verified Stays
Book any Simsem experience and enjoy 10% off your verified stay.
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Rafiki Hostels – Where Adventure Meets Chill in Dahab
Rafiki Hostels – DahabLocated on Peace Road in the heart of Dahab—just…
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AnQa Khans – Historic Charm, Modern Comfort in Cairo
AnQa Khans is a curated collection of uniquely styled, fully furnished apartments…
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Carob Hostel – Your Home in Amman
Carob Hostel – Your Home in AmmanNestled in the heart of Amman,…
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Alf Leila Boutique Hotel – An Arabian Escape in Dahab
Located in the heart of Dahab and only a short stroll from…
Dar Al Yasmin
Stay at Dar Al Yasmin, a charming boutique heritage hotel in the…
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darkatrine
A peaceful 4-bedroom mountain retreat in Saint Catherine, with stunning views, private…
BECOME A LOCAL HOST
Earn more while sharing your passion
Imagine sharing your passion, crafting unforgettable experiences, connecting with travelers from around the world and earning up to $500 every month while doing what you love!
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
The heart behind Simsem
Simsem exists to share the rich Middle Eastern culture by creating real connections between travelers and locals, one authentic experience at a time.
Hosted by Locals
Helps Locals Thrive
No Hidden Fees
Authentic Tours
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Total Discounted Value: 10%