MRS Friends | Paddling the Nile, Searching for Dugongs, Encountering Sea Turtles…

Photo source: Yixin | Cairo · Nile River | MRS Mino

Cairo

Cairo is one of the oldest cities in the world and a rare ancient city that has suffered minimal damage from war. Its unique charm lies in the coexistence of the ancient and the modern. The Cairo Tower, located by the Nile, is a landmark modeled after the revered lotus flower in Egyptian culture.

In this world full of the unknown and surprises, there are always dreamers exploring every corner with a unique perspective.

Yixin（一心） and Buzz Lightyear（巴斯光年）®, two MRS enthusiasts, are representatives of this spirit. Through a shared passion, they met and decided to bring their packrafts to Egypt, embracing the mystery and grandeur of the Nile.

Photo source: Buzz Lightyear® | Luxor · Nile River | MRS Surveyor

Luxor

Luxor, located on the east bank of the Nile in the south, is home to numerous Theban relics. Across the river lies the Luxor Temple, built by the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep III to honor the sun god Amun, his consort, and their son, the moon god, a testament to Luxor’s glorious past.

Both Yixin and Buzz Lightyear are adventurers deeply passionate about water sports. Their fascination with packrafting started from paddleboarding and evolved into long-distance drifting, each experience deepening their love for river travel.

Yixin paddling in Gansu | MRS Nomad S1D

Buzz Lightyear, influenced by his university professor, formed a strong connection with kayaking during his college years. In 2009, he officially began his paddling career, and two years later, he was captivated by the convenience of packrafting.

Buzz Lightyear® paddling in Chongqing | MRS Nomad S1D

When asked why they chose to take packrafts to Egypt, Yixin described it as an impromptu yet highly anticipated journey. Buzz Lightyear, on the other hand, simply said MRS packraft fulfilled his dream of spontaneous adventures. Whether it’s exploring unknown rivers or tackling travel challenges, MRS packraft has been his reliable companion.

Why did you choose to bring packrafts to Egypt? What inspired this trip?

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The decision to travel to Egypt was a spontaneous one. We chose to bring the boats because, during our previous trips to Laos and western Sichuan, we regretted not having them. While preparing, we learned about how Egyptian civilization was nurtured along the Nile, sparking the idea of sailing on the river. That’s when we made up our minds to bring the boats.

Yixin

Photo source: Yixin | Luxor · Nile River | MRS Adventure X2

For this trip, they brought three boats:
the MRS Mino, Surveyor, and Adventure X2, considering both lightness and load capacity to ensure everyone enjoyed an optimal paddling experience.

Photo source: Yixin | Matrouh · Mediterranean Sea | MRS Adventure X2, Surveyor, Mino

Matrouh

Matrouh is located in the western desert of Egypt, by the Mediterranean Sea. It is said that Alexander the Great stopped here on his way to Siwa Oasis, and legend has it that Cleopatra bathed here.

In addition to admiring the grandeur of the Luxor Temple from the Nile, they tracked down dugongs along the Red Sea coast near Marsa Alam. Diving into the sea, they encountered vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish. On one occasion, they even jumped directly from the boat into the water to encounter sea turtles.

Yixin, Buzz Lightyear®, and friends diving in Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is located in southeastern Egypt on the western coast of the Red Sea. It is a sanctuary for protected wildlife and endangered marine and desert species. The area is home to hundreds of coral species, thousands of fish, and dozens of sharks. It’s also a prime spot to encounter turtles, dolphins, and dugongs, making it an ideal diving destination.

How does paddling in Egypt compare to other countries? Any unique challenges or experiences?

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The main challenges stem from the societal conditions in Egypt. The country is somewhat chaotic overall. On our first day in Luxor, we were blocked by cruise captains when trying to launch our boats. They claimed we were only allowed on their boats and kept raising prices to hinder us. Additionally, the commercial environment is rife with price hikes and arbitrary charges, which detracts from the travel experience. I suggest avoiding popular tourist areas or coordinating with local service providers in advance to improve the experience.

Yixin

Photo source: Yixin | Marsa Alam · Red Sea | MRS Adventure X2

When asked about their future plans, Yixin and Buzz Lightyear expressed excitement. They plan to continue exploring unknown rivers and lakes with their packrafts, embracing new landscapes and cultures.

Why did you choose to bring packrafts to Egypt? What inspired this trip?

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The decision to travel to Egypt was a spontaneous one. We chose to bring the boats because, during our previous trips to Laos and western Sichuan, we regretted not having them. While preparing, we learned about how Egyptian civilization was nurtured along the Nile, sparking the idea of sailing on the river. That’s when we made up our minds to bring the boats.

Yixin

We originally planned to drive north to Siberia to paddle in Lake Baikal and the rivers along the way after returning home. However, weather conditions forced us to cancel. I love road trips, and packrafts are perfect for that—they’re so portable. I always keep an MRS packraft on my car for trips.

Buzz Lightyear®

Photo source: Yixin, Buzz Lightyear® | Siwa Oasis · Salt Lake | MRS Surveyor

Siwa Oasis

Siwa Oasis, located in Egypt’s western desert, is home to the Berber people. Apart from occasional tourists and supply trucks, it remains isolated from the outside world. The Berbers, speaking their ancient language, welcome visitors from afar.

All photos, videos, and travel stories shared by Yixin and Buzz Lightyear®

*MRS packrafts are not recommended for sea use. If used in such environments, please be cautious of sharp objects like shells, and rinse with freshwater afterward.