Our mission

The Itchy Olive's goal with CAIRO CONNECT is to create meaningful, ethical connections between international visitors and Palestinian community members living in Cairo.
We exist to replace transactional tourism with genuine human presence — enabling cultural exchange, mutual respect, and direct financial support without exploitation, performance, or intermediaries.

Cairo Connect is built on trust, transparency, and dignity — keeping things small, personal, and human.

PRICING

Support Packages

Arrival Support — USD $120

• Airport greeting

• Help getting to your hotel

• Check-in support

• First-day orientation

(One-time service)

Daily Local Support — USD $180 per day

• Up to approximately 6 hours per day

• Walking the city

• Shared meals and conversation

• Local insight and everyday navigation

Multi-Day Discounts

• 3–4 days: $170 per day

• 5–7 days: $155 per day

You may book support for only the days you need.
You do not need to book support for your entire stay.

Expenses During Your Visit

A Note on On-the-Ground Expenses We want your time in Cairo to feel easy, connected, and meaningful — and we know that small, everyday costs can add up during shared moments.

The daily support fee (or arrival fee) you pay upfront goes directly toward compensating your local Palestinian participant for their valuable time, warmth, cultural insights, and companionship. After a small administrative deduction (~5% for program costs and transfers), nearly all of it becomes meaningful income for them. This fee does not cover any on-the-ground expenses.

As a visitor, you'll cover all practical costs that come up during your time together — this includes your own expenses as well as those of your local participant whenever you're doing something jointly (like sharing a meal, grabbing coffee, taking a taxi across the city, or visiting a site with an entrance fee).

Examples include:

• Meals and drinks (yours and theirs when shared)

• Transportation (e.g., taxis, Uber, or metro fares for both)

• Entrance fees to museums, sites, or attractions (for both of you)

• Snacks, coffee, or small treats during the outing

This arrangement is designed with care: it ensures your local participant never has to reach into their own pocket, allowing them to focus fully on being present with you without any financial worry. Many of our participants are Palestinians navigating life in Cairo, and protecting their dignity and financial boundaries is at the heart of how Cairo Connect works.

We completely understand that travel already involves many costs, and we appreciate your generosity in making these shared experiences possible. If you'd prefer to keep things low-key (free walks, public spaces, or home-based conversation), that's always welcome — just let us know your preferences when booking.

Your support helps create real human connections, and we're grateful for the kindness and openness you bring to these encounters. Thank you for being part of this community-centered approach.

Cancellations & No-Shows

Visitor Cancellations

• More than 48 hours before: Full refund

• 24–48 hours before: 50% refund

• Less than 24 hours or no-show: No refund

Local Participant No-Show

If a local participant fails to show up without a valid reason:

• 100% refund to the visitor

• Immediate attempt to rematch

• Participant may be removed from the program

Illness & Emergencies

We understand that travel and life are unpredictable.

If a visitor becomes ill:

• Remaining days may be rescheduled, paused, or refunded

If a local participant becomes ill:

• We will attempt to rematch you with another participant

• Or refund any unused days

Health and safety always come first.

Problems or Disputes

If an issue arises:

1. Contact us within 24 hours

2. Brief explanations will be requestedecision will be made within 72 hours

Possible outcomes include partial refunds, full refunds, or release of funds.

Important Note

Cairo Connect is not a tour company and does not provide licensed guiding services. Local participants only offer language support and everyday assistance — not formal tours.

Cairo Connect reserves the right to pause or end a connection at any time to ensure comfort, safety, and mutual respect.

Apply Here!

فلسطيني من غزة ومقيم في القاهرة؟ تعرّف على برنامج كايرو كونيكت وقدّم اهتمامك من هنا.