Expeditions & Adventures
Dear Parents and Pupils, Welcome to Uppingham Cairo Expeditions and Adventures Trips and excursions are a vital part of an Uppingham Cairo education. Journeys of discovery that extend far beyond the walls of the classroom are integral in developing our pupils into the globally aware, outward looking, responsible and adaptable leaders of the 21st Century. Our programme of trips and excursions is an integral part of school life, offering pupils exceptional opportunities to explore the world, engage with different cultures, deepen their academic learning and develop vital life skills. Whether exploring historical sites in Egypt, training on the pristine turf at Chelsea’s elite Cobham ground, discovering the wonders of nature in South Africa, or trekking in Nepal, each experience is carefully designed to inspire curiosity, build character and create lasting memories. From the 9s to the Upper Sixth, there is something for every pupil to enjoy. Each trip complements the academic curriculum while encouraging independence, resilience, the development of leadership and teamwork skills and a global perspective — all of which are central to an Uppingham Cairo education. We warmly encourage all pupils to participate fully in these outstanding opportunities: to challenge themselves, to embrace new experiences and to create friendships and memories that will endure for a lifetime. "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." Marcel Proust I very much look forward to seeing your children thrive in these varied and stimulating environments. Andrew Wilson Deputy Director of Day Boarding & Enrichment
Adventure Trip to Bear Grylls Camp, UAE 1st Form Team Building Adventure Trip, EL Gouna Science trip to Washington, USA French Trip to Normandy, France Bronze DofE Expedition to Wales Classics & History Trip to Rome, Italy DofE Silver Expedition Verbier, Switzerland Design and Technology Trip to Munich, BMW Performing Arts Trip to London, England Spanish Trip to Madrid and IE University Textiles (fashion) Trip to Paris, France GCSE Geography to Cyprus Business & Economics Trip to California Biology Conservation Trip to South Africa Art & Photography Trip to Cambodia DofE Gold Autumn Practice to Pyrenees Nepal Leavers’ Challenge Chelsea Football Camp in London, England Rafa Nadal Tennis Camp in Mallorca, Spain Please note • Kindly note that many of the trip details are provisional and may change closer to the time of the trip. • Should you have any initial enquiries, kindly contact the school office for further information. • Additional trips may be advertised individually over the course of the academic year. • All trips will be introduced by staff during a presentation evening which parents are encouraged to attend • The availability of trips to the specified year groups is dependant on the demand and as such, might change.
Upper Sixth
Lower 6th
5th Form
4th Form
3rd Form
2nd Form
1st Form
Top Year
9s Humanities trip to Alexandria and El Alamein
Alexandria and El Alamein Location Alexandria and El Alamein Trip Date February Trip Duration 3 days Forms 9s Ideal Pupil Numbers All 9s pupils
For many pupils, this will be their first residential experience and what better way to enjoy 2 nights away from home than soaking up the history and culture of Alexandria whilst staying at the luxuriant Radisson Blu Hotel. Not only will pupils explore the ancient Catacombs and Roman Amphitheatre, but they will also dine at a traditional Egyptian restaurant with sea views, before exploring the planetarium as well as the Qaitbay Citadel. Whilst curriculum links to History and Geography are certainly strengthened in this trip, so too are the collaboration, communication and creative talents of pupils as our trip providers and Uppingham staff put pupils through their paces with a host of sporting, physical, intellectual and teamwork games and challenges when not exploring ancient monuments.
Adventure Trip to Bear Grylls Camp, UAE Location UAE Trip Date February Forms Top Year Ideal Pupil Numbers 20
Pupils step out of the classroom and into the wild where every challenge teaches, and every activity builds life skills. From building shelters to navigating new terrain, pupils gain hands-on survival skills and environmental awareness all while improving their teamwork, communication, and confidence. The camp features 16 private cabins, each accommodating up to 3 pupils and equipped with air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and essential comforts perfect for unwinding after a day of outdoor learning All activities are designed to promote critical thinking, independence, and cooperation. Options include: Shelter building & fire lighting Basic navigation & compass work Ropes course for physical and mental challenge Rock climbing & abseiling with safety instruction Environmental exploration hikes Archery & target shooting Team-based obstacle challenges Introduction to foraging and bushcraft Each session balances education, exploration, and excitement—adapted to pupil age and ability
First Form Team Building Gouna Trip, Egypt Location El Gouna Village Camp Trip Date September Trip Duration 4 days Forms 1st Form Ideal Pupil Numbers All pupils in 1st Form
First Form pupils will bond together and begin nurturing the skills that they will need to successfully navigate Senior School at El Gouna Village Camp. In an action packed, hands-on residential with bunkhouse accommodation and evenings around the campfire; memories are created in the outdoor experiences that fill these sunny days. Each day is filled with engaging land and water-based activities designed to challenge. Activities may include kayaking, wakeboarding, zip lining, assault courses, boat building and team games, all delivered in a safe and supportive environment. This residential provides an excellent opportunity for pupils to develop independence, build confidence and resilience and strengthen friendships, while stepping outside their comfort zone and enjoying new experiences away from home.
Science trip to Washington, USA First Trip Date: April / May 2027 Forms 2nd and 3rd Forms Ideal Pupil Numbers 20
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, offers a 7-day, hands-on science adventure where pupils explore the Natural History Museum's Fossil Hall, the National Zoo, a planetarium, and botanical gardens. This immersive experience connects classroom concepts to real-world STEM careers through direct interaction with researchers, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and a passion for discovery. During the trip, pupils collaborate in teams, tackle creative science challenges, and interact with experts who offer a glimpse into the possibilities of STEM careers. These opportunities not only develop critical thinking and teamwork but also nurture a lifelong interest in discovery. By connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications, the trip helps pupils appreciate the relevance of science in everyday life and understand its impact on their future. Most importantly, they'll experience that science is not just something you learn—it's something you DO.
NORMANDY, FRANCE Trip date: May Half term (biennially) Forms: 1st and 2nd Form Trip Duration: 1 Week Ideal Pupil Numbers: 24
An amazing opportunity during the half term break for pupils to soak up French language, culture, cuisine and have an incredible amount of fun with adventurous and team building activities designed to stretch, challenge and grow pupils as leaders. Staying in the La Grande Ferme Chateau, this trip is non stop with activities from morning to night including pétanque, aerobal, land sailing and a hike in the Mont Saint Michel Bay, whilst trying not to get caught in the quicksand! Local shopping excursions are also arranged to afford pupils the chance to visit markets in addition to the D-Day Wings museum and an exhilarating day out at the Bayeux Adventure Park.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH BRONZE AWARD EXPEDITION SNOWDONIA MOUNTAIN RANGE –WALES, UK Trip date: April Forms: 3rd Form Trip Duration: 1 Week Ideal Pupil Numbers: By invite only to pupils who are in the DofE Upp&Out club
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a globally recognised youth development program designed to empower young people to build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. Founded in the UK in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the programme encourages participants to set their own goals and challenge themselves through a personalised, non-competitive, and voluntary experience that includes 3 main elements (skills development, volunteering, adventurous activity) The Bronze Award requires pupils to plan their own, self-supported and self navigated adventurous walk over 1 night and 2 days carrying all their resources and provisions. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Snowdonia mountain range, pupils will have the opportunity to practise their walk, map reading and navigation as well as become familiar with their camping and cooking equipment. Additional adventurous activities like abseiling, rock climbing, paddleboarding and raft building ensure that this excursion is one that will create resilience and memories for a lifetime!
Classics and History in Rome, Italy Dates: February 2028 Forms: 2nd and 3rd Form Trip Duration: 1 Week Ideal Pupil Numbers: 20
Dive into the history and culture of this ancient civilisation that brings History and Classical studies to life. Pupils will visit the iconic Colosseum, Forum ruins, the Catacombs and the Vatican City. Among the great treasures of the Vatican City is The Sistine Chapel where pupils can see the famous frescoes of Michelangelo. During this fascinating trip, pupils will also attend the likely Pontifical Gregorian University to hear from world renowned specialists on Philosophy. No trip to Rome would be complete with trying one’s hand at making gelato or sampling traditional carbonara and suppli – fried rice balls, whilst visiting the Trevi fountain and Piazza Navona.
Duke of Edinburgh - Silver Award Expedition Assessment Verbier, Switzerland Trip date: June 2027 Forms: 4th Form Trip Duration: 7 days Ideal Pupil Numbers: 10-20
The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Silver Award expedition in Verbier, Switzerland, offers an elite alpine experience for participants to complete their adventurous journey in one of the world's most renowned mountain settings. Pupils will complete a 3-day, 2-night qualifying expedition,typically preceded by a training and practice phase. Teams must be entirely unaccompanied and self-reliant, carrying all necessary gear, planning their own routes, and cooking substantial hot meals daily. The expedition takes place amidst the Swiss Alps, often utilising the expansive 4 Vallées region for diverse trails and scenic challenges. Additional adventurous activities like abseiling, rock climbing, paddleboarding and raft building ensure that this excursion is one that will create resilience and memories for a lifetime!
Design and Technology Trip, Munich Dates: February half term 2027 Forms: 3rd and 4th Form Trip Duration: 4 days Ideal Pupil Numbers: 20
This school trip to Munich offers pupils practical experience in Design & Technology, focusing on engineering, manufacturing, and innovation, with direct links to the curriculum. The itinerary covers automotive design, science and technology at the various world renowned industries and sustainable architecture, while fostering independent learning and global citizenship through a Design and Innovation Journal. Pupils would visit BMW and the Deutsches Museum, whilst also engaging in both a modern architectural study and visit and a sustainable urban design challenge.
London West End and Stratford-Upon-Avon Dates: October Forms: 3rd and 4th Form Trip Duration: 1 Week Ideal Pupil Numbers: 20
Soak up the glamours, drama and suspense of some of the world’s most well-known stage shows in this visit to London. Not only will pupils have excellent seats to shows, they will also go behind the scenes seeing exactly what it takes to put these shows together. A behind the curtain peek into life on the stage and behind with drama workshops as well as backstage insight. No trip to London would be complete without a comprehensive sight seeing tour including the London Eye, Madame Tusssauds and the Tower of London to name but a few. Children will also step back in time when exploring The Globe Theatre, participating in acting workshops in addition to watching a live performance. Visiting the very home of William Shakespeare, Stratford Upon Avon, is a memorable aspect of this UK trip as is, of course, shopping excursions to Regent Street and Covent Garden.
Madrid Experience and IE University Visit, Spain Dates: April Forms: 3rd and 4th Form Trip Duration: 1 Week Ideal Pupil Numbers: 20
Experience the culture and energy of one of Europe’s most energetic cities whilst honing your Spanish language skills in this immersive trip. From the Palacio Real and the magical gardens of Jardines Campo del Moro to the Cathedral of the Almudena and a mouth-watering Madrid Tapas Tour, there is something for everyone on this trip. Pupils will discover Madrid's Old Quarter and learn about the history of the city before exploring the Legends Musuem and the home of football. Sports enthusiasts won’t be disappointed as pupils then explore the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium - home of Real Madrid. After visiting the "Best Club in History" exhibition, pupils will then walk through the players' tunnel and onto the pitch! Cooking workshops and practical activities exploring Spanish cuisine also abound as to opportunities for pupils to attend a Flamenco Dance workshop before watching a Flamenco Dance show by the professionals before a restaurant dinner in near the market of Mercado de San Fernando.
Textiles (fashion) Trip to Paris, France First Trip Date: October 2027 Forms: 4th and 5th Form Trip Duration: 1 Week Ideal Pupil Numbers: 20
A trip to Paris, France, offers and inspiring journey for pupils. They will have the chance to explore the city’s stunning architecture, including world famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Pantheon and The Orsay Museum. Visits to renowed galleries will allow pupils to immerse themselves in the works of infamous artists. Design enthusiasts are also in for a treat with iconic museums likle the Musee des Arts Decoratifs and the Musee des Arts et Metiers for industrial design. Fashion design will be explored in this iconic hub of glamour in the Galerie Dior and Palais Galliera. Shopping trips and a visit to the Theatre Garnier are also in store on this non-stop excursion that is sure to ignite creativity and imagination.
GCSE GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP TO CYPRUS Dates: November (biennially) Forms: 4th and 5th Form Trip Duration: 5 days Ideal Pupil Numbers: 20
Based at an outdoor educational setting in Paphos, Cyprus, pupils will undertake both the human and physical components of their GCSE Geography coursework which are compulsory elements of the course. Pupils will be using state of the art equipment, whilst in the field, to investigate both human and natural environments. Pupils will measure the changing characteristics of rivers and the impacts of humans on urban environments. No school residential is complete without sampling local cuisine and market visits at Katos Paphos and an opportunity to see historic mosaics and do some shopping rounds the trip off.
Economics and Business Trip to California Dates: April 2029 Forms: 5th Form and L6th Trip Duration: 7 Days Ideal Pupil Numbers: 12-24
An educational trip to California focused on business and economics centred around Silicon Valley and San Francisco global hubs for technology, venture capital, and market innovation. The journey begins in Santa Clara where visits to the Intel Museum, Googleplex, Apple Park Visitor Center, and the Computer History Museum allow pupils to analyse corporate cultures, consumer marketing, global supply chains, and the digital disruption of traditional industries. On the third day, the focus shifts to entrepreneurship and funding structures with a walking tour of Stanford University—a premier incubator for global startups—paired with an interactive venture capital workshop at a local co-working space to study seed funding and risk. The fourth and fifth days dive into macroeconomics and logistics through a tour of an Amazon Fulfillment Center to analyse automated inventory management, followed by a guided exploration of San Francisco’s Financial District. pupils can then conduct a hands-on field study at Fisherman’s Wharf to analyse tourism economics, seasonal pricing, and supply and demand dynamics. The trip concludes on day six with a visit to UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business to examine public university economics, followed by an educational tour of Alcatraz Island to evaluate the infrastructure costs of public institutions.
South Africa – Biology, Conservation and Adventure Trip to Kruger National Park and the Komati Gorge First Trip Date: October 2028 Forms: 5th Form and L6th Trip Duration: 13 nights Ideal Pupil Numbers: 20
This trip offers pupils unforgettable adventure. Arrive in Johannesburg and then make your way to Eswatini before exploring the Ezulwini – The Valley of Heaven. A visit to Malolotja Private Safari Park is then followed by a breathtaking 3 day trek in the Komati Gorge. Pupils will explore and develop strategies to support the human and wildlife demands on land in a conservation project that sees them working with a local charity and community members from Malolotja. This 13 night epic adventure is highlighted and concludes with a visit to Kruger National Park; one of the world’s most renowned National Parks. Meeting the Big 5 whilst on safari and staying in lodges within the park ensures that this trip is one that will broaden pupils understanding of intricacies of protecting endangered species.
Cambodia Cultural Experience – Art and Photopgraphy First Trip Date: February 2028 Forms: L6th and U6th Trip Duration: 1 Week Ideal Pupil Numbers: 20
Join us on an incredible journey through Cambodia discovering the temples of Angkor Wat and the history of the Khymer Rouge regime. Work alongside welcoming local communities in rice paddies, at local markets and craft workshops painting, weaving, making and celebrating everything that this vibrant culture has to offer. After exploring Siam Reap, return to Phnom Penh to soak up the capital city’s sights, sounds, cuisine and art, before flying home with horizons expanded and inspiration in droves.
Duke of Edinburgh - Gold Award Expedition Assessment Spanish Pyrenees Mountains First Trip Date: October 2028 Forms: L6th Trip Duration: 8 days Ideal Pupil Numbers: TBC
The DofE Award aims to positively impact young lives, encpuraging personal development and employability. Pupils develop skills in resilience, endurance and team spirit with a healthy does of fun and memory making thrown in. This ambitious expedition is fully assessed and UK based assessors and ensures that pupils completing the demanding Gold Award for DofE are supported, challenged and above all, thrive. With acclimitisation treks to prepare, as well as a rest day in the Pyrenean village of Panticosa, this trip will see your children return to Cairo as adults.
Nepal Leavers’ Challenge First Trip Date: April 2029 Forms: U6th Form Trip Duration: 13 nights Ideal Pupil Numbers: 20
Arrive in Kathmandu and take the road less travelled to snow covered mountains and trails of the majestic Himalayas. Work as a team alongside a local Nepalese community developing an ecologically beneficial initiative before heading to Poon Hill for the start of a trek that will go as high as 3200m above sea level over 5 days. Working together and using the expertise of your guides is pivotal. Finish your 2 week stay with a white water rafting or paddling excursion on the Trisuli River near Kathmandu as well as opportunities to engage in local Nepalese cooking and crafts. This trip, more than most, will see your children depart Cairo as children and return as young adults with enhanced skill sets, independence and global awarenss that will only benefit them as they prepare to enter the sixth form and the challenges and opportunities therein.
Chelsea Football Camp in London, England Location Cobham, Surrey Dates October annually Forms 1st to 5th Form Ideal Pupil Numbers 24 - 36 Trip Duration 1 week
This flagship trip is one not to missed for budding footballers. With training sessions delivered by Chelsea staff at the world-class Cobham training ground, this week is an opportunity for boys and girls to truly hone their craft. Intense training sessions are complemented by tactical awareness sessions and player analysis which are then implemented in competitive fixtures against local opposition teams. Uppingham pupils are also able to watch the professionals in action with access to a range of fixtures. Stadium tours at Stamford Bridge and the opportunity to watch the Chelsea 1st XI round off this incredible trip which also includes an opportunity to visit London and some of its iconic landmarks on a day set aside for shopping and ‘playing tourist’. Although never guaranteed, meeting the 1st XI players and having memorabilia signed is always a highlight and one that former trip participants have cherished.
Rafa Nadal Tennis Camp in Mallorca, Spain Location Mallorca Dates July Forms 5th and 6th Forms and Parents Ideal Pupil Numbers -
Whether children attend the junior camp as solo players who will have the opportunity to meet and play against children from around the world, or whether children and their parents join this trip as a family, there is something for everyone here. Chaperoned by our own Rafa Nadal coaches, this is an opportunity for budding tennis players and those seeking additional challenge and development to play at a world class facility. As part of the Kids Camp, or the Junior Programme, children are well catered for with personalised coaching that is sure to have them excelling in no time. For parents joining this trip as a family, there is the option to enjoy a host of activities including tennis, padel, fitness and well-being to name but a few, in addition to organised events like food and drink tasting sessions and cultural excursions around Mallorca.
Summer Camps - World Class Summer Schools in the UK Summer camps offer a transformative environment for the social development and emotional resilience of children aged 10 to 17 years old. During these formative years, adolescents transition away from constant parental oversight, making the camp setting an ideal venue for fostering self-reliance. High-quality camp experiences build crucial competencies such as social awareness and perseverance. By engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds, campers develop critical communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills. Over time, these safe, structured environments enable older children and teenagers to bounce back from adversity with enhanced confidence, creating an enduring foundation of resilience that serves them long after the summer ends. As if that was not enough of a calling card, Summer Camps are, by their very nature, huge amounts of good fun where memories that last a lifetime are made. Beyond the emotional growth that pupils are bound to make, camps serve as premier hubs for experiential skill acquisition while keeping the experience fundamentally grounded in fun. Camps offer an open-ended learning space where adolescents can explore specialised interests, ranging from outdoor survival skills to advanced STEM projects. Pupils can develop technical expertise alongside vital "soft skills" such as collaborative problem-solving, time management, and group leadership. Because these skills are wrapped in game-based, hands-on scenarios, learning never feels like a chore. Campers can experiment with distinct hobbies—like rock climbing, theatre, or kayaking—helping them discover lifelong passions and distinct personal strengths. This combination of physical activity and structured play releases stress, improves overall cognitive function, and prevents the traditional "summer slide" of learning loss. Below is a list of providers, widely recognized and established, that parents are encouraged to explore and engage with should they wish. This is entirely optional and does not constitute part of the Uppingham expeditions and adventures offering and should, as such, be explored independently of our school trips. Hurstwood House - https://www.thesummerschool.com Dauntsey’s School XUK Camps - https://www.xukcamps.com Charterhouse Summer School - https://www.charterhousesummerschool.com Harrow School - https://www.harrowschoolshortcourses.co.uk Whitgift Summer School – https://www.whitgift.co.uk/summer-school Sedbergh School Summer Courses - https://sedberghschool.org Camp Wilderness, Oxford - https://campwilderness.co.uk
British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) Sports Events The British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) Games are hosted by various member schools throughout the year. Participants compete at Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15 level across a range of sports including Football, Basketball, Swimming, Volleyball and Netball to name but a few. After a careful and structured process of team selection, chosen athletes from Uppingham compete in a thrilling showcase of talent, determination, and sportsmanship against other British Schools throughout the Middle East. These tournaments offer pupils the opportunity to test their mettle against new rivals, whilst also going beyond the scoreboard to instill core values of resilience, collaboration, and mutual respect. It offers young athletes a premier platform to test their skills and forge lasting connections on a truly international stage. Specific information relevant to each event and specific details are communicated by the Sports Department to parents and pupils well in advance of events.
Uppingham Cairo School, New Giza KM 22 Cairo - Alex Road, First 6th of October, Giza Governorate +201012777777 uppinghamcairo.com