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You are here: Home > About Us > Village Design & Capacity

Village Design

Recreational facilities are central to the Mediterranean Center's sustainability, and recreational activities have an educational significance that tie into the key objectives of the center. The Mediterranean Center applies the principles and practices of sustainable tourism, which go beyond the environmental and economic precepts of rural and eco-tourism. Kan Yama Kan Village is the central point for the center's recreational activities for families, schools and other groups. Visitors to the village may participate in a variety of cultural, artistic, ecological and sports activities.

When fully functional, the Mediterranean Center in Beni Suef will be the first center of its kind in Egypt and the Middle East. It will be oriented to feature existing natural and renewable resources. Structures will be designed utilizing passive solar design principles to maximize prevailing northwesterly winds and minimize solar gain. Building facilities and residential areas will not exceed 10% of the center's acreage. Facilities will be distributed throughout the center according to the topography of the site. An overriding theme of the landscape design is the utilization of drought tolerant, acclimatized and indigenous vegetation. The Mediterranean Center's nursery will play a central role in the multiplication and propagation of selected plant species for commercialization and center needs.

The center will be a self-contained village comprised of eight educational departments, a regional information center and library, conference and training facilities, housing and accommodations, administrative buildings, and recreational facilities. The recreational facilities will provide visitors with opportunities to gain practical skills and knowledge in an entertaining and engaging environment while providing an income for the center.

Cars and buses will be parked outside the Mediterranean Center. Animal traction will be the main means of transportation on the premises. A network of secondary rural roads will be created including horse and donkey tracks, and biking and walking trails. Visitors will enjoy an exceptional sunset view.

Present Capacity

The informal and natural setting of Kan Yama Kan Village in Beni Suef makes it a perfect location for meetings, workshops, seminars, and overnight school or university trips. The total carrying capacity of the center is approximately 200 people, depending on the needs of the group and the use of the space.

Varied and flexible characterizes the facilities available for meetings and activities at Kan Yama Kan Village. Three covered, airy sitting areas located in a semi-circle around a man-made lake, accommodate up to 30 people each, with plenty of floor space for engaging group learning activities. A fourth sitting area is furnished with tables and chairs for more structured meeting space. Adjacent to these buildings are outdoor Arab-style sitting areas where guests can relax in the evenings and look at the stars. The indoor meeting room can accommodate up to 50 people at long tables. The viewing stand overlooking the horse stables provides a protected outside seating area for about 30 people that is perfect for group discussions and informal instruction. Two circular playing fields and adjacent open fields are excellent for group games, team building activities, and performances. The cliffs overlooking the Nile River provide a perfect outdoor "classroom" for reflection.

Accommodations for overnight visits are possible for a maximum of 56 people, sharing spacious dormitory style rooms built from natural materials. The village does not offer laundry services, as the desert environment prohibits excessive use of water; therefore guests staying overnight are expected to bring their own sheets, pillowcase, blanket, and towel. Bathrooms and shower facilities are located near the dormitories. A full time professional chef and serving staff are on site to prepare meals for groups of any size. Full board is included in the price for groups staying overnight, and day use prices reflect the cost of meals ordered in advance.

For more information about what MCSDP has to offer, please contact us today.