Mission: Find the tastiest, creamiest ice cream in west Cairo.

Contenders: Stavolta, Baskin Robbins, Mövenpick, Cold Stone Creamery, Fresh Food Market.

Baskin-Robbins

West Cairo Branches: Americana Plaza, Mall of Arabia, gate 19, Dandy Mall, Mall of Egypt, level 2

East Cairo Branches: Road 9 Maadi, El Tessaen Street 5th Settlement, Merghany Street, El Serag City Mall off Makram Ebeid Street.

Baskin-Robbins is synonymous with ice cream. With plenty of now classic flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Gold Medal Ribbon, and Rainbow Sherbet; it is a brand that immediately pops into your head when you feel a craving for a scoop or two. Because the ice cream is readily imported, you can be sure there will always be consistency of flavor.

Two rich classics we always seem to end up ordering on every one of our Baskin-Robbins visits – and those are plenty – are Jamoca Almond Fudge and Pralines ‘n Cream. Pralines ‘n Cream has caramel ribbons in a thick cream with (sugar-coated) praline pecans. Jamoca Almond Fudge is also made with cream, chocolate, roasted almonds, and for the kick: Jamoca coffee extract. Two go-to’s that never disappoint.

In Sa7el: Find Baskin-Robbins in the entrance of the Diplomats Village.

Mövenpick Ice Cream

West Cairo Branches: Mall of Arabia, gate 23.

East Cairo Branches:  City Stars and Sun City Mall

Mövenpick ice cream is marketed as a refined culinary creation, inspired by gourmet desserts. The brand claims “natural” processing, without artificial flavors, artificial colorings, or artificial additives. Pure Swiss cream is used in the making of this ice cream, rendering it extra rich. Some of our favorites are classics like Carmelita, Espresso Croquant, Swiss Chocolate and Crème Brûlée. But even Mövenpick’s fruity flavors reserve a bit of creaminess too, the Mango as well as the Blackberry sorbets are thick and velvety due to their high fruit content.

Cold Stone Creamery

West Cairo Branches: Mall of Egypt, level 2, Mall of Arabia, gate 3

East Cairo Branches: Maadi and Sun City Mall, New Cairo

Cold Stone is as fun to order, as it is to eat. From ice cream, to shakes, smoothies, yogurt and sorbet, this brand holds no bars on ingredients and flavors. The ice cream is made fresh every day in the store; ingredients are churned daily. When you order – and here’s the fun part – you can choose any number of toppings like candy, cakes, fruits and nuts, these are all mixed together with your choice of ice cream on a frozen granite stone. What you get is a mound of creaminess and bites of all your favorite toppings. This ice cream is no joke!

Start with the Raspberry flavor or the Coffee flavor as a base and take it from there! Cookies, gummies, brownies mixed in with either of these flavors on the cold granite, topped with chocolate fudge sauce! Yumm!!

Fresh Food Market

West Cairo Branches: Palm Hills Street 88, Sheikh Zayed across Greens compound.

East Cairo Branches: Point 90 Mall, 5th Settlement

Fresh Food Market makes its’ own ice cream. The ice cream is freshly churned every day. When you order, you will see that the ice cream is continuously being churned before your eyes throughout the day to retain freshness of flavor. Flavors are basic and practical: Chocolate, Vanilla, Lemon Sorbet, Mango Sorbet, Mixed Berries, and Yogurt. Slightly less sweet than traditional ice cream, Fresh Food’s take is a no-frills ice cream that hits the spot just right. It’s quite velvety, with a creamy pull to it!

Stavolta

West Cairo Branches: Westown Hub, Sodic.

East Cairo Branches: Korba, Heliopolis and 39 Road 23, Maadi.

Ahhhh… saving the best for last. The word creamy was invented for Stavolta ice cream, creamy creaminess galore! And not only creaminess, but taste as well! Stavolta is Italian Gelato, no wonder! What you’ve got to love about Stavolta is the element of surprise. Every visit brings with it surprise new flavors, flavors you never imagined before. Like Hibiscus, Halawa, Basbousa, Rice Pudding, Dates and Roasted Almonds, and more! This is the real stuff! Gelato contains 90% milk, whereas ice cream contains a 50/50 mixture of milk and cream. Also, gelato contains less air than ice cream, making it thicker and richer. It’s just smoother texture, fuller flavor, and bigger smiles!

Each branch makes their own flavors, normally 24 different flavors rotate continuously, depending on the season’s ingredients, as Stavolta uses locally grown ingredients for the seasonal flavors. Conceived in Cairo by two friends, Stavolta is an Egyptian brand that utilizes time-honored artisanal techniques in gelato making.

Summer means holidays, time at the beach and in the garden, for all the family. Don’t forget the wellbeing of your four-legged family members as well! Cairo West Magazine chats with veterinarian Dr. Ramy Eissa about the important things to take care of each summer. And for pets who need a great place to stay while you are out of town, we have rounded up a list of boarding kennels. Of course, you know your pet’s needs better than anyone, so do conduct your own research before taking a decision.

Summer checklist for dogs:

Ticks and fleas:

Summer is high season for insects of all types, and that means you need to be on the lookout for ticks and fleas. Check with your vet or reputable pet supply store for drops that can be applied at the base of your dog’s neck. Most of these applications last around 6 weeks, but should only be applied according to the instructions. They are not suitable for pregnant or nursing dogs, and young pups. The drops should be applied by body weight to be effective.

Most pet shops now stock dog shampoos with anti-tick and flea properties. Many of these use natural ingredients that repel these seasonal pests, and are a suitable     alternative for anyone concerned with the chemical properties of the drops.

Top Tips:

Citrus Juice: Fleas dislike citrus, so try sprinkling some fresh-squeezed lemon, orange or grapefruit juice on your dog’s fur (being careful to avoid the eyes) — and remember lemon juice can lighten dark fur.

Bathing your dog regularly is also important, as fleas are less attracted to clean animals.

Consider a peppermint or Neem shampoo for an added anti-parasite kick.

After the bath, use a flea comb to remove any remaining fleas.

Why not try?

A few drops of cider vinegar in your dog’s drinking water. This works well with cats as well.

After bathing your dog add a little cider vinegar to a jug of water for the final rinse.

To clip or not to clip?

We all suffer as temperatures soar, so imagine being stuck with a layer of winter clothing that you can’t remove. Dogs and cats need access to shade, and should never be left in a garden without protective cover. Leaving your pet on a balcony or roof-top is cruel and unacceptable. The rule of thumb is, treat your pet as you treat yourself. If a situation is beyond your comfort level, odds are that your pet will suffer as well. On holiday, if you want to hang out on the beach for hours with your canine buddy, makes sure that fresh drinking water is available, as well as a sun umbrella big enough for both of you. Commonsense dictates that you should only hit the beach together in the earlier part of the morning, before the heat sets in. And don’t forget the poop scoop!

Egypt’s climate is really not suitable for long-haired breeds, but this hasn’t stopped people going for fluffy, cuddly fur balls. Regular combing and brushing will help remove excess hair that is naturally shed as the weather warms up, but If you must resort to clipping in the summer months, take these points into consideration.

Leave at least one inch of hair when shaving your pet. This gives your pet enough coat to protect from sunburn and air-conditioned rooms. Dog coats have several layers, and these layers are essential to your dog’s comfort in the heat. Robbing your dog of this natural cooling system can lead to discomfort and overheating.

Cats are naturally good at seeking out places to feel cool or warm, and their bodies can adjust to various temperatures. Again, regular brushing to remove hair that is shed normally as summer sets in will make your kitty more comfortable.

Double coated breeds are those that have two layers of fur. The top layer is made of tough guard hairs and the bottom layer is a thick layer of fur called an undercoat. In the spring they go through a major shedding period known as blowing their coat. Much of their undercoat is released to make way for their lighter summer coat.

Single coated breeds can be clipped down to the skin and their fur will grow back very similar to the way it was; this is not the case for double coated breeds like the Husky, Golden Retriever and Old English Sheepdog. By clipping you can risk the undercoat growing back in an irregular way, with the possibility of matting. Please consult your vet before attempting to shave or clip these breeds.

Poisoning:

More and more cases are being seen on a daily basis, so before letting your pooch enjoy exploring the area, do your homework. Have there been cases of dogs being poisoned? Are there pesticides or plants that are toxic or potentially harmful? Inspect any closed area thoroughly before letting your pet have a romp, and for the safety of your dog, and in consideration of fellow holiday-makers, keep him on a leash when not on your own property.

If you see your cat or dog eat something that looks suspicious and it shows any of the following symptoms the first course of action should be to call your vet and get guidance. You may need to induce vomiting as a first step before you reach the vet, who will be able to administer suitable antidotes in many cases.

Sudden salivation, foaming of the mouth, gagging, and vomiting

Skin rash or hives

Pawing at the mouth

Sudden diarrhea

Sudden bloody vomit or sudden bloody diarrhea

Staggering, confusion, and circling behavior

Seizures

Sudden lack of appetite

Muscle rigidity, tremors, or twitches

Loss of consciousness

Difficulty breathing

In all events keep a sample of what was eaten. Poisons that are laid are often highly dangerous for humans as well, so avoid handling with bare hands, or breathing in any of the powder. Use a plastic bag or scoop, and wrap securely. Clear any remaining food that could be poisoned, seal well and dispose of responsibly.

Your pet is dependent on you for its wellbeing, and as a special member of your family, reward that trust and devotion with as much care and attention as possible. Have a happy summer!

Anubis K9 Facility, Cairo-Alex Rd.

Location:  Main road of Sakkara, 900 m before Sakkara Country Club.

Accommodation: The spacious facility is built over 40,000 m².

100 dog kennels. And 15 horse stables.
4 training fields for our guests

And 1 tactical K9 training field, which is the first privately owned tactical training field in the Middle East.

Pets accepted: Anubis is a K9 facility, so basically it serves all breeds of dogs. However it has started Anubis Stables to accommodate horses in the facility as well.
In Anubis they believe that all dogs are equal. But they just have different needs. Anubis accepts adopted and rescue dogs as well and offers 20% off on any of its’ services for these very special guests to encourage friends and fans to rescue a soul.

Boarding Facilities: We offer 4 types of accommodation depending on the size of the kennel.

Kennels: Indoor only /indoor kennel without door terrace/ air-conditioned

There are 10 air-conditioned kennels for dogs who have special needs in terms of climate and temperature. However all kennels have built-in insulation and have fans to ensure good ventilation for canine guests even in the hottest days of summer.

Food and special diets: Fresh food/dry food/supplements.

Veterinary support:  Fully equipped vet clinic on the premises with an experienced vet available 4 days a week, with emergency backup as well.

Special features:  

Dog school.

Professional K9 training for clients and their dogs.

A wide range of training courses.

Obedience training

Dog sport training

Personal protection training

Agility

Swimming lessons

Behavior modification sessions

Grooming

Pet Taxi

Soon Anubis will be launching a swim-with-your-dog service. Clients can come and enjoy the sun and greenery with oriental food as well as taking a dip with their furry friends.

Period of boarding: Anubis is available from day use (half day) up to a whole year of accommodation.

Dubieland Pet Center, El Gouna

Location: El Gouna – Red Sea – Industrial Road

Pets accepted: Dogs only, all breeds accepted.

Boarding Facilities: Single or double kennel, available with or without a/c.

Food and special diets: Special diet available.

Veterinary support: On site 24/7.

Special features:

Air-conditioned kennels for short and long term boarding for dogs.

Nationwide pet pick-up and drop-off

Grooming

Training

K9

Full Veterinary Clinic:

Wellness Exams

Dental care

Surgery (elective, soft tissue, orthopedic, laparoscopic)

Medical Imaging (Ultrasound, digital radiography, dental radiography)

Scoping (nasal, bladder, airways, GI)

Diagnostics

Pharmacy

Prescription pet food, treats, toys

Pet Shop

Playing area

Dubie Café

Period of boarding: No minimum – up to 3 months (to be accepted upon details)

Eastwind Kennel, Cairo Branch

Location:  Off 26^th of July Corridor – Abu Rawash – 6^th of October

Pets accepted: Dogs only. All breeds accepted.

Boarding Facilities: Room with a View: A standard size kennel with overhead fans, with an outside run overlooking the garden, for dogs who like K-9 gossip for big breeds.
Paris Hilton Lounge: An exclusive air-conditioned, free-to-roam living room style boarding for small breeds, with lush comfy beds, A/C, TV and a private butler to attend to your dog’s immediate needs.

Food and special diets:  Bring Your Own Food Policy: This entitles you to send your dog’s regular food for the duration of his stay, along with any dietary supplements or requests you may have.

Veterinary support: Available every day from 9 am to 4 pm except Thursday to Saturday

Special features: Boarding & Day care, Training, Wash N’ Walk, Pet Taxi, Vet & Spa.

Hala’s Bark Park (Dog Training & Hotel Services)

Location: Cairo/Alex Desert Road

Pets accepted: Dogs only, all breeds are accepted except if the dog is aggressive.

Boarding Facilities: 30 kennels so the dogs go out in rotation all day. Each kennel has an indoor and outdoor area, the smallest size is 2.5 x 4 m2.

Food and special diets: Special diet possible

Veterinary support: Vet on call 24/7

Special features: Our facilities for dogs include several kennel sizes to accommodate different breeds, 2 playtime areas (sand and grass).

Happy Kennel Academy, Sheikh Zayed

Location: Green Belt – Giza Egypt -In front Of Beverly Hills – Sheikh Zayed- Gate No 1, Section 2

Pets accepted:  Dogs and cats, all breeds accepted.

Boarding Facilities:  Single or double rooms, fans.

Food and special diets: Diet programs possible.

Veterinary support: Vet on call

Special features:  

Puppy Pre Schooling

Academy for training

Play yard and running track

Personnel protection training

Delivery for all pet needs ( dry food, accessories, medical supplements)

Examination and vaccination

Pharmacy

Oral dental care

Healing Spa

Swimming Pool for Dogs

Behavior Modification

Hound’s Club Boarding Kennel, Cairo-Suez Rd

Location: Suez Road, Between Al Rehab and Al Shorouk City.

Pets accepted: Dogs only, all breeds accepted.

Boarding Facilities: Big clean rooms with fans in every room.

Food and special diets: Special diet possible.

Veterinary support: On Call 24/7

Special features:

Boarding exercise

Running track

Training (obedience, behavior)

Grooming services

Bathing

One-day dog sitting

Pick-up and drop-off services

Routine vaccination and medical follow up

Flea and tick control check-up program

Kelabi Dog Boarding Center, Mariouteya

Location: Kelabi is located on the Sakkara Road at the intersection of Mariouteya and Mansoureya Canal, a bit after Cataract Hotel. It’s exactly 30 minutes from Maadi, 45 minutes from New Cairo, and 1 hour from Heliopolis. Visits are by appointment only.

Pets accepted:  Dogs, all breeds accepted.

Boarding Facilities: Each dog gets its’ own room (dogs from different households are never roomed together) with carpet, blankets, toys, and constant fresh water. The standard room size is 2m x 2m (which is spacious enough to house two large dogs comfortably, so it’s very good for one dog). There is a slightly bigger room designed to host three dogs. And a “suite” that’s big enough for four Labrador-sized dogs. The cost per dog will be the same whether they stay together or in separate rooms.
The whole facility is shaded and is equipped with industrial large fans to keep the climate cool and breezy.

Food and special diets: Kelabi provides freshly prepared food (deboned and de-skinned whole chickens with rice, carrot, zucchini, pumpkin or sweet potato and occasionally yellow lentils. Sometimes chicken liver is added to enhance the taste. Kelabi never feeds dogs any sort of bones, mince or skin, only actual chicken meat.
Clients also have the option to provide their own food.

Veterinary support: We deal with a highly trusted network of vets in Maadi  (Dr Ramy Eissa and I-Vet clinic) and in New Cairo (Modern Vet Clinic).

Special features: Socialization and rehabilitation.