SHAR-MING!

FACE to face with a real camel at last and things aren't going to plan.

My two-year-old daughter Megan has spent six weeks looking forward to this moment but she is now gripped with terror.

Thankfully Mahmoud - who is in charge of the frankly stinking beast - senses her fear and reluctantly drags it away.

As we head off down the lively pedestrianised area of Sharm el Sheikh's Na'ama Bay, I'm worried I have chosen the wrong destination for our family hol.

I needn't have. Minutes later, Megan declares her brief meeting with the camel was "just brilliant" and she loves "Banana Bay".

The next day as we head for the beach her four-year-old brother Jamie reveals how he wants to stay in Sharm "Milk Shake" forever.

Oh the blessed relief, the family break is officially a success.

The Red Sea resort of Sharm is a holiday oasis for families who want guaranteed sunshine, sandy beaches and first rate accommodation.

An explosion in the number of low-cost flights to Sharm's gleaming new airport means sun-seeking Brits are flocking there in their thousands.

And the fact Egypt is outside of the Eurozone means it is now a good value destination compared with rivals Spain and Greece.

We booked with the efficient Aldi Travel and stayed at the Kiroseiz Three Corners resort, a 10-minute transfer from the airport and a 15-minute walk from Na'ama Bay.

Like most hotels in Sharm el Sheikh it has large, well-equipped rooms, excellent restaurants, good entertainment facilities and clean swimming pools.

Kiroseiz has the added bonus of two mini aqua parks - one for kids, another for bigger kids - that put us at risk of never leaving the grounds.

Cool

For those not lucky enough to have slides and chutes at their hotel there are two main water attractions in Sharm, Aqua Park and the superior Cleo Park.

They are perfect for keeping kids cool at a resort which is at the toe of the Sinai desert peninsula and hasn't seen serious rain in more than seven years. But by far the best way to keep cool is to sit on the sandy beaches on the Red Sea coast where there is almost always a gentle breeze.

Most hotels have their own private section of coastline, including the inland ones like the Kiroseiz which provides free transport to its beach resort every half hour.

The water is among the clearest I have ever seen and the sea is packed with coral reef just yards from the shore, making it a joy for snorkellers and scuba divers.

I loved jumping off a jetty with my son Jamie to swim among the parrotfish, lion fish and rays.

Jamie's highlight was going on a ride in a speedboat, making up for the fact he was too small to paraglide, water ski or ride the inflatable banana.

One of the fondest memories I have of Egypt is the kindness and attention the kids received from the locals - we all felt welcome.

That hospitality continues into the evenings at restaurants and bars where the staff just can't do enough for you.

The main street of Na'ama Bay comes alive at night with countless eateries and bars ranging from Bedouin-style cafes with rugs, cushions and shisha pipes to lively bars and nightclubs.

There's also big brand clubs such as Pacha, Ministry of Sound, Hard Rock Cafe and Buddha Bar.

Banter

Local food is excellent, especially the kofta and fresh seafood. But for those not wanting to venture too far out of their comfort zone there is a KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut and TGI Friday's.

There's even a British-style tavern selling traditional Sunday roast!

However, the further you stray from the main drag of Na'ama Bay the more you risk barracking from bar owners and locals as they try to lure you inside or get you to buy their wares.

We found a quick "La Shokran" - no thank you in Arabic - did the trick but sometimes it's best to just walk on. Some banter can be entertaining though, such as being offered 150 camels for my wife. Apparently, I took a little too long to refuse!

What's unusual about Sharm el Sheikh is that it is a 20-year-old resort in an ancient country dating back to 3,000BC. It was just a desert settlement a generation ago so the most authentic sight is the camels.

But there's plenty to see if you're prepared to travel. Biblical sites such as Mount Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments is close, as is St Catherine's Monastery.

Cairo and the pyramids are only two hours away if you fly - or six if you get up at 4am to travel across the desert by coach.

Our kids were a bit young for the journey, so instead we visited Fantasia, a sprawling entertainment venue with shops, a sound and light show and even male belly dancers.

Hardly authentic Egypt but good fun and that's why Sharm el Sheikh has deservedly shaken up the package holiday business.

Getting there

ALDI Travel offer seven nights all-inclusive at the five-star Kiroseiz Three Corners Resort & Beach Bungalows for two adults staying in a standard room with pool or garden view from £541.

A family, with two adults and two children, costs from £763. Flights arranged by Aldi from £210 per person. Prices based on departures on January 12. See www.alditravel.co.uk or call 0800 028 0077.

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