The original purpose of Nicholson's visit to the Red Sea Desert region of Egypt was ornithological, in connection with his Editorship of Birds of the Western Palearctic. However, it broadened to include the conservation and ecology of the region, local industry, tourism etc. Nicholson was accompanied by P.A.D. Hollom.

Letter regarding arrangements; incomplete typescript draft with manuscript revisions of Nicholson's report, titled 'A Rapid Reconnaissance of the Red Sea Desert Region of Egypt', and fair copy; correspondence regarding publication of the report and other matters arising from the trip.