Ever since the Romans came, tourists have been drawn to Egypt to explore the pyramids and take Nile cruises. The locations that drew them over the Mediterranean 2,000 years ago are still prominent on any itinerary, and the nation accomplishes the extremely rare double duty of being a popular travel destination and conveniently accessible.
The pyramids of Giza and the temple complexes in the Valley of the Kings are the unquestionably remarkable accomplishments of the early Egyptians. Nile cruises are just as evocative and irresistible as they have always been. These blockbusters, albeit amazing, won’t be the ones that stick in your memory the most.
Enjoying the sweetest fruit, picked straight from a Nile valley garden; meandering through a grove of date palms; being asked to take a hookah pipe at a neighborhood café; and watching the sun set over the Nile while listening to the call to prayer are just a few of the small, memorable moments you’ll have every day here.
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From Cairo to the Red Sea Resorts
Cairo is a good place to start. The pyramids of Giza are located outside the city and should undoubtedly be on your itinerary, but you should also plan to spend a few days exploring the city, visiting galleries and bazaars, and meandering through the winding streets of the ancient city, which is where Egypt’s Coptic Christians have historically called home. The charming riverbank cities of Aswan and Luxor serve as excellent starting points for seeing several historic locations, such as the Valley of the Kings. Whether on a big cruise liner or a small felucca, the best method to get between them is via watercraft.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to go three hours south on Lake Nasser to the two Unesco-listed temples at Abu Simbel from Aswan.
In order to save the complex from being destroyed by the rising waters of the Nile, it was moved here in the 1960s. After you’ve done your sightseeing, the Sinai Peninsula, which is east of Cairo, is home to well-liked destinations for relaxation. Many Red Sea resorts entice visitors with activities like diving, snorkeling, guided tours, and trips to south Sinai, which frequently include a camel ride and an open-fire dinner in the desert.
From Nile Views to Ancient Hotels and Desert Ecolodges
The major tourist destinations provide an amazing variety of lodging options, ranging from modest, locally owned guesthouses that haven’t changed in years to large, worldwide chains with all the amenities you could want and family-friendly beach resorts. The best and most varied lodging alternatives may be found in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Sharm El Sheikh; it’s easy to find something in each place that fits your preferences and budget.
It’s worthwhile to spend more for an accommodation with a view of the river when visiting the Nile. Additionally, if you’re itching for an Agatha Christie experience, you should check out a few ancient hotels, like the Windsor Hotel in Cairo, the Old Winter Palace in Luxor, and the Old Cataract in Aswan.
Anticipate to find some intriguing possibilities in the most unusual places—ecolodges and Siwa, western Egypt’s distinctive desert architecture among them. Whether you choose to stay in a large resort with hundreds of employees or a small, family-run business, you will undoubtedly discover for yourself why Egypt is renowned for its warm welcome.
From Egypt White Desert to Siwa Oasis
Most tourists to Egypt don’t realize that the nation contains a sizable portion of the Sahara because they have so much to do during their vacations in the Nile valley and on the Sinai Peninsula. The White Desert National Park has an amazing terrain with white rock formations rising out of the level ground; the area doesn’t seem to belong on Earth at all. A trip to the Black Desert, which features conical hills coated in the black remnants of eroded rock, can be combined with a visit here.
Make sure to spend some time at Bahariya Oasis as well; it’s a charming desert area that’s nourished by natural springs and has date and mango tree plantations, as well as little towns. There are other oases near the border with Libya in Egypt’s southernmost point. Siwa is well worth a few nights’ stay; the long drive west is made worthwhile by the boutique hotels, temples, springs, and four-wheel-drive excursions into the dunes. Be aware that the UK government advises against traveling to the area, and that you should consult local tour guides and Egyptian authorities before making travel plans.
What is the current situation in Egypt now
Egypt’s security situation is complex:
- High security presence: The government has a strong security presence with armed officers at important sites, tourist areas, and checkpoints
- Terrorism threat: There is a threat of terrorism, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula and against Christians.
- Political unrest: Protests can erupt and turn violent, so it’s best to avoid them.
For travelers:
- Reconsider travel to the Sinai Peninsula and the Western Desert.
- Be alert and stay informed about current events.
FAQs
Is travel to Egypt safe?
It is important to emphasize that most trips to Egypt are trouble-free. The UK government cautions that there is still a significant risk of terrorist attack in particular locations of the country, citing the few high-profile terrorist attacks that have occurred there over the years. It urges care in specific areas of the Western Desert, avoidance of travel to North Sinai, and alertness at religious festivals and places. Consult a tour operator for travel advice if you plan to visit the latter.
In Egypt, how many days will I need?
If you want to spend time visiting parts of the Western Desert, you could visit Egypt for a month and not even scratch the surface. To tour the highlights of the Nile Valley, such as Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor, give yourself at least a week. You might easily travel to Sharm El Sheikh for a long weekend at the beach because there are regular flights from the UK there.
Which month is ideal for travel to Egypt?
November is an excellent bet all around because of its high 20C daytime temps and moderate, not chilly, evenings. Try to skip the school holidays to benefit from smaller crowds at well-known tourist destinations like the Giza Pyramids and the temples surrounding Luxor and Aswan. With comparable temps, March and April are also excellent options; however, stay away from Easter when things get busier.
How can I go through Egypt?
There are multiple routes to traverse Egypt. Commuter buses, trains, and taxis are the usual options. Think about domestic flights for larger distances. If you intend to travel to isolated locations, you may want to think about signing up for a guided tour.
Which coin is in use in Egypt?
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency of Egypt. When you get there, you can use ATMs or exchange your money for Egyptian Pounds. Since credit cards aren’t accepted everywhere, it’s a good idea to carry some cash.
In which language is Egyptian spoken?
Egypt’s official language is Arabic. Nonetheless, most tourist destinations have English speakers. Gaining proficiency in a few fundamental Arabic words will help you communicate with locals.
Extra Advice
You should bring comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot.
To shield yourself from the sun, remember to pack sunscreen and a hat.
To stay connected, think about getting a local SIM card for your phone.
Acquire a few fundamental Arabic terms to improve your encounter.
Be ready to barter in marketplaces.
Avoid tap water and stick to bottled water.
You may guarantee a memorable and enriching vacation to Egypt by being prepared and reading through these FAQs.
