On this blog, you’ll find all of our posts about Egypt travel as well as some useful travel tips about the best time to visit, where to go, things to do, experiences to have, and more. We hope this page will help you plan your trip to Egypt and make the most out of traveling in this fascinating country.
Egypt, is a country linking northeast Africa with the Middle East, dates to the time of the pharaohs. Millennia-old monuments sit along the fertile Nile River Valley, including Giza's colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx as well as Luxor's hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings tombs. The capital, Cairo, is home to Ottoman landmarks like Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum, a trove of antiquities.
Languages:
Egyptian Arabic is the commonly spoken language, based on the dialect of Cairo, and is occasionally written in Arabic script, or in Arabic chat alphabet mostly on new communication services.Of the many varieties of Arabic, Egyptian Arabic is the most widely understood first dialect in the Middle East-North Africa, probably due to the influence of Egyptian cinema and music industry throughout the Arabic-speaking world. The official language of the Republic is Literary Arabic. The spoken languages are: Egyptian Arabic (68%), Sa'idi Arabic (29%), Eastern Egyptian Bedawi Arabic (1.6%), Sudanese Arabic (0.6%), Domari (0.3%), Nobiin (0.3%), Beja (0.1%), Siwi andothers. Additionally, Greek, Armenian and Italian, and more recently, African languages like Amharic and Tigrigna are the main languages of immigrants. The main foreign languages taught in schools, by order of popularity, are English, French, German and Italian. Historically Egyptian was spoken, the latest stage of which is Coptic Egyptian. Spoken Coptic was mostly extinct by the 17th century but may have survived in isolated pockets in Upper Egypt as late as the 19th century. It remains in use as the liturgical language of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.
Religion:
Egypt has the largest Muslim population in the Arab world, and the sixth world's largest Muslim population, and home for (5%) of the world's Muslim population. Egypt also has the largest Christian population in the Middle East and North Africa. Egypt is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country with Islam as its state religion. The percentage of adherents of various religions is a controversial topic in Egypt. An estimated 85–90% are identified as Muslim, 10–15% as Coptic Christians, and 1% as other Christian denominations, although without a census the numbers cannot be known. Other estimates put the Christian population as high as 15–20%. Non-denominational Muslims form roughly 12% of the population.
Food:
Egyptian cuisine makes heavy use of poultry, legumes, vegetables and fruit from Egypt's rich Nile Valley and Delta. Examples: Koshary (a mixture of lentils, rice, pasta, and other ingredients), molokhiya (chopped and cooked jute leaf with garlic and coriander sauce) and feteer meshaltet. Ful Mudammas (Egyptian Stew) This is perhaps the most famous of Egyptian dishes, although there are definitely a few contenders to pick from. Falafel (Fava Bean Fritter) We can’t forget the popular Falafel, which has its roots firmly planted in Egypt. It is not only a snack but can also be eaten for breakfast. Aish Baladi (Egyptian Flat Bread) Also known as Emmer, this Egyptian flatbread is very similar to pitta bread but instead made with whole flour. Hummus (Chickpea Dip)Who doesn’t love hummus? This extremely popular dip not only goes well with Aish Baladi, but is also a favorite among traditional Egyptian food. Tarb (Egyptian Kofta Kebab) This Egyptian dish is a twist on the more common ‘Kofta’. Here, the Tarb will use similar ingredients to a kofta and then wrapped in a layer of lamb fat and then grilled to a golden brown. Featuring a delicious combination of beef, onions, and spices, this is very popular in many restaurants across Egypt. Hawowshi (Meat Sandwich) A staple of Egyptian foods; traditionally, this sandwich dish is made in a pita or Aish Baladi, which is then stuffed with minced meat, onions, chilies, pepper, and parsley. Sounds simple but oh so yummy. There are many variants of this style of sandwich, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with this popular Egyptian dish. Mahshy (Stuffed Vegetables) These stuffed vegetables will blow your mind. Available in many different forms and loaded with everything from zucchinis, bell peppers, eggplants, vine leaves, and so much more. Traditionally also stuffed with rice, these special mixtures make this an interesting dish to have. Try to order a mixed plate if you can to try its many variants. Baba Ghanoush (Roasted Eggplant Dip) How can we not discuss this exceptional dish whilst discussing Egyptian foods? It does have Lebanese origins but is widespread in Egyptian cuisine. Masaa’a (Eggplant Curry) A vegan dish that is very typical of curry-style Egyptian food, with the main ingredient being eggplants. In addition to eggplants, this spicy little dish also contains potatoes, chickpeas, bell peppers, and a lot of fragrant spices. A delicious dish best served with rice and, as always, with some pita bread. Sayadieh (Seasoned White Fish and Rice) This beautifully seasoned fish dish is one of the more well-known Egyptian food when it comes to fish. It mainly uses white fish such as haddock or cod, and comes with rice full of spices from cumin, cinnamon, and caraway. This Egyptian dish is well known across the Middle East and varies from country to country and from restaurant to restaurant.
Culture:
The culture and tradition of Egypt is like a mix where multiple cultures and traditions have created a wonderful picture and a mentality that embraces new and advanced ideas for creating a liberal ambiance around. The Egyptian culture has existed for more than 6,000 years, undergoing numerous changes due to contact with invading peoples, such as the Arabs, Romans and Greeks. Its center is located in the northeast of Africa, mainly on the banks of the Nile River, but it has expanded in times of imperial conquests. Both ancient Egypt and the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia were the first societies to create, sustain and develop a writing system, around 3,000 BC. Today's Egyptian culture not only has new manifestations in various areas of art but also draws on its heritage from antiquity, preserving monumental works of architecture such as the pyramids.
What to do:
No doubt if you come to Egypt, you can't miss this top 10:
- Giza Necropolis
- The Karnak Temple
- The Egiptian Museum
- A Nile River Cruise
- The Valley of the kings
- Abu Simbel
- Red Sea Reefs
- The Siwa Oasis
- The step pyramid of Djoser
- Dahab
Things you need to avoid when you visit Egypt:
You should know that, as in any other country, there are some "don'ts".
- Don't be intimidated by vendors
- Don't ride camels or horses in distress
- Don't dress too provocative
- Respect the entry into religious places
- Give respect and distance to Egyptian women
- Don't drink alcohol on the street
- Don't be afraid of local people
- Get information from trusted sources
Currency:
The Egyptian pound is the official currency of Egypt. It is divided into 100 piastres, or ersh or 1,000 milliemes. The new 10- and 20-pound notes are made out of polymer plastic paper as of July 6, 2022.
Transit Visas:
Transit visas are available to those traveling through Egypt en route to another destination and allow stays of up to 72 hours without leaving the airport premise. Transit visas require valid passports with at least 6 months validity upon arrival in Egypt, as well as evidence of onward travel within 72 hours, such as tickets or itineraries. Citizens of certain countries (including EU Member States) do not need a visa when arriving on tourism purposes if their stay does not exceed 14 days (or 3 months in the case of EU nationals).
Weather:
Egypt has a sub tropical desert climate with very hot dry summers and warm winters offering year round sunshine. For the highest temperatures travel between April and October but a lot of holidaymakers visit during the winter months to experience a perfect blend of warmth and guaranteed sun. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 39 C and an average low of 29 C. The coolest month of the year is January with an average daily maximum of 22 C and an average low of 12 C. The driest month is January with 0 mm of rainfall and 31 perfect sunny days. The wettest month is December with 7 mm of rain over 0 days.
Popular festivals in Egypt:
Egyptian culture and society has always been strongly linked to religion. With a Muslim majority, many of its festivities and celebrations have to do with important dates in the Koran such as the birth of Mohammed, the moment when Abraham gave his son as an offering to Allah, Ramadan or New Year's Eve according to the Arabic calendar. Likewise, Egyptians do not forget their gods of the past or their ancestral traditions linked to life in the countryside and along the Nile River. Some of the festivities that thank the gods for the abundance of harvests and good food are still maintained today. The development of the country and its modernization in recent years has also made it possible for Cairo to be a lively and cultural city where, every year, film, literature and music festivals are held. Eid Al-Adha - February (9-12) Also called the Feast of the Lamb or the Sacrifice, this religious celebration commemorates the day when Abraham was going to kill his son and instead Allah offered him a lamb. During these days there is a massive pilgrimage of the faithful to Mecca, while those who stay in their hometowns celebrate by offering the parts of a lamb to the needy, friends and relatives. Sham el Nessim - April (16) More than 4,500 years old, this Egyptian holiday commemorates the onset of spring. In Ancient Egypt it was customary to make offerings to the gods with seasonal foods to thank them for good harvests. Nowadays, this festival attracts thousands of people who come to the Nile to enjoy its seasonal gastronomy such as herring and vegetables. They also sing, dance and sail along the river in a falucca. Ramadan - May (16) Ramadan is celebrated in all Arab countries according to the lunar calendar. This holiday is known because, during the whole month, Muslims practice fasting from dawn until sunset as a symbol of respect to Allah, as dictated by the Koran. In Egypt during these days you can see restaurants, cafes and houses decorated with the colors of this holiday. Many of them are open until the early hours of the morning and sell some special products such as dried fruits and dates for when the daily fast is over. Eid al-Fitr - June (15) This Islamic holiday, which is celebrated together after Ramadan, celebrates the breaking of the fast. Eid al-Fitr begins early in the morning, at which time the prayers of the faithful can be heard in the mosques. Afterwards, they all enjoy a good breakfast together and visit the homes of family and friends to taste typical local dishes. As a curiosity, men wear new white clothes for the first time and children receive gifts. Prophet's Day - July (18) This Muslim holiday pays homage to the birth of Mohammed, the prophet of Allah. In Egypt this celebration is more intense than in other Arab countries. The mosques are illuminated, the streets of Cairo are filled with small stalls with poems, there are also markets with the traditional food of the place and you can see the locals praying their prayers as a tribute to the prophet. Wafaa Al Nil - August (15) Translated as "bride to the Nile", this traditional festival celebrates good harvests due to the absence of floods after the construction of the Aswan Dam. According to legend, in ancient times the Egyptians sacrificed a virgin by drowning her in the Nile as an offering so that the gods would help them obtain good food. A tradition that has survived over time, but exchanging the woman for a wooden or clay doll that is dressed as a bride. Arab Music Festival - August (2-8) Held annually, this festival organized in the Egyptian capital of Cairo brings together the best national and international artists of Arab music. The performances, organized by the Cairo Opera, take place at the Giza Exhibition Center, in a large venue where spectators from all over the world attend every year. Muslim New Year's Eve - December (18) The Muslim New Year's Eve depends on the lunar calendar, so it may vary from year to year. It celebrates the exodus of Mohammed, so throughout the day the faithful flock to mosques to pray and enjoy various ceremonies. New Year's Day itself is a national holiday, no work is done.
9 things you (probably) didn't know about ancient Egypt:
- They did not ride camels: The camel was not used regularly in Egypt until the very end of the dynastic age. Instead, the Egyptians used donkeys as beasts of burden, and boats as a highly convenient means of transport.
- Egyptian women had equal rights with men: In Egypt, men and women of equivalent social status were treated as equals in the eyes of the law. This meant that women could own, earn, buy, sell and inherit property. They could live unprotected by male guardians and, if widowed or divorced, could raise their own children. They could bring cases before, and be punished by, the law courts. And they were expected to deputise for an absent husband in matters of business. Men and women were treated as equals in ancient Egypt.
- Not everyone was mummified: The mummy – an eviscerated, dried and bandaged corpse – has become a defining Egyptian artefact. Yet mummification was an expensive and time-consuming process, reserved for the more wealthy members of society. The vast majority of Egypt’s dead were buried in simple pits in the desert.
- The living shared food with the dead: The tomb was designed as an eternal home for the mummified body and the ka spirit that lived beside it. An accessible tomb-chapel allowed families, well-wishers and priests to visit the deceased and leave the regular offerings that the ka required, while a hidden burial chamber protected the mummy from harm.
- Scribes rarely wrote in hieroglyphs: Hieroglyphic writing - a script consisting of many hundreds of intricate images – was beautiful to look at, but time-consuming to create. It was therefore reserved for the most important texts; the writings decorating tomb and temple walls, and texts recording royal achievements.
- The king of Egypt could be a woman. Ideally the king of Egypt would be the son of the previous king. But this was not always possible, and the coronation ceremony had the power to convert the most unlikely candidate into an unassailable king. On at least three occasions women took the throne, ruling in their own right as female kings and using the full king’s titulary. The most successful of these female rulers, Hatshepsut, ruled Egypt for more than 20 prosperous years. In the English language, where ‘king’ is gender-specific, we might classify Sobeknefru, Hatshepsut and Tausret as queens regnant. In Egyptian, however, the phrase that we conventionally translate as ‘queen’ literally means ‘king’s wife’, and is entirely inappropriate for these women.
- Not all pharaohs-built pyramids: Almost all the pharaohs of the Old Kingdom (c2686–2125 BC) and Middle Kingdom (c2055–1650 BC) built pyramid-tombs in Egypt’s northern deserts. These highly conspicuous monuments linked the kings with the sun god Ra while replicating the mound of creation that emerged from the waters of chaos at the beginning of time. But by the start of the New Kingdom (c1550 BC) pyramid building was out of fashion. Kings would now build two entirely separate funerary monuments. Their mummies would be buried in hidden rock-cut tombs in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile at the southern city of Thebes, while a highly visible memorial temple, situated on the border between the cultivated land (home of the living), and the sterile desert (home of the dead), would serve as the focus of the royal mortuary cult.
- The Great Pyramid was not built by slaves: The classical historian Herodotus believed that the Great Pyramid had been built by 100,000 slaves. His image of men, women and children desperately toiling in the harshest of conditions has proved remarkably popular with modern film producers. It is, however, wrong. Archaeological evidence indicates that the Great Pyramid was in fact built by a workforce of 5,000 permanent, salaried employees and up to 20,000 temporary workers. These workers were free men, summoned under the corvée system of national service to put in a three- or four-month shift on the building site before returning home. They were housed in a temporary camp near the pyramid, where they received payment in the form of food, drink, medical attention and, for those who died on duty, burial in the nearby cemetery.
- Cleopatra may not have been beautiful: Cleopatra VII, last queen of ancient Egypt, won the hearts of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, two of Rome’s most important men. Surely, then, she must have been an outstanding beauty? Her coins suggest that this was probably not the case. All show her in profile with a prominent nose, pronounced chin and deep-set eyes. Of course, Cleopatra’s coins reflect the skills of their makers, and it is entirely possible that the queen did not want to appear too feminine on the tokens that represented her sovereignty within and outside Egypt.
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