Geography
Egypt is a country located in the northeastern corner of Africa and its capital city is Cairo. It is bordered by Libya to the west, the Sudan in the South and the Gaza strip and Israel in the east. Egypt has coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile River and the Red Sea. Its topography consists of mainly of desert plateau but the eastern part is cut by the Nile River valley. Egypt’s total area of 386,662 square miles or about 1 million square kilometers, making it the 30th largest country in the world. The highest point in Egypt is Mount Catherine about 2,629m tall, located in Sinai Peninsula and lowest point is the Qattara Depression about 133m below sea level.
Egypt is dived into two sections: The Upper Egypt in the south and the Lower Egypt in the north. These sections were named according how the Nile River flows from south to north until it reaches the Mediterranean Sea.
As the world’s longest river, the Nile cuts through an incredible 6680km of Africa as it winds its way north towards the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile River was critical to the development of the ancient Egypt. In addition to Egypt, it runs through or along the border of other African countries such as Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. It has two main sources: Lake Victoria in Uganda, out of which flows the White Nile; and Lake Tana in the Ethiopian highlands, from which the Blue Nile emerges.
For thousands of years the river has provided a source of irrigation to transform the dry area around into lush agricultural land. Ancient Egyptians developed irrigation methods to increase the amount of land they could use for crops and support a thriving population. Beans, cotton, wheat, and flax were important and abundant crops that could be easily stored and traded.
The Nile River delta was also an ideal growing location for the papyrus plant. Ancient Egyptians used the papyrus plant in many ways, such as making cloth, boxes, and rope, but by far its most important use was in making paper. Besides using the river's natural resources for themselves and trading them with others.
Egypt is the most populous country in the entire Middle East, with around 100 million people (as of February 2020) 95 percent of the Egyptians live along the banks of Nile River. About 90 percent of Egyptians are Muslims and about 10 percent of Egyptians are Copts, one of the oldest branches of Christian religion. Arabic is the official language. Professionals who work in the tourism sector are accustomed to visitors who do not speak Arabic, and they will speak enough English and other languages such as Spanish, German, French and Italian to fulfill the needs of most travelers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Egypt for most travelers is during the cooler and more comfortable months of November to February. This is also considered the peak tourist season in Egypt. The shoulder seasons of spring (March to April) and fall (September to October) are also good times to visit. Temperatures are pleasant, and crowds are generally smaller compared to the peak winter season.
If you're planning to visit during the summer (May to August), consider staying in coastal areas like Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, or other Red Sea resorts, where the sea breeze can provide some relief. If you're interested in diving or beach activities, the Red Sea resorts are enjoyable year-round.
Be sure to plan your trip according to your preferences, whether it's cultural exploration, beach relaxation, or other activities. Keep in mind that weather patterns can vary, so it's a good idea to check the forecast and consider recent trends when planning your travel dates.
Dress Code
When travelling to Egypt, modest dressing is highly recommended and is highly appreciated. It is advisable to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites, mosques, and rural areas. For women, lightweight long-sleeved tops or blouses and loose-fitting pants or skirts are suitable. For men, lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers are appropriate. Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight, too short, sheer, or revealing. This applies to both men and women.
In winter, you will be needing a jacket, sweater or warm clothing. You may also bring a raincoat or umbrella if you will be visiting the Mediterranean coast.
In summer, bring lighter or summer clothes, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat or large scarf to protect your head from the heat of the sun of from the dust. In beach and resort areas like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, swimwear is acceptable within the confines of the resorts or designated beach areas. However, it's recommended to cover up when you're not on the beach or in a resort environment.
Comfortable walking shoes are important for exploring historical sites and markets. Sandals are also suitable in many situations, but remember to have appropriate footwear when visiting religious sites.
Health & Safety
Travelers should make sure their health insurance plan covers them when travelling outside of their home or residence country. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic in advance to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions for Egypt. You might need vaccinations such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus.
Travelers should carry prescription medication in original packaging along with your doctor’s prescription. Be cautious about consuming tap water. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Also, be careful about eating street food and uncooked vegetables or fruits that might be washed in tap water.
In Egypt, emergency and intensive care facilities are limited. Most Nile cruise boats do not have ship’s doctor but some employ a medical practitioner.
Tourists should be alert to being overcharged for various services and for being victimized in scams common to tourist destinations. Tourists should expect to encounter aggressive vendors at Egypt’s shops in urban areas, as well as at many temples and archaeological sites. Some will offer “free” gifts to tourists which, once accepted, lead to demands for money. Most sites have especially designated tourist police who can assist in uncomfortable situations.
Bringing sunblock cream/lotion and mosquito repellant are essential as well. The Egyptian ambulance service hotline is 123.
Currency and Money
The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound, or “Geneh” in Arabic, and commonly abbreviated as LE. The currency is further divided into smaller units called piastres or qirsh.
Credit cards are widely used in Egypt at some hotels, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Most stores in markets like Khan El Khalili and the Luxor touristic market accept credit cards. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Egypt. American Express and other less common cards might not be accepted as widely.
Moreover, many touristic shops, restaurants, and bars will actually accept Dollars or Euros at rates that are relatively close to the official ones. Please note that exchange rates can fluctuate, so it's a good idea to check with a reliable financial source or currency exchange platform for the most up-to-date information if you're planning to exchange money or travel to Egypt.
Tipping
Tipping, or "baksheesh" as it's commonly referred to in Egypt, is a customary practice and an important aspect of the local culture. If you decide to tip feel free to give what you think your experience was worth or consider if you were provided with great service.
For local restaurants and cafés: it's common to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill. Some places might automatically include a service charge, so make sure to check your bill before adding an additional tip.
For Hotel: Tipping is customary in hotels. Bellboys, porters, and hotel staff who provide assistance with your luggage or other services usually expect a tip. Leaving a small tip for housekeeping staff is also appreciated. The amount can vary, but a general guideline is around 20-50 Egyptian Pounds per service.
For guides and driver: If you're taking guided tours or using transportation services, it's customary to tip your guides and drivers. The amount can depend on the length of the tour or the distance traveled, approximately about 300-400 Egyptian Pounds or 10-15 USD per person per day.
For taxi: Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, but it's common to round up the fare as a tip.
Photography
Photography is allowed in most of the historical sites and museums in Egypt, but some of them have extra charges for taking in a camera. In the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, photography is prohibited and visitors are asked to leave their cameras at the reception before entering. In some cases, you might not be allowed to photograph specific artifacts, manuscripts, or artworks within historical sites or museums.
Egyptians are generally friendly and open to having their photos taken, but it's polite to show respect by seeking permission first. Some people might expect a small tip in return for being photographed.
In general, it is prohibited to take photos of military and security installations, government buildings, police stations, and other sensitive locations. Avoid taking photos of police officers or security personnel, as this can be considered disrespectful or even illegal.
Internet Access
Wi-Fi is available at many mid-range and upper range hotels throughout the country. Though sometimes internet connection can be frustratingly slow.
Many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions in major cities like Cairo and Luxor offer Wi-Fi access for customers. Some areas might have free public Wi-Fi hotspots as well. In major cities and tourist areas, you can generally expect decent internet speeds. However, in more remote or rural areas, the quality of internet connectivity might vary.
One of the most common ways for tourists to access the internet in Egypt is by getting a local SIM card. You can purchase SIM cards at the airport, kiosks, or mobile phone shops. This allows you to have a data plan and use mobile data while you're on the go.
Alcohol
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol. As a sign of respect for the local culture, it's important to consume alcohol in moderation and be discreet in public areas, especially in more conservative or rural regions. Alcohol is available in many hotels, resorts, and licensed restaurants in tourist areas, especially those frequented by international travelers. Some larger cities like Cairo and beach resorts like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada have more options for alcohol consumption.
During the Holy month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to serve and sell alcohol and some restaurants and bars may be closed over the month.
The legal drinking age in Egypt is 21 years old. You might be asked to show identification to prove your age when purchasing alcohol. Drinking on the street or being very drunk on the streets is prohibited.
Climate
Egypt has a desert climate with hot and dry conditions for most of the year. There are three types of climates depending on the locations: Mediterranean climate on the northern coast (9-35°C), desert climate in the inland areas (6-41°C), and last is climate of the coast of Red Sea which is equally desert but a bit milder (13-38°C).
Electricity
In Egypt, the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. There are two associated plug types C and F. Type plug C is the plug that has two round pins, also known as “Euro” plug. The plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.
Domestic Flights
Egypt has several international airports and a network of domestic flights that connect major cities and tourist destinations within the country.
Main airport is Cairo International Airport (IATA code: CAI and ICAO code: HECA) Located in the capital city, Cairo, it is the busiest and largest airport in Egypt. It serves as the main gateway for international travelers.
Hurghada International Airport is a major airport on the Red Sea coast, serving as a popular entry point for tourists visiting beach resorts like Hurghada and Marsa Alam.
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is another key airport on the Red Sea coast, providing access to the popular resort destinations of Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab.
Luxor International Airport is located near the city of Luxor and serves as a gateway to some of Egypt's most famous historical sites, including the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.
Aswan International Airport is situated in the city of Aswan and provides access to the southern parts of Egypt, including Abu Simbel and other historical attractions.
When planning your trip to Egypt, consider the option of domestic flights for traveling between cities. They can save you time and allow you to make the most of your time exploring the diverse attractions that Egypt has to offer.
Sleeper Trains
Egypt offers sleeper train services that provide a comfortable and convenient way to travel between major cities, particularly between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan. These sleeper trains offer overnight accommodations, allowing you to save both time and money by combining transportation and accommodation in one.
There are two main types of sleeper trains in Egypt: the "Watania" sleeper train and the "Golden Arrow" sleeper train.
The Watania sleeper train is a comfortable option for overnight travel between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. It features private cabins with different configurations, including single, double, and triple compartments. Cabins are equipped with beds, bedding, air conditioning, and basic amenities. There are dining cars onboard where you can enjoy meals and refreshments. The train usually departs in the evening from Cairo, and you arrive at your destination the next morning. It can be book through your local travel agent or thru online https://www.wataniasleepingtrains.com/
The Golden Arrow sleeper train is another option for overnight travel between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. The cabins are equipped with beds, bedding, air conditioning, and facilities for a comfortable journey. Dining cars provide meals and drinks during the journey. The Golden Arrow train typically departs in the evening from Cairo and arrives at your destination the following morning.
The Nile Cruise
A Nile River cruise in Egypt is a popular and enchanting way to explore the country's rich history, ancient monuments, and scenic landscapes. The Nile River is often referred to as the "lifeblood of Egypt," and many of the country's most iconic historical sites are located along its banks. Sailing the Nile along the lush Nile Valley surrounded by sand dunes and sightseeing Ancient Egyptian monuments such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Kom Ombo and Abu Simbel is tourism at its best. Wake up to the soft light of the morning sun, take in the heat and cool off in the pool on the deck of a cruiser; watch fishermen cast their nets, farmers take to their fields, a flight of birds, and water buffalos staring back at you.
For a softer but still very inspiring cruise experience in Egypt, try the short felucca cruises on the Nile, in Aswan, Luxor or Cairo, or take it to the next level and enjoy an unforgettable night aboard one of the luxurious dinner cruises available in the Egyptian capital.
The cruise categories in Egypt are: 5* Luxury, 5* Luxury Superior and 5* Grand Luxury. Cruise schedules can last 5 days up to 15 days depending on your cruise route.
Responsible Travel
-Sight-seeing tours are operated and led by a local guide and/or local drivers.
-We encourage clients to buy handmade artifacts from the local producers like papyrus, carpets and gold and silver souvenirs.
-Local guide and tour operators are not allowed to smoke during work.
-We support eco-tourism and do our best to deal with ecologically friendly hotels and resorts in Dahab, Marsa Alam, Sinai and Bahariya Oasis. Staying at eco-lodge that are owned, constructed and managed by the local people is a good option to meet adventurous people and the like.
-Enjoy at least one wildlife excursion, whether bird watching on the Nile or snorkeling in the Red Sea. The value you place on the environment you are sightseeing stimulates a local interest for protection, conservation and education.
-Utilize local transportation such as buses and trains for your sightseeing tour. A hot air balloon over Luxor, a felucca boat journey down the Nile, or a camel ride in the desert is a wonderful way to have a unique and low-impact experience. Keep in mind, a slower journey will have a lower impact, and is much more relaxing.
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