Travel in Egypt
Travel to Egypt
Although it is advisable to check with the Department of Global Affairs before undertaking any trip to Egypt, considering the different conflicts that arise throughout country – a result of struggles among Muslims within the Arabic world of which Egypt is a part – a journey to the land of Cleopatra and Caesar may be the best trip of your life if you know where to go, what to do, and how to visit the destination.
We offer some useful information on Egypt, as well as a few places that are definitely worth visiting for anyone considering a trip to Egypt.
Geographical Position and Climate
Bordered by the Red Sea on the east, the Mediterranean on the north, Libya on the west, and Sudan on the south, Egypt is a travel destination like no other. The reason being that the Sahara Desert extends over much of its territory, making its climate and landscapes unique.
Indeed, the desert climate means that daytime temperatures are very high, while the nights can be correspondingly cold. The Nile region is the only part of the country that is not dominated by a desert climate.
Extremely Hot and Dry
Throughout the year, temperatures are warm and vary between 20 and 28 degrees – sometimes reaching 50 degrees. If you like the sun, extreme heat, and very dry air, you will be comfortable during your trip to Egypt, the third most populous country on the African continent, since, like many other North African countries sharing the Sahara desert, the climate is particularly hot and steamy!
You will definitely need a scarf to cover your face, especially if you plan a camel ride in the Egyptian desert!
What To Do during Your Trip to Egypt?
A camel ride in the desert is absolutely on the list of activities to enjoy if you are planning a trip to this Arab country.
One of the best ways to explore the desert is to go behind the pyramids of Giza in Cairo, the most famous archaeological site in the country, home of the seventh wonder of the world. In this way, you will get two amazing experiences for the price of one, since you would not be able to see those pyramids anywhere else.
Ancient Egypt's Pyramids and the Great Sphinx
If you have the opportunity to see the sun set behind the Giza pyramids, do not miss it, because it will likely be the most amazing sunset that you will see in your life!
By visiting the Giza archaeological site on camel, you will see the most important remnants of ancient Egypt, including the iconic Great Sphinx, the world's largest monolith statue, that often adorns photos of Egypt.
You can also visit the tombs of kings and queens, spectacular pyramids of various sizes – the most impressive of which being the Great Pyramid of Giza – and the Giza Solar boat museum where you can see the reconstructed Khufu solar barge, symbol of Egyptian mythology.
A Nile Cruise
You can visit the Giza plateau on the back of a camel or by a cruise on the Nile River that ends up in the city of Giza. The Nile, the longest river in Africa, is a real must for anyone considering a journey to Egypt. It flows into the Mediterranean Sea, offering breathtaking views to everyone who chooses a boat adventure.
Indeed, if you want to experience a magical Egyptian journey, a cruise on the Nile will offer you majestic colourful panoramas. Many companies offer Nile cruises, so you will have the luxury of choosing the option that suits you best.
Luxor and the Valley of the Kings
If you want to see the tombs of Pharaohs, the place to go is the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, on the west bank of the Nile. The Valley of the Kings is a gigantic canyon where you can see the tombs of 63 pharaohs, their wives, children, and queens belonging to the ancient Egyptian Empire. Accessible by a train that takes tourists to the entrance of the tombs, the site attracts millions of visitors and is one of the most visited places in the country.
Even though you can explore only a dozen of the 63 tombs, which are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is worth visiting, if only for the beauty of the panorama, the colour of the tombs, and the rich history behind the Valley of the Kings.
Mount Sinai
Among other attractions not be overlooked when travelling in Egypt is Mount Sinai, whose summit in northeastern Egypt reaches 2,285 metres. If you have the good fortune and the strength to climb it, be sure to get to the top before sunrise; you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful spectacles that nature has to offer.
A Tour of the Red Sea
If you are a scuba-diving type and you are looking for an excursion out of the ordinary, you'll love the Red Sea, which is recognized as one of the world's most beautiful diving destinations.
And with good reason, since only 30 metres below the surface is the wreck of a sunken vessel, the Thistlegorm, and a submarine museum containing remains from the Second World War, such as tanks and weapons, an experience that will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories of your trip to Egypt.
