How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Egypt: Tips and Tricks for Travelers

When to Go: The Best Time to Visit Egypt

Depending on your travel goals, level of heat tolerance, and desired sights and activities, you should decide when to visit Egypt. Egypt experiences extremely little annual rainfall due to its desert environment, which is hot and dry for the most of the year. June through August are the warmest months, with average highs in certain locations exceeding 40°C (104°F). Expect crowds and increased pricing because this is also peak tourist season. The ideal time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable and there are less visitors to the sights. This will allow you to escape the heat and the crowds. 

Because it is winter during this time of year, you might want to bring some warm clothing for the evenings and the desert nights. Religious festivals and holidays like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr should also be taken into account as they may affect the availability of certain services and attractions as well as the opening hours of others. If you're planning a trip, you might want to look up these events' dates.

Where to Stay: The Best Hotels and Accommodations in Egypt

Egypt is a nation with a long history, many historic sites, and stunning natural scenery. With so much to see and see, choose the ideal lodging is essential to a relaxing and pleasurable journey. The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is one of the top hotels in Egypt and is situated in the centre of Cairo with views of the Nile River. This opulent hotel provides generously sized rooms and suites in addition to a number of facilities like a spa, fitness centre, and outdoor pool. The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, with views of the Nile River and Elephantine Island, is another well-liked alternative. It is situated in Aswan. 

The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, which is situated in Aswan and has views of the Nile River and Elephantine Island, is another well-liked alternative. Built in 1899, this historic hotel provides opulent rooms and suites as well as a variety of facilities like a spa, fitness centre, and many dining choices. The Mena House Hotel in Giza provides breathtaking views of the pyramids and is situated in a lovely 40-acre park for visitors seeking a singular experience. Visitors visiting Egypt are guaranteed to find the ideal lodging to fit their requirements and interests thanks to the wide variety of alternatives available.

Some of the best hotels and accommodations in Egypt are:

The Nile Ritz-Carlton: This elegant hotel is located in the heart of Cairo, overlooking the Nile and the Egyptian Museum. It offers spacious rooms, a spa, a pool, and several restaurants and bars.

Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor: This historic hotel was built in 1899 and hosted many famous guests, such as Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill. It is located near the Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. It features elegant rooms, a garden, a pool, and a fine dining restaurant.

Mena House: This iconic hotel is situated at the foot of the pyramids of Giza, offering stunning views and a unique atmosphere. It has been renovated to combine modern amenities with traditional charm. It has spacious rooms, a golf course, a spa, and several restaurants and bars.

Nubian Village: This authentic guesthouse is located in Aswan, on the west bank of the Nile. It is built in the style of a Nubian village, with colorful domes and courtyards. It offers cozy rooms, a rooftop terrace, a garden, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.

Desert Camp: This adventurous option is for those who want to experience the desert life. You can stay in a traditional Bedouin tent or a modern dome, surrounded by sand dunes and stars. You can enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, bonfires, and traditional music and food.

What to See: The Top Attractions and Sights in Egypt

Egypt is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. There is so much to see and do in Egypt that you may need more than one trip to cover it all. Some of the top attractions and sights in Egypt are:

The Pyramids of Giza: These are the most famous and impressive monuments in Egypt, and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They were built over 4,000 years ago as tombs for the pharaohs and their queens. You can also see the Sphinx, a mythical creature with a human head and a lion’s body, guarding the pyramids.

The Egyptian Museum: This is the largest and most important museum in Egypt, housing over 120,000 artifacts from different periods of Egyptian history. You can see mummies, statues, jewelry, papyri, and the famous Tutankhamun collection.

The Valley of the Kings: This is a necropolis where many pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom were buried. You can explore over 60 tombs, some of which are decorated with colorful paintings and hieroglyphs. The most famous tomb is that of Tutankhamun, which was discovered intact in 1922.

The Karnak Temple: This is the largest religious complex in the world, dedicated to the god Amun and his consort Mut. It consists of several temples, chapels, pylons, obelisks, and columns. You can admire the impressive architecture and the sacred lake.

The Abu Simbel Temples: These are two massive rock-cut temples built by Ramses II to commemorate his victory over the Hittites and to honor his wife Nefertari. They are located near the border with Sudan, and were relocated in the 1960s to save them from flooding. They are famous for their colossal statues and their alignment with the sun twice a year.

What to Do: The Best Activities and Experiences in Egypt

Egypt is not only a place to see, but also a place to do. There are many activities and experiences that you can enjoy in Egypt, depending on your interests and preferences. Some of the best activities and experiences in Egypt are:

Cruising the Nile: This is one of the most popular and relaxing ways to explore Egypt. You can sail on a traditional felucca, a luxury cruise ship, or a dahabiya, a wooden boat with sails. You can admire the scenery, visit the temples and villages along the way, and enjoy the sunset and the stars.

Diving in the Red Sea: This is one of the best places in the world for diving, snorkeling, and swimming. You can discover the coral reefs, the colorful fish, the shipwrecks, and the dolphins. You can also relax on the sandy beaches and enjoy the sun and the sea.

Exploring the Desert: This is one of the most adventurous and exciting ways to experience Egypt. You can ride a camel, a quad bike, or a 4x4 vehicle across the sand dunes and the oases. You can also camp under the stars, visit the Bedouin tribes, and learn about their culture and traditions.

Shopping in the Markets: This is one of the most fun and lively ways to experience Egypt. You can bargain for souvenirs, handicrafts, spices, perfumes, and more. You can also enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the local life. Some of the best markets are Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, Aswan Souk in Aswan, and Luxor Bazaar in Luxor.

What to Eat: The Best Food and Drinks in Egypt

Egypt is a country with a rich and diverse culinary heritage, influenced by its geography, history and culture. Whether you are looking for a hearty meal, a refreshing drink or a sweet treat, you will find something to suit your taste buds in Egypt. Here are some of the best food and drinks in Egypt that you should try:

Ful medames: This is a staple breakfast dish in Egypt, made of cooked fava beans seasoned with oil, lemon, garlic and spices. It is usually served with bread, cheese, eggs and salad.

Koshari: This is a popular street food in Egypt, consisting of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions and tomato sauce. It is filling, cheap and delicious.

Molokhia: This is a green soup made of chopped jute leaves cooked with garlic, coriander and chicken or meat broth. It has a slimy texture and a distinctive flavor. It is often eaten with rice and bread.

Ta’ameya: This is the Egyptian version of falafel, made of fava beans instead of chickpeas. They are deep-fried balls of mashed beans mixed with herbs and spices. They are usually served in sandwiches with tahini sauce, salad and pickles.

Shawarma: This is a popular meat dish in Egypt, made of thin slices of marinated chicken or beef roasted on a vertical spit. They are wrapped in bread with tahini sauce, tomatoes, onions and parsley.

Mahshi: This is a dish of stuffed vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, peppers or cabbage. They are filled with rice and meat or cheese and cooked in tomato sauce or broth.

Umm Ali: This is a traditional dessert in Egypt, made of layers of pastry, nuts, raisins and coconut soaked in milk and cream. It is baked until golden and served hot or cold.

Basbousa: This is a sweet cake made of semolina flour soaked in sugar syrup. It is often flavored with rose water or orange blossom water and topped with almonds or pistachios.

Karkade: This is a refreshing drink made of dried hibiscus flowers steeped in hot water and sweetened with sugar. It can be served hot or cold and has a bright red color and a tart taste.

Qahwa: This is the Egyptian coffee, brewed in a small pot called cezve. It is strong, aromatic and usually sweetened with sugar. It can be flavored with cardamom or cloves for extra spice.

How to Get Around: The Best Transportation Options in Egypt

Egypt is a large and diverse country with many attractions to explore. Whether you want to visit the ancient pyramids, the bustling cities or the serene Nile, you will need to find a way to get around. Here are some of the best transportation options in Egypt that you should consider:

Plane: This is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the major cities and tourist destinations in Egypt. There are many domestic flights operated by national and low-cost airlines that connect Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. You can book your tickets online or through a travel agent.

Train: This is a cheaper and more scenic way to travel along the Nile Valley, from Cairo to Aswan. There are regular trains that offer different classes of service, from basic to luxurious. You can also take a sleeper train that provides beds and meals. You can buy your tickets at the station or online.

Bus: This is the most common and affordable way to travel within and between the cities and towns in Egypt. There are many bus companies that offer different levels of comfort and safety. You can find bus stations in every city and town, where you can buy your tickets or book them in advance.

Taxi: This is a convenient and flexible way to get around the cities and towns in Egypt. You can hail a taxi on the street or call one through an app. You should agree on the fare before you get in or use the meter if available. You can also hire a taxi for a day or a longer trip.

Metro: This is the fastest and cheapest way to get around Cairo, the capital of Egypt. There are three metro lines that cover most of the city’s attractions and neighborhoods. You can buy your tickets at the station or use a smart card.

Boat: This is a relaxing and enjoyable way to travel along the Nile, the longest river in the world. You can take a cruise that offers accommodation, meals and entertainment on board. You can also take a felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat, that offers a more authentic and adventurous experience.

Egypt is a fascinating and diverse country that offers many opportunities for adventure and discovery. However, like any other destination, it also has its risks and challenges. Here are some of the best travel advice and precautions for Egypt that you should follow:

How to Stay Safe: The Best Travel Advice and Precautions for Egypt

Check the travel advisories: Before you plan your trip, you should check the latest travel advisories issued by your government or a reputable source. They will inform you about the current security situation, health risks, visa requirements and other important information. You should also register your travel plans with your embassy or consulate in case of an emergency.

Respect the culture and religion: Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country that has its own customs and traditions. You should respect them by dressing modestly, avoiding public displays of affection, refraining from alcohol and drugs, and observing the holy month of Ramadan. You should also avoid any political or religious discussions or demonstrations that could cause offense or trouble.

Beware of scams and touts: Egypt is notorious for its scams and touts who will try to sell you anything from souvenirs to tours to camel rides. You should be wary of anyone who approaches you unsolicited, offers you a deal that sounds too good to be true, or asks you for money or personal information. You should also negotiate the price before you agree to anything and always ask for a receipt.

Stay hydrated and healthy: Egypt has a hot and dry climate that can cause dehydration and heatstroke. You should drink plenty of bottled water, avoid ice and tap water, and wear sunscreen and a hat. You should also be careful of what you eat and avoid street food or uncooked food that could cause stomach problems. You should also bring your own medication and a first aid kit in case of illness or injury.

Be alert and cautious: Egypt has a high rate of crime and terrorism that could affect your safety and security. You should avoid traveling alone, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas. You should also keep your valuables hidden or locked up, carry copies of your documents, and use reputable transportation options. You should also be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity or incidents to the authorities.

Conclusion: How to Make the Most of Your Trip to Egypt

Egypt is a country that will captivate you with its history, culture and beauty. It is a place that will challenge you, inspire you and reward you. However, to make the most of your trip to Egypt, you need to be prepared, informed and respectful. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Plan ahead: Egypt has so much to offer that you need to plan your itinerary carefully. You should research the best time to visit, the places you want to see, the activities you want to do and the budget you need. You should also book your flights, accommodation and tours in advance to avoid disappointment or overpaying.

Be flexible: Egypt is a country that can surprise you with its unpredictability and diversity. You should be ready to adapt to changing situations, such as weather, traffic, delays or closures. You should also be open to new experiences, such as trying new food, meeting new people or learning new things.

Be respectful: Egypt is a country that deserves your respect and appreciation. You should follow the local rules and etiquette, such as dressing modestly, tipping generously and asking for permission before taking photos. You should also support the local economy and environment, such as buying from local vendors, avoiding plastic waste and respecting the wildlife and heritage sites.

Have fun: Egypt is a country that will make you smile and laugh with its charm and humor. You should enjoy every moment of your trip, whether it is marveling at the pyramids, cruising on the Nile, exploring the bazaars or relaxing on the beach. You should also capture your memories with photos, videos or souvenirs that will remind you of your amazing adventure.