Why should we travel to Egypt?

There are many reasons why you should consider traveling to Egypt:

Ancient history: Egypt is home to some of the world's most impressive ancient structures, including the pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings. If you're interested in ancient history and architecture, Egypt is a must-visit destination.

Rich culture: Egypt has a rich and diverse culture that dates back thousands of years. From traditional music and dance to delicious cuisine, there's plenty to experience and discover in Egypt.

Natural beauty: Egypt is also home to stunning natural landscapes, including the Red Sea coast, the Nile River, and the Sahara Desert. Whether you're interested in snorkeling, hiking, or just taking in the scenery, Egypt has something for everyone.

Warm weather: Egypt enjoys warm and sunny weather throughout the year, making it a great destination for those looking to escape colder climates.

Affordable prices: Compared to other popular tourist destinations, Egypt is relatively affordable. You can find budget-friendly accommodations, transportation, and dining options throughout the country.

Hospitality: Egyptian people are known for their warm and friendly hospitality, making visitors feel welcome and comfortable during their stay.

Overall, Egypt is a fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in ancient sites, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up the local culture, Egypt is sure to leave a lasting impression.

WHERE SHOULD YOU GO?

Egypt contains some of the oldest, grandest sites in the world. Sure, everyone is familiar with the great pyramids on the Giza Plateau, but there is a lot more to Egypt than just the pyramids. The lesser known and more fun to visit pyramids in Saqqara and Dahshur are well worth the day trip from Cairo. You can also spend a day or two visiting the churches and mosques in Cairo, walking through Old Cairo, and getting a history lesson at the Egyptian Museum. 

Alexandria, with its location on the Mediterranean Sea, makes a nice day trip from Cairo.

In Luxor, not only can you visit the exquisitely decorated tombs of the ancient kings and queens of Egypt, but there is also the enormous Karnak Temple and the Temple of Luxor. The West Bank contains so many tombs and temples that it takes days, yes days, to see all of them. It is one of the largest open air museums in the world.

In Aswan, drift on the Nile in a felucca and visit the beautiful Philae Temple.

Abu Simbel, a temple that is located near the border with Sudan, is well worth the time. This temple is dedicated to the Ramesses II. In the 1960’s the entire temple, including the mountain of rock it was carved into, was painstakingly disassembled and moved to higher ground, as water levels rose after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

If you want some chill time, check out the opulent resorts in Hurghada.

Finally, add some adventure to your trip by visiting an oasis in the Sahara Desert.

We didn’t have enough time to get to everything on this list, so hopefully you’ll see us back in Egypt within the next few years to explore some new places.

WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT EGYPT?

The best time to visit Egypt is the cooler months of the year: November through March. In the southern part of the country, at Luxor and Aswan, rain is unlikely. In Cairo, haze can be an issue in the morning during the winter months, so it’s best to time your visit to outdoor sites (such as the pyramids of Giza) to the afternoon hours. During the winter months, it can rain in Cairo and Alexandria.

Expect the biggest crowds in December and January.

During the summer months, temperatures can be oppressive. Temperatures can range from 40 to 55°C (104 to 130°F). In Luxor and Aswan, this is a dry heat, but up north around Cairo and Alexandria, the humidity can make the heat feel even worse.

BE PREPARED TO TIP THE BATHROOM ATTENDANT

In Egypt, most bathrooms have an attendant, a person who keeps the stalls clean, provides a small amount of toilet paper, and hands you a towel to dry your hands (in some cases). It is customary to tip this attendant before or after you use the bathroom. It doesn’t have to be much, 5 EGP is sufficient. But small change can be hard to come by, so save this for when you need to use the bathroom.

BE PREPARED TO TIP… A LOT

There are numerous scenarios when you will be expected to tip for a “service” that was provided.

When visiting tombs and temples, the attendants will offer to take a photo of you. If you agree, you are expected to give him a small tip in return. If you take a photo of a camel or if you take a photo of a tomb attendant, you will also be expected to give a tip. After camel rides, felucca rides, etc., it is also expected that you will give a small tip at the end of the experience.

Tipping is always optional, but there is an expectation for it.

How much you tip depends on the service provided. For things like photos, we gave the person our spare change or 5 to 10 EGP. For tips after meals and things such as a camel ride, 5 to 10% of the price what you paid is customary.

Tipping is not expected but it is appreciated in restaurants.