Nomad Rachel shares her travel tips for the best ways to see the sites, the places most worth visiting, the truth about Nile cruises and the Giza pyramids, and other important things to know before you go.
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Visitors to Egypt are drawn to witness the logic-defying feats of engineering that are the Pyramids of Giza, to see colossal temples and tombs that offer up the secrets of the Pharaohs (Egypt’s kings and queens) and the gods they worshipped.
To visit the ancient wonders of Egypt is to follow a path carved out through millennia by the Greeks, Romans, Medieval pilgrims, Egyptologists and, now, travelers. But beyond the astonishing antiquities, it’s a magical country that swirls with myth, legend and mysticism.
Here's what I discovered, my tips for what to see and do, and other things you should know before you visit Egypt:
1. The Pyramids of Giza are a bit anti-climactic
The iconic image of the pyramids, with its backdrop of endless desert, is a clever trick, as we discover after navigating the congested highways of Cairo, a city of 22 million people. The Giza Pyramids complex lies on the west bank of the Nile, on the city’s outskirts, barely a stone’s throw from the crammed high-rises and bustling bazaars of the sprawling metropolis.
Still, nothing can detract from the majesty of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The UNESCO Heritage-listed site is home to six pyramids; magnificent burial tombs built for the kings of the 4th dynasty around 4,500 years ago. This includes The Great Pyramid, built for King Khufu, and its cloud-grazing 480ft (146m) apex. Keeping loyal guard is the Sphinx – a mythical hybrid of human and lion.
In the shadow of the pyramids, camel owners seek shade for their animals on breaks, in between offering 15-minute rides at a cost of around US $30. Even having your photograph taken with one can cost around US $10. Though the majority of the camels look healthy and well-cared for, it’s an activity that does not sit well with every traveler.
We each pay US $11 to join the queue to go inside Khufu’s Pyramid. A fairly steep (and slightly scary) descent on a narrow wooden walkway takes us to the inner chamber. I’m expecting to be blinded by a dazzling haul of treasures, but the tiny room is airless and threadbare, stripped of its treasures thousands of years ago by opportunistic robbers. Thankfully, I don’t suffer from claustrophobia, but the experience is a little anti-climactic.
2. Give yourself plenty of time at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in Cairo
Due to open in late 2023, hopes are high that the new, $1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum will put Cairo firmly back on the tourist map, following a difficult few years in the wake of the 2011 revolution and several terrorist attacks. The impressive modernist glass construction – which will feature an earth-to-heaven viewing platform of the pyramids – is being heralded as the largest archaeological museum in the world.
I visit the current museum, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, an oasis of calm in the heart of the frenetic capital city. The red-hued building has a faded colonial charm and houses an incredible 120,000 artifacts (though many are in the process of being moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum). Many of the rare treasures we’d expected to see inside the pyramids are on display here. This extends to the pharaohs themselves, many discovered in The Valley of The Kings, the world-renowned royal burial ground on the Nile’s west bank.
An additional fee provides entrance into the Royal Mummy Room. However, it may not be for everyone; gazing upon the preserved kings and queens makes for a unique, if unsettling experience. The “star” of the exhibition is Ramses I. His mummified remains are almost perfectly intact, and we fall into an awed silence when it dawns on us that we’re looking at the (reddish) hair and teeth of a man who walked the earth more than 3,000 years ago.
The somber atmosphere lifts when we move on to the other main draw of the museum, the King Tutankhamun collection. He is the most well-known Egyptian pharaoh, despite only ruling for a short while. The “boy king" was only nine years old when he became ruler.
In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter unearthed an outstanding collection of treasures in Tutankhamun’s tomb in The Valley of The Kings, which revealed the Egyptian’s belief in the afterlife. These include King Tut’s solid gold bed, his intricately carved throne and chariot, plus hundreds of other everyday items, all buried to make the Pharaoh’s next life as comfortable as possible. The new Grand Egyptian Museum will showcase the entire collection of artifacts found in his tomb.
We only have a couple of hours at the museum, not enough time to truly appreciate the incredible haul of artefacts. However, the current space doesn’t do the priceless exhibits much justice and the new museum, which will cover a space of over 50 hectares, should solve that problem. If I needed an excuse to return, this is it.
3. A Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan made me fall in love with boat travel
I’ve never really “got” cruising. Why would you want to be stuck on a ship for hours on end, wasting precious time to explore on land? However, when I jump onboard the Medea, my home for three days as I travel from Luxor to Aswan, that changes instantly.
It turns out to be the perfect way to explore the Nile and the treasures that line its west bank. I’ve lucked out with my accommodation: a cabin at the ship’s bow that offers 360º views.
Ploughing gently through the biblical waters, we see rural villages little changed by time. Oxen bask lazily in the midday heat and children play on the river banks, stopping to wave and squeal excitedly at the passing boats.
Cruising also offers a great way to hop off to visit the temples, including Kom Ombo, the only one dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and falcon-headed Horus the Elder. Many still have intact hieroglyphics adorning their walls, providing a fascinating insight into Egyptian culture.
I’m getting used to extremely early starts on our tour. It’s not unusual to have 5am alarm calls, as the mercury can nudge 89ºF (32ºC) by midday (even in October when I’m there), so getting up early is a practicality of traveling here.
When night descends, I hear haunting calls to prayer from the mosque’s minaret towers on both sides of the river. It’s a sublime experience.
4. “Authentic” experiences may come with a price
Just as the ancient Egyptians relied on the waters of the Nile to sustain all life, the tourism industry is essential for survival today. After a difficult few years, around 8.3 million visitors were recorded in 2017 — nearly double those in 2015 – and officials are optimistic the upward swing will continue.
Everywhere I go, I see hawkers selling every souvenir under the sun. Our guide advises us it’s common practice to cut the original asking price by half and start from there. As a dedicated shopper, his advice helps me gather an impressive stash of souvenirs, but the friendly bartering is definitely the best part of the experience. Always check to make sure the souvenirs you purchase are ethically made and authentic, and be especially wary about anything made from camel bone.
However, I’ve learnt on my travels that sellers around the world can spot a soft target at 10 paces. My theory is proved when we visit an alabaster museum in Luxor. It starts innocently enough: I smile at the family sitting on the bench outside; a father smoking an elaborate hookah (a traditional pipe) with his four children. When they wave back and motion me to come over, I have hopes of getting a great photograph.
Before I know it, I’ve been invited to sit down and enjoy some shisha (flavored tobacco). The children giggle at the British woman with bright copper hair who is temporarily hanging out with the family. But of course, I’m expected to pay for the privilege. Personally, I think it's more than a fair exchange and am happy to offer US $10 to have my tour buddy capture the moment on my iPhone, though it serves to highlight there's an expectation that you’ll pay for these “authentic” interludes.
5. The Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids is not worth the money
To mark our last evening in Egypt, we head back to the Pyramids for The Sound and Light Show. As night falls every evening, the 45-minute show follows a timetable of different languages to suit all visitors. Admission is around US $20 – don’t spend US $23 on the front-row seats because you get the same views for the cheaper ticket.
Our expectations for a thrilling laser extravaganza are quickly dashed. The ‘light’ part of the show consists of the Pyramids being illuminated in a rainbow of colors and a ‘face’ being cast onto the Sphinx. A booming voice, reminiscent of an epic British biblical 1950s movie (think Charlton Heston in Ben Hur), crackles over the speakers to take the audience through the history of the pharaohs.
While there’s no denying the production has a certain old-school charm, it’s in need of a serious upgrade to make it a true attraction. My advice? Get your history fix online and spend your time in the famous Khan El Khalili bazaar instead. This vast open-air market is a true slice of modern-day Cairo life, and a far more colorful experience to round off your time in Egypt.
What do you wish you knew before traveling to Egypt?
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73 Comments
Nice Post...Its so very informative and knowledgable for your visitors or readers...Thank You for sharing.. Keep up the good work.
I spent 3 wonderful weeks in Egypt in Sept 2008. Luxor was the main place I was hassled by teenage boys selling poor quality goods,surrounding me so I couldn't get onto the boat and when I did agree on a price for some postcards insisted I handover more money. I was saved by a policeman who forcefully got them to move on. The other distressing thing was the condition of some of the horses. One of the horses actually collapsed and the other so exhausted it couldn't go any further,that's when the poor thing was whipped. My friend got out of the cart and walked the rest of the way after telling the owner what they thought of him. Pick a horse that doesn't look overworked,the owner has feed and water with them and keeps the whip under his seat!
Was in Egypt/Sharm/Cairo recently - most of those whom approach you still want money for anything & are quite forcefull about it but be assertive an they move off- great place to visit - a must see an I will be back to see more of it
1. and 2. Ask! Locals, who are not in the tourist business are friendly and will give advice gladly. But especially in tourist resorts you meet only those who are on the business and looking way of making money.<br>3. True...especially fish restaurants can give you a surprise bill. Luckily food was so good that we didn't care<br>4. So true! Having 1 pound and also other smaller notes enough makes life more easy. Tipping is common and it also makes your life easy, toilets, waiters etc. Also negotiation of taxi price is more easy with right money. Btw. In Cairo there is also now white taxis which use taximeter - but better to say you want to use it before hand.<br>5. About covering up; I did use normal city clothes, which I use back home too, without problem. There are areas in Cairo where is normal to walk by yourself safety and no one bothers you and some areas maybe better to be avoid totally. I sometimes wonder tourists visiting mosques and churches in their holiday in bikinis etc. - would they go dressed like that to their own church?
It's useful. Thanks!
Always take hand sanitising gel with you everywhere the money is very dirty & thats how you pick up tummy upsets we ised it all the time &we had no probs,other people not so lucky.
I'm Egyptian & my advice to you:
Get a local Egyptian friend, Better to be a well-spoken person!
Get to know a trusted local friend through facebook or something,
It will make your life much much easier, Safer, Cheaper.
A friend will never ask you for money, He will be enjoying your companionship,
Lots of youth are passionate about tourists & open minded for other cultures,
They will help.
We have a lot of stupid, Bad people that works in the tourism industry
Stay safe, Stay away from those stupid thieves.
If you need a friend from egypt to be with you ,, im ready
EMAIL: hamlet_otil_2010@hotmail.com
Totally agree with Ahmed. Seek out a local tour guide, they are around and cost less than international tour operators. Plus you give cash direct to Egyptians at a fair price. It is true, lots of Egyptians are passionate about their country and want you to see the best of it that they see and believe in. Egypt is safe. Try Mara House Luxor as a starting point, they will put you onto locals with local knowledge and are well connected people. Much better with a local. Shukran Misr.
I also agree to have an Egyptian with you on your days out. The small amount you can pay to be accompanied by a guide could save you so much money as they will get the best prices for you. They will keep people from asking you for money. I've done cairo with and without a guide and the experience is much more enjoyable with someone who's knowledgeable and passionate about their country. I have lots of egyptian friends in cairo who I would be more than happy to recommend to anyone and they will not rip you off. They want tourism in their country and they get angry if people abuse tourists. I also know a great taxi driver in hurghada. He took us absolutely everywhere and knew the best places to eat and shop. He waited around for us until we finished. Picked us up at anytime we asked. A good honest family man who I highly recommend.
My email is carolinechaudhry@mail.com if you want me to recommend my friends to you. I'm a British woman often travelling alone so I need to be accompanied by people I can trust.
thank you for info
Thanks for the useful information. We are from South Africa and will be visiting Egypt from Friday 12 May to 21 Mei. Can't wait. Very excited.
Thanks for your very helpful information,
Me and my friend will be in Cairo, Egypt and Alexandria from 18th of may to 21st of may for short holiday, so far we already agree with our tour package that Agency in Cairo had offered.
Tour package : 265usd
Upgrade hotel room Egypt : 15usd
Upgrade hotel room Alexandria : 10 usd
Camel ride : 10usd
Nile River Cruise Dinner : 20usd
Tipping : 40usd
Total expect : 360usd/pax
Tour package include :
-1 driver & 1 English speaking tour guide
-Airport pick-up/Transfer
-B/L/D in hotel and Local Restaurant
-2 bottle of water/day
-Air- conditioned transportation
- Visit all tourist attraction place in Giza and Alexandria
i am very excited for this trip, just wish everything is smooth and nothing bad happen, may god bless my journey and let me embrace the new culture and experiences.
Very usefull tips, thanks..
We're from Turkey, and will be in Sharm el Sheikh (11-12 Aug) and Cairo (13-15 Aug) next month, with 2 of my friends.
And we need every kind of tip that wd be useful when we go there.
Also if you know somebody (may be a tour guide or taxi driver) local that you met & trusted on your holiday, please share their information. So we and other people can call and get service from them as well.
"EGP Now" is a mobile App will help you to get the latest exchange rate of the Egyptian pound regarding the prices of different currencies and Compare currency exchange rates between different banks in Egypt. For example:
US Dollar (USD $),
Euro (€ EUR), British Pound (£ GBP), UAE Dirhams (AED), Saudi Riyal (SAR), Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), Qatari Riyal (QAR), Jordanian Dinar (JOD), Bahraini Dinar (BHD), Omani Riyal (OMR) ,Canadian Dollar (CAD), Australian Dollar (AUD), Japanese yen (JPY) and Chinese Yuan (CNY) ...
download the app from aap store : https://goo.gl/O9IekO
google play: goo.gl/HkL4sx
I agree with the person who suggested Mara House in Luxor (although they organize tours from Cairo to Abu Simbel, their B&B and operational base is in residential luxor). A local Egyptian friend of mine suggested Mara House. They aren't cheap, but they are the best. They treat their guests like family and and treat their employees like gold.. you can't go wrong.
Hi there,
I am the author of the book, “The Tomb Opens”. If you want to know more accurate details about the Egyptian culture before you visit Egypt, pick up a copy of this novel.
You’ll be able to learn about egyptians’ emotional patterns, attitudes & behavioural cues.
Egypt is a very rich culture. The typical Egyptian is by nature generally modest, friendly, helpful to the extent of giving you his own jacket if you are cold.
Certainly they have been through a lot that buried such nature to a great extent. Yet once you trigger that buried side in them, it will easily surface up.
Enjoy the novel and have a pleasant trip.
Amel A.
I am Egyptian and I know everywhere and everything in Egypt. I live in Houston tx USA and Egypt is very stable tight now anyone want to visit Egypt anytime I am ready to help him without any fee and no money I will going to Egypt st 2/15/2018 to stay there one month and come back to Houston welcome to any one to come with me
elsewefyone@yahoo.com
Hello.. I am visiting Egypt for 3 weeks in April 2018. Does anyone have a sample of an itinerary I can follow or know a guide that can help us? I am a budget traveller.
karen. i sent you an email concerning your request
im waiting your reply in order to act :)
I will be visiting Egypt in July with my son and his GF
can anyone recommend where we should stay and the best/safety tours.
thank you so much everyone
our travel dates are July 25 - 31st
I was in Cairo last week (1st week of May 2018) and I booked a tour to Giza pyramids via Holiday Inn Citystars concierge. I paid EGP1,500 and it was worth it. In the end I made friend with the tour guide himself called Mohamed Soliman. He was so passionate about his country and for a day tour, he also brought me to places where you can have your own khartoush (Egyptian ID), buy the real papyrus, perfumes and the museum. So, you may want to contact him directly if you want to have a fantastic deal. Here is his number +2 010 6614 7647
Hi
I am travel agent and traveler. I am 100% agree with your point The touts can be very aggressive and annoying to tourists. The fact is, any local who starts a conversation with you is looking for money.
<a href="https://www.travelhouseuk.co.uk/flights/africa/egypt.htm" title="cheap flights to Egypt"> Egypt</a> is such a wonderful place to visit especially The Red Sea Coast
As an Egyptian female, I'd say the best way to visit Egypt is to experience it with locals so you'd not be subject to any scams. I recently had friends from Switzerland, and we had a blast, we went to the pyramids, Islamic Cairo, Old Cairo, the citadel, al azhar park, we covered 95% of Cairo's sights. Every time someone approached them, I'd step in & tell them no thank you in Arabic -they'd recognize I am Egyptian from the accent & the confidence- we don't need this or that.
I always have friends and couchsurfers visiting all the time, and we've never encountered any problems. You don't necessarily need a guide, a local friend will do.. and Egyptians are really friendly and will always be more than happy to show you around.
As for #5, I have to disagree because you don't have to get around with a male all the time, in some areas it's better to have a local regardless if it's a male or a female. And the dress code isn't so strict, it really depends on where you are, in some cities or neighborhoods you can walk freely in a sleeveless shirt and short dress, other areas you need to dress more conservatively, so a pair or loose pants and a t-shirt will do, if you are on the coast you can wear whatever you want, etc..
Egypt is a country that in some weird way gets under your skin, it will overwhelm but after a while you'll just fall in love with it.
If you're looking for more Egypt tips from the perspective of an American now living in Egypt & an Egyptian with a wide travel experience, I encourage you to check out my blog which is dedicated to Egypt tips & tricks: https://www.whynotegypt.com/, you can also join our facebook group and ask as many questions as you want, and we'll help you understand things right without sugar-coating our answers, and plan your trip hassle-free "Egypt Travel Tips" https://www.facebook.com/groups/160396274574031/
I will be on vacation in Egypt in December . looking forward to seeing as much as I can . thankfully I have a local friend that will be by my side
Hi! I will visit egypt this week and stay for 10 days I would like to go to beautiful places there. Any suggestion.
Yhazeline Jose please contact me on this email booking@travnile.com , may i help you with your concern
Great article, thanks for the tips! Indeed, Egypt is a country that needs no introduction, with its gorgeous sweeping deserts as well as some of the most iconic structures on earth. However, the country has one of the highest numbers of tourist targeted scams globally: https://travelscams.org/africa/common-tourist-scams-egypt/
Do be wary of the unlicensed touts, papyrus scroll museums, camel handlers, tours with hidden extras, Valley of the Kings photography scam, show me your ticket scam, public beach scam, inflated prices, friendship gifts, postcard scam, scarf photo scam, entry visa scam, horse carriage scam, felucca scam, tourist menu scam and many more!
Hi guys! Planning to visit Egypt this December and I would very much like to have a friend there before i touch down. Hoping for some favourable feedback.
Hi everyone, I will be traveling to Egypt with my mother and son (5months old) at the end of August 2018, I see the tour packages on Viator and they are all so expensive. I see from all the comments that it is best to do it at a local agency. I will be flying into Cairo, can anyone recommend an agency that will take me to see Cairo, Aswan and Luxor? Thank you so much.
Hi everyone. I have booked a trip to Hurghada in september. Im planing to visit Luxor and the valey of the kings,my wife would like to visit the old part of the Hurghada and its market. She loves to cook and she is looking for any kind of strange spices :) My questions are,if its going to be a problem since i cant walk for long time and i use a wheelchair,how will the locals (the anoying ones) react to me,can i use the wheelchair in the valey? Thank you for any informations
Hi guys,
A friend and I are hoping to come to Egypt next month. We only have 5 days however, do you think that is enough time? I'm a little nervous about spending so much money on flights to get there and then feeling like I missed out in things, though I also would really like to visit. Please let me know what you think / If anyone could recommend a 5 day itinerary that would be amazing! Thanks
Hi Cait Mcn,
In Cairo I believe 3 days are enough. Just make sure you visit Downtown Cairo and Tahrir Square, Khan El Khalili and Muizz Street, The Pyramids of course, the Egyptian Museum, go on a Nile cruise if you want/can, Saladin Citadel, and Cairo Tower. When in Downtown and you want to try a real Egyptian dish, visit Abu Tarek for "Kushari". For a relaxing time by the Nile, you can sit in Left Bank restaurant in Zamalek district or visit Grand Cafe in Maadi district (my foreign friends just loved those two places!).
Hi! I will be traveling to Egypt in November with my sister and brother in law. I am a smoker, and am wondering if women are allowed to smoke in Egypt, or would this be a problem?
me and my teenage son leave next Tuesday for a 10 day holiday to hurghada anyone else going ive heard you have to have vaccinations for yellow fever is that true?will I be asked to produce travel health insurance as I have been away a few times without buying it I have no major illness's as I think its a waste of money,ive never been ill on holiday,furthest ive been is turkey, any comments would be appricated,lastly can you buy tour trips in hurghada cheaper than buying the tours in uk some of them are very expensive here
Hello,
How are the Airbnb in Cairo? My friends and I will be heading there at the last week of October/November 2018? Also, is it better to buy the Nile River cruise while we're there for a better deal, like how much?
Thank you!
I think a minimum of ten days in Cairo is good if you have never visited a Middle Eastern country. Malls are nicer than the USA too. Museum, Pyramids, the Citadel, the Nile boat rides, casinos, a night club experience are all there for a great vacation.
The Nile dinner cruises can cost anywhere from $35 to $70 per person depending on the boat.
Better of to request pickup by the hotel shuttle as Taxies by the airport exit are overpriced and with no meter, First thing to do buy local SIM card prepaid and a prepaid recharge card with the help of the hotel's receptionist, stores everywhere operators are Vodafone, or Orange, then go online navigate the operators website using the hotel's internet and pick an internet package that suites your use, download Uber application from google app store or apple store if u r using I Phone, there is another local app similar "careem" any of them will help, the apps will help you move around with clear charge fixed priced pre set by the operators, you select the pickup and the drop off location on the map, and request the ride, you can add you credit card to the app that will be better you will not need to pay the driver in cash and you will be charged automatically once you arrive, just make sure that the driver ended the trip before you leave the car, and if you want to pay in cash you can look at the amount on the drivers cellphone he is using another app for drivers, or wait till you get the trip summary and pay the amount you see only in egp, all of that will solve your transportation issues, your other option and if it is in your way the subway, if you are a lady be aware there are two cars for ladies only with a red sign and a green sign above the door use these cars if you are alone it is safer, you can search for anything you want on google maps, locate your destinations, if confused pick a local guide from the app you will find them answering people's questions, and ask for whatever you want, enjoy your trip.
The treatment of horses, Donkeys, and camels in Egypt is very difficult to experience and if you care about animals at all, do not patronize the carriage rides or even the camel rides unless you can see that the animals are healthy. I refuse to use those services (I am in Egypt now). They will beat them and it ruined my trip to Egypt. I saw them leave their horses in 100 degree noon sun for 2-3 hours while they were no where to be found. Despite the Quran forbidding mistreatment of animals, it is rampant here. Despite the history, I will not be returning to Egypt.
Hi we will be visiting Egypt in December. Is it normal to pay a guide the agreed price for a 5 day tour on the day of arrival or can I ask to pay in parts?
Thanks in advance and looking forward to our visit
Hi guys. I’m Malaysian, and I’m going to Egypt in a couple of days, for slightly over 2 weeks. Can I get the visa upon arrival at the airport?
Very informative article, thanks for that! Also we have been in Egypt for over two months and experienced a lot.
I will be traveling to Cairo in January and would love to have a local friend and source there.
Pretty useful post.
Can you post contacts - email / phone of local people who can accompany us in Hurghada and Cairo?
We're quite a lot of people, and we'll split into independent groups, so the more contacts - the better.
Thanks in advance!
Egypt very nice location to spend your holidays
Any country you go should need a lot of Mony
Not for Egypt only
Egypt really sunny
Safe
Social
Good luck
Good day, My sister and I will be traveling to Egypt in January 2019, any suggestions on places to go and tour guides, Thank you in advance for any help.
Hello everyone, I'm going to Egypt in February 2019. Bought the trip through a Groupon agency.
As the date approaches I am getting increasingly nervous about the flight itself (EgyptAir) and the time in Cairo due to the recent bus explosion. I understand that these things can happen anywhere, but can anyone give me some pointers to increase my feeling of safety? Has anyone flown with EgyptAir? How did it go?
Thanks
Hello, We just go back from Egypt. The amounts suggested in the original post are WAY too high. $10 for a photo and $30 for a camel ride is way too unreasonable. Maximum for a photo would be 20 LE which is about 50 cents, and 15 minute camel ride should run about 180 le max , which is about $10 (plus a 10-20 tip to the camel driver). Keep in mind that the entire country runs on what is called "Bakshih", which is Arabic for tips. Keep small change available (5-10 le notes). Everyone and anyone will aggressively ask you for tips. Once you are prepared and accept that, things will be less stressful for you. At most ATM you can withdraw Egyptian pounds in their currency and allow the conversion rate of your bank.
Also, only engage a merchant if you are interested in their items. Just simply window shopping will get you never-ending sales pitch.
I would also agree with Marams post.
There are 3 types of Egyptians. 60% are truly good people. 30% of them are interested in maximizing their profit from you. Not really cheat you, but to get you to pay too much for something. And the last 10% are just crooks (will sell you Egyptian cotton that is not real).
I don’t mean to be negative in this response. Egypt is rich with life, culture, and religion. It can be very enjoyable. We had a great 7 days in Egypt in which we spent 4 days on a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan and 3 days in Cairo. But before you go, you need to have the right mindset in place.
Here is a punch list of tips.
- Protect your passport. Life can become very difficult if you lose your passport.
- Keep local currency on hands (a wide variety of note). Hotels can normally help you with that.
- Keep your countries currency on hand. US dollars or Euro works best.
- Have a way to communicate such as a mobile phone.
- Learn some basic conversational language and numbers in Arabic. (download a translator on your phone)
- Be careful on who you make eye contact with.
Contact me at ss8262279@gmail.com with any queries.
Sammy
L
The magic of the East
The place and history .. A world glowing with the splendor of creativity and eternity Attracted the world of writers, poets, scientists and philosophers From the ancient banks of the Nile to the mountain of God Horeb in Sinai to Bethlehem to Jerusalem Al-Nasra to the outskirts of Mecca and Medina and It has a magic of majesty Egypt was the land of the beautiful Pharaohs fertile soil and rich past, which is expressed (Joseph Fourier) in the historical introduction of the Encyclopedia of Egypt, saying: “Egypt occupies its position between Asia and Africa and its easy access to Europe is the center of the world
http://nakhla.byethost18.com/wp/home-2/?i=1
I believe the most interesting and important innovation in the last few years is Uber and Lyft as many others in this post can agree with me. Many people use Uber or Lyft on everyday basis; whether you’re the driver or riding in one. It provides convenience and safety. It is convenient because they’re everywhere and way cheaper than your average taxi service. It also provides safety because many of us drink alcohol and drunk driving is not acceptable.
Actually, there's no evidence that the Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed as a tomb. There was never any of the trademark tomb aspects found in every other burial site in Egypt, including, but not limited to, a sarcophagus.
Much in the same way that thr Sphinx is often represented as being built by Khafre when geological evidence suggests it was built long before his time.
Wow,
I'm falling in love with Egypt, This country always an adventurous background history that drives me more curious about Egypt. The great pyramid of Egypt is so mysterious and attractive for tourists around the world, one time in my life I went to Egypt.
Were are going to Egypt in Early March. we will tour Cairo for 3 days and Aswan/Luxor Nile Cruise we will then return to Cairo via Domestic flight, we will be picked up 11:55 and brought back to the hotel, now with nothing to do that afternoon, any recommendations The next day we will sight see again with the tour company. Should we see something on our own or do you think we should stay at the hotel around the pool and relax, How about a drive over to the west bank (we are staying in a hotel across from the Pyramids) to sit by the Nile and have a bite to eat. Then return and enjoy the setting Sun over the pyramids, thank you for anything you have to share
@ N JAY are you going with any tour operator for your trip... am looking for suggestions.
We are a couple in early sixties and thinking of visiting Egypt in March or early April covering Cairo in detail, Alexandria day trip, Luxor and Red Sea side Horghud. Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Any suggestions on local travel guide support?
Wow, visiting Africa (especially Egypt) has been eye-opening! I never knew that black people have achieved that much over 4000 years ago. Way before the Romans, Greeks and the Arabs invaded their country.
Africa is amazing! I also learned that the first pyramids were first built in Sudan before Egyptians settle down further North in Egypt.
My appreciation for Africans keeps increasing, from Ethiopia to Mali and now Egypt!
Cam. Have you never been inside the great pyramid? In the Kings Chamber the sarcophagus is still there, simply because it was placed there while the pyramid was being built. This is indisputable as it is impossible to remove it, the corridors being narrower than the sarcophagus.
I hate it when people make statements as though they are facts when clearly their knowledge is sketchy at best.
If you were expecting a European travel experience, go to Italy. Egypt has many flaws, but to cheapen to Egypt experience by reducing it to "anticlimactic" pyramids and a lame light show is to have missed the point entirely. Egypt is not a tourist hot spot; Egypt is about the people and the culture. Please stop writing rude articles about what a letdown Egypt is.
See the Sound and Light show from the roof of the Pizza Hut/KFC across the street from the seating area. You can't hear the audio, but it's not worth listening to anyway. You get to see the lights on the pyramids, which is cool, and have some pretty good pizza when you're feeling like you need a familiar dinner.
Terrible article.
Pyramids were not tombs. No human remains have ever been found inside a pyramid. Also, the pyramids at Giza (and the Sphinx) are thousands of years older than 4500 years.No wonder you found them to be anticlimatic. You had no clue as to what you were even visiting.
Stick to the camel rides.
I love Egypt and just returned from my Covid vacation.
Very few tourists, empty airplanes and airports offers a great opportunity to visit Egypt.
Interested in seeing what the Pyramids look like in October of 2020?
Take a peak at my first person view - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeUAqixVaYY&t=406s
All the best!
Chris
this is such a narrow, obviously poorly pre researched article ..
You are coming to Egypt .. one of the sites of ancient learning in the whole history of the world .. if you come in as a presumptuous traveller with no pre-preparation in terms of transpersonal understandings .. than you won't feel or see anything .. I live in Egypt and Run Music & Meditation Tours here and have been in the sites about 200 times ..
Unique geographic and climatic conditions, a religion centered on death and the afterlife, and a stable hierarchical society and system of government shaped the world’s longest-lasting civilization—ancient Egypt. Egypt’s glory spanned more than four millennia, from around 5500 B.C.E. to its conquest by the Greeks in 332 B.C.E. During this period, Egypt created stunning architectural and artistic treasures that continue.
Many people think of the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Nile when people hear the term Egypt. However, there are many other stunning attractions in Egypt to visit with more than 7,000 years of unique history, heritage and culture.
Greeting And Thank you for amazing Tips , please keep posting
I am planning to visit Egypt with my friends after the pandemic. From your post, we got to know some new places which we don't have an idea about. Although we are in contact with a travel agency like Ask Aladdin to visit Egypt. Thanks for sharing this useful information about the Egypt tour.
I think your a very negative person, 1st 30 $ for a camel ride and taking picture of you on a camel under 1 of the world 7 wonders and your talking about 30 $?
The problem that being cheap and negative person always make people treat you as a walking money.
in anyplace in the world who works in tourism have he's own tricks.
Egypt is so cheap already for you to complain means that you need to go save cash before you give your negative feedback on a country like egypt.
you know the egyptians never be so cheap,because before we greddy with people that sit under the sun waiting. for a luck to find a client. free lancing with camel!!
1st) Think of how much to feed the camel monthly?
2nd) How much to make him clean and healthy ?
3rd) How much taxes he pays to get license to use hes camel for tourists ?
and by the way if we compared this poor guy effort for making you happy and ride the camel and he wake you with it is a lot of effort for 30$.
if we are in your country and you have 30$ you will be treated in a very different way and maybe you will not be able to served a shitty burger for same price.....
so why you think 30$ is a 30K ?? that guy stay all day for cheap people like you negotiate and being greedy for 30$ ?
did you travel all this way and came to egypt to be greedy and always count your money and never enjoy your trip cause your counting cash or trying to save ..
trying cheap food then complain about the quality of the food also ..
when you be living cheap dont complain.
and before you complain compare with your country 1st.
i think people like you should stay home watch a movie and cry at home. better then you open your door and go out being negative as hell. Shame on people like you ..... Cheap tourism is not worth it.. having cheap people traveling out of their country to save cash and be greedy... what an amazing human souls.
Cheap greedy tourists deserve the surprises they get cause thats what they deserve for being smart ass greedy ***** better then helping people you think how to take off form their small income.
i really hate people that be proud of saving cash from people really need it. if they really dont need it why the hell should he live with camel smell and feed him and clean hes shit. plus dealing with people like you try to make them ride and help him work legal and get food for hes kids. but when you act like a bitch and treat him bad... he will hate he's job and think of easy fast cash just hold kitchen knife and make you pee not ride a camel and take a picture. then we complain on people that people came out on tourists and made them sad and they cried to the embassy....
am not saying that he have the right to treat you bad or anything. but also you need to give tips not think your a city smart and negotiate !!! all people that give your service hate negotiation .... i think even you if thats your job you will hate it. but from people like you he only wanted 10$ but when he as for 10 some like you be smart asses and want to pay less so he started to say 30 so after he make the greedy bitch happy he will get he's 10 and maybe 15 or 20...
who did this people like you who don't respect the guy 1st price....
All of this for being smart ass street smart for 30$ ??
if your in this guy shoe how much you give yourself ? working hours only from 9am till 4pm
i wish you all learned a lesson... 1st put urself in he's shoe. and rate yourself if you felt that hes job is hard give him double he wants until you stop being that greedy **** and help others.
I'm planning on visiting Egypt in June for 2 weeks. Reading the comments, I wished I had a local friend who could have traveled with me, unfortunately I don't, so I'll be traveling solo and just experience whatever I come across....
I believe it will be a great experience either way.
I am planning to visit Egypt in March 2022 on tour with family. Any one is planning from Mumbai in this month so we can make small group. Also any local person is willing to accompany us in Egypt to guide us?
Mohamed Bhai got very angry with the article writer Rachel! He should also consider the travellers on budget tour.
Plan to visit Egypt with family of four in April-May 2023 out of Mumbai with economical budget. If someone can please advise:
1. Any benefit in choosing local tour operators over international ones like Thomas Cook, Cox n King etc.
2. Whch local tour operator could be used to give value for money and also keep the budget in mind.
3. Tipping seems to be very important aspect of Egyptian tourism. How much percentage to budget on this over and above the known expenses.
4. Is there any authentic location in Egypt where one can see the Isreali or Jews quarters of biblical times in order to include same in tour plan?