What can you find in Egypt that you won’t find elsewhere?
Egypt holidays have all the ingredients to ignite your curiosity. Firstly, the museums are mind blowing. One such institution is Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, displaying the death masks of pharaoh’s past and some 120,000 antiquities, while Tutankhamun’s full burial collection will be displayed in the highly anticipated GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum) in Giza. There’s something special about visiting the Pyramids of Giza and crawling through secret tunnels to get to the great burial chambers. To stand and admire the Great Pyramid of Khufu, a structure which consists of over two million blocks of stone and has stood for more than forty-five centuries - for most of which time it was the world's tallest building - is something special. As the Arab proverb goes: 'Man fears time, but time fears the pyramids’. Exploring the Valley of the Kings, on the Nile's western banks, is another must-visit for its painted royal temples, as is Abu Simbel, a monumental feat of architecture built by Ramses II between 1264 and 1244 BC. On the eastern side of the Nile, you could easily spend a lifetime learning about the colonnaded Karnak complex, especially the papyrus columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall. And where to relax after all that sightseeing? The Red Sea not only offers luxurious resorts complete with tennis courts, kids’ clubs and pampering spas but also superb coral reefs that are home to fantastic marine life over which you can snorkel or dive.
Who is Egypt best for?
Few destinations work equally well for both couples and families, but Egypt manages more than credibly, combining culture and cracking beaches in one delectable holiday destination. And you don’t have to be a history buff to be impressed by Egypt’s past. Egypt holidays can bring the country’s glorious ancient past to life, whether by exploring temple complexes with an expert guide or marvelling at them from the deck of your luxury Nile steam ship. Channel your inner archaeologist while inspecting hieroglyphics and unlocking ancient treasures preserved in Cairo’s awe-inspiring Egyptian Museum. Diving fanatics should head to the Red Sea’s offshore coral reefs, satisfying even the most seasoned divers with numerous shipwrecks and marine life to rival Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
What are the best ways to discover Egypt?
Egypt’s landmarks are sprawled across the country, accessible by car, plane and boat, so a seamless itinerary is imperative. In Cairo, a driver and an expert guide (the key ingredient) can take you to around the best bits, from souqs to museums, while you might want to swap your vehicle for a camel ride around the Pyramids of Giza to avoid the main crowds. Small boats make all the difference when taking a cruise along the Nile, allowing you to stop off in places that larger vessels cannot. Hop on and off at ancient temples with plenty of pampering in between. Combine this with a stint in Hurghada by the Red Sea for well-deserved beach time and watersports galore.
Special things to do in Egypt
Magical Cairo
Stay in a hotel facing the Pyramids of Giza. If you can drag yourself away from this coveted spot, visit the Cairo Museum and come face-to-face with Tutankahmun’s resplendent gold mask. Or scour the bazaars with a personal shopper for the best jewellery and leatherware. The secret is to have a top guide. Fortunately we have access to some of the best. A skilled guide is essential not just for the depth of knowledge they can share with you, but for their ability to avoid crowds and hassle. One of the best parts of a tailor-made Original Travel holiday is that you'll feel like you're able to unlock invisible doors. Without your guide, you might never touch the real Egypt, the one beneath the skin of everyday life. You might never find the silversmith in the souq who will engrave your name in hieroglyphics on a key-ring. Or have the chance to get your personal travel diary bound in the most beautiful decorative leather book-binding.
Take a trip on a dahabiya
Hire out a traditional dahabiya, a sleek wooden sailing boat originally built to carry royalty. This way you and your party can view the temples from an exclusive perspective and stop off at small islands for private dinners.
A desert Eden
Located on the border of Libya in Western Egypt, the Siwa desert is where the vast sands meet greenery, creating a magnificent contrast. This urban oasis has long been a haven of beauty, spectacular in its isolation. Explore ancient temples, hot springs and surreal sandscapes as well as authentic Berber traditions.
Diving the Red Sea
For fanatical divers, the Red Sea coast offers undoubtedly the best diving within easy reach of Europe. Sharm el Sheikh, at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and Hurghada, just across the Gulf of Suez, both have excellent fully equipped dive centres for diving instruction and exploring the beautiful underwater world. Unlike many other places, the coral reefs here are still in good health and harbour almost as many fish species as Australia's Great Barrier Reef, while the numerous wrecks that lie in these warm, shallow waters add extra interest to the diving.
Steam Ship Sudan
A cruise along the Nile River aboard the iconic Steam Ship Sudan is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience this ancient nation. Constructed by Thomas Cook in the 20th century, the ship is now owned by our parent company, Voyageurs du Monde, and here at Original Travel we specialise in organising tours aboard the steamer. Follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christie - whose stay onboard inspired her to write the novel ‘Death on the Nile’ - and enjoy the blend of modern comforts and authentic interiors.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Egypt has two main seasons, with the weather during each season also dependent on the region. The south generally has a Saharan-style climate, while the north is more temperate due to Mediterranean influences. May to October marks the warm (summer) season and the mild winter runs from November to April (with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C). To avoid the scorching summer temperatures (which sometimes exceed 40°C), we would recommend visiting between October and April. Head to our best time to visit Egypt page for more information.
FAQs
Culture
What can I experience in Egypt?
Renowned for its rich history, ancient wonders and vibrant culture, Egypt is a country that attracts adventurers from all corners of the globe. From bustling cities to serene deserts, this is a place that merits exploration. See the pyramids, cruise the Nile or explore one of the picturesque national parks.
What food and drink should I try in Egypt?
Hummus, tahini, various stews, kofta, kebabs, vegetables and soups are the staples of modern Egyptian fare, with recipes varying depending on available ingredients. Meals are often served in small dishes enabling you to pick and choose your favourites. Desserts include pastries soaked in syrup flavoured with almonds and raisins, and sweet and sticky rice pudding.
Tea and coffee are old friends of the Egyptian people – the first is served hot, sometimes minty and the second is prepared Turkish style. Both are served sweet. Fresh fruit juices are countless, delicious and served chilled. Egypt’s flagship drink is karkadé, a deeply red herbal tea infused with hibiscus flowers, served either hot or cold.
How many pyramids are in Egypt?
It’s a difficult question to answer. The BBC reports there are over 100 surviving pyramids in Egypt today, but experts argue that the number depends on how you define a pyramid, with many smaller structures either yet to be excavated or abandoned soon after building started.
Planning your trip
Where can I stay in Egypt?
Whether you’re seeking luxury, authenticity or affordability, Egypt has something for everyone.
- Hotels: Hotels in Egypt are graded one to five stars and although standards in each category can vary, they are improving significantly, with more emphasis now placed on service and providing enhanced facilities.
- Luxury resorts: From the bustling streets of Cairo to the serene beaches of the Red Sea, these properties offer a blend of modern amenities and traditional Egyptian hospitality.
- Coastal resorts: The Red Sea and Sinai hubs such as Hurghada and Marsa Alam offer a fantastic selection. They are typically good value and often feature private beaches and extensive facilities.
- Guesthouses: For a more intimate experience, guesthouses provide a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Family-run B&Bs tend to be on the more basic side when it comes to amenities, but are full of character.
For more information about accommodation in Egypt, read our guide.
How far in advance should I book a trip to Egypt?
It’s advisable to book ahead if you’re planning to travel in the winter months (the high season), as well as during major Islamic holidays.
What's the best way of getting around in Egypt?
There’s a myriad of options that can take you on an unforgettable journey in Egypt.
- For easy travel: There are three main types of taxi in Egypt - if you’re hailing one on the street, look for the newer white ones, which have air conditioning and a meter. There are also multiple ride-hailing apps, including Uber, Careem, Indrive and DiDi.
- For seeing the sights by water: Embark from Aswan on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailing boat, and let the gentle breeze guide you along the river’s tranquil waters.
- For affordable long-distance travel: If you’re venturing beyond Cairo, the Egyptian railway system adds some local interest to your journey. The train network connects major cities. Alternatively, internal flights are a great option.
- For something unconventional: Embrace the spirit of adventure by hopping in a tuk-tuk; a three-wheeled vehicle that zips through the streets of cities like Luxor and Aswan.
For more information, read our guide to transport in Egypt.
What should I wear in Egypt?
As a rule of thumb (especially for women), chest, shoulders and knees should be covered when not at beach resorts, so it’s a good idea to pack tops with sleeves, long dresses and skirts and loose-fitting trousers. Men can opt for lightweight trousers and short-sleeved shirts. You can still stay cool by taking a tip from the ancient Egyptians and wearing light, breathable fabrics like linen.
A scarf or light shawl will be useful especially if visiting mosques or churches. You’ll only need to pack one as you will find so many beautiful versions for sale while you are in Egypt. Don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses; even if you’re not visiting in the scorching summer, you’ll want to shield your eyes from the sun. Comfortable walking shoes are another must, especially for exploring archaeological sites and markets.
Local information
What is the capital of Egypt?
Cairo is the capital of Egypt. The city is a curious mix of old and new, and is one of the largest cities in Africa. Located on the banks of the Nile, it’s known for being home to the Giza Pyramids Complex, which includes one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Great Pyramid of Giza.
What language is spoken in Egypt?
The official language of Egypt is Modern Standard Arabic, but the most commonly spoken one is Egyptian Arabic, which is a variant of Arabic. There are sixteen languages in Egypt in total, including Sa’idi Arabic, Sudanese Arabic, North Levantine and Algerian.
What plugs are used in Egypt?
Egypt uses two types of plug:
1. Type C, with two round pins
2. Type F, with two round pins and two earth clips
Make sure you take an adapter for any UK appliances.
What currency does Egypt use?
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). Please note that you will need to exchange any remaining currency before leaving the country, as it cannot be taken out of Egypt.
What's the time zone in Egypt?
Egypt uses Egypt Standard Time and observes Daylight Saving Time. This means they’re two hours ahead of GMT in winter and three hours ahead in our summer.
Travel information
Where can I find the latest travel advice for Egypt?
The latest travel advice for Egypt is available on the UK government’s foreign travel advice pages.
How long is the flight to Egypt?
It takes just under five hours to fly from London to Egypt.
Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?
British citizens generally need a visa to visit Egypt. The best way is to get a tourist visa online from Visa2Egypt before your stay, which is valid for three months maximum.
Tourist visas are also available upon arrival at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before immigration. These are valid for a maximum of 30 days. We advise you not to go down this route because it can be very time-consuming.
If you are travelling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts for up to 15 days, you do not need a visa and you’ll be given a free entry permission stamp on your arrival. If you plan to travel out of these areas or stay longer than 15 days, you must get a visa. If you enter Egypt without a visa while travelling to one of the South Sinai Red Sea resorts and then your plans change, you can usually buy a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport to enable you to travel elsewhere.
What are the passport requirements for visiting Egypt?
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the arrival date to Egypt.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Egypt?
NHS Fit For Travel recommends your courses and boosters for life in Britain are up to date and advise vaccines for Poliomyelitis and Tetanus. They also suggest considering vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Typhoid.
Can I take my prescription medication into Egypt?
Various prescribed and over the counter medicines available in the UK are not allowed into Egypt without prior permission from the country’s Ministry of Health. Without the required permission and documentation, the medication cannot be brought in and you risk being prosecuted under Egyptian law. For prescription medication, ensure you carry a medical certificate from your GP that confirms it has been prescribed for health reasons.
For further information, please contact the Egyptian Medical Office.
