Where can I visit on holidays to Egypt?
Egypt attracts many visitors every year, many of whom want to see some of the historic sights for which the country is famous. With monuments such as the Pyramids and the Karnak Temple, fans of ancient Egypt will find something to occupy them wherever they go. But Egypt is also home to some wonderful natural attractions too, particularly the Red Sea. Our Travellers Club holiday guide to Egypt could help you decide which of the varied destinations you'd like to visit on your break.
Many people will choose Cairo as a starting point for their Egyptian adventures - with the Pyramids on the edge of the city, the Nile River running through its centre and attractions such as the Egyptian Museum, there is much for travellers to enjoy.
After you have enjoyed all that the Egyptian capital has to offer and you are intent on experiencing some more of ancient Egypt, you may want to travel south to visit Luxor, the Valley of the Kings or Abu Simbel.
Discover Egypt's history
Egypt's history dates back centuries. Ancient Egyptian culture holds a fascination for many people and if you choose to holiday in Egypt, you will not be disappointed by the vast array of monuments, historic sights and museums on offer. Cario is the obvious starting point due to its proximity to the Great Pyramid at Giza. However, if you travel further south to Luxor, you will discover some of the most spectacular temple complexes in the country. The Karnak Temple is possibly the most famous example, with the original site being extended and added to by a succession of pharaohs over a period of 1,300 years.
You will also find the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, where you will have the opportunity to visit some remarkably well-preserved tombs with intricate hieroglyphics decorating their walls. Meanwhile, the Abu Simbel temples complex is one sight that is not only of interest for historical reasons, but also as a feat of modern engineering. In the 1960s the temples were moved and reconstructed on higher ground because the construction of the Aswan Dam would have resulted in their submersion. Read our travel guide on Abu Simbel to find out more about this fascinating destination.
Get active on Egypt holidays
If you enjoy having a go at new activities while on a break then perhaps a beach break would be a good idea for you. The Red Sea is a haven for scuba divers, who will be amazed by its beautiful reefs. Other water sports, such as wind surfing, kite surfing and snorkelling are also widely available, giving you a chance to get out and about and learn a new skill on your trip.
But if you prefer to stay on dry land, then you will still find lots to occupy your time. You could take a quad bike into the desert or sit back and enjoy a 4x4 experience where you drive up and down the dunes.
Camel trekking is another popular option, allowing you to get a feel for transport as it would have been hundreds of years ago.
Location & geography
Egypt is a country in North Africa that includes the Sinai Peninsula, a land bridge to Asia. Egypt borders Libya to the west, Sudan to the south and the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east. The northern coast borders the Mediterranean Sea; the eastern coast borders the Red Sea. Apart from the Nile Valley, the majority of Egypt's landscape is a sandy desert. The winds blowing can create sand dunes more than 100 feet high. Egypt does not receive much rainfall except in the winter months and climate is arid.
Natural world
From wide stretches of desert to the fertile banks of the Nile, Egyptian landscapes are a wide palette to choose from. Plants are those common in dry subtropical and tropical lands, such as papyrus. Egypt has no forests but does have date palm and citrus groves. Sheep, goats, and donkeys are found throughout the country, and camels are found in all the deserts. Egypt has some 300 types of birds, and wild animals are few, except for the hyena, jackal, lynx and mongoose. The Nile is stocked with fish, but crocodiles have been reduced to a few along the shores of Lake Nasser. Reptiles include the horned viper and the hooded snake.
Food & drink
Egyptian cuisine consists of local culinary traditions while sharing similarities with food found throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Traditional dishes include; Kebabs and Falafel (fried ball made from spiced fava beans and/or chickpeas) Ful medames (fava beans mashed and slow-cooked in a copper pot) Kushari (brown lentils, macaroni, rice, chickpeas and a spicy tomato sauce) Shawerma (pita bread sandwich of shredded meat/chicken with Tahina sauce)
Health & safety
There are unfortunately a number of health risks associated with travelling to Egypt. Typhoid, Hepatitis A and polio immunisation is recommended. Go prepared for the heat with high factor sun screen, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. It is advisable to only drink bottled water. Traveller's diarrhoea is the most common form of illness for travellers; visitors should only eat thoroughly cooked food and fruits they have peeled themselves. The waters of the Nile are contaminated and should not be consumed or bathed in. For a list of relevant vaccinations and other health precautions click here.
There is a significant threat from terrorism in Egypt. Visitors to the cities and tourist sites will experience a fair amount of hassle and are advised not to carry more money on them than needed at a time. Women should take extra caution when travelling alone, and be warned that Egypt also has a poor train safety record!
Travelling
UK citizens must have a valid passport. According to the FCO British nationals travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts only, for up to 14 days, do not require a visa they shall receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of the mentioned areas or overstay, you must obtain a visa." Visas can be obtained from an Egyptian Consulate outside Egypt or on arrival by payment in Sterling or USD, for stays of up to a month.
Egypt is a conservative society and visitors should respect local customs and sensitivities. Homosexuality is solemnly frowned upon and homosexual acts are illegal. Religious customs should be recognised, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours is forbidden in the Muslim culture. Travellers to Egypt should dress modestly.
