As a Nigerian who grew up in a Faith household, what made Egypt constant in our hearing was the story of Pharaoh. However, Egypt is more than that. It’s a land of wonders with many historical monuments. It is a land that values cultures and traditions, with mesmerising architecture that is worth a visit.
According to a report by Egypt State Information Service, in 2024, Egypt recorded visits from about 15.7 million tourists, indicating an increase from the previous year. This also reflects the growing trend of tourism in Egypt. Before visiting Egypt, you must be fed with the correct information to contribute to a meaningful adventure during your stay. Thus, I will be sharing with you how to plan an unforgettable adventure in Egypt.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Enjoying activities in your chosen destination is dependent on the weather, and it’s also a factor in what you intend to do there. Similarly, the best time to visit Egypt depends on the kind of activities you plan on doing. It is essential to plan your Egypt travel season properly by following this Egypt weather guide.
Below is a highlight of the best time to visit Egypt.
- May to September: This season is very hot. If you’re sensitive to heat or you want to travel on a low budget, you can visit around this period.
- October to April: This is the best Egypt travel season. The weather is favourable at this time. It is a lovely season for sightseeing and also for diving. During this time, you can explore Cairo or visit the desert.
- March and November: This period is ideal if you’re avoiding large crowds.
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Top Tourist Attractions in Egypt
Egypt is a beautiful destination with landmark structures and a historical blend. It embodies treasured monuments from the world’s first civilisation. Many of the things to do in Egypt are close to the Nile River, which is a popular African river.
Below is a list of tourist sites that you must see in Egypt.
- Pyramids of Giza: Visit one of the most iconic sites in Egypt. It dates back about 5,000 years. Visit the panoramic point to spot other pyramids on the Giza plateau. Visit the Sphinx and take quality pictures with it.
- Valley of the Kings: Visit the ancient tombs of Pharaohs in the New Kingdom of Egypt. See the tomb of Seti 1, which is the finest and largest tomb. The Tomb of Tutankhamun is also a must-visit. It is also the smallest and least decorated tomb in the Valley of the Kings.
Image Source: Pixabay
- Abu Simbel: Visit the Abu Simbel temple complex to see colossal statues. Experience the light and sound show, which is a display of enchanting music and ancient shows that transcends memory into the days of Pharaoh.
- Nile River: Visit the Luxor museum and explore a vast collection of statues and artefacts. Sail on a felucca to enjoy scenic views of Egypt around the Nile River.
The image below shows the Nile River in Egypt, with calm waters and a backdrop of mountains.
Image Source: Pixabay
What to Pack for Egypt
As I’ve mentioned earlier, Egypt’s weather in the summer is very hot. Hence, it is vital to have the right Egypt travel essentials based on the season you’re travelling. This packing list for Egypt will help you plan your trip properly.
Below is a checklist of what to pack for Egypt.
- Breathable clothes
- Power adapter
- Modest wear for mosques
- Power adapter
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreens
- Wide-brim hats
Cultural Tips and Etiquette in Egypt
Knowing Egypt’s travel etiquette is essential for an undisturbed trip. Nader Hossam, a petroleum engineer living in Egypt, shared some valuable tips on dressing, dining, and more during a Quora discussion on what people should know before travelling to Egypt.
I’ll be sharing a list of dos and don’ts in Egypt to help you familiarise yourself with Egyptian culture.
Below are some tips on Egyptian culture that you need to know.
- Tipping is common for many services.
- Remove your shoes before entering a mosque.
- Wear well-covered clothes in religious areas. Modesty is highly valued.
- Request permission before you take pictures of the locals.
- Avoid public displays of affection.
- Refrain from public displays of affection.
The image below shows the iconic Sphinx of Giza.
Image Source: Pixabay
Local Food You Must Try
Thisari Amarasekera, a member of Quora who lives in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in a discussion of people sharing their experience about Egypt, mentioned that the best experience for him was meeting people and also getting to taste their cuisines. They also spoke about the fact that the Nile cruise was another memorable experience for them.
Egyptian cuisine includes various delicacies that you should endeavour to try out while you visit. You shouldn’t be bothered about what to eat in Egypt because Egypt has a lot of delicious delicacies. I’ll provide a list of the best foods in Egypt that you should try out.
- Koshari
- Egyptian tea
- Falafel
- Mashi
- Molokhiyya
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Final Thoughts
In addition to the tips I’ve shared above, bear in mind that Egypt’s official language is Arabic. Although English is widely spoken, you can learn basic languages, such as greetings in Arabic. You can make use of Google Translate and navigation apps to navigate your way.
I hope you find this helpful on your next visit to Egypt.
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Also read: Camp Like A Pro: Simple Tips for A Perfect Lesotho Escape
Nice , the only perception I had about Egypt growing up was the story of Pharaoh 😂 based on my religion.
That makes it the two of us. Lol