“Egypt! Pass, O my spirit, over the centuries, and contemplate this marvelous spectacle.” said the great poet Victor Hugo. Indeed, Egypt, this mythical and mystical country, has a history and culture as rich as the desert sands which shape its landscapes. If you’re planning to discover this Middle Eastern treasure, here’s a detailed travel guide packed with useful information to help you prepare for your Egyptian adventure.
Prepare your trip: Formalities and health
Before you fly to the pyramids, there are a few formalities to follow for your trip to Egypt. First of all, it is essential to have a passport valid for at least six months after your date of arrival in Egyptian territory. Then, a Visa is required to enter the country. It can be obtained either upon arrival at the airport, or online, on the official Egyptian government website, before your departure.
Concerning health, no specific vaccination is required from travelers. However, it is recommended to be up to date with your universal vaccinations and to provide anti-malarial treatment if you plan to stay in certain rural areas.
When to go: Climate and seasons
Egypt is a country with a desert climate, characterized by high temperatures and strong heat in summer. For an experience of comfortable travel, it is therefore preferable to favor the autumn month (from September to November) and spring (from March to May), where temperatures are milder and pleasant.
It is also important to note that Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, may affect the pace of life in some cities, with altered opening hours of shops and tourist sites.
What to visit: Must-sees and favorites
Egypt is a country with a thousand facets, offering a multitude of tourist sites to discover. Among the essentials, we of course find the pyramids of Giza, THE Egyptian Museum in Cairo, there Valley of the Kings in Luxor, the temple of Karnak or the archaeological site ofAbu Simbel.
In addition to these great stars of Egypt, there are also many favorites to discover, more confidential but just as fascinating, such as the charming island of Elephantine in Aswan, the monastery of Saint Catherine in the Sinai, or even the Wadi El Rayan nature reserve in the desert.
Practical advice: Traveling every day
Traveling in Egypt also means adapting to local life. To make your daily life easier, here are some practical advice.
About the cash, Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). It is advisable to always carry cash with you because many businesses do not accept credit cards. For the language, Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Finally, in Egypt, the tip is a tradition. It is customary to leave a few books after a meal at a restaurant, a taxi ride or a guided tour.
The best travel guides for Egypt
You will have understood, Egypt is a travel destination exceptional, offering an explosive cocktail of history, culture, breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality. Of course, a trip to Egypt requires a minimum of preparation, but armed with this guide, you are ready to face the sands of the desert and discover the treasures of the land of the Pharaohs. So, ready for adventure?
