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Travel to Egypt Tours
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Top Program Tips
Top Program Tips
Ages
Our Programs Fit any ages as it is very easy going Program and don't need a lot of activities
Difficulty
Very Easy Going Programs, Just some walking in Sights wake up to Abu Simbel Trip at 4 AM
What to bring
Video or ordinary cameras ( Camera Tickets are not included in Price )
Banking
Egypt is a cash community. US$ are well received everywhere. ATM and changing travelers’ cheques services are available at most hotels. Credit card facilities are limited to major hotels and up market restaurants and stores.
Food
Food is varied. Chicken and lamb are very popular, as is rice, pasta, beans and pita bread with sesame salad. Tea (Shei) is the main drink of Egyptians and is often served with mint. It is advisable that you drink only bottled water during your stay, or boiled tap water.
Clothing
Dress modestly in Cairo. When visiting mosques, women should cover their arms and legs. In summer, loose cotton clothing is the most comfortable.
Smoking
Smoking is quite prevalent in Cairo though banned in restaurants. During your stay, you might like to try the local shesha (water) pipe.
Alcohol
Egyptians in general do not drink. There are severe restrictions on the purchase of alcohol. Restaurants and tourist spots may sell alcoholic beverages, but they can be quite expensive.
Unique Shopping Items
You may purchase Gold Cartouches with your name in Hieroglyphics, Papyrus Pictures, T-Shirts in Egyptian cotton, handmade carpets and wall hangings, unique perfume essences and alabaster carvings.
Tipping
Tipping is customary and expected in Egypt, whether you are a tourist, foreigner or local Cairo resident. As it amounts to a sign of personal gratitude, please use your own discretion when tipping.
Ages
Our Programs Fit any ages as it is very easy going Program and don't need a lot of activities
Difficulty
Very Easy Going Programs, Just some walking in Sights wake up to Abu Simbel Trip at 4 AM
What to bring
Video or ordinary cameras ( Camera Tickets are not included in Price )
Banking
Egypt is a cash community. US$ are well received everywhere. ATM and changing travelers’ cheques services are available at most hotels. Credit card facilities are limited to major hotels and up market restaurants and stores.
Food
Food is varied. Chicken and lamb are very popular, as is rice, pasta, beans and pita bread with sesame salad. Tea (Shei) is the main drink of Egyptians and is often served with mint. It is advisable that you drink only bottled water during your stay, or boiled tap water.
Clothing
Dress modestly in Cairo. When visiting mosques, women should cover their arms and legs. In summer, loose cotton clothing is the most comfortable.
Smoking
Smoking is quite prevalent in Cairo though banned in restaurants. During your stay, you might like to try the local shesha (water) pipe.
Alcohol
Egyptians in general do not drink. There are severe restrictions on the purchase of alcohol. Restaurants and tourist spots may sell alcoholic beverages, but they can be quite expensive.
Unique Shopping Items
You may purchase Gold Cartouches with your name in Hieroglyphics, Papyrus Pictures, T-Shirts in Egyptian cotton, handmade carpets and wall hangings, unique perfume essences and alabaster carvings.
Tipping
Tipping is customary and expected in Egypt, whether you are a tourist, foreigner or local Cairo resident. As it amounts to a sign of personal gratitude, please use your own discretion when tipping.
Top Tips About Egypt
About Egypt
Top Tours (Travel to Egypt Tours)
About Egypt
General information about Egypt
Times to go
Generally, the hottest months are June to August; the coldest month is January; rainfall is negligible except on the coast, with rainfall usually occurring during the winter months December to March.
Accommodation
Luggage Storage at our accommodation
Trains
Buses
Public transport
Taxis
Felucca
Camels
Mules
Events
26 Feb Birth of the Prophet
25 Apr Sinai Liberation Day
28 Apr Sham el-Nassim (Coptic Easter)
1 May Labour Day
23 Jul National Day
11 Sep Coptic New Year
10-13 Sep Bairam Feast (End of Ramadan)
6 Oct Armed Forces Day
16-17 Nov Grand Feast
7 Dec Islamic New Year
Communications
E-mail
Telephone
Postage
What to buy
Papyrus
is a thick paper like material harvested from the pith of the papyrus plant, and was first used in Ancient Egypt for boats, mattresses and paper. Hand painted art on genuine papyrus comes in many designs, and in a variety of colors and sizes, providing you with a unique momento to be treasured for years to come. Beware that the product that some vendors offer may not be real papyrus. Real papyrus can be easily identified, as you can still see the individual strips that have been laid together and flattened to make a bigger sheet.
You are bound to stumble across multitudes of jewellery stores on your visit to Egypt. One of the most popular jewellery items for sale is an authentic Egyptian cartouche - a kind of nameplate consisting of different hieroglyphic symbols and hung as a pendant. You can often have the piece of your choice custom made from Egyptian gold or silver, ready to pick up the following day.
If you are looking to decorate your home and impress your friends, you will find that carpets and ornaments made from materials such as onyx and alabaster abound for the savvy bargainer in Egypt. Alabaster is a mineral, a stone almost as hard as marble, that was used by the ancient pharaohs for many purposes, including household items, ritual objects, and for a number of different funerary purposes. Today you will find many fabulous ornaments that you'll be able to show off to your friends for years to come.
Galabiyah, an authentic Egyptian dress jazzed up with glitter and sequins can also be found in the markets. Galabiyah only cost about a £1, what a great gift to take home and share with your friends.
Check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to import some items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand for example have strict quarantine laws.
Culture
People
Dress
Toilets
Home Visits
Religion
Camel safari - Aswan
Carriage Horses, Aswan/Luxor
Felucca Sailing
Small Community Visits
Donkey Riding, Luxor
St Katherines & Mt Sinai
Snorkelling, Red Sea
Top Tours (Travel to Egypt Tours)
About Egypt
General information about Egypt
- capital city Cairo (population 7 million)
- area 1,001,450 sq km
- population 81.7 million
- language Arabic
- currency Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- time zone GMT +2
- dialing code +20
- daylight savings begins No DST
- daylight savings ends No DST
- electricity 4
Times to go
- If you are looking to escape the crowds, try travelling from March to May or September to November when the weather is milder. September to November is not only a quieter time to travel, but you'll be able to immerse yourself in the experience of Ramadan, and the celebrations of Eid - the Festival of breaking the fast.
Generally, the hottest months are June to August; the coldest month is January; rainfall is negligible except on the coast, with rainfall usually occurring during the winter months December to March.
Accommodation
- We use a wide range of accommodation in Egypt, from basic guest houses and hostels, small family run properties to felucca, desert camp, beach hut, overnight train and large international standard multi-storey hotels.
- Rooms and beds tend to be smaller than you would expect from similar standard hotels worldwide- space can be a premium in the ancient towns and cities
- Bathrooms are not always private - some hotels have shared facilities. You may encounter squat toilets
- Some of our accommodation in is old historic buildings which means there is a lot of charm and character, but also antiquated plumbing and sometimes things do not work like they used to. Hot water is not always available. Water pressure can be low
- Our local friends in our accommodation sometimes do not speak English so this is your chance to practise your Arabic - particularly at starting hotels
- Please take note of the luggage limit since some accommodation does not have lifts so you will be hauling your luggage up several flights of stairs
- Towels and linen are usually provided unless otherwise stated - there is rarely a need for sleeping bags
- Bring your own toiletries and hair dryer since these are rarely provided at our accommodation
- Some accommodation has TVs, but there are no English channels
- Rooms may not be serviced everyday, towels and sheets are only changed when a passenger vacates the room. Hot running water is sometimes not guaranteed throughout the day
- Most hotels have a check in time of 14:00 and a check out time of 10:00
- Make sure you get a hotel card on arrival, so that you can always find your way home
- Safety deposit boxes are often, but not always available
- We choose accommodation based on convenience of location, sometimes that means we stay very centrally - meaning all the bars and restaurants are at your doorstep and other times it means we stay near the train station so we can catch that early train
Luggage Storage at our accommodation
- Some hotels offer luggage storage but we do not advertise this as it is usually a very small space and can be inconvenient
- Storing luggage can incur additional costs if luggage exceeds one piece per person and can normally be stored on departure day only and not for long periods of time
- Luggage storage facilities are not generally secured. Please bring your own locks for your luggage
- Passengers should pay attention to the luggage limit that we outline in our trip notes
- We use a variety of transport from overnight train, coaches, local buses, private mini vans, metro, walking, bicycle, felucca, camel, donkeys, taxi, jeep, river boat and plane.
Trains
- Sometimes the train carriages are open with airplane style seating, other times they are closed cabins with 6-8 passengers
- On some overnight trips sleeper cabins are not provided
- Sometimes we have assigned seating and other times you can sit anywhere
- Trains sit quite high off the platform which means you should stick to our luggage limits as you will be required to lift your luggage onto trains and into overhead luggage storage
Buses
- Some local buses we use are very crowded, and you may have to stand with your luggage
- Luggage on buses is 'self help' so drivers in Egypt do not load your luggage for you - you are expected to lift your own luggage onto buses, ferries and trains
- Luggage sometimes goes on the bus with you and not in luggage lockers under the bus
- To give you an idea of travel times see the day to day itinerary of the trip notes for your specific trip.
- Toilets are not usually available on buses
Public transport
- You always need to validate your ticket in a stamping machine when entering the public transport system
- Keep the ticket on you until you exit the metro system
- You will be fined if caught without a ticket and tourists are often targeted
- The metro fares are minimal - approximately 1EGP
- The first two carriages of the metro are reserved for women
Taxis
- No meters are used, so you need to agree on a price for your trip before you enter the taxi
Felucca
- Traditional Nile sailing boats are a fantastic way to travel
- Accommodation is on the deck which comes with an awning for hot days or cold nights
- Facilities are extremely basic, though we do provide occasional toilet stops
Camels
- Bad tempered, flatulent, haughty camels are a world unto themselves but everyone should take a ride on one at some point during their visit to Egypt
Mules
- Travel the local way, by mule. Occasionally these rides are excluded in summer for the health of the animal. we will provide alternative transport on these occasions
Events
- Public Holidays
26 Feb Birth of the Prophet
25 Apr Sinai Liberation Day
28 Apr Sham el-Nassim (Coptic Easter)
1 May Labour Day
23 Jul National Day
11 Sep Coptic New Year
10-13 Sep Bairam Feast (End of Ramadan)
6 Oct Armed Forces Day
16-17 Nov Grand Feast
7 Dec Islamic New Year
Communications
- There is internet in some locations
- Internet varies in cost, but is generally inexpensive.
- Hotels rarely have internet but you may find internet cafes that are open daily and into the evenings
Telephone
- There is good mobile coverage. Mobiles with global roaming work well - check with your provider in advance of departing your home country to ensure your mobile is able to access foreign networks
- We are rarely more than two days away from mobile reception
- Hotels do not usually have telephones available
- Public phone cards are the most cost efficient form of telephone communication
Postage
- Receiving post is not recommended due to our busy travel schedule
- Postage from Egypt is reliable, but can be expensive
What to buy
- In the bustling bazaars of Egypt, you can find everything from exquisite jewellery to hand-woven carpets, papyrus paintings, pipes and perfumes.
- Of course, you will also find that Western brands abound, and it might be possible to pick up a bargain or two.
- Sometimes you will find fixed price stores, but most shopping happens in the souks and markets where you are expected to bargain.
- Bargaining is a way of life in Egypt and vendors expect you to reduce their initial price offers. Vendors may initially quote a price up to ten times the worth of the piece. It is important that you reply with a rock-bottom price, and bargain from there. It's a good idea to set a maximum price you are willing to pay. Quite often, if you walk away from the vendor because the price is too high, they will follow you and may agree to a sale.
- Don't just bargain for the fun of it - once you have agreed on a price with the vendor, it is important to honour the contract and purchase the item.
Papyrus
is a thick paper like material harvested from the pith of the papyrus plant, and was first used in Ancient Egypt for boats, mattresses and paper. Hand painted art on genuine papyrus comes in many designs, and in a variety of colors and sizes, providing you with a unique momento to be treasured for years to come. Beware that the product that some vendors offer may not be real papyrus. Real papyrus can be easily identified, as you can still see the individual strips that have been laid together and flattened to make a bigger sheet.
You are bound to stumble across multitudes of jewellery stores on your visit to Egypt. One of the most popular jewellery items for sale is an authentic Egyptian cartouche - a kind of nameplate consisting of different hieroglyphic symbols and hung as a pendant. You can often have the piece of your choice custom made from Egyptian gold or silver, ready to pick up the following day.
If you are looking to decorate your home and impress your friends, you will find that carpets and ornaments made from materials such as onyx and alabaster abound for the savvy bargainer in Egypt. Alabaster is a mineral, a stone almost as hard as marble, that was used by the ancient pharaohs for many purposes, including household items, ritual objects, and for a number of different funerary purposes. Today you will find many fabulous ornaments that you'll be able to show off to your friends for years to come.
Galabiyah, an authentic Egyptian dress jazzed up with glitter and sequins can also be found in the markets. Galabiyah only cost about a £1, what a great gift to take home and share with your friends.
Check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to import some items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand for example have strict quarantine laws.
Culture
People
- Being sensitive and respectful of Egypt's different customs, traditions, religion and culture will be well appreciated by all Egyptians.
- A relaxed open attitude and sense of humour will help you in all situations and enable you to get the most from your trip around Egypt.
- Islam prescribes that men and women who are not from the same family may not touch each other, thus public displays of affection between the sexes are offensive and should be kept to the privacy of your room.
- Public signs of friendship, such as men holding hands, should not be mistaken for homosexuality, they are just good friends.
- The common greeting between Egyptians is a handshake. For good friends a kiss to either cheek is added to the handshake. As a westerner meeting local people of the opposite sex, just follow their lead.
- Always use your RIGHT hand if you choose to eat with your hands, and for any exchanges. In Egypt the left hand is used for sanitary functions.
- You may also find people asking you many personal questions; they are naturally curious about you, as you are of them. It's always best to be polite, and you can use this opportunity to learn about your different cultures.
Dress
- Egypt is a conservative, Muslim country - both men and women need to dress modestly and respectfully.
- Shoulders to knees should be covered at all times.
Toilets
- You will have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation whilst in Egypt.
- The standard toilet is of the squat variety and though this can take some getting used to it really is much cleaner for a pubic toilet.
- Western style toilets can be found in some tourist centres
Home Visits
- There are home visits on some trips. It is a privilege to be invited into people's homes and there are a number of things we need to remember
- When you enter a person's home, please REMOVE your shoes (even if they say not to - they are also trying to be polite by not wanting to inconvenience you).
- Do not wander around the house uninvited, especially men, as there could be Muslim women in some of the rooms who are not prepared to meet non family males.
- Women should feel free to wander into the kitchen and talk to or assist the women - is a great place to get some interaction with the local women.
- Always put toilet paper in the bin provided, not down the toilet.
- If invited to someone's house for a drink or food it is customary to take a gift with you i.e. Fruit, sweets, cake etc.
- Respect the family's property.
Religion
- The day of prayer is Friday and on this day in particular there are often mats out on the street outside Mosques. These are prayer mats and should not be walked over. Not all Mosques are that obvious, so if you see any mat it is best not to walk over it.
- Ramadan is the fasting month for all Muslims and is one of the 5 Pillars of Islam. During this month no food, drink, smoking etc is permitted during daylight hours. While non-Muslims visiting Egypt during the period of Ramadan are not expected to fast, it is recommended that in public places, eating, drinking and smoking are avoided or done discreetly during daylight hours.
- If you are planning to travel during Ramadan, it is important to consider that many restaurants will either be closed or operating on reduced hours. In addition, many shops and markets will operate on reduced hours, and nightlife may also be affected.
- Alcohol is forbidden in the eyes of many Muslims. However it is tolerated by most and drunk by a few. Although getting totally inebriated in Egypt is frowned upon.
- Ask permission before entering a place of worship, some places may not permit you to enter.
- It is best to cover yourself fully, with long sleeves and trousers, and at times you may be required to cover your head.
- You will always need to remove your shoes.
- Smoking is prohibited and a respectful demeanour is most appropriate
Camel safari - Aswan
- Do BRING out all rubbish (including cigarette butts).
- Either burn toilet paper, or put it in a plastic bag, do not leave in desert.
- Don't give out anything to village people along the way.
- Do not touch the camel's head - they do not like it and it upsets them.
Carriage Horses, Aswan/Luxor
- Do not hire any horse carriage where the horse is malnourished, has obvious sores or lame or where the driver makes it go faster than a trot and uses the whip unnecessarily.
- Do not hire any horse carriage to go to the West Bank as it is too far for the horse.
- Do not overload the carriage - max 3 people plus 1 driver.
- Try not to use carriages in the heat of the midday sun.
Felucca Sailing
- Do not throw ANYTHING overboard, including cigarette butts - use a film canister.
- Toilet paper is collected in a plastic bag and burnt by the leader, is not left in the hole or on the banks.
- Rubbish to be split into 3 bins - food, tins and burnables. Plastic bottles need to be separated for recycling.
- Attire - swimwear is ok while sailing but a t-shirt should be worn while moored and/or swimming on the bank.
- We take our own firewood for a camp fire. Please do not take any firewood from the banks as this is vital for the locals.
Small Community Visits
- (Daraw): Be aware of the impact tourism is having in small rural Egyptian villages so try to be as unobtrusive as possible and adhere to the following
- Do not give ANYTHING to the people.
- Do ask if it is OK to take a photo (especially of women),
- DO NOT offer money.
- If offered food or drink, either politely accept or refuse without making a grimace. DO NOT offer any money in return for food or drink.
- Do make every effort to COMMUNICATE with the people - they are very curious about you, and even if you only know the local greeting (SALAAM ALYKUM), it is appreciated.
- Do have an AWARENESS of the stricter segregation of the sexes in Egypt. Men do not touch women, and women do not touch men they do not know.
- Do wear appropriate, conservative CLOTHING, and try to minimise expensive flashy jewellery and watches.
- Do use common sense and ASK if uncertain.
- SMILE and enjoy the amazing people of rural Egypt!
Donkey Riding, Luxor
- Do not ride any donkey that is malnourished, has obvious sores, is lame or obviously bloated (it could be pregnant or have colic).
- Due to the steep climb up to the top of the mountain we advise those who are more than 100kg not to ride the donkeys. Alternatives are to walk or go with the guide in a local taxi.
- Take all rubbish with you and do not leave any behind.
- Do not feed your donkey as this ruins the routine and sets expectations from other riders.
St Katherines & Mt Sinai
- Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women to visit the monastery.
- Mt Sinai is a pilgrimage site so we must retain some level of decorum
- Take out ALL RUBBISH, including cigarette butts.
Snorkelling, Red Sea
- Do not touch the coral as this kills it.
- Collect all rubbish lying around and do not leave any more behind.
- Beach attire is ok but topless sunbathing is illegal in Egypt.
Top General Information
General Information
Top Tours (Travel to Egypt Tours)
General information
Location:
In North Africa
Area:
1,002,450 sq kms
Capital:
Cairo
Currency:
Egyptian pound (EGP)
Language:
Arabic
Climate:
Moderate
Introduction
Egypt, officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, located in north-eastern Africa and south-western Asia. It is bounded on the north by the Mediterranean Sea, on the east by Israel and the Red Sea, on the south by Sudan, and on the west by Libya. The country has a maximum length from north to south of about 1086 km (about 675 mi) and a maximum width, near the southern border, of about 1255 km (about 780 mi). It has a total area of about 1,001,450 sq km (about 386,662 sq mi). The River Nile divides the country unevenly in two, while the Suez Canal provides a third division with the Sinai Peninsula. Beyond the highly cultivated Nile Valley and Delta, a lush green tadpole of land that holds more than 90% of the population, the landscape is mainly flat desert, Cairo is the capital and the largest city, and the most modern in the middle east and ad Africa.
Area
1,002,000 sq km (386,874 sq miles).
Population
76.5 million (census 2006). Population Density : 74.8 per sq km.
Capital
Cairo (El Qahira). Population: 18.3 million (2006 estimate).
Language
Arabic is the official language. English and French are widely spoken.
Religion
Religious practises : Muslims 93.8% .Others 6.2% About 90% of Egyptians are muslims. The prayer represents an essential part of the daily life of the faithful, that the muezzin calls for 5 times a day, from the hight of minarets. The supreme religious authority is the sheik Al Azhar, whose role is to define the official line of Islam. The Coptes compose the main religious minority. Before Islam, Christianism was the predominant religion in the region, one of the first to embrace this faith.
Time
GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Friday in April to last Thursday in September).
Electricity
Most areas 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Certain rural parts still use 110 to 380 volts AC.
Egyptian Currency
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (LE). There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. The export of local currency is however prohibited.
Major currencies such as US dollars and Euro and travelers cheques can be converted at banks and forex bureaus in the main towns and tourist areas. You will get best exchange rates for cash or travelers cheques if you are dealing in US dollars, Euro or Pound Sterling. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club are accepted at various stores and hotels. Your Visa and Mastercard can be used to access cash at a limited number of bank outlets -particularly for Banque Misr and Bank of Egypt
Egypt circulates the pound as currency. One pound is equivalent to 100 piastres.
1 US Dollar is equivalent to aproximately 3.4 Egyptian Pounds (LE). Some cash can be converted directly at the airport. There are many local banks and a Thomas Cook in both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheik. Also, most of the larger hotels have banks to exchange travellers cheques or advances on credit cards. A Tourist is allowed to carry any amount of foreign currency, whether bills, travellers cheques, money orders, bank transfers or credit cards.
Filling in the customs declaration is essential in case of carrying money that will wholly or partly go out again or for crediting a current account.
Egypt People & Culture
By far, the majority of the people of Egypt are of Eastern Hamitic stock. Nubians, whose homeland is in the south of the country, Greeks, Armenians other Europeans represent the remainder. Though somewhat simplistic, four cultural groups can be delineated - Egyptian peasants or fellahin, Copts, Bedouins and Nubians. Fellahin is a rather dated classification as the majority of such people have immigrated to cities and transformed themselves. The traditional fellahin can however still be found in rural areas eking out a living from the land as they have done from the days of the Pharaohs. Copts are Christian adherents of the Eastern Orthodox Church. But they are of the same race and culture as other Egyptians.
Bedouins are a nomadic people who search the deserts for grazing and water for their camels and other livestock. Nobody really knows the desert more than the Bedouin. They know where to find water and get around by navigating by the stars. Like all nomads, they live a free and hardy lifestyle, and consider the sedentary ways of their compatriots as lacking in grace and dignity. But they also realize the advantages of a settled life and they have increasingly responded to efforts to ground them and give their children an education.
The Nubian are a dark skinned people whose ancestral land is to the south of Aswan. They have little relationship, cultural or genetic with other dark skinned Africans. Back in the days of the Pharaohs, they served very well in the military. In more recent times, they farmed the banks of the Nile River. Their lands have been mostly been inundated by the raising of the Aswan High Dam. Most Nubians have now migrated to towns and their lifestyle has changed.
Islam is the single most important influence on culture in Egypt. And this applies even for non-adherents like Coptic Christians. Perhaps for this reason, crime is virtually nonexistent. The society is conservative, especially on issues related to women. Women are expected to be modest in dress and manner- no flimsy attire or loud talking and laughing, for example. The men are very happy with their position in this patriarchal society. The people are generally friendly, hospitable and very accommodating especially towards visitors. But visitors need to keep their religion to themselves- proselytizing is illegal here.
The Lingua Franca is Arabic. But there are two versions- classical Arabic, the language of the Koran and the colloquial Arabic used in the street. English and French are widely used for business and by educated urbanites. In terms of culture, is important in the Arab world. And books, movies, music and TV programs produced here are popular throughout the Arabic speaking nations of the Middle East. The prolific Naguib Mahfouz gained worldwide fame and prestige when he won the literature Nobel Prize in 1998 for his book "The Cairo Trilogy". His works are however not very popular with religious radicals and an attempt was made in 1995 to rub him out.
Egyptian cuisine is to the best tradition of Middle East cooking. You are advised to try local specialties such as roast pigeon, grilled aubergines, kebabs and chickpeas. The hotels in the tourist areas serve cosmopolitan fare. Though this is a Muslim country, imbibers of alcohol will not go thirsty. Beers, wines and other drinks are available in bars and restaurants, especially at hotels catering for tourists. But you should defer to local sensitivities and avoid drinking in daylight hours in the month of Ramadan.
Weather
The summer, which falls between April and October, is hot and dry. The winter months are mild with cold nights. You will be surprised to learn that there is virtually no rain in this country. The best time to visit is between November and March, outside the intolerable summer season. Beware of the khamsin, the hot dry wind that blows from the Sahara around April. This treacherous wind creates dust storms that can reduce visibility to less than 30 metres. In terms of weather, the Red Sea coast is most favoured and it is pleasant year round. In Cairo, winter temperatures range from lows of 9 C at night to highs of 25 C, while summers vary between 9 C and 35 C.
Avoid the Sun Burn Wear clothes made from tightly woven fabric and a hat, Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when it is at its strongest. If you’re not sure if it’s safe, do the shadow test to make an on-the-spot UV estimate. Just look at your shadow: if you can’t se it at all, dangerous UV rays are reaching you. If your shadow is shorter than you are, you’re in high-UV territory. If it extends way out beyond you, you’re somewhat safer from UVB rays, UVA rays remain in effect all day, everyday.Make sure that you buy a sunscreen which offers "broad spectrum" protection to ward off both UVA and UVB rays. Dermatologists recommend at least SPF15. Don’t be fooled by SPF30. It does not give you double the protection of SPF15: it gives you 3% more. Check out last year’s sun screen dregs as a sun screen’s properties can change with time, especially in extreme heat. Wear protective sunglasses as UV rays can cause cataracts.
Economy
Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and has the second highest population in Africa after Nigeria (76.48 million according to the 2006 census). It has the third largest economy in the Arab world after Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with GDP estimated at US$107.4 billion in 2006. Egypt's principal sources of foreign exchange are Suez Canal tolls, tourism, expatriate remittances and petroleum exports. Services contribute half of GDP. Agriculture has declined in recent decades and now contributes less than 20 per cent of GDP. Manufacturing industry accounts for the remainder.
Political Overview
Egypt has a bicameral parliament, comprising the People’s Assembly and the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council functions only in a consultative capacity. The ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) has a decisive majority in the People’s Assembly.
The President holds executive authority and has the power to appoint and remove ministers and senior officials. President Hosni Mubarak has been in office since 1981. He has been reinstated as president four times in referendums. President Mubarak announced in February 2005 that the constitution would be amended to permit multi-candidate presidential elections and won Egypt’s first contested presidential election in September 2005.
Egypt has undertaken political and economic reforms to boost economic performance. The Government has reformed foreign investment rules, subsidies, customs duties and fiscal policy. It has also begun the restructure and privatisation of state enterprises. Challenges remain over the impact of implementing such structural adjustment.
High population growth leads to over 500,000 Egyptian job-seekers entering the labour market every year. GDP growth needs to be sustained at over 4per cent per annum to absorb job seekers.
Internal security remains a high priority for the government. Authorities maintain tight control over the Muslim Brotherhood movement, which has been an underlying opposition force in Egypt for almost 80 years. Authorities are particularly concerned to prevent Islamic extremism and militancy.
Foreign Policy
Egypt plays an active role in regional politics and takes a prominent position as a mediator on important issues. It was the first Arab nation to make peace with Israel in 1979. It is an important country in the Middle East Peace Process and wider Middle East issues, and has a role in addressing the situation in Sudan.
Egypt is a leading member of the Movement of Non-Aligned States (NAM) and belongs to numerous international organisations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the League of Arab States and the African Union. The permanent headquarters of the League of Arab States is in Cairo.
Top Tours (Travel to Egypt Tours)
General information
Location:
In North Africa
Area:
1,002,450 sq kms
Capital:
Cairo
Currency:
Egyptian pound (EGP)
Language:
Arabic
Climate:
Moderate
Introduction
Egypt, officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, located in north-eastern Africa and south-western Asia. It is bounded on the north by the Mediterranean Sea, on the east by Israel and the Red Sea, on the south by Sudan, and on the west by Libya. The country has a maximum length from north to south of about 1086 km (about 675 mi) and a maximum width, near the southern border, of about 1255 km (about 780 mi). It has a total area of about 1,001,450 sq km (about 386,662 sq mi). The River Nile divides the country unevenly in two, while the Suez Canal provides a third division with the Sinai Peninsula. Beyond the highly cultivated Nile Valley and Delta, a lush green tadpole of land that holds more than 90% of the population, the landscape is mainly flat desert, Cairo is the capital and the largest city, and the most modern in the middle east and ad Africa.
Area
1,002,000 sq km (386,874 sq miles).
Population
76.5 million (census 2006). Population Density : 74.8 per sq km.
Capital
Cairo (El Qahira). Population: 18.3 million (2006 estimate).
Language
Arabic is the official language. English and French are widely spoken.
Religion
Religious practises : Muslims 93.8% .Others 6.2% About 90% of Egyptians are muslims. The prayer represents an essential part of the daily life of the faithful, that the muezzin calls for 5 times a day, from the hight of minarets. The supreme religious authority is the sheik Al Azhar, whose role is to define the official line of Islam. The Coptes compose the main religious minority. Before Islam, Christianism was the predominant religion in the region, one of the first to embrace this faith.
Time
GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Friday in April to last Thursday in September).
Electricity
Most areas 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Certain rural parts still use 110 to 380 volts AC.
Egyptian Currency
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (LE). There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. The export of local currency is however prohibited.
Major currencies such as US dollars and Euro and travelers cheques can be converted at banks and forex bureaus in the main towns and tourist areas. You will get best exchange rates for cash or travelers cheques if you are dealing in US dollars, Euro or Pound Sterling. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club are accepted at various stores and hotels. Your Visa and Mastercard can be used to access cash at a limited number of bank outlets -particularly for Banque Misr and Bank of Egypt
Egypt circulates the pound as currency. One pound is equivalent to 100 piastres.
1 US Dollar is equivalent to aproximately 3.4 Egyptian Pounds (LE). Some cash can be converted directly at the airport. There are many local banks and a Thomas Cook in both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheik. Also, most of the larger hotels have banks to exchange travellers cheques or advances on credit cards. A Tourist is allowed to carry any amount of foreign currency, whether bills, travellers cheques, money orders, bank transfers or credit cards.
Filling in the customs declaration is essential in case of carrying money that will wholly or partly go out again or for crediting a current account.
Egypt People & Culture
By far, the majority of the people of Egypt are of Eastern Hamitic stock. Nubians, whose homeland is in the south of the country, Greeks, Armenians other Europeans represent the remainder. Though somewhat simplistic, four cultural groups can be delineated - Egyptian peasants or fellahin, Copts, Bedouins and Nubians. Fellahin is a rather dated classification as the majority of such people have immigrated to cities and transformed themselves. The traditional fellahin can however still be found in rural areas eking out a living from the land as they have done from the days of the Pharaohs. Copts are Christian adherents of the Eastern Orthodox Church. But they are of the same race and culture as other Egyptians.
Bedouins are a nomadic people who search the deserts for grazing and water for their camels and other livestock. Nobody really knows the desert more than the Bedouin. They know where to find water and get around by navigating by the stars. Like all nomads, they live a free and hardy lifestyle, and consider the sedentary ways of their compatriots as lacking in grace and dignity. But they also realize the advantages of a settled life and they have increasingly responded to efforts to ground them and give their children an education.
The Nubian are a dark skinned people whose ancestral land is to the south of Aswan. They have little relationship, cultural or genetic with other dark skinned Africans. Back in the days of the Pharaohs, they served very well in the military. In more recent times, they farmed the banks of the Nile River. Their lands have been mostly been inundated by the raising of the Aswan High Dam. Most Nubians have now migrated to towns and their lifestyle has changed.
Islam is the single most important influence on culture in Egypt. And this applies even for non-adherents like Coptic Christians. Perhaps for this reason, crime is virtually nonexistent. The society is conservative, especially on issues related to women. Women are expected to be modest in dress and manner- no flimsy attire or loud talking and laughing, for example. The men are very happy with their position in this patriarchal society. The people are generally friendly, hospitable and very accommodating especially towards visitors. But visitors need to keep their religion to themselves- proselytizing is illegal here.
The Lingua Franca is Arabic. But there are two versions- classical Arabic, the language of the Koran and the colloquial Arabic used in the street. English and French are widely used for business and by educated urbanites. In terms of culture, is important in the Arab world. And books, movies, music and TV programs produced here are popular throughout the Arabic speaking nations of the Middle East. The prolific Naguib Mahfouz gained worldwide fame and prestige when he won the literature Nobel Prize in 1998 for his book "The Cairo Trilogy". His works are however not very popular with religious radicals and an attempt was made in 1995 to rub him out.
Egyptian cuisine is to the best tradition of Middle East cooking. You are advised to try local specialties such as roast pigeon, grilled aubergines, kebabs and chickpeas. The hotels in the tourist areas serve cosmopolitan fare. Though this is a Muslim country, imbibers of alcohol will not go thirsty. Beers, wines and other drinks are available in bars and restaurants, especially at hotels catering for tourists. But you should defer to local sensitivities and avoid drinking in daylight hours in the month of Ramadan.
Weather
The summer, which falls between April and October, is hot and dry. The winter months are mild with cold nights. You will be surprised to learn that there is virtually no rain in this country. The best time to visit is between November and March, outside the intolerable summer season. Beware of the khamsin, the hot dry wind that blows from the Sahara around April. This treacherous wind creates dust storms that can reduce visibility to less than 30 metres. In terms of weather, the Red Sea coast is most favoured and it is pleasant year round. In Cairo, winter temperatures range from lows of 9 C at night to highs of 25 C, while summers vary between 9 C and 35 C.
Avoid the Sun Burn Wear clothes made from tightly woven fabric and a hat, Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when it is at its strongest. If you’re not sure if it’s safe, do the shadow test to make an on-the-spot UV estimate. Just look at your shadow: if you can’t se it at all, dangerous UV rays are reaching you. If your shadow is shorter than you are, you’re in high-UV territory. If it extends way out beyond you, you’re somewhat safer from UVB rays, UVA rays remain in effect all day, everyday.Make sure that you buy a sunscreen which offers "broad spectrum" protection to ward off both UVA and UVB rays. Dermatologists recommend at least SPF15. Don’t be fooled by SPF30. It does not give you double the protection of SPF15: it gives you 3% more. Check out last year’s sun screen dregs as a sun screen’s properties can change with time, especially in extreme heat. Wear protective sunglasses as UV rays can cause cataracts.
Economy
Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and has the second highest population in Africa after Nigeria (76.48 million according to the 2006 census). It has the third largest economy in the Arab world after Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with GDP estimated at US$107.4 billion in 2006. Egypt's principal sources of foreign exchange are Suez Canal tolls, tourism, expatriate remittances and petroleum exports. Services contribute half of GDP. Agriculture has declined in recent decades and now contributes less than 20 per cent of GDP. Manufacturing industry accounts for the remainder.
Political Overview
Egypt has a bicameral parliament, comprising the People’s Assembly and the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council functions only in a consultative capacity. The ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) has a decisive majority in the People’s Assembly.
The President holds executive authority and has the power to appoint and remove ministers and senior officials. President Hosni Mubarak has been in office since 1981. He has been reinstated as president four times in referendums. President Mubarak announced in February 2005 that the constitution would be amended to permit multi-candidate presidential elections and won Egypt’s first contested presidential election in September 2005.
Egypt has undertaken political and economic reforms to boost economic performance. The Government has reformed foreign investment rules, subsidies, customs duties and fiscal policy. It has also begun the restructure and privatisation of state enterprises. Challenges remain over the impact of implementing such structural adjustment.
High population growth leads to over 500,000 Egyptian job-seekers entering the labour market every year. GDP growth needs to be sustained at over 4per cent per annum to absorb job seekers.
Internal security remains a high priority for the government. Authorities maintain tight control over the Muslim Brotherhood movement, which has been an underlying opposition force in Egypt for almost 80 years. Authorities are particularly concerned to prevent Islamic extremism and militancy.
Foreign Policy
Egypt plays an active role in regional politics and takes a prominent position as a mediator on important issues. It was the first Arab nation to make peace with Israel in 1979. It is an important country in the Middle East Peace Process and wider Middle East issues, and has a role in addressing the situation in Sudan.
Egypt is a leading member of the Movement of Non-Aligned States (NAM) and belongs to numerous international organisations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the League of Arab States and the African Union. The permanent headquarters of the League of Arab States is in Cairo.
Felucca Packing
Felucca Packing
Top Tours (Travel to Egypt Tours)
Felucca Packing List
All items in a small bag
Camera
Book
Hat
Sunnies – Shades
Snacks
Swimmers
Trekking boots / Trainers
Soap
Toothbrush & Paste
“Hand wash” gel
Towel
T-Shirt
Sweater
Insect Repellant
Torch / Flash light
Sleeping bag
Top Tours (Travel to Egypt Tours)
Felucca Packing List
All items in a small bag
Camera
Book
Hat
Sunnies – Shades
Snacks
Swimmers
Trekking boots / Trainers
Soap
Toothbrush & Paste
“Hand wash” gel
Towel
T-Shirt
Sweater
Insect Repellant
Torch / Flash light
Sleeping bag
Top Tours
(Travel to Egypt Tours) Team
