Egypt

Known as the ‘Mother of the World’ to Egyptians, Egypt is considered the cradle of civilization. Home to the longest river in the world, a unique history that is presented magnanimously all over the country and abroad and locals who consider humour one of the most important things in life. Visitors can count themselves lucky as touring and living is quite affordable in Egypt.

Cities, Minarets and Ancient Wonders

There are countless districts, mosques, markets and time-frozen sights to visit.

Cairo, the city of a thousand minarets needs extensive planning to ensure you take away as much as possible. The Capital of Egypt, Cairo is not for the fainthearted as the second biggest capital in Africa, the city never ever sleeps and offers a multitude of stories and experiences. Locals will always be happy to take you to their favourite spots, and board game cafes and rope you into supporting football teams in unison.

It goes without saying, any visit to Egypt is incomplete and one cannot miss out on the last wonders of the ancient world, the unique Pyramids protected by the all-seeing Sphinx. Visitors can hire camels, horse rides and tour guides to take them on a journey through time with stories preserved by folklore and guides humming the secrets of the Pyramids. Cairo Museum in Tahrir Square is a historical time capsule that protects the thousand-year histories of Egypt and represents the world’s obsession with the Ancient Egyptians. The New Grand Egyptian Museum has also opened up nearer to Giza.

In Luxor, the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple and Luxor temple are all examples of the open-air museums available to immerse yourself in. A sunrise ride of the Hot air balloons that fly over the valley of the dead and the West Bank is an unforgettable experience.

Aswan is one of the southernmost touristic destinations and thus often overlooked, the Temple of Philae, Nubian Museum and Village protect the most original culture of Ancient Egypt and Nubia. Aswan is also home to the Aswan High dam, one of the world’s largest embankment dams

Sea, Sand and Beaches

Enclosed by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, visitors can enjoy azure beach experiences all year round, as the Red Sea stays temperate. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh boast countless resorts and beautiful hotels along the crystal translucent waters that are home to corals and colourful fish. The slightly lesser-known town of Dahab is also a great point of access for the Blue Hole, a diving location 120 metres deep. The Red Sea is one of the best places in the world to scuba dive and snorkel, these experiences resemble Nemo’s world.

Along the Mediterranean lies Alexandria a popular summer location for Egyptians with a wealth of holiday activities, private and public beaches and reputed for its fish cuisine.
The Sahel el Shemal (Northern Coat of Egypt) is a beautiful arena of white sand and crisp blue sea and was coveted by centuries of invaders. Hiring a car is the best way to discover the unlimited possibilities of this coast.

The mystical lifeline of the continent: The Nile

The Nile can be experienced in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan and train rides down south offer parallel views. In Cairo, the Nile is the environment of luxury, boat parties, restaurant views and nightlife entertainment. Guests can also look into luxury cruises that have a wide range of stops and use the Nile as a road to five-star experiences. In Luxor, the Nile is remembered as the lifeline of the country with its lush farms but also the mythological narrative that it was the transit of life and death. It’s the connection to the Valley of the Dead and Hapteshut’s temple is a story to be discovered upon visiting. To the south of Egypt, is Aswan the city of smiling locals and colourful artistry with peaceful feluccas dotting the Nile.

Religious History

In the remote Sinai Peninsula, the area that straddles Africa and Asia is home to Mount Moses, a holy site to all the Abrahamic religions, Jews believe this is where Moses received the 10 Commandments and Muslims believe this is the sight of divine revelation. Believers and non-believers alike can hike up to witness the sunrise and breathe a spiritual awakening. St Catherines Monastery on the Mount established in the 6th century is a must-see.

Cuisine

Egyptian Cuisine is influenced by its bordering countries and concentrates flavour creating delicious hearty meals such as Koshari (a mix of chickpeas, lentils, rice, a tangy tomato sauce and fried onions), Fateera (fluffy and buttery pastry filled with toppings you like), vine leaves, Ful (beans), humous, Tamiya (falafel) and all types of meat dishes. Desserts range from season to season allowing you to constantly discover new sweet treats such as Umm Ali ( a pudding coated with nuts), Basbousa (Semolina syrup-drenched cake) and a glorious choice of Baklava.