Egypt Country Guide

Home to one of the oldest and certainly most important civilisations known to man and strategically situated on the important trade route between Africa and the Middle East, Egypt's vibrant and unique history has been attracting foreigners for centuries with the result that today, the ancient sites of Egypt are among the most interesting and certainly most visited sites in the entire world.

Brief history

Archaeological evidence suggests that over 250,000 years ago roaming hunter-gatherers inhabited Egypt, which at the time was rolling grassland. During the Palaeolithic period, around 25,000 BC, climatic changes turned Egypt into a desert. A shift to primitive forms of cultivation occurred as communities began to settle in Middle Egypt and the Nile Delta. Soon these farmers were growing wheat, flax and weaving linen fabrics, as well as tending flocks. Gradually the primitive settlements became small tribal kingdoms, which eventually evolved into two loosely aligned kingdoms - one in the Nile valley (worshiping the god Horus) and the other in the Nile Delta (worshiping the god Seth). The two kingdoms vied for control over all the lands of Egypt, and in 3100 BC unification of Egypt, under the command of Menes, marked the beginning of the dynastic period of the Pharaohs.

Highlights

• Islamic Cairo - Souqs, Mosques and Medieval Architecture
• Giza - Great Pyramids, and the Sphinx
• Alexandria - Catacombs, Fort Qaitby and Roman Amphitheatre
• Luxor - Temples of Karnak and Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings
• Aswan - Abu Simbel, and great Aswan Dam, Temple of Philae
• Nile Valley - Temple of Edfu, Temple of Kom Ombo
• Hurghada - Red Sea, and St Anthony's & St Paul's Monasteries
• Dahab - Red Sea, Blue Hole, and Mount Sinai
• The Deserts - Bahariya, Dakhla, Farafra, and Siwa Oases
• Natural Sites - Wadi Rayan and the Valley of the Whales, Mount Sinai, White desert rock formations, and the tranquil beaches and coral reefs of the Red Sea

When to go

Egypt can be visited all year round, and decisions about when to go are best based on whether you like hot weather, and if you want to avoid the very busiest periods.

The sites in Egypt are busy all year round, but will be most crowded over the Christmas/New Year and Easter holidays, in February, and in October. The quietest months are May and June.

The best time to visit weather wise is generally spring (Feb-April) and autumn (September-November), as it will be very warm but not uncomfortably hot. The summer months of May to early September can reach well over 40°C, particularly in the southern regions around Aswan and Luxor.

The winter months of December and January will still be pleasantly warm and there will be hardly any rain, but you will need some warmer clothes for the evenings.

Geography

The River Nile literally remains the lifeblood of Egypt encouraging crops and farming, delivering food and fresh water and these days, even generating electricity through damming. Geographically the river also acts as a natural border between the east and west of the country. In Egypt, the Nile pours in from the south at Lake Nasser and runs north all the way up to the Nile Delta.

Moving west of the Nile, the Libyan Desert is a large plateau dotted with huge and improbable rock formations, deep sandy deserts and fertile oasis. East of the Nile leads to an even more barren plateau, slowly rising into a ridge of mountains in the far east of the country. The Sinai Peninsula begins to straddle the Middle East, turning Egypt from Africa into Asia.

Weather & climate

There is never a shortage of sunshine in Egypt with the country averaging 11 hours a day during the summer and 8 hours a day in the winter. From April to October the average temperature ranges from 21-28°C (70-83°F) while between November and March this drops to 13-20°C (55-67°F). Light, airy clothes are perfect for the daytime when the temperatures are usually high. By contrast, the evening temperatures can plummet once the sun goes down so always have some thicker, warmer clothes on hand.

Money

The unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Notes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pound. 100 piastres = 1 pound. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Major credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants and shops but carry cash for smaller establishments and markets.

Holidays

Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and dates vary each year. Major holidays include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year and the Prophet's Birthday. Coptic Christmas (7 January) and Coptic Easter are also public holidays. National holidays include Revolution Day (25 January), Sinai Liberation Day (25 April), Labour Day (1 May), Revolution Day (23 July), Armed Forces Day (6 October).

Religions

Approximately 90% Muslim (mostly Sunni), 10% Christian (mostly Coptic Orthodox), with small Jewish and Bahá'í communities.

Vaccinations

No compulsory vaccinations for entry from Europe/US. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio. Consider Hepatitis B, Rabies for extended stays. Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from an infected area.

Customs

Egypt is a conservative Muslim country. Dress modestly, especially outside tourist resorts and when visiting religious sites. Remove shoes when entering mosques. Alcohol is available in hotels and licensed venues but public drunkenness is frowned upon. Photography of military/police installations is prohibited.

Security

The tourist areas of Egypt (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts, Nile Valley) are generally safe with a heavy security presence. Follow FCDO travel advice. Avoid the North Sinai region. Take normal precautions against petty theft in crowded areas.

Know before you go

Egypt operates on GMT+2 (GMT+3 in summer). Electricity is 220V, European 2-pin plugs. Arabic is the official language; English and French widely understood in tourist areas. Tipping (baksheesh) is expected for most services. Haggling is normal in markets.

Visas

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports (USD 25, payable in USD, EUR or GBP). E-visas available online in advance. Some nationalities require pre-arranged visa. Check with your nearest Egyptian consulate. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.

How to get there

Direct flights to Cairo from London (5h), major European hubs, and Middle East hubs. Charter flights to Hurghada/Sharm el-Sheikh in season. Connecting flights to Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel via Cairo. Overland from Israel (Taba border) and Sudan (ferry from Wadi Halfa).