Explore Egypt

Explore Egypthttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-africa/egyptExplore Egypthttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-africa/egypt/wonders-of-upper-egyptAway from the popular sites near Cairo, these lesser-known Egyptian temples and religious sites offer a deeper insight into ancient Egyptian life.2020-09-21T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-africa/egypt/wonders-of-upper-egypthttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Hot air balloons over Luxor and the Temple of Seti I. The ancient highlights of Upper Egypt have been a draw to international visitors since well before Thomas Cook introduced mass tourism to the country in the 1860s.</p> <p>But away from the popular stops for big-bus tours and day-trippers from Cairo is a wealth of rarely-visited Pharaonic temples, markets, and religious sites that offer a more nuanced insight into ancient Egyptian life.</p> <p>In my weeks of wandering Upper Egypt, from Luxor to the Sudanese border, these are a few of my favorites.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#dendara">Temple of Hathor at Dendara</a></li> <li><a href="#aswan">The islands of Aswan: Seheil and Philae</a></li> <li><a href="#monastery">St. Simeon Monastery</a></li> <li><a href="#market">Daraw Livestock Market</a></li> <li><a href="#abu-simbel">Temples of Abu Simbel</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip Notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="dendara">Temple of Hathor at Dendara</h2> <p>In a quiet village on the banks of the Nile, 30mi (50km) south of Luxor, I visit one of the best-preserved Pharaonic temples in Upper Egypt: the Temple of Hathor. A dark forest of massive columns towers above my head, leading me past carved reliefs that tell the story of successive rulers' sacrifices to the ancient Egyptian Gods, all under the watchful eyes of capitals carved in the image of the cow-goddess Hathor.</p> <p>I creep along cold, dark, and ornately carved passages leading to the temple's rooftop shrines, where I’m treated to expansive views of the Egyptian countryside. Very few of Egypt's ancient buildings afford such a privilege.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/upper-egypt/egypt-hathor.jpg" alt="Carved columns inside the hypostyle hall of the Hathor Temple at Dendera in Egypt." /> <figcaption>Exquisitely carved columns inside the hypostyle hall of the Hathor Temple at Dendera. Photo credit: Stephen Lioy</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="aswan">The islands of Aswan: Seheil and Philae</h2> <p>Between the Nile-divided banks of the city of Aswan, Elephantine and Kitchener Islands are popular full- or half-day excursions featuring botanical gardens and small museums. While they’re busy with tourists, who are often overcharged by overzealous boatmen on the Aswan shore, two smaller islands upstream are just as worthwhile, but with fewer crowds.</p> <p>I ferry across to small Seheil island, around 1.8mi (3km) from Aswan, primarily to see the 200 or more cliff-side carvings left by Nubian royalty, military leaders, and other VIPs who cruised along the Nile since the 18th century.</p> <p>More interesting, though, are the tiny villages dotted around the island. Friendly residents offer warm invitations to step inside the colorful walls of their houses, to sit with tiny, strong glasses of tea for simple conversations on living and traveling and a bit about Nubian identity. These insights into daily life feel well off the beaten track.</p> <p>Further from the city, by another quick boat ride, is the more famous of the two small islands: Philae Island, about 5mi (8km) from Aswan on the far side of the old dam. As I climb the island’s banks to the Temple of Isis, one of many that were relocated by UNESCO before the completion of the new Aswan High Dam, the bustle of visitors reflects the site’s original purpose – this was one of the final, active pagan temples in the region after the arrival of Christianity.</p> <p>Lingering till the late afternoon, a relative quiet descends, and I’m able to explore these storied ruins virtually alone. The massive carved walls, lit unevenly by the slanting sun, tell stories of Pharaohs defeating the enemies of Egypt, and the later Nestorian conversion of the space into chapels of the Christian God.</p> <p>Deeper inside stands a stone shrine which once held a sacred boat, displaying the image of the goddess Isis, that made an annual journey from here down the Nile and back. Walking the temple's darkened halls feels like flowing through the eras of Egyptian history – only to return to bright sunshine and the persistent souvenir peddlers of the modern era.</p> <h2 id="monastery">St. Simeon Monastery</h2> <p>An anomaly in a region of Egypt dominated by Pharaonic sites, the 7th-century Monastery of St. Simeon looks more like a fortress than a worship center; however, it was built as a home base for monks to travel into surrounding Nubia in an attempt to convert the region to Christianity. Visiting today offers little more than the impressive stone structure of the building, the once-vivid frescoes inside destroyed by the armies of Saladin in the 12th century, but the beautiful walk (I opt to ignore the <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/camel-riding">many camel touts who offer a ride</a>) through a strip of sparse desert is fittingly ascetic – evocative of the stark conditions those early proselytizers would have endured.</p> <h2 id="market">Daraw Livestock Market</h2> <p>Animal husbandry has played a key role in Nubian life for more than 4,000 years, long before agriculture was widely adopted in the region. Still an important source of income for many local families, the largest livestock market in Upper Egypt is at Daraw, around 25mi (40km) north of Aswan. Walking into the market is chaos – an atmosphere of trader’s yells, animals’ cries, the smell of sheep; the market scenes of today could almost be mistaken for 100 or 1,000 years ago.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/upper-egypt/egypt-market.jpg" alt="Cattle vendors wait for a sale at the Daraw Livestock Market in Upper Egypt." /> <figcaption>Cattle vendors wait for a sale at the Daraw Livestock Market. Photo credit: Stephen Lioy</figcaption></figure> <p>I stop for a fresh-roasted coffee at a small tent cafe near the center of the action – the calming crackle of roasting beans offsetting the bustle and noise just on the far side of a flimsy rope barrier. The market is busiest on Tuesday mornings, when vendors of sheep, goats, cows, horses, donkeys, and poultry join the fray, though it also operates on Sunday mornings as a camel-only market.</p> <h2 id="abu-simbel">Temples of Abu Simbel</h2> <p>In the far south of Egypt, just 12.5mi (20km) from the Sudanese border, are two incredible temples carved out of the mountainsides of Abu Simbel: the Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, built to honor Ramses II's wife Nefertari. Like Philae temple, these were moved stone by stone between 1960 and 80 to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The modern temples were reconstructed with such precision that the sun still shines on the deepest statues inside the temple on Feb and Oct 22 each year – the dates of Ramses II birth date and coronation date, as they have since the temples were first built in the 13th-century B.C.E.</p> <p>I visit in the pre-dawn – before the first rays of light break across the Nile, to shine on the waters that lap just meters away from the temples. Guardians approach in the quiet to offer whispered pleas for baksheesh – just a little cash to look the other way while I take forbidden photos, which I decline. Soon the moment will have passed – the arrival of daytrippers who fly from Cairo or drive in from Aswan or Luxor for a few hours' visit. But this early morning is (like late afternoons) free of crowds, and full of glorious light on the temple facades.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/upper-egypt/egypt-abu-simbel.jpg" alt="A lone guard stands inside the entrance to the Temple of Hathor at Abu Simbel in Upper Egypt." /> <figcaption>A lone guard stands inside the entrance to the Temple of Hathor at Abu Simbel. Photo credit: Stephen Lioy</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip Notes</h2> <p>Dendara is accessible from Luxor by train (40 minutes ride and 15 minutes driving) or car (1.5 hours).</p> <p>Both Seheil and Philae are reached by quick transfers from Aswan followed by short boat rides.</p> <p>St. Simeon Monastery is just across the Nile from Aswan.</p> <p>Daraw is a 40-minute drive or one-hour train ride north of Aswan; the market is a further 1.25mi (2k) from Daraw station.</p> <p>Abu Simbel is a three-hour drive or a 45-minute flight from Aswan.</p>Stephen Lioy 0 Stephen Lioy St. Simeon Monastery as seen from the Aswan bank of the Nile River in Egypt.

Paddling the Nile, Part 4: The Home Stretchhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/paddling-the-nile-egyptPaddling the Nile, Part 4: The Home StretchTue, 02 Jul 2019 16:47:44 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/paddling-the-nile-egypthttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-africa/egypt/ecotourism-and-endangered-wildlife-in-egyptHere are few ways you can play a positive role towards supporting the environment as a traveler in Egypt.2011-11-16T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-africa/egypt/ecotourism-and-endangered-wildlife-in-egypthttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#wildlife"> History and Wildlife </a></li> <li><a href="#wadi-al-hitan"> Wadi Al-Hitan </a></li> <li><a href="#losses"> Despite the Losses </a></li> <li><a href="#but-how"> How Can I Play a Positive Role as a Traveler? </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="wildlife">History and Wildlife</h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Egypt’s heritage has always been about its history – Ancient Egyptians, their pyramids, temples and tombs. But Egypt’s wildlife is just as remarkable, and even more critical. Egypt is finding that a tourist industry that doesn’t support or consider its impact on the environment is unsustainable, and a shift toward ecotourism is an opportunity for the country to look toward a flourishing future.</span></p> <h2 id="wadi-al-hitan">Wadi Al-Hitan</h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Among the well known United Nations UNESCO World Heritage sites in Egypt – the <strong>Great Pyramids in Giza</strong>, the <strong>Theban Necropolis </strong>in Luxor, <strong>Abu Simbel</strong> in the south and <strong>Saint Catherine’s </strong>in the Sinai – there is one you may not have heard of: <strong>Wadi Al-Hitan</strong>, otherwise known as <strong>Whale Valley</strong> in the Western Desert. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>You won’t find man-made structures of awe-inspiring significance, and you won’t find an ocean of whales. An ecotour into the desert reveals a site of invaluable fossils of prehistoric cetaceans. The extinct whale known as Archaeoceti is the earliest ancestor of today’s whales. Yet the Archaeoceti is certainly not the only example of extinction in Egypt. Throughout temples and tombs, carved reliefs and the hieroglyphics of Ancient Egyptians portray an array of animals – lions and cheetahs, oryx and ibis, papyrus and lotus flowers… All were once natives to Egypt and thrived. But all have suffered extinction, or near extinction, in modern times.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> The Nubian Lion – which once ranged from Morocco to Egypt, was last seen in the 1920s. The Saharan Cheetah is “possibly” extinct according to IUCN, with rare glimpses every few years leaving a grain of hope. The Arabian Oryx – with a similar fate to the Egyptian Barbary Sheep – went extinct in the wild, but has been salvaged in zoos. Certain members of the ibis bird family are gone, while others like the endangered Hermit Ibis, no longer frequent Egypt. And in the late 1800s the infamous Egyptian Papyrus Plant disappeared, followed by the Lotus Flower in the Nile Valley, due to the changing influences of modern irrigation systems, dams and the loss of swamps. (Fortunately, papyrus was reintroduced by the 20th century thanks to a few European specimens.) Today, such plants can be seen in ornamental gardens, such as the lovely pond in front of the Egyptian Antiquities Museum in <strong>Cairo</strong>.</span> </p> <h2 id="losses">Despite the Losses</h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Egypt is still rich with an incredible array of invaluable wildlife that is as varied as its numerous geographical terrains: from the Fennec Fox of the Western Desert to the Cattle Egret of the lush <strong>Nile Valley</strong>, the Nile Crocodile in <strong>Lake Nasser</strong> to the grazing Dugong of the <strong>Red Sea</strong>. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Today, efforts are being made to preserve these unique habitats and their fauna, and throughout the country one finds optimistic conservation work being performed: coral reef monitoring programs, Egyptian Tortoise and Green Sea Turtle preservation projects, and Acacia Tree rehabilitation to name a few. Protected areas are appearing all over, from the legendary Sinai Peninsula to the Great Sand Sea of the Saharan Desert. And ecotourism is an opportunity for tourism - Egypt's most vital industry - to become sustainable, to support and give back to the environment, and find a means to have a lower impact.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Just as the billions of birds that migrate through the country each year play a role in Egypt’s ecosystem, the millions of tourist that come to Egypt also have an impact. Ecotourism transforms the viewpoint of responsibility, empowering the tourist with the opportunity to choose a means of travel that is positive for the environment. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Everyone stands to gain from the benefits of responsible ecotourism.<br /><span></span></p> <h2 id="but-how">Here Are Few Examples of How You Can Play a Positive Role Towards Supporting the Environment As a Visitor to Egypt:</h2> <ul> <li>Enjoy at least one wildlife excursion, whether bird watching on the Nile or snorkeling in the Red Sea. The value you place on the environment you are sightseeing stimulates a local interest for protection, conservation and education. A journey to the Western Desert to catch a glimpse of the adorable Fennec Fox will inhibit further hunting of this endangered species.</li> <li>Hire local guides to support jobs, their communities and further education. Bird watching guides and Nile River experts abound, and park rangers at various preserves are available for questions and advise. Be wary of tour operators who are not sensitive to the local communities, wildlife conservation or environmental impact.</li> <li>Utilize local transportation such as buses and trains for your sightseeing tour. A hot air balloon over Luxor, a felluca boat journey down the Nile, or a camel ride in the desert is a wonderful way to have a unique and low-impact experience. Keep in mind, a slower journey will have a lower impact, and is much more relaxing.</li> <li>Stay at an eco-lodge which are owned, constructed and managed by the local people. There are numerous options throughout the Sinai and coastal areas, and an excellent way to meet likeminded adventurous people. Or try to find locally-run hotels that have water and conservation policies.</li> <li><span>Support conservation programs by visiting their programs or volunteering for a few days. Red Sea monitoring and rehabilitation programs are an incredible opportunity to explore underwater coral reefs or encounter endangered sea turtles. Such programs can give you a unique, exciting experience, while providing accommodations, transportation and meals.</span> </li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The ancients venerated their natural environment. From cats to cattle, crocodile to cobras, images of wildlife are carved adoringly into the walls of temples and tombs, allowing a glimpse into a time when man and wildlife flourished together. Today, people – governments, locals and tourists – must work together if the environment is to thrive and survive. Egypt’s heritage is as much about it’s archeological past as it is about its ecological future.</span></p> <p><strong>About the Author</strong></p> <p>Dominique Navarro is a writer and natural history illustrator for <a href="http://www.mantapublications.com/" target="_blank">MANTA PUBLICATIONS</a> which produces natural history books, posters, and the WEEKEND NATURALIST and TRAVELING NATURALIST field guides, for schools, museums, eco- tourism and ecology programs. View her website <a href="http://www.dominiquenavarro.com/htmldom/Ecology.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>iStock/oversnap 0183239241 iStock River Nile

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-africa/egypt/5-tips-to-digging-and-living-in-south-asasif-egyptDominique Navarro shares five lessons she learned while digging her way through the foothills of South Asasif.2011-11-06T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-africa/egypt/5-tips-to-digging-and-living-in-south-asasif-egypthttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>"Welcome to Alaska!" I was greeted upon arrival in <a href="/travel-safety/north-africa/egypt/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-egypt" target="_blank">Luxor, Egypt</a>.</p> <p>Working in the depths of a temple tomb excavation at the foothills of South Asasif in 114 degree heat, dense white dust soaking into my sweaty Egyptian cotton shirt, the last thing I would expect is the inability to stop laughing. I was in awe of the strength and endurance of a team of over 80 local men, hauling hefty loads of rubble on their shoulders in cumbersome rubber baskets ascending a steep plank of wood out of the tomb, and descending with massive limestone blocks tied with ropes and a dozen men easing them down. Yet I was more shocked by their attitude: despite the sun and hardship of their labor, these guys knew how to laugh. I couldn't understand the nature of all their jokes (and possibly some of them were about me) but to share in their amusement was welcomed and I was embraced as a member of the team.</p> <p>Lesson one: keep your sense of humor! This applies to almost every (potentially awkward) <a href="/travel-safety/north-africa/egypt/women-travelling-in-egypt" target="_blank">encounter you might have with the locals</a>. </p> <ul> <li><a href="#slow-down"> Slow Down, You're in Egypt </a></li> <li><a href="#gratitude"> Show Gratitude </a></li> <li><a href="#memories"> Take Home Memories in Egypt </a></li> <li><a href="#optimistic"> Be Optimistic </a></li> <li><a href="#just-go"> Into the Unknown </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="slow-down">1. Slowly, slowly...</h2> <p>Being from Los Angeles, with its deadlines and traffic, and a clock always ticking, it's part of my nature to rush. But in Egypt, I learned another kind of pace. Whether walking down the road to catch the ferry across the Nile, or digging for fragments of hieroglyphics from the debris in the tomb, I was reminded again and again, "slowly, slowly". Taking the advice, I found I could endure the sun's beating and work longer. Walking leisurely allowed me time to look around, carry-on a conversation with strangers, and find myself in unusual new circumstances. One afternoon, I made friends with a felluca captain who made me a glass of hot karkaday on his boat, and in silence to the sway of the Nile beneath us, we enjoyed the sun setting over the West Bank. I had places to go and people to meet, but it is a memory I will never forget.</p> <h2 id="gratitude">2. Shukran</h2> <p>Gratitude can take you far, and I've never been so grateful for the hospitable nature of strangers. Walking in the afternoon heat to get to the East Bank for errands, when most of the town is napping and a taxi isn't available for hours, I received countless rides from perfect strangers. Perhaps this shouldn't be recommended as "safe" but after a month living in Luxor I had encountered nothing but kindness. Spontaneously one morning I caught a ride with an American couple who were being driven to Abu Simbel (with the lack of tourists this year, flights to southern Egypt have been cancelled). I had no idea how lengthy the trip would be: 14 hours of driving roundtrip. But the two hours we spent at the remote temples of Abu Simbel were well worth it; standing alone in the Holy of Holies facing the four sculpted figures of Ra-Horakhty, King Ramesses II, Amun-Ra and Ptah, I truly felt like a time traveler. The long drive home was filled with deep, overwhelmed exhaustion, and when our tireless driver stopped in a little town along the way to invigorate himself with a cup of hot tea, I joined him, thanking him profusely for his zealous driving: "<em>Shukran! Shukran!</em>" He was pleased, and shared his tea with me. (I also made sure to give him a good tip!)</p> <h2 id="memories">3. Habibi Illa'Abed</h2> <p>Most memorable of all the imagery I was immersed in each day - the Nile River flowing gently through the city, the mountains cradling their ancient tombs, and the people working tranquilly in their fields amongst flocks of cattle egret - I adored the infinite depictions of love painted and carved with devotion by Ancient Egyptians in all of their temples and tombs. Pharaohs embrace their wives, or kneel in adoration to their gods and goddesses. Animals are worshipped and idolized. All of life seems a celebration of harmony between the stars, the earth and its perfected beings. To glimpse their joys and passions so many thousands of centuries later made me reflect on my own life and values, and I feel humbled and inspired to be more devout toward this experience of life. Lesson four: take something home with you, spiritually speaking.</p> <h2 id="optimistic">4. Insha'Allah</h2> <p>God willing, everyone seems to say about almost everything. It is a way of expressing hope, faith and fate, which - to me - describes the Egyptian personality completely. In a country facing so many political unknowns and poverty at every turn, it is amazing to find so much optimism. I left Egypt with amazing memories, new friends, and a fresh faith in life. "<em>Insha'Allah</em> you come back", my Egyptian friends told me.</p> <h2 id="just-go">5. And Finally...</h2> <p>Be optimistic and trust in the unknown that lies ahead. </p> <p><strong>About the Author </strong></p> <p>Dominique Navarro has worked as Art Director in the documentary television and film industry for nearly a decade for programs featured on the <i>History Channel</i>, <i>Discovery</i> and <i>National Geographic</i>. The diversity of her assignments has led to an unusual journey working with everyone from the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office to the US Marine Corps, and working everywhere from the Salton Sea to NASA. She is also a forensic artist creating law enforcement composite sketches and reconstructions from the skull of unidentified persons and ancient archeological remains. You can view her website portfolio at <a href="http://www.dominiquenavarro.com" target="_blank">www.dominiquenavarro.com</a></p> <p><o:p></o:p></p>Getty Images/oversnap 1183521338 Getty Images Avenue of Sphinxes, Egypt

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-africa/egypt/things-to-do-and-see-in-egyptNomad Cassandra shares her expert tips for Egypt travel: the best things to see and do, when to go, how to get around, local etiquette, and why it's so worth visiting.2023-12-08T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-africa/egypt/things-to-do-and-see-in-egypthttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Egypt is so much more than Cairo’s bustling bazaars and the great Pyramids of Giza. Luxor welcomes travelers to the tombs of the pharaohs, and Aswan explores Nubian culture – both ancient and present-day – while Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada are offer <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance">scuba diving</a>, snorkeling, and <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/surfing">windsurfing</a> for adventurous travelers.</p> <p>My first trip to Egypt was seven years ago. I loved it so much that I went on to visit multiple times and, through my travel company, help other travelers organize trips there. My most recent visit was in 2022, when I was in Cairo, Alexandria, Sharm el Sheikh, and Hurghada, researching several chapters for an Egypt guidebook. Here’s what to know before you go and how to plan your trip to Egypt.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#time">The best time to visit Egypt</a></li> <li><a href="#culture">Culture and etiquette rules</a></li> <li><a href="#see">What to see and do in Egypt</a></li> <li><a href="#transport">Transportation in Egypt</a></li> <li><a href="#guided">Guided vs independent travel in Egypt</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="time">The best time to visit Egypt</h2> <p>The best time to go to Egypt depends largely on your tolerance for heat and crowds. October-April tend to offer the best weather, though December-February can get very crowded due to the lower temperatures (think 50s–60s Fahrenheit during the day and 40s-50s at night). May-August can be oppressively hot (think endless days above 100 degrees), so to avoid extreme temperatures and larger crowds, plan your visit during the two shoulder seasons, October-November and March-April.</p> <h2 id="culture">Culture and etiquette rules in Egypt</h2> <h3>Dress code</h3> <p>Women have no specific dress code in Egypt and they’re not required to cover their heads, but you should dress conservatively and cover your shoulders and knees. Areas that receive a lot of tourists, particularly beach destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, tend to be a bit more relaxed, but women should still avoid wearing tight leggings, see-through shirts, crop tops, and skirts cut above the knee. Shorts and swimsuits are allowed at beaches, hotel pools, and resorts, but avoid skimpy bikinis that expose your breasts and butt.</p> <h3>Respect for religion</h3> <p>Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, and many people are very religious. Should you visit places of religious significance, such as the country’s many mosques, respect whatever rules and customs are in place (such as removing shoes and women covering their heads). Dress modestly, behave courteously, and follow the lead of locals. <a href="/explore/worldwide/traveling-muslim-countries-ramadan">Visiting during Ramadan</a> can be a unique cultural experience that locals are very happy to share with you, and though you won’t be expected to fast, you may be asked not to eat in front of those fasting.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/egypt/cairo-mosque.jpg" alt="Mosque of Sultan Hassan in Cairo." /> <figcaption>Mosque of Sultan Hassan in Cairo. Image credit: Getty Images / ugurhan</figcaption></figure> <h3>Cultural no-nos</h3> <p>Taking pictures of people without consent is considered rude in any country, including Egypt (see these <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/how-to-take-photos-responsibly">responsible photography tips</a> to learn more). It is especially offensive to photograph Bedouin women (who you may encounter in the Sinai Peninsula), and children, who you’ll surely encounter everywhere.</p> <p>As Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, some of their religious rules could impact your travel. For instance, it will be very hard to find alcohol in smaller cities (and even in larger cities during Ramadan). Couples may also be prohibited from renting a hotel room together unless they are married. Large resorts in big cities might look the other way, but independent establishments in smaller towns won’t.</p> <h3>Tipping in Egypt</h3> <p>Restaurant tipping is expected in Egypt and should be at least 10-15%. Even if you do not tip in your home country, understand that tipping is expected here, and many service staff rely on it as part of their living wage. Some restaurants automatically add a service charge onto the bill, but as this typically goes to the restaurant management (and not the server), be sure to also tip your server directly.</p> <p>Tour guides, scuba instructors, drivers and all other service providers should also be tipped. The amount you leave will depend on how much time you spend with them and whether you’re part of a group or private tour. If it’s a group tour, you might leave 50-100 LE (about $1.50-3 USD), but if you’re on a private tour, you may leave 150-200 LE (about $3-7 USD). Local currency is preferred, but if all you have are USD or Euros, leaving that is better than nothing.</p> <h3>Public displays of affection</h3> <p>Excessive public displays of affection are frowned upon in much of the Middle East, including Egypt. This is particularly the case among same-sex couples. Homosexuality isn’t officially illegal here, but it is frowned upon. Regardless of who your partner is (and whether you’re legally married or not), excessive caressing, intense kissing, or any other “extreme” PDA should be avoided.</p> <h2 id="see">What to see and do in Egypt</h2> <p>If you only have a week in Egypt, you’ll probably want to split your time between big city Cairo (where you’ll find the famous <a href="https://www.introducingegypt.com/khan-el-khalili" target="_blank">Khan el-Khalili bazaar</a>, a million majestic mosques, gorgeous churches in Coptic Cairo, and the nearby Pyramids of Giza) and “everywhere else.” With only seven days, you could fit in a few days in Luxor, where you can visit the Valley of the Kings and maybe even take a hot air balloon ride over them. You might also be able to fit in Aswan, where you can hop around islands, visit cliff-side carvings left by Nubian royalty, and catch the sound and light show at Philae Temple.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/egypt/markets-in-cairo-egypt-gettyimages-annapurna-mellor.jpg" alt="Markets in Cairo." /> <figcaption><span>Khan el-Khalili bazaar in</span> Cairo. Photo credit: Getty Images/Annapurna Mellor</figcaption></figure> <p>Most travelers won’t make it to Aswan within a single seven-day trip, but if you have more time (or if it’s your second time visiting Egypt), definitely <a href="/explore/north-africa/egypt/wonders-of-upper-egypt">consider lesser-visited sites along the upper Nile</a>, including the impressive Abu Simbel temples near the Sudanese border. Fans of swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving would do well adding in either Sharm el-Sheikh (which is smaller but much more walkable) or Hurghada (which is larger and more spread out but which is better for windsurfing).</p> <h2 id="transport">Transportation in Egypt</h2> <p>There are many ways to get around Egypt, including taxi, private car, bus, train, plane, and ferry. However, the viability of each of these options changes from time to time. For instance, trains used to be a quick and stress-free way to get from Cairo to Alexandria, but constant construction and delays mean the bus is now much better. In general, buses are a safe way to get between cities, though the terminals are sometimes in an inconvenient part of town that requires a taxi to get to.</p> <p>Though friends and I have driven or taken buses to/from the Sinai Peninsula, this part of Egypt does sometimes experience violence, so check the security warnings before your trip. Also, keep in mind that buses can be significantly slowed down when crossing into the Sinai Peninsula due to so many security checkpoints.</p> <p>Daily flights are available from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh, and prices are quite affordable. Within cities, you can rely on certified taxis (have your hotel help you call one if needed) or on Uber, which is safe but not as reliable as it is in other countries. Careem is a more reliable local alternative to Uber. Technically, there’s a ferry that runs from Sinai to Jordan, but it’s been out of service for a few years, and nobody knows when it will start up again.</p> <h2 id="guided">Guided vs independent travel in Egypt</h2> <p>Joining a group tour means you’ll lose some freedom and flexibility, but you’ll also be paired with a knowledgeable guide who can share the local history, culture, and customs. They can also whisk you around mosques, museums, bazaars, pyramids, and other sites far more easily and efficiently than you could do alone. Cairo is sprawling, and it’s impossible to immediately assume the required knowledge and transportation network to see it all within a short time frame, so the city is a good opportunity to sign up for day trips or even multi-day tours.</p> <p>Nile cruises are a tempting way to get to know Egypt and there are loads of options, from high-end 12-day trips that include flights to/from Cairo (where there also included activities), to more affordable 3-day jaunts. Most cruises are between Luxor and Aswan, though you can find a handful of departures from Cairo, which are much longer trips. Unlike ocean ships that have thousands of people, Nile cruises usually only have a few dozen (or hundred) cabins.</p> <p>Independent travel is possible in Egypt, but it requires a lot of time and effort to review maps, navigate transportation options, look for guides, barter with drivers, and understand shifting timetables at various attractions. As such, joining an organized tour (be it by car or cruise) can dramatically simplify the process. If you’re on the fence about the matter, consider booking an organized tour for the first part of the trip to help you get settled, and then spend the rest of the trip traveling on your own.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/egypt/kom-ombo-egypt-gettyimages-ewastudio.jpg" alt="Kom Ombo temple at sunset on the Nile." /> <figcaption>Kom Ombo Temple, on the Nile between Aswan and Luxor, at sunset. Photo credit: Getty Images/ewastudio</figcaption></figure>Getty Images/Nick Brundle Photography 0 Walking between massive stone columns in a temple in Egypt.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-africa/egypt/october-moulid-of-sayyed-ahmed-al-badawi-egyptFind out how to navigate the chaos of two million pilgrims at Tanta, in Egypt's Nile Delta, at the end of the cotton harvest in late October.2009-09-17T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-africa/egypt/october-moulid-of-sayyed-ahmed-al-badawi-egypthttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#location"> Location </a></li> <li><a href="#dates"> Dates </a></li> <li><a href="#description"> Description </a></li> <li><a href="#participation"> Level of Participation </a></li> <li><a href="#essentials"> Essentials </a></li> <li><a href="#attractions"> Other Local Attractions </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="location">Location</h2> <p>Tanta, Egypt</p> <h2 id="dates">Dates</h2> <p>At the end of the cotton harvest in late October.</p> <h2 id="description">Description</h2> <p>One of Egypt’s most important <em>moulids</em> (religious festivals), held at Tanta in the Nile Delta, honours a Moroccan Sufi who fought the Crusaders in the 13th century. Some two million pilgrims arrive from across the Arab world to pay their respects at the main mosque, which holds al-Badawi’s tomb.</p> <p>In the resulting chaos, snake charmers induce cobras out of baskets, barbers perform mass circumcisions and hawkers flog <em>Tartours</em> (cone-shaped hats) and <em>fanous</em> (lanterns). Children are presented at the shrine to be blessed and the sick to be cured. It’s like a funfare with religious intensity thrown in.</p> <p>While munching some of the popular sugar-coated nuts called ‘<em>hubb el Azziz</em>’ (‘seeds of the Beloved Prophet’), you might pass a hypnotic Sufi <em>zikr</em> ceremony taking place in a colourful tent. Hoping to achieve oneness with god by chanting and clapping their way into a trance, participants stand in swaying lines with their rhythmic hand-claps gradually increasing in intensity. As the ceremony climaxes, they suddenly come to, sweating and blinking.</p> <h2 id="participation">Level of Participation</h2> <p>2 – wander among snake charmers and entranced Sufis.</p> <h2 id="essentials">Essentials</h2> <p>Women should be escorted by men and valuables kept in a safe place. If you don’t fancy bedding down in the Sufi tent city, do a day-trip from Cairo, 90km south.</p> <h2 id="attractions">Other Local Attractions</h2> <p>Egypt’s largest camel market is held at Birqash, 35km northwest of Cairo.</p> <p><strong>More Info</strong>: <a href="http://www.egypt.travel/" target="_blank">Visit Egypt.Travel for more information.</a></p>iStock/Mekhamer 0589955622 iStock Khan al-Khalili Bazaar