10 reasons to visit Egypt.
Exploring the pyramids, temples, and tombs on my Egypt trip was awesome…
What a great way to learn about ancient Egypt...
I would be lying if I said my whole solo trip went smoothly though, but that is for another blog!
Here are ten reasons to visit Egypt…
So you can walk with the pharaohs, and uncover the secrets from an ancient world.
Egypt is a fascinating country with relics which take people a whole lifetime to decipher, but here are some of the best places to start!
Inside a tomb in Saqqara Necropolis.
Learn about ancient Egypt in the Museums.
Egypt is abundant with museums that cover every aspect of the country’s ancient history.
The mysterious nation has a total of 72 museums across 19 governorates, and the best place to start your exploring is in Cairo.
As with most visitor trips, I started my Egypt adventure with a city break in Cairo, and I based myself in Tahrir Square, in an awesome hotel.
The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is located in the famous square and should be one of the first activities on your Egypt itinerary.
Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.
The famous Egyptian museum is the largest in Africa, and home to over 120,000 artefacts. Its building has been standing for over 120 years since it was first constructed in 1901.
Across two levels, you will find a range of original statues, sarcophaguses, exhibitions, and information boards.
Make no mistake, there is a lot to take in, so if you want the best experience, you should visit on an official tour.
I found that visiting the Egyptian Museum first thing in the morning made my experience more enjoyable, as the crowds had not arrived yet.
Look out for the special room dedicated to King Tutankhamun, which is home to his original treasure that was found with his mummy in his tomb at Valley of the Kings in Luxor.
Other notable museums in the popular cities across Egypt are:
Luxor Museum.
The Coptic Museum.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (coming soon).
Mummification Museum.
Nubian Museum.
Al Manial Palace.
Alexandria National Museum.
The centre piece of the main exhibition room in the Egyptian Musuem.
Mummification Museum in Luxor.
A whole museum dedicated to the mummification processes of Ancient Egypt!
Although small in size, this museum offers an awesome experience, as it is immaculate and has a relaxed ambience.
It is home to some original mummies, including a famous priest, baboon and a crocodile.
You will definitely leave this museum with some good knowledge of why and how mummies were preserved.
I know I did!
A smaller statue in Cairo.
A statue in the Nubian Museum in Aswan.
Nubian Museum in Aswan.
If you travel down the Nile to the southern city of Aswan, you will get a taste of Nubia, for sure!
Although their population is gradually reducing over time, there are still upwards of 100,000 Nubian people living in Aswan, so you will definitely enjoy some interactions with them.
I found the Nubian people to be the kindest people throughout Egypt.
The Nubian Museum is a good place to start in Aswan, as its wonderfully organised Museum displays the whole history of the Nubians in chronological order.
I found it to be a nice refreshing break from the baking Aswan heat.
Pay your respects to the pharaohs of yesteryear at their tombs.
The importance which the ancient Egyptians placed on the afterlife is displayed throughout the beautiful tombs in Egypt.
There are thousands of elaborately decorated tombs throughout the country.
I enjoyed observing the alabaster tombs at Saqqara Necropolis near Cairo.
They don’t quite have the reputation of the famous Luxor tombs, however, they will take you on a fascinating journey back into ancient times!
A tomb at Saqqara.
A tomb in Cairo.
The famous Luxor West Bank Necropolises.
The Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens need no introduction, as they are one of the biggest draws for global visitors.
Across the two sites, there are close to 150 discovered tombs so far, with many more expected to be found in future excavation projects.
Although you can only visit a handful of them, you can still feel the grandness and magnificence of the sites, as you wander from tomb to tomb, and enjoy the finer details of each one, that makes them all unique.
The most well preserved one is ‘Seti I's tomb’, which is still covered in vibrant colours and beautiful detailed art.
Entering a tomb at Valley of the Kings in Luxor.
Meeting King Tut.
Before heading over to Egypt, I picked out some bucket list activities, and visiting the tomb of Tutankhamun was one of the first on my list.
So when I finally entered his tomb and came face to face with his original 3300 year old mummy, I was slightly starstruck.
I had been taught so much about the famous Pharaoh in school.
I think it is kind of weird how his mummy is on display for the world to see, but it’s a cool thing to do while you are in Luxor!
King Tut’s 3300 year old Mummy.
Uncover some mysteries at the Egyptian Pyramids.
You can’t visit Egypt without a trip to the mysterious pyramids.
They are everything you imagined, and will really set your mind racing, as it is unbelievable that civilisations thousands of years ago could achieve such perfection in engineering.
It is said that the construction of the Giza pyramids likely to have involved massive ramps made of earth and brick, which were extended as the pyramid grew taller.
Workers then hauled enormous stones up these ramps using sleds, rollers, and levers.
I preferred to think of the more crazy rumours as I explored!
The Pyramids of Giza.
A trip to the Giza Plateau to admire the most famous pyramids in the world, is a must on your Cairo itinerary.
I visited without a guide and enjoyed a wander round all three pyramids, a camel ride to the popular viewpoint, and I also entered inside the third pyramid.
You can enter inside all three pyramids, but I found the queues and prices for the Great Pyramid were off putting.
I also managed to climb onto the third step of the Great Pyramid to enjoy sitting on the last remaining ancient wonder!
You should be prepared for the scam heavy locals approaching you throughout your time at the site.
Selfie at the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Visiting the oldest pyramid in the world.
Less than 30km from the Pyramids of Giza lies another fascinating pyramid.
The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara is the oldest known pyramid in the world!
I found its unique step design to be very interesting, especially after spending a couple of hours at the traditional Giza pyramids.
It was a welcome change, as was the lack of crowds, and reduced hassle from the locals.
The step pyramid is said to be over 4500 years old, and was the initial pyramid design for the Pharaohs final resting places, following the famous ancient architect, Imhotep’s vision.
The pyramids were later changed to the well known Giza style.
The Oldest Pyramid in the world at Saqqara.
Here are some resources to plan your Egypt trip:
Cheap Accommodation - Booking.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld.com.
Reasonable flights - Kiwi.com
Best tour operators - Getyourguide.com, Viator.com.
Travel insurance - Klook.com.
Local sim cards - Airalo.com.
Rental cars - Rentalcars.com.
Enjoy a camel ride with the locals.
One of the best things to do in Egypt is to enjoy a scenic camel ride across one of the many famous landmarks.
Although camels were not used as transport in ancient civilisations, they have been part of Egyptian culture for many centuries.
It is thought that foreign conquerors such as ‘Alexander the Great’ brought camels to Egypt in larger numbers, to use to navigate the harsh conditions of the desert landscapes.
I noticed many children riding camels unsupervised in Aswan, which I found to be a unique, and very authentic travel experience!
Locals riding camels in the Nubian Village in Aswan.
The best spots to ride a camel in Egypt.
Giza Pyramids.
This is probably the most popular spot for camel rides in Egypt. You'll find many vendors offering rides around the pyramids for a fee. This location is scam heavy, so be careful!
Luxor.
Camel rides are also popular in Luxor, where you can ride them around the Karnak Temple complex or other ancient ruins.
Hurghada.
If you're looking for a camel ride along the beach, Hurghada is a great option. Many resorts in Hurghada offer camel rides as part of their all-inclusive packages.
Sharm El Sheikh.
Similar to Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh offers camel rides along the beach or as part of desert safari tours.
White Desert.
The White Desert, located in the Farafra Oasis, is a unique and otherworldly landscape where you can experience a camel trek through the desert dunes
Nubian Village.
In Aswan, you can ride a camel through the Nubian villages, alongside the locals, including children.
The iconic shot.
Temple hop in Luxor.
Luxor, once known as ‘Thebes’ is home to some of the best temples in Egypt, which are spread across both banks of the river Nile.
Known as a temple city, Luxor is popular with International tourists wanting to observe the remains of the sites, which have remarkably aged well, and give us some indication of the lives of the pharaohs.
East Bank Luxor Temples.
The two main temples located on the East Bank are Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple.
Karnak Temple.
The historic Karnak Temple was constructed, and developed over the period of 1000 years by over 30 different pharaohs, so it is fair to say it is impressive.
Despite its age, the Great Hypostyle Hall boasts giant columns, all featuring intricate carvings.
Luxor Temple.
Closer to the popular restaurants, shops, and hotels, Luxor Temple stands on the East bank of the Nile, and offers a very scenic setting. Famously, Luxor Temple has had influences on it from King Tut and Alexander the Great.
The Avenue of Sphinx used to connect both Karnak and Luxor Temple in ancient times, and still has many of the original sphinx statues for you to enjoy
The best Luxor landmarks tour for you to enjoy:
Luxor: East & West Bank Temples Private Tour with Tickets.
You can just sit back and enjoy as you are chauffeured around the best ancient sites in Luxor for a full day.
You will visit Karnak, Luxor, Temple of Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings, and most tours stop by the Colossi of Memnon.
This tour includes return transport from your accommodation, entrance tickets, and a knowledgeable guide to show you around.
I wouldn’t book this full day tour if you are travelling from Cairo by night train. You will be tired, so save the best tour for when you are fresh!
West Bank Luxor Temples.
Although the West Bank side of the city is more famed for the famous Necropolises it is home to several impressive temples.
Here are the two best ones:
Temple of Hatshepsut.
Also known as ‘Djeser-Djeseru’, the Temple of Hatshepsut is famous for its picturesque setting, being carved into the ‘Deir el-Bahari’ cliffs on the West Bank of Luxor.
Covering three levels, the iconic structure was built in dedication to Queen Hatshepsut, and showcases the history of Hatshepsut and the creator god Amun throughout.
There was something special about approaching the famous stair walkway leading up to the entrance.
Medinet Habu.
Medinet Habu Temple is one of my favourite temples in Luxor, and is very underrated.
The impressive temple complex is home to the ‘Mortuary Temple of Ramses III’, which uniquely displays all of the pharaoh’s battle victories across the various pylons, and other areas.
Medinet Habu is off the beaten track, so make sure you choose a tour which includes it.
You won’t regret it!
Statues at Luxor Temple.
Other famous temples in Egypt.
There are many other popular temples in other destinations across Egypt, so here are a few for you to consider:
Philae Temple.
My favourite temple in Egypt. This Island temple is picture perfect and has its fair share of turbulence, including a relocation half a century ago.
Abu Simbel.
Located close to the border with Sudan, Abu Simbel is Egypt’s most southern wonder. Another temple which has been successfully relocated due to rising Nile waters as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
This one is a very popular day trip from Aswan.
Kom Ombo Temple.
A unique double temple honoring both the crocodile god Sobek and falcon god Horus. Explore its mirrored halls and marvel at the detailed carvings that stand as a testament to ancient Egyptian beliefs
Edfu Temple.
Step back in time at Edfu Temple, one of Egypt's most well-preserved temples. Be awestruck by its towering pylons and intricate hieroglyphs depicting the myths of falcon-headed god Horus.
A statue at Karnak Temple.
Selfie time.
Haggle like a local.
An awesome way to sample the local culture in Egypt is a trip to one of the famous bazaars.
You can expect chaos, loud noises, beautiful smells, and probably some heckling.
‘yo amigo’, ‘English boy’, ‘how much sir’, ‘best price for you’.
These are just some of the things that were shouted at me as I walked through the winding streets of the world famous Khan Khalili bazaar in Cairo.
If you visit with an open mind, some loose change, and some strong battering skills, you will walk out victorious with some bargains.
If this sort of environment is intimidating to you, there are official tours available to maximise your experience.
A shop in the Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo.
Luxor and Aswan markets.
Luxor and Aswan both have markets which are on a smaller scale and both offer different vibes.
Luxor Market is lively like Khan El-Khalili, but on a smaller scale, with the evening market offering far more entertainment than a day time visit.
I enjoyed tea with a local as I waited for my personalised souvenir to be completed. This felt like an authentic travel experience during my Egypt trip.
Aswan market is smaller and runs parallel to the main corniche of the city.
I found the bazaar in Aswan to be more of a local market with many spices, different clothing items, and fresh bread being some of the offerings.
I didn’t see as many tourists interacting with the market traders.
There are some nice coffee shops nearby to sit and watch the locals go about their daily lives.
A local carrying bread around the markets.
Learn about the Nubian way of life.
Welcome to Aswan, home to the Nubian people!
From the moment I stepped off the train from Luxor, I felt a different vibe to the city than Cairo and Luxor.
More tranquil, more smiles, however, it was definitely hotter!
If you want an authentic travel experience, then Elephantine Island should be your home for your time in the southern Egyptian city, as it is home to many Nubian owned guest homes.
I stayed in Bob Marley Guest House, which was an incredible experience, especially its terrace views of the river Nile.
Local life in a Nubian Village.
The Gharb Soheil village.
My favourite activity in Aswan was visiting the Gharb Soheil Nubian Village.
I gained valuable insights into ancient and modern day life in a Nubian village, as I wandered around the markets, enjoyed tea inside a Nubian home, and watched a music performance.
I found out that the Nubian people have a love for crocodiles, as way back in ancient times, they were sacred animals who are said to have protected the villages.
Although I did not see any real crocodiles on my trip, I saw model crocodiles, street art and crocodile themed menus.
Crocodile culture in Nubia is popular.
Learn the hieroglyphic language.
Try and crack the code of the Pharaohs on your Egyptian adventure!
While mastering hieroglyphics might take a lifetime, your trip can be a springboard for learning the basics. I noticed tour guides explaining some of the key hieroglyphs, including their meaning and the stories.
If you want to make the most of your time in the temples, you can pick up a hieroglyphic phrasebook or app before you visit.
This interactive approach brings ancient Egypt to life, transforming hieroglyphs from squiggles to a window into a lost civilization.
Remember, a few key symbols can spark a lifelong fascination with Egypt's rich history!
Some detailed hieroglyphics in Luxor.
My favourite hieroglyphics in Egypt.
Here's a rundown of some of the best places to see hieroglyphics in Egypt, catering to different interests:
For a grand spectacle.
Karnak Temple Complex is an open-air museum of hieroglyphics! Walk amongst towering structures adorned with detailed carvings and inscriptions, offering a glimpse into the vast knowledge of the pharaohs.
For the well-preserved details.
Temple of Seti I (Abydos) is renowned for its vibrant and well-preserved hieroglyphs depicting religious rituals and offerings. Prepare to be impressed by the intricate details and vivid colours.
For the historical significance.
The Rosetta Stone (Egyptian Museum, Cairo) is not technically in situ, but this key artefact unlocks the understanding of hieroglyphics. See the inscription in three writing systems (hieroglyphic, Demotic, and Ancient Greek) that allowed scholars to decipher the ancient language.
For the off-the-beaten-path experience.
Speos Artemidos Temple (Beni Hasan) is an underrated treasure outside of the major tourist hubs. This rock-cut temple has a unique collection of Middle Kingdom hieroglyphics, offering a glimpse into daily life and religious practices.
For temple variety.
Luxor Temple & Edfu Temple are two temples with a contrasting experience. Luxor Temple boasts dramatic hieroglyphic scenes depicting battles and victories, while Edfu Temple showcases well-preserved religious texts offering insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs.
More cool art in a tomb.
Learning from a local.
Cruise down the river Nile.
A very popular activity for International tourists visiting Egypt is to cruise down the Nile on an adventure into its ancient history.
Multiple sites include the famous temples of Luxor, the Nubian Villages of Aswan, and all of the historical landmarks in between.
There are many opportunities to sail on the Nile from the capital, all the way down to Aswan, with tours operating from afternoon trips, to month long cruises.
I noticed the Egypt flag flying high on most of the cruise ships on the Nile, as the locals show foreign tourists their way of life on the world’s most famous river.
Sailing on the River Nile in Aswan.
Sail on a felucca boat.
An awesome way to experience the river Nile is by enjoying a felucca ride.
The traditional wooden sailboats have a single triangular sail, and have been used in Egypt for over 1000 years.
Interestingly, The design of the felucca boat with its lateen sail resembles sailing vessels depicted in ancient Egyptian artwork.
Although I did not notice any of this art on my Egypt trip, it was a very enjoyable experience sailing around Aswan at sunset, knowing that ancient civilisations would have shared the same experience.
The river Nile in Luxor.
Grab your Sphinx selfie.
One of the funnest things to do in Egypt is head to the Sphinx at Giza and take the famous kissing photograph!
This mythical creature was carved from a single block of limestone around 2500 BC, and has stood watch over the Giza plateau ever since.
Its weathered face, part lion and part human, is instantly recognisable around the globe as the Sphinx is widely fabled, and used in many ancient Egyptian facts.
You will get to visit the Sphinx on your way out of the Giza Plateau, after enjoying the three main pyramids!
The famous Sphinx statue at Giza.
Don’t fancy Egypt? Maybe Jordan?
I will be surprised if you get to this point and you aren’t tempted by Egypt.
However, if that is the case, then look no further than Jordan, a mystical gem.
I enjoyed every part of my Jordan trip, as we toured all the highlights of the nation, across a shorter four day trip.
Here are some of the best things to do:
Sleep under the stars with the Bedouin people at Wadi Rum Desert.
It is time to get your flights booked and head to the Middle East!
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