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Egypt has so much (unknown) history, the landscapes are stunning, the food is delicious, the people (outside the touristic areas) are so friendly, diving there is unbelievable, there’s a desert, etc.
There is much to know about this country. That’s why in this blog I write about the following:
General information about Egypt
Egypt is a perfect travel destination to discover some mystery but you need to know that there is also a lot of poverty. Besides poverty there are conflicts in Egypt, but overall it’s safe to visit the country as a tourist. Just use your common sense and don’t do things you wouldn’t do in another country.
Some general information that you need to know:
- Capital: Cairo
- Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP)
- Official language: Arabic
- Largest religion: Sunni Muslim
- Neighboring countries: occupied Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip, Israel, Libya, and Sudan
- Surface: 1.002 km2
- Inhabitants: 104.3 million (2021)
- National day: 23 July
Have you ever heard of the Nile River? It’s a river that flows through Egypt. In fact, it flows over 6,600 kilometers from the South to the North through Eastern Africa and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile River is one of the longest rivers in the world, how awesome is that?
This river is important in Egypt because the river gives fertile land, food and electricity. It was also an ideal location for the papyrus plant. This plant can be used in many ways. The Ancient Egyptians used the plant to make clothing, rope, boxes and paper. The Nile River was used for many things and they still use it. They use the river for drinking, recreation, farms, transportation, etc.
The Nile River is really important in Egypt and you can do a cruise on the Nile or just take a boat tour. Besides the Nile there are also the magnificent monuments, the long past, the desert, the food, etc.
I will give some other information that you need to know before you go to Egypt:
- Standard Arabic is also the liturgical language of Islam.
- Islam is the majority religion in Egypt and also the state religion.
- You always have to give a tip in Egypt. 5 EGP or 20 EGP is enough! You can also give 50 or 100 EGP but don’t go higher than 200 EGP!!
- Wear decent clothes. You can wear whatever you want in touristic areas but covering your knees and shoulders, it shows respect for their culture.
- A must try food is Koshary.
- Definitely try shisha if you’re open to it.
- Most people do a cruise on the Nile, it’s the perfect way to discover Egypt.
Weather and landscape in Egypt
Egypt can get hot during the summer months and gets a bit chilly during the winter months. The best period is around Easter, April, or around October, when it’s hot but not too hot. If you go in the winter months it can get a good temperature during the day, around 20 degrees Celcius but in the evening it can get quite chilly around 10 degrees Celcius. So don’t forget to bring a warm pair of pants, sweaters and a jacket.
Tip: when you visit Egypt during the summer you need to be prepared for the heat. Drink enough water and bring enough sun protection.
In the South the landscape has low mountains and of course desert. The North has some wide valleys and more to the east and west there is desert again. Along the Nile there is fertile land and you will see many farms there.
Transport in Egypt
You can do a cruise on the Nile River. There are a lot of cruise ships and they will make a stop at the most beautiful places. It’s possible to drive a car in Egypt but then you need to inform yourself. There are checkpoints at almost every city where you need to stop and where they check up on you. The driving is also crazy so it’s best to be prepared before you decide to rent a car.
Another way to visit different places is with a taxi, train or busses. The train is perfect for when you’re on a budget. You can find information about trains in Egypt on this site. The bus is also a great way to travel through Egypt. Some busses drive crazy and sometimes an attack happens on a bus. I know an attack can always happen and it can happen anywhere, but in Egypt it’s safer to take a taxi instead of a bus.
You can use GetTransfer to get a taxi. You can enter your search, after which different drivers will reply with an offer and you can choose the lowest price and/or the best rating. You need to look at the reviews of the drivers and how many reviews because that’s important, you want a good taxi driver.
Egypt is so big and there is so much to do in this country. The most important places and must visit will be discussed in the blog The things you can do in the mysterious Egypt.
