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Planning a trip to Egypt as a first-time traveller can feel confusing, as the country has a lot to offer. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Red Sea beaches, there is a lot for visitors to explore. The best approach would be to keep your plan simple, select places according to the number of days you have, and avoid visiting too many places at once.
This easy Egypt travel guide covers all the necessary things that first-time travellers should know before visiting.
|
Travel Query |
Simple Answer |
|
Best time to visit |
October to April |
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Ideal Trip Duration |
7-10 days |
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Best starting City |
Cairo |
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Famous Route |
Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea |
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Primary Travel Interests |
History, culture, Nile views and beaches |
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Local Currency |
Egyptian Pound |
Summers can be extremely hot in Egypt, which can make your travel experience quite uncomfortable, especially for those who have less heat tolerance. For a more comfortable trip, visitors should plan their trip between October to April, which is generally considered the best time to visit Egypt.
However, if you’re travelling during summer, plan your outdoor visits either early in the morning or late afternoons when the heat is usually less intense.
A 7-10 day trip is an ideal choice for first-time travellers. On a short trip, you can cover the major highlights, while the longer trips give you time to include Southern Egypt as well, without feeling rushed.
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Trip Length |
Suggested Plan |
What You Can Cover |
|
5-day trip |
Cairo and Luxor |
Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and Valley of the Kings |
|
7-day trip |
Cairo, Luxor and Aswan |
Main Cairo sights, Luxor’s temples and tombs, Philae Temple, Nile views, felucca rides, and an Abu Simbel day trip |
|
10-day trip |
Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea |
Ancient sites, snorkelling and diving in the Nile River, and beach time in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh or Marsa Alam |
Domestic flights are the fastest and convenient transportation option if you want to travel between Cairo, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Trains and buses are also commonly used between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. A Nile cruise is a popular option for travellers wanting to explore different sites at a slower pace and enjoyable way.
Travellers can also use reliable taxis and cabs through trusted apps. Pre-booked transfers for airports, railway stations and long-distance day trips are an ideal option for first-time travellers
As Egypt mostly faces intense heat during summers, travellers should pack light and comfortable clothes.
Other useful things to carry include:
Tip: Dress modestly, especially in religious sites, local markets and traditional places.
Keeping cash handy can be very useful for street shopping, taking short rides, and giving tips. Cards are widely accepted in many hotels, large stores and restaurants.
For food, you can try authentic local dishes such as ful medames, falafel, Koshari and mint tea. Eating at local places can save you money while enjoying the local food experience.
Tip: Choose clean and busy food places, especially for street food. Bargaining is common in local markets, so try to agree on the price before buying.
Egypt is generally considered a safe destination for travellers. However, it is always a good idea to check the latest travel advisory before visiting. While in Egypt, travellers should stay alert, keep their belongings safe and avoid carrying valuables openly.
It becomes the responsibility of the traveller to follow the rules of a particular place, avoid going to restricted areas, and avoid disrespecting local culture or disturbing other visitors.