Things To Do In Egypt
Visiting Egypt is an unforgettable journey for you and your loved ones. It is the perfect destination for both children and adults, offering a rich history filled with pharaohs and ancient empires, along with countless chances for thrilling escapades – from hiking across the Sahara to diving in the Red Sea.
The Pyramids of Giza are undoubtedly Egypt is most renowned attractions, but there are numerous other breathtaking locations to explore. You can immerse yourself in the ancient era at places like Luxor and Abu Simbel, stroll through the historic lanes of Alexandria and Cairo, or
cruise down the Nile in a traditional felucca.
There is a team is ready to tailor your trip to match your family’s preferences, with knowledgeable local guides by your side at every turn. While Egypt is stunning throughout the year, the most comfortable time to visit with children is during the cooler months outside of the summer.
Things To Do In Egypt
From May to September, the temperatures can soar, making sightseeing less enjoyable. We recommend scheduling your family trip to Egypt between October and April for a more pleasant experience.
1. Pyramids Of Giza
Your initial view of Egypt’s most renowned pyramids is probably from the aircraft descending into Cairo. At this distance, the massive edifices, perched on a high ground west of the vast city, are already remarkable, but to truly value them, you must approach them closely or even venture inside. Opting for a half-day guided tour with an Egyptologist is the perfect method to fully experience the Giza complex. During this tour, you’ll discover the three pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, which serves as their protector, learning about their building 4,500 years ago and the existence of life in the ancient era.
2. Valley Of The Kings
As its title implies, the Valley of the Kings is the burial site for numerous pharaohs. Indeed, this location is home to 63 royal mausoleums, featuring famous pharaohs such as Tutankhamun (also known as King Tut), Ay, and Ramses VI. These tombs are distributed across two regions: the East Valley, where the majority are located, and the West Valley, characterized by steep cliffs and three royal mausoleums. Both zones are in view of Al-Qurn, a massive pyramid-like mountain.
Things To Do In Egypt
Recent explorers have confirmed that a visit to the Valley of the Kings is essential. Previous tourists have advised steering clear of the area during the summer months, when temperatures can soar into the 100s. Should you choose to venture into the heat between June and August,
ensure you bring an ample supply of water and sunscreen. While it may be hard to resist capturing moments with your camera while exploring the tombs, note that photography and videography are prohibited on the premises. Additionally, keep in mind that the tombs are occasionally closed for maintenance, meaning the availability of open tombs to the public will fluctuate based on your visit date.
3. Hatshepsut Temple
Designed to pay tribute to Amon-Re, Egypt’s sun god, and Hatshepsut herself, the Hatshepsut Temple is distinguished by its elaborate design and awe-inspiring surroundings. Located at the foot of limestone peaks in Deir el-Bahri, this burial temple boasts three levels of galleries lined with statues, pillars, and ancient writings. Within its walls, two chapels can be found, along with ramps linking the lower ground to the higher levels.
Things To Do In Egypt
Though some parts of this ancient site suffered from damage due to past acts of destruction, numerous previous visitors have praised its excellent state of conservation and recommend a visit. To circumvent the area's notorious warmth, it's advised to plan your visit for when the temple is open or shortly before closing. Additionally, it’s recommended to wear shoes that provide comfort and carry water due to the extensive walking involved at this location.
4. Explore the initial pyramids at Saqqara
While the pyramids at Giza receive the most spotlight, Egypt boasts over 100 pyramids. The burial sites in Saqqara and Dahshur, located southwest of Cairo, are less busy than those at Giza and offer the opportunity for a day trip, which can be paired with a visit to Memphis, the
ancient Egypt’s initial capital. Witness the architectural progress as the ancient Egyptians aimed to refine and perfect the dimensions and form of the pyramids, beginning with the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the oldest structures, constructed around 2670BC; followed by the Bent Pyramid, featuring a 54-degree bend at the base and a 43-degree slant towards the top; and concluding with the pinnacle of design at the Red Pyramid. You are welcome to explore all three.
Things To Do In Egypt
5. White Desert
Nestled just a few hours away from the bustling city of Cairo, there is a vast desert that seems to stretch out like the lunar surface. This desert, shaped over thousands of years by the forces of erosion and sandstorms, is home to these remarkable calcium rock formations. They appear across the terrain like enormous, abstract sculptures. Some have even been given whimsical names like “mushroom” and “ice-cream cone,” while others have earned more elaborate titles, such as “the Monolith” and “Inselberg.”
Among the most distinctive of these natural wonders is the famous “chicken and tree” formation, also known as “chicken and mushroom,” or, even more grandly, “chicken and atomic bomb.” This particular site is a sight to behold, showcasing a surreal and captivating collection of chalk- rock formations.
Things To Do In Egypt
6. Desert Breath
Emerging from a level plateau in the Egyptian sands, the clay mounds of Desert Breath appear as enormous, extraterrestrial ant mounds, yet they are merely sculptures. Finished in 1997 following several years of work, the display features a complex pattern of cone-shaped outgrowths and depressions arranged in a spiral. At ground level, the entire extent of the work is difficult to discern, as it looks like a series of progressively bigger sand mounds, with the corresponding holes from which they were excavated hidden in the distance.
7. Memnon’s Giants
Dating back to 1350 B.C., these ancient Egyptian sculptures have stood tall over the Theban Necropolis. Despite enduring over 3,400 years of harsh desert heat and occasional Nile floods, they have fascinated the minds of adventurous visitors for ages.
The pair of giant statues (which no longer look like they once did) represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who was in power during the 18th Dynasty. They once stood at the entrance to his now-vanished mortuary temple, which was once the most opulent in Egypt. Their worn-out back panels show scenes of Hapy, the god of the Nile.
Things To Do In Egypt
Despite centuries of flooding reducing the temple to mere fragments, these statues have remained unscathed by natural disasters. In 27 B.C., an earthquake broke apart the northern statue, toppling its upper section and splitting its lower part. However, the statue didn’t just survive the disaster; it also seemed to come to life afterward. After the quake, it began to speak.
8. Explore the Red Sea Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul
People who think Egypt only has grand mosques might be in for a pleasant surprise to discover that Egypt also boasts some of the most stunning Coptic churches globally. The monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul are ancient Christian monasteries that go back to the 4th century AD. The Monastery of St. Anthony is particularly revered as the most sacred place within the Coptic Church in Egypt.
Things To Do In Egypt
9. Follow in the steps of Moses
In the Old Testament, it is said that Moses was given the Ten Commandments by God at the top of Mount Sinai, located on the Sinai peninsula. Ascending Mount Sinai, also known as Jabal Musa (Mount Moses) in Arabic, is a deeply spiritual journey, regardless of your faith. Many tours begin before sunrise, in complete darkness, and wait at the peak for the sun to rise — witnessing the surrounding mountains turn red in the morning light is an unforgettable experience.
Taking breaks to sip small cups of Bedouin coffee from the temporary stands along the path can help keep you alert. During the descent, make a stop at the Unesco-recognized St Catherine’s Monastery; built in 560 AD, it stands as the oldest continuously operating Christian monastery in the world.
10. Explore the Nile River in Elegance
The Nile River stands as a hallmark of Egypt, and the experience of navigating its currents on a felucca, a classic wooden vessel, is unparalleled. For families with more mature kids, there are options for a night voyage on the opulent Historia Nile Cruise or the bespoke Kazazian Nile Cruise. During your journey, you'll witness breathtaking sunsets, encounters with wildlife, and, of course, magnificent vistas of the historic coastline. Here, ancient temples coexist with contemporary cities and expansive fields.
Things To Do In Egypt
The grand Nile River, a historic waterway intricately linked to Egypt’s deep-rooted past, stretches for over 4,000 miles. It is not just the essence of the country but also a silent observer of the ascent and descent of major civilizations.
The world’s longest river, its waters begin in East Africa’s Lake Victoria, traverse through dry desert regions, and journey through numerous African countries, such as Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
This legendary river has nourished Egypt for ages, bestowing upon it the blessing of fertility and fostering the flourishing communities that developed along its shores.
Travel back in time as you navigate the same waters once ruled by the pharaohs. The Nile acted as a crucial route, enabling commerce, movement, and communication among the thriving metropolises of Ancient Egypt. The temples of Luxor and Karnak, standing as quiet tributes to the past, honor the history.
