Why Visit Egypt?
Egypt is a land of extraordinary history, ancient monuments, and vibrant culture. From the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx to the bustling streets of Cairo and the serene waters of the Nile, Egypt offers diverse experiences for every type of traveler. Known as the “Cradle of Civilization,” Egypt captivates visitors with its historical sites, welcoming locals, and stunning landscapes. It’s a destination for those looking to immerse themselves in one of the world’s oldest cultures and explore wonders that have stood the test of time.
Historical Insights
Egypt’s history stretches back thousands of years, with the Pharaonic civilization known for its monumental architecture, intricate art, and hieroglyphic writing. The pyramids, temples of Luxor, and tombs in the Valley of the Kings are symbols of Egypt’s rich heritage. Later periods saw Greek, Roman, and Islamic influences, which are visible today in the architecture and traditions of cities like Alexandria and Cairo. Egypt’s historical legacy is one of grandeur, innovation, and profound spirituality.
Culture, Language, and Food
Culture
Egyptian culture is warm, family-oriented, and rooted in tradition, religion, and hospitality. Egyptians take pride in their history and are known for their friendliness and generosity. Islamic customs shape daily life, and visitors should be mindful of respecting local norms, especially in terms of dress and behavior. Festivals like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are celebrated with great enthusiasm, and cultural sites like Coptic Cairo showcase Egypt’s diverse religious heritage.
Language
The official language of Egypt is Arabic, with Egyptian Arabic being the most commonly spoken dialect. While Arabic is the primary language, English is widely understood in tourist areas, making it relatively easy for travelers to communicate.
Food
Egyptian cuisine is rich and flavorful, characterized by dishes like koshari (a mix of rice, pasta, and lentils), ful medames (fava beans), and falafel (deep-fried fava bean patties). Bread, especially aish baladi, is a staple, and no meal is complete without it. Desserts like basbousa and baklava are popular, along with mint tea and coffee as refreshing beverages. Street food is also widely available, offering travelers a taste of local flavors at affordable prices.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
| Season | Months | Category |
| Peak Season | October - April | Cool, pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing and exploring historical sites. |
| Best Time | November - March | Ideal for outdoor activities and fewer tourists. |
| Low Season | May - September | Hot with intense sun, best for coastal areas like the Red Sea and budget travel. |
The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April when temperatures are cooler, especially in desert areas. Summer (May-September) can be extremely hot, but it’s a great time for beach destinations along the Red Sea.
Weather Overview
| Month | Region | Temperature (Max/Min) | Rain (mm) | Weather Opinion |
| January | Cairo | 19°C / 9°C | 5 mm | "Cool and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing." |
| Luxor | 23°C / 6°C | 1 mm | "Perfect for exploring ancient ruins." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 22°C / 14°C | 1 mm | "Mild and sunny, great for beach activities." | |
| February | Cairo | 20°C / 10°C | 4 mm | "Comfortable for city exploration." |
| Luxor | 26°C / 8°C | 1 mm | "Warm, ideal for desert tours." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 23°C / 15°C | 1 mm | "Sunny and perfect for the beach." | |
| March | Cairo | 24°C / 13°C | 3 mm | "Spring begins, perfect for exploring outdoors." |
| Luxor | 29°C / 11°C | 0 mm | "Warm with vibrant spring beauty." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 26°C / 18°C | 1 mm | "Mild and sunny, ideal for water activities." | |
| April | Cairo | 28°C / 16°C | 2 mm | "Warm spring, ideal for outdoor exploring." |
| Luxor | 34°C / 16°C | 0 mm | "Hot and sunny, best for early tours." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 30°C / 22°C | 0 mm | "Great for beach relaxation and snorkeling." | |
| May | Cairo | 32°C / 19°C | 1 mm | "Warm and dry, ideal for coastal areas." |
| Luxor | 38°C / 21°C | 0 mm | "Hot, early morning sightseeing recommended." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 34°C / 25°C | 0 mm | "Perfect beach weather." | |
| June | Cairo | 34°C / 22°C | 0 mm | "Hot with sunny days, best for early starts." |
| Luxor | 40°C / 24°C | 0 mm | "Intense heat, ideal for indoor attractions." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 37°C / 27°C | 0 mm | "Perfect for diving and beach relaxation." | |
| July | Cairo | 35°C / 23°C | 0 mm | "Very hot, best for beach activities." |
| Luxor | 41°C / 25°C | 0 mm | "Extreme heat, best to stay indoors." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 38°C / 28°C | 0 mm | "Perfect for Red Sea resorts and diving." | |
| August | Cairo | 35°C / 23°C | 0 mm | "Hot and sunny, best for coastal areas." |
| Luxor | 41°C / 25°C | 0 mm | "Very hot, early morning or evening tours only." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 38°C / 28°C | 0 mm | "Ideal for beach activities." | |
| September | Cairo | 33°C / 21°C | 0 mm | "Warm with fewer tourists, ideal for city tours." |
| Luxor | 39°C / 23°C | 0 mm | "Hot, early morning activities recommended." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 36°C / 27°C | 0 mm | "Perfect for beach relaxation and snorkeling." | |
| October | Cairo | 30°C / 18°C | 1 mm | "Mild and ideal for exploring historical sites." |
| Luxor | 36°C / 20°C | 0 mm | "Warm, ideal for sightseeing." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 33°C / 24°C | 1 mm | "Sunny, great for beach outings." | |
| November | Cairo | 25°C / 15°C | 2 mm | "Cooler with clear skies, ideal for outdoor activities." |
| Luxor | 30°C / 15°C | 0 mm | "Mild, perfect for temple tours." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 28°C / 20°C | 1 mm | "Pleasant for coastal adventures." | |
| December | Cairo | 21°C / 11°C | 3 mm | "Cool with holiday charm, ideal for sightseeing." |
| Luxor | 25°C / 9°C | 0 mm | "Pleasant with sunny days." | |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 23°C / 16°C | 1 mm | "Cool and festive, perfect for beaches." |
Ideal Trip Duration
| Trip Type | Recommended Days |
| City Highlights (Cairo, Alexandria) | 3-5 Days |
| Cultural & Scenic Mix | 7-10 Days |
| Multi-Region Exploration | 10-14 Days |
| Comprehensive Egypt Tour | 15+ Days |
Currency and Cash Guidelines
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Currency Exchange Rate: ₹1 ≈ EGP 0.38
- Suggested Cash in Hand: EGP 500-1000 for small purchases and tips.
- Tip: Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, but cash is necessary for rural areas and street vendors.
Key Phrases to Know
| English | Arabic |
| Hello | Marhaban |
| Thank you | Shukran |
| How much is it? | Kam thamanuhu? |
| Where is…? | Ayna…? |
| Excuse me | Min fadlak (m) / Min fadlik (f) |
| Please | Min fadlak |
| Yes | Na’am |
| No | La |
| I’m sorry | Ana asif |
| Can you help me? | Hal mumkin an tusa'idni? |
Top 15 Places to Visit in Egypt
- Cairo: The capital with the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum.
- Luxor: Known as the world’s largest open-air museum, with Karnak and Luxor Temples.
- Aswan: Scenic city with the Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam.
- Alexandria: Coastal city with Greco-Roman heritage and the modern Library of Alexandria.
- Giza: Home to the Great Pyramid, Sphinx, and a fascinating pyramid complex.
- Sharm El Sheikh: Beach resort with excellent diving and snorkeling spots.
- Hurghada: Popular Red Sea resort for water sports and relaxation.
- Siwa Oasis: Remote oasis with natural springs, salt lakes, and sand dunes.
- Dahab: Relaxed coastal town known for diving and laid-back vibes.
- Nile River: Cruises are a scenic way to explore Egypt’s ancient sites.
- Saqqara: Home to the Step Pyramid, Egypt’s oldest known pyramid.
- White Desert: Stunning natural formations and otherworldly landscapes.
- Abydos: Ancient temple dedicated to Osiris, with beautiful carvings.
- St. Catherine’s Monastery: Ancient monastery at the base of Mount Sinai.
- Temple of Edfu: Well-preserved temple dedicated to Horus, located near Aswan.
Top 10 Things to Do in Egypt
- Explore the Great Pyramids and Sphinx: Iconic ancient monuments in Giza.
- Cruise on the Nile River: See temples and historical sites along the way.
- Visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo: World’s largest collection of Pharaonic artifacts.
- Tour Luxor’s Temples and Valley of the Kings: See tombs of famous pharaohs.
- Relax in Sharm El Sheikh: Ideal for beach relaxation and water sports.
- Stroll through Coptic Cairo: Historic area with churches and religious landmarks.
- Experience a Desert Safari in Siwa Oasis: Explore sand dunes and natural springs.
- Snorkel or Dive in Dahab: Known for colorful coral reefs and marine life.
- Walk Through Alexandria’s Ancient Sites: Blend of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian history.
- Visit the Abu Simbel Temples: Iconic temples built by Ramses II, relocated to avoid flooding.
Top 5 Things to Buy in Egypt
- Papyrus Art: Traditional Egyptian artwork on papyrus paper.
- Alabaster Stoneware: Handcrafted bowls, vases, and decor items.
- Egyptian Cotton: High-quality cotton products like scarves, bed linens, and clothing.
- Spices and Perfume Oils: Unique blends available in local markets.
- Kilim Rugs: Handmade carpets with intricate designs, popular in souks.
Sim Card and Connectivity Tips
- Top Providers: Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Etisalat
- Where to Buy: Available at airports, convenience stores, and official stores.
- Suggested Plans: Prepaid SIM cards start around EGP 30 for 5GB, ideal for short stays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do Indian travelers need a visa to visit Egypt?
- Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to enter Egypt. Tourist visas are available online or on arrival at major airports.
2. What’s the best way to get around Egypt?
- Egypt has a variety of transport options, including trains, buses, taxis, and domestic flights. Nile cruises are also popular for traveling between Luxor and Aswan.
3. What is the tipping culture in Egypt?
- Tipping is customary in Egypt. A tip of 10-15% is appreciated in restaurants, and small tips are common for hotel staff and taxi drivers.
4. Is it safe to drink tap water in Egypt?
- Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is widely available and affordable.
5. What’s the emergency contact number in Egypt?
- Dial 122 for police, 123 for medical emergencies, and 180 for fire.
6. What should I pack for a trip to Egypt?
- Light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Conservative dress is recommended in religious sites.
7. Is English widely spoken in Egypt?
- English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, but knowing basic Arabic phrases is helpful in rural areas.
8. Can I use my international SIM card in Egypt?
- International roaming is available, but purchasing a local SIM card with data is more economical.
9. What currency should I use, and are credit cards accepted?
- The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted in cities, though cash is recommended in rural areas.
10. What’s the best time to experience Egypt’s festivals?
Ramadan, which varies by year, and the Abu Simbel Sun Festival (February and October) are popular times to experience local culture.
Discover Egypt with Trawelmart’s Expertise
Egypt is a destination like no other, offering an immersive journey through ancient wonders, bustling cities, and serene deserts. At Trawelmart, we’re here to make your Egyptian adventure seamless and unforgettable. From securing your visa and flights to creating a personalized itinerary filled with Egypt’s best sights, historical treasures, and local flavors, our travel experts ensure a stress-free travel experience.
Whether you’re enchanted by the grandeur of the pyramids, eager to sail down the Nile, or ready to dive into the Red Sea’s clear waters, Trawelmart provides tailored travel experiences to suit your needs. With 24/7 support, you can explore Egypt confidently, knowing assistance is always nearby.
Join over 200,000 travelers who have trusted Trawelmart to make their travel dreams a reality. Contact us today to start planning an Egyptian journey that brings ancient history, culture, and adventure to life. With Trawelmart, every journey to Egypt is a timeless experience.
