The Best Time To Travel To Egypt ?
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to May. Though it is the peak travel season, when most travellers come, the temperatures are a lot better for those not used to the heat.
Within these 8 months there are 2 periods of what are known as “High Season” (the Christmas/New Year period and the Easter Period) when hotels and cruises will put their prices up, though you will find that special events like Gala Dinners are also laid on for their customers.
This can mean that some hotels become really expensive and so making your reservations very early, even for the budget hotels, is strongly advised.
For the other 4 months, May to October, it is the Egyptian summer and the temperatures can often be very high, especially in Upper Egypt (Luxor and the southern parts of the country).
However, this is a time in which you can see Egypt in virtual peace and quite; the advantage of being able to see the tourist sites without hassle from school children, or from the crowds of tourists, can easily be seen.
Just imagine the piece and quiet at the various sites, allowing you to take photographs without strangers obscuring the view!
Some Cairo hotels will fill up with many Arab visitors in the summer, who are taking advantage of the slightly cooler conditions here compared to the hotter weather in their own countries, and early reservations are very rarely required; in fact many discounts are often on offer, to entice those who are willing to brave the heat.
The Egyptian springtime is also another good time to visit. The weather is fairly moderate at this time of year, but you are advised to try to avoid the “The Khamsin wind” season that runs between March and April.
It does only last for a few days, which can easily be coped with. The Khamsin wind is a warm wind that blows in from the desert, carrying sand and dust; it really is quite an adventure, for those who wish to discover it.
Many travellers avoid travelling to Egypt during Ramadan, mainly because they feel that alcohol and food are not available, but this is not always true.
Though Egypt is primarily a Muslim country, the people recognize that the majority of their visitors do not follow Islam and so, whilst alcohol is not freely available during the day, most of the restaurants and cafes are still open.
To be honest, the only thing that is really different during the Holy month is that the sites close two hours earlier than normal, which is done to allow the people that work there enough time to get home in time for the sun to set; when they can break their fast.
It can also be noticed that the local people are generally slow during the daytime, but this changes after sunset when they become very active after their fast is broken. Ramadan is a superb month in Egypt; Ramadan is actually a month-long festival.
All through the night coffee shops remain open and they are often overfilled with people who stay up until the early morning hours. This is one time of year when Cairo, as well as the rest of the Muslim world, never sleeps; the time when all of the people go out to have some fun.
The end of Ramadan is called “Eid Al Fitr”, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast, and is a day which cannot be missed. It is a holiday, though touristic sites still remain open, and it is a very festive and joyous one.
In the morning Muslims will wear their best clothes and perfumes to attend a special congregation at their local Mosque (masjid).
After the completion of these special prayers, as well as a special sermon, they will rise, hug each other, and exclaim “Eid Mubarak” which means “holiday blessings”; it is a phrase will be heard many times during this day.
This is a day when families will travel miles to visit one another and have special meals together, and some of these meals have treats which are not savoured at any other time of the year.
The houses, and streets, are lit with a huge variety of lamps, lights, and other types of ornamentation, with the children being given sweets, money, or gifts as a reward. If you ever get invited to one of these special parties, it is an experience you will never forget
- INFO
What To Wear When You Are In Egypt ?
- Egypt, being a predominantly Muslim country, is naturally conservative (not like the Gulf States or Saudi Arabia) but the average people are careful in what they wear.
- The dress code in Egypt for women is considered conservative by western standards and it is respectful to obey this code.
- For men it is not really an issue — normal trousers and shirt or T-shirt are fine — but in Cairo it would not be acceptable to wear short shorts or a tank tops/sleeveless tops. In the resorts like Sharm El Sheik, Hurghada, Sinai, etc. — shorts are fine and it is very open and flexible.
- This also applies to ladies for the beach areas, but going into the market area in Hurghada, for example you may be more comfortable in trousers.
- Generally for men in Cairo or any city that is not on the sea side, remain with trousers (at tourist sites long loose shorts) or jeans and T-shirt , as even in Cairo, local people do not feel comfortable seeing a man in shorts.
- In Sea Side areas it’s ok to walk in shorts, but once you enter a local restuarant or market, it’s better to be more covered.
- So, the main subject here is what women should wear. Adopting the conservative dress code will hopefully deflect unwanted attention from the Egyptian men, which for most women is desirable.
- Basic clothes could include loose linen/cotton trousers or a below knee skirt and sleeved blouse.
- (If you’re planning to ride a camel, a skirt is not a good idea.) Tight clothes and low necks are to be avoided. Also aviod transparant blouses or pants as they are also not welcomed and will draw attention and even comments, especially from young men.
- Going out to dinner, especially in a nice restaurant, it is advisable to wear smart clothes and having a shawl to cover bare shoulders would be a good idea. On cruise boats, also, it is nice to have something smart to wear in the evening.
- Comfortable, strong shoes are a must (that could be sneakers/trainers or good leather shoes). Sandals can be worn, but you will suffer from dust /sand and the streets of Cairo are not clean; there are often mud puddles, too, so,
- in general, having closed shoes is the better option. This is not the time to make a fashion statement. It will be difficult to see sights in heels of any sort, as the desert is sandy.
- When entering a mosque as a tourist it is better to observe the conservative dress code as above, and in some of the major mosques (Al-Azhar for example) women will be required to cover up and this is provided by the mosque.
- Some mosques ( i.e., Ibn Touloun) have canvas shoe covers (not easy to walk in), so it is possible to decline, but Ibn Touloun mosque is not in use for daily services, so it is not always very clean, and using the shoe covers can be good for the areas that have no carpets like the central court.
- For other mosques like Mohamed Ali or any other, just remove your shoes and walk in socks. Any Muslim entering a mosque for prayer will simply remove his/her shoes, so why should a tourist be different?
- The best option for most people when entering a mosque is to leave the shoes with the mosque guard, who usually has a desk at the entrance and a place to store shoes. He will keep an eye on them.
- When leaving you can give him 1 egyptian pound or even half a pound, or nothing. Usually locals give half a pound just because he is a poor man, but it is not obligatory.
- Some of these guards are greedy when they see a tourist, and they ask you for money, but if you do not want to pay, just leave. He can’t force you to pay anything and he doesn’t have the right to even mention that a certain amount of money should be paid.
- In winter it can get cold at night in Egypt. Often it is warmer in the street than it is inside buildings, so it is a good idea to bring a casual jacket or shawl. The buildings are designed to be cool and it is good to be aware of this.
- Here it’s very rare to have central heating or central air conditioning except in big hotels and other high class places.
- So, to “fit in,” the above is highly recommended. This applies to any of the major cities in Egypt, excluding the Red Sea resorts, which are much more easy going.
- But while traveling by road between destinations (with police check points, petrol stations, etc.) covering up more would be wise.
- Also, when in Upper Egypt, it is best to be more covered and for women to not wear extreme makeup, as this will only attract more unwanted attention.
- Some tourists wear what they like (tank tops, sun dresses, short shorts, low necks, see- through blouses) – without any consideration for the local culture or customs.
- This can be done, of course, and the tourists then imagine that this is ok (and strongly recommend it to others).
- But, in fact, having done it without having comments made directly to them or encountering trouble, it still does not make it the right choice. They are oblivious to the very bad impression they have left behind.
- Egypt, being a predominantly Muslim country, is naturally conservative (not like the Gulf States or Saudi Arabia) but the average people are careful in what they wear.
- The dress code in Egypt for women is considered conservative by western standards and it is respectful to obey this code.
- For men it is not really an issue — normal trousers and shirt or T-shirt are fine — but in Cairo it would not be acceptable to wear short shorts or a tank tops/sleeveless tops. In the resorts like Sharm El Sheik, Hurghada, Sinai, etc. — shorts are fine and it is very open and flexible.
- This also applies to ladies for the beach areas, but going into the market area in Hurghada, for example you may be more comfortable in trousers.
- Generally for men in Cairo or any city that is not on the sea side, remain with trousers (at tourist sites long loose shorts) or jeans and T-shirt , as even in Cairo, local people do not feel comfortable seeing a man in shorts.
- In Sea Side areas it’s ok to walk in shorts, but once you enter a local restuarant or market, it’s better to be more covered.
- So, the main subject here is what women should wear. Adopting the conservative dress code will hopefully deflect unwanted attention from the Egyptian men, which for most women is desirable.
- Basic clothes could include loose linen/cotton trousers or a below knee skirt and sleeved blouse.
- (If you’re planning to ride a camel, a skirt is not a good idea.) Tight clothes and low necks are to be avoided. Also aviod transparant blouses or pants as they are also not welcomed and will draw attention and even comments, especially from young men.
- Going out to dinner, especially in a nice restaurant, it is advisable to wear smart clothes and having a shawl to cover bare shoulders would be a good idea. On cruise boats, also, it is nice to have something smart to wear in the evening.
- Comfortable, strong shoes are a must (that could be sneakers/trainers or good leather shoes). Sandals can be worn, but you will suffer from dust /sand and the streets of Cairo are not clean; there are often mud puddles, too, so,
- in general, having closed shoes is the better option. This is not the time to make a fashion statement. It will be difficult to see sights in heels of any sort, as the desert is sandy.
- When entering a mosque as a tourist it is better to observe the conservative dress code as above, and in some of the major mosques (Al-Azhar for example) women will be required to cover up and this is provided by the mosque.
- Some mosques ( i.e., Ibn Touloun) have canvas shoe covers (not easy to walk in), so it is possible to decline, but Ibn Touloun mosque is not in use for daily services, so it is not always very clean, and using the shoe covers can be good for the areas that have no carpets like the central court.
- For other mosques like Mohamed Ali or any other, just remove your shoes and walk in socks. Any Muslim entering a mosque for prayer will simply remove his/her shoes, so why should a tourist be different?
- The best option for most people when entering a mosque is to leave the shoes with the mosque guard, who usually has a desk at the entrance and a place to store shoes. He will keep an eye on them.
- When leaving you can give him 1 egyptian pound or even half a pound, or nothing. Usually locals give half a pound just because he is a poor man, but it is not obligatory.
- Some of these guards are greedy when they see a tourist, and they ask you for money, but if you do not want to pay, just leave. He can’t force you to pay anything and he doesn’t have the right to even mention that a certain amount of money should be paid.
- In winter it can get cold at night in Egypt. Often it is warmer in the street than it is inside buildings, so it is a good idea to bring a casual jacket or shawl. The buildings are designed to be cool and it is good to be aware of this.
- Here it’s very rare to have central heating or central air conditioning except in big hotels and other high class places.
- So, to “fit in,” the above is highly recommended. This applies to any of the major cities in Egypt, excluding the Red Sea resorts, which are much more easy going.
- But while traveling by road between destinations (with police check points, petrol stations, etc.) covering up more would be wise.
- Also, when in Upper Egypt, it is best to be more covered and for women to not wear extreme makeup, as this will only attract more unwanted attention.
- Some tourists wear what they like (tank tops, sun dresses, short shorts, low necks, see- through blouses) – without any consideration for the local culture or customs.
- This can be done, of course, and the tourists then imagine that this is ok (and strongly recommend it to others).
- But, in fact, having done it without having comments made directly to them or encountering trouble, it still does not make it the right choice. They are oblivious to the very bad impression they have left behind.
Things To Bring While Traveling To Egypt
Hats and other covering:
- Large brimmed hats that provide not only a head covering but also a certain amount of shade will come in very handy in the hot Egyptian sun.
- In addition, women will be more acceptable when touring old churches and mosques if they are wearing some sort of head covering.
- In addition, scarves or other apparel should be taken along to cover shoulders and arms, and again, or not only important for visiting religious sites, but also to keep the sun off during treks. In very hot weather, a cloth hat or scarf that can be soaked will also help keep your head cool.
Sun block:
- While sun blocks may be purchased in Egypt, you might prefer to bring your own favorite brand, but do bring it. We have often, and I wish to emphasis, very often, seen tourists with painful sunburns after a days worth of sightseeing.
- Sunglasses: Another item that may be purchased in Egypt are sunglasses, but again, many people will prefer to bring their own.
- There will be many times that tourists find themselves in a blaring, sand and desert landscape and there is nothing better than a good pair of sunglasses, with the highest UV rating you can find
Canteen or water holder:
- Staying hydrated will mean the difference between a comfortable tour and one that might end with trouble. Most people quickly learn to carry a water bottle with them, and bottled water is easily accessible.
- However, lugging around a water bottle in your hand can be tiresome.
- It is much better to bring along either a canteen, or some other utensil that will allow you to carry the water bottle on your waist or around your shoulder.
- Fanny packs or backpacks with holders for water bottles, and for women, even a shoulder bag type of purse will make this more convenient.
- Other Needs
Very good, comfortable walking shoes:
- This is probably one of the first things most people will tell you to bring to Egypt. Most tourists will be doing a considerable amount of walking, and shoes should not be just comfortable, but comfortable to walk long distances.
- Unlike leather shoes for mountain walks and such, it is also preferable for walking shoes to be breathable and perhaps made of a lightweight nylon or similar fabric.
- “Tennis shoes” or other sporting type of shoes are good for this. Also, keep in mind that there are a lot of steps in Egypt.
Power Adapters:
- Power Adapters come in two different varieties. Some electronic equipment have switches to allow you to change the power input type. For these, a simple wall adapter is all that is required.
- However, other electronic devices do not have such switches and in this case, you not only need a wall adapter, but also a power converter. Egypt uses 220 volt and plugs are two prong rounded.
Medication:
- Of course, bring your prescription medicine. It will usually be available in Egyptian drug stores, but it may be called a different name.
- There is no problem with bringing prescription medication into Egypt. However, it is also more convenient to bring your favorite non-prescription medications along.
- Though you may find such medication in Egypt, such as heart burn medication and pain capsules, you may have problems finding your favorite brands.
- In addition, many tourists who are a part of an organized tour will be staying in large hotels, which may lack a complete inventory of such medication, and trekking out to find a variety of over the counter medications may be inconvenient. Dont forget your Imodium.
- While no one wants to get Tuts Trot or Mummys Tummy, it may be handy to have some Imodium or other anti-diarrheic with you.
- The most common bottled water brand, Baraka, contains a little magnesium and therefore may act as a mild laxative. Another brand to try is Siwa bottled water.
Camera:
- Most people are not going to forget to bring their cameras on an Egyptian tour. However, a couple of things should be pointed out.
- First, while you may take pictures as you like from the outside of most monuments, many require that you do not use a flash when taking pictures inside.
- If you intend to take pictures inside tombs, for example, you will need to bring high-speed film. Most people use ASA 800 film, which they push to 1600. For the most part, this requires a good 35 mm SLR camera.
- In addition, monuments in Egypt are truly monumental, and tourists will often be disappointed with regular lenses. If possible, a good wide-angle lens will be nice to bring along.
- A video camera will also provide you with nice souvenir footage of your trip, however, keep in mind that filming inside many of the museums, monuments and tombs is prohibited.
Travel Alarm:
- Sure, most hotels will give you a wakeup call, but for many, don’t count on it. A travel alarm is perhaps less important on an organized tour, as you will have people taking care of you.
- But particularly for the independent traveler, a travel alarm will come in very handy. It will help make sure that you wake up when you wish in Egypt.
- But I have often used mine to make sure that I could grab some sleep in airports along the way, and still catch my flight
An Extra Bag:
- A bag, preferably soft, which can be crunched up and carried into Egypt in another bag will be handy for most people. The bag will then be used to carry back souvenirs.
- Alternatively, many business people or guests of Egyptians often bring presents into Egypt, and once emptied, the bag is used to bring souvenirs back.
- Again, bags may be easily purchased in Egypt, but are likely to be less expensive if you buy it at home and bring it to Egypt.
Sewing Kits:
- Some of the larger hotels, as well as some of the better-equipped smaller hotels (the Longchamps) may supply a sewing kit in your room. But don’t count on this.
- Most Egyptian tours are relatively long, and it is not unusual to loose a button here or there climbing through tombs and pyramids.
Alcoholic Beverages:
- There are good suitable beers and wines in Egypt that are highly affordable, and it is not necessary to bring in such items unless you have a very acute taste for a particular brand.
- In fact, I consider Egyptian beer excellent, and wish that I could buy it in the states. However, harder alcoholic beverages such as whiskies and bourbons are maybe extremely difficult to find.
Cigarette:
- Egyptians smoke, and cigarettes are not expensive in Egypt. However, you will find only a limited variety of cigarettes for the most part. For example, Marlboro Lights are readily available, but not 100s. In fact, not very many “long” cigarettes are.
- Further, while you can purchase “American” cigarettes for a price in some of the better hotels, usually you are getting an Egyptian manufactured cigarette that is somewhat harsher then the “American” variety.
- Just because you are buying Marlboro does not make it the same Marlboro that you would by in the US, for example.
Others advices :
- Egypt is a place where you learn to let the smaller problems you might encounter roll off your shoulders, and simply enjoy this, the oldest of all civilizations.
Other Things To Have:
- Tissues
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Sun screen
- Bug repellent
- Aspirin
- Diarreha tablets
- Band aids
- Breath mints
- Gum
- Hair spray
- Safety pins
- Small screwdriver & screws for fixing sunglasses
- Note pad
- Pens
- Stamps
- Small change
- Telephone card
- Map of Cairo
- Business cards
Egypt Culture and Traditions
The culture and custom of Egypt is truly cosmopolitan as it is the perfect fusion of so many culture and tradition available here.
Here the tradition introduced by Pharaohs is prevalent as well as the tribal culture and tradition and even the customs of invaders are somehow seen present a midst modern Egypt culture and outlook of the citizens.
The culture and tradition of Egypt is like a melting pot where multiple culture and ethnic tradition have created a new concept of living hale and hearty and a mentality that embraces new and advanced for creating a liberal ambiance around.
This liberal attitude is being displayed in Egyptians friendly behavior toward the foreigners and tourists.
If asked, people of Egypt will always share their service and enthusiasm with the people whom hardly they know. In Egypt, besides it excellent travel attractions and cultural ambiance, the smiling faces of the locales are an added charm.
All these sweet fragments are the best part of visit to Egypt program, which will remain with you as a memory forever. The Egypt culture immense the traditions, languages, history & civilizations at ancient places
The population of Egypt is quite high in number, it is about 110 million. Out of them the majority of population is of Sunni Islam and they are more or less 80 %.
Out of the rest 20% are Coptic Christians. Regardless Sunni or coptic both the classes are religion sensitive and adhere to respective religious rules and customs.
In Egypt, family integrity matters a lot and head of the family takes the entire responsibility to run the family in proper manner and with great focus on behavior.
The family integrity of the Egyptians is at sharp contrast to the nuclear family concept in West. Here people put special respect for family value and family relation.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons, traveling in City of Egypt is safer than any other top global destinations, even for women traveling alone.
The life style of Arabs is often different and often found enveloped with some mysterious facts. As a result people often find these people mystic and sometime off beat.
But in reality these people are truly friend in heart, they love people and greet people with best hospitality. They often like to call people at their home.
However, if someone expresses disrespect and unfriendly gesture, these people take it as an insult and they become aggressive.
The rules and regulation common in Egypt may seem quite a bit different, which can make people outsiders at Egypt at times confused.
In order to understand the air of Egypt, you need to learn their culture, customs, and family values. Once you will be able to understand and respect their values, traveling in Egypt will be an added fun and bunch of excitement.
Commonly, Egyptians are quite adjustable in nature and they love to help people. If you ask them any question, they will answer it happily.
One most interesting thing is whenever you will ask something to an Egyptian, he will call some other people to discuss about the question and will try the best to offer you the correct answer of the question asked.
Intersted To Know About Ramadan Month ?
Ramadan is a holy month for Egyptians and during this month people greet each other celebrates the month with friends and relatives.
During this month Egyptians stay awake at night and spend time in prayer and spiritual activities. Also they donate for charity and indulge of renewal relationship and sharing love and affection with each other.
This time Egypt holiday season goes on.
In Egypt there are few restrictions valid for foreign women. In ticket line, foreign women stand with other women in queue.
In underground first cars are found reserved for women, elderly ladies always get first preference.
Outright interaction with Egyptian women are never recommended, it is always wise to speak to them via someone local or family persons whom you know well.
Crime in Egypt is rarely experienced and violence is mostly found in family disputes. However, some scattered events of petty thieves and pickpockets are sometimes found here and there.
Women in an average need to be alert specifically in out-lying zones. Consumption of drugs is not appreciated and you should not carry your drugs in public if you have anything with you.
