So, you’ve booked your first visit to Egypt, but what do you need to know? What should you take? Where should you go?
Health & Safety Tips
First things first, Egypt is hot and sunny all year round – we know… great! But it is easy to forget yourself in the surrounding beauty. The number one thing to remember is to stay hydrated and to keep the sun cream topped up! That way, you can make the most of all the wonderful country has to offer.
Another way to ensure you stay fit and healthy is to avoid using tap water, as most systems do not have a good filter system like those in Europe, which can often give you an upset stomach.
However, in saying that, it is only if the water is swallowed, so brushing your teeth with the tap water should do no harm! Most hotels only use filtered or mineral water to make their ice and wash fruit and salads, so ignore the myth that they are to be avoided when here. There is nothing better than an ice-cold cocktail by the sea or a fresh ripe mango from Ismailia.
Egyptian Mango in Ismailia
When travelling anywhere, it is important to remember that a change in food, climate, and water can all affect your digestive system, but if that happens, not to worry, you can visit any pharmacy and purchase ‘Antinal’ and you’ll be right as rain (please get advice from a doctor if you have any medical concerns).
Weather in Egypt: What to Expect
Egypt is known for the good weather, but how hot does it really get, and when is the best time to visit? Let us break it down:
Winter: From the end of November until the end of February, temperatures average around 20–25 degrees Celsius in the day but drop significantly at night to around 10–15 degrees Celsius. High winds with an added chill may make the temperatures seem a couple of degrees less. A jacket is recommended for the evening strolls, and the water will definitely feel… fresh.
Spring: From March until mid-May the winds drop and temperatures pick up to around 25–30 degrees Celsius in the day, and the nights do not get as cold anymore, staying at around 20 degrees. This is the season most known for sandstorms, and if there is going to be any rain that year, it will happen in these months.
Summer: From May – September, the hottest months of the year. With temperatures ranging from 35–45 degrees Celsius and little to no wind, these months are only recommended for the sun chasers and water lovers.
Autumn: From September until the end of November, these months have very similar weather to that of spring, with the lingering warmth from summer still in the waters and felt in the evenings. Temperatures range from 30–35 degrees throughout the day and drop to around 25–27 at night.
With that in mind, if you are planning on doing a lot of adventuring, walking around, and seeing the sights, it is best to come in either spring or autumn. If it is just relaxing and soaking up the rays you are after, summer is for you, and if it is a little bit of everything that you’re after, winter would be perfect.
Essential Items to Pack
- Sun cream
- Swimwear
- Clothes – If you’re planning to visit any mosques or churches, modest clothing is required
- Comfortable shoes for walking around the cities
- Flip flops for lazy days by the pool
- A hat
- Snorkel masks
- A camera to capture the memories
- Sunglasses
- And a good book to read
Packing before your trip to Egypt
How to Get Around
If you have booked your stay through a travel agency, you will more than likely be provided with a travel guide who will assist you with your tours and expeditions. However, if you have not booked through an agency or just prefer to get about individually, you can do so by ordering Uber via the app and paying the price given. Or, you could get a street taxi from the side of the road – be sure to negotiate and agree on the price before getting in and setting off.
Uber is a safe and reliable ride hailing App in Egypt
If you are visiting a different city, it is best to book a package deal from a tour agent who can arrange the transportation and pick-up for you. You can find recommended tour agents online or via word of mouth by posting on various Facebook groups, depending on the city you are planning on visiting.
Must-See Places in Egypt
- Giza Pyramids in Cairo
- Grand Museum in Cairo
- Al Azhar Mosque in Cairo
- Dinner on a Nile boat in Cairo
- Valley of the Kings in Luxor
- Karnak Temple in Luxor
- Lunch on a Nile boat in Luxor
- Hot air balloon ride over Luxor
- Temple of Isis in Aswan
- Hurghada Aquarium
- Hurghada History Museum
- Sahl Hasheesh in Hurghada
- Hurghada Marina
- Farsha Café in Sharm El Sheikh
- Mustafa Mosque in Sharm El Sheikh
- Old Egypt in Sharm El Sheikh
- Soho Square in Sharm El Sheikh
- Dahab
A typical Nile Cruise in Egypt
If you want to make the most of your time in Egypt, we recommend doing a Nile Cruise – this way you can check many locations off your bucket list in one visit. Usually starting in Hurghada, where you stay for one or two nights, you are then picked up and driven to Luxor, where you board a Nile boat, which you stay on for one week whilst slowly making your way down the Nile, stopping to see the sites as you go. Then you are taken back to Hurghada, where you stay for a few more days, and have the choice to be taken to Cairo too.
Choosing the Right Hotel
Have in mind what it is you want from your hotel:
- Family-friendly
- Aqua park
- Different à la carte restaurants
- 5, 4, or 3 stars
- Adults only
- In the city or on the outskirts
- Spa on site
- Kids’ club on site
- Direct beach access
Once you have decided on your necessities, you can then start your research – TripAdvisor is a great website to use, or you can use Booking.com to read the reviews. Once you’ve picked your best options from the review websites, you can then search on Facebook for the real-time reviews.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Don’t forget, when you arrive in Hurghada, Cairo, or Alexandria, you MUST purchase a visa at the airport, which costs $25 or equivalent. If you are visiting Sharm El Sheikh, you do not need a visa unless you are planning on leaving the city.
