Egypt

Egypt is where human civilization began its documented journey—a land where the Great Pyramids have stood for 4,500 years, where pharaohs built temples that still inspire awe, and where the Nile River has sustained life since time immemorial. From the iconic Sphinx gazing across the Giza plateau to the treasures of Tutankhamun in the Egyptian Museum, Egypt offers an unparalleled journey through human history.

Beyond ancient wonders, modern Egypt surprises visitors with the chaotic energy of Cairo—Africa's largest city—the pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea, the surreal landscapes of the White Desert, and the timeless rhythm of felucca sailboats drifting past ancient temples on the Nile. For Americans, Egypt remains remarkably affordable, with world-class experiences at a fraction of European prices.

The White Desert

Surreal chalk formations in Egypt's Western Desert

Egypt spans 1 million km² bridging Africa and Asia, yet 97% is uninhabitable desert. Life concentrates along the Nile Valley and Delta, where 100 million people live on just 3% of the land. The country divides into distinct regions: Lower Egypt (the Nile Delta and Cairo), Upper Egypt (the Nile Valley south to Aswan), the Western Desert (vast Saharan expanses with oases), the Eastern Desert (between the Nile and Red Sea), and the Sinai Peninsula (connecting Africa to Asia).

Cairo Skyline

The Muhammad Ali Mosque dominates the Citadel, overlooking Africa's largest metropolis

Cairo overwhelms and enchants in equal measure. This megacity of 20+ million pulses with energy—honking traffic, call to prayer echoing from countless minarets, and the timeless bustle of souks selling everything from gold to spices. The historic Islamic Cairo district is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the Al-Azhar Mosque (founded 970 AD) and the medieval Khan el-Khalili bazaar. The Egyptian Museum houses the world's greatest collection of pharaonic antiquities, including Tutankhamun's golden mask, while the new Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids opens in 2024 as the world's largest archaeological museum.

Khan el-Khalili

Cairo's legendary bazaar—shopping here since the 14th century

The Great Pyramids

The only surviving Ancient Wonder—standing for 4,500 years on the Giza Plateau

The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built around 2560 BCE, it remained the tallest man-made structure for 3,800 years. The Giza plateau also contains the Pyramid of Khafre, the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure, and the enigmatic Sphinx—the oldest known monumental sculpture, with the body of a lion and a human head. A camel ride at sunset, with the pyramids silhouetted against the orange sky, remains one of travel's most iconic experiences.

Karnak Temple

The largest religious complex ever built—construction spanned 2,000 years

Ancient Thebes, now called Luxor, was Egypt's capital during the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE)—the age of Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, and Hatshepsut. The city contains more ancient monuments than anywhere else on Earth. The East Bank holds the Karnak Temple (the largest religious building ever constructed) and Luxor Temple (dramatically lit at night). The West Bank contains the Valley of the Kings (62 royal tombs including Tutankhamun's), the Valley of the Queens, and the stunning mortuary temple of Hatshepsut.

Valley of the Kings

Final resting place of Egypt's greatest pharaohs

Felucca on the Nile

Traditional sailboats have plied these waters for millennia

A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) is the classic Egyptian experience. Over 3-4 days, you'll stop at temples barely touched since antiquity—Edfu (the best-preserved temple in Egypt), Kom Ombo (unique double temple dedicated to two gods), and Philae (romantically located on an island). Options range from luxury floating hotels to traditional felucca sailboats for adventurous travelers. The journey south to Abu Simbel—Ramesses II's colossal lakeside temple—remains Egypt's most dramatic day trip.

Abu Simbel

Ramesses II's great temple—relocated piece by piece to save it from Lake Nasser

Red Sea Coral Reefs

World-class diving at Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam

Egypt's Red Sea coast offers some of the world's best diving and snorkeling. Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula is the most developed resort, with Ras Mohammed National Park featuring pristine reefs and dramatic drop-offs. Hurghada on the mainland is more budget-friendly. Marsa Alam further south offers encounters with dugongs, dolphins, and sea turtles. Even non-divers can enjoy glass-bottom boats, beach resorts, and year-round sunshine (350+ sunny days annually).

Egyptian Treasures

The Egyptian Museum houses the world's greatest collection of pharaonic antiquities

Egyptian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and very affordable. Koshari—Egypt's national dish—layers rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and fried onions with spicy tomato sauce. Ful medames (stewed fava beans) and ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel made from fava beans) are breakfast staples. Shawarma, kofta, and grilled meats are everywhere. For dessert, try Om Ali (bread pudding with nuts and cream) or basbousa (semolina cake soaked in syrup). Fresh juice bars serve incredible mango, strawberry, and sugarcane juice for pennies.

Kushari

National Street Food

The ultimate carb bowl—rice, lentils, pasta, and spicy tomato sauce.

Ingredients: 120ml rice, 120ml lentils, 120ml small pasta, Crispy fried onions, Tomato sauce with cumin, vinegar, Chickpeas, Garlic vinegar, hot sauce.

Preparation: Cook rice, lentils, pasta separately. Make spiced tomato sauce. Deep-fry onions until very crispy. Then layer in bowl: rice, pasta, lentils. Top with sauce and onions. Last, add garlic vinegar and hot sauce.

💡 The crispy onions are non-negotiable—use plenty.

Ful Medames

Stewed Fava Beans

Slow-cooked fava beans—Egypt's beloved breakfast for millennia.

Ingredients: 480ml dried fava beans, 4 cloves garlic, Cumin, Lemon juice, Olive oil, Tomato, parsley, Bread.

Preparation: Soak beans overnight. Then simmer very slowly (traditionally overnight). Mash some beans for creaminess. Season with garlic, cumin, lemon. Then drizzle with olive oil. Last, top with tomato, parsley.

💡 Traditionally cooked overnight in a special pot called 'idra'.

Moussaka

Eggplant Casserole

Egyptian moussaka—fried eggplant in spiced tomato sauce (no béchamel).

Ingredients: 2 eggplants, sliced, 500g ground beef, 480ml tomato sauce, 1 onion, Garlic, cumin, coriander, Oil for frying.

Preparation: Salt and fry eggplant slices. After that, brown beef with onion and spices. Add tomato sauce, simmer. Then layer eggplant and meat in dish. Top with more sauce. Finally, bake 180°C (356°F) for 30 min.

💡 Egyptian moussaka has no béchamel—it's tomato-based.

Egypt offers extraordinary photographic opportunities—from the ancient Pyramids to the Nile River to the Red Sea reefs.

Pyramids of Giza

The last Ancient Wonder

Nile Felucca

Traditional sailboat on the Nile

Karnak Temple

Largest religious complex ever built

Cairo Skyline

Africa.s largest metropolis

Valley of the Kings

Pharaohs. final resting place

Abu Simbel

North Africa & Middle East's largest indigenous market

Red Sea Diving

World-class coral reefs

Khan el-Khalili

Cairo.s legendary bazaar

White Desert

Surreal chalk formations

Egyptian Museum

Treasures of the pharaohs