The cities and towns of Egypt, both modern and ancient, are all dependent on the Nile River. The country’s capital, Kairo or Cairo, is considered the biggest city on the African continent.
Thousands of visitors from all over the world come here to study, trade, or worship. The world’s oldest tourist industry can also be found in Egypt. More than 2,000 years ago, Romans and Greeks traveled to the country to marvel at its ancient tombs and temples. They even went as far as leaving behind their graffiti to prove their existence.
Fast forward to the modern age, and the country continues to attract more than 2 million tourists annually to see with their own eyes the wonders only found on this part of the planet, from the pharaohs’ towering pyramids to the Great Sphinx.
If you have long been planning your visit to Egypt, here are some of the cities and their attractions that you shouldn’t miss.
Kairo/Cairo
The first stop during your trip to Egypt is visiting the Gizeh Plateau located outside the town on the outskirts of the capital city Kairo or Cairo.
The world-renowned Pyramids of Giza can be found right on the edge of the Sahara Desert. These pyramids serve as the colossal tombs of the three Pharaohs who served as the rulers of the land more than 4,000 years ago.
The complex of ancient monuments is nestled about 8 kilometers from the Nile, the ancient city of Giza, and approximately 25 kilometers from the heart of Kairo in the southwesterly direction. This is where you can find yourself in awe of the three evocative and spectacular pyramids of Menkaure, Kefren, and Keops, the grandson, the son, and the grandfather.
You can take a tour of the complex riding a camel, capture some scenic photos, and simply bask in the desert air. The good news is that the guides in the area are very knowledgeable and skilled. If you want to avoid the huge crowds, it is recommended to schedule your visit early in the morning, specifically at 7 AM.
Another hard-to-miss attraction is the Pyramid of Keops at Giza, which is the oldest out of the seven wonders and is also the only one that survives to this day. Once there, you can explore the tiny enclosures with the passages on the side or check out the temples located at the base.
Of course, your visit won’t be complete if you don’t stand in front of the Sphinx located at the heart of the desert. The Great Sphinx is a mystical place that exudes incredible energy and is among the most beautiful works that man has ever known and seen.
Watching a light and sound show at the Sphinx and the pyramids is a memory that will surely last with you for a lifetime. All of these towering structures are the legacy of Egypt that are guaranteed to continue making a big difference in the next thousands of years.
Conclude your Kairo exploration by stopping by at the Solar Boat Museum located just right across from the Pyramid of Keops. Every tomb here houses a reproduction of the so-called boat of the sun believed to lead the deceased to the afterlife.
God Keops’ boat of the sun remains unparalleled for its huge size and has stayed intact even after all those centuries. While the museum is exceptionally laid out, shoe covers are required to avoid ruining the floors covering the entire area.
Expect to be blown away by the preservation of the boat of Keops to the point that you can still see the knotted cords used during that era. if you are visiting the pyramids of Giza, be sure to ask your guide to take you to this one-of-a-kind wonder.
Hurghada
Another Egyptian city that is worth the visit is none other than Hurghada. When there, the Makadi Water World definitely deserves to be on top of your must-see attractions. It is a large water park with 50 slides where you can go for a swim safely, thanks to the guards everywhere to ensure security and provide good service.
There are also fun water slides of different difficulty levels and sizes suitable for all ages. Changing rooms and fresh toilets also have convenient locations in the park. A ticket to the park already includes the water amusement show that features a sea elephant, walrus, and seals. There are also sunbeds available for free and the abundance of drinks and food ensures a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Another magical and unique attraction that everyone knows is none other than the Sahara Desert. However, expert for stifling heat here so drinking every 5 minutes may be necessary. You can also consider renting a camel, donkey, or horse complete with a guide or opt for a quad motorbike to explore more of this vast expanse of beauty.
The people here, called Bedouins, are kind and welcoming to tourists since they are more than aware of the importance of tourism revenue. Most Bedouins continue following their traditional nomadic lifestyle, moving across the sparse desert scrub searching for pasture for their herds of camels, goats, and sheep.
You can also try visiting a mock village since the real one is not open to non-Bedouins. You can even go to a barbecue smoking hookah where you can watch belly dancing. Cap off your day by gazing at the night sky filled with stars, a magnificent spectacle best paired with a buffet meal for the ultimate festive atmosphere up until midnight.
Luxor
The River Nile winds its way past Luxor. Ancient Egyptians referred to Nile Valley as the Black Land since the river floods left behind rich black mud every year. Good thing that this black soil is perfect for growing and cultivating crops.
If you are exploring Luxor, visiting the Temple of Karnak will take you on a true journey right into the heart of Egypt during the times of the Old Kingdom. It is an enormous and astonishing historical temple complex that is indescribable in plain words.
Dozens and dozens of Sphinxes will welcome you at the entrance walkway of this grand temple aged more than 4,000 years.
