Egypt, the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a large country located in north-eastern Africa with its capital located in its largest city, Cairo. Egypt also extends into Asia by virtue of holding the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt is bordered by Israel to the north-east, by Jordan and Saudi Arabia to the east (across the Red Sea), by Sudan to the south and by Libya to the west. The country is bounded by the Mediterranean and Red Seas (to the north and east respectively) and geographically dominated both by the River Nile and its fertile well-watered valley, and by the Eastern and Western deserts.

Egypt (together with its southern neighbour Sudan) is perhaps best known as the home of the ancient Egyptian civilization, with its temples, hieroglyphs, mummies, and, visible above all, its pyramids. Less well-known is Egypt's medieval heritage, courtesy of Coptic Christianity and Islam, ancient churches, monasteries and mosques punctuate the Egyptian landscape. Egypt stimulates the imagination of western tourists like few other countries and is probably one of the most popular tourist destinations world-wide.

Cairo - the capital of Egypt and its surroundings, including Giza, Memphis, Saqqara, Abusir and Dahshur.

Alexandria, Egypt's city by the Mediterranean Sea

Lower Egypt, containing the Delta region, where the Nile meets the Mediterranean, the extreme north of the country

Middle Egypt

Luxor - amazing temples and the Valley of the Kings

Upper Egypt, a string of amazing temple towns located on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan

Aswan - the relaxed alternative to Cairo and Luxor

Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel - two great monuments, one modern, one ancient

The Western Oases - five pockets of green in the midst of the Western Desert, each with their own unique attractions

The Red Sea Coast - luxury beach resorts, diving and marine life

The Sinai Peninsula - rugged and isolated, with fascinating relics of the past

Cities in Egypt

Cairo - the capital of Egypt, home to the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum and amazing Islamic architecture

Alexandria - Egypt's window on the Mediterranean

Aswan - a more relaxed option, full of amazing sights

Luxor - gateway to the Valley of the Kings, amongst other amazing attractions

Siwa - an oasis town

It’s Hot, Hot, Hot, So Be Smart, Smart, Smart

Water Intake

Ensure that you drink plenty of water, Egypt has an extremely dry climate most of the year, a fact aggravated by high temperatures in the summer end of the year, and countless travellers each year experience the discomforts and dangers of dehydration. A sense of thirst is not enough to indicate danger, carry a water bottle and keep drinking! Not needing to urinate for a long period or passing very small amounts of dark yellow urine are signs of incipient dehydration.

Water Warning

Egyptian tap water is generally safe, although it does sometimes have an odd taste due to the high chlorine content added to make it safe, It is not recommended for regular drinking, especially to very local differences in quality. Bottled mineral waters are widely available - the local brands, such as Baraka and Siwa, are just as good as expensive imported options. Beware of the old scam, however, whereby vendors re-sell bottled water bottles, having refilled with another (perhaps dubious) source.... Always check the seal is unbroken before parting with your money (or drinking from it) and inform the tourist police if you catch anyone doing this

Be a little wary with fruit juice, as some sellers may mix it with water. Milk should also be treated carefully as it may not be pasteurised. Try only to buy milk from reputable shops. Hot beverages like tea and coffee should generally be OK, the water having been boiled in preparation.

Slip, Slop, Slap

Wear sunscreen, wear a hat and bring good sunglasses, it's bright out there.

Be Warned

In order to avoid contracting the rightly dreaded schistosomiasis parasite (also known as bilharzia), DO NOT swim in the Nile or venture into any other Egyptian waterways (even if the locals are doing so) It is also a good idea not to walk in bare feet on freshly-watered lawns for the same reason. Seek medical attention immediately if you think you may have been exposed to the parasite - DO NOT wait until returning to your own country!

Shop Till You Drop

Egypt is a shopper's paradise - especially if you're interested in Egyptian-themed souvenirs and kitsch, of course. That said, a number of high quality goods are to be had, often at bargain prices. Some of the most popular purchases include

Antiques (NB: not antiquities, the trade of which is rightly illegal in Egypt),

Carpets and rugs

Cotton goods and clothing

Inlaid goods, such as backgammon boards

Jewellery

Leather goods

Music

Papyrus

Perfume

Sheeshas (water-pipes)

Spices - can be bought at colourful stalls in most Egyptian markets. Dried herbs and spices are generally of a higher quality than that available in Western supermarkets and are, of course, much, much cheaper (up to 4 or 5 times cheaper, though the final price will depend of bargaining and local conditions).

Cultural Differences

Keep in mind that most Egyptians workers expect tips after performing a service

If you're male, don't be surprised if another male holds your hand or forearm, there's no taboo against men holding hands and unlike in the West, this behavior is NOT associated with being gay.

Another point is to note that, overall, Egyptians are a conservative people. Although they accomodate foreginers being dressed a lot more skimpily, it may be prudent, at least in the big cities, to not dress provocatively, if only to avoid being ogled at.

Keep in mind, it’s better to dress down while in Egypt, otherwise you may be harassed for money.

Be warned, Egypt has some extreme beggars on the streets, and you will see some heart wrenching sight’s. It is well known that some of the locals will cut and mutilate their own bodies for sympathy.