About Egypt
About Country Cheat Sheet
Egypt is divided into 27 governorates.
Total: 2,612 km, Border Countries: Gaza Strip 13 km, Israel 208 km, Libya 1,115 km, Sudan 1,276 km
About Egypt
Egypt is officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt
which spans in the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of
Asia. Egypt is divided into two sections which are Upper Egypt and Lower
Egypt. The Nile is an important source for the country otherwise the
whole of Egypt would be desert.
Geography of Egypt
Egypt has coastlines on the River Nile, the Mediterranean Sea and the
Red Sea. It is bordered by Giza Strip to the northeast, Sudan to the
south and Libya to the west. It has an area of over 1,001,449 km. Most
of Egypt is dominated by desert region and the rest of the land is
cultivated.
History of Egypt
The first people who settled here were over 8,000 years ago and by 3000
B.C, civilization was established. By 3100 B.C, the kingdom of Lower
and Upper Egypt were united by a Pharaoh King. Egypt underwent through many historical events which ultimately led the country to be invaded by many rulers.
Egypt Climate and Weather
Egypt has only two seasons where hot summer starts
from May to October. The mild winter starts from November to April.
However, temperatures vary widely in coastal `regions and inland desert
areas. The country receives rainfall along the coast and the wettest
part is around Alexandria which has high humidity.
Egypt Culture and Traditions
Egypt has a rich cultural history and traditions which
are the perfect fusion of many other culture and traditions influence
here. It dates back to thousands of years starting with the Pharaoh
culture, Christianity and then Islam. It’s been a melting point where
it’s been affected by many cultures and those of the ethnic group as
well.
Egypt Food and Cuisine
The Nile Valley and Delta are rich in fertile that make Egyptian’s cuisine
heavy use of vegetables, fruits and legumes. It is very simple and
relies on a huge amount of spices for making any dish. Some of its
traditional food is Ful Medammes, Ta’meya, Koshari, Mahshi, Macaroni
Béchamel and many others.
Facts about Egypt
1. Cairo is the capital city of Egypt.
2. The official language is Arabic.
3. Egypt is the 30th biggest country in the world.
4. The shape of the pyramids is assumed to have been inspired by the sun.
5. Egypt has the most Facebook users than most countries in the Middle East.
6. The Pyramid of Khufu is the largest in Egypt.
7. Id al Fitr is one of the biggest celebrations in Egypt.
8. The highest mountain top in Egypt is Mt. Catherine.
Tourism
Egypt Tourism
The tourism industry is one of the leading sources of income for Egypt.
It is one of the oldest civilizations in the world which was once ruled
by Pharaohs. The country is dazzled with so many temples and tombs as
it was an ancient civilization. Visitors from all over the world visit
right to the corner to see the amazing historical ruins left behind.
It’s intrigued every kind of traveller not just for its pyramids; sphinx
etc but there’s so much more than Egypt offers to the visitors. There
are vast tracts of deserts, beaches, archaeological sites, sports, scuba
diving and many others.
Cairo Tourism
Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and has drawn millions of visitors to many of its incredible attractions. It is known as a City of Thousand Minarets
where it boasts some of the best Islamic architectures in the world.
Cairo is an exciting city as its timeline spans almost all of human
history, be its medieval city, ancient monuments or modern skyscrapers.
It has contributed to diverse and thriving culture as it sits on the
crossroads between the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
Different Types of Tourism in Egypt
1. Historical Tourism in Egypt
Throughout history, Egypt was well-known as a destination for its
travellers and tourists. It has maintained a very different image
throughout middle and modern history. The greatest historical attractions of Egypt
are known worldwide such as the Great Sphinx and Pyramids at Giza, the
Valley of Kings, the Abu Simbel temples and many others. Most of these
sites are the oldest types of tourism in Egypt.
2. Cultural Tourism in Egypt
The cultural tourism in Egypt is popular; it’s where
the landmarks of the ancient civilization are seen to the visitors.
Since the dawn of history, the nations have been constructed and
incarnated. It is a unique part of the tourism which remains un-repeated
as one-third of the world’s famous monuments are located in this
country.
3. Sea Tourism in Egypt
Many of the beach resorts, diving opportunities etc has been providing
peace for its tourism industry. The coastline along the Red Sea has
attracted many sun-lovers all year round while its reefs have been a
magnet for divers from all over the world. The beaches in Egypt are great and some of the best ones to visit are Mahmya Island, Soma Bay, Agiba Beach, Sharm El Luli and many others.
4. Sports and Adventure Tourism in Egypt
Egypt’s vast terrains, beaches and weathers have an open up way for the
nation to be a hub spot for extreme sports and other adventurous
activities. There are many places in Egypt which offer thrill-seekers
with a new kind of experience like rock-climbing, kite surfing, bungee
jumping in the highest water, safaris tours and treks, deep water diving
into the Blue hole, desert biking and many others.
5. Honeymoon Tourism in Egypt
Egypt is an exotic destination that has everything a couple can ever
dream. It has an amazing cradle of culture, history, ancient treasure,
breathtaking nature and luxurious resorts by the beach. It’s so romantic
to just be away from the crowd in a quiet beach and just enjoy a good
couple time together with a disturbance.
6. MICE Tourism in Egypt
Egypt is rich in its venues which are of international standards to meet the expectations of business events. The MICE Tourism
is being built on the latest and new driven technology with great
infrastructure. There are many new hotels such as Renaissance, JW
Marriott, Dusit that has been established in New Cairo from the
Downtown.
7. Health & Wellness Tourism in Egypt
Since ancient times, Egypt has been a healing destination and credit
goes to its sunny and dry climatic condition. The place is ideal for its
wellness treatments such as therapeutic dip and sunbathing and has
proven to heal so many kinds of illness related to bones. It has
attracted people to enjoy its sandy climate, sulphuric springs, natural
mineral water that can also cure other health problems.
8. Nightlife Tourism in Egypt
The nightlife is Egypt bring lights in a different
kind of fun as compared to most countries. Once the sun sets, the heat
is down, people start spilling on to the streets and especially by the
waterfronts along the Nile, people are all over the city of Alexandria,
Luxor chatting arm in arm catching to the breeze. Many light shows at
Giza over the temples are held which draws many visitors to many of
these archaeological sites. However, some nightclubs can be found in
Alexandria, Cairo and many other towns.
9. Winter Tourism in Egypt
Egypt is on the rise of receiving tourist visit in winter
as it’s always been a top-notch destination in the world. Winter is
chilly and the atmosphere is amazing where the temperature drops down a
bit more. It gets very pleasant to visit many of the places in Egypt
which are difficult to explore in the summer desert heat.
Travel Guide
Egypt Tour and Travel Guide
Egypt is more complicated than most countries, yet it
is fascinating with some of the most surviving historical monuments on
Earth. The country has had its hard share of turmoil in recent times and
therefore stands as an unforgettable destination in the world. Egypt is
very welcoming to its visitors to explore its temples and pyramids
which always leave a thrilling experience after leaving Egypt. The Red
Sea coasts are a playground for many kinds of recreational and
adventurous activities.
Cairo Travel Guide
1. Accommodation in Egypt
Egypt offers great places to stay with good money for
value varying from luxurious hotels, historic hotels, eco-lodges,
deserts camps and so on. The hotels are rated on 1-5 stars but the
standards may differ to those of Europe and other countries. Most of the
top hotels are located in Luxor, Sharm el-Sheik, Hurghada and Red sea
coats. However, you can find cheaper guest houses, bed & breakfast
lodge which is inexpensive.
2. Transportation in Egypt
One of the fastest and safest ways to get around Egypt is by air but
the airfare can be pretty expensive. There are other ways of getting
around Egypt, you can either hire a car or book a taxi which is
available in larger cities. For longer journeys, the coaches connect the
country’s major town and they are the fast, safe and inexpensive mode
of transport.
3. Shopping in Egypt
The best place to shop in Egypt is Cairo’s medieval
market called Khan–el-Khalili where everything is cheap, be it a
souvenir, household goods, jewellery, copper utensils, brass plaques and
many others. There are also a wide number of shopping centres,
departmental stores etc. Bargaining is quite difficult in the markets
and some of the best items you can find are old books, leatherwork,
ceramics, copperware etc.
4. Egypt Travel Tips
• Egypt is a safe country.
• Learn some Arabic travel phrases.
• Buy bottled water as it is heavily chlorinated.
• Avoid eating raw vegetables and anything uncooked.
• Stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Get vaccinated before travelling to Egypt.
• The currency is Egyptian pound.
• It’s normal to tip the waiters.
• Nothing is free in Egypt.
• Keep your belongings safe and protected.
5. Best Time to Visit Egypt
Egypt has a favourable climate throughout the year,
summer is great for red sea resorts as temperatures are too high and
it’s the best time to witness Eid al Fitr Festival. As for spring, the
temperature is moderate and it’s a popular tourist season. By the fall,
the temperature is cooler and the travel expenses are affordable. Winter
is also nice weather with occasional rain.
6. Egypt Flight Connection
The main international airport in Egypt is Cairo international airport.
The main carriers for travelers flying to Egypt from India are Finn
air, Aeroflot, Ukraine International Airlines and Turkish Airlines from
the main metropolitan cities of India.
Visa Information
Egypt Visa Information
Documents Required:
• Passport
• Validity - Six months
• A photocopy of duly filled visa application form.
• Two color photographs
• Covering letter from the applicant stating the purpose and duration of the visit.
• Original confirmed return/onward air ticket.
• Proof of hotel reservation
• Original and Photocopy of Income Tax Returns and Photocopy of Pan Card.
• Original and Photocopy of Investment Documents.
Estimated Time:
• The processing time is takes about 4-5 working days.