| Egypt is a famous destination for backpackers | | | | no problems that you would encounter in other |
| and package holidaymakers alike, with its stunning | | | | African nations. |
| coastline, ancient civilization, vivacious cities and | | | | Cost - Egypt is a relatively cheap place to travel |
| the beautiful Sahara. You could spend weeks or | | | | in; budget travellers should be able to get by on a |
| even months touring around its many highlights | | | | daily limit of around $20 per day, which should |
| and there really is something for everyone here; | | | | cover your food, local transport and |
| beaches to sprawl out on, diving opportunities | | | | accommodation. Remember, it does not hurt to |
| galore, hiking in the Sinai and exploration of the | | | | spoil yourself with that top restaurant or a night in |
| splendid temples and pyramids of one of the | | | | that lovely hotel you saw, once in a while. |
| Worlds most impressive ancient civilizations. | | | | Travel is definitely good value and tours to the |
| The south of the country is best visited in the | | | | oases of the Sahara or to the top of Mount Sinai |
| winter months as in the summer it is unbearably | | | | are also reasonable. Dive shops on the Red Sea |
| hot and nearly impossible to travel comfortably. | | | | coast are plentiful and as the competition is hot, |
| This includes Aswan and Luxor, where so many | | | | prices are kept low. |
| of the ancient Egyptian sights are to be found. | | | | The Sights - The Pyramids of Giza are an |
| The summer months are the most favoured time | | | | amazing sight and one which many people see |
| for visitors to the beaches of the Mediterranean | | | | before long. Yes, it is overrun with tourists here, |
| coast, though the accommodation at this time is | | | | but can you blame them? There are plenty more |
| at a premium. Cairo is best visited in the spring | | | | temples and monuments scattered around the |
| and autumn months, so Egypt really is a | | | | country and even into the North of Sudan (which |
| destination for all year round. | | | | should not be visited at the moment due to the |
| For the backpacker, the best time to visit will be | | | | civil war). |
| spring or autumn as this will allow trips to most of | | | | Abu Simbel is like an epicentre of Ancient Egyptian |
| the countrys sights and regions. | | | | monuments and treasures and although you may |
| Health-wise - Egypts healthcare service is | | | | have read about the kidnappings and attacks in |
| reasonably good, though any condition needing | | | | the area, it is not as bad as the western press |
| serious medical care will have to be seen in one | | | | likes to make out, though it is best to check with |
| of the bigger hospitals in Cairo. There is really only | | | | the local tourist office either in Cairo or Aswan. |
| two precautions needed for any diseases in the | | | | The Red Sea has got some great dive sites and |
| country and that is Malaria and Dengue fever. | | | | as previously stated, these are easily accessible |
| Malaria only exists in the Al-Fayoum area and the | | | | and good value. The resorts that are close by, |
| rest of the country is not at risk. Dengue fever | | | | Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada are cosmopolitan |
| has been reported over the last ten years and so | | | | places with visitors from all over the world. |
| precautions for this disease will also be needed. | | | | The bombings which happened over the last few |
| Everyday common sense is needed here as in | | | | years are regrettable, but the locals have the |
| other countries in Africa, with Schistosomiasis in | | | | drive to get over these wanton acts of |
| the rivers and the searing heat and sun. Basically | | | | destruction. |
| you should just refrain from swimming in the | | | | The oases of the Sahara Desert are a great |
| rivers and remember to cover up with sunblock | | | | place to get away from the crowds of the cities |
| and to keep hydrated. Taking re-hydration pills | | | | and resorts. Siwa Oasis near the Libyan border is |
| would be a good idea. | | | | a popular trip, as is Farafra near the White Desert. |
| Visas and documents - All western citizens will | | | | Both are reasonably easy to reach and offer trips |
| need a visa to enter Egypt, these can be acquired | | | | into the expanse of sand. |
| either on arrival at a port or airport or at a | | | | People often overlook Egypts Islamic past as well |
| Consulate or Embassy. Proof of Yellow fever | | | | as that of the ancients and with some of the |
| vaccination will be needed if you are travelling | | | | best bazaars in the region, Cairo is especially |
| from an infected area (like most of Sub-Saharan | | | | appealing. One of the most buzzing cities in the |
| Africa). | | | | World, Cairo has great museums and galleries, but |
| It is very easy to get a visa for a visit from the | | | | the highlight has to be just walking the medieval |
| surrounding countries and as tourism is an | | | | streets alongside the hawkers and children! |
| important part of Egypts economy, there will be | | | | |