About Egypt

Egypt backpacking tours conjure up images of pyramids and desert oasis's. Travelers to Egypt can enjoy the experience of a lifetime with a huge range of attractions to see and do.

Egypt Budget Travel

Below is a list of Egypt's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Aswan, Cairo, Dahab, Luxor, Mount Sinai

Fast Facts

Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Dialing Code
0020

AIDS

Egypt HIV/AIDS is very rare, with a rate even lower than the UK. Reasons for this low rate are not clear, but the country's long standing development and progression have ensured better healthcare facilities and increased education and awareness. Egypt is also a very conservation Muslim country which has strict laws and a high moral tradition.

Airports

Egypt airport options include the following:
• Cairo International Airport
• Luxor International Airport
• Sharm el Sheik International Airport

Birdlife

Egypt birdlife includes a number of coastal, wetland, savanna and mountain birds, as well as desert species. All Egypt's birds are migratory, with no endemic or near-endemic species to be found in the country.

Conservation

Egypt conservation is essential to protect the country's endangered and vulnerable species of plant, birds and wildlife. As one of the world's first major civilizations, Egypt's habitats and wildlife have experienced human habitation, which resulted in a major number of species becoming extinct or endangered in the country.

Culture

Egypt cultures include the following:
• Architecture and construction plays a key role in ancient cultures
• Cuisine and food are an important social aspect
• Art has played a vital role for thousands of years
• Literature also plays an important cultural role
• Music and dance is very popular in Egyptian culture

Customs

Egypt customs allowances include the following, regardless of age:
• 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200g of tobacco
• 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
• Reasonable quantity of perfume and 1 liter of Eau de Cologne
• Non-commercial articles up to a value of LE 100
• Personal effects, including electric appliances such as razor or hairdryer

Health

Egypt is generally fairly developed in African standards, but is still a third world country. Egypt health is therefore something to consider carefully, and a few basic precautions will ensure you have a safe, healthy travel adventure and avoid illness ruining your experience.

Innoculations

Egypt inoculations include the following:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Polio

Languages

Egypt languages include the following:
• Egyptian Arabic 68% (national language)
• Sa'idi Arabic 29%
• Bedouin Arabic 1.6%
• Sudanese Arabic 0.6%
• Domari 0.3%
• Nobiin 0.3%
• Bedawi 0.2%

Malaria

Egypt malaria info includes the following:
• Egypt is malaria-free
• Unless you are on route to a malaria-zone country, you do not need to take anti-malaria medication
• Taking medication unnecessarily is dangerous and poses a health risk

Money

Egypt money and banking info is as follows:
• Credit cards are accepted in major tourist areas and cities but not everywhere
• Money can be exchanged fairly easily, especially in the cities and tourist areas
• Travellers cheques can be exchanged at some places, at cost however
• Banking hours are Sunday to Thursday from 08h30 to 14h00
• ATMs can be found almost everywhere across the main cities

People

Egypt people include the following groups:
• Egyptian 99.6%
• Bedouins 1 million
• Nubians 300,000
• Dom 230,000
• Greeks 40,000
• Berbers 5,000

Phrase

Egypt local phrases in Egyptian Arabic include the following:
• Hello - Ahlan wa sahlan
• Good bye - Salam
• Peace be with you (common greeting) - Salam alekum
• No thank you - La shukran
• Do you speak English? - Bititkalimy Englizee?

Plants

Egypt plant life ranges from desert vegetation to lush river valleys, with water plants such as the iconic Lotus flower and Papyrus to be found in many wetland areas. Spring brings an amazing array of flowers across the country near water sources, and many cities sell a wide range of these beautiful plants in flower stores.

Population

A November 2008 estimate puts Egypt's population at 75,500,662.

Religion

Egypt religion includes the following:
• Islam 90%
• Christianity 9%

Safety Tips

Egypt safety tips include the following:
• Terrorist attacks have been known to occur in high tourist focused areas
• Crime is otherwise low, but valuables should be kept safe and out of site regardless as a precaution
• Borders near Gaza, Liberia and Sudan are dangerous and should be avoided
• Avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations which may turn violent
• Have respect at all times and follow local customs to avoid being targeted

Transport

Egypt local transport options include the following:
• Car
• Bus
• Train
• Taxi

Travel Books

Egypt recommended travel books include the following:
• Egypt: Eyewitness Travel Guide by DK Publishing
• National Geographic Traveler: Egypt 2nd Edition by Andrew Humphreys
• Globetrotter Egypt Travel Pack by Globetrotter
• Egypt Country Guide by Lonely Planet

Visa Requirements

Egypt visa requirements include the following:
• Passport which is valid for six months at least
• ID or green card
• 2 Visa Application Forms
• 2 Passport photographs
• Copy of airline tickets or itinerary

What To Buy

What to buy for Egypt safaris:
• Egypt guide book and language guide
• Good backpack and a decent moneybag
• Plug adapter or electricity converter
• Travel pack of soap, washing powder, wet wipes and tissues
• Insect repellent

What To Pack

What to pack for Egypt safaris:
• Loose, lightweight cotton clothing with long sleeves
• Comfortable shoes, plus sandals and smart shoes
• Warm clothes, raincoat plus evening wear for going out
• First aid kit with basic supplies, plus toiletries
• Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen

When To Go

When to go to Egypt:
• Peak tourist runs from mid October to May, in winter to late spring
• May to October is the hottest time but is quieter and cheaper to visit
• August is one of the hottest months and is also the most humid month
• Spring offers the best weather and runs between March and April
• The Khamsin wind season runs for 5 days in spring

Wildlife

Egypt wildlife is fairly diverse, with a number of desert species, marine species, fresh water species and land species to be found in the country's various ecosystems and habitats. There are a number of rodent species, as well as carnivores, reptiles, fish and mammals to be found.