EGYPT HAS always been a country deep with history and culture and is being visited by more and more tourists each year.
Cairo, the capital city of Egypt and the largest city in Africa, is among the most densely populated and chaotic in the world. However it is one of great contrast; from being in the hustle and bustle of the city centre, you can easily reach the ancient pyramids of Giza that are just 20kms away.
The city is extremely popular with tourists – attractions including the Giza plateau on the city outskirts home to the pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, two of the most iconic attractions in the world, built by the ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago.
Other popular tourist destinations include the Egyptian museum, home to the ancient gold sarcophagus of Tutankhamun, among over 120,000 other ancient artefacts.
The world famous River Nile runs through the city centre and is well known as being the longest river in the world with boat trips along the river proving incredibly popular.
Once you have finished taking in the sights, why not indulge in some retail therapy with one of the many bazaars across the city? The most popular with tourists is the Khan Al-Khalili. It is one of the oldest in the world and you can buy just about anything from carpets to jewellery.
Clear waters
The great increase in tourism within Egypt has been more in the region of Sharm el-sheik. The once fishing port and strategic naval base is now a tourist hotspot overlooking the Red Sea.
Tourists are attracted to the area by the seemingly eternal sunshine and long stretches of beautiful beaches along the coastline.
This region is particularly popular with visitors seeking water sports and activities such as scuba diving with crystal clear waters making Sharm el-sheik among the best places in the world to see around 1,000 different species of fish in their natural habitat.
A rise in the number of tourists in the area has meant an increase in wealth in the region and the introduction of world famous franchises such as Four Seasons, Marriot, Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds.
Egypt’s world famous deserts make it clear that Egypt is an extremely hot country. Throughout the summer temperatures can average between 27C and 32C with quite a dramatic drop in temperatures at night. In winter, average temperatures can range from between 13C and 21C. Despite Egypt’s incredible vastness, approximately 99 per cent of the population uses just 5.5 per cent of the total land area, due to the inhabitable deserts and the fact that the majority of towns and cities are built alongside the Nile valley and the Nile delta.
Egyptian cuisine is a strong fusion of Greek, Turkish and Lebanese. Bread and beans are two main components of the diet as well as grilled chicken and Kofta (flavoured lamb prepared from the ground) are very popular.
For further information on travelling to Egypt, visit the official website of the Egyptian tourism authority www.Egypt.travel
