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Egypt is a country with so much history and just as much to see. How do you decide what is worth going to see? I’ve outlined two places that stuck out in my mind from my visit to both Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. I did Upper Egypt on a Nile Cruise and Lower Egypt from a hotel in Giza.
The Giza Pyramids:
We went for a two hour camel ride in the evening up to the pyramids when there was nobody about. I won’t question how legal this was… Without a doubt, everyone who goes to Egypt must ride a camel: if you can do it near the pyramids, all the better! If you can, see the pyramids when the sun is going down behind them. There has never been such an idyllic sight. Also, Cairo’s “Sound and Light Show” is a treat; lighting up the pyramids beautifully in the evenings.
Cairo Museum:
Firstly, I advise you that if you do go to Cairo museum, wait until you have seen the other sites around Cairo first. If you go to the museum and see all of Tutankhamun’s riches, you won’t appreciate the beauty of the rest of Cairo as you will become blinded by the sight of gold. You can find something interesting about anything in Cairo museum and this is always better with a helpful, know-it-all tour guide...
We were told that you shouldn’t pick up a so-called guide outside Cairo museum as these are just people trying to snitch money from gullible unknowing tourists. However, we were approached by an Egyptologist named Mohamed Mahmoud, currently working on his PhD. He offered to take us around for an hour and if we didn’t like his tour then we didn’t have to pay him. Cautiously we agreed. It was apparent immediately that he was genuine as he talked in depth about each statue that we questioned him about with flawless merit and made the Cairo Museum all the more insightful.
Valley of the Kings:
Valley of the Kings is one of my favourite sites. There are about 60 tombs dedicated to Egyptian Pharaohs and privileged royals. I explored at least nine or ten of these tombs. Each one is unique inside with beautiful, colourful wall paintings that tell myths of how the world was born or stories of enemies of Egypt. You can hardly believe you are standing in tombs that are thousands of years old. Of course, you should go and check out Tutankhamun’s tomb so you can appreciate how much the Egyptian’s managed to fit into his small chambers.
Abu Simbel:
Southwest of Aswan but one of the most prominent sites in Egypt. Abu Simbel was relocated before the building of the Aswan Dam so they didn’t destroy the precious archaeology. Abu Simbel are twin temples carved out of the rock during Ramesses II's reign for himself and his queen, Nefertiti. The front of the temples themselves are the most impressive, with statues of Ramesses II wearing the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.
Perfume:
Egypt is famous for its excellent perfume. If you do find yourself going or being taken to a perfume shop, make sure they only show you the oils. The watered down perfume isn’t as good and tends to be the same price that they save for tourists who don’t know any better.
Hieroglyphs:
Anything with your name in hieroglyphics. I brought a bookmark, a painting and a cartouche, all of which had my name beautifully drawn, painted and carved into each. There is something about hieroglyphics that’s mystical and beautiful so this is a very worthwhile souvenir.
Men and their Camels:
This is one for the girls. If you go with friends and family and you are a young, attractive female, trust nobody. You might just find yourself being sold off for camels... Remember to tell your travelling pals that you are not for sale, especially if this is your parents. I’m sure mine seriously considered selling me for some camels...
Taxis:
In Cairo you can travel everywhere by taxi if you want to be clinging onto the car for dear life as it is rare to find a taxi with seatbelts. We were lucky however; a travel website recommended a taxi man called Said. We phoned him once we were in Cairo and he took us everywhere in his little Skoda. He was very friendly and spoke brilliant English.
This is a country that really can be proud of its diverse and ancient sites with six thousand years of recorded history. I highly recommend both Upper and Lower Egypt as potential holiday destinations.
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