Extraordinary buildings, mummies and hieroglyphs Egypt is a place of wonder and innovation. This ancient land holds many mysteries and questions, including the ancient pyramids, the Sphinx, and the tombs. These structures date back almost four thousand years and are still awe-inspiring. These ancient monuments have captured the imagination of world-renowned archaeologists. And there is still more to discover about this fascinating civilization.
Egypt is, a country located in the northeastern corner of Africa. The most famous Pyramids are those of Giza situated in the Giza Governorate, to the west of the Egyptian capital of Cairo.
With its beauty and allure, it’s no wonder that Egypt is so popular with tourists and history seekers alike.
When you visit Egypt, you should plan to visit several sites. These include the Temples and pyramids, the statues, and the valleys. You can also take a Nile River cruise. Or you can dive into the deep and see well-preserved ruins, sunken ships, and unique marine life.
Egypt is such an amazing country that it is hard to narrow it down to just a few top choices of things to do. But here are four to get you started.
4) Temple of Kom Ombo
Located on the banks of the Nile river in the village of Kom Ombo in the Aswan Governorate Upper Egypt is a unique double temple serving two gods. It was constructed during the Graeco-Roman period (332 BC AD 395). There was an earlier structure from the 18th dynasty but little remains today. The temple was dedicated to the falcon god, Horus the Elder, and the crocodile god, Sobek. The temple has duplicated sanctuary courts, halls, and rooms. The temple also has an entrance on one side of the building. The southern half of the temple was dedicated to Sobek, and the northern part of the temple was dedicated to Horus. The temple is atypical because everything is perfectly symmetrical along the main axis.
Unfortunately, much of the temple has been destroyed over time but some restoration has been done. In its glory, Kom Ombo would have been stunning! The temple is definitely still worth visiting today for its beauty and history. It is home to several well-preserved and fascinating reliefs, including some intricately carved columns. The main court has 16 columns, all with exquisitely carved palm or floral capitals. Everywhere you look, you will see reliefs carved into the walls, ceiling, and columns. Some of them still have traces of their original colors. The temple was once famous for its healing powers.
And while you are there you might as well see another interesting attraction, the crocodile museum. This is an indoor area full of mummified crocodiles. Let’s be honest you probably won’t get a chance to see a mummified crocodile again so don’t skip this part. Until recently, the River Nile was full of crocodiles. The Ancient Egyptians were scared since they would attack humans and animals. However, there was a belief that if they worshipped the animal, it wouldn’t attack them.
Com Ombo is easily accessible by train or minibus, and the temple is part of most Nile cruises. The temple is also included on many day tours.
Usually, guided tours or cruises are the easiest options- they give you plenty of opportunities to see many temples and monuments without worrying about traveling between the different sights or trying to find an English-speaking guide.
3)Diving In Egypt -Diving into the depths to see well-preserved ruins
When you think about Egypt the first thing that comes to mind is the pyramids, the temples, and the statues. But did you know Egypt is also a great place to dive? Diving in Egypt is a thrilling experience. You can choose from a variety of dive sites, and the water is crystal clear. Visibility is from 20-50 meters, and the water temperature averages around 21°C to 28°C.
There are also numerous wrecks to explore, including the SS Thistlegorm.
This shipwreck is 30 meters beneath the surface off the coast of Egypt in the north of The Red Sea, at Shag Rock in the Gulf of Gubal. It is ideal diving for newer and advanced divers alike. The ship was sunk more than 80 years ago by a German torpedo and stretches over 128 meters long. One of the most interesting things about this sunken vessel is what its cargo contained such as armored cars, radios, and even locomotives that lay on the ocean floor.
Thonis-Heracleion is a sunken city just off of Alixendrea., the city fell into the Mediterranean Sea after a series of earthquakes some 1,000 years ago. Some of the artifacts and statues were brought up to the surface to be displayed. But there is much of the city underwater still. Though it is only about 30 feet under water it is dark in that part. Unfortunately, I’m not completely sure if this site is open to the public. So this may not be an option available for everyone.
But there are still tons of great places to explore. Like the many numerous shipwrecks, coral reefs as well as amazing fish and marine life. And If you want to spot Hammerhead sharks, head to Egypt between June-September. This is also when the water temperature is at its warmest making it easier for them to hunt in their natural environment. The best time to spot a Whale Shark is between May-August although they have been known to be spotted all year round near the coast of Egypt.
Make sure to wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, and be respectful of the coral.
2) Camel ride to the great pyramids
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Egypt a camel ride is a must-do. See the sunset over the legendary Giza pyramids while traveling on one of these majestic creatures. Camel riding in Egypt has long been a way to get around the desert. Camels have been a common means of transportation in the Sahara since ancient times. They have been used to transport food and other goods. For tourists, they are a great way to explore the desert and get to the pyramids. After a convenient hotel pickup, hop on a camel and see the Great Pyramid, capture once-in-a-lifetime photographs, and explore the area surrounding the pyramids. Learn about ancient Egyptian history from an informative local guide.
You can do day rides or as the sun sets depending on what you wish to experience. The camel rides take different routes so make sure you know what you wish to view beforehand so you book the right one. You want to make sure to see the sphinx, the Great Pyramid, and the others. All the beauty of the Gaza strip.
You can book your camel ride ahead and some travel packages may include it. If you don’t book ahead of time there are lots of camels at the location so getting a ride shouldn’t be a problem. Make sure your camels have had a chance to rest before your ride and look healthy. You don’t want to overwork these beautiful creatures.
1)Enjoy a Nile River Cruise
This will be a great option for those new to visiting Egypt as you will get to see a lot of the popular sites from one booking. This takes out the hassle of booking each separately. Taking a Nile River Cruise is one of the best ways to experience old and modern Egypt. As travelers glide along the water, they can enjoy wildlife spotting and seeing the locals. Most cruises start in Luxor and end in Aswan. These last for multi-days and are a lot of fun. Cruises are great for all ages and offer opportunities for memorable family moments.
The boats used for these cruises are relatively modern, but they are still smaller than ocean-going cruise ships. They differ in size, amenities, and price depending on what you are looking for. You can take a smaller more intimate boat or the big Nile cruiser boats. These are like floating hotels with more amenities like Sleeping quarters and a restaurant. Some have a pool and a canopy to keep you cool during the day.
You’ll disembark for guided visits to the region’s most iconic sites and locations. This is a great way to see some key locations you may have had on your list. Most cruise itineraries focus on the famous temples and overlook some of the less popular, yet worth-seeing sites. You may want to take your time exploring these sites at a later date, either by hiring a private guide or independently. Also plan some time before your cruise to explore Luxor itself. Luxor has the world’s best open-air museum and is packed with thousands of years of history.
Summary
It’s easy to see why Egypt is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The ancient Egyptians were one of the most advanced civilizations. They had a rich culture and they built some of the most famous monuments ever. With a history that stretches far back and a wealth of natural beauty and cultural treasures, it’s no wonder this country attracts millions of visitors every year.
The best time of year to visit Egypt depends on your location. Winters can be quite cold, and nighttime temperatures can fall well below zero. However, autumn nights stay comfortably in the mid-fifties. The climate in the South is even warmer. If you’re planning on visiting the West Bank, Abu Simbel, or Luxor, fall is the best time to visit. The cool weather makes packing lighter possible, as well as making your vacation more enjoyable.
