Egypt

Nestled in the northeast corner of Africa, it is one of the greatest civilisations ever known and home to pyramids, pharaohs, Tutankhamun, and the Sphinx. If you love your history, start at the museum in Cairo, which houses the death mask of Tutankhamun.

A visit to the Nile River, the longest river in the world stretching 6,650 kilometres shouldn't be missed.  Spend a sunrise sitting by the bank or take a river cruise, passing both the modern and ancient Egypt. 

Extraordinary sites, including some of the earliest cities and structures on Earth, are protected in this ancient slice of north Africa. There is the City of the Dead, the Temple of Abu Simbel, and the Lost City of Heracleion, Desert Breath, and the remarkable White Desert, to name just a few. Not far from Cairo is Ain Sukhna, a top getaway vacation on the Red Sea Coast. Marsa Alam, Hurghada, Sharm Al-Sheikh, and Dahab all offer great diving sites for you to discover the hidden beauty of the Red Sea and its unique and vibrant ecosystem.

El Fayoum is one of Egypt's oldest cities proposing a range of activities, from surfing the sand dunes to enjoying the Wadi El Rayan's waterfalls. Hikers may like to try mount Sinai, a 2,285-metre climb rewarding in a 360-degree breathtaking view.

It's not all ancient history as fossicking for bargains in the souks is always exciting. Nightlife and entertainment thrive in Cario. Pub 28 in Zamalek is small, cosy and one frequented by locals and said to have the best sangria in Cairo. The Cairo Jazz Club always has great entertainment and brilliant beverages. The Roof Pool Bar at Kempinski Nile Hotel is one of the best rooftop bars in the capital. The Best View Bar (yes, that's its real name) is currently rated as a 3-star yet boasts impressive views over the pyramids at sunset.

Best time to visit Egypt

Egypt is a country that has attracted visitors for thousands of years through all climates. It is a classically arid desert climate: hot and sunny throughout the year. There is little precipitation, which means the days are predominately sunny and perfect for sightseeing.

If you are planning on visiting from May to October, remember many of Egypt's ancient sights are located in desert regions. Activities are best planned around the early morning or late afternoon as it can become extremely hot. Peak season at the ancient sites is usually from December and January. Budget travellers can get good discounts in the shoulder and off-seasons.