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:: E G Y P T ::

Going to Egypt may feel like venturing into a time machine; maybe best known for the ancient Egyptian cultures along the Nile River, Egypt also has remains from the Persians, Greeks and Romans. But in the daily life and the society, it is easy to notice that Islam has dominated Egypt for many centuries since the Arabs introduced it.

Geographically, Egypt is an extension of the Libyan and Sudanese Sahara, and only along the dissecting Nile, the country flowers and remains fertile – elsewhere, the country is covered by sand dunes and barren desert depressions. One of the most spectacular and picturesque areas is the mountainous Sinai Peninsula, the small land bridge which link Asia and Africa along the upper Red Sea coasts. This region is natively inhabited by Bedouins, and the fringing coral reefs and the Biblical history makes it an interesting side-trip away from the Nile and the ancient Egypt.

To experience the real Sahara and life within it, outings to the far-off oases, such as Siwa or Farafra, are good alternatives to the Nile Valley. If things have to be really adventurous, Gilf Kebir, a mountainous area in the Saharan Uweinat Range in the remote south-west corner of Egypt, can be visited on a long desert expedition.

Regions visited

We’ve visited Egypt in early Spring 2005. It was our first trip to the Middle East and the entire experience felt like visiting Asia for the first time; totally different, inviting and gripping.

In almost two semi-hectic weeks we covered Cairo, the upper Nile Valley and the Sinai Peninsula. Due to a very small budget, several vehicle breakdowns, multiple military checkpoints in Sinai, and long distances due to the fact that Egypt is quite a large country, we used a lot of time on public transport sitting in busses. Nonetheless, the effort was worth it, as every visited area had its own appeal and capturing sites. Hiking and mountaineering in the remote Sinai Peninsula was costly in time but in all senses the most rewarding experience – we will never forget Sheik Musa in the village of St. Catherine’s, who we had to ask permission in order to climb his mountain; the highest in Egypt.

:: Al-Qahirah ::

With the oldest and largest pyramids in the backyard

most visitors come to this Metropolis

Cairo – Africa’s largest and probably also most smoggy city

Giza Pyramids – The most impressive and mystic monumental architecture in the world

:: Sinai Peninsula ::

The rugged and harsh junction between Africa and Asia

Mount Sinai – Where Jews believe that Moses received the Ten Commandments

St Catherines – Bedouin oasis and village in the middle of Nowhere

Gebel Katharina – The highest mountain in Egypt, 2626m high

Dahab – Diver and backpacker retreat at the warm Red Sea

:: Luxor & the Middle Nile Valley ::

Fertile land which boasts most of the ancient remains from several Millennia

The Nile Valley – The backdrop to some 95 percent of Egypt’s population

Valley of the Kings & Queens, Hatshepsut Temple, Karak and other magnificent ancient sites

Luxor – Attractive city which offers much more than the nearby temples

Fast facts and hints about Egypt

Daily budget: On the cheap: 15$; High pace and many activities; 20-40$; street shawarma: 0.5$

Pros: A cruise on the Nile is a great escape when things get chaotic; a captivating atmosphere; cheap food on every street corner; friendly Bedouins

Cons: Transport is slow and time-consuming, and the driving is mad; the historical sites can be a bit too packed with tourist at certain times

In a nutshell: Eye-balling camel-drivers; lost civilizations; the Red Sea diving; the 80-or-so pyramids

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