Discover Egypt, a country with enormous tourism attractions. The largest outdoor museum in the world is located along the beautiful Nile River and features amazing architectural and construction accomplishments. South Africans seeking an all-inclusive vacation destination are flocking to Egypt. From the tall pyramids to the well-known pharaonic temples, all the breathtaking sites are waiting for you. You’ll discover your inner adventurer in Egypt.
After exploring Cairo’s fascinating Egyptian Museum, it’s time to travel to Luxor, a magnificent ancient city. The majority of Egypt vacation packages include a Nile cruise, which you will board there. Explore the stunning Karnak Temple, see the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, where the renowned Tutankhamun’s tomb was found, and take a five-star luxury cruise to Aswan. The Philae Temple, which was saved from the rising waters of the Nile, and the incomplete obelisk will leave you in amazement.
Abu Simbel Temples
The magnificent Sun Temple of King Ramses II at Abu Simbel was built in honor of the powerful King Ramses II and is arguably the most magnificent temple in all of ancient Egypt with its enormous rock-cut façade. Four enormous statues of the pharaoh himself are carved into the side of a mountain and guard the temple’s entrance. In a display of architectural egotism and meticulousness, Ramses II had the entire temple oriented and angled so that the sun’s rays would illuminate the inner sanctum of the temple twice a year on his birthday (October 21) and on the day he ascended to the throne (February 21).
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings, in 4,000-year-old Luxor, is dotted with elaborately designed tombs that were built to hold the powerful pharaohs’ mummies in regal sarcophagi as they awaited their transition into the afterlife. The tombs of King Tutankhamun, Amenhotep II, and Seti I are among the most well-known. Over 60 luxurious and extravagant graves have been unearthed in all. About two of the at least 75 tombs in the Valley of the Queens, Biban al-Harim, are open. The well-known Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, also called Deir al-Bahri, rises in a sequence of terraces from the desert plain. One of Egypt’s most beautiful and frequently photographed monuments, it is partially freestanding and partially rock-cut.
Karnak & Luxor Temples
Among the world’s most remarkable remnants of ancient history are the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Known as one of the world’s greatest temple complexes, Karnak was expanded over hundreds of years by successive pharaohs. Only the Amun-Re precinct, one of the four separate parts of the Karnak complex, is accessible to the general public. Since many of Egypt’s rulers were crowned there, the beautiful Luxor temples play a particularly important role in the country’s history. Naturally, a visit to Egypt would not be complete without a tour of the historic grounds where these temples are located.
Aswan & Philae Temple
The felucca trip downstream to Kom Ombo and possible trips to Abu Simbel begin in the charming town of Aswan, which is situated on the River Nile. A popular destination for tourists is the relaxed Nubian town of Aswan, which is brimming with vibrant marketplaces, aromatic spices, Roman and Pharaonic remains, and history from the ancient Nubia. Exploring Elephantine and Kitchener Island is worthwhile, and dining at the eateries along the corniche is a smart idea. Explore the Temple of Philae, which dates back to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras, by taking a boat to Agelika Island. The temple of Isis, which takes up almost 25% of the island, is the biggest structure there.
Alexandria & El Alamein
This intriguing city, which was founded by the renowned Alexander the Great, is located on Egypt’s northern shore and is lapped by the stunning Mediterranean Sea. Travelers are drawn to Alexandria because it was formerly home to the Pharos, a lighthouse that was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, even though it has since collapsed. Even while you may not be able to see this magnificent building today, the city is still filled with historical significance, and a visit to the Alexandria National Museum will undoubtedly aid you in understanding Alexandria’s rich cultural legacy and fascinating history. You might also stop in El Alamein, the scene of some of the worst Second World War fighting, on your way back to Cairo from Alexandria. It has developed into a pilgrimage destination for individuals who want to honor those who died in the conflict. A constant reminder of the terrible loss that each participating nation experienced are the rows of graves at the numerous war cemeteries. El Alamein is the ideal location to enjoy life and its joyous moments, so it’s not merely a somber holdover from the past.
King Tut Exhibit, Egyptian Museum
The Tomb of Tutankhamun, which Howard Carter found intact in 1922, is arguably one of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries ever. More than 3,300 years ago, during the New Kingdom era, Tutankhamun lived. Egypt had been a global powerhouse for two centuries, and its royal family led a lavish lifestyle. The world-renowned Egyptian Museum in Cairo is currently displaying King Tutankhamun’s pure gold funeral mask and his invaluable hoard of jewels that were interred with him on his trip to the afterlife. This well-known mask and Egypt’s largest-ever collection of artifacts will undoubtedly draw tourists to Cairo for years to come, especially with the opening of the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum in 2022.
Hurghada
The ideal way to round off a cultural journey through Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and beyond is to visit Hurghada, Egypt’s top beach resort, along with Sharm el-Sheikh. Vacationers can enjoy first-rate water sports including sailing, yachting, deep-sea fishing, SCUBA diving, and snorkeling thanks to hotels and upgraded infrastructure. Due to Hurghada’s central location, it is possible to access some of the world’s best offshore reefs. Hurghada’s vibrant nightlife is another well-known feature. There are several stores in the town that sell imitation t-shirts and bags, snorkeling equipment, and other items for those who enjoy shopping. Mons Porphyritis, an old Roman quarry, and Port Safarga, a well-known windy location and great windsurfing spot, are located just outside Hurghada.
Cairo
Cairo is the starting point for all of our travels and is one of the most fascinating cities. At the beginning of most of our group excursions in Egypt, On The Go offers an exclusive Backstreets of Cairo tour that gives you a taste of the most interesting and lesser-known Cairo areas. Enjoy some tea at one of the local cafés, which are excellent for people watching, and make sure to score a deal at the busy Khan el Khalili bazaar. Sultan Hassan’s mosque, which is exquisitely lit at night, and the majestic Islamic Citadel of Saladin are two more important points of interest.
Dendera
One of the best-preserved temple complexes in northern Upper Egypt is Dendera, which is 60 kilometers north of Luxor. The temples, chapels, and shrines within this enormous complex, which spans 40,000 square meters, were progressively constructed over thousands of years. The Temple of Hathor, which dates back 2000 and has a beautifully adorned ceiling, is Dendera’s greatest attraction. Check it out for yourself and let us know what you think.