POSTCARDS FROM 8 DAYS IN EGYPT

“GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK, TRAVEL, RESPECT YOUR HEALTH AND CHALLENGE YOUR THINKING” 

Let me start off by saying there are not enough words in the English language to describe just how incredible Egypt is. Each day I was completely in awe. In the hopes of doing Egypt justice, I’ve put together a photo diary from the eight days I spent there.

I did my tour in Egypt through Contiki. Now whilst some of you may cringe at that, rest assured, Egypt Contiki isn’t much like your regular Contiki tours. Whilst still very fast paced, it’s not quite a ‘party tour’ but you’ll still have a great time and make lifelong friends. The tour starts and finishes in Cairo, traveling through Aswan, Edfu, Luxor and Hurghada. Contiki also offer a day trip out to Alexandria the day after the tour finishes, so keep that in mind when it comes to booking flights as you won’t want to miss out. Security is top notch and the accommodation is great – I would recommend this tour to everyone, especially solo or female travelers.

CAIRO

Set on the Nile, Cairo is Egypt’s bustling capital city. At its center is the famous Egypt Museum and just on the outskirts, dating back to the 26th century BC, the world renowned Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza.

We spent a great amount of time exploring Giza and the famous Egypt Museum on our first day in Cairo.

Great Sphinx of Giza

Pyramids of Giza

Tutankhamum’s Mask

ABU SIMBEL

Two massive and awe inspiring rock temples located just south of Egypt that were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. The twin temples was relocated in their entirety in 1968.

We took a short, small flight into Abu Simbel for a day trip. It is expensive, but definitely something that can’t be missed when visiting Egypt.

The Great Temple of Ramesses II

The Small Temple of Nefertari

CRUISING THE NILE

Generally regarded as the longest river in the world, the Nile is the primary water source of Egypt and Sudan, flowing 6,853 km (4,258 miles) long.

We cruised from Aswan to Edfu stopping at the temple of Kom Ombo, Crocodile Museum and The Temple of Horus. From Edfu to Luxor where we witnessed the Avenue of Sphinxes, The Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak finishing in Hurghada.

Temple of Kom Ombo

Temple of Edfu – dedicated to Horus

Temple of Karnak

TEMPLE OF HATSHEPSUT

Dedicated to the Pharaoh Hatshepsut, the temple is located beneath the cliffs at Deir el Bahari, on the west side of the Nile near the Valley of the Kings.

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Horus

Hieroglyphics

HURGHADA & THE SAHARA

Renowned for scuba diving, this stunning beach resort town stretches approximately 40km along Egypt’s Red Sea coast. There are many restaurants, bars and nightclubs, while the old town, El Dahar, is home to traditional Egyptian coffee shops and souks.

We took a day trip out to the Sahara Desert from here (we visited in Winter, so very cold to do any diving unfortunately). With an area of 9,200,000 kilometres, the Sahara is the largest hot desert and the third largest desert in the world after Antarctica and the Arctic. There’s some great experiences to be had here including Quad Biking, Camel Trekking/Riding, 4WD adventures and loads more!

ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria is a port city on the Mediterranean Sea in northern Egypt founded in 331 BCE by Alexander the Great. Best known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; its Great Library (the largest in the ancient world; now replaced by a modern one); and the Necropolis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

Pompey’s Pillar

Citadel of Qaitbay

Great Library

Roman Theatre and Bathhouse

 

SAQQARA AND DAHSHUR

Saqqara features numerous pyramids, including the world-famous Step pyramid of Djoser, built during the Third Dynasty. Dahshur is known for several pyramids, two of which are among the oldest, largest and best preserved in Egypt, built from 2613–2589 BC.

The Red Pyramid

The Step Pyramid

My time in Egypt was one of the most spectacular travel experiences of my life!

I know a lot of people are nervous about visiting, but traveling with a tour is very safe as all of your guides and drivers are local and are very knowledgeable. They meet you in the airport and transport you straight to your hotel which is fully secure.

Tourism is what keeps Egypt thriving. Without it, they have suffered incredibly and it’s so heartbreaking to witness. I heard many stories from locals who remember when the streets were buzzing with tourists and they were wealthy business owners.

Let’s not let the evils of the world dictate where we can and can’t travel. The places we may have classified as ‘safe’ to visit are not necessarily guaranteed to be safe anymore. It would be a shame to miss out on the magic that is Egypt!

“NO AMOUNT OF SECURITY IS WORTH THE SUFFERING OF A MEDIOCRE LIFE CHAINED TO A ROUTINE THAT HAS KILLED YOUR DREAMS” – Maya Mendoza

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