From the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza to mindblowing archeological sites like the Valley of the Kings, the secrets of the Ancient Egyptians have long been a symbol of mystery and wonder.

After spending several weeks traveling in Egypt, I’ve narrowed down what I believe to be the best 10 day Egypt Itinerary to immerse yourself in the culture, landscapes, and history of one of the world’s most incredible travel destinations!

So what are you waiting for, here is my ultimate guide to spending 10 days in Egypt!

Egypt Itinerary Overview - 10 Days

Firstly, an admission. This epic itinerary has largely been adapted from the 9-Day Essential Egypt trip organized by TravelTalk Tours.

After traveling in Egypt independently myself, I recently embarked on this trip with them in 2022 and it quickly changed my perceptions of organized tours. The reality is there is just so much to see in Egypt, the distances are vast, and travel isn't exactly easy.

Even with the immense logistical benefits, perhaps the biggest motivation for me recommending an organized tour in Egypt over doing things yourself is that having a professional Egyptologist guide is absolutely invaluable.

After four years of full-time independent travel, I'd still advise anyone looking to do a trip in Egypt to book a guided tour instead, especially the one with TravelTalk!

So, this 10 day Egypt itinerary post will also serve as a rough recap of my trip with them. Of course, I've added in some variations and tips along the way so that it can be followed independently.

Also, at the bottom of this post, I've included more options and suggestions for lengthening or changing up your own travel itinerary for Egypt, based on my previous travels around other parts of the country.

Itinerary Highlights

This itinerary follows the main travel route in Egypt, visiting all of the major landmarks along the River Nile in the cities of Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor.

Below is a quick summary of what you might expect in this awesome Egypt travel route.

Cairo

• Giza Pyramids
• Great Sphinx of Giza
• Saqqara Necropolis & the Djoser Step Pyramid
• Egyptian Museum
• Mohammad Ali Mosque
• Coptic Church Hanging Church
• Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Aswan

• Unfinished Obelisk
• Philae Temple
• Abu Simbel Temples
• Felucca Sailing (traditional Nile sailing boat)
• Visit a Nubian Village
• Temple of Kom Ombo

LUXOR

• Kom Ombo Temple
• Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus)
• Karnak Temple
• Luxor Temple
• Valley of the Kings
• Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Things to Know Before Travelling to Egypt

Before you jet off to Cairo for the adventure of a lifetime, here are some quick tips you'll want to know about traveling in Egypt.

Visas For Egypt

Tourists flying into Egypt need a visa.

Luckily, travelers from many parts of the world including the US, UK, Australia, Europe, and many parts of Asia can purchase a visa on arrival.

This costs $25 USD, purchased from the bank stall once you land at Cairo International Airport. Strangely, you'll need to pay for this in cash in either Egyptian Pounds (EGP) or US Dollars.

Tip: travelers from certain countries including Indonesia, and the Philippines, will require an authorized visa from your local embassy or consulate. Make sure you check the latest rules before you leave.

Insurance For this Egypt Itinerary

Following the events of the past few years, it's safe to say that travel insurance is pretty much essential these days.

There are only two insurance companies that I recommend; World Nomads and SafetyWing.

World Nomads is a great option for short trips, especially for adventure travelers. If you're planning on a much longer stint, or if you're a digital nomad, then you cannot beat SafetyWing's offering (this is what I use).

Click the link to learn more about the difference between the two.

Accommodation in Egypt

Throughout this guide, I'll recommend some of the best places to stay in Giza, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. These will be based on my own experience at these hotels, as well as providing some of the best-rated options for various budgets.

If you're traveling with TravelTalk as I did, then you'll get accommodation included (in some pretty superb hotels). Otherwise, the best website for booking accommodation in Egypt is Booking.com.

Tip: When booking hotels, make sure to check the city/tourist tax in the fine print. While not significant, it's often not displayed on the first page.

Transport Within Egypt

In this Egypt itinerary, I've recommended traveling the long stretches using overnight trains (sleeper trains).

These are surprisingly comfortable, and in my opinion, the best way to travel within Egypt since you won't waste any precious days in transit.v

Alternatively, it is possible to fly between cities like Cairo and Aswan. However, this is usually more expensive. If you insist, Egypt Air is by far the best airline and they even include meals and baggage of up to 23 KG per flight (for domestic and international flights). I recommend Skyscanner for comparing fares.

For transport within cities I recommend using Uber where you can (currently only in Cairo), and taxis in other areas.

Buses are also a good budget option, with various routes running between major cities. GoBus is a reliable website.

The Nile Cruise is a popular way for tourists to travel between Aswan and Luxor. These trips will usually also include stops at most of the attractions in this itinerary. I've given some suggestions for the Nile Cruise option at the bottom of this post.

About the Egyptian Tipping Culture

A thing you might notice even before you get out of the airport is that Egyptians will try to squeeze a tip out of you for almost anything.

The word is baksheesh, and you'll hear it almost every day.

While tipping is expected for services like taxis, restaurants, tour guides, or even a selfie (which you'll be asked for), don't be fooled into paying a tip for downright outrageous things.

For instance, I was asked for a tip after a man pushed in front of me, grabbed my backpack, and threw it through security screening, just as I was about to do it myself.

Egypt in 10 Days - The Ultimate Itinerary

Where to Stay in Giza

On the first night, I highly recommend staying in Giza. The reason is that the second day of this epic Egyptian itinerary departs straight for the ancient wonders on the Giza Plateau, the Great Pyramids, and the nearby Saqqara Necropolis.

Below are my top three picks for accommodation in Giza.

• Marriott Mena House - Overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza this five-star hotel boasts 40 acres of spectacular gardens visible from luxury air-conditioned rooms.
• Great Pyramid Inn - This affordable hotel offers the best bang for buck in terms of pyramid views. A buffet breakfast is available each morning which you'll enjoy while watching the sunrise over the ancient landmarks.
• Comfort Pyramids Inn- A short 4-minute walk to the Great Sphynx is enough to get anyone excited. This hotel is great for those wanting to experience a 5-star view over the Great Pyramids on a budget.

More on Booking.com

Day 2: Cairo - Saqqara & Giza

For most, day two on this epic Egypt travel route is the day you've been waiting for!

You'll get to explore the colossal Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the mystifying Saqqara Necropolis. I highly recommend getting an Egyptologist guide for these attractions as there is so much to learn!

Saqqara Necropolis

The first stop is the Saqqara Necropolis, the site where you will find the oldest Egyptian Pyramid– the Pyramid of Djoser, or the Step Pyramid.

This was constructed as early as 2667 to 2648 BCE, more than 100 years before the Great Pyramid. This is a great place to learn a lot about Egyptian history from the Old Kingdom and explore the ancient tombs, mastabas, pyramids, and temples in the old necropolis of ancient Memphis.

The Great Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza are by far the most impressive monuments ever constructed. You can spend hours here exploring these ancient marvels.

The main pyramids on the Giza Plateau are the Great Pyramid (Khufu Pyramid), Pyramid of Khaphre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure (along with the three adjacent Queen Pyramids).

While there are plenty more monuments that will blow you away, for most, the Great Pyramids of Giza will be the highlight of this 10 day Egypt travel itinerary. Enjoy the moment!

Tip: If you can put up with the heat, I highly recommend paying the additional 400 EGP to go inside the Great Pyramid. This is an experience you really shouldn't pass up.

The Great Sphinx of Giza

The final attraction at Giza is the iconic Great Sphinx.

The Sphinx is located just a short drive from the Great Pyramids, and I think it goes without saying that it is an absolute must-see for all traveling in Egypt!

What you might not know is that the Sphinx has its own temple complex situated just outside this amazing monolith. In fact, the ancient Egyptians built this temple using giant limestone stones cut from the bedrock in which the Sphinx is carved.

Sleeper Train or Fly to Aswan

Leaving Lower Egypt behind (for now), the first transport element of this 10 day itinerary involves a 900-kilometer (560-mile) journey from Cairo to Aswan.

As I mentioned earlier, the overnight train is surprisingly comfortable (you get your own cabin) and is the best way to save valuable exploring time. The journey from Cairo to Aswan takes anywhere from 9 to 12 hours, depending on the schedule.

However, it's a good idea to get to the train station early because trains in Egypt are not exactly punctual.

Option: Another option is to fly directly to Aswan. I recommend EgyptAir as they include baggage in their standard fares.

Day 3: Aswan - Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk

Drop your bags at your accommodation in the morning, because day three is another full day of exploring ancient monuments! There are plenty of things to do in Aswan, and this itinerary covers the majority of the best highlights and attractions!

Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk is an immense 1,000-tonne piece of granite in an ancient quarry site close to the city of Aswan.

While never completed, this massive obelisk would have been the tallest and heaviest in the world. Today, it offers visitors an insight into how the ancient Egyptians carved out these enormous limestone pillars.

Philae Temple

Next up is Philae Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to the gods Isis, Osiris, and Horus. The majority of this temple was constructed around 280 BCE during the Ptolemaic era and under the reign of Ptolemy II.

While still very much an ancient site, it's mindblowing to consider that this temple was built 2000 years after the Great Pyramids!

Philae Temple sits on an island called Agilika Island, and you will require a short boat trip to get here. There's plenty here to explore, from its huge columned halls to its various smaller temples dedicated to various deities.

Did you know: A team of archeologists and engineers took apart Philae Temple, along with other amazing monuments including Abu Simbel, piece by piece, and moved them to new positions. This was due to the gigantic Aswan High Dam project, which would have placed them at risk of damage from the rising Nile.

Where to Stay in Aswan

The options for where to stay in Aswan aren't as broad or as diverse as in Luxor or Cairo. However, that doesn't mean you can't find some great hotels here. Below are my top three picks.

• Sofitel Legend Old Cataract - Located in the Nubian Desert 1.3km from Aswan center the hotel offers excellent views and 5-star service. The rooms are beautifully designed and decorated and feature an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, and fitness facilities.
• Tolip Aswan Hotel - A perfect choice for those not wanting to break the bank but still want to experience 5-star luxury overlooking the Nile River. Here, you'll get a buffet breakfast, pool-bar service, and beautifully decorated air-conditioned rooms.
• The Mango Guest House - Located on a small island on the Nile River, this guest house is a short water taxi from Aswan's famous landmarks. It has everything you need at an affordable price and is only 5 minutes walk from the Nile.

More on Booking.com

Day 4: Aswan - Abu Simbel

The Abu Simbel Temples are an amazing set of two temples located 280 kilometers (173 miles) south of Aswan.

This is quite a long distance to travel to see one historic site. However, let me tell you that a trip to Abu Simbel is one hundred percent worth it! Some people say that if you didn't see Abu Simbel, you didn't really see Ancient Egypt. I tend to agree with them!

Abu Simbel Day Trip

For travelers on the TravelTalk tour, the Abu Simbel Temples will be an optional side trip. This is the case with almost every tour company as the distance is quite vast.

Again, if you're going to do one optional activity, make it this one!

The Abu Simbel Temples are two massive rock-cut temples carved into the mountainside. The Great Temple is dedicated in honor of Ramesses II, or Ramesses The Great. He was arguably the most celebrated Egyptian Pharaoh, ruling the New Kingdom for over 66 years, during what many consider to be the height of Ancient Egyptian Civilization.

Everything inside and outside the temple is carved out of a single piece of rock. Highlights include the massive colossi of Ramesses II and the Hypostyle Hall with six huge statues of Osiris and several side chambers to explore.

Day 5: Felucca Sailing (Nile River)

The fifth day of this Egypt itinerary involves one of my favorite activities during my time in the country.

A felucca is one of the oldest surviving sailing boat designs on the planet and was invented by the Ancient Egyptians. In fact, the Egyptians were the first civilizations to really make major advances in shipbuilding. Many believe this is the first place man ever navigated waters by use of wind!

Taking two days to sail and sleep on the River Nile is a well-earned break from exploring ancient sites, and one of the funnest and most enjoyable experiences in Upper Egypt.

The great benefit of traveling with TravelTalk was that you could choose to do this Felucca sailing adventure at no extra cost! They've also partnered with local Nubian villages to make the experience authentic and original. This is another reason why I highly recommend traveling with them.

Optional: As a modification to this itinerary, you could also choose to stay in Aswan again. There's plenty to see on land, including:

• Nubian Museum
• Qubbet El-Hawa
• Monastery of St. Simien
• The Old Cataract Hotel - Where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile

Day 6: Felucca Sailing (Nile River)

In my opinion, a two-day felucca sailing experience is the perfect amount of time. Many trips stop by Elephantine Island and if you're lucky, a Nubian Village. This is a great experience that beats any Nile Cruise!

Day 7: En-Route to Luxor - Edfu Temple & Kom Ombo Temple

After an amazing two days on the Nile, it's time to start heading back north. Don't worry, there's still plenty to see, with many of the best ancient highlights still yet to be visited!

Day seven on this 10 day Egypt itinerary involves an overland journey from Aswan to Luxor. Along the way, there are two unmissable monuments, the Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus) and the Kom Ombo Temple.

Unfortunately, there isn't much in terms of public transport to these landmarks, so being on a tour is beneficial for these particular sites.

After exploring the sites, it's best to stay in Luxor, which will be the base for the last few days in Upper Egypt.

Kom Ombo Temple & the Crocodile Mummy Museum

Kom Ombo Temple is one of the most unique temples in Egypt and should definitely be included in your itinerary between Luxor and Aswan.

This site is regarded as a "double" temple, split to honor two different gods, the crocodile god Sobek, and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder). While the sanctuaries, courts, and halls are all magnificent, the most significant attraction here is the ancient Egyptian calendar engraved on one of the walls.

At the base of the temple, tourists will also find a newly opened crocodile mummy museum!

Edfu temple (Temple of Horus)

The Edfu Temple is another amazing Ptolemaic temple dedicated to one of the most important gods of Ancient Egypt, Horus, the falcon.

This temple complex is very beautiful and extremely well-preserved. There's a large courtyard and a beautiful columned chamber with amazing hieroglyphs and carvings to marvel at.

Where to Stay in Luxor

Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes is nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Gates" due to its many temples and historic sites. Most of the attractions, including the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple are situated on the east bank of the Nile.

Therefore, it makes the most sense to stay on this side. Below are some of the top picks for where to stay in Luxor for various budgets.

• Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa - Nestled on the bank of the Nile River the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers luxury-styled rooms and facilities with a spa and a total of seven bars. This is the ultimate luxury resort in Upper Egypt.
• Steigenberger Nile Palace - Located in the heart of Luxor this hotel showcases a beautifully decorated interior with large open rooms. The buffet is one of the best I've ever had and the rooms are incredibly affordable for the luxury you get.
• Sweet Hostel Luxor - The best budget/backpacker option is the Sweet Hostel. Guests are offered a free la carte breakfast each morning and the location serves as a great base to explore Luxors landmarks including Luxor Temple– which is only a 9-minute walk away!

More on Booking.com

Day 8: Luxor - East Bank Itinerary

On day 8 of this travel route through Egypt, you'll arrive in Luxor, the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes.

Due to the positioning of the modern city on the Nile, an itinerary for Luxor is better broken up into two days of exploring the east and the west bank.

Karnak Temple

The Karnak Temple is the largest and one of the most religiously significant temple complexes in the world. It is set on a total land size of over 250,000 square meters (2.69 million square feet) and has a history of continuous construction dating back as far as 2,000 BCE.

You can get lost at this amazing historic site, so I highly recommend spending at least a few hours here. The giant columns are out of this world, with amazing carvings and adorned with vibrant colors.

Visitors can also admire the tallest obelisk still in Egypt, the Karnak obelisks of Hatshepsut, carved out of a single 343-tonne piece of pink granite, standing 28 meters tall.

Quick fact: As of November 2021, the ancient 3,400-year-old road linking Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple is now open. The Road of the Rams, or Avenue of the Sphinxes, is a 2.7-kilometer (1.7-mile) pathway along the Nile, lined with hundreds of ram and human-headed sphinxes.

Luxor Temple

Next up is the Luxor Temple. This is another amazing temple constructed around 1400 BCE. Egyptologists believe that the ancients used this place to crown their new Pharaohs. As a result, it was one of the most significant religious centers in ancient Thebes.

The Luxor Temple is smaller than Karnak Temple, but a definite highlight on this east bank itinerary. I highly recommend visiting at night or in the late afternoon, since this temple is one of the best-lit in the country.

Day 9: Luxor - West Bank Itinerary

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the land far to the west is known as the Duat. This is where the sun god Ra travels each night to battle Apep in order for the sun to rise again each morning, with it bringing life back to earth.

The Duat is also the place where souls would go after death for judgment. As a result, the ancient Egyptians built their burial grounds in the lands west of the River Nile.

After nine days in Egypt, it's time to introduce Luxor's west bank itinerary, where you'll discover the one and only Valley of the Kings.

Optional: Luxor is one of the best places on earth to go hot air ballooning. There are popular (and very affordable) sunrise trips running every morning from the west bank, where you'll get an amazing view of the Valley of the Kings and the rising sun over the Nile River.

Read my Luxor Hot Air Balloon guide to find out more.

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is the royal necropolis of ancient Thebes. Archeologists have unearthed a total of 63 royal tombs here. Each rock-carved tomb tunnels deep into the ground and many feature spectacularly decorated tunnels, halls, and burial chambers.

Exploring the Valley of the Kings is a must on anybody's list of things to do in Egypt. Currently, around eleven tombs are open to the public. The most famous is the boy king Tutankhamun, whose mummy still rests in his burial chamber.

However, this is by far the least spectacular. The truth is that most of the other tombs are far more impressive!

To help you out, I've written a detailed guide to the best tombs in the Valley of the Kings, which should prove useful.

Don't miss the Colossi of Memnon on the way to the Valley of the Kings. These are two massive statues depicting the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Each is carved out of a single block of stone and weighs up to 650 tonnes each!

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Closeby to the Valley of the Kings is the impressive Mortuary Temple dedicated to the life of Queen Hatshepsut.

This beautiful temple contains incredible examples of colored hieroglyphs, with vibrant scenes of Queen Hatshepsut's trade achievements. I particularly enjoyed the scenes depicting boats bringing scores of goods from foreign lands, including African animals and exotic plants.

Tip: another west bank attraction is the Medinet Habu or the Mortuary Temple of Rameses III. This is another great addition if you have time.

Sleeper Train or Fly to Cairo

After an awesome and action-packed nine days traveling in Egypt, it's time to take the sleeper train back to Cairo. The train station in Luxor is less chaotic than the one in Cairo, which is refreshing since by now, you'll probably be pretty exhausted!

Also, just like before it's possible to fly back to Cairo if you prefer. There's an international airport in Luxor, approximately 15 minutes from the city.

Day 10: Cairo - Egyptian Museum & Cairo City Itinerary

The final day of travel in Egypt sees us head back to Cairo for one final day of exploring!

However, this time the focus will be on the city highlights, exploring the vibrant mixing pot of cultures that have shaped this wonderous city for millennia.

• Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza - Known as the best 5-star luxury resort on the River Nile. Get celebrity treatment and 5-star luxury at this amazing hotel with 2 pools, spas, a gym, a hot tub, a massage parlor, and even its own salon.
• Safir Hotel Cairo - Located in the heart of Cairo, this mid-range hotel offers its guests air-conditioned luxury rooms with access to spa facilities, a pool, and a gym. The hotel is situated just a 10-minute walk from the Nile River.
• Holy Sheet Hostel - A great choice for those backpackers who are looking for an affordable stay within walking distance of The Egyptian Museum and The Clock Tower. A la carte breakfast is included each morning which is perfect for those wanting to fill their stomachs before a big day of exploring Cairo.

More on Booking.com

Egyptian Museum (Museum of Egyptian Antiquities)

Leaving the Egyptian Museum to last is a great way to appreciate the history and amazing monuments and treasures within. By now, you'll have a deep understanding of ancient Egyptian History, having walked among some of the greatest landmarks yourself.

This is the oldest archeological museum in the Middle East and houses some of Egypt's best ancient treasures. The highlight for me was the King Tutankhamun exhibit, which features the boy king's famous golden headdress and sarcophagus.

Tip: There is currently a new museum under construction in Egypt– the Grand Egyptian Museum, or the Giza Museum which will open this year in 2023! Once inaugurated, it will be the largest archeological museum in the world and a must-add to this itinerary!

Coptic Cairo & the Hanging Church

Coptic Cairo is a part of Old Cairo, with several churches and historic sites including the Babylon Fortress, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George, and the Coptic Museum.

On our tour with TravelTalk, we visited the amazing Hanging Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. Its builders constructed it suspended on a 4th century Babylon Fortress wall, which gave it its name.

Mohammad Ali Mosque

If you've scanned Cairo's skyline, I'm sure you've already spotted the impressive mosque of Mohammad Ali. This mosque is the largest Ottoman-style mosque in Egypt, with very impressive minarets and impeccably decorated walls and domes.

From the outside of the mosque, you'll get amazing views of Cairo's landscape. And, on a clear day, you can even spot the Great Pyramids in the distance.

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

The final stop on this Egypt itinerary is a visit to the oldest bazaar (souq) in the Middle East, the famous Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

Wander the labyrinth streets and practice your haggling skills. At this famous bazaar, tourists can purchase almost any souvenir you can think of!

We also took the time to enjoy the last meal of delicious Egyptian falafel and koshari as we sat at one of the historic cafes and watched the hoards of people trickle through the timeless streets.

Egypt Itinerary Additions & Modifications

I hope that this awesome Egypt itinerary has inspired you to visit the land of the Pharaohs and explore all of its ageless landmarks!

While 10 days in Egypt is a good amount of time to see many of its attractions, the truth is that this travel route only scratches the surface of what this country has to offer.

Below I've included a few more areas you may wish to explore. Due to the distances, many of these can be added to this popular Egypt tourist route, either before or after.

The Sinai Peninsula

The Sinai Peninsula is the upside-down diamond-shaped peninsula wedged between Africa and the Middle East, just east of Cairo.

Many people visit the Sinai Peninsula for a chance to experience the world-class diving in the Red Sea. Popular tourist destinations in Sinai include Sharm el-Sheikh, a resort area with great diving, and Dahab, the lazier backpacker town known for its famous Blue Hole and nearby Blue Lagoon.

Many people also make the trip to the Sinai Peninsula in hopes of summiting Mount Sinai, which is said to be the biblical mountain where Moses received the ten commandments.

To get to Sinai, most tourists fly to Sharm el-Sheikh. But, there are also buses making regular trips from Cairo.

Don't Miss:

15 Amazing Red Sea Resorts in Sharm el Sheikh

Hurghada and the South Red Sea

Hurghada is a popular beach city on the south coast of the Red Sea. Many people make a trip to Hurghada after they travel in Egypt since it offers a laid-back, resort-style atmosphere to unwind before flying back to their home countries.

Similarly to the Sharm el-sheikh, Hurghada has its own airport, which makes it an easy destination to get to from Cairo.

Hurghada is also world-renowned for scuba diving and a great place to get your open water certificate. Many people come here for a chance to swim with wild dolphins, who frequent this part of the Red Sea.

Alexandria

Alexandria is the Mediterranean port city of Egypt and once served as the capital of Egypt after its founding by Alexander the Great.

There are lots of sights to explore in Alexandria, including the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the underground Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa, and the famous Ras el-Tin Palace.

However, most people visit Alexandria on a Cairo day trip, preferring to spend some time by the Red Sea instead.

White Desert

The White Desert is located in Western Egypt and is named after its white chalk formations that dominate the landscape.

Today, this is a very barren wasteland but it was once completely underwater, evident by the fossils, shells, and salt deposits.

Many people tend to dedicate a day to the White Desert on their Egypt Itinerary, but there are also many tour companies organizing camping and glamping in this region.

A Nile Cruise

If you've been researching travel options in Egypt, then I'm sure you've stumbled upon several Nile Cruises.

This replaces much of the overland travel sections between Aswan and Luxor. These cruises will still stop at many of the highlights included in this travel guide. However, just make sure to check the inclusions because many do not cover all.

If the Nile cruise sounds like a better option, then there are dozens of 2, 3, 4, or 5-day cruises you can add in between days 3 to 8 on this itinerary. While I haven't done it myself, TravelTalk has a Nile Cruise option which looks like it's great value.

No, you cannot take an Egypt Cruise from Cairo.

More Egypt Travel Inspiration & Useful Guides

And, that's a wrap for this comprehensive 10 day Egypt itinerary! I hope that it's served as a useful guide for you on what to expect when traveling in Egypt!

Remember that this itinerary mostly follows the route offered by the 9-day Essential Egypt tour by TravelTalk Tours. If you like the sound of this travel route, then I highly recommend checking out their offering.

For now, here are some more Egypt travel guides which I'm sure you'll find useful.

• 10 Things to Know Before Going Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor, Egypt
• 15 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - Where to Stay in 2023
• 20 Things to do in Aswan, Egypt - Best Attractions & Places to Visit in 2023
• 31 Top Landmarks in Egypt - Famous Monuments & Attractions
• 5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit in 2023 (With Map)

The post The Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary For 2023 appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Located on the Gulf of Aqaba near the Red Sea lies Dahab, one of Egypt’s best-kept secrets!

The city of Dahab is better referred to as a quaint, coastal village. Here, you’ll find a laid-back hippy charm, mixed in with traditional Bedouin culture and plenty of opportunities for adventure!

In this detailed travel guide, I’ll reveal to you the top 20 things to do in Dahab, Egypt, that I hope will inspire your visit! I’ve also included a bunch of useful information in this guide, including how to get here, where to stay, and the best places to visit.

Places to Stay in Dahab Egypt

Dahab is much smaller and more laid back than its more luxurious neighbor Sharm el-Sheikh. However, there is still a wide range of accommodation options, from epic rooftop hostels to luxurious beach-side resorts.

Below are the top-rated accommodation options for Dahab.

• Swiss Inn Resort Dahab - The best luxury resort in Dahab offers its guests a gym facility, a private beach, a children's play area, multiple pools, restaurants, a shuttle service, and its very own dive center.
• Jaz Dahabeya - Overlooking the Red Sea and Sinai Mountains this resort is a perfect pick for those wanting to enjoy 4-star luxury without breaking the bank. The resort offers its own reviving and reinvigorating treatments in its spa facility, pool, children's play area, and gym. Breakfast and dinner are included.
• My Hostel - Easily the best hostel in Dahab, if not in all of Egypt! This is complete with a roof-top terrace and chill co-work area. An excellent vibe and the owner Medhat can also arrange tours and diving for you at the best price in Dahab.

View on Booking.com

Useful Map for Exploring Dahab in Egypt

Although Dahab has all the right ingredients to become a very popular tourist destination, the truth is that it is still flying under the radar!

Beyond the kite surfing and scuba diving crowd, Dahab is often overlooked in favor of more famous Red Sea holiday destinations like Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh. However, there are so many epic activities and places to see in Dahab that you should definitely add to your Egypt itinerary!

Below is a quick map that you can use to navigate this travel guide.

Travel Tip: Dahab is an adventure playground! Before you go, make sure you're covered for adventure activities and water sports like scuba diving and hiking. I recommend WorldNomads because they specifically cover adventure travel.

20 Epic Things to do in Dahab, Egypt

From hiking the world's holiest mountain to diving in one of the world's most famous dive sites, let's jump into this epic travel guide featuring 20 amazing things to do in Dahab, Egypt!

1. The Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike

Hiking Mount Sinai is often the number one most recommended activity in Dahab.

This mountain, located in the Saint Catherine region of the Sinai Desert is almost universally accepted as being the biblical Mount Sinai. This is the place where Moses was said to have received the ten commandments from god.

If this has been on your bucket list and you find yourself in Dahab, then you're in luck! This is the closest tourist town to Mount Sinai (also called Jabel Mousa/Mount Moussa or Moses Mountain), making it an ideal base for an overnight sunrise hike.

The journey usually takes a few hours by bus, and getting here by yourself is tricky due to strict security measures. Luckily, hiking tours from Dahab are very cheap.

Book Mount Sinai Climb from Dahab

2. Saint Catherine's Monastery

Mount Sinai isn't the only religiously significant landmark in this region. Just below the base of these Sinai Mountains, you'll find the St. Catherine's Monastery, which is considered to be the oldest continuously worked Christian Monasteries on earth.

Usually, the organized trips to hike Mount Sinai include a guided tour of the monastery. Therefore, you'll get to tick off two birds with one stone with a trip out to this rugged and undeniably spiritual part of Egypt.

3. The Famous Dahab Blue Hole

The famous Blue Hole is widely considered to be one of the most renowned dive sites in the world. And, since it's located on the edge of the Gulf of Aqaba, just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) north of Dahab, it's very accessible from town by taxi.

This natural submarine sinkhole drops to an outrageous depth of over 120 meters (390 feet), just a few steps from the shore! Its steep, vertical walls are lined with amazing coral reefs, making it an idyllic site for recreational divers, free divers, and snorkelers.

However, the Dahab Blue Hole is also quite an infamous dive site carrying the burden of being the world's deadliest! However, regular, recreational diving is very safe, as the most dangerous element is the 55-meter (180-foot) deep arch, which is best left for qualified, technical divers!

Travel tip: the Egyptian Government charges a USD 10 fee, payable upon entry to the Blue Hole area.

#1 Egypt Group Tour

Interested in traveling through Egypt on an organized group tour? I traveled with TravelTalk Tours on their Essential Egypt trip. I would highly recommend this trip to anybody looking to see all the ancient sites and fascinating landscapes while making some new friends for life!

View TravelTalk's Egypt Tours

4. The Colored Canyon in the Sinai Desert

Looking for something adventurous to do in Dahab? Make sure you dedicate a day to exploring all of the epic Sinai Desert canyons located right near Dahab.

The most famous canyon is the Colored Canyon (Salama Canyon), which is an eroded sandstone canyon with amazing geological patterns.

Below I've linked the best trip in the area, which also includes some of the other must-see destinations in Dahab's desert including the White Canyon, Ain Khudra Oasis, and Mushroom Rock.

Book: Full Day Canyon Exploring Trip

5. Scuba Diving or Free Diving

Did you know that the Red Sea is one of the best dive destinations on earth? This unique region is well known for its healthy coral reefs, abundant marine life, and insane visibility!

Therefore, you're correct to assume that one of the best things to do in Dahab is to go scuba diving or snorkeling! The Dahab promenade is lined with dive centers where qualified scuba divers can dive at famous shore dives the Blue Hole, Ras Abu Galum, the Canyon, 3 Pools, and the Caves.

If free diving sounds more like your type of adventure, you'll be stoked to hear there are plenty of good schools in Dahab as well!

6. Sinai Desert Jeep or Camel Ride

Ever wanted to go on a quad bike, 4WD, or jeep safari through the sand dunes? What about a camel ride with local Bedouins?

The South Sinai Desert surrounding Dahab is a great place to do both!

7. The Blue Lagoon

When visiting Dahab, make sure to allocate enough time for a day trip to the Blue Lagoon!

This is a crystal clear sheltered lagoon located just a short distance north of Dahab. The water color here is one of the most tranquil shades of blue I've ever witnessed, making it a great place to swim and enjoy the serenity. Also, it's a great spot to watch professional kite surfers right from the shore!

However, getting here requires a bit of an adventure. Read my guide (linked above) for more information on how to get here.

8. Day Trip to Petra (Jordan) from Dahab

Did you know that you can visit the amazing archaeological site of Petra from Dahab on a day trip?

There's one company (linked below) running complete, organized day trips to Petra in Jordan by air-conditioned bus. This is a full 18-hour tour and includes lunch, all entrance fees, and a local guide.

Getting to Jordan by yourself on an overland journey can be a little difficult due to the logistics and border measures in Tala Bay. However, this trip organizes it all for you at a price that you can't beat with a flight and transport booked independently.

Book your trip: Full Day Petra Adventure (from Dahab)

9. Kite Surfing

Due to the high mountains of Sinai and neighboring Saudi Arabia, combined with the narrow Gulf of Aqaba, Dahab is notoriously windy.

As a result, Dahab is one of the world's most popular kite surfing locations in Egypt, if not the world.

If you've always wanted to give this awesome sport a try, then you've come to the right place. There are many kit surf schools in Dahab offering lessons to beginners and advanced surfers!

10. Lagoona Beach and Dahab Lagoon

The Laguna Area has the main beach in the Egyptian city of Dahab. This is a far-stretching sand spit on the southern end of town, forming a naturally protected lagoon.

You'll find this beach just a short walk or bike ride from the main town. And, it's a great place to swim, relax, or go kite surfing!

Furthermore, the Lagoona beach also makes for an awesome sunset spot where you can relax and watch the sun set behind the Sinai Mountains.

11. The Dahab Salt Lake (Magic Lake)

Located immediately next to the big Dahab Lagoon is one of the most underrated attractions in Dahab!

Locals call it the Magic Lake or the Dahab Salt Lake. Chances are that you'll pass right by it, but I highly recommend going for a swim. The percentage of salt is extremely high in this lake, which gives you crazy buoyancy just like the famous Dead Sea.

You'll often see locals come here to cover themselves in the salty, white mud. This is a natural mud mask that many claim removes impurities and dead skin from the body.

Did you know? Dahab was once a former Bedouin fishing village. This quaint town attracted its first tourists when divers discovered the Blue Hole.

12. Ras Abu Galum to Blue Hole Hike

Looking for an amazing coastal hike in Dahab? Look no further than the epic trail running north from the Blue Hole to the popular snorkeling and diving spot known as Ras Abu Galum (Abu Galoum).

This is quite an easy hike, following a level path along the Gulf of Aqaba. On the way, you'll get dramatic views of the soaring Sinai Mountains dropping into the deep blue abyss.

Since this is a protected area, many sections along this coastal walk harbor rich coral reefs.

13. Explore the Outskirts of Dahab by Scooter

One of the funnest things to do in Dahab is to rent your own set of two wheels and explore!

While travelers won't require a scooter to get to the main attractions in Dahab town, it is worthwhile if you would like to tour the surrounding area.

We rented a scooter and drove up to the large hill overlooking Dahab. From here, we captured some awesome photos of the lagoon and the many Dahab resorts and luxury hotels dotting the coast.

14. Rock Climbing

Many of the jagged peaks and canyons behind Dahab offer epic rock climbing opportunities! Although this isn't something I was able to fit into my Dahab itinerary, I stumbled upon this epic 3-day expedition into the South Sinai Desert which has a Tripadvisor Badge of Excellence!

If you end up doing this activity in Dahab, make sure to let me know how it was!

15. Day Trip to Cairo (Giza Pyramids) from Dahab

Visiting Sinai but still want to squeeze in a trip to the famous Egyptian Pyramids?

While it's certainly a big day, visiting some of Egypt's famous landmarks like the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Saqqara Necropolis, and the Egyptian Museum can be done on a long, 21-hour day trip from Sharm el-Sheikh (only an hour's drive from Dahab).

Charming Egypt Tours is the only company running this tour, and they have an excellent reputation!

16. Promenade and the Dahab Community Market

The main strip in Dahab is called the promenade. This is a beachside, concrete boardwalk with several dive shops, ocean-view restaurants, trendy cafes, and small bazaars. This is the strip comprising the Eel Garden and Lighthouse area.

When visiting Dahab, you'll likely walk this strip daily, since it's where most things are happening.

However, if you're lucky enough to visit on a Friday, make sure to head down here for the Dahab Community Market. This is a weekly affair where many vendors come to sell their wares, including hand-made jewelry, Egyptian cotton clothes, and fresh food.

Everything here is offered at affordable prices. But, you'll need to put your haggling shoes on!

17. The Why Not Bazaar

The famous Why Not Bazar is a popular place for tourists to snap an iconic Instagram photo beneath a chalkboard sign surrounded by all sorts of trinkets.

However, if you step into this quirky shop, you'll find that it's one of the most unique in Dahab. These guys sell everything from jewelry to organic natural medicines.

While I didn't buy anything, browsing this store was one of the most interesting things to do in Dahab, and a great place to snap some photos.

18. Beachfront Restaurants & Cafes Near Eel Garden & Lighthouse

After a long day of scuba diving, kite surfing, or heading out to explore all of Dahab's epic attractions, one of the best things to do is just to relax and unwind at one of the many beachfront restaurants and cafes.

The entire coastal strip from Eel Garden to Lighthouse is occupied by great restaurants serving up delicious food for affordable prices.

One of my favorite afternoons in Dahab was spent drinking beer and smoking shisha with my good friends while watching the sunset light up the mountains of Saudi Arabia in the distance.

19. Ralph's German Bakery

Who would expect to find a top-notch German Bakery in this remote coastal town of Egypt?

Dahab has two awesome spots to grab a delicious croissant or a loaf of freshly baked bread. Both of these are run by Ralph, and he's named his bakery Ralph's German Bakery.

This is one of the best places in Dahab to have breakfast, as they serve up a great coffee too!

20. Make Friends at My Hostel in Dahab

While Dahab does cater for luxury travel, it is still very much a backpacker town. Budget travelers looking for the absolute best hostel vibe in Dahab (perhaps even in Egypt) should not look past My Hostel. No, I don't own this hostel, that's just the name!

At My Hostel, you'll find an awesome rooftop terrace and a chill co-working area offering some of the fastest wifi speeds in Dahab. Every night, this rooftop is full of travelers from all over the world, and a great place to meet people.

So, as the hostel owner and now my good friend, Medhat told me,

It's Dahab man, the best thing to do here is... nothing!

Tip: My Hostel is also connected to the popular Octopus Divers dive center. This is one of the best and most cost-effective dive shops in Dahab.

How to Get to Dahab

Dahab is located on the edge of the Gulf of Aqaba, in Egypt's far eastern Sinai Peninsula. Below are the best ways to get here.

By plane

The closest airport is the Sharm El-Sheik international airport, located approximately 1-hour's drive from Dahab. Travelers flying in from international destinations can often find direct flights, which avoids a layover in Cairo.

Tip: The best airline to fly with is Egypt Air since they offer food and 23KG of baggage for free. I always use SkyScanner and CheapOAir to find the best deals on flights.

By car

From Sharm el-Sheikh airport, you can pay a driver or taxi to drive you to Dahab. This should not cost you more than 600 Egyptian pounds. You can book this online.

Furthermore, Dahab is a popular destination for Israelis as well as other residents of the Middle East. As a result, many people drive to Dahab by crossing at the Egyptian border town of Taba.

By bus

One of the cheapest ways to get to Dahab is to take advantage of Egypt's cost-effective bus network.

There are direct buses from Sharm el-Sheikh and Cairo. I had great experiences with GoBus, which has its own bus station in Dahab.

Where to Eat in Dahab

Looking for some great places to eat in the Egyptian coastal city of Dahab? Below are some good recommendations to start.

• Ralph's Bakery - great fresh bed and delicious cakes
• Namaste Indian - the best Indian food in Egypt
• Eltanur - awesome pizza and milkshakes
• Epic local restaurant near My Hostel- copy and paste "كوارع هاوس" into Google Maps (next to Kings of the Liver). Here you can eat delicious local street food like koshiri for under 30 Egyptian Pounds ($1.70) a meal.

Dahab Travel Tips and FAQs

More Egypt Travel Guides & Inspiration

And that's a wrap for this detailed travel guide featuring the top 20 things to do in Dahab, Egypt.

I hope you enjoy this tiny slice of backpacker paradise and make some life-long memories as I have.

While you're here, below you'll find a few more articles from Egypt that I'm sure will come in useful for your travels.

Egypt: 31 Top Landmarks in Egypt
Itinerary: The Ultimate 10-Day Egypt Itinerary
Destination Guide: Complete Aswan Travel Guide

More Dahab and Egypt travel inspiration:

• 15 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - Where to Stay in 2023
• 20 Amazing Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt in 2023
• Blue Hole Dahab - Everything You Need to Know (2023)
• Climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt - Everything You Need to Know (2023)
• Dahab Blue Lagoon & Abu Galoum - Complete Guide (Egypt)

The post 20 Awesome Things to do in Dahab, Egypt – 2023 Travel Guide appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Decided to visit Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt’s Red Sea but you’re unsure of what to do?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive travel guide, I’ll reveal to you the top 20 things to do in Sharm el Sheikh to make sure you enjoy an epic time in this beautiful slice of paradise!

From scuba diving on world-class coral reefs to raw adventures in the South Sinai Desert, there’s certainly no shortage of fun and unique activities and attractions to check out.

So with no time to spare, let’s dive into the list!

Where to Stay in Sharm el Sheikh

Being a resort town, deciding where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh will likely come down more to your accommodation preference than location. There are plenty of great dive resorts, all-inclusive luxury resorts, and beachside hotels dotted throughout Naama Bay, Sharm al-Maya, and Nabq Bay.

Below are three of the top hotel and resort picks for various budgets and travel styles.

• Best Dive Resort - Camel Dive Club & Hotel
  Camel Dive is well-regarded as the best dive shop in Sharm. Being a leader in diving since 1986, this resort has the best reputation for safety, quality, and experience. Their resort is also amazing, with an iconic rooftop terrace, amazing breakfast, and relaxing outdoor pool.
• Best All-Inclusive Resort - Rixos
  This all-inclusive resort has everything you need. It boasts 12 pools, a sports club facility, 7 restaurants, and spa facilities. Located on a private beach overlooking the red sea. Guests at Rixos also have free access to Rixos's sister property Rixos Aquaventure Park.
• Budget-friendly 4-star Resort - Xperience St. George
  The perfect pick for those wanting to be closer to the old town/market. 3 meal packages are available. A free shuttle runs twice a day to the 2 private beaches. It features a gym, 4 outdoor pools, and a spa facility. It has a 4-star rating at a budget price.

More on Booking.com

20 Activities & Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh

So, here's the list. This is the most comprehensive and most up-to-date travel guide of things to do in Sharm el Sheikh you'll find online!

To help you navigate this post, I've also included a quick highlights map below. This shows all of the main natural attractions, areas, and best places to see in Sharm el Sheikh!

1. Scuba Diving At Sharm el Sheikh

By far, the most popular activity and main reason people visit Sharm el Sheikh is for its incredible dive sites.

Due to its far-reaching position on the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the dive sites around Sharm are exceptionally good. The primary reason is that this is the point where the Red Sea splits into two gulfs, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez.

As a result, the coral reefs in this region receive abundant nutrients, creating healthy and thriving marine ecosystems.

2. Boat Trip to Ras Mohammad National Park

Ras Mohammad is Egypt's premier dive location for marine life. This is a 480 km² (185 mi²) nature reserve and no-take zone harboring some of the richest biodiversity in the Red Sea.

Travelers visiting Sharm el Sheikh have the option of visiting this underwater paradise on a scuba diving trip or snorkeling boat trip. If time allows, I also recommend checking out the Shark Observatory cliff top, which offers excellent views over both sides of the Red Sea.

For divers, I highly recommend trying to get out to Shark Reef and Yolanda on the southern edge of Ras Mohammed. This is by far the best dive site and the point where waters from the Gulf of Aqaba and Suez Gulf meet.

Book: Boat Trip To Ras Muhammad (diving or snorkeling)

Tip: Due to the distance and exposed nature of this headland, most tour boats will not visit this park in bad weather. If you're short on time, try to book a boat trip to Tiran Island or the house reefs along the shores of Sharm el Sheikh instead.

#1 Egypt Group Tour

Interested in traveling through Egypt on an organized group tour? I traveled with TravelTalk Tours on their Essential Egypt trip. I would highly recommend this trip to anybody looking to see all the ancient sites and fascinating landscapes while making some new friends for life!

View TravelTalk's Egypt Tours

3. Sunrise Hike to Mount Sinai

Located deep in the South Sinai Desert is the famous Mount Sinai (also Mount Moussa or Japel Moussa). Many scholars believe that this is the biblical Mount Sinai, where in the old testament, god handed down the ten commandments to Moses.

As you might expect, this is a very holy mountain and is significant to all Abrahamic faiths including Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

Even if you're not religious, one of the best things to do in Sharm el Sheikh is to climb Mount Sinai on a sunrise hike! This was one of my favorite travel experiences in Sinai, and I'd highly recommend it to anybody!

4. Saint Catherine's Monastery

Located at the foot of Mount Sinai is one of the world's oldest working monasteries, the St. Catherine's Monastery.

This is a beautiful religious site and is definitely one of the best places to visit from Sharm el Sheikh. Not only is the monastery itself impressive, but the treasures inside are certainly worth seeing as well.

Examples include pages from the Codex Sinaiticus and the Syriac Sinaiticus, some of the oldest bible texts, as well as a large collection of Christian icons. Additionally, many claim that the direct descendant of the biblical Burning Bush grows in its courtyard.

Luckily, visitors typically tour Saint Catherine's Monastery after the sunrise hike of Mount Sinai (link above). As a result, you can knock off two Sharm el Sheikh attractions with one stone!

5. Tiran Island

On a clear day, you'll likely spot the mountainous island located just northeast of Sharm el Sheikh. This is Tiran Island, and while you can't actually visit the (it belongs to Saudi Arabia), it does harbor some of the best coral reefs in Egypt and many species of fish.

Book: Tiran Island Boat Trip (dive or snorkel)

Locals have named this coral stretch the Straits of Tiran. This is another great place to spend a day exploring the beautiful underwater world of the Red Sea, either by snorkeling or scuba diving.

6. Day Trip to Cairo & the Great Pyramids of Giza

If you're planning your trip to the Red Sea region but still eager to see some of Egypt's most important landmarks, then you're in luck!

One of the most popular day trips from Sharm el Sheikh is to book a long day trip tour to Cairo. This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to squeeze in as many attractions as possible without eating into your time by the sea.

Below I've linked two different options. Both include the main archaeological sites including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and an Egyptian Museum tour.

Both options are very cost-effective, include all transport and fees, and take all of the hassles out of trying to plan your own trip.

Book: Cairo Day Trip & Giza Pyramids by AC bus
Book: Cairo Day Trip & Giza Pyramids by plane

7. Dive the SS Thistlegorm

While many of the attractions have involved scuba diving so far (don't worry, there are many surface activities as well), I just couldn't formulate a list of things to do in Sharm el Sheikh without including the SS. Thistlegorm dive.

Divers know this huge wreck for being one of the world's top dive sites. The reason being is that this huge, 125 m (145 ft) World War II cargo steamship lies almost perfectly preserved at a comfortable recreational depth of around 30 meters.

Furthermore, inside the ship divers can see well-preserved military cargo including light weaponry, an anti-aircraft gun, locomotives, vehicles, and motorbikes.

Diver's Tip: If you plan to dive Thiss, I highly recommend letting your dive shop know as soon as you arrive, as not many shops dive this wreck every day and there's often a waiting list.

8. Sunset on a Rooftop Terrace in Naama Bay

After a long day of diving, snorkeling, or exploring all of the awesome Sharm el Sheikh attractions, one of the best things to do is to unwind and drink a cold Sakara on top of a rooftop terrace.

One of the best places to do so is at Camel Bar & Rooftop, located in Naama Bay.

From here, you'll get great 360-degree views, including the palm trees on the shore of the Red Sea and the sun setting behind the Sinai Mountains.

9. Day Trip to Dahab & the Blue Hole

Located less than an hour's drive from Sharm el Sheikh is another awesome Red Sea tourist destination that's definitely worth a visit when traveling in Sinai.

Compared to Sharm, Dahab is a much quieter and more laid-back coastal city famous for kite surfers, scuba divers, and backpackers. One of its famous points of interest is the Dahab Blue Hole, which is great for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Other highlights include the awesome Blue Lagoon and its many beautiful canyons filled with unique rock formations. There are so many things to do in Dahab and the destination deserves at least a few days.

However, if you're short on time and want to see the best highlights, it's also possible to visit Dahab on a day trip from Sharm el Sheikh (including the Blue Hole).

10. Swim and Snorkel off Sharm el Sheikh's Beautiful Beaches

After all of these boat trips and day trips to explore the region, there's nothing better than just unwinding at one of the amazing Sharm el Sheikh beaches.

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Sharm include:

• Na'aama Bay - many beaches with restaurants and resorts.
• Sharm al-Maya - is one of the main bays with plenty of great places for swimming.
• El Fanar - crystal clear water for swimming and also great for sunset.
• Ras Um Sid - great snorkeling.
• Sharks Bay Beach - is also excellent for snorkeling.
• Terrazzina Beach - famous restaurant and bar scene
• Old Quay Beach - easily accessible vertical reef for snorkeling close to shore.

One important thing to remember is that many of the best beaches in Sharm are owned by restaurants and resorts. Therefore some beaches require a "beach pass" or at least to purchase something at their business.

11. Snorkel at Shark's Bay

I've already mentioned Shark's Bay above, but if you're looking for the best places to snorkel in Sharm el Sheikh, you definitely don't want to miss Shark's Bay.

Shark's Bay is a secluded cove on the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area and easily one of the most popular due to the vibrant underwater world and relaxed atmosphere.

Travelers will find this beach near the popular dive site of Ras Nasrani, which is also very close to the Sharm el Sheikh international airport.

Travel Tip: There are many other attractions close by to Shark's Bay, including the Dancing Fountains in SOHO Square.

12. Sinai Desert Dune Buggy Safari, Quad Biking or Camel Ride

A trip to the Red Sea isn't only all about the underwater world! One of the best things to see in this unique part of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula contains is its desert region, known as the South Sinai Desert.

If you're walking the resort-lined streets of Na'aama Bay or Sharm al-Maya, you'll undoubtedly be offered excursions to the desert. These usually involve either a camel ride, quad bike, or dune buggy safari.

Below I've linked to a very popular and affordable tour guiding visitors to a local Bedouin village. This also includes a quad bike adventure and a camel ride.

Book: ATV, Camel Ride & Bedouin Adventure

13. Old Market (Sharm el Sheikh Old Town)

If you're spending a couple of days on the Red Sea, I highly recommend stopping by the Sharm el Sheikh Old Town, also known as Old Market.

This is the original coastal city of Sharm and it retains much of its original charm.

Wander the streets, browse the market wares, and taste some delicious street food like falafel and koshari.

Getting to the Old Market is easy via a short taxi ride on the main highway. The journey is less than ten minutes from Na'aama Bay and only costs around 70-80 Egyptian Pounds.

Budget Travel Tip: Backpackers and budget travelers can also get to the Old Market and other popular places in Sharm el Sheikh via share taxis (a white van known as a micro-bus). These are similar to colectivos in Latin America and only cost 5 EGP per person.

14. Sahaba Mosque & the Al Mustafa Mosque

Al Mustafa Mosque is one of the most impressive buildings in the Red Sea. This is a relatively new mosque, finished in 2008, and features two towering minarets reaching a height of above 70 meters each!

The central dome is also huge and the entire monument is beautiful when lit up at night.

Also, when visiting the Old Market, it's impossible to miss the Sahaba Mosque. This is another relatively new mosque boasting beautiful Ottoman architecture and an impressive light display.

15. Eat at el Masrien Restaurant

Okay, this isn't a food blog. BUT, after traveling all over Egypt, I'm yet to taste authentic Egyptian food that even comes close to meals served at El Masrien. As a result, a meal at this restaurant is easily one of the best things to do in Sharm el Sheikh and should not be missed by anybody!

Trust me, if you're longing for a flavorsome, hearty meal at affordable prices, make sure to visit El Masrien at the Old Market! After first discovering this restaurant, we ended up returning almost every night.

The prices here are very cheap, and the waiters will bring out a huge feast of salads, dips, fresh bread, and traditional Egyptian main courses. We usually ordered way more than we could eat and never paid more than 100 Egyptian pounds per person.

This restaurant is pinned on Google as "El Masrien Restaurant" and requires only a short walk from the Sahaba Mosque.

16. Water sports: Parasailing, Banana Boat & Tubing

Not all of the water activities in Sharm el Sheikh are below the surface, there's plenty to do topside as well!

In fact, Sharm is famous for recreational activities like parasailing, banana boat trips, and tubing! Most tour operators can organize this for you at popular tourist hubs like Na'aama Bay.

Alternatively, if you want to try a few different water sports, you can book an adventure package and save some money.

Book: Water Sports Package (Parasailing, Banana Boat & Tubing)

Tip: For the kids, there's also an Ancient Egyptian-themed water park called Cleo Park, located just outside Naama Bay. Here you'll find over 22 fun water slides and rides.

17. Day Trip to Luxor

While Cairo has the pyramids, some of Egypt's most significant archaeological wonders are located in Upper Egypt (the south).

Many of these sites, including the Colossi of Memnon, the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Karnak Temple, and of course, the Valley of the Kings are located in Luxor.

For those visiting Sharm el Sheikh, you can easily book a day tour to Luxor via airplane. This will be a long day of exploring, but a convenient option for those wanting to get the most out of their trip to Egypt.

Related: Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor (10 Things to Know)

18. Farsha Café

If you ask any local in Sharm el Sheikh where the coolest bar/cafe is, they'll all tell you it's Farsha, located in the Hadaba area, just 10 minutes from the Old Market (50-70 EGP in a taxi).

However, Farsha is far from just an ordinary coffee or drink spot– it's an experience. And, one that shouldn't be missed when visiting Sharm el Sheikh!

Honestly, this is one of the most unique establishments I've ever visited. Situated on a cliffside overlooking the Red Sea, its many terraces are decorated in a chaotic yet symbiotic fashion.

You'll find the walls decorated with relics from bygone eras, traditional red carpets draped out in little nooks and a combination of neon lights and traditional lanterns hanging from its leaning ceilings.

Try to visit just before sunrise to secure an area, as this is one of the busiest places to visit in Sharm el Sheikh!

19. Romantic Dinner Cruise

Visiting the Red Sea for your honeymoon? What better way to enjoy this one-of-a-kind place than a romantic dinner cruise?

Many resorts can organize this for you but you also have the option of booking the Fantastic Cruise dinner online. This buffet dinner cruise is a popular option with travelers in Sharm because it includes lively performances such as music, a magic show, and belly dancing.

20. Star Gazing in the Sinai Desert

Did you know that the Sinai Desert is one of the best places on earth for stargazing? That's because apart from the relatively small resort towns on the coast, this desert region receives very little light pollution.

One of the best ways to enjoy this experience is on a sunrise hike to Mount Sinai. However, if hiking's not your thing, there's also a stargazing quad bike safari tour which includes a traditional Bedouin dinner.

How to Get to Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula by the crystal clear water shores of the Red Sea.

What you might not know is that Sharm was once a quaint Bedouin fishing village. Of course, things have changed dramatically since then. The truth is, this coastal city is now considered Egypt's scuba diving and Red Sea resort mecca– with plenty of tourist infrastructure in place.

As a result, getting here is easy, with plenty of options to choose from.

By plane

By far, the easiest way to get here is to fly to the Sharm el Sheikh International Airport. You'll find many cost-effective routes directly from Europe, the UK, and the Middle East.

If you're flying in from another region, you'll likely have a layover in Cairo. In my opinion, Egypt Air is the best airline, since they offer free food and 23 kg of baggage allowance for all flights. Remember to use Skyscanner to find the best deals for your dates.

Travel Tip: To avoid the hassles at the airport, I recommend you pre-book an airport transfer to your hotel at a fair price online.

By bus

Travelers looking to get to Sharm from other regions in Egypt also have the option of getting here by bus. I have had good experiences with GoBus in Egypt.

You'll find a wide range of cost-effective routes from other regions including Cairo, Dahab, and Marsa Alam.

By car or private transport

I wouldn't recommend hiring a car in Sharm el Sheikh or Sinai in general due to strict security policies and Egyptian government checkpoints. Instead, travelers can easily pay a driver who knows the ins and outs of routes and policies.

However, due to the distance, I wouldn't recommend driving from Cairo, since a flight is almost always cheaper and much quicker.

Travel Tip: Sharm el Sheikh is an adventure playground! Make sure you're covered for adventure activities like water sports, scuba diving, and hiking. I recommend WorldNomads as the best option for travel to Egypt.

More FAQs and Important Things to Know About Sharm el-Sheikh

More Egypt and Red Sea Travel Inspiration

And, that's a wrap for this comprehensive travel guide featuring all of the best things to do in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt!

I hope my suggestions and photography have inspired you to visit this unique Red Sea holiday destination. Below are some more useful guides to Egypt that I'm sure you'll also enjoy!

Itinerary: Ultimate 10-Day Egypt Itinerary
Destination Guide: Ultimate Guide to Aswan, Egypt
Destination Guide: Ultimate Guide to Dahab, Egypt

More Egypt Travel Inspiration

• 15 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - Where to Stay in 2023
• 20 Awesome Things to do in Dahab, Egypt - 2023 Travel Guide
• 5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit in 2023 (With Map)
• Blue Hole Dahab - Everything You Need to Know (2023)
• Dahab Blue Lagoon & Abu Galoum - Complete Guide (Egypt)
• How to Visit a Traditional Nubian Village in Aswan, Egypt

The post 20 Amazing Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt in 2023 appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Nested on the sandy shores of the Red Sea, Sharm el Sheikh is one of Egypt’s premier holiday destinations for scuba diving, relaxing, or exploring the hidden gems of the South Sinai Desert.

However, with over 800 Sharm el Sheikh hotels, choosing where to stay can become a little overwhelming!

That’s why, in this 2023 accommodation guide, we’ve thoroughly combed through the best hotels, all-inclusive luxury resorts, affordable dive resorts, mid-range bargains, and low-budget hotels to help anybody plan where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh, no matter the budget.

If You're in a Hurry: Here are the Top Sharm el Sheikh Accommodations

Being a resort town, deciding where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh will likely come down more to your accommodation preference than location. There are plenty of great dive resorts, all-inclusive luxury resorts, and beachside hotels dotted throughout Naama Bay, Sharm al-Maya, and Nabq Bay.

Below are three of the top hotel and resort picks for various budgets and travel styles.

• Best Dive Resort - Camel Dive Club & Hotel
  Camel Dive is well-regarded as the best dive shop in Sharm. Being a leader in diving since 1986, this resort has the best reputation for safety, quality, and experience. Their resort is also amazing, with an iconic rooftop terrace, amazing breakfast, and a relaxing outdoor pool.
• Best All-Inclusive Resort - Rixos
  This all-inclusive resort has everything you need. It boasts 12 pools, a sports club facility, 7 restaurants, and spa facilities. Located on a private beach overlooking the red sea. Guests at Rixos also have free access to Rixos's sister property Rixos Aquaventure Park.
• Budget-friendly 4-star Resort - Xperience St. George
  The perfect pick for those wanting to be closer to the old town/market. 3 meal packages are available. A free shuttle runs twice a day to the 2 private beaches. It features a gym, 4 outdoor pools, and a spa facility. It has a 4-star rating at a budget price.

3 Best All-Inclusive Hotels & Resorts in Sharm el Sheikh

	Hotel	Price
	Rixos Sharm El Sheikh	$$$$
	Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa	$$$
	Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort	$$$

Rixos Sharm El Sheikh

Located on Nabq Bay amongst palm trees this luxurious 5-star resort has everything you need for your ultimate stay in Sharm el Sheikh. The resort overlooks the Red Sea with its own private beach with a beach volleyball court.

The immaculate rooms are fitted with air-conditioning, free wifi, flat-screen TV, and an ensuite bathroom. The 7 outdoor swimming pools can be enjoyed whilst sipping on cocktails from one of the nine bars of this hotel.

Rixos Sharm El Sheikh also offers its guests access to its sister hotel which has tennis courts, outdoor swimming pools, and its very own aqua park.

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Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa

This luxurious 5-star resort is the true definition of luxury in Sharm el Sheikh. The Stella Di Mare beach hotel has wonderful guest rooms with free wifi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and room service. The hotel also features its very own fitness center with a sauna, massage, and steam room.

However, this is not the main reason Stella Di Mare is on this list. That would be because here you can start snorkeling at the coral reefs off the resort's private beach! An absolute must-have for luxury hotels in Sharm el Sheikh.

You can also enjoy a game of tennis at the on-site tennis court, or enjoy the wonderful Italian and fresh Mediterranean cuisine in one of 3 gourmet restaurants on site. Finally, we would also recommend the Stella Di Mare beach hotel to travelers with young children, as the hotel has babysitting and child-minding services available.

Oh, and did we tell you this hotel has 2 outdoor swimming pools with a waterfall?

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Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort

The Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort can boast an excellent location in Sharm el Sheikh: near Sharks Bay! The views are overlooking the Red Sea Reef throughout the entire property, and from the resort's private beach, you can enjoy many water sports (and of course snorkeling).

Sunrise Arabian has spacious rooms with private terraces or balconies, which are decorated in an Arabian style. Furthermore, they also have air conditioning, free wifi, flat-screen TVs, and a private bathroom. Room service is always available.

This hotel has earned its spot on the list of best Sharm hotels because of the many entertaining amenities including a tennis court, hot tub, 3 outdoor pools, a fitness center, and evening entertainment for all such as karaoke, and a nightclub with a DJ!

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3 Best Sharm El Sheikh Luxury Hotels

	Hotel	Price
	Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh	$$$$$
	Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh	$$$$
	Steigenberger Alcazar	$$$$

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

This name should probably ring a bell, and not without good reason! The Four Seasons Resort in Sharm el Sheikh is naturally stunning. Located on a one-kilometer stretch of private beachfront, the hotel has an incredible 4 tennis courts, 5 swimming pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, a steam room, a games room, a kids club, and so on.

The oversized rooms have panoramic views, flat-screen TVs, room service, a private kitchen and living areas, and sometimes even a private pool. Pets are also allowed (on request), and they will surely enjoy the incredible gardens on-site with green grass and palm trees: a truly luxurious oasis.

Furthermore, the Four Seasons has 7 dining experiences, the famous Padi dive center on-site, cooking classes, themed nights, tours about the local culture, and much more. The Four Seasons resort simply has too many amenities for us to list here, which makes it without a doubt one of the best luxury hotels in Sharm el Sheikh.

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Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh

Still don't know where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh? Don't worry, because then the Royal Savoy might be something for you. Situated just 5 kilometers from the international airport, this hotel offers luxurious villas or suites with panoramic Red Sea views.

Royal Savoy has everything you need on-site for a relaxing stay without the worries of needing to leave. Activities like snorkeling, diving, bowling, tennis, water sports, squash, and a steam room are available at an additional charge.

The rooms naturally all have free wifi, air conditioning, and so forth. We must mention though that this is an adults-only hotel!

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Steigenberger Alcazar

The Steigenberger Alcazar is located on the beautiful Nabq bay, just 13 kilometers away from the Sharm el Sheikh International Airport. This 5-star resort has 3 outdoor pools (which are heated during winter times), a fitness center, hot tubs, a spa, and a wellness center.

Steigenberger has an amazing 610 rooms, which all have air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free wifi, private bathrooms, a minibar, and so forth. What we found amazing about this resort, is that personal grocery deliveries can be organized and that they have a minimarket on site.

Finally, Steigenberger also has live music, themed dinner nights, evening entertainment, and a broadcast of live sports events. Truly a luxurious oasis!

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3 Best Dive Resorts in Sharm el Sheikh

	Hotel	Price
	Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort & Spa	$$$
	Camel Dive Club & Hotel	$$
	Sunshine Divers Club - Il Porto	$$

Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort & Spa

If you are into scuba diving, the Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort & Spa is surely an amazing choice. Located in a quiet area of Pasha Bay, this resort offers snorkeling and diving on the doorstep of the resort. You even have the ability to get your diving certificate whilst visiting!

Besides a private beach, Reef Oasis has a fitness center, scuba diving classes, table tennis, darts, and much more entertainment. Their large rooms have immaculate views of the Red Sea, and the pub bar runs 24/7 with beverages and sandwiches. What more could you want?

And if you are now thinking: maybe an outdoor pool with a jacuzzi, an aqua park with water slides, and a baby pool. Don't worry because Reef Oasis has it all!

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Camel Dive Club & Hotel

Situated just a short walk from Naama Bay beach, the Camel Dive Club & Hotel is one of the premier hotels in Sharm el Sheikh. We personally stayed here and Haylea completed her Advance Dive Course through Camel Dive Club. The staff are extremely friendly, and the hotel is home to the famous camel rooftop bar, perfect for sunset views over the mountains and water.

The sleek modern accommodations all feature a kettle, tv, fridge, and air conditioning just perfect for the Egyptian heat. Some even have private balconies. The large bathrooms also have great pressure showers. Outside of the rooms, the Camel Dive Club has some awesome outdoor swimming pools and free wifi in the public areas of the hotel.

This hotel is especially recommended for fans of diving since there are excellent diving courses available and dive excursions and snorkeling trips are organized daily to the incredible Ras Mohammed National Park. The hotel is also just a short walk from the Padi dive center which is on site.

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Sunshine Divers Club - Il Porto

Sunshine Divers Club is located in a great location with views over the Red Sea. The area is known to be quiet and relaxing, and there is a private sandy beach for the hotel guests. If you are looking for a quiet holiday, filled with luxury, this might be your best bet.

Guest rooms are large, and all have room service and a private bathroom. The private beach area is also very close to some coral reefs with lots of fish right at your doorstep. Because of this reason, the Sunshine Divers Club is perfect for fans of diving and snorkeling. Dive courses can be done from the hotel, and the private beach area is the perfect doorstep to an amazing underwater world.

To complete your relaxing holiday, massages can also be arranged!

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#1 Egypt Group Tour

Interested in traveling through Egypt on an organized group tour? I traveled with TravelTalk Tours on their Essential Egypt trip. I would highly recommend this trip to anybody looking to see all the ancient sites and fascinating landscapes while making some new friends for life!

View TravelTalk's Egypt Tours

3 Best Mid-Range Accommodations in Sharm El Sheikh

	Hotel	Price
	Charmillion Club Resort	$$$
	Savoy Sharm el Sheikh	$$$
	Waves Naama Bay Hotel	$$$

Charmillion Club Resort

If the places above are a bit out of your price range, we have also found some wonderful hotels in Sharm el Sheikh which are a bit more affordable. The Charmillion Club is an all-inclusive resort that is located just a 2-minute walk from the beach.

The resort boasts a large outdoor pool, playground, and luxury-styled restaurants. They also have hot tubs and a wellness facility, which is perfect for those wanting to relax while the kids play in the kids club.

Rooms are large and cater to singles, couples, and families. They have flat-screen TVs, free wifi, air conditioning, and a private balcony. The hotel is also great for those sporty individuals as there is a fitness center, tennis court, and diving activities.

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Savoy Sharm El Sheikh

The 5-star Savoy Resort is one of the nicest hotels in Sharm el Sheikh. This amazing place has an astounding 5 large outdoor pools, a hot tub, a beach bar, a fitness center, a kids club, a games room, and several water sports and tennis courts. In short, something for everybody!

The luxurious rooms are decorated stylishly and all include a private balcony with panoramic views over the garden, pool, or ocean. Especially the panoramic views over the Red Sea which are really spectacular.

Finally, this large hotel also has a variety of 6 restaurants, cafes, and bars that can be found on-site.

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Waves Naama Bay Hotel

Located near Naama bay Beach, and just 10 kilometers from the Sharm el Sheikh International Airport, the Waves Naama Bay Hotel is a great mid-range option. The hotel has modern design rooms with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.

This is a great choice for travelers with kids since the hotel has a large kids' water park with many water slides. There is also an oasis pool, surrounded by palm trees, and an on-site fitness center.

It's surely worth their great rating on booking.com!

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Related:

20 Things to do in Nearby Dahab

3 Best Budget Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh

	Hotel	Price
	Xperience St. George Sharm El Sheikh	$$
	Sharm Inn Amarein	$
	Naama Inn Hotel	$

Xperience St. George Sharm El Sheikh

Finally, we list some of the best budget hotels in Sharm el Sheikh. Starting off with an amazing 4-star resort, Xperience St. George Sharm El Sheikh.

This hotel has many amenities, such as an outdoor pool, steam room, hot tub, fitness center, and on-site buffet restaurant. The hotel also has its own private, sandy beach, located 2 kilometers from the property! There is access to 2 different beaches: one sandy and one coral. Both are great for snorkeling and swimming.

The rooms are spacious and decorated nicely. Some of them even feature private balconies. Finally, there is also free private parking. We think Xperience St. George is definitely one of the best budget hotels in Sharm el Sheikh. Hope you enjoy your trip!

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Related:

Guide to Climbing Mount Sinai (Egypt)

Sharm Inn Amarein

Sharm Inn Amarein is an absolute gem. A great low-cost hotel in a great location near the old market and Al Sahaba Mosque. Don't worry about the distance though as they arrange a shuttle service to Naama Bay beach!

Sharm Inn Amarein has spacious rooms with air conditioning and satellite TV. They also have an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center on-site. A real health club!

The main restaurant has some amazing buffet-style dishes and delicious food. Sharm Inn Amarein is therefore, definitely one of the best hotels in Sharm el Sheikh. You don't need a lot of money to enjoy a truly luxurious experience here!

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Naama Inn Hotel

We end this list with the Naama Inn Hotel, the perfect low-cost accommodation in the heart of Naama Bay. Located just 400 meters from Naama Bay beach and 2.5 kilometers from Garden Bay beach, this hotel has an astounding location for its price. Its location is the perfect base for exploring the best things to do in Sharm el Sheikh.

The beautiful rooms all overlook Naama bay or the pool, and they all feature a private bathroom, free wifi, TV and air conditioning. Naturally, they also have an outdoor swimming pool.

The Naama Inn is the perfect place for budget travelers, and certainly deserves its place on this list! We hope you enjoy your stay in the beautiful region of Sharm el Sheikh!

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More Egypt & Red Sea Travel Guides

I hope that this comprehensive accommodation guide has helped you plan where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh. After you've picked the perfect hotel, don't miss my other Sharm el Sheikh & Egypt travel guides below!

• 10 Things to Know Before Going Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor, Egypt
• 20 Amazing Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt in 2023
• 20 Awesome Things to do in Dahab, Egypt - 2023 Travel Guide
• 31 Top Landmarks in Egypt - Famous Monuments & Attractions
• Blue Hole Dahab - Everything You Need to Know (2023)
• Climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt - Everything You Need to Know (2023)
• Dahab Blue Lagoon & Abu Galoum - Complete Guide (Egypt)
• The Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary For 2023

The post 15 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh – Where to Stay in 2023 appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Planning a visit to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and intrigued by the magical Blue Hole in Dahab?

Even if you’re not a diver, there are a thousand reasons why you should visit this amazing natural attraction! In this guide, I’ll give you a rundown of everything you need to know about this famous Egyptian Blue Hole!

So, with no time to waste, let’s dive into this guide.

About the Famous Dahab Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is a deep, natural sinkhole in the Gulf of Aqaba, just north of the South Sinai tourist town of Dahab. It is considered to be one of the most significant natural landmarks in Egypt.

Geologists believe that this submarine sinkhole formed thousands of years ago during the melting of the last ice age. It has a maximum depth of around 120 meters (390 feet) and is lined by a near-vertical reef wall.

This wide hole is considered to be a great scuba diving and snorkeling site. This is due to the beautiful coral reef in the shallow lagoon surrounding its edge. The wall is also abundant with hard coral formations and a healthy ecosystem of marine life.

Note there are several blue holes like this one around the world. Unlike the famous Great Blue Hole in Belize, the one in Dahab is not found in the open sea, but just a few meters from the shore, much like the one in Malta.

Where is the Blue Hole in Dahab?

The Blue Hole is located 10 kilometers north of Dahab in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. This is an area edging the Gulf of Aqaba on the coast of the Red Sea and separating Egypt from Saudi Arabia.

The hole itself is just a few meters from the rocky shores of the South Sinai desert and is accessible by car.

Getting Here Independently

For those in Dahab, it's possible to visit the Blue Hole independently by taking a taxi from the town.

The journey takes roughly 20 minutes and costs between 80-100 Egyptian pounds (you will need to barter).

Once you arrive at the Blue Hole area, you must pay a USD 10 entry fee per person to the Egyptian authorities.

Tip: The taxis in Dahab are nothing like the ones you'll find in Cairo and are typically old pickup trucks or Jeep Wranglers. Look for the orange numberplate, which designates taxis in Egypt.

Why is the Blue Hole so Dangerous?

Nicknamed the "Diver's Cemetery" scuba divers know this site for being one of the most dangerous dive sites in the world. However, the truth is that this only applies to one particular dive site in the Blue Hole called the arch.

In reality, even this designation isn't entirely accurate. While the arch in the Blue Hole is a very deadly site (without a public record, estimates are around 200 deaths in recent years), it is not actually a very dangerous dive for those properly trained for technical diving.

The reason why this arch is so deadly is that the entry point to this horizontal tunnel sits at a depth below 55 meters (180 feet). The majority of deaths are experienced, recreational divers feeling overconfident in their ability to attempt a deep technical dive with recreational equipment and without specialized training.

The Infamous Arch & Tragic Diving Deaths

The arch is a 30-meter (100-feet) long natural tunnel with an entrance sitting at roughly 55 meters (180 feet). From a technical dive standpoint, the arch isn't a very challenging one.

The most dangerous aspect of this dive is that it looks relatively benign– like a quick, wide swim-through upon reaching the entrance. However, the sad truth is that many experienced divers forget their training and try to swim through on a regular 10.4L tank.

At 55 meters, oxygen toxicity occurs and the risk of nitrogen narcosis (the unexplained feeling of being drunk or high at depths) increases exponentially.

The arch also slopes downwards slightly and is much longer than it seems. So, the quick swim through often turns into a 5-minute endeavor at a depth closer to 60 meters (196 feet). At this depth, divers consume oxygen very rapidly due to the effects of pressure.

By the time divers exit this long tunnel, they're likely to have consumed 60% of their single tank, which is not enough to make the several safety stops required to resurface safely.

The main causes of death in the arch are therefore running out of air, oxygen toxicity, and decompression sickness (the bends).

Even having worked as a professional Dive Master, I would never attempt to dive the arch without proper technical training and a rebreather or twinset.

Planning a trip to the Red Sea? Don't miss my comprehensive travel guide covering the top things to do in Dahab, Egypt.

Can Beginners Scuba Dive in the Blue Hole?

Don't let the reputation discourage you from diving in the Blue Hole! By now, you know that the dangerous dive site here is well beyond the limits of recreational divers and only accessible to technical divers.

So, as far as the recreational dives go, beginner divers and advanced divers alike can enjoy some of the safest shore diving in the Red Sea!

The best and most famous Blue Hole dive sites include:

• The Blue Hole Wall - beginner divers can enjoy the beautiful coral reefs lining the near-vertical wall at the easy entrance. This is a very accessible and shallow entry point just a few meters from the rocky shores! The bottom here is around 120 meters, so you'll need to monitor your depths to stay within recreational limits.
• The Bells - an advanced recreational site at around 30-meters featuring a deep groove cutting into the reef just north of the Blue Hole.
• Canyon - although not at the Blue Hole, this is one of the best dive sites near the Blue Hole. Divers come here to swim through a gorgeous geological formation, a kind of cave with a virtually closed-off roof.

Remember to always dive with a local dive guide. If you don't have your qualification, I recommend getting your Open Water certificate in Dahab with Octopus Divers, next to the amazing My Hostel (the best hostel in Dahab).

#1 Egypt Group Tour

Interested in traveling through Egypt on an organized group tour? I traveled with TravelTalk Tours on their Essential Egypt trip. I would highly recommend this trip to anybody looking to see all the ancient sites and fascinating landscapes while making some new friends for life!

View TravelTalk's Egypt Tours

Things to do at the Dahab Blue Hole

Interested in exploring the famous Blue Hole on a day trip from Dahab? Below are some of the many things you can do to enjoy this awesome adventure!

Snorkeling & Free Diving

While many people know of Dahab's famous Blue Hole as a dive site, the truth is that this iconic underwater attraction has a lot to offer snorkelers and freedivers as well.

For snorkelers, you can rent a mask and snorkel from one of the many beachside restaurants right next to the Blue Hole. There is a large jetty that serves as an ideal entry point.

The shallow coral garden edging the rim of the hole contains many different species of reef fish and beautiful coral reef. This snorkeling location is usually quite sheltered, which means you can also snorkel above the famous wall as well.

Free divers will also love this site! The crystal clear visibility combined with the unfathomable depths makes it an ideal training ground.

Remember to always free dive with a buddy or safety diver. If you want to be trained by professionals, there are many freediving centers in Dahab.

While in Dahab: Don't miss the opportunity to hike to the summit of the holy mountain! Read my guide on how to climb Mount Sinai in Egypt for more information.

Scuba Diving

I already covered this above. But, it's worth mentioning again!

The Blue Hole of Egypt is one of the world's most famous dive sites, and it goes without saying that this should be on your South Sinai bucket list! Since this is a shore dive, it's usually also quite cheap!

Tip: While the coral formations and marine life in the Blue Hole are spectacular, the diving around Sharm el-Sheikh is considerably better.

Related:

15 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

Walk up to the Blue Hole Viewpoint

Just around the back of the restaurants on the main strip is a rocky hill where you can catch the best views of the Blue Hole from above.

To get here, continue towards the end of the strip and turn left on the last road leading behind the restaurants. Next, you'll see a sign pointing towards a well-constructed pathway climbing the hill.

This viewpoint isn't well marked, but you can ask anyone in town and they'll show you where to go.

Visit the Diver's Cemetery (Memorial)

At the very end of the road past the Blue Hole is the famous diver's memorial.

This is a plaque site on a rocky wall containing the names of some of the divers lost at this infamous dive site.

Relax at the Seafront Restaurants

After snorkeling, diving, and exploring, one of the best things to do at the Dahab Blue Hole is to simply relax and unwind at one of the many restaurants.

If you're looking for a spot, I highly recommend the two-story building with the name "Camel Restaurant". The owner here is a very friendly man and he treated us with some of the best hospitality I experienced in South Sinai (and that's saying something).

You can also order traditional meals here, as well as Turkish coffee or Bedouin Tea, or even a shisha.

Hike to Ras Abu Galoum & the Blue Lagoon

If you've planned a day of adventuring north of Dahab, then I highly recommend adding Ras Abu Galoum (Ras Abu Galum) and the Blue Lagoon to your itinerary.

From the Blue Hole, you can either hike, take a camel, or ride on a water taxi to Abu Galoum, which is one of the best snorkeling sites near Dahab.

From here, take a pickup truck or camel ride to the famous Blue Lagoon. This is a very relaxing area where you can swim and watch some professional kite surfers shred!

The hiking trail connecting the Blue Hole to Abu Galoum is very scenic and I highly recommend it if you have time!

Where to Stay in Dahab

Dahab is much smaller and more laid back than its more luxurious neighbor Sharm el-Sheikh. However, there is still a wide range of accommodation options, from epic rooftop hostels to luxurious beach-side resorts.

Below are the top-rated accommodation options for Dahab.

• Swiss Inn Resort Dahab - The best luxury resort in Dahab offers its guests a gym facility, a private beach, a children's play area, multiple pools, restaurants, a shuttle service, and its very own dive center.
• Jaz Dahabeya - Overlooking the Red Sea and Sinai Mountains this resort is a perfect pick for those wanting to enjoy 4-star luxury without breaking the bank. The resort offers its own reviving and reinvigorating treatments in its spa facility, pool, children's play area, and gym. Breakfast and dinner are included.
• My Hostel - Easily the best hostel in Dahab, if not in all of Egypt! This is complete with a roof-top terrace and chill co-work area. An excellent vibe and the owner Medhat can also arrange tours and diving for you at the best price in Dahab.

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More Things to Know About Visiting Dahab's Infamous Blue Hole

More Egypt Travel Guides

I hope you've enjoyed this comprehensive guide to the famous Dahab Blue Hole in Egypt.

While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other guides below.

Itinerary: Epic 10-Day Egypt Itinerary
Destination Guide: Things to do in Aswan
Destination Guide: Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh

More Egypt Travel Inspiration:

• 10 Things to Know Before Going Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor, Egypt
• 15 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - Where to Stay in 2023
• 20 Amazing Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt in 2023
• 20 Awesome Things to do in Dahab, Egypt - 2023 Travel Guide
• 5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit in 2023 (With Map)
• Climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt - Everything You Need to Know (2023)
• How to Visit a Traditional Nubian Village in Aswan, Egypt

The post Blue Hole Dahab – Everything You Need to Know (2023) appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Whether you’re visiting the Dahab for kite surfing or just to explore this amazing part of Egypt’s South Sinai, you have to make a trip out to the Blue Lagoon!

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to visit the Blue Lagoon from Dahab, including a visit to the beautiful Ras Abu Galoum.

About the Dahab Blue Lagoon

While often overshadowed by the much more popular Blue Hole, a visit to the Blue Lagoon is still easily one of the best things to do in Dahab!

This lagoon is a large sheltered natural pond of calm, crystal clear water. You'll find it sheltered by a low, arching stretch of sand and rock, protecting it from the wild sea of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Along its shores, you'll find small local restaurants and many small huts owned by the local Bedouins of Dahab and the surrounding Sinai Peninsula.

This is a perfect place to spend the day relaxing, swimming, or exploring the surrounding area. Also, due to its natural beauty, calm ambiance, and steady waters, the Blue Lagoon is a kitesurfing paradise!

How to Get to the Blue Lagoon from Dahab

The Blue Lagoon is located approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) from the town of Dahab in the South Sinai Governate.

This is the furthest attraction north of Dahab. Continue and you won't find more than a vast desert dropping into the wild oceans of the Aqaba Gulf.

Furthermore, there are no roads here, meaning it requires a bit of an adventure to reach.

To make it easy for you, I've included the two best options for getting here below.

Option 2: Speed Boat From Dahab & Taxi/Camel to Blue Lagoon

If you want to spend a night or two at the Blue Lagoon camp, then the better option is to get here independently. However, this does take some know-how and will require a bit of bartering on your part.

Here are the steps:

1. Taxi to the Blue Hole - hail one from the street. These are usually old pickups or jeeps. Look for orange number plates, which is the designation for taxis in Egypt. The journey takes roughly 15 minutes and costs 80-100 EGP. Once you arrive, you have to pay the USD 10 fee per person to enter the Blue Hole area.
2. Hike, camel ride, or speedboat to Abu Galoum - We chose to spend time at the Blue Hole on the way back and continued directly to Abu Galoum. You can pay a speed boat driver (water taxi) or a guide to take you there by camel. We took the speed boat option, which was one of the craziest boat rides of my life due to seriously choppy seas (we hiked back). We paid 200 EGP for a group of five.
3. Pickup truck to Blue Lagoon - from Abu Galoum, some locals will drive you to the Blue Lagoon (10 minutes away). We paid 100 EGP for the group.
4. Return - Repeat the process to get back to Dahab. You won't struggle to find a boat or a pickup truck from either end. Alternatively, I highly recommend hiking the coastal track between Abu Galoum to the Blue Hole.

Backpacker tip: If you're a backpacker, make sure to stay at the epic "My Hostel in Dahab". This is the number 1 hostel in the area and my good friend Medhat will organize the transport for you very cheaply!

#1 Egypt Group Tour

Interested in traveling through Egypt on an organized group tour? I traveled with TravelTalk Tours on their Essential Egypt trip. I would highly recommend this trip to anybody looking to see all the ancient sites and fascinating landscapes while making some new friends for life!

View TravelTalk's Egypt Tours

What to Expect at the Blue Lagoon & Ras Abu Galoum

Now that you know how to get here, here's what you can expect at the amazing Dahab Blue Lagoon and the Ras Abu Galoum snorkeling and diving spot!

While in Dahab: Don't miss the opportunity to hike to the summit of the holy mountain! Read my guide on how to climb Mount Sinai in Egypt for more information.

Snorkeling at Ras Abu Galoum

The first stop is the epic Abu Galoum! This is a beautiful sheltered cove that is perfect for snorkeling and diving.

The edges of the desert shores are lined with healthy coral reefs, with crystal clear waters!

Along the shores, you'll also find some small local restaurants and huts. Some people decide to camp here rather than at the Blue Hole, as there are also many small huts and tents along the waterfront.

Kitesurfing at the Blue Lagoon

While the Blue Lagoon doesn't offer the same amazing snorkeling, it is easily one of the best places in Dahab for kite surfing! Many of the pros come here, and we spent a good hour chilling at one of the small Bedouin restaurants watching them shred!

The Blue Lagoon is also a great spot for swimming. The water is a crystal clear shade of turquoise and offers the perfect opportunity to cool down from the blistering Sinai Desert sun.

We were also approached by some local Bedouin kids who sold us some colorful bracelets.

Tip: If you're visiting this part of Egypt, it's a good idea to spend some change here and there. These people have very little and it's amazing how much a few dollars can do for them.

Planning a trip to the Red Sea? Don't miss my comprehensive travel guide covering the top things to do in Dahab, Egypt.

Short Mountain Hike

While there aren't any marked hiking trails at the Blue Lagoon, we decided to try to climb the rocky scree mountains behind the lagoon to get a better view.

From the top, we were granted with some awesome views of the lagoon, offering an awesome photo opportunity contrasting the calm lagoon waters against the wild and choppy seas beyond.

We even spotted some wild camels on the way!

Camping at the Blue Lagoon

One of the main reasons why visitors make it out to Abu Galoum and the Blue Lagoon is to spend a night or two here.

In this remote part of Egypt, there is no internet, no busy roads, or chaotic foot traffic. It's the perfect place to unwind, unplug, and just enjoy the present moment.

There's no need to organize accommodation in advance since there are plenty of huts at both sites that you can stay in for as cheap as 150-200 EGYP per night. However, you'll need to barter.

Tip: While I haven't stayed here, I've been told that the night sky is incredibly clear. There is no light pollution for miles, resulting in incredible stargazing and astrophotography opportunities.

Blue Lagoon Packing List

Here are some things you'll want to bring with you.

• Water and snacks - you can save a bit of money since bottled water at the lagoon is a bit pricey
• Swimmers - a no-brainer
• Snorkel set - if you plan to do some snorkeling at Abu Galoum. Alternatively, you can rent some from the locals cheaply
• Travel towel - an essential for any trip
• Camera/GoPro - also an essential for this trip
• Cash - no ATMs or credit card facilities out here!
• Sturdy shoes - if you want to hike back to the Blue Hole

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Enter the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter & Purifier Bottle! I take this bottle on every hike and use it as my go-to source for filtering water all over the world. I've even used it to drink tap water in India!

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Abu Galoum to the Blue Hole Coastal Hike

If you have the time, I highly recommend taking the coastal hike back from Abu Galoum to the Blue Hole.

This is a 5.5-kilometer (3.4-mile) walk that is very scenic. The track is mostly flat and follows a route wedged between soaring desert mountains and the beautiful coral reef of the Gulf of Aqaba.

View the track: My Strava

Once you return to the Blue Hole, make sure to take some time to snorkel here as well. This is one of the world's most infamous dive sites and the most famous attraction in Dahab.

Tip: Go have lunch or a Turkish Coffee at the Camel Restaurant overlooking the Blue Hole. While there are many restaurants along this waterfront, I was blown away by the kind hospitality of the man who owned this place! He even let us use some fins and held our bags for us while we snorkeled in the Blue Hole.

Where to Stay in Dahab

Dahab is much smaller and more laid back than its more luxurious neighbor Sharm el-Sheikh. However, there is still a wide range of accommodation options, from epic rooftop hostels to luxurious beach-side resorts.

Below are the top-rated accommodation options for Dahab.

• Swiss Inn Resort Dahab - The best luxury resort in Dahab offers its guests a gym facility, a private beach, a children's play area, multiple pools, restaurants, a shuttle service, and its very own dive center.
• Jaz Dahabeya - Overlooking the Red Sea and Sinai Mountains this resort is a perfect pick for those wanting to enjoy 4-star luxury without breaking the bank. The resort offers its own reviving and reinvigorating treatments in its spa facility, pool, children's play area, and gym. Breakfast and dinner are included.
• My Hostel - Easily the best hostel in Dahab, if not in all of Egypt! This is complete with a roof-top terrace and chill co-work area. An excellent vibe and the owner Medhat can also arrange tours and diving for you at the best price in Dahab.

View on Booking.com

More Egypt Travel Guides and Adventure Inspiration

I hope you've found this quick guide to visiting the Blue Lagoon in Dahab useful. While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other detailed guides and blog posts on Egypt.

Ultimate Guide: Best Landmarks in Egypt
Itinerary: Epic 10-Day Egypt Itinerary
Destination Guide: Things to do in Aswan
Destination Guide: Things to do in Dahab
Also Nearby: Sharm el-Sheikh (Travel Guide)

More Egypt travel inspiration:

• 15 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - Where to Stay in 2023
• 20 Amazing Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt in 2023
• 20 Awesome Things to do in Dahab, Egypt - 2023 Travel Guide
• 5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit in 2023 (With Map)
• Climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt - Everything You Need to Know (2023)
• How to Visit a Traditional Nubian Village in Aswan, Egypt

The post Dahab Blue Lagoon & Abu Galoum – Complete Guide (Egypt) appeared first on We Seek Travel.

For many, climbing to the summit of Mount Sinai in Egypt is a bucket list item trumping all other notable landmarks in the country. That’s because Mount Sinai, or the holy Moses Mountain, is considered to be the most religiously significant peak in the Middle East, and even the entire world.

In this guide, I’ll detail everything you need to know about hiking to the top of this biblical mountain from various parts of Egypt. I’ll also include photos and a few highlights from my trek to inspire your visit.

Things to Know About the Mount Sinai Climb in Egypt

How to Get to Mount Sinai

In order to climb Mount Sinai, it is compulsory to have a guide. This does not reflect the difficulty of the walk but is required by local authorities for security reasons.

Therefore, the easiest (and cheapest) way to get to Mount Sinai is to join a group tour from either Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab.

Book: Sunrise Hike from Dahab

Book: Sunrise Hike from Sharm el-Sheikh

The best trips are sunrise hikes, which is definitely the best way to hike up to Mount Sinai summit. While the view for sunrise is spectacular and infinitely better, the main reason is that it is usually much too hot to hike during the day.

These trips also always include a tour of the Saint Catherine Monastery, which is the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world (built between 548 and 565 A.D) and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where is Mount Sinai?

Mount Sinai is located in the southern part of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula in the city of Saint Catherine.

This is an inland high mountain region in the South Sinai Desert, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the Red Sea. The closest tourist cities are Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh.

Mount Sinai is one of the most prominent peaks in this range, sitting beside Mount Catherine (2,629 m), the highest mountain in Egypt.

• Google Maps Pin: "Jabal Mousa"

Alternative: Getting to Saint Catherine Independently

While South Sinai is generally safe, the truth is that the entire Sinai Peninsula is still on most countries' Do Not Travel lists, due to the ongoing terrorist activity in the north. As a result, it's probably not a good idea to rent a car and drive through the remote mountain regions to Saint Catherine independently.

However, if you're in a large group and don't want to join in on the group tour above, then it is possible to pay a taxi driver for a private tour. I can't comment on the cost, since I haven't taken this option.

Note that you will also need to pay a professional Bedouin guide to take you up the mountain. I can't see this option being worth the extra effort or money.

Tip: If you stay at the very popular and epic backpacker hostel My Hostel in Dahab, my friend Medhat can arrange this transport for you very cheaply!

Is Mount Sinai Really the Mountain Moses Climbed?

Mount Sinai, the 2,285-meter (7,497-foot) granite peak between Egypt and Israel is the most famous and the most agreed upon location for the biblical Mount Sinai (Mount Horeb).

The majority of followers from the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam accept this Egyptian mountain as the Mountain of Moses (Mount Moussa), where according to the Bible and Quran, Moses received the ten commandments from God.

In fact, this has been the case for thousands of years. The mountain became a significant pilgrimage site for Hermits quite early on, with the earliest recorded pilgrimage taking place around 381 AD.

Other significant sites include the burning bush in the Saint Catherine Monastery, the supposed cave of Prophet Elijah, and the rock that devouts consider to be the source for the biblical Tablets of Stone.

Religious people also call the plateau beneath Mount Sinai Elijah's Basin, where they say he traveled 40 days and 40 nights to speak with god.

Note: I am not a religious person but trying to summarize the information from various sources across the web.

Planning a trip to the Red Sea? Don't miss my comprehensive travel guide covering the top things to do in Dahab, Egypt.

How High is Mount Sinai in Egypt?

Mount Sinai is the second-highest mountain in Egypt, with a height of 2,285 meters (7,497 feet) above sea level.

How Long Does it Take to Climb Mt Sinai?

For most active travelers, climbing Mount Sinai is quite easy, only taking around 1.5-2 hours to reach the summit. That's because the track is very well-graded, wide, and with a gentle incline for most of the climb.

What to Pack for the Mount Sinai Hike?

Due to the elevation, the weather in the mountain region of Saint Catherine gets much cooler during the night than in coastal areas like Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh.

So, if you're hiking up for sunrise (highly recommend), then it's a good idea to prepare accordingly. Here are a few things you'll want to bring on your ascent to the Mount Sinai summit in Egypt.

• Sturdy shoes - runners or hiking boots.
• Warm clothes - this is a must.
• Water - you can purchase water at the tea houses but it's always a good idea to bring your own.
• Snacks - as above.
• Sleeping bag - useful while waiting for the sunrise (optional).
• Camera - trust me, you'll want to bring it. Read my guide to the best camera gear for travel here.
• Sunscreen - for the harsh morning rays on the descent.
• Head torch - you'll likely be hiking up in the dark.

Get Safe Drinking Water Anywhere!

Enter the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter & Purifier Bottle! I take this bottle on every hike and use it as my go-to source for filtering water all over the world. I've even used it to drink tap water in India!

Buy from GRAYL

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// Compare how the GeoPress stacks up against the best water bottle filters on the market.

Climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt - Complete Guide

• Hiking Distance: 11.5 km (7.15 mi) return
• Duration: 3-4 hours return
• Elevation: 700 m (2,296 ft) total elevation gain |
  2,285 m (7,497 ft) max elevation
• Difficulty: Easy-moderate

The climb up Mount Sinai in Egypt is one of the best easy hikes in the country, if not in the Middle East! While the difficulty is a hard metric gauge objectively, this hike is accessible to anybody with a general level of fitness.

Let me tell you, the amazing views over the South Sinai mountains are incredible for sunrise.

Most trips depart from Dahab or Sharm el-Sheikh at around 10:00 pm, arriving at Saint Catherine in the middle of the night. This means you will have more than enough time to make it to the summit by sunrise.

Below I'll give you a rough recap of my Mount Sinai hike to help you better prepare for this incredible experience.

More info: My Strava

The Two Routes to The Summit

It's important to know that there are two main routes to the summit. These are the Steps of Repentance and the Camel Path. Most tours will take the camel path, which is a gentle, winding track leading up to the summit.

The Steps of Repentance is a steeper route of 3750 steps carved out by monks.

Both of these routes meet at a small site with the name Elijah's Hollow, or the Seven Elders of Israel. From here, it's a steep 750 steps to the summit of Mount Sinai.

We took the Camel Path (which yes, you will share with camels), so this is what I will cover in this guide.

Don't miss my comprehensive guide to the Dahab Blue Hole for information on how to get here and what to expect.

1. Arriving at Saint Catherine

Tours from Dahab and Sharm will usually carry passengers to the base of the mountain in a shuttle van. The trip from Dahab takes roughly two hours and roughly 2.5-3 hours from Sharm.

However, there are several military checkpoints along the high mountain region. As a result, this trip can take longer.

We arrived at roughly midnight, where we were greeted by lots of enthusiastic Bedouin kids who were eager to sell us their wares.

If you want a torch or warm clothes and don't yet have any, it's a good idea to buy them once you arrive, since these kids really appreciate the money.

Shortly after arriving and taking a quick toilet break, our driver introduced us to our local Bedouin guide. Next, he escorted us through a very thorough military screening area, where a soldier turned our bags inside out.

After a rather lengthy process, we were finally off on the path of Moses to the summit of Mount Sinai!

Related:

Where to Stay in Sharm El Sheikh (15 Top Picks)

2. Saint Catherine's Monastery

The first section of the dark trail follows a wide road to the base of Saint Catherine's Monastery. This is a 6th-century monastery built by Roman Emperor Justinian (Justinian the Great) and is said to house the biblical burning bush.

If you're hiking Mount Sinai for sunrise, then you'll likely visit the monastery after the summit.

Tip: Saint Catherine's Monastery operates at limited hours on Fridays and Sundays. It's best to check with your guide if you want to see this Orthodox monastery as part of the tour.

#1 Egypt Group Tour

Interested in traveling through Egypt on an organized group tour? I traveled with TravelTalk Tours on their Essential Egypt trip. I would highly recommend this trip to anybody looking to see all the ancient sites and fascinating landscapes while making some new friends for life!

View TravelTalk's Egypt Tours

3. Hiking the Camel Path to Mount Sinai Summit

Soon after passing the monastery, you'll arrive at the start of the camel trail to the summit. This track is wide with a gentle incline and features a series of switchbacks as you make your way up the mountain.

Also, once you start gaining altitude, you'll notice large stacked rocks on the edge of the track, forming a safety barrier.

Furthermore, you'll likely pass local Bedouins offering to take you on a camel ride to Elijah's Hollow. This is the easier option but you will have to still hike the final 750 steps to the summit by yourself.

Along the way, hikers will pass several Bedouin tents where they can sit and rest. All of these tents offer hot drinks like warm tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, as well as snacks. However, we chose to push on so that we could enjoy a longer rest while waiting for the sunrise at the peak.

4. 750 Steps to the Top of Mount Sinai

After passing a large cut-out section of the mountain, you'll arrive at the final ascent point. This is marked by a very dated sign indicating the 750 steps to the top of Sinai Mountain.

Similarly to the other sections of this hike, the final ascent covers easy, leveled steps but is much steeper than the Camel Path.

We arrived at the top of the mountain approximately 1.5 hours after departing from the base of Mount Sinai. As a result, it was still very early (around 2:30 am). So, our local guide pointed us towards one of four small teahouses near the peak.

Since we had a while to wait, we bought a delicious hot chocolate and a couple of snacks, as well as an old pillowed mattress to sit on. This was a little expensive but we were happy to pay a little more considering the remote location.

4. Sunrise at the Summit of Mount Sinai

At the first sign of light, we quickly climbed up the last few steps to the very peak of Mount Sinai. Here at the Holy Summit, there are a couple of significant landmarks, including a Greek Orthodox Chapel (beside a large rock they call Rock of Moses), the ruins of the Justinian basilica (16th-century church), and a small mosque still used by Muslims.

We climbed one of the large, slippery rocks beside the small chapel and watched the sun rise to the east.

While I'm not religious, it was still a very powerful moment, and one of the best sunrises I experienced in Egypt.

5. The Descent

After spending roughly an hour and a half at the summit, we started making our way back down. The track down is much easier, due to the fact that a number of rather obvious shortcuts start to appear on the camel trail.

6. Exploring Saint Catherines Monastery

Unfortunately, we decided to visit on a Friday and therefore a guided tour of the old monastery was not available. However, after convincing our guide, we could still explore this significant site on our own.

If you're forced to do the same, here are a few highlights from the monastery at Mount Sinai in Egypt.

• Church of the Transfiguration - the dominant church tower and main focal point of the monastery.
• The Sacred Sacristy - an open museum containing many treasures and collections including the Ladder of Divine Ascent and pages from the Codex Sinaiticus, said to be the oldest bible in the world.
• Monastery Mosque - 11th-century mosque built during the Fatimid period.
• The Burning Bush - legend says this is a descendant of the Old Testament's burning bush.

7. Returning Back to Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab

After exploring the monastery, it was finally time to return back to our hostel in Dahab for a well-earned and hearty Egyptian breakfast. We met our driver (who was still sleeping in the van) in the large parking lot where he dropped us off earlier that morning.

More Photos from the Mount Sinai Hike

More Egypt Travel Guides

I hope that you've enjoyed this comprehensive hiking guide to climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt!

While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other articles below.

Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary
Destination Guide: Things to do in Aswan
Red Sea Destination Guide: Things to do in Dahab
Red Sea Destination Guide: Things to do in Sharm el-Sheikh

• 10 Things to Know Before Going Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor, Egypt
• 15 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - Where to Stay in 2023
• 20 Awesome Things to do in Dahab, Egypt - 2023 Travel Guide
• 20 Things to do in Aswan, Egypt - Best Attractions & Places to Visit in 2023
• 31 Top Landmarks in Egypt - Famous Monuments & Attractions
• 5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit in 2023 (With Map)
• Blue Hole Dahab - Everything You Need to Know (2023)
• Dahab Blue Lagoon & Abu Galoum - Complete Guide (Egypt)
• How to Visit a Traditional Nubian Village in Aswan, Egypt

The post Climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt – Everything You Need to Know (2023) appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Arriving in Aswan from other major cities in Egypt like Cairo or Luxor almost feels like you’ve stepped into a new country. Here, the pace is a little slower, the Nile River banks are a little greener, and the people are a little more easygoing.

But, don’t let the calm ambiance fool you! While many people visit Aswan as a base for day tripping to Abu Simbel, or just to embark on a Nile Cruise, there are many worthwhile attractions to see and amazing things to do in Aswan itself.

In this guide, I’ll reveal to you all the top 20 highlights and places to visit so you can plan your own travels in the southernmost city of Aswan, Egypt.

Quick Things to Know About the Egyptian City of Aswan

Before I get into this travel guide, here are a few things to know about visiting the city of Aswan.

• While Luxor was once the ancient capital of Thebes, Aswan, or Swenett, was the Ancient Egyptian's southernmost frontier and gateway to Africa.
• Many of the most significant historic landmarks in Egypt are built from granite and other building materials mined from the quarries of Aswan. In fact, one of the best things to do in Aswan is to visit the quarry of the Unfinished Obelisk.
• The city is located on the first cataract of the Nile River and is well-known for the famous High Dam project. This contributes greatly to the Egyptian economy but its construction displaced thousands of people due to the flooding of Lake Nasser.
• As a result of this project, a large population of Nubians have settled here. These friendly people are descendants of one of the oldest civilizations on earth.
• Aswan is one of the hottest and driest cities in Egypt, receiving less than 1mm of rainfall per year.
• Modern Aswan is a major city in Egypt and facilitates a fundamental trade route to Africa.
• Aswan is the southernmost city of Egypt. This area is known as Upper Egypt, stemming from the flow of the Nile River, not the cardinal directions.

Don't forget travel insurance for Aswan. Make sure to check out WorldNomads and get covered for all the activities on this list before you go.

How to Get to Aswan

Before we get into this Aswan sightseeing list, here's how to get here.

By overnight sleeper train

Aswan is the last and southernmost station on the long rail network spanning as far north as Alexandria in the Mediterranean. Therefore, Egypt's overnight sleeping trains are an affordable way to travel long distances between major cities like Cairo or Luxor.

Additionally, taking overnight trains is a good way to maximize your time since no days are wasted in transit.

Book: Overnight Sleeper Train Tickets (Cairo to Aswan/Luxor)

By plane

The Aswan International Airport is located approximately 30 minutes south of the city. There are plenty of flights from Cairo and other locations making flying the quickest way to get to Aswan.

By bus

Bus travel in Egypt is one of the cheapest ways to get to cities like Aswan. However, this is by no means the fastest, safest, or most convenient way to get around.

Generally speaking, I've had good experiences with GoBus

20 Best Things to do in Aswan, Egypt

With the basic logistics out of the way, let's dive into this comprehensive travel guide featuring the 20 best tourist attractions and things to do in Aswan, Egypt!

1. Visit a Nubian Village

Scattered around the west bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt are many beautiful and colorful Nubian villages.

The Nubians are an ethnic group indigenous to the area and are considered to be one of the oldest civilizations on earth! Unfortunately, the friendly Nubians have been forced to relocate several times, primarily due to the construction of the High Dam and the flooding of Lake Nasser.

Visiting a Nubian Village in Aswan is one of the most interesting and heartwarming things you can do. Nubians are very hospitable people and they are always eager to show you their beautifully colored traditional houses and unique way of life.

Did you know? The Nubian people migrated to Upper Egypt from Northern Sudan approximately 8,000 years ago. Historians credit them for being one of the innovators of ancient farming and the cradles of civilization.

2. Felucca Sailing on the Nile River

One of the best Aswan activities that I'd recommend to anyone is a boat ride on a traditional felucca sailing vessel!

These are the iconic, triangular-sailed boats you see floating down the Nile from Alexandria to the first cataract!

The Nile River is where humans first discovered and implemented the revolutionary technology of sailing. Since then, the boats have changed little, retaining millennia-old styles that are truly tried and tested.

On my recent trip with TravelTalk, we spent two days doing some unique Aswan sightseeing by felucca ride. This was an awesome experience and easily one of the best ways to see all the landmarks along the Nile.

3. Explore Philae Temple

The Philae Temple is a temple complex located on Agilika Island, just a short boat ride south of Aswan city.

The ancients constructed this amazing temple during the Ptolemaic Dynasty in the year 280 BCE. While this seems like a very long time ago, it is very recent in Ancient Egyptian terms.

In fact, the very last-known written hieroglyphs, called Graffito of Esmet-Akhom were carved here. After that, the language was lost for over 1,500 years!

The Temple of Philae is one of the most popular things to see in Aswan, with plenty of ancient marvels to explore at this unique complex. Here, you can see beautifully-carved depictions of  Isis, Osiris, and Horus and their mythological origins. Additionally, if you visit at night, you'll get a chance to see the famous light show.

Book a private tour: Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, & High Dam (from Aswan, Egypt)

Fun fact: Philae Temple gets its name from its original location on Philae Island, However, a team of archeologists and engineers took apart this amazing temple, piece by piece, and relocated it to its current location on Agilika Island. This was to protect it from the rising waters caused by the Aswan High Dam project.

4. Day Trip to Abu Simbel Temples

If there's one thing you do in Aswan, make it a day trip to the amazing Abu Simbel Temples (the Twin Temples of Egypt)! This was one of my favorite days on the TravelTalk tour!

Abu Simbel is a set of two temples carved entirely out of one single piece of rock, deep into the cliffside of a mountain south of Aswan. The ancient Egyptians dedicated this temple to Ramesses II (Ramesses the Great), arguably Egypt's most celebrated Pharaoh.

While both very impressive, the Great Temple is a truly magnificent piece of art, which should not be missed! Some people say that if you didn't see Abu Simbel, you didn't see ancient Egypt!

Independent travelers can also visit Abu Simbel on a day trip from Aswan. However, know that the journey takes 3 hours each way, so plan ahead.

Book: Abu Simbel Day Trip with transport (from Aswan)

An astrological masterpiece: Twice a year the sun's rays shine through Abu Simbel perfectly on the statues of gods Amun, Ra-Heractates, and the Pharaoh Ramesses II (not on Ptah, since he is the god of darkness). Originally this occurred 61 days before and after the winter solstice, on the 21st October and 21st February– purposed dates celebrating the coronation and birth of Ramesses II.

However, Abu Simbel was also cut up and relocated 200 meters uphill due to the rising waters of the dam (Aswan High Dam). During the relocation, a team of modern engineers, archaeologists, and astrologists, armed with our most advanced technologies, attempted to replicate this astrological precision. However, they failed by a margin of 24 hours, even though they had the freedom to move the temple to an ideal location, and did not have to plan and cut it into an existing, free-standing mountain.

5. Check Out Elephantine Island

Looking out from the banks of the Nile in Aswan, it's hard to miss Elephantine Island. This is a small island but a beautiful place covered in palm trees and offers a wide range of guest houses and one popular resort; the Mövenpick.

There are also two Nubian Villages on the island, Koti and Siou, which tourists are welcome to visit.

Travelers also have the option to explore the ruins of the Temple of Khnum, which occupies most of the southern tip. There used to be two more significant temples on Elephantine, that of Thutmose III and Amenhotep III. However, Ruler Muhammad Ali purposely destroyed these temples after taking rule of Egypt, around 1822.

Getting to Elephantine Island is easy via the water taxi shuttle running from the pier in Aswan.

6. Agatha Christie’s Suite at the Old Cataract Hotel

If you're a fan of Agatha Christie and wondering what to see in Aswan, then make sure to stop by the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel. This is one of the most historic hotels in Egypt and it's where Christie spent a year writing her popular novel Death on the Nile.

While this is certainly not a cheap place to stay, you are free to visit on a day trip. The hotel even organizes tours of the hotel, which will let you peek into Agatha Christie's suite.

Furthermore, the hotel is a popular place to visit in Aswan for its famous 1902 restaurant, commissioned by Winston Churchill.

Alternatively, head up to the terrace for high tea and scenic views of the felucca sailing boats cruising on the Nile.

7. Marvel at the Unfinished Obelisk

The ancient monuments of Dynastic Egypt are some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring landmarks on earth. The ancients built many of these from the raw material gathered at the quarries in and around Aswan– including the Great Pyramids.

The Unfinished Obelisk is an abandoned project. If completed, it would have been the largest and heaviest obelisk built by any civilization to date.

However, the fact that the project was abandoned in its unfinished state was a blessing for Egyptologists and archaeologists. This is because it gives us a glimpse of how ancient Egyptians cut these massive slabs of granite out of a single piece of rock.

8. Purchase the Purest Essential Oils

If you're looking for places to visit in Aswan where you can purchase a unique souvenir, look no further. This region of southern Egypt is famous for its high-quality essential oils and perfumes.

The perfume stores in Aswan use natural oils to replicate the scents of famous perfume and cologne brands. It's quite staggering that they can get them to smell exactly the same, without all the added alcohol!

9. Visit the Nubian Museum of Aswan

When in Aswan, do yourself a favor and visit the famous Nubian Museum. You'll find this located quite centrally, close to the Old Cataract Hotel.

The Nubian Museum is dedicated to the ancient Nubian culture and civilization. Additionally, it houses thousands of artifacts and archeological findings which will give you an insight into one of the world's oldest civilizations.

Additionally, this museum houses treasures from the Pharaonic, Coptic, and Islamic eras as well.

Book tickets: Nubian Museum (with Egyptologist guide)

Tip: There's also the smaller Aswan Museum located on Elephantine Island near the Ruins of Abu. Here, you can see the famous Nilometer, which the Ancient Egyptians used to measure the height of the Nile River.

10. Check Out the Monastery of St. Simeon

Located on the west bank of the River Nile are the ruins of a 7th-century Christian religious complex. Originally this complex was dedicated to the local saint Anba Hedra but was rebuilt in the 10th century for Saint Simeon.

This served as a place for monks to make voyages into Nubia in hopes of converting the local people to Christianity.

Visiting this temple is one of the less popular things to do in Aswan, but a worthwhile side trip from the Tombs of the Nobles and/or the Mausoleum of Aga Khan. You can either hike, do it as part of a tour, or take a camel ride.

11. And the Aga Khan Mausoleum

While exploring the west bank opposite Elephantine Island, you'll also be sure to spot the Aga Khan Mausoleum. This mausoleum is one of the most recently built Egyptian landmarks in Aswan, constructed to house the tomb of Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah.

Aga Khan III died in 1957 and was globally regarded as a great and charitable man.

Tourists are not able to visit the mausoleum, but its prominent location on the top of the hill is unmissable.

12. Climb to the Royal Tombs (Qubbet El-Hawa)

Everybody knows about the famous Valley of the Kings in Luxor. However, did you know that Aswan has its own rock-carved tombs?

The Qubbet El-Hawa and the Nobles are located at the highest point of the hill on the Nile's west banks, just opposite Kitchener's Island. Here, visitors can climb up a series of steep staircases to explore ancient royal tombs of famous royals like Harkhuf (Harhuf).

Many of the tombs on this mountainside are from the Old and Middle Kingdoms. Therefore it's often one of the most significant Aswan attractions for those interested in ancient burial practices of Upper Egypt.

13. Learn About the Aswan High Dam

One of the most famous modern attractions in Aswan, the Aswan High Dam is an engineering marvel that after 5,000 years, gave humans the ability to control the yearly flood cycle of the Nile River. It's also one of the largest hydroelectric systems in the world.

The Egyptian Government constructed the Aswan High Dam as a replacement for the Old Aswan Dam, which in the second half of the 20th century had some major flooding issues.

However, as I've mentioned in this article, the construction of the Aswan High Dam came with some controversy. Firstly, it put many of Aswan's greatest archaeological sites, including the Philae Temple and the Abu Simbel Temples, in danger.

More importantly, the project flooded Lake Nasser, forcing thousands of Nubian villagers to relocate from their ancestral homelands.

Today, you'll find the Aswan High Dam on most lists of things to see in Aswan, and getting here is just a quick 20-minute drive from the city.

14. Explore Lake Nasser & the Temples of Kalabsha

Lake Nasser is a gigantic reservoir located upstream of the Aswan High Dam. It holds the title of being one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

If you're considering a quick visit to the dam, you'll want to check out the Kalabsha Temple, along with the other two temples; Beit el-Wali Temple (built by Ramesses II), and the Temple of Kertassi.

Luckily, these treasures were all saved by the same UNESCO rescue project as Abu Simbel and Philae.

15. Wander the Aswan Spice Market (Aswan Souq)

During the late afternoon and well into the evening (when the weather cools down), a popular thing to do in Aswan is to go and wander through the Aswan Spice Market.

Known also as the Aswan Souq, you'll find much more than just spices at this open-air bazaar. It's actually a great place to purchase small souvenirs as well.

• Google Maps Pin: "Aswan Old Souqs"

16. Day Trip to the Temple of Kom Ombo

Kom Ombo Temple is a unique temple complex located approximately an hour north of Aswan (on the way to Luxor).

This Ptolemaic complex is divided up in the middle in order to honor two separate Egyptian gods. This includes the crocodile god Sobek, and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder).

The most fascinating attraction at this temple is the ancient Egyptian calendar depicted in hieroglyphs. This has given us an accurate and written understanding of how the Ancient Egyptians planned harvest seasons and significant events.

Check price: Full Day Trip To Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples (from Aswan)

Visitors to the Kom Ombo Temple Complex can also check out the newly opened Crocodile Mummy Museum. You won't need to pay an additional fee for this, as it comes included in the general admission ticket.

17. Day Trip to the Temple of Edfu

Another temple you definitely should not miss in Egypt is the Temple of Edfu. This is another Ptolemaic temple this time dedicated to one of the most important gods in the Ancient Egyptian religion, Horus– the falcon god.

The Temple of Edfu is a very large complex featuring a massive courtyard and a series of chambers and side rooms each containing extremely well-preserved hieroglyphs.

Egyptologists suggest that it took the ancients over 180 years to build this amazing monument, building it on top of an existing ruin.

If you're planning to visit Edfu, it's a good idea to combine this temple on a day trip with Kom Ombo and Esna.

18. Go on a Nile Cruise to Luxor

Many travelers use Aswan as either the start or end trip of a Nile Cruise departing for Abu Simbel and Luxor.

This is a popular choice for tourists who would like to see many of the attractions near Aswan, as well as popular places further downstream, such as the Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple.

There are loads of Nile Cruise options available. However, since I haven't personally done this, I can't recommend one for you. I know that TravelTalk (a tour company I've traveled to Egypt with) runs excellent tours, and they also have a Nile Cruise option.

Hot Air Balloon: If you're visiting Luxor, you won't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience over the Valley of the Kings! Read my guide revealing 10 things you need to know about Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor to find out more.

19. Walk the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener Island (El Nabatat Island)

Kitchener's Island (named after its former owner Lord Kitchener) is a small, oval-shaped island on the River Nile opposite Aswan. It's now officially known as the Aswan Botanical Gardens but most people refer to it as Kitchener's Island or its former name El Nabatat Island.

Tourists can take a quick rowboat to the island from Elephantine, or pay for a boat taxi from the harbor in Aswan.

The gardens here contain tropical plants from all over Asia and Africa and were brought by Lord Kitchener at the end of the 19th century.

If gardens aren't your thing, you can instead take a felucca sailing boat around the islands, which is easily one of the best things to do in Aswan for sunset!

20. Camp on the River Nile

By far, one of the most memorable experiences in Aswan that you can have is an overnight felucca camping trip on the banks of the Nile.

This was part of the TravelTalk tour, and easily one of the best highlights of my trip to Egypt.

We gathered firewood from the Nile, shared a meal with the local Nubians, and had a blast singing and dancing around the fire. We made some great friends and this was one of the best ways to be introduced to the local Nubian culture.

If you're looking for things to do in Aswan and you want an off-the-beaten-path experience, don't look past this one!

Where to Stay in Aswan

Stay on the East Bank

While Aswan is a much smaller and more relaxed Egyptian city, there are still many accommodation options for various budgets. Travelers will find the majority of hotels, guest houses, and resorts on the east bank of the Nile.

Below are some of the best picks for every budget and travel style.

• Sofitel Legend Old Cataract - Located in the Nubian Desert 1.3km from Aswan center the hotel offers excellent views and 5-star service. The rooms are beautifully designed and decorated and feature an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, and fitness facilities.
• Tolip Aswan Hotel - A perfect choice for those not wanting to break the bank but still want to experience 5-star luxury overlooking the Nile River. Here, you'll get a buffet breakfast, pool-bar service, and beautifully decorated air-conditioned rooms.
• The Mango Guest House - Located on a small island on the Nile River, this guest house is a short water taxi from Aswan's famous landmarks. It has everything you need at an affordable price and is only 5 minutes walk from the Nile.

More on Booking.com

Stay in a Nubian village in Aswan

If you're chasing a more unique travel experience, then you can also choose to stay in one of the many amazing Nubian-style accommodations. The majority of these are on the west bank. But, you can also find some great guesthouses on Elephantine Island too.

• Kato Dool Resort - a beautiful and colorful hotel right on the Nile that you'll likely have seen photos of on Instagram already!
• Anakato - another colorful and amazingly decorated B&B with an awesome courtyard and rooftop.
• Nubian Farm - a traditional homestay where you can live in true local style at a family farm.

More Egypt Travel Guides & Itineraries

I hope you've enjoyed this comprehensive travel guide covering the top 20 things to do in Aswan, Egypt!

While you're here, below are some more blog posts and articles that I'm sure you'll find useful for your trip to Egypt!

Destination Guide: Dahab (Red Sea)
Destination Guide: Sharm el-Sheikh

• 10 Things to Know Before Going Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor, Egypt
• 15 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - Where to Stay in 2023
• 20 Awesome Things to do in Dahab, Egypt - 2023 Travel Guide
• 31 Top Landmarks in Egypt - Famous Monuments & Attractions
• 5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit in 2023 (With Map)
• Climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt - Everything You Need to Know (2023)
• How to Visit a Traditional Nubian Village in Aswan, Egypt
• The Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary For 2023

The post 20 Things to do in Aswan, Egypt – Best Attractions & Places to Visit in 2023 appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Far upstream on the Nile, in Upper Egypt lives one of the oldest civilizations, the Nubians. These friendly people have occupied the Western Banks of the River Nile near Aswan for as long as 8,000 years!

Visiting a colorful Nubian Village from Aswan is an authentic and rich travel experience that is guaranteed to leave you with invaluable memories and new lifelong friends.

About the Nubian People of Egypt

Most tourists come to the land of the Pharaohs to witness its amazing Egyptian landmarks and historical monuments.

While undoubtedly fascinating, to really experience Egypt I urge all travelers to also open their hearts to the amazing people and cultures of the land. To get to know the Nubians, here are a few quick notes summarizing their unfathomably ancient history.

Nubia in Ancient Times

The historical homeland of the Nubians encompasses a southern region of the Nile River. This land stretches between the first cataract of the Nile and the points where the Blue and White Niles meet.

The people of ancient Nubia harbor one of the oldest cultures on the planet. In fact, their history precedes that of the dynastic Egyptians by millennia!

They are descendants of the Khartoum Mesolithic culture. In ancient times, this was a highly advanced civilization responsible for some of the oldest sophisticated pottery in the world. Historians also know them for building one of the world's first astronomical devices. They discovered this at the megaliths of Nabta Playa and it predates Stonehenge by almost 2,000 years!

Originally migrating from Northern Sudan around 6,000 BCE, the Nubian people settled in Southern Egypt as livestock herders. Initially nomadic, they moved their sheep, goat, and cattle across the lands North of Sudan.

Along the way, they settled into villages and began primitive farming. Due to this, historians call the Nubians the cradle of civilization and one of the forebearers of farming.

Living Alongside the Ancient Egyptians

The Ancient Egyptians as far back as 3300 BCE called Nubia Ta-Seti, or The Land of the Bow. This is because they regarded the Nubian warrior as an expert archer, developed after thousands of years of bowhunting.

Over the thousands of years of history that followed, relationships of peaceful cultural and trade relations existed alongside periods of war and conflict with the Ancient Egyptians. However, the two cultures and ethnic groups are very much intertwined. Over time, the dark skin Nubian bowmen assimilated into Egyptian culture, married Egyptian women, and even were even buried in Egyptian style.

Needless to say, the Nubian people played a vital role in the history of Ancient Egypt and for long periods ruled a prosperous and highly respected civilization

Nubia Today

In modern times, Nubia was divided between Egypt and Sudan after the establishment of the Republic of Egypt and the secession of the Republic of Sudan in Egypt.

Today, the Egyptian Government controls the historical homelands of the Nubian people. As a result, modern-day Nubians are considered Egyptian, are mostly Muslim, and speak the Arabic Language. However, they also still retain their own unique language and culture.

Unfortunately, Nubian villages have been forcibly relocated several times in the past few decades due to the expansion of Lake Nasser from the Aswan high dam and low dam projects.

Nubian villages are now mostly located on the west bank of the Nile near Aswan and on Elephantine Island. The city of Gharb Soheil is one of the most famous near the first cataract of Aswan.

Modern Nubian Egyptians in Aswan are mostly farmers and herders but also rely heavily on tourism. Visiting a Nubian Village in Egypt is a great way to direct your tourist dollars to communities that need it.

Tip: you can learn more about Nubian culture and history at the Nubian Museum in Aswan.

How to Visit a Nubian Village in Aswan

During our three days in Aswan, I visited two different Nubian Villages. We also shared a campfire with some of the families far up on the Nile. This was organized as part of the 9-day essential Egypt trip with TravelTalk Tours.

TravelTalk works directly with several Nubian Villages on the Nile and employs dozens of local families to run their felucca sailing experiences (also a must!).

If you're still in the planning stage of your Egypt itinerary, I highly recommend checking out their tours. In my opinion, this is the best way to visit an authentic Nubian Village in Egypt!

While you can also book a day trip with a tour guide in Aswan, on a private day tour, or as part of a Nile Cruise, I recommend thoroughly checking reviews first.

I've been told many of these offerings feel a little inauthentic and it isn't exactly clear how much of your money is actually going to the Nubian people hosting you in their village.

The Boat Trip

Since most of the colorful villages are located on the west bank of the Nile River, you'll need to take a short boat ride to reach them. Depending on your trip, this will usually be in a small boat with an outboard engine or a modern motorboat.

These depart from a small port in Aswan but will also pick you up from your hotel if you're staying on the banks of the river.

As I mentioned earlier, we visited the villages as part of a felucca sailing journey down the Nile.

Visiting a Nubian VIllage in Egypt - What to Expect

No matter which Nubian Village you visit in Aswan, you'll likely experience the same friendly welcome typical of Nubian culture.

So, to help you understand what to expect, I'll give you a quick recap of my experience below.

Exploring the Colorful Nubian Houses

After crossing the Nile, we were led by a local tour guide through two beautiful villages. Here we wandered the streets and admired the unique architecture and colorful designs of their houses and buildings.

Nubian houses are often brightly colored in light blue, orange, yellow, and red tints. Their roofs are usually curved or dome-shaped, which is a practical design used to trap hot air in the blistering Sahara.

These are mostly mudbrick buildings and are always adorned in bright colors with unique painting designs. I also noticed some had images of Horus and other deities painted on the outside walls.

Outside of the buildings, you'll often find many palm trees and small crops. The dark green crop you'll likely see is alfalfa, which they grow to feed their livestock.

Amazing Hospitality in Nubian Village Life

After a stroll through the village, we were invited in for a hibiscus or mint tea by a local Nubian family.

Later, the owner was very eager to show us around her beautiful house, which consisted of a large, open courtyard complex. Around the courtyard, several single-door rooms were facing inwards. I was told that we'd find this design in almost every house in the village, as it provides a place where families can gather and share a meal.

At first, I felt a little uneasy walking through and peaking into her house, but the local kids soon grabbed us and took us for a tour, to the delight of the parents. It was humbling to see how open Nubian Village life is, and how excited they were to show us how they live.

A Meal with the Nubians

One of the evenings while we were traveling with TravelTalk, we were invited to a meal at another traditional Nubian house. Our host served us traditional food which included a spiced chicken dish, rice, falafel, fresh salads, and homemade flatbread.

Before we knew it, it was as if the whole community had shown up. They began singing and dancing, and soon enough we were all in as well!

If you are invited to a Nubian Dinner, or if this is an option on one of the tours, I highly recommend it, it's easily one of the best things to do in Aswan!

Can You Stay in a Nubian Village?

Yes, you can! There are loads of colorful guest houses and hotels right on the shores of the Nile's west bank! Below I've linked to a few well-rated Nubian accommodation options.

• Kato Dool Resort - a beautiful and colorful hotel right on the Nile that you'll likely have seen photos of on Instagram already!
• Anakato - another colorful and amazingly decorated B&B with an awesome courtyard and rooftop.
• Nubian Farm - a traditional homestay where you can live in true local style at a family farm.

Where to Stay in Aswan

Prefer to visit the Nubian Villages on a day trip from Aswan? Here are the top-rated picks for accommodation on the east bank for every budget.

• Sofitel Legend Old Cataract - Located in the Nubian Desert 1.3km from Aswan center the hotel offers excellent views and 5-star service. The rooms are beautifully designed and decorated and feature an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, and fitness facilities.
• Tolip Aswan Hotel - A perfect choice for those not wanting to break the bank but still want to experience 5-star luxury overlooking the Nile River. Here, you'll get a buffet breakfast, pool-bar service, and beautifully decorated air-conditioned rooms.
• The Mango Guest House - Located on a small island on the Nile River, this guest house is a short water taxi from Aswan's famous landmarks. It has everything you need at an affordable price and is only 5 minutes walk from the Nile.

More on Booking.com

Photos from the Nubian Village of Aswan

More Egypt Travel Guides & Inspiration

I hope you've enjoyed this quick insight into visiting a traditional Nubian village in Aswan, Egypt!

If you found this guide useful, make sure to let me know! Otherwise, here are a few more useful Egypt travel guides I'm sure you'll love.

• 10 Things to Know Before Going Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor, Egypt
• 20 Things to do in Aswan, Egypt - Best Attractions & Places to Visit in 2023
• 31 Top Landmarks in Egypt - Famous Monuments & Attractions
• 5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit in 2023 (With Map)
• Climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt - Everything You Need to Know (2023)
• The Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary For 2023

The post How to Visit a Traditional Nubian Village in Aswan, Egypt appeared first on We Seek Travel.

The Valley of the Kings is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. This valley confines the ancient resting grounds of the great pharaohs of dynastic Egypt. It’s a place where visitors can thoroughly explore elaborate tombs via an underground network of tunnels and beautifully preserved burial chambers.

However, a first-time visit to the valley can be quite confusing. That’s because there are over 63 tombs excavated in this tiny area! And, archeologists are still unearthing more.

That’s why I’ve compiled this quick resource revealing the 5 best tombs in the Valley of the Kings, so you can better plan your visit to one of Egypt’s greatest landmarks.

About the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable necropolises in Egypt. Located beneath the ancient Theban Hills just outside of modern Luxor, this barren valley was chosen as the sacred burial ground during the New Kingdom of dynastic Egypt (1539-1075 BCE).

The ancients selected this site as it sits beneath the peak al-Qurn, (dehent), a natural pyramid mountain dominating the landscape.

Tourists have marveled at this iconic location since even Roman times. In fact, in some tombs, you'll find instances of Latin and Greek graffiti, some dating back as far as 278 BCE!

While the high priests buried the pharaohs with all of their greatest treasures, little remained for modern archeologists to discover. This is because grave robbers have cleared out most of the Valley of the Kings' tombs since ancient times. One famous exception is Howard Carter's celebrated 1922 discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun, whose tomb had remained untouched for millennia.

Today, Egyptologists and local authorities maintain preservation with guarded entrances and a network of security cameras.

How Many Tombs Are in the Valley of the Kings?

In total, there are 63 royal tombs so far discovered in the Valley of the Kings. As far as Egyptologists are aware, there is only one remaining tomb yet to be discovered; that of Ramses VIII, who only ruled Egypt for a single year at most.

This is likely why the late pharaoh's tomb remains undiscovered– since the construction of royal burial tombs only commences at the beginning of their rule. It is then only completed upon their death, meaning the longer the reign, the larger and more elaborate the crypt.

This is the reason why many historians believe that Tutankhamun's tomb remained hidden for so long. The boy king's reign lasted less than 10 years and was very untimely, which meant his tomb was relatively small and therefore more difficult to find in this considerable valley.

The majority of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings are closed off to the public. However, there are currently 11 tombs that visitors can explore.

Tombs open to the public include:

• KV1 - Ramesses VII
• KV6 - Ramesses IX
• KV8 - Merenptah
• KV9 - Ramesses V & VI - extra ticket required
• KV11 - Ramesses III
• KV14 - Tausert-Setnakht
• KV15 - Seti II
• KV16 - Ramesses I
• KV17 - Seti I - extra ticket required
• KV47 - Siptah
• KV62 - Tutankhamun - extra ticket required

Tip: This list is updated as of my last visit. However, it's important to know that the best tombs in the Valley of the Kings close periodically and are swapped out with another tomb.

How to Get to the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is located in Upper Egypt on the west bank of the Nile River, approximately 45 minutes from modern day Luxor (ancient Thebes).

Below are the best ways to get to the valley from Luxor.

By Taxi

If you're intent on making your own way to explore the best tombs in the Valley of the Kings, you can do so by taxi.

The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and will cost between 200-300 Egyptian pounds. Alternatively, you can take a ferry across the Nile to the west bank, which costs 5 EGP for tourists. This departs from near the Luxor Museum.

From here, the journey will be closer since you won't need to cross the Luxor Bridge.

Tip: Note that if you're taking the taxi you will need to try to get one back too. This isn't always the easiest and good luck bartering for a fair price on the return journey! Otherwise, I've been told that it is also possible to hire a taxi for the day, but it'd likely be cheaper to book a tour (above).

About the Entrance Tickets

Valley of the Kings Entrance Price: 245 EGP per person

To enter the Valley of the Kings, tourists are required to pay an entrance fee of 245 EGP, payable at the entrance. This does not include a tour guide but does include transport from the entrance to the valley via a small electric golf cart-style bus.

The standard entrance ticket includes entry to three tombs only. There are guards waiting at the entrance to all of the tombs who will stamp your ticket.

However, visitors can also buy a special ticket to enter additional tombs, which I've listed below. Note that these tombs are not included on the standard ticket, which is required regardless.

• KV9 - Ramesses V & VI - 100 EGP
• KV17 - Seti I - 1,000 EGP
• KV62 - Tutankhamun - 300 EGP

If you're interested in visiting these special tombs, of these three, I recommend Seti I and Tutankhamun (more details in the below list of best Valley of the Kings tombs).

Photography Passes in 2023

After reading a few older blogs, it seems that it used to be the case that visitors would need to purchase a special "photography pass" to take photos inside the tombs, even with a phone camera.

However, as of 2023, visitors are free to take photographs with their cell phones without purchasing this pass. The signs around the entrance seem to indicate that a pass is still required for large "professional" cameras, but a price was not displayed.

Regardless, I took my large R5 mirrorless camera in and was never asked once to pay a fee. I asked my guide about this and he told me not to worry about this extra pass anymore.

Map Showing the Different Tombs In the Valley of the Kings

With the logistics out of the way, let's dive into this travel guide to the best tombs in the Valley of the Kings!

Below is a useful map that will help you orientate yourself within the archeological site.

Note that the tombs I recommend visiting below are all luckily, quite central. This is good news because it can get very hot in this valley!

Still planning a trip to Egypt? Don't miss my comprehensive Egypt itinerary, covering all the highlights & attractions you won't want to miss.

So, What are the Best Tombs to Visit in the Valley of the Kings?

Here's the list. Remember, tourists can only visit three out of the eight tombs included in the standard ticket. Below I've recommended five tombs to visit, the last of which will require additional entrance tickets.

Of course, you'll definitely have a great time if you only visit three tombs in the Valley of the Kings. However, the additional tombs are well worth the extra costs in my opinion.

1. Tomb of Ramesses IX

The first tomb I recommend exploring is that of Ramesses IX, designated as archeological site KV11. The tomb entrance is located just north of the rest area, quite close to the entrance and opposite the tomb of Tutankhamun and Ramesses. This tomb is included in the general ticket.

Ramesses IX (also written as Ramses or Rameses) was initially named Amon-her-khepshef Khaemwaset and ruled Egypt between the years 1129-1111 BCE.

His eighteen-year reign placed him as the third longest-serving ruler of the 20th Dynasty, resulting in quite an impressive tomb. Nevertheless, it was clear that his death was untimely since his tomb was only roughly half-finished. This is evident by the presence of large incomplete sections further into the tomb.

Ramesses IX is one of the most popular tombs to visit in the Valley of the Kings, primarily due to the magnificently decorated burial chamber at the end of the tunnel. Here, you'll see an amazing vaulted ceiling with well-preserved imagery of Nut, the goddess of the sky.

The corridor leading down to the main chamber is also beautifully adorned but protected by a sheet of glass. While much of the paint is missing on the corridor walls, you'll see impressive astronomical ceilings and lintels with immaculately-preserved paint.

Tip: If you want to get sneaky to try to get into more tombs on the general entry ticket, you could try to get the guard to stamp your ticket from another site in Luxor such as the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut since they look identical.

2. Tomb of Ramesses III

The second Valley of the Kings tomb worth visiting on the general ticket is that of Ramesses III, designated as KV11. You'll find this one west of the rest area opposite Ramesses V & VI and Tutankhamun.

Ramesses III ruled the New Kingdom between 1186-1155 BC, which is an impressive reign of over 31 years. During his time, Ramesses III faced many political and military struggles but managed to defend successfully against many invading threats including the Sea Peoples and the Libyans.

Ramesses III's tomb is one of the best-preserved tombs in the Valley of the Kings. It's absolutely massive, with a steep staircase covered in deep and detailed reliefs and leading down to broad corridors embellished with beautifully decorated hieroglyphs.

Furthermore, the main corridor leading to the large columned hall has one of the most magnificent ceilings out of all the best tombs in the Valley of the Kings. This astronomical ceiling is very well preserved with very little damage.

3. Tomb of Merenptah

The final tomb you should consider entering on the general ticket is that of Merenphtah, with the designation KV8. This tomb is located directly opposite the rest area down a small path, passing Tutankhamun's tomb.

Pharaoh Merenptah ruled during the Nineteenth Dynasty and was likely already around seventy years old when he ascended to the throne. His father was Ramses II or Ramses the Great, perhaps the most celebrated Pharaoh in ancient Egypt, and to who the great temple of Abu Simbel is dedicated.

Although Merenptah's reign didn't last nearly as long as his father's, he was still credited for several military campaigns, as well as for moving the administrative capital back to Memphis. Due to his old age, he died just 10 years into his rule. Surprisingly, his burial site is remarkably immense and credited as being the second largest tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

Merenptah's tomb features a steep staircase and a long, 160-meter corridor. There is a large pillared chamber leading down to the main burial chamber. This room features illustrations from the Book of Gates, as well as a beautiful winged Ma'aat on the lintel.

What makes this tomb unique are the several huge stone sarcophagi within. The main one is located in the enormous burial chamber, which is a huge pillared hall with a vaulted ceiling. On the walls are depictions from the Book of Caverns and the Book of Earth.

4. Tomb of Seti the First

Extra cost: 1,000 EGP

By far, the best tomb in the Valley of the Kings to visit is that of Seti the First, or Seti I, designated as KV17. This one is located on the path leading east after passing the rest area. Yes, the tomb of Seti the First is the most expensive tomb in the Valley of the Kings, but it is well worth the extra cost.

Seti the First ruled Egypt for roughly 15 years between 1294 or 1290-1279 BCE (the dating is disputed). He was the father of Ramses II and is best known for his remarkable building works during his rule.

Seti I was responsible for many grand temples including the temple of Seti at Abydos, the temple of Gurna, the temple of Elephantine, and the continued construction of the great hypostyle hall at the Karnak Temple.

It's no wonder then why his tomb is so incredible. This is a 137-meter long masterpiece with very well-preserved reliefs in most of the eleven chambers and side rooms. The colors on the walls are some of the most vibrant in the necropolis and the carvings are magnificent.

5. Burial Chamber of Tutankhamun

Extra cost: 300 EGP

Finally, the last tomb you should visit in the Valley of the Kings is that of Tutankhamun– the boy king. This tomb costs an additional 300EGP to enter. Visitors will find this one directly opposite the rest area.

King Tut's tomb is the most famous tomb due to the fact that its discovery was quite recent and that it remained completely unmolested by grave robbers for thousands of years. Howard Carter's discovery of the tomb in 1922 resulted in several invaluable treasures, including his famous golden headdress. All of these have now been moved to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

King Tutankhamun ascended to the throne at the age of just eight years old and ruled for less than a decade from the years 1332-1323 BCE. While he was very young, he is credited for restoring the Ancient Egyptian religion after his father Akhenaten's dissolution.

Most likely due to an untimely death, Tutankhamun's resting place is very small and unimpressive compared to the rest of the amazing tombs in the Valley of the Kings. There is not much more than a short, undecorated passageway leading to a narrow burial chamber lacking many carvings.

However, the highlight for almost everybody is the fact that Tutankhamun's mummy still lies resting inside the tomb.

Where to Stay in Luxor

Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes is nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Gates" due to its many temples and historic sites. Most of the attractions, including the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple are situated on the east bank of the Nile.

Therefore, it makes the most sense to stay on this side. Below are some of the top picks for where to stay in Luxor for various budgets.

• Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa - Nestled on the bank of the Nile River the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers luxury-styled rooms and facilities with a spa and a total of seven bars. This is the ultimate luxury resort in Upper Egypt.
• Steigenberger Nile Palace - Located in the heart of Luxor this hotel showcases a beautifully decorated interior with large open rooms. The buffet is one of the best I've ever had and the rooms are incredibly affordable for the luxury you get.
• Sweet Hostel Luxor - The best budget/backpacker option is the Sweet Hostel. Guests are offered a free la carte breakfast each morning and the location serves as a great base to explore Luxors landmarks including Luxor Temple– which is only a 9-minute walk away!

More on Booking.com

5 Tips for Visiting the Valley of the Kings

Heading to explore ancient tombs in the Valley of the Kings? Below are some useful tips you'll want to know before you go.

1. There are Actually Two Valleys Here

The wadi (valley) is broken up into two sections, the East Valley and the West Valley. However, all but one tomb are located in the East Valley, which is designated as the Valley of the Kings. The West Valley contains the tomb of Amenhotep III (WV22) and is known as the Valley of the Monkeys.

The Valley of the Queens is a separate valley where high priests buried the wives of the Pharaohs and is located approximately 15 kilometers away.

2. Tour Guides Cannot Lecture Inside the Tombs

To avoid congestion and to keep the silence, tour guides are not allowed to lecture inside the tombs.

Therefore, if you book a tour, you will likely be explained everything either outside the tomb entrance or at the nearby rest area.

3. Single File Please

Being one of the most significant places in Egypt, you can expect the necropolis to become crowded. While in the tombs, it's best to walk in a single-file line.

Tip: the Valley of the Kings opens at around 6 AM. If you can help it, I highly recommend getting there early to beat the crowds (and the heat)!

4. It can get Very Hot!

The desert climate often results in blistering temperatures. Be prepared for very hot conditions at almost any time of the year when walking between the tombs.

The rock-cut tombs themselves are usually a lot cooler since many lead far beneath the surface.

5. Expect to Spend a Lot of Time Here

While it's possible to rush through the tombs, expect to take between 1-2 hours to really explore each one.

If you're planning on visiting all the best tombs on this list, then you'll want to dedicate at least 5-6 hours to the pursuit.

More Egypt Travel Inspiration

I hope that this guide revealing the 5 best tombs in the Valley of the Kings has helped prepare you for one of the most incredible experiences in Egypt!

I'll continue to update this guide to make sure it stays relevant. However, tombs open and close regularly. So, in order to help me and future readers out, please let me know in the comments if things have changed during your visit.

For now, check out some of my other Egypt travel guides and blogs to get you inspired for the trip of a lifetime!

Destination Guide: Things to do in Aswan, Egypt

• 10 Things to Know Before Going Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor, Egypt
• 20 Things to do in Aswan, Egypt - Best Attractions & Places to Visit in 2023
• 31 Top Landmarks in Egypt - Famous Monuments & Attractions
• Climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt - Everything You Need to Know (2023)
• The Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary For 2023

The post 5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit in 2023 (With Map) appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Egypt is a travel destination that inspires awe and wonderment in us all. Whether you’re a passionate history buff or simply intrigued by marvels like the Egyptian Pyramids, then trust me when I say that Egypt is guaranteed to leave you speechless!

In this guide, I’ll give you a run-down of the most famous landmarks, tourist attractions, monuments, and historical sites of Egypt so you can discover the best places to visit when exploring this amazing transcontinental country between North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Top Egypt Landmarks

Did you know that in Egypt, a new discovery is made every single month?

Whether it's forgotten ancient temples, new burial sites, or even entire cities lost beneath the sands, uncovering the historical landmarks of the Ancient Egyptians is a perpetual process that puts us closer to understanding the lost knowledge of one of the world's greatest civilizations.

I've broken up this guide into four sections, including landmarks and important points of interest in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and other parts of Egypt stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sinai Peninsula.

Below is a useful map with all of the highlights pinned.

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In my opinion, this is one of the best group tours, led by an experienced Egyptologist guide with a perfect itinerary combining the best of Egypt's ancient sites & natural wonders.

View Travel Talk's Egypt Tours

Egyptian Landmarks & Ancient Sites Near Cairo

While Cairo is the current capital of Egypt and the second-largest city in the Arab World, it did not exist in the times of the Ancient Egyptians.

However, being located on the River Nile, just 15 miles north of the ancient capital Memphis and neighboring the Giza Plateau, travelers can expect to find some of the most famous landmarks from the Old Kingdom here; including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Saqqara Necropolis.

Must-see landmarks near Cairo include

• Great Pyramid of Giza
• Pyramid of Khaphre
• Pyramid of Menkaure
• Great Sphinx of Giza
• Step Pyramid of Djoser
• Saqqara Necropolis
• Hanging Church
• Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
• Muhammad Ali Mosque
• The Egyptian Museum

1. Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one still intact. Not only is this Great Pyramid the most famous monument in Egypt, but it's also by far the most remarkable ancient structure in the world.

This 138-meter (452-foot) monolith is the largest pyramid on the Giza Plateau and covers an area of over 13 acres.

While it is believed to have been built between 2550 to 2490 B.C in the time of the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu, it held the title of the tallest man-made structure on earth until the construction of the Eiffel Tower in 1887.

The Ancient Egyptians built the Great Pyramid using 2.3 million stone blocks, estimated to weigh over 2000 pounds each (1 tonne). However, some of the larger blocks, specifically the immense cantilevered granite slabs suspended above the King's Chamber weigh between 65 - 70 tonnes each!

These blocks are laser-precision cut to perfect 90-degree angles and were transported all the way from Aswan (over 800 km or 500 miles away).

The Ancient Pharaohs' architects aligned the four points of the Great Pyramid to the four cardinal points, north, east, south, and west, to within one-fifteenth of a degree.

Also, as a reflection of the night sky, the Great Pyramid, along with the other Great Pyramids of Giza, Menkaure, and Khafre, is a perfect mirror of the belt of three stars we now call the Orion's Belt.

2. Pyramid of Khaphre

Of course, I can't compile a list of the famous landmarks in Egypt without mentioning the other two Great Pyramids of Giza.

The first, and most identifiable of the three is the Pyramid of Khaphre (or Chephren). This is the second-tallest pyramid, standing at a height of 136 meters (448 feet).

However, this pyramid is built on a 10-meter-tall base of bedrock. As a result, Khaphre's Pyramid initially appears taller than the Great Pyramid.

Furthermore, unlike the other monuments of the plateau, the Khaphre Pyramid still has remnants of its cladding on its pyramidion (the capstone), which in ancient times was coated in gold.

3. Pyramid of Menkaure

The third and smallest Ancient Egyptian landmark within the Giza Pyramid Complex is the 65-meter (213 feet) Pyramid of Menkaure.

While dwarfed by its larger neighbors and consequently often overlooked by most visitors, Menkaure's pyramid is still a worthy addition to this list of must-see attractions in Egypt.

While you can't go inside this pyramid, you should take time to check out the complex's other three smaller pyramids. These were believed to be dedicated to the queens of the ancient Pharaohs and have been named the Queen's Pyramids as a result.

Out of the three, only the largest was fully completed and housed a statue of an ancient queen.

4. Great Sphinx of Giza

As far as famous landmarks in Egypt go, none are as iconic as the Great Sphinx of Giza. Visitors will find this amazing attraction directly adjacent to the Great Pyramids.

This huge limestone statue is the largest surviving statue from the ancient world. It is carved from one single piece of limestone exposed within a man-dug quarry and depicts a recumbent sphinx with the body of a lion and a head of a pharaoh.

The easy way to carve out the sphinx would be to slowly chip it out of the limestone, piece by piece. Instead, the ancient architects cut out huge rectangular slabs and used them to build the "Sphinx Temple", right beside the monolith.

The Great Sphinx is one of the most fascinating and mystifying historical landmarks in Egypt. Traditional Egyptologists tend to date it at around 4,500 years old. However, the truth is that nobody knows exactly when it was built, who it was built by, or what it was built for.

One fascinating school of thought dates the Great Sphinx to at least 5,000 BCE, or 7,000 years old (or potentially much older).

This is due to the water erosion on its core body and on the walls of the quarry first discovered by geologist Robert Schoch. This revised dating proposal stems from the fact that this part of the Sahara desert has not experienced enough rainfall to cause this type of erosion for at least 7,000 years.

This dating would place the Great Sphinx of Giza as the oldest surviving landmark from Ancient Egypt. Of course, this far-reaching timeline was initially met with strong hesitance but has become more and more feasible since the discovery of Göbekli Tepe, an ancient temple complex in nearby Turkey built over 11,000 years ago.

Planning a trip to Egypt? - Don't miss my comprehensive 10 day itinerary with all of the highlights and attractions on this list.

5. Step Pyramid of Djoser

Move 12 miles (20 kilometers) south from the Giza Plateau along the West Bank of the Nile and you'll discover the Step Pyramid of Djoser.

Located within the Saqqara Necropolis and featuring six steps and a series of subterranean labyrinth tunnels, the Djoser Pyramid is a popular place to visit to get a glimpse of the very first pyramid ever built.

This Egyptian Monument is believed to be the oldest of its kind with an agreed dating of somewhere between 2667 and 2648 BCE. This was during the reign of Third Dynasty Pharaoh Djoser, who commissioned the famous architect and high priest Imhotep to invent the design.

6. Saqqara Necropolis

The Step Pyramid of Djoser isn't the only famous Egyptian landmark on this sandy patch on the outskirts of Cairo. In fact, the Step Pyramid is just one of many notable tombs, pyramids, temples, and stone monuments within the ancient Saqqara Necropolis.

Saqqara served as the necropolis for the ancient capital Memphis for more than 3,000 years, with another 16 pharaohs building pyramids here.

Additionally, there are hundreds of underground tombs here, many still waiting to be discovered. Just a few weeks before I visited, archaeologists unearthed five brand new and perfectly preserved underground tombs.

As you might expect, touring this huge area will take a while. To save time, I recommend checking out the following attractions.

• Step Pyramid of Djoser
• Pyramid of Teti
• Pyramid of Unas
• Tomb of Nefer-her-ptah
• The Serapeum (burial chamber of the Apis bulls)
• Tomb of Mereruka

Tip: There's also an additional pyramid site called the Dashur Necropolis (The Dashur Pyramids), just 10 kilometers south of Saqqara. In fact, you can often see the famous bent pyramid from Saqqara.

7. Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo

Considering Egypt has at least 5000 years of history, you can expect to find famous landmarks and other historical places from a wide range of cultures and religions.

For visitors to Cairo, a region to explore is Old Cairo. This is a historic area housing several Roman and Islamic-era landmarks.

One significant building in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo) is the Hanging Church or the Sant Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church.

This is one of the oldest churches in Egypt and is built suspended over a passage on top of the gatehouse of the Babylon Fortress. Visitors are free to explore the church, which dates back to around the years 690-692

Book a tour: Cairo Citadel, Old Cairo & Khan El Khalili

8. Bazaar Khan El-Khalili

Located within the historic center of Cairo is the Khan el-Khalili, a world-famous bazaar and souq (souk), established in the Mamluk era (1250-1517).

This makes it the oldest market in the middle east and one of the most famous places of Egypt.

Today, it's still very much a living market. Khan El-Khalili bazaar attracts thousands of tourists and Egyptians daily to wander its streets, browse wares, and eat traditional Egyptian street foods like koshari, foul, and falafel.

9. Muhammad Ali Mosque

Another very impressive landmark in Egypt is the Muhammad Ali Mosque located in Historic Cairo (Islamic Cairo).

This beautiful mosque was built by Mohammad Ali Pasha (not the boxer), between the years 1830 and 1848. Located on a tall hillside, this Turkish-style mosque is one of the most prominent features of Cairo's skyline.

This is truly one of the most beautiful buildings in the modern city and one you should definitely visit when traveling in Cairo.

Fun fact: The limestone used to build the Muhammad Ali Mosque was likely taken from the original outer sheet of the Great Pyramids of Giza.

10. Egyptian Museum

The final landmark and major attraction in Cairo is the Egyptian Museum.

This is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and houses some of the greatest archeological treasures in the world. The most famous attraction in the Egyptian Museum is the Tutankhamun Exhibition, which features the famous gold-cast headdress along with all of the boy king's treasures found in his tomb.

While on the TravelTalk tour, we stopped at the Egyptian Museum at the end of the trip. This allowed us to really appreciate all of the artifacts after having learned so much about the ancient pharaohs during our travels in Egypt.

One thing you should know is that when visiting the museum, it's really best to have a guide. That's because many of the displays lack any information plaques.

Book a guide: Pyramids, Museum & Bazaar Private Tour

Egypt Attractions & Monuments Near Aswan

After Cairo, Aswan is the second most popular tourist city along the River Nile. While much less hectic than Cairo, Aswan is still a bustling metropolis home to over 1.5 million people.

Aswan lies within what is considered "Upper Egypt" (referring to the flow of the Nile, not the cardinal marks). Here, visitors will find many famous Egypt landmarks, making it one of the best places to visit for history lovers.

Must-see landmarks near Aswan include

• The Unfinished Obelisk
• The Temple of Philae
• The Aswan High Dam
• Abu Simbel Temples
• Nubian Villages
• The Temple of Kom Ombo

11. Unfinished Obelisk

If you thought the 70-tonne granite blocks hanging above the Great Pyramid were heavy, wait until you find out about the Unfinished Obelisk of Aswan.

This giant 1,100-tonne slab of granite lies just outside of Aswan along the Nile River. It's one of the most popular landmarks for those interested in Egyptology since if it had been completed, it would be the largest and heaviest obelisk ever built by ancient Egyptians.

The fact that it was never completed is actually a bit of a blessing since it gives us valuable insights into how the ancients built these gigantic structures out of a single slab of rock.

12. Temple of Philae

Another significant landmark near Aswan, Egypt is the Philae Temple, or Temple of Isis, dedicated to Isis, Osiris, and Horus.

While it still retains its name, the temple has been moved, block by block, from its original place on Philae Island to the nearby Agilika Island due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The Temple of Philae is relatively new (by Ancient Egyptian standards) and was built in 280 BCE during Egypt's Greco-Roman Period under the reign of Ptolemy II.

This is a great temple to visit since its walls are absolutely covered in ancient hieroglyphs. Many depict mythological scenes telling the story of Isis reviving Osiris and birthing Horus.

13. Aswan High Dam

Although far from an ancient Egyptian landmark, the Asan High Dam is one of the most famous modern sites in the country. Egypt completed the project in 1970, with the total cost to the country surpassing 1 billion dollars.

Today, the Aswan Dam contributes massive amounts of money to the Egyptian economy through hydroelectric power and places the historical flooding of the Nile in human hands for the first time in history.

However, the period during its proposal was a stressful one for lovers of ancient history. That's because the project placed several historical sites under severe risk. Luckily, beginning in 1963, UNESCO's multi-year and multi-national plan began to break down the temples and relocate them to safer ground.

Fact: There are a total of 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Egypt. However, many of these designations cover various buildings and monuments spread over a large area.

14. Abu Simbel Temples

Out of all the amazing New Kingdom temples on the Nile River, Abu Simbel is one of the most remarkable. Known as the Twin Temples, these amazing temples were carved into and out of a mountain cliff.

The two temples were commissioned by the most celebrated of all Ancient Egyptian kings, Ramses II to celebrate the victory of the Qadesh battle.

Inside both temples, visitors can marvel at the amazing floor-to-ceiling hieroglyphics dedicated to the gods Amon, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah.

However, the most impressive of the two, known as the Great Temple, is guarded by four giant colossi depicting a deified Ramses II during different stages of his life. Also, as you walk inside, you'll enter a long Hypostyle Hall with six huge statues of Osiris and several side chambers.

Tip: Due to the long distance from Aswan, the Abu Simbel Temples are not very easy to get to independently.

15. Nubian Village

The outskirts of Aswan along the Nile River are dotted with the vibrant and cheerful villages of the Nubian people.

Nubians are the indigenous people of northern Sudan and southern Egypt. While much of their history is overshadowed by Ancient Egypt and its great Pharaohs, the truth is that Nubian history predates even the oldest Egyptian dynasties.

In fact, Nubians have lived in the central Nile Valley for over 8000 years and are recognized as being among the oldest living cultures on earth, with a history dating back to the cradle of civilization.

If you're looking for important landmarks to visit in Egypt, don't miss out on visiting a Nubian village. You'll find many dotted along the west bank of the Nile and Elephantine Island.

While Nubians are very friendly people, it's best to visit on an organized tour. Not so much for safety, but because the locations can be quite remote. We visited several villages and even shared a traditional meal in a local village on our tour with TravelTalk.

16. Temple of Kom Ombo

Kom Ombo Temple is another great example of Egyptian temples during the Ptolemaic period. However, this one is quite unique since it is one of the only "double" or "split" temples in Ancient Egypt.

What this means is that the temples, courts, sanctuaries, and halls are duplicated to honor two sets of gods, namely the crocodile god Sobek, and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder).

However, the most interesting feature of this temple is a set of hieroglyphs depicting an Ancient Egyptian calendar.

This calendar is unique to Egypt and depicts three seasons revolving around the River Nile. The three seasons depicted include the flood, the sow, and the harvest. Each of these seasons are broken into four months, each with three 10-day weeks.

This adds up to 360 days per year but the remaining five and 1-quarter days of the solar year were added to the end of each year, which was designated as a public holiday.

Another attraction at Kom Ombo is the Crocodile Mummy Museum, where visitors can see extremely well-preserved crocodile mummies.

Famous Egyptian Monuments & Landmarks Near Luxor

Luxor is the third tourist city along the River Nile, and for many visitors, it's the most fascinating place in Egypt since it once housed the Middle and New Kingdom capital Thebes. Luxor is also very near the famed resting place of the Great Pharaohs– the Valley of the Kings.

Must-see landmarks near Luxor include

• Luxor Temple
• Valley of the Kings
• Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
• Karnak Temple
• Colossi of Memnon
• Temple of Edfu

17. Luxor Temple

Many refer to Luxor Temple as the world's largest outdoor museum. It's located on the east bank of the Nile River, right in the heart of Luxor (what was then ancient Thebes).

This amazing temple was constructed as late as 1400 BCE in dedication to the rejuvenation of kingship and may be the site where new Pharaohs were crowned. Many also regard it as the most significant religious center in Ancient Egypt.

The Temple of Luxor is very large and in very well-preserved condition. You'll see much of this impressive Egyptian landmark still intact, including its huge pylons, obelisks, colossi, and carvings.

We visited this monument at night, which I'd highly recommend as the light setup is extremely impressive.

18. Valley of the Kings

After the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings is the most famous landmark in Egypt.

This barren valley on the west bank of the Nile is the burial ground for many ancient Pharaohs and their families. It's an active archaeological site where you can explore intricate underground tombs, each with complex underground systems of tunnels and chambers.

Unfortunately, many of the tombs of Pharaohs were looted by grave robbers since antiquity. However, the art and hieroglyphs on the walls of the many chambers and tunnels are some of the most well-preserved in Egypt.

An entrance ticket to the Valley of the Kings includes entry into three tombs, with an additional fee to see Tutankhamun's (where his mummy still rests).

Tip: If you have time, I highly recommend booking a Hot Air Balloon experience over the Valley of the Kings. This was by far one of the greatest highlights of my trip with TravelTalk Tours and a real once-in-a-lifetime moment.

19. Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Located close by to the Valley of the Kings is the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, built between 1479 and 1458 BCE.

Like several grand Egyptian monuments, Pharaoh Hatshepsut built this temple as a tribute to the gods and to tell the story of her greatest achievements.

For visitors, this amazing landmark in Egypt offers some of the best examples of colored hieroglyphs within a temple. Many of the intricate carvings on its ancient walls are still very vivid, which, seeing it first hand, demands a newfound appreciation of the art.

The most interesting hieroglyphs to me were those depicting scenes of stocked boats bringing back exotic plants, foods, treasures, and animals from far away lands. Among these are rows of chained lions and leopards, as well as stacks of African palms and Mediterranean plants.

20. Karnak Temple

The Karnak Temple is the biggest and most significant complex in all of Egypt. It's also the largest religious building ever built, with a total of 134 giant columns, some of which are more than 21 meters (70 feet) high and 8 meters (27 feet) in circumference.

These pillars support immense architraval beams made from solid granite and weighing up to 70 tonnes each!

Let me tell you, this is one impressive landmark that you will not want to miss when visiting Egypt.

Dating back to as far as 2,000 BC, it's estimated that over 30 Pharaohs continued construction on this site over the span of nearly 2000 years. When I say it's huge, the complex covers an area of over 250,000 square meters (2.69 million square feet).

However, many of the buildings still standing today are from the New Kingdom period due to various changes induced by different religious ruling classes throughout the dynasties.

21. Colossi of Memnon

Along the main road leading to the Valley of the Kings are two giant colossi statues that are definitely worth a quick stop. Known as the Colossi of Memnon, these landmarks stand at the ruins of the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III and are two statues representing the late pharaoh.

These giant figures are both carved out of a single block of sandstone and weigh up to 650 tonnes each!

Carved on the front of the statues are two small figures representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III's wife Tiye and his mother Mutemwiy.

22. Temple of Edfu

Moving back 100 kilometers south of Luxor, around halfway to Aswan, is the Temple of Edfu, or the Temple of Horus.

Similarly to other famous landmarks in Egypt like the Philae Temple and the Temple of Kom Ombo, the construction of this temple took place during the Ptolemaic Kingdom at the end of dynastic Egypt around 305 BCE.

This makes the Horus Temple Complex quite new, as far as Ancient Egyptian history goes. Regardless, it is one of the most beautiful and intricate temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.

Horus is one of the most important gods in Ancient Egypt. Even today, due to countless mythological similarities, many theologists believe that Horus is the original "solar messiah".

They believe cultures have passed his story through the ages to form new religious deities with remarkably similar traits, including Attis of Greece, Krishna of India, Mithra of Persia, and even Jesus Christ.

The temple itself is just as impressive. Egyptologists suggest that it took the ancients over 180 years to build this amazing monument, building it on top of an existing ruin.

Landmarks in Other Famous Places of Egypt

Moving beyond the main ancient Egyptian landmarks along the Nile, let's explore some more famous places, highlights, and attractions of Egypt.

23. The Nile River (Felucca Sailing)

The Nile is the longest river on earth, flowing north 6650 kilometers from its source in Uganda all the way to the Nile Delta in Lower Egypt and pouring into the Mediterranean Sea.

The simple truth is that the ancient Egyptian civilization would never have existed without the presence of what the Ancient Egyptians called "Iteru" or "River". They named it so since to them it was THE river, the bringer of life to the desert.

The Nile is also the birthplace of sailing, with the first evidence of wind-powered navigation evident here as far back as 4000 BCE.

If you're visiting Egypt, I highly recommend taking a traditional Felucca sailing experience down the Nile. Alternatively, you can also jump on board a Nile cruise, many of which run between Luxor and Aswan.

24. Alexandria Library

The Great Library of Alexandria was once one of the largest libraries in the world and was said to have housed between 200,000 and 700,000 books.

During its time, scholars would use the huge collection of Ancient Egyptian texts to categorize its history and to help form the contemporary timeline of its 30 dynasties. Unfortunately, this amazing treasure trove of knowledge was destroyed on two separate occasions.

Julius Caesar caused the first destruction when he set fires to the ships in the nearby harbor, which then spread to the library.

The second was also the fault of the Romans, when Theodosius ordered the destruction of the nearby temple of Serapis, leading also to the destruction of the second branch of the Alexandria Libary.

Fortunately, visitors can today visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt's Mediterranean city of Alexandria. This is a research library built to commemorate this lost landmark in northern Egypt.

25. Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

When visiting Alexandria, make sure to stop by the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.

This is an important historical landmark that is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

Travelers will find this important site in the Alexandria Necropolis as it contains several Alexandrian tombs from the 2nd and 4th centuries A.D. The catacombs reach as far as 30 meters (100 feet) underground and Archaeologists have discovered several artifacts here.

What makes this important place in Egypt so special is three different cultures and religions came together here, with evidence of art from Roman, Egyptian, and Greek history.

26. Mount Sinai

Located in the eastern Sinai Peninsula, Mount Sinai is a 2,285-meter (7,497 foot) tall mountain that many believe is the biblical Mount Sinai (Mountain of Moses/Jabel Mousa). This is the place where Moses was said to receive the ten commandments from god.

Today, the mountain is a very important religious site, with followers of all Abrahamic religions making pilgrimages to its summit.

Even if you're not religious, climbing Mount Sinai is a special experience, and a famous natural landmark you should not miss on your travels through Egypt!

27. St. Catherine's Monastery

Constructed at the foot of Mount Sinai is the St Catherine's Monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in honor of its significance for Christians, Muslims, and Jews.

Built between 548 and 565 A.D, it's among the oldest monasteries in the world, and the oldest continuously habited Christian monastery. Also, many believers claim that this famous monastery in the Sinai Peninsula was built at the site of the Biblical burning bush.

It's possible to visit St. Catherine's Monastery either after or before climbing Mount Sinai.

28. Suez Canal

The Suez Canal is one of the most modern man-made landmarks in Egypt and is one of the world's most important waterways.

This essential trade route connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, effectively creating a water bridge between Europe and Asia.

While this isn't exactly an Egyptian landmark worth visiting for most, chances are you'll pass over the canal if you're planning an overland route from Cairo to the Sinai Peninsula.

29. Ras Mohammad National Park

As far as Egypt's natural attractions go, none quite compare to the Ras Muhammad National Park.

This is an amazing dive spot located on the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula on the Red Sea. What makes this site unique is that it's the point where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba intersect, bringing abundant nutrients from extremely different depths.

As a result, the Ras Muhammad National Park is one of the best dive locations in Egypt. Here, you'll discover amazing coral walls and pinnacles, as well as abundant marine life. Furthermore, the world-famous SS Thistlegorm is just outside of this park.

The closest city is Sharm El Sheikh, which is a great place to base yourself if you plan to do some scuba diving in Egypt.

30. Blue Hole (Dahab)

There are two famous Blue Holes in the world, the Blue Hole in Belize, and the Blue Hole in Dahab, located on the eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula on the Gulf of Aqaba.

The Blue Hole is a deep sinkhole dropping down to more than 130 meters directly from the shore. Its walls are lined with healthy coral and the visibility is world-class. This makes the Blue Hole in Dahab one of the world's best dive sites.

However, this Egyptian landmark also has a notorious reputation for being the deadliest dive site on earth. Don't worry, beginner dives are very safe, but the infamous "arch" has claimed the lives of between 130 to 200 technical divers.

31. Blue Lagoon (Dahab)

The final landmark in Egypt to make this comprehensive list is yet another natural attraction near Dahab.

Unlike the Blue Hole, the nearby Blue Lagoon is a shallow but very clear area of water that is world-famous for its amazing kite-surfing opportunities.

Getting here is also an adventure since you'll need to either hike, take a boat, or ride a camel from the nearby Blue Hole, since there are no roads leading to this remote part of Sinai.

More Essential Egypt Travel Guides

That's a wrap for this comprehensive guide to the best landmarks in Egypt. While quite long, I wanted to create a one-stop-shop where visitors to Egypt can plan their travels to create an awesome itinerary.

I hope it has been helpful!

• 10 Things to Know Before Going Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor, Egypt
• 15 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - Where to Stay in 2023
• 20 Awesome Things to do in Dahab, Egypt - 2023 Travel Guide
• 20 Things to do in Aswan, Egypt - Best Attractions & Places to Visit in 2023
• 5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit in 2023 (With Map)
• The Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary For 2023

The post 31 Top Landmarks in Egypt – Famous Monuments & Attractions appeared first on We Seek Travel.

If you’ve never been on a hot air balloon ride and find yourself in Luxor, do yourself a favor and book this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Imagine gently floating over the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of some of the greatest Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. The early morning sun gently rises upstream of the River Nile as you slowly float over ancient temples and forgotten ruins.

In this quick guide, I’ll outline everything you need to know about a Luxor hot air balloon ride. I’ll give you some insights on how to book, what to expect, and of course, the ten things to know before going! I’ll also share some of the photos from my trip that I hope will inspire you.

How to Book a Hot Air Balloon Flight In Luxor

What to Expect

Wondering if the Luxor hot air balloon experience is right for you? Here's a quick rundown of what you might expect based on my experience.

Hotel Transfer

No matter which hot air balloon company or travel agency you book your experience with, you'll get a hotel transfer included. However, be ready for an early wake-up!

Our day started with a 3:30 AM alarm to be in the hotel lobby by 4:00 AM. Since the best trip is a sunrise flight, an early rise is part and parcel to the experience.

We were staying at the amazing Steigenberger Hotel in Luxor, on the east bank of the River Nile. All hot air balloons depart from the west bank, near the Valley of the Kings. So, for us, the first transfer involved a quick ferry across the Nile. Afterward, a van picked us up to drive us to the take-off area, approximately twenty minutes from the Nile.

Safety Briefing

Once we arrived at the launch site, it was immediately clear just how many balloons were about to launch! The sandy valley was absolutely full of balloons, each with large fans filling the balloon with hot air.

If you've never been hot air ballooning before, then you'll be glad to know that the safety briefing is always very basic and standard. In fact, hot air ballooning in general is a very primitive form of aviation and there really isn't much to it.

This was the second time I've been fortunate enough to undertake this amazing experience, so I was already well aware of the procedure. I glanced over at the other members who I'd be sharing a basket with. They were all doing their very best to listen intently, while simultaneously yawning and yanking up their eyebrows in attempts to keep their eyes from drifting to sleep.

The Hot Air Ballooning Experience in Luxor

It was instantly clear to me that the teams working the hot air balloons in Luxor were exceptionally experienced and efficient in their procedures. In no time, our balloon was airborne and flipped its basket to the upright take-off position.

Our basket fit roughly twenty passengers, which is a somewhat large balloon by ordinary standards. In the middle of the basket stood our pilot and tour guide. Similarly to the ground staff, his experience showed immediately. He told us after that he had thousands of commercial flights under his belt.

Within less than five minutes we were up, floating over 500 meters (1600+ feet) above the west bank of the Nile River.

For first-timers, it's a difficult experience to put into words. The best I can do is instant weightlessness. It really just feels like you're floating, not at all like a plane or helicopter. In a way, hot air ballooning doesn't feel real, it's as if the laws of physics have suddenly been flipped on their head.

Our pilot notified us that since the conditions were perfect, he decided to double his usual elevation to 800 meters (2600 feet). We hit our maximum altitude just as the sun rose to the east, casting a huge ray of light across the valley and illuminating the Nile Rive like a glowing serpent, wriggling its way across the plains. Looking down, the light began to pierce the canopies of the ruined temples and ancient burial ground entryways below.

From up here, it was immediately obvious why the ancient Egyptians placed so much mythological weighting on the sun.

Still planning a trip? Don't miss my comprehensive guide of the Top 31 Landmarks in Egypt or my comprehensive 10 day itinerary covering all of the ancient highlights!

After the Experience

After approximately one hour, we descended to our landing position, close to the Valley of the Kings. Before we touched down, a pickup truck with at least a dozen men were already there to catch our ropes and bring us down safely.

From here, we were again picked up by the same van that dropped us at the launch site and this time brought back to our hotels, ready for the well-deserved buffet breakfast– shoutout to the Steigenberger, one of the best buffet breakfasts I've ever had!

Also, to commemorate the amazing Luxor hot air ballooning experience, we were given a signed flight certificate, which is a nice keepsake.

10 Things to Know About Hot Air Balloon Rides in Luxor

I hope that the quick recap from my hot air balloon flight in Luxor has inspired you to book this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Before you rush out and book, here are a few things you'll want to know!

1. Hot Air Balloons in Luxor Are Very Affordable

I mentioned this earlier in the blog post but it's worth repeating. Luxor is one of the cheapest places to go hot air ballooning in the world!

Other famous places in the world cost at least double this price. So, if the experience has been on your bucket list for a while, now's the time!

2. You'll Need to Book Your Balloon in Advance

While there are plenty of balloons departing daily, it's a good idea to book with a reputable company, for obvious reasons.

Usually, booking a day or two in advance is more than adequate, but it wouldn't be something I'd leave to the last minute. Below is a live availability checker for one of the best hot air balloon companies in Luxor.

3. You'll Want to Get Up Early

Yes, there are hot air balloon trips over the Valley of the Kings that depart in the afternoon.

However, this activity is very much a sunrise one! Sunrise is by far the best time to go since you'll get the best light! Trust me, the views are worth the early pickup!

4. Cameras Are Not Allowed in the Balloons But...

As with most things in Egypt, the bureaucracy surrounding photography is a little tight and frustrating. Technically, you're not supposed to take photos from the balloon, and large cameras are not allowed.

In saying that, sneaking in a camera was surprisingly easy. My tour guide told me to just sneak in a GoPro, but I brought my entire camera backpack with me. The initial plan was just to leave the bag in the van locked up. However, I was surprised that no one even asked to search it before I boarded the balloon– so I just went with it.

Of course, I was careful not to parade the camera while taking off around the security staff at the launch site. However, once we were up I was able to use my Canon R5 and huge 100-500mm lens with no problem.

I'm not sure if I got lucky or not and I wouldn't recommend doing the same as I did (don't blame me if your camera is seized). But, getting a GoPro or 360 camera onto the balloon should be no problem.

5. The View is Incredible

Another reason why I think hot air ballooning in Luxor is one of the best places in the world to do it is that the views are absolutely amazing!

The ancient temples and famous ancient monuments you'll get an aerial perspective of include:

• Valley of the Kings
• Valley of the Queens
• Colossi of Memnon
• Deir el-Bahari (Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut)
• Mortuary Temple of Seti I
• Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple (in the distance across the Nile)

6. There Are Many Balloons Departing Daily

I was really surprised at just how many hot air balloons depart each morning from Luxor. I counted at least 15 balloons during my flight!

This is definitely one of the most popular things to do in the city!

7. Trips Will be Canceled in Bad Weather

Unfortunately, hot air balloons are not the most reliable form of aviation. The truth is that if there are strong winds, the companies will cancel the flights.

That's because no matter if they are an experienced pilot, they really do not have much control of where their balloons will end up. The entire practice relies largely on natural wind pockets to steer the direction. At the end of the day, cancellations are for your own safety.

For this reason, I recommend booking a balloon flight for the first day you get to Luxor. If you book with GetYourGuide (link above), you can easily reschedule the flight for another day for free.

Ballooning Bucket List: Floating Above Cappadocia, Turkey

8. It Can Get Chilly Up There

Don't let that midday sweltering sun fool you. Those that have spent some time in the desert, you'll know that temperatures plummet after sundown!

Since the best Luxor hot air balloon flights are for sunrise, the first ten minutes or so can get chilly. As a result, I recommend packing at least a wind jacket.

9. You Can Ride Hot Air Balloons All Year in Luxor

Unlike other places in the world, Luxor's weather conditions are quite stable, with little to no precipitation and regular wind patterns. This is great for us since it means hot air ballooning is not seasonal, and you can book at any time of the year.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that the months between June and August are considered the tourist high season in Luxor. This is the best time to visit, but will also be the busiest.

10. Hot Air Balloons Are Very Safe

Lastly, for readers who are still hesitant to book– hot air ballooning is very safe! Hot air balloon tours have been running in Luxor since 1988.

The Egyptian authorities place a high value on safety and all qualified pilots are very skilled and well-trained.

Where to Stay in Luxor

Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes is nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Gates" due to its many temples and historic sites. Most of the attractions, including the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple are situated on the east bank of the Nile.

Therefore, it makes the most sense to stay on this side. Below are some of the top picks for where to stay in Luxor for various budgets.

• Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa - Nestled on the bank of the Nile River the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers luxury-styled rooms and facilities with a spa and a total of seven bars. This is the ultimate luxury resort in Upper Egypt.
• Steigenberger Nile Palace - Located in the heart of Luxor this hotel showcases a beautifully decorated interior with large open rooms. The buffet is one of the best I've ever had and the rooms are incredibly affordable for the luxury you get.
• Sweet Hostel Luxor - The best budget/backpacker option is the Sweet Hostel. Guests are offered a free la carte breakfast each morning and the location serves as a great base to explore Luxors landmarks including Luxor Temple– which is only a 9-minute walk away!

More on Booking.com

More Egypt Travel Guides & Inspiration

I hope that this quick resource has helped convince you to go hot air ballooning in Luxor. It really is one of the best experiences you can have in ancient Thebes!

Looking for more travel inspiration to Egypt? Check out some of my other guides and blog posts below!

Destination Guide: Things to do in Aswan, Egypt
Destination Guide: Things to do in Dahab, Egypt
More: Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh

• 20 Things to do in Aswan, Egypt - Best Attractions & Places to Visit in 2023
• 31 Top Landmarks in Egypt - Famous Monuments & Attractions
• 5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit in 2023 (With Map)
• The Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary For 2023

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