The Wanderlust Guide to the Best of Egypt

With many industry insiders saying it's time to go back to Egypt, here's everything you need to plan your trip to this most iconic of destinations

4 mins

Cultural powerhouse of the ancient world, Egypt is a peerless land of coral-filled seas and rolling desert, seas of sand preserving temples, tombs and pyramids. And if you’re quick, you’ll have it largely to yourself. What are you waiting for?

Pharaoh sculpture (Shutterstock.com)Pharaoh sculpture (Shutterstock)

Looking for inspiration?

Since the Arab Spring of 2011, Egypt has been constantly in the news, and not always for the right reasons. But things seem to be getting better, with many insiders saying now is the time to go. Peter Miers is one such individual and he outlines his five reasons you should visit Egypt.

If Cairo is your first port of call, Carolyn McIntyre suggests diving head first into the twisted alleyways of the city’s medieval quarter. You’ll end up on the Nile too, of course, so make sure your check out Lyn Hughes’s guide to this travel icon.

Further afield, Sarah Baxter ventures into Egypt’s vast Western Desert and is surprised to find very few camels. Guy Marks, on the other hand, heads south, to Nubia, the region that forms the border between Egypt and Sudan where adventure is guaranteed.

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5 reasons to visit Egypt now – Peter Miers

Dark dealings and bright ideas in Cairo's medieval quarter – Carolyn McIntyre

Travel icon: the Nile – Lyn Hughes

What? No Camels? Egypt's Western Desert – Sarah Baxter

Nubian shores: bordering Egypt and Sudan – Guy Marks

The Nile at Aswan (Shutterstock.com)

Nile at Aswan (Shutterstock)

In de Nile?

The Nile has been the lifeblood of Egypt for millennia. It forms the backbone of the country and, in all likelihood, the backbone of your itinerary too. To that end, the Wanderlust team have put together an extensive guide to cruising the Nile, as well as some handy tips for making the most of your time on this mighty river.

You might want to check out Matthew Teller’s article on cruising the re-opened Nile route now that huge swathes of the river are accessible to visitors again.

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Nile Cruising Guide – The Wanderlust Team

Egypt Travel Tips – The Wanderlust Team

Cruise along the re-opened Nile route – Matthew Teller

Karnak Temple (Shutterstock.com)Karnak temple (Shutterstock)

Egypt’s secrets revealed

Hatem Abd El Sattar Kesh didn’t reach the finals of the Wanderlust World Guide Awards by taking his clients to the usual run-of-the-mill tourist sites in Egypt. He took them to little known, secret places and wants to tell you about them too.

Similarly, Dr Toby Wilkinson didn’t become one of the world’s leading Egyptologists by sitting on the terrace at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, sipping gin and tonics. Join him on a trip to five little-known sites on the Nile.

And finally, if you’ve ever fancied shaking your moneymaker, Burcu Kisakurek gives 8 tips to bellydancing success.

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An insider's guide to Egypt's hidden secrets – Hatem Abd El Sattar Kesh

5 little known sites on the Nile you must visit – Dr Toby Wilkinson

8 tips to bellydancing success – Burcu Kisakurek

Feluccas at sunset (Shutterstock.com)Feluccas at sunset (Shutterstock)

Capturing it all on film

Let’s face it. At some point in your trip to Egypt you’re going to end up on the Nile on a boat. And you’re going to want to take a photo. And while a water-bourne vessel offers a great platform for photography, it can also present a number of difficulties. Cue Steve Davey with his tips on taking photos on the water. With Steve’s help you can banish those wonky horizons for ever.

If it’s inspiration you’re after, make sure you check out the photos taken by our readers on their travels in Egypt.

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Photography tips: on the water – Steve Davey

Readers' photos of Egypt

Cairo market wares (Shutterstock.com)Cairo market wares (Shutterstock)

Everything you need to know

Ready to start planning your trip? Our Egypt Travel Guide is the place to start. Make sure you drop by Egypt Essential Info page as well, for more everyday (but equally vital) information. And we’ve rounded up the latest travel news from Egypt too.

If you have a particular question about Egypt, pop over to the myWanderlust Forum where our knowledgeable community are ready to spring into action and share all that they know. Or check out the questions that have already been asked about Egypt. The answer to yours might already be there.

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Egypt Travel Guide – The Wanderlust Team

Egypt Essential Info – The Wanderlust Team

Latest travel news from Egypt

Community content about Egypt

Forum posts about Egypt

Camel (Shutterstock.com)Camel (Shutterstock)

Ready to go?

Here’s a selection of fantastic tours offered by our partners. From luxury Nile cruises and more rustic felucca trips to grand tours that cover all of Egypt’s archaeological wonders, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

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Our Trip Finder can help you find adventures in Egypt

Main image: Pyramids at sunset (Shutterstock)

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