The Red Sea and Sinai

The Red Sea and Sinai

For the Red Sea and Sinai, the question of budget travel is usually more a question of where one goes, as opposed to finding budget facilities in all the destinations.  For Example, situated within a few miles of each other on the Red Sea mainland coast is El Gouna, Hurghada and Soma Bay.  One can pretty much forget budget travel to the expanding resort city of El Gouna north of Hurghada, and to the quieter, limited facilities of Soma Bay. Both areas are well worth a visit, but were not really created with the idea of budget travel in mind.

Hurghada on the other hand seems to have been developed specifically for the budget traveler. People in North America have a tendency to think of Hurghada as a less expensive Red Sea scuba diving headquarters then Sharm el-Sheikh in the Sinai.  But for many Europeans, particularly from countries that lack warm beaches, Hurghada represents the least expensive sun and fun beach and party resort available to them.  Whereas in the rest of Egypt, three and four star hotels tend to be older facilities that perhaps once had higher ratings, in Hurghada, new hotels are often specifically built with these rating in mind.

Actually, all along the Red Sea coast, for the most part, room rates for good accommodations are at prices one would often pay for meager accommodations in places like Cairo and Luxor.  For example, the Jasmine Village Hotel in Hurghada has its own beach, swimming pool, and many other amenities and for a single room, is under $50.00 USD.  Other good hotels less expensive then this include the Three Corner facilities, with pricing for single rooms in the mid $30.00.  But there are many good hotels in the $20 to $30 range. These include, but are not limited to, such hotels as the Sea Horse Hotel and Sindbad Inn.

At one point the Sinai was considered to be a fairly exclusive destination, but the popularity of Sharm el-Sheikh and a few other destinations there have inspired a few new hotels that do fall somewhat into the budget category. On the less expensive end is the Pigeon House at Na'ama Bay and the Safety Land Camp, which are both very reasonable for Sharm el-Sheikh with rooms under $20.00 USD.  After that, the prices begin to rise rapidly and most other budget facilities or in excess of $30.00.  These include hotels such as the Palermo Resort, which has a nice pool and a section of the beach, the Tropicana Inn and the Sandy Hotel, also with a pool and good air conditioning. Also in the area is the Oasis hotel, with good air.

Once outside of either the general area of Hurghada on the Red Sea coast, or Sharm el-Sheikh in the Sinai, one is likely to run into camps and beach huts that can be very reasonable, but unless one is a diver, there is little else to do in such locals.  In addition, a number of hotels are very reasonable.  Just to mention several of these, in Dahab in the Sinai, Club Red and the Christina Residence Hotel both have reasonable rooms under $20.00.  Around Nuweiba in the Sinai, there is the City Beach Village where you can pitch a tent for less then $5.00 USD, or opt to stay in a comfortable room for under $20.00. However, our favorite lodging in Nuweiba has to be the Habiba Hotel on the beach, which seems to serve a primarily young European crowd.

The Fayoum

The Fayoum

The remainder of Egypt where tourists are likely to travel consists of the Fayoum and desert oasis, the Red Sea cost and the Sinai.  Of these, the Fayoum, which is not really a true oasis, is most likely to interest pharaonic sight seers, but will usually consist of a day trip. Such a tour is likely to be least expensive by arranging a it from a Cairo hotel, though it is possible to travel there via bus.  Unfortunately, the impressive monuments of this district are spread out, so for most, the only practical means of exploring the area will be within a tour.  Many companies offer short tours such as this, but Misr Travel, the national travel company of Egypt, is well known for their day and 1/2 day agendas.  These tours are normally very reasonable.

One problem with actually staying in the Fayoum and desert oasis is that tourists are a captive audience.  A variety of inexpensive restaurants and the scope of nightlife found in many other areas of Egypt do not really exist.  Certainly there are a hand full of local eateries in a city such as Medinet El-Fayoum, but for the most part, tourists who stay overnight in these areas must rely on the hotel for both food and entertainment. While a hotel such as the Auberge du Lac in the Fayoum may have a variety of nightly entertainment, it is probably the only hotel in these areas to do so.

On the other hand, the Fayoum and particularly the desert oasis have not experienced the tourism boom that has driven up hotel prices in the primary tourism cities of Egypt, so prices are usually reasonable, and in some cases, camping is a viable alternative. For the Fayoum and Desert Oasis, we have worked hard just to include a few hotels in our databases, and with the possible exception of the Auberge du Lac, just about all of them would be considered as budget facilities, though some are very nice regardless of their pricing.

Local Transporation

Local Transporation

Aswan and Luxor are both small enough and many of the sights localized enough that many people may walk to their destinations.  A short taxi ride in either of these cities is, and should be higher than in Cairo, because both cities cater so heavily to tourists.  Expect to pay 5 to 10 L.E. (Egyptian pounds) for short rides, and more if more than one person rides.  However keep in mind that 10 L.E. is only around $3.00 USD.

A very viable alternative for the budget or independent traveler is often the hotel supplied tours.  Be careful with budget hotels, as many of these will supply local tours.  Check around some for pricing.  Misr Travel will often be located at one of the hotels, and will supply good consistent local tours.

Consider Alexandria much the same way you might Cairo when it comes to taxis.  This is a larger town, but we have also found that general prices seem somewhat higher, and likewise one might increase the fees we advise in Part I by 20% or so.

Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria, or Alex as it is often called, does not have a huge selection of budget hotels. However, many agree that the Hotel Union is at the top of the list. Its outside appearance is somewhat dingy, but once past this, one finds great value. The hotel would probably add a star easily if it had a few more amenities. The rooms are very clean, with very nice private baths and a balcony that almost overhangs the Mediterranean. The balconies overlooking the harbor, and the great location really makes this hotel a great value. Inside, this is a bright hotel with excellent fixtures. There is also a coffee shop. Be sure to make reservations well in advance.

Somewhat higher in price is the Petit Coin. This is a simple hotel, with a restaurant, cafe and billiards room. The rooms are also simple, but clean and comfortable, air-conditioned and fresh. It is well located, but serves no alcohol, so bring your own. The restaurant has received mixed reviews, but the cafe offers and excellent sunset view.

After the above hotels, things get rather expensive for the budget minded. However, two hotels worth a mention include the Sea Star and Crillon. The Sea Star is a budget hotel with a certain shore front charm. It has a restaurant but little else in the way of amenities. The rooms here are small, but comfortable. The Crillon is a good, and very similar choice to the Union, if the latter happens to be filled. It is very clean, has a great view, and considerable charm. But again, reservations should be made in advance.

Aswan, Egypt

Aswan, Egypt

In the budget range, the Keylany Hotel is probably the best hotel in Aswan. It is small, with only 21 rooms but they are clean and there is a choice between air conditioned rooms and those with ceiling fans. There are also private baths, and breakfast is included in the price.

The Nubian Oasis Hotel has been for some time a popular spot for budget travelers to Aswan. Here, the rooms are clean and have air conditioning and private baths. There is also a large lounge area and a roof garden where beer is served.

The Amun is situated on its own island, which is beautiful and peaceful with well designed gardens and a view of Elephantine Island. This is a small, Club Med operation, and some would say the hotel needs an additional star. It has a huge swimming pool facing town, restaurant perched above rocks and the river, bar and steam room. Some of the 19th century structure it was build around remains. Rooms have private baths (with showers only) and balconies. The service is great and friendly, the food is excellent, and if you can afford a few extra dollars, this is the place to stay.

Luxor Egypt

Luxor Egypt

One of the least expensive hotels that we can recommend, and about the only two star hotel we have ever reviewed is Luxor's Nefertiti Hotel. This hotel is run by a young man with modern ideas about how to treat his guests. Hence, he has received a considerable following among the young budget minded travelers. Perhaps even more importantly, he can arrange some very reasonable tours, not only about Luxor but also to some of the desert oasis. This hotel appears to, in every respect, be considerable value for its cost.

The Atlas Hotel is not bad, considering its very low price, considering that some rooms have air conditioning and all have private baths. Located on Sharia Ahmed Orabi, it is usually not full. Another is the Sherif Hotel, which is run by an English teacher and has 15 rooms including some with private baths and air conditioning.

The Philippe hotel is another excellent hotel for budget travelers. It is so popular that reservations should be made well in advance. It has a nice swimming pool, as well as a restaurant. Rooms are well air conditioned, have TVs, mini-fridges and private baths. Some rooms also have terraces. It also has a pleasant roof garden with a bar. The hotel has a new addition, with rooms that are better than in the old section. This hotel is very clean, and has a nice, friendly staff. It is located in the heart of Luxor.

Another hotel, very popular with the British and one of our favorites, is the St. Joseph Hotel. It is one of the cleanest of the budget hotels, has a swimming pool as well as a basement bar that has ended up being one of the hot spots in town. Rooms are air conditioned, have TVs, phones, full private baths and large terraces. There is also a restaurant with good, inexpensive food. The Eighth floor terrace has an excellent view.

We could really go on and on about hotels in Luxor, but must conclude this topic with one last favorite, the El Gezira Hotel Phone +20 95 310-034 Fax: +20 95 310-034. This is one of the least expensive but has lots of atmosphere. It is small, but has a pleasant roof top restaurant and bar. Rooms are comfortable and clean though Spartan. Some rooms are air conditions, while others have ceiling fans, and all have private baths. This hotel is on the West Bank.

There are certainly other good choices for budget accommodations in Luxor. Just to mention one other hotel, the Emilio Hotel is somewhat pricey for a budget hotel, but has lots of facilities and amenities.

Hotels

Hotels

Actually, there are some great hotel values, particularly in Luxor and Aswan, and some are very reasonable indeed. Let's take a look as some of the very best budget hotels in Egypt.Hotels in this review will range in price from as low as about $15.00 to $50.00 per night (USD). Most are in the range of $20.00 to $35.00.

About the Destinations

About the Destinations


It should be pointed out that Alexandria and Cairo are very different then Luxor and Aswan in one important aspect. Alexandria and Cairo are large cosmopolitan areas. Neither city's real focus is Tourism. On the other hand, Luxor and Aswan are very geared to the tourist trade, and it is somewhat more difficult to find bargain pricing in these areas, though there are some good deals, particularly in Luxor.

Yet Luxor and Aswan are much smaller, more intimate cities then either Cairo or Alexandria. Transport is often not as necessary as in the larger cities, and one will find all manner of tourist walking along the streets anywhere one goes in Luxor and Aswan.

Trains

Trains

Trains in Egypt, in general, are comfortable, particularly the first class variety. They are usually not the cheapest fare between destinations. That distinction appears to go bus travel. While the sleeper trains seem expensive, this may be somewhat deceptive. Traveling at night, one makes the trip, misses no real "Tour Time", and avoids the cost of a hotel room. All pricing and other information is far departure from Cairo, and are for one way only. Prices are in US Dollars and may change.Luckily, these days one can reserve a train fare on-line through the Arab Travel Agency.

 

Trains to Alexandria leave almost hourly. The duration of the trip is approximately two hours. Tickets cost $8.64 for first class and or $6.34 for second class.

Regular trains to Luxor (non sleeper trains) leave usually in the morning or late evening, as do trains to Aswan. The duration of this trip is anywhere from about 8 1/2 to 11 hours depending on the train. Tickets to Luxor are $17.27 for first class and $10.37 for second class. The regular trains to Aswan are $21.00 for first class and $12.09 for second class. This trip can take from 14 1/2 to 18 hours, depending on the speed of the train.

Sleeper trains can vary. The Abelaegypt sleeper train costs anywhere from $89.50 per person for a double occupied sleeper all the way up to $241.00 for a single person cabin for a trip to Luxor or Aswan.

All trains depart from Ramsis Station (Mahattit Ramsis). It is a very good idea to make advanced reservations. For information, call 202 57 53 555 in Egypt.

Buses

Buses are the most economical way for a tourist to travel in Egypt. Buses available to tourists are air conditioned, fairly comfortable and generally in good condition. Again, all pricing and other information is for departure from Cairo, and are for one way only. Prices are in US Dollars.

Buses to Luxor and Aswan depart daily from Mahattit Aboud (Aboud Station) in Cairo-Shubra at 8:30 p.m. The trip takes 9 hours. From the same station, buses to Aswan depart at 5:30 p.m. This trip takes about 12 hours. For either, the cost is $14.39. It is best to get reservations a day ahead of time, though we are told that one need only make such arrangements within an hour and a half of departure. For more information, call 202 43 16 723 in Egypt.

Buses to Alexandria depart from a different terminal in Cairo, the Mahattit Tourguman (Tourguman Station) in Downtown, behind the building of the publishing house Al-Ahram. Buses to Alexandria depart at least once an hour, and sometimes more frequently. Reservations should be made at least one day in advance, though one may be able to arrange tickets as little as an hour prior to departure. One way tickets cost between $4.32 and $7.20 depending on the bus. Some buses are more comfortable then others. For additional information, call 202 75 60 261 in Egypt.

We should also mention El-Gouna Transport Company, which provides modern air-conditioned busses from Cairo to El-Gouna and Hurghada. These depart and arrive from in front of the Maspero Mall, very near the Ramesses Hilton Hotel. The tickets currently cost about 50 Egyptian Pounds, and include coffee or tea while on board.

Air Travel

Air Travel

Currently, one way tickets from Cairo (reverse destinations are the same price) are priced as follows from EgyptAir (all prices are in US Dollars):

Luxor $121.00

Aswan $167.00

Alexandria $72.00

Hurghada $131.00

Sharm el-Sheikh $138.00

There seem to be number of other small airlines in Egypt that come and go. Most do not have a web site at this time, and those that do have no on-line reservation systems. However, Orca Air seems to be one of the more aggressive of the small internal airlines. They have a web address at www.orca-air.com. In general, their prices for internal Egyptian destinations are from 20 to 25% less then EgyptAir, the national carrier.

Travel Within Egypt

Travel Within Egypt


Independent travelers in Egypt have any number of ways to get around the country. Most major, and even many minor destinations have airports, and even though the airlines available in Egypt are sparse, airfare is nevertheless not outrageous.

Shopping in Egypt

Shopping in Egypt


Simply put, and not unlike most other tourist destinations, the further one can get away from shopping areas which cater to tourists, usually the better the shopping. Hotel shops are probably the worst, followed by independent shops in close proximity to the hotels, particularly the five star hotels. Other places to avoid include the peddlers and small shops near tourist attractions such as the Pyramids at Giza.

Cokes, batteries, water and similar items can usually be purchased without the hassle of negotiation and much cheaper in supermarkets.  But of course, many items which the tourist will wish to purchase such as gold cartouches, Egyptian theme clothing or T-shirts and statues replicas are souvenirs by definition and must be purchased, for the most part, from a market that caters to tourists.

Places like the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar continue to be some of the best places to buy souvenirs.  However, it is often best to walk away from the center of things, and find some of the less frequented shops just outside of the Khan.

In addition, a considerable aptitude for negotiation will unquestionably result in lower prices in areas which cater to tourists, such as the Khan and tourist shops around the pyramids and Coptic, or old Cairo.  Most everywhere else such as grocery stores, shopping malls and the shopping area downtown, prices are fixed, and not really negotiable at all.  In some of the shops, one might make a friendly effort to secure a small discount, but a strong attempt at negotiation will probably offend the salesperson. In fact, negotiation seems to be becoming less of an issue even in places like the Khan el-Khalili.

When negotiating, show only a slight interest in the item and then, work the price down.  At that point, the price will probably be only three to four times that which an Egyptian would pay.  Then tell the vendor that you will thank about it, take a longing look at the item, and begin to drift away ... not too fast.  With luck, the price will come down further.

But stop.  Even as you walk away, the price may come down more, but don't buy from the first vendor, at least not yet.  In order to really scout out the best price, no matter how low this first vendor goes, try a few more vendors repeating this to really get a feel for the best price.  There is usually no problem in returning to the original merchant and accepting his lowest price.

Now it is important to keep in mind that one can be tricked. For example, if one negotiates the price down on a mother-of-pearl box, the merchant may end up packaging up one that has more plastic pieces. Also, between stores, one may get a better price from one than another but receive in return an inferior product. Hence, one must have some idea about the items available and how to tell what constitutes a quality object. For this type of information, see our section on shopping.

Keep in mind one other facet of shopping in Egypt.  Almost every tour guide and taxi driver maintains an agreement with a number of shops for commission.  This is not an exception, but rather an expected source of income for people in these trades.  Of course you will find others who will also insist on leading you to "the best perfume bottle" factory, a better hotel or a less expensive restaurant.  Just remember that all of these people have a profit motive.

Tipping in Egypt

Tipping in Egypt


Tipping, what is known as Baksheesh, or Ba'Sheesh, is common, expected and not an invention of Egypt. However, there are limits.  One need not tip for a service that has not been rendered even if asked.  For taxis in particular, the price discussed above is usually paid without a tip, unless the taxi driver has rendered a service you find to be specifically helpful.  As with hotels throughout the world, porters and others should be tipped when bags are carried or room service is delivered.

Egyptians are by nature courteous and gracious hosts.  Asking a stranger on the street for directions does not warrant a tip, and in most cases, the stranger would probably be offended.  Many, including taxi drivers, may wish to point you out to a good shop.  Most will then receive a commission from any sale made, so here again, a tip is not warranted.

Baksheesh is a great excuse to carry a few one pound notes (Egyptian) at all times.  One pound is worth less then 30 cents USD, so keep this in mind.

Beer, Liquor and Wine

Beer, Liquor and Wine


Drinking in hotel or other bars can be expensive, particularly depending on the type of liquor ordered. Local beer such as Sakkara, or my favorite, Stella, as well as the local tasty wines are reasonable. European liquors and beer are less reasonable, and American alcoholic beverages are either non-existent or completely unreasonable. For example, a local beer will generally cost in the range of 8 L.E. (Egyptian pounds), or a little over $2.00 USD. This is not a bad price, as the bottles are larger then those in Europe or the US, and the alcoholic content is greater. It, together with Egyptian wine, both at better prices, can also be found in a few liquor stores in major cities.

A European vodka shot will probably cost more like 20 L.E., while a shot of Jack Daniels, if they have it, will run as high as 50 L.E. These prices may very somewhat, but to say the least, if one likes American or European brands, drinking can get expensive.

The solution to this is to either bring it in with you, or obtain it from the duty free shop upon entry. One may bring up to two liters of alcoholic beverages into the country. While this may sound like additional luggage, the empty space will often be used to carry souvenirs back. However, prices at the airport duty free shop are reasonable and up to four litters may be purchased upon entry to the country. Prices are often about what one would pay at home. Also, keep in mind that EgyptAir, a frequent carrier of tour groups will not serve alcoholic drinks in-flight (though they occasionally provide complementary wine prior to boarding. However, they do allow people to carry aboard reasonable amounts of alcohol for self service (BYOB!).

Telephones

Telephones


The simple rule is, find out how much before making the call, any call. For many hotels in Egypt, even local calls will have a charge, and long distance charges back home may vary extensively between different hotels. For three or four star hotels, most of the time everything, including food, drinks in the hotel bar, taxis, will be less expensive then a five star hotel, but telephone charges may be an exception. Some of the budget hotels lack the new, direct dial international phone systems. In fact, of all the three and four star hotels we have visited, only the Hotel Longchamps currently has a modern phone system. Hence, making a direct call to Europe or the Americas may cost two or three times the normal direct dial rate.

These prices, however, have been improved due to the exchange rate. Today, international phone calls are still expensive from Egypt, but not as bad as before, particularly if one uses certain available devices. These include the telephone cards from Telecard Egypt, available in various shops throughout Egypt. Another is a card from Egypt Telecom, which is available only in Egypt Telecom centers. Another good solution is the MENATEL public telephones, which are everywhere in the country For these, one may buy a green telephone card. Of course, there are also many, many internet cafes where one will find set ups for making free (for the cost of an internet session, which is usually very reasonable outside of five star hotels) internet calls. All of these methods will certainly result in much lower pricing for international calls.

However, many long distance carriers have local access numbers that can be dialed. These include AT&T and Sprint among others. These vary and the number is subject to change, so we will not attempt to list the access numbers here. Most hotels will have these numbers and will supply them if asked. If not, call one of the five star hotels such as a Sheraton and ask.

When making these calls, one must either have a calling card with the company, or make a collect call. However, these lines are frequently busy for any specific carrier, so carrying multiple calling cards is not a bad idea. In fact, most of these lines are busy throughout the day. If international phone communications is important, we highly recommend finding a hotel with a direct dial international phone system.

Hotels with direct dial international phone systems are fairly reasonable, though one must remember that calling anywhere from Egypt is inherently costly.

Food and Other Necessities

Food and Other Necessities
How budget minded are you? One may spend a lot of money eating in Egypt, or very little. On the lowest side, our advise would be to hit the supermarket and buy sandwich and other cold meals. Even many of the three and four star hotels will have mini fridges where such items may be kept. In particular, such items as bottled water, soft drinks and cigarettes can be obtained from a reasonably sized market much less expensively then at most hotels. It is even prudent to carry bottled water into restaurants that have been purchased elsewhere at a market, for if one wishes to have water in a restaurant, one will most likely be charged for a bottle at a higher price.


Cairo has a number of new supermarkets.  By a coke here for 1.5 L.E., or as high as 10 L.E. at your hotel.

Meals at five star hotels will likely be the most expensive way to eat in Egypt, though we do not mean to be critical, as this is perhaps true throughout the world. After all, these restaurants are sometimes very good, at least from the standpoint of facilities, and one may expect the food to be consistently fair. Yet a breakfast at a five star hotel which costs 50 L.E may be free at many three or four star hotels which include the cost of breakfast in the price of the room. Lunch and dinner in these hotels may also be somewhat reasonable, and, given the cost of searching around for alternatives, may be the best bet.

However, keep in mind that during the last several years, a vivid restaurant scene has emerged outside of the five-star hotels, so keep an eye out for some fine new establishments.  At any rate, we cannot really recommend eating the fare of street vendors, of which there are many, even though this might make for a very economical meal. Probably the best prices can be found in Egyptian family style restaurants off the beaten tourist track. Restaurants such as the Al Tekkia which we reviewed are clean and reasonably priced, and we must encourage our readers to keep an eye on our restaurant reviews for future additions. Other plentiful options include traditional fast food establishments where a western style hamburger may cost in the range of $3.00 to $4.00 USD.

Typical Black and White Taxi

Typical Black and White Taxi


Egyptian travel sites will often advise people to negotiate the price of the Taxi in advance. This continues to be good advise for someone who wishes to rent a taxi for a day, a number of hours, or who expects the taxi to wait while one visits sightseeing areas.

But for normal trips around town, this simply is not the way to get the best fares. Egyptians hail a cab without negotiating a price because they know the approximate cost for their destination. In order to hail the taxi, while facing traffic, hold the right arm somewhat down with the hand open. When a taxi pulls up, simply state your destination. If it is not a very well known location, such as an business office, you may wish to have the address written in Arabic (supplied by your hotel, for example). The driver will indicate if he wishes to take you to that location. Men should usually sit in the front passenger seat, while women normally sit in the back of the taxi, though these standards are becoming more lax.

Upon arrival, simply pay the amount required for the trip. The table below supplies typical prices for typical destinations. There may even be a small tip involved if the taxi driver is particularly courteous, informative or funny, but the amount is paid as a lump sum. Hence, it is important for tourists to have an idea of what the taxi driver expects for trips to various parts of the city. Even so, one might find the taxi driver arguing the price if the tourist appears overly wealthy. For this reason, it is often best to walk a short distance from a five star hotel prior to hailing a cab. There does not seem to be the same problem involved with three and four star hotels. However, other tricks include making camera equipment as inconspicuous as possible and not engaging the taxi driver with tourism questions. Invariably, the taxi driver will wish to become your tour guide. In fact, one trick we have used is to have the hotel write the destination in Arabic, handing this to the taxi driver, and then saying little if anything while in route.

On the other hand, taxi drivers who speak the language of the tourist can be helpful, and will try to be. Allowing the taxi driver to provide information should result in a small increase in the fare from the prices outlined below.


1: Nile Hilton to the Citadel - 20 L.E.
2: Citadel to Khan el-Khalili - 12 to 16 L.E.
3: Nile Hilton to the Khan el-Khalili 16 L.E.
4: Nile Hilton to Heliopolis 30 to 40 L.E.
4: Nile Hilton to Airport with bag handling 80 L.E.
5: Nile Hilton to Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo) 24 L.E.
6: Nile Hilton to the Giza Pyramids 30 to 60 L.E.
7: Nile Hilton to Zamalek 10 to 14 L.E.

The reason for the difference in fares depends on traffic and traffic jams.  For example, if the taxi trip is taken during rush hour and takes twice the normal amount of time, then the taxi driver should be paid more. Also, these rates are for one passenger.  The amount should be increased by a modest amount for additional passengers.  For example, a trip which would cost 5 L.E. for one person should probably be increased to 7 L.E. for two, or perhaps 8 or 9 L.E. for three people.

Keep in mind the exchange rate.  For example, a trip which costs 10 Egyptian pounds (L.E.) is about $1.63 USD.  You should consider a lower limit for short trips.  For example, a trip from the Nile Hilton to Garden City, while a short trip, should still run probably five Egyptian pounds. Below this amount, it is hardly worth the taxi driver's time. Most of these prices are above that which an Egyptian will pay for good reasons.  The average Egyptian income is less then that of most tourists, and it should not be the aim of tourists to pay the Egyptian rate. Taxi drivers do not get rich, few own their own cabs, and most must pay a daily fee to the owner which is the same regardless of how good a day the driver had.

When paying for the taxi, exit first, pay the taxi driver through the window, and walk away.  This is really what the driver expects.  If he suspects that you are a wealthy tourist, he may put up some argument, but simply avoid this and keep walking. However, one must remember to carry plenty of small Egyptian notes. In order for our suggestions on paying taxi drivers to work, one must pay the exact amount.  Giving the taxi driver a larger note and expecting change will promote a discussion as to the amount of the fare.

It is really not recommended to attempt to hire a taxi for a day, or even for several hours.  Taxis are plentiful in Cairo, and it is much better usually to simply take a taxi to a destination, and then find another taxi when you are ready to leave. However, if you decide to hire a taxi to tour outlying areas such as Saqqara and Dahshur rather then taking a more economical organized day tour, expect to pay between 150 and 200 L.E.

Taxis in Egypt

Taxis in Egypt


Regardless of whether one takes organized tours to sightseeing areas, a taxi ride or two is inevitable. Most people will not wish to rent a car to drive, particularly in Cairo, and will probably not have the proper international drivers licenses and insurance even if they wished to. For the uninformed, taxis can be very expensive. At worst, a tourist may exit a five star hotel, climb in the nearest taxi and request a destination. Upon arrival, the tourist asks the price, and pays perhaps four or five times the Egyptian price for a similar ride. This can quickly destroy a planned budget, even for someone who can afford the five star hotel.

Local Transport

Local Transport


In addition to this, one may also wish to refer to our "Getting Around in Egypt" section and our "Getting Around in Cairo" feature article.

Most people who travel independently to Egypt will still be better off arranging day or half day tours to most sight seeing areas. Such tours can be arranged from most hotels, or the hundreds of travel agencies scattered about downtown Cairo. Larger hotels will frequently have more then one tour operator available. While one may visit areas such as the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, or the Citadel within Cairo very inexpensively by Taxi, the same does not hold true for tours of Saqqara and Memphis, for example, outside of Cairo.  For this, companies such as Misr Travel offer half and full day tours, including guides at very reasonable prices.  For example, Misr Travel Company's half day tour of Memphis and Saqqara is about $40.00, while a full day trip into the Fayoum and Lake Qarun is $65.00, and can be arranged from most hotels.

Money in Egypt

Money in Egypt


One of the secrets to budget travel in Egypt is to carry plenty of small Egyptian notes, such as one pound and 50 piaster (half pound) notes.  Actually, small bills sometimes seem hard to find, but many hotels, particularly the five star variety, have banks where one may load up on these.

In many instances, taxi drivers and merchants who sell tourist items will claim to be unable to make change for larger bills, so being able to pay the exact amount is important.  Also, as noted below, small bills will be very handy for tipping. Keep in mind that the exchange rate in Egypt has widened in recent years. One may, today, exchange US dollars for just about twice as many Egyptian pounds as they could several years ago.

For information on the latest exchange rates, one may wish to visit the Egyptian American Bank.

Restaurant at the Horus House Hotel

Restaurant at the Horus House Hotel



In downtown Cairo, is the Victoria hotel, another good choice and probably our second favorite, though somewhat more costly then the Hotel Longchamps. It occupies an entire building and does have a lovely ground floor garden and reasonably priced Internet cafe.
Bar at the Victoria Hotel Nearby the Victoria are two hotels which are also noteworthy, the Carlton, because it is the least expensive of all the hotels we visited, and the Windsor Hotel (also see Historical Reviews and Bar Review). The Carlton is clean, has a nice roof top garden restaurant with a good view. As for the historic Windsor hotel, we have reviewed it this month in another feature article on historical hotels in Cairo, and last month we reviewed its landmark bar.

Finally, there is the Hussein hotel (review) located within the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Again, this hotel has all of the basic necessities, including rooms with air conditioning, private baths, telephones and televisions. It is ideal for commercial buyers who plan on spending most of their time within the Khan, and has a great view of the Khan from many of the rooms. From huge roof restaurant, it also has an excellent view of Islamic Cairo in just about all directions.

Hotels in Egypt

Hotels in Egypt


It should be mentioned that at many of the budget hotels, and particularly in places like Luxor and Aswan, the management can get somewhat pushy about their tours. This is an additional source of income for them. In some instances, they present very reasonable tours at good pricing but it is really somewhat of a hit or miss venture and frankly, difficult to assess. Probably the best way to do this is, once at the hotel, ask other guests to see if they have taken any of the hotel's tours.

Hotels, for the most part, are the easiest for us to provide advise about, as we have specifically stayed in or toured budget hotels with this very article in mind. Most people who wish to visit Egypt independently on a tight budget will usually wish to stay near downtown Cairo upon arrival. This is the area where the Egyptian Museum is located, and is close to Islamic Cairo and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, as well as Coptic, or old Cairo. It also probably has the best selection of budget hotels. From here, most people can make a day tour to most of the important pharaonic sites such as Giza, Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis.

All of the budget hotels we review below have air conditioning and telephones, the availability of televisions and private baths. Most have single occupancy pricing between $30and $50USD per night.  Less expensive hotels may be found ranging as low as $  to $5 USD per night, but will often lack even basic comforts such as private baths, and other guests are likely to be poorer Arabs rather then tourists.  Prior to checking in to such hotels, it is highly advisable to make a tour of the facilities.

The Hotel Longchamps (see also review) has and continues to be one of our favorite budget hotels. It is located in Zamalek which is on an island in the Nile just across from downtown Cairo. At $36 USD per night for a single, the Hotel Longchamps can't be beat The area is nice, quiet and upscale. The hotel is bright, friendly and modern. The Hotel Longchamps, like many budget hotels in Cairo, occupies only the 5th and 6th floors of the building in which it is located. In the event that this hotel is full, below it is the Horus hotel, which also appears to be nice, though not on the same standards as the Longchamps.

Air Fare To and From Egypt

Air Fare To and From Egypt


For many, the most expensive part of a budget holiday to Egypt will be airfare. Those from Europe will pay much less, perhaps below half as much for air fare as North Americans. For example, using a normal discount booking service checking fares from London to Cairo and from New York to Cairo (using travelocity.com for departure dates in mid September), the London round trip ticket to Cairo would cost just over $500 US, while the New York ticket to Cairo would have cost almost $900.00. (I should note that these rates have not significantly changed for several years) Using a regular local travel agency would probably result in tickets costing as much as several hundred dollars more for each.

However, off-line services, particularly in Europe, may yield better deals then on-line air reservation systems. This is probably due to the somewhat smaller charter services, some of which are becoming scheduled flight providers.

To obtain the very least expensive airfare to Egypt one must usually go beyond the Internet, and depending on the time, effort and long distance calls required, it may not be worth it to everyone. One is really only likely to improve their ticket pricing using true air consolidators, bucket shops or charter services but these companies rarely quote on-line fares. Further, Internet searches for air consolidators will mostly yield companies claiming such, but with fares no different, or even higher then the normal on-line discount air booking companies. Others will have cheap fares to specific destinations, but not Egypt.

Those people looking hard for discount airfare are likely to become frustrated. Most on-line discount services require a registration process, only to yield no different ticket pricing then all the others. There is a good reason for this, as most on-line services must use published rates. We would highly advise people searching out the lowest possible ticket pricing to read the FAQ on cheap airfares, consolidators and bucket shops at http://www.travel-library.com/air-travel/consolidators.html. This is an excellent reference particularly on international air fare.

In general, we have found that the earlier one books a flight to Egypt, the better the fare will be (in many cases, but there are exceptions). One example of on-line air discount services which appear to yield good results is Travel Secrets at http://travelsecrets.com/. There, we find rates from New York for about $705 USD. They show no fairs, however, from the UK. For UK flights, check with airfares.co.uk. There, we found flights to Egypt from London for 295 USD plus taxes. Several others with good fares from London included FlightSearch and Lastminute.com.

In Germany, Air Berlin is a good bet. They service twelve countries, with departures from a number of different cities in Germany.

Many of the best airfares from specific countries can be found from on-line systems specific to those countries, rather than the large international booking systems, and it would be very difficult for us to name specific systems for each country. Hence, one must explore.

BUDGET VACATIONS TO EGYPT

BUDGET VACATIONS TO EGYPT



For many, a trip to Egypt may be a vacation of a lifetime; something that one has always wished to do but unable to afford. One can arrange budget travel to Egypt at anytime. The costs associated with a budget trip to Egypt include, but are not necessarily limited to, the airfare or other transport to Egypt, lodging, food, transportation to different destinations in Egypt and tickets to enter the various attractions one wishes to see, with the possible hiring of guides. Most people will also be interested in finding the least expensive places and means of buying a few souvenirs. Of course, this is for a fairly standard classical excursion.

Budget travel does not necessarily imply independent travel. In many instances, an economy tour may ultimately yield a much more pleasant and even less expensive Egyptian holiday then an independently arranged trip. Tour operators frequently receive deep discounts from hotels and airlines as well as provide more efficient means of transportation within Egypt. Even the most experienced independent traveler may not be able to beat the cost of a value tour, particularly if a full agenda of sight seeing is required. Not infrequently in fact, packaged tours may be as little or less then the cost of airfare to Egypt if arranged independently.

This is particularly true when visiting Egypt from Europe. There a number of European charter services and travel houses do a large volume of business in Egypt, allowing them to negotiate huge discounts with hotels and ground operators in Egypt, resulting in prices that are extremely affordable.

As we advise in our section on independent versus packaged tours, perhaps one of the most inexpensive means of independent travel in Egypt is often a hybrid, where one accepts a relatively defined package tour but allows themselves extra time to do independent sightseeing or other activities. That way, they take advantage of inexpensive tour packages while allowing themselves independent time.

Yet travelers should be advised that independent travel within Egypt is nothing to fear.  One of the most unusual aspects of Egypt in regards to other tourist destinations is that Egyptians in general will go out of their way to help tourists.  They are gracious hosts, even those outside of the tourism industry.  Most hotel personnel, if asked, will provide a world of information and be very helpful.  They will almost always be able to arrange various tours, and in the case of some chains, be able to guide and accommodate you from one end of Egypt to the other.

In addition, most monuments, particularly the better known monuments, will have identification plaques and often detailed descriptions.  Along with a good travel guide, one who is intent on independent travel should have little trouble in doing so.

In general, everything from hotel rooms, to flight reservations, to full tours will be less expensive during the off season.  The least tourist traffic to Egypt begins in the latter half of June, and continues through the middle of September. Ramadan also a busy time for Egypt, but also very fun, while the ultimate peak season starts just before Christmas and ends after New Years, due to the holidays in European countries. During this short end of year period, prices will be at their highest, and in many cases hotel and other reservations cannot be had at any price unless planed well in advance. There are other periods to consider as well. Many of these have to do with European holidays, particularly in the Autumn and at Easter, when vacations flock to Egypt. October is a busy month in Egypt, as are usually several weeks between March and the end of April. The busiest months in Egypt are usually September through May.

THE EGYPTIAN TRAVELER'S SURVIVAL KIT

THE EGYPTIAN TRAVELER'S SURVIVAL KIT

Egypt is a sophisticated and modern country, and most anything that you need may be purchased in Egypt. But providing that you do not wish to purchase such things as shoes in Egypt, and that other items may be difficult to find, or very expensive, we have compiled a checklist of some of the more important items you may wish to carry with you. This list may seem rudimentary for the seasoned traveler, but for many making a first time trip to Egypt, it may prevent problems.

Contending with Sun and Heat

Hats and other covering:

Large brimmed hats that provide not only a head covering but also a certain amount of shade will come in very handy in the hot Egyptian sun. In addition, women will be more acceptable when touring old churches and mosques if they are wearing some sort of head covering. In addition, scarves or other apparel should be taken along to cover shoulders and arms, and again, or not only important for visiting religious sites, but also to keep the sun off during treks. In very hot weather, a cloth hat or scarf that can be soaked will also help keep your head cool.
"Squeeze Breeze": this is a water bottle with a sprayer and a battery-operated fan attached, which is available in such stores as Wal-Mart in the US. This item literally kept our Senior Editor, Mary Kay Radnich, from hitting the deck in the 104F heat on the West Bank, late one morning. If you can find something like this among the beach toys this summer, pick it up.

Sun block:

While sun blocks may be purchased in Egypt, you might prefer to bring your own favorite brand, but do bring it. We have often, and I wish to emphasis, very often, seen tourists with painful sunburns after a days worth of sightseeing. Sunglasses: Another item that may be purchased in Egypt are sunglasses, but again, many people will prefer to bring their own. There will be many times that tourists find themselves in a blaring, sand and desert landscape and there is nothing better than a good pair of sunglasses, with the highest UV rating you can find


Canteen or water holder:

Staying hydrated will mean the difference between a comfortable tour and one that might end with trouble. Most people quickly learn to carry a water bottle with them, and bottled water is easily accessible. However, lugging around a water bottle in your hand can be tiresome. It is much better to bring along either a canteen, or some other utensil that will allow you to carry the water bottle on your waist or around your shoulder. Fanny packs or backpacks with holders for water bottles, and for women, even a shoulder bag type of purse will make this more convenient.

Other Needs

Very good, comfortable walking shoes:

This is probably one of the first things most people will tell you to bring to Egypt. Most tourists will be doing a considerable amount of walking, and shoes should not be just comfortable, but comfortable to walk long distances. Unlike leather shoes for mountain walks and such, it is also preferable for walking shoes to be breathable and perhaps made of a lightweight nylon or similar fabric. "Tennis shoes" or other sporting type of shoes are good for this. Also, keep in mind that there are a lot of steps in Egypt.


Travel Alarm:

Sure, most hotels will give you a wakeup call, but for many, don't count on it. A travel alarm is perhaps less important on an organized tour, as you will have people taking care of you. But particularly for the independent traveler, a travel alarm will come in very handy. It will help make sure that you wake up when you wish in Egypt. But I have often used mine to make sure that I could grab some sleep in airports along the way, and still catch my flight.
Guide Books:

Do invest in an Egyptian Guide book, such as the "Lonely Planet" or "Rough Guide" or any number of other good guides. While you may be on a guided tour, such a book will give you time to orient yourself both before and after the actual tours to various locations. In addition, foreign printed guidebooks may be somewhat more expensive in Egypt, even though they are available. You may also wish to look around once in Egypt for other guidebooks.

An Extra Bag:

A bag, preferably soft, which can be crunched up and carried into Egypt in another bag will be handy for most people. The bag will then be used to carry back souvenirs. Alternatively, many business people or guests of Egyptians often bring presents into Egypt, and once emptied, the bag is used to bring souvenirs back. Again, bags may be easily purchased in Egypt, but are likely to be less expensive if you buy it at home and bring it to Egypt.

Sewing Kits:

Some of the larger hotels, as well as some of the better-equipped smaller hotels (the Longchamps) may supply a sewing kit in your room. But don't count on this. Most Egyptian tours are relatively long, and it is not unusual to loose a button here or there climbing through tombs and pyramids.

Alcoholic Beverages:

There are good suitable beers and wines in Egypt that are highly affordable, and it is not necessary to bring in such items unless you have a very acute taste for a particular brand. In fact, I consider Egyptian beer excellent, and wish that I could buy it in the states. However, harder alcoholic beverages such as whiskies and bourbons are maybe extremely difficult to find, and extremely expensive when you do. You may bring in up to two litters of liquor, and you may buy additional liquor at a reasonable price at the tax-free shop prior to leaving the airport. To give you an indication of why you should do this, it is not uncommon to pay as much or more than $13.00 for a single shot of Jack Daniels, a well-known US bourbon.

Cigarette:

Egyptians smoke, and cigarettes are not expensive in Egypt. However, you will find only a limited variety of cigarettes for the most part. For example, Marlboro Lights are readily available, but not 100s. In fact, not very many "long" cigarettes are. Further, while you can purchase "American" cigarettes for a price in some of the better hotels, usually you are getting an Egyptian manufactured cigarette that is somewhat harsher then the "American" variety. Just because you are buying Marlboro does not make it the same Marlboro that you would by in the US, for example.

Finally, bring along a humor and a good attitude. For many, and even those who have done extensive traveling in the US or Europe, Egypt will be very different. You will often find attitudes more "laid back", time less important and even some of the Egyptians selling their wares or their services at tourism sites annoying. Egypt is a place where you learn to let the smaller problems you might encounter roll off your shoulders, and simply enjoy this, the oldest of all civilizations.

Karen Phillips' Purse (From a discussion on our Message system) Karen Phillips is a travel consultant living in Egypt and, while most all of these items can be found in Egypt, she maintains that she carries, and regularly uses the following useful items:

Tissues
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer gel
Sun screen
Bug repellent
Aspirin
Diarreha tablets
Band aids
Breath mints
Gum
Hair spray
Safety pins
Small screwdriver & screws for fixing sunglasses
Note pad
Pens
Stamps
Small change
Telephone card
Map of Cairo
Business cards

EGYPT TRAVEL TIPS AND IDEAS

EGYPT TRAVEL TIPS AND IDEAS

Traveling can be a daunting thing to plan for, even if you’re only leaving for the weekend! When it comes to traveling to a whole different country located in a distinct area of the globe with a unique culture can be a scary thing, and very difficult to prepare for. How do I go ahead and pack for the trip? What will the weather be like? What should I wear? What kind of food will we be eating? How do I make my reservations and where should I stay? Do I need a visa, and if so, how do I arrange for one? What if I get sick while on vacation? What are the things I absolutely must see while on vacation? These are just some of the many questions that will be running through your mind while preparing yourself, especially for the trip of a lifetime to Egypt. Oftentimes the stress of this planning can ruin the excitement that should be felt before departure.

While this is a natural thing to go through, any assistance would be surely welcome. That’s why we’ve tried to address these concerns, and more, on our website. Planning a trip to Egypt has now never been easier with the links below (and above). Browse the pages below to get all the information you’ll need to organize your trip, and even book your tour with us, so that you have one less thing to worry about!

See also our "Budget and Independent Travel to Egypt, Part I, II & III" independent travel or packaged tours to Egypt and article from Tour Egypt Monthly. This will give you many ideas even if you are not traveling on a budget or independently. Also from our magazine, see our growing list of hotels we have reviewed. Also, see the new magazine article on doing business in Egypt. Finally, find out which is best for you, independent travel or packaged tours to Egypt, holidays to Egypt.

EGYPT TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Egypt could be said to have six different tourist super-sites. Each has its own flavor, and mostly each serves a different purpose. Surprisingly, or perhaps not, most of these tourist areas do not depend on ancient monuments to sustain them. In fact, only Luxor is completely dependent on this trade. These super-sites consist of:

 

Alexandria and the immediate area around the City. It could in fact be argued that this area extends to Marsa Matruh to the west on the coast. The area has a Mediterranean feel about it, and the attraction is the Mediterranean Sea, and to the people of Cairo, a somewhat cooler climate.

 

Cairo and the immediate area around the City. Cairo has everything. Cairo has great hotels, entertainment, restaurants, all manner of monuments from throughout the history of Egypt and it is often the entry point for most people visiting Egypt. It even has bowling allies and several golf courses to chose from.

 

Luxor, and the surrounding area. Luxor is a living museum with vast numbers of ancient Egyptian monuments. It is also highly oriented to tourists, and might be thought of in the same regard as a theme park, where the attractions just happen to be real monuments.

 

Aswan and the surrounding area. Aswan is probably the least of the super-site tourist areas, but has great hotels, along with the huge Lake Nasser just to the south.

 

Hurghada and the surrounding area, particularly El Gouna. Not too far apart are El Gouna, Hurghada and Safaga, and these areas contain just about everything a tourist would like to have, with the exception of ancient monuments. They make up for that with every variety of water sports, several golf courses, casinos and more. The Red Sea area has less of an Egyptian feel, but not as European as the Sinai.

 

Sharm El Sheikh, and the surrounding area including Sharks Bay. This is the Sinai super-site, again with most everything any tourist might wish. There are even some wonderful Christian monuments nearby, and the water sports, as at Hurghada, are all inclusive.

 

This is not to say that there are many more tourist destinations, particularly on the Red Sea and in Sinai, and on Egypt's mainland interior, the oases. However, in much of the rest of the mainland interior, travel and destinations are limited. However, the tourist super-sites encompass perhaps ninety-five percent of the ancient monuments, and most else there is to do in Egypt.

 

Ancient Religion

Ancient Religion

THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION

Without the ancient Egyptian Religion, there would probably be little reason for one to visit Egypt today. The great Pyramids would not exist, nor of course, would there be the fabulous temples, the tombs on the West Bank of Thebes (modern Luxor) and their mummies, or the colorful decorations that adorn these structures that have lured travelers to Egypt over the past three thousand or so years. Behind every aspect of Egyptian life, including the art, the political structure and the cultural achievements one must see the religious forces that shaped the fabric of ancient Egypt.

 

The spiritual world that was created by the ancient Egyptians was a richly fascinating one which remains unique in the history of human religion, but at the same time, somehow familiar in many ways. The character of that spiritual world was both mysterious and manifest, at once accessible and hidden, for although Egyptian religion was often shrouded in layers of myth and ritual, it nevertheless permeated the ancient civilization of the Nile and ultimately shaped, sustained and directed Egyptian culture in almost every way.

 

One thing that does seem familiar about their ancient religion was that people were very concerned about the afterlife. Furthermore, in order to avoid being counted among the damned of the afterlife, one had to not only venerate the Egyptian gods, but also live by a code of standards that would be judged after death.

Herodotus tells us that the Egyptians "are religious to a higher degree than any other people" Some six centuries later, in the Perfect Discourse, Hermes Trismegistos summed up the spirit of Egyptian religious beliefs for his disciple, Asclepius, in a striking metaphor:

 

"[Egypt] has become the image of heaven, and what is more, the resting place of heaven and all the forces that are in it. If we should tell the truth; our land has become the temple of the world"

 

Like the members of any other human culture, the ancient Egyptians were driven to find meaning in existence, but there were also other influences on their religion, such as the need to justify kingship, among others.

 

We cannot say with any certainty exactly when the foundations of Egyptian religion were actually laid, though it was certainly prior to recorded history. In fact, some of the important mythology, such as the Contentings of Horus and Seth, could have possibly been rooted in real events prior to Egypt's unification.

 

We must be careful when examining the ancient Egyptian religion. Though there was a considerable amount of consistency between various areas of Egypt and over the religion's long existence, there were significant variations and over time, changes in the theology. For example, while some 1,500 gods and goddesses are known by name from ancient Egypt, many of them were not worshipped at any one time or in any one place.

 

Over time, many changes took place, and some were very dramatic. The tell-tail signs of these changes were sometimes very obvious. For example, the burial practices of the Egyptians, which were certainly affected by their religious ideologies, went from simple mastabas in the very early periods and during the Predynastic Period, to monumental pyramids during the Old and Middle Kingdoms.

Then, after the first ruler of Egypt's New Kingdom who built a Pyramid at Abydos, the Egyptian Kings rather suddenly did away with superstructures altogether, preferring instead to have hidden tombs with no superstructures at all. Perhaps part of the reason for this was the security of the tomb and its content of valuables, though it did not do much to stop the tomb robbers. However, it also had much to do with the Egyptian religion's movement towards Osiris. The god Osiris also seems responsible for another major change in Egyptian religion through its long history, that is, it's popularization. Osiris was a democratic god who doubtless became more and more popular because the theology surrounding him allowed even common Egyptians the opportunity of immortality after their death.

 

Of course, some things did stay the same, to an extent. There seems to have always been a sun god from the earliest of times, but his worship too changed over time, and sometimes dramatically. The sun god Re was worshipped at Egypt's earliest shrines, and his veneration probably reached a high point during the late Old Kingdom, when kings not only built their pyramids, but also specialized temples to worship the sun god.

 

Perhaps one of the most consistent aspects of ancient Egyptian religion was the role of the King, though even this did change over time. However, the king seems to always have been central to the ancient Egyptian religion. What changed was the perception of his role, though even this remained somewhat consistent particularly after the Early Dynastic Period.

 

While Egyptologists may sometimes address the reasons for changes within the ancient Egyptian religion, this may be one of the most unknown aspects of the religion. Did priests have heated debates over theology which culminated in change? If they did, it must have been mostly narrative in nature, for we have little if any record of this. If such discussions did take place, the King must have been involved, because it is through his actions that most new religious foundations were created, and it was his funerary monuments that seem to have changed the most over time.

 

That theological discussions and probably discourse took place is almost certain, because the mythology of the religion evolved, becoming more complete, This is particularly obvious from funerary texts, beginning with the Pyramid Texts and moving on to numerous texts particularly during the New Kingdom.

On the other hand, it is very likely that changes took place also because of shifts in regional power. This certainly seems the case when, during the New Kingdom, the center of religious activity shifted to Thebes, where the state god, Amun rose to acclaim. Furthermore, the need of the common populous to be included also effected changes, particularly towards Osiris.

 

Religion has been defined as a belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. This is somewhat of an over simplification because religions usually include a system of values as well as various practices. Egyptian religion can be said to encompass their ancient gods, the mythology or accounts of those gods and other aspects of the religion such as creation, death and the afterlife, and the cults who worshipped the gods. However, there are certainly more complexities to the religion, such as how the king played into this structure of religion, and moral dogma concerning what the god's expected of humans (a system of values).

 

The Gods

Consistently, from the beginning of Egyptian religion to its final stand at the Temple of Philae, with possibly the exception of one brief period, most scholars agree that the religion was polytheistic. A number of attempts have been made to explain Egyptian religion in terms of monotheism, and certainly scholars of the nineteenth century, steeped in Christian tradition, tended to find traces of monotheism in Egyptian beliefs. The main evidence they sited was the anonymous "god" who the Egyptians referred to in literary and wisdom texts. Now, however, the anonymous god found in Egyptian texts is understood to represent a way of invoking any divine power emanating from any gods, or sometimes, a specific, assumed god worshipped by an individual or one in a specific region.

 

Even during the 18th Dynasty reign of Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten), who apparently tried to introduce and promote a single god, the Aten, Egyptian religion cannot be said to have been monotheistic, for while the king himself may have worshipped a single god, and even that is uncertain, his religion never caught on and for the most part, Egyptians in general continued to worship their traditional gods.

 

However, several researchers have applied the concept of henotheism to Egyptian religion. This practice focuses on one god addressed in a particular time of worship. Essentially, henotheism is the belief in one god without denying the existence of others. The believer unites all known divine powers in his favorite god.

 

The situation with gods is further complicated by syncretism and other forms of combining them. The term "syncretism" has a special meaning in Egyptology, referring to the combination or merging of aspects of one god in another. This feature first appeared in the 4th Dynasty with Atum-Re of Heliopolis and by Middle Kingdom, there were many such combinations. It has been shown that this was probably a temporary fusion of gods, each keeping their own characteristics.

 

Furthermore there is the matter of manifestation, a concept that is frequently misunderstood by the general public. Egyptians almost certainly did not worship statues, paintings of gods or, for that matter, animals. These objects were simply believed to be the manifestation, or temporary habitats of the gods who they worshipped.

 

It should also be noted that the Egyptians created personified conceptions, such as Ma'at (truth, balance), or (Hapi (the inundation), though these were always joined with a god or used as decorations.

Cults were the official structure used to worship the Egyptian gods. In regards to ancient Egypt, this structure included the priests who carried out rituals associated with the gods, who were frequently manifest in the form of statues, within the cult temples. The center of the Egyptian cult was the temple, a sacred area enclosed by a wall, that excluded the profane.

 

Temples could be called a "house" or "chapel", or a "chapel of the god", which includes a section of the temple devoted to worldly needs. Inside the sanctuary of the temple was the cult statue, which served as the dwelling for the god worshipped in the cult center, though there could be and were more than one in many temples.

 

Cult rituals were actually a dialogue between the gods, and therefore the king (or a priestly substitute for the king) acted in the divine performance as a god.

 

Until the Middle Kingdom, the spheres of administration and cult were not separated, but in the 18th Dynasty, a special priesthood was established.

 

Rituals centered around offerings, but there were certainly numerous other rituals, including many daily functions such as washing and clothing the gods (or at least the statue of the gods). Other rituals took the form of celebrations when, for example, one god might be taken to visit the cult center of another, and it was during these festivals that common Egyptians probably came closest to their gods, for at other times they were prohibited from the sanctuaries that housed the cult statues.

 

At first the cult, and for that matter, the benefits of religion and the god's which it served was limited to the king for the most part, though many functions and rituals were performed by his substitutes (priests). Common Egyptians could mostly only hope that the King took his religious duties seriously, or otherwise they might expect to suffer famine or other disasters or for that matter, any chance of an afterlife. As time passed, religion became much more popularized, so that in latter Egyptian history, common Egyptians demanded their own means of worshipping and being accepted by their gods. More and more, common Egyptians built within their homes shrines for their personal worship, or at other times, small public shrines where they could worship and pray together. However, throughout Egyptian history, common Egyptians were limited as to the scope that they could participate in the state cult centers.

 

Mythology

A myth may be defined as a traditional, typically ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental type in the worldview of a people, as by explaining aspects of the natural world or delineating the psychology, customs, or ideals of society:

 

Unlike many modern religions, there was no single (or only a few) textual source that bound up the religious ideology of the ancient Egyptians. There was no bible as such, nor could there have been, because the beliefs sometimes varied from region to region, and the mythology evolved over time.

Texts are known since the third dynasty that make reference to the activities of the gods, usually within accounts of relations between nobles and the king. In fact, most of the known Egyptian myths concern the origins and nature of kingship as the central topic of interest. Narrative literature did not appear before the Middle Kingdom (to our knowledge), but myths certainly existed in oral tradition long before. Allusions to the deeds of gods are inserted in early ritual texts, such as the Pyramid Texts.

 

Because Egypt had many gods, they also had many myths. Some of them, such as those surrounding Re, the Sun God, particularly during the earlier periods, and later, such as the contention of Horus and Seth, became central to the Egyptian religion, perhaps mainly due to their relevance to Kingship. However, other myths involving, for example, Hathor as a healer, were very important to more common Egyptians, as were myths concerning Bes, a goddess of childbirth and the home. There were certainly other myths, sometimes at odds with others, that explained creation, dealt with the afterlife, and even the end of times.

 

System of Values

A value system (also see our articles on evils and ethics) was important to the ancient Egyptians in much the same way that it is today. In fact, many of the values of our modern society were present in the Egyptian system. What is perhaps different is the exact relevance that the ancient Egyptians gave to their value system. Certainly, the value system had both a secular and religious side. On the religious side, then, as in many religions today, one was judged upon death for his or her actions during life, and either condemned to be a member of the damned or the blessed.

 

However, a system of values was also important for social order, just as it is today, and then as well as now, a criminal system was also available to punish offenders during their lifetime for certain offenses.

Somewhat different was the matter of Ma'at, a personified concept of truth, balance and order. An individual could violate Ma'at by his actions, but so too could the nation as a whole. In this regard, the king was always responsible for maintaining Ma'at on behalf of the country, usually by maintaining and supporting the cult centers, fending off foreign powers and in general by maintaining the system of values, for example, removing corrupt officials. The ancient Egyptians believed that failure to maintain Ma'at, as a country, could result in divine intervention, when the Egyptian gods provided only low Nile floods, and thus famine, enemy incursions or even complete chaos within the country.

 

This notion of a national Ma'at is not lost to us today. Many people of religion continue to believe that a nation's fortunes are dictated by their adherence to both good deeds and a general belief in God. Biblically, there are more than a few examples of states finding the wrath of God due to a lack of values.

 

We know of the ancient Egyptian system of values from wisdom text, wall engravings, particularly autobiographies, and from various religious sources.

 

Kingship

The King represented Egypt before the gods, and it is he who is depicted most often worshipping them while standing, kneeling or even crawling. In making offerings to the gods, the King attempts to secure order, or Ma'at, which is compulsory for gods as well as kings.

 

The king was the single link between the divine and the profane, as well as the representative of the gods on Earth. Since the Second Intermediate period, the doctrine of the king as god attempts to explain how a living being can acquire divine status, a concept that was first formulated in the Coffin Texts, and possibly used earlier in the Pyramid Texts. It may have originated in the union of the dead king with Osiris, or that of the living king with Horus.

The first title of an Egyptian king was his Horus name, and there is a close connection of this deity and the king since at least the late Predynastic Period. This basic concept was maintained during all periods, although in various royal representations, the proportions of the king to the god were eventually changed in favor of the god, and therefore making the king of less importance.

 

The king's divine status has been explained by reference to his two natures. The king became an offspring of the Sun God, Re, in the 4th Dynasty, which is viewed as a loss in divine power. The dead king was seen as Osiris, while the living king was the son of Re. Note that during the 5th Dynasty, the king's built solar temples (to Re), but had Osirian subterranean structures beneath their pyramids, which show the close association of both Re and Osiris with kingship.

So important was the king to ancient Egyptian religion that he was theoretically required to be the head of all ceremonies and rites throughout the country at the same time. The practical answer to this was for the king to elevate members of the royal family, during the Old Kingdom, and nobles of his court later, so that they could represent him. This became the Egyptian priesthood, which eventually developed its own independence and titles during the New Kingdom.

 

It is not unreasonable that our concept of how the Egyptians worshiped their many gods might change extensively as we find more and more new information. Indeed, there have, over the years, been shifts in how Egyptology views the religion. One might consider the amount of material available on our modern religions, and how little we have on the Egyptian religion, to have an understanding of just how little we actually know about this complex and ancient belief system.

Egypt Pyramids

Egypt Pyramids

THE PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT

There are no more famous ancient sites within Egypt, or for that matter elsewhere in the world, than the Great Pyramids at Giza. They are, without question, the icon most associated with the Egypt. They have been both the main destination for tourists, and a source of imaginative thought to the world for over three thousand years.

However, there are actually over 100 pyramids in Egypt, many of which are relatively unknown to anyone who is not an ancient Egypt enthusiast. All but a very few are grouped around and near the City of Cairo, just south of the Nile Delta. Otherwise, only one royal pyramid is known in southern Egypt (at Abydos), that being the one built by Ahmose, founder of the 18th Dynasty and Egypt's New Kingdom.It may have also been the last royal pyramid built in Egypt.

Hence, major pyramids were not built throughout Egypt's ancient history. The Pyramid Age began with a burst of building, starting with the 3rd Dynasty reign of Djoser. Some of the early kings, most specifically Snefru, built more than one pyramid. Almost all of the kings added to their number through the end of the Middle Kingdom, with the possible exception of the First Intermediate Period between the Old and Middle Kingdoms. After the first Pharaoh of Egypt's New Kingdom, Ahmose, royal pyramid building by Egyptians ceased entirely. Somewhat abruptly the kings of the New Kingdom chose, rather than making their tombs completely obvious, to hide them in the hills of the West Bank of Thebes (modern Luxor).

However, smaller pyramids were constructed, for example in the Deir el-Medina necropolis, by private individuals. The Late Period Nubians who ruled Egypt also built relatively small pyramids with much steeper sides, though these were in fact constructed in Nubia itself. This tradition was carried on in Nubia after these southern rulers lost control of Egypt, and eventually, more pyramids were actually built in Nubia than Egypt, though on a much smaller scale.

Other pyramids in the world certainly exist, but their purpose, for the most part, was different than those of ancient Egypt. The most famous outside Egypt are probably those located in Mexico and to the south of Mexico, but these appear to have been built more as temples. In Egypt, all but a select few of the pyramids were built as tombs, sometimes to hold the physical body of a pharaoh (as well as other individuals), or to hold the soul of the deceased (as in the case of the small cult pyramids built next to the larger ones). Otherwise, the purpose of only a few small, regional stepped pyramids remains elusive.

While pyramids were, for the most part, tombs for the Pharaohs of Egypt, one must nevertheless question the reason that Egyptian rulers chose this particular shape, and for that matter, why they built them so large. Today, we believe that they chose the shape in order to mimic the Benben, a pyramid shaped stone found in the earliest of temples, which itself is thought to symbolize the primeval mound from which the Egyptians believed life emerged. This also connected the pyramid to Re, the Sun God, as it was he, according to some of the ancient Egypt mythology, who rose from the primeval mound to create life.

As far the great size of many of the pyramids in Egypt, we can really only surmise that the Pharaohs were making a statement about their own power and perhaps, about the glory and strength of their country. However, it should also be remembered that many of the latter pyramids were not nearly as large as the Great Pyramids at Giza (and elsewhere).

Pyramids evolved. The first of them was not a perfectly formed pyramid. In fact, the first Pyramid we believe that was built in Egypt, that of Djoser, was not a true pyramid at all with smooth sides and a point at the top. Rather, its sides were stepped, and the top of the pyramid truncated with a flat surface (as best we know). As the Egyptian pyramids evolved, there were failures as well glorious failures until finally, they got it right with what was probably the first smooth sided true pyramid built at Meidum. In fact, pyramids continued to evolve throughout their history, perhaps not always in outward appearances, but in the way that they were built and in the theology surrounding their construction. For example, towards the latter part of Egypt's Pyramid Age, Osirian beliefs seem to have had more and more impact on the arrangement and layout of the subterranean chambers.

However, soon after the first pyramids were built, their form became somewhat standardized. Royal pyramid complexes included the main pyramid, a courtyard surrounding the main pyramid, a much smaller cult pyramid for the king's soul, a mortuary temple situated next to the main pyramid, an enclosure wall and a causeway that led down to a valley temple. Some pyramid complexes included subsidiary, smaller pyramids for family members, and most were surrounded by some sort of tombs for family members.

Our thinking on pyramids has evolved considerably over the years. Many of us who are a bit older were taught that the pyramids were built using Jewish slave labor, which is a fabrication of immense proportions. Most of the pyramids were built long before the Jews made their appearance historically and currently, many if not most scholars believe they were not built using slave labor at all (or perhaps a nominal number of slaves).

Otherwise, we can also dismiss offhand alternative theories related to aliens or some lost culture being responsible for pyramid building. There is just far too much evidence, including tools, drawings, evolutionary changes, and even worker villages that rule these farfetched ideas obsolete.

However, some mysteries remain, even in some of the best well known Pyramids. The most famous of them all, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, continues, year after year, to give up a few more secrets, and there doubtless remains much to learn from these Egyptian treasures. There may even be one or more pyramids yet to be discovered.

THE MOSQUE OF ABU DAHAB

THE MOSQUE OF ABU DAHAB



This mosque is hard to be noticed since it is located next to one of the greatest and most influential mosques of Egypt, the Azhar Mosque. However, paying attention to its design, the Mosque of Abu El Dahab is a unique model of the Ottoman architecture. Moreover, the builder of the mosque has a rather exciting story.

The builder of the mosque is the Amir Mohamed Beh Abu El Dahab, one of the leaders of Egypt during the rule of the Ottoman Empire. He played an important role in the politics of Egypt, as he was just a Mamluk at the beginning of his life for the Amir Ali Beh Al Kabir. After many governmental promotions, Mohamed Abu El Dahab received the title of” Beh” in a ceremony that took place in the Citadel. The new Beh was so happy with his title that he distributed a huge quantity of gold among the poor people of the city of Cairo. This was why he was called Abu El Dahab, or the Father of gold.

VACATION IN EGYPT: IT HAS IT ALL!

VACATION IN EGYPT: IT HAS IT ALL!

Spending your vacation in Egypt is a great value for money and you have a chance to experience and see 7,000 years of history and civilization.

 

Taking a moment to realize that Egypt is more than 7,000 years old and was home to one of the best documented civilizations of the world is breathtaking on its own. Across the centuries and millennia there have been numerous cultures and peoples who have lived in Egypt and ruled it too. The result of that nowadays, are the leftover monuments and memoirs representing cultural diversity, human life and survival through it all.

 

Location

Egypt’s location, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea from its northern tip and the Red Sea from its eastern side, with the river Nile splitting it down the middle, gives Egypt a striking and strategic position. You can say it is in the center of the world and is the cradle of civilization. This location ensures Egypt’s wide selection and variety of beaches, resorts and cities by the river, making your vacation in Egypt an unforgettable one.

 

Vacation in Cairo

Beginning by telling you about Egypt’s capital and the biggest city in Africa only makes sense. The Greater Cairo area (including Giza) is home to 17 million people and attracts professionals, families and young vibrant students from all over the world looking to learn Arabic or immerse themselves in Egyptian culture. This multicultural metropolis, spread over on either side of the Nile (with Cairo being on the Eastern side, and Giza on the Western side), is home to Pharaonic, Islamic and Coptic monuments as well as statues and streets from the turn of the century and the Ottoman Empire. The Downtown and Zamalek districts are famous for their beautiful European style architecture, giving downtown Cairo the title of “Paris along the Nile”. Cairo is a vibrant city that never sleeps full of restaurants, cafes and food stands. Walking through the crowds of people, cars and microbuses and embracing the randomness of the city is one of the most interesting experiences some come to find. Outside of Cairo, people also enjoy taking a daytrip to Fayoum to see the oasis and the beautiful lakes along with waterfalls and natural scenery.