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Without the Nile River, all of Egypt would be desert.

Without the Nile River, all of Egypt would be desert. Only about an inch (2.5 centimeters) of rain falls throughout Egypt each year. But each summer, the river rises because of rains at its source far to the south in Ethiopia. Floods cover the river's valleys, leaving sediments needed for trees, plants, and crops to grow.

Egypt is often divided into two sections: Upper Egypt in the south and Lower Egypt in the north. The sections are named this way because the Nile flows from south to north. The river empties into the Mediterranean Sea.

Southern Egypt's landscape contains low mountains and desert. Northern Egypt has wide valleys near the Nile and desert to the east and west. North of Cairo, the capital, is the sprawling, triangular Nile River Delta. This fertile land is completely covered with farms.

Map created by National Geographic Maps

PEOPLE & CULTURE

About 90 percent of Egyptians are Muslim, which means they are followers of the Islamic religion. About 10 percent of Egyptians are Copts, one of the oldest branches of the Christian religion.

Egypt's population is growing rapidly. This puts strains on Egypt's resources, since most people live in a narrow strip of land along the Nile River. Having so many people in such a small area can cause overcrowding, from schools to apartment buildings to hospitals.

Children are highly valued in Egypt, especially in rural areas where they help on family farms. Children are also expected to look after their parents in their old age.

Egypt is home to a wide variety of animals and plants, including jackals, gazelles, crocodiles , and cobras. The best places to see Egypt's wildlife are in its more than 20 protected regions, which include oases, deserts, mountains, coastal areas, river islands, and wetlands.

Egyptians have always been close to the natural world. The ancient Egyptians left paintings and carvings of large animals like elephants, hippos , leopards , and cheetahs . These animals were once common in Egypt, but they are now rare or extinct because of hunting and habitat loss.

GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY

Egypt's geography, population, history, and military strength have made it highly influential in the region. Egypt is a democratic republic, although some critics claim that it is not truly democratic. Until 2005, there was never more than one presidential candidate to vote for.

Along with oil and gas exports, Egypt's tourism industry remains a key part of its economy. Visitors flock to the country to see ancient monuments like the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. And to learn about Ancient Egyptian rulers like King Tutankhamun .

The first people to live on the banks of the Nile were hunters and fishermen, who settled there over 8,000 years ago. They learned to grow crops and raise animals, and they began to build villages and towns. They traded with their neighbors and learned to sail boats. By 3000 B.C., a civilization was established.

Around 3100 B.C., the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt were unified under a powerful king, later called a pharaoh. These kings built huge pyramids, temples, and other monuments. They also conquered other lands.

By 1000 B.C., Egypt had split into smaller parts and the kingdom was in decline. Strong neighbors attacked and took over Egyptian territory. In 31 B.C., Egypt fell under Roman control. In A.D. 640, Muslim warriors took over Egypt and founded the modern capital, Cairo. They ruled for several centuries. In the 16th century, Egypt became part of the Ottoman Turkish Empire.

European powers played an increasing role in Egypt starting in the late 18th century. In 1882, the British invaded and occupied Egypt. The British wanted control of the Suez Canal, which linked the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and greatly shortened the sailing trip from Asia to Europe. Egypt gained full independence from Great Britain in 1952 and took control of the Suez Canal in 1956.

Egypt and other neighboring Arab countries fought a series of wars with the Jewish state of Israel into the 1970s. In 1979 Egypt and Israel signed a peace agreement.

In 2011, a popular uprising toppled Egypt's long-time president, Hosni Mubarek. The country has held several democratic elections since 2011, but the role of the military in government remains strong.

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At the tail end of a 3 week worldschooling trip across 4 countries, we landed in Cairo, Egypt. I had bucket list dreams of getting lost in busy markets, eating amazing food, and of course, seeing the famous pyramids and the Sphinx. We did all that and more, and now I’m back to share my itinerary and all my lessons learned for 3 days in Cairo with kids .

As a note, this post contains affiliate links. Opinions I share are real, from products and services I have used and recommend.

Is Cairo Good for Kids?

Egypt is an incredible location for kids! From the world’s longest river, the Nile River, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx to the incredible millennia of history, it’s impossible not to be awed by Egypt. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect with respect to safety in Egypt, and I leaned toward private transportation and guided tours. While I would have liked to experience more of local life in Cairo, I opted for convenience and letting someone else manage the logistics. I sometimes felt overwhelmed by the heat and the newness of the location, but I never felt unsafe.

One of the things I seek out when I’m taking a family trip is showing my boys different ways of living. I strongly believe that hate and division comes mostly from fearing what we don’t understand, and in my travels, I have constantly seen that people are good and helpful and that new doesn’t need to be scary. These are values our whole family embraces. If you haven’t spent much time in the Middle East and wonder if it’s safe to take kids there, I encourage you to consider it for a family vacation. It might prove to be one of the more transformative experiences you have together!

I want my kids to grow up knowing how to navigate new situations and keep their cool when they’re in unfamiliar places, so I welcome the opportunity to show them how big and incredible the world is. I think Cairo is good for kids for these and other reasons, and I’m glad we went!

Private VIP Airport Transfer in Cairo

Before we arrived, I booked a private VIP airport transfer from Cairo International Airport . In retrospect, I don’t think it was necessary, but I don’t regret booking it. Our guide met us inside the airport and helped us through customs and immigration. He handled our visa on arrival for $25 per person, but you can do this by applying for one ahead of time or getting it from the immigration official when you arrive. We did not check bags, but he would have helped with bag retrieval and transport as well. 

We booked a round trip service, with private transportation to our hotel. Our guide did not ride with us to the hotel but just helped us get to our van and driver and wished us well. 

There were parts of the process that actually seemed to take longer (on the departure side) with his help than it would have without it, but it was very useful on arrival when we were getting our bearings.

What to Do in Cairo with Kids

Normally I like to travel pretty slow, but on this trip, we were hitting 4 countries in 3 weeks ( Iceland , UK, Israel , and Egypt). We were feeling pretty tired by the Egypt portion, so I ended up cutting out some activities that I really would have loved to do and see. I worried that if I pushed the pace too hard, we would all regret it! If we had had more energy, I would have split up our 3 days in Cairo as such:

Day 1 – Pyramids

Day 2 – Tour of Cairo – markets, Egyptian museum, Nile River cruise

Day 3 – Day trip to Alexandria or into the desert for adventure activities

In reality, our itinerary was this:

Day 2 – Tour of Cairo (no cruise, no Egyptian museum)

Day 3 – hang out at the hotel pool all day

This just means I need to come back to Egypt! I heard from so many worldschooling families that missing the southern part of the country, with Abu Simbel and Luxor, was unforgivable, but we just didn’t have time to fit it all in! If you’re feeling the same, don’t worry – you can do and see a ton of fun activities in Cairo with kids even if you only have a few days. The memories and the learning (omg! The history!) will last a lifetime. Now, onto the itinerary for 3 days in Cairo with kids .

Day 1: Private Tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara

We were already adjusted to the time zone, so we wasted no time after arriving in Egypt. On our first day in Cairo, we booked a private tour of the Giza pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Great Step Pyramid.

We worked with Mohamed from Airbnb Experiences for a private tour. He picked us up from the Marriott Mena House at 8:30 am, and had a separate driver in an air-conditioned bus ready to drive us the short way to the Giza pyramid complex. I wasn’t sure if we’d be ready to go that early, but it was the best time to visit the pyramids because it wasn’t yet insanely hot. Mohamed handled the the entrance fee and tickets for us, and we quickly got right up to the Great Pyramid. 

Pre-kids, I never considered hiring a guide when I traveled, but I’m an enthusiastic convert. A guide can really bring alive the location, sharing history, context, and funny stories to keep everyone interested. They can also keep things moving and help you skip lines, which saves valuable time. In locations like Cairo, hiring a guide and driver is pretty inexpensive. The tour we took lasted more than half a day, and cost $50/person. For our group of 4, $200 + tip felt super reasonable for the value we received.

Is It Worth It To Go Into the Great Pyramid?

We chose not to pay extra to enter the burial chamber of the Great Pyramid. This is the only way you are allowed to touch the pyramids, but we saw plenty of people climbing on the lowest block of the pyramids. Our guide encouraged us to sit on it for pictures, so it seems they do not heavily enforce the “no touching” rule.

We had heard that the burial chamber is hot, small, and empty, so I worried how the kids would handle it and what would happen if they wanted to leave and we couldn’t. Ultimately, I’m glad we didn’t push this, because there was a ton to do and see and we didn’t need to squeeze any more into the day.

Camel Ride vs Carriage Ride around the Pyramids

As part of our tour experience, we were able to take either a camel ride or a horse drawn carriage around the back of the pyramids. We weren’t sure what to expect here, but it was an awesome view of not only the 3 big pyramids, but the 3 smaller pyramids made for the pharoah’s wives. It made for some of my favorite photos of the trip!

Adil and I had ridden camels in Dubai and didn’t love how slow they were, so in the heat of the Egyptian desert and with kids who were already fading, we opted for the carriage. It was tight! We had 1 adult and 1 kid in one carriage, and 2 adults and 1 kid in another. We were all squeezed in pretty tight, but it was a great way to get under the shade for a few minutes and not have to walk around. 

If you have your heart set on a camel ride, it might be worth it for you, but we don’t regret taking the carriage at all. If your kids are in a similar age group to mine (6 and 8 at the time), I recommend the carriage for sure!

Before exiting the Giza pyramid complex, we stopped by a viewpoint of the Sphinx. The kids were really struggling with the heat by midday, so we opted not to go close to the Sphinx and just see it from afar. We were ready to retreat to the van for a little bit!

As a side note, I had searched high and low for a way for us to view the pyramids in private either before or after hours. I never could find any advertised VIP options for entering the pyramids alone. I later found a women-only tour that gets early morning private access, and I suspect that if you worked with a luxury travel advisor, that they might be able to make this happen. For anyone planning on their own, however, it doesn’t seem possible.

Saqqara, the Step Pyramid

In nearby Memphis, Egypt, we visited the much less busy Saqqara temple complex. Saqqara is the oldest of the pyramids of Egypt, and it was fascinating to compare it with the Great Pyramid in Giza and see how the construction techniques evolved over time. Saqqara is called the step pyramid because it is constructed like a giant staircase. It wasn’t until later centuries that the ancient Egyptians perfected the technique of a more gradual angle with smaller stones.

Though we visited Saqqara in the middle of the day (I don’t necessarily recommend this as it was SUPER hot!), I still loved my time there. Walking through the colonnade entrance to the pyramid complex was a vibe, and we practically had the place to ourselves. 

PS there is a really interesting Netflix documentary about Saqqara that we watched in the days leading up to our trip to help the kids understand what they would be seeing. I recommend it!

Lunch and a Retreat to the Pool

After Saqqara, we had the option to keep going on to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, to see some antiquities, but we needed some food! The kids had absorbed as much history as they could take, so we decided to cut the tour off after lunch and return to the hotel. This is what I love most about booking a private tour – you can adjust the itinerary and the pace to suit your needs. It works beautifully for families with kids visiting Cairo.

For lunch, our guide took us to the Mallorca Tourist Village. As you can tell by the name, it caters to visitors and they put on quite a show. Diners are welcomed with music and served a huge variety of delicious food – you only choose your drinks and the food just appears. They offer non-alcoholic drinks like water, soda, and tea. The food consisted of table-top grills that came sizzling and overflowing with lamb kebabs, grilled vegetables like onions and peppers, and chicken. Side dishes included falafel, roasted eggplant, hummus, baba ganoush, pickled vegetables, potatoes in a tomato broth, rice, and freshly baked pita. 

Our guide Mohamed even got the band to come over and play a song to celebrate my son’s upcoming 9th birthday! It was insanely loud and very long, so we weren’t sorry when the song ended, but it was such a memorable moment and I doubt he’ll ever have another birthday song quite like it!

What I loved most about Mallorca Tourist Village was that they could accommodate our allergies. Everything on the table was nut- and egg-free, so my younger son could eat whatever he liked. One thing we found throughout Egypt was that they often put very thin chopped-up noodles in their rice, which made it unsafe for my husband with a gluten allergy to eat the rice at this lunch and in several other places. I had worried about nuts in the rice but definitely hadn’t worried that it wouldn’t be gluten free! Something to know if you are traveling to Egypt with food allergies.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing by the pool and enjoyed dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Private Tour of Cairo + Papyrus Shop

On our second day, my older son, our traveling teacher, and I went on a private tour of Cairo . My younger son wasn’t interested and I worried that after a day at the pyramids, he wouldn’t be able to stay interested and engaged and that we wouldn’t have an easy way to cut things short or adjust the tour. He and my husband stayed back at the hotel and had a quiet day playing games and enjoying the pool.

For our private tour of Cairo, I booked through Airbnb Experiences with Ragab . He picked us up from the hotel and had a separate driver able to take us throughout Cairo. I have a mixed review of our time with Ragab – he is an incredibly knowledgable guide and could speak thoughtfully about ancient Egyptian life and go in-depth on religion in particular. I learned a lot of things about Islam and Egypt and would absolutely recommend his tour for anyone interested in religion and history. 

Where he fell a little short was in recognizing the needs of a family and keeping the information at a digestible level for an 8 year old. My son was trying his best to follow along, but quickly got overwhelmed with thousands of years of history. He got hot and bored and a little angry, so I asked Ragab if we could adjust our tour and keep things more at his level. Ragab happily agreed, and the rest of the day went better. I do recommend Ragab for families in Cairo, but you may need to speak up and not rely on him to craft the kind of tour you need for your family.

Khan el-Khalili Souk and al-Mansour Qalawun Mosque

Our private tour of Cairo started with a walk through the Khan el Khalili Bazaar, where shops were just starting to open up. We went back later after everything was hopping, and it was interesting to see the difference as the local market really came to life. It was a riot of people, sounds, smells, and activity.

After wandering through the maze of the market alleys, we stopped and got a private tour of the al-Mansour Qalawun mosque, which was ornate and beautiful. Ragab was able to get us special access to a bell tower, where we could look out over all of Cairo. It was a really special moment that we definitely couldn’t have gotten without him as our guide.

Ancient Bath House

After I asked Ragab to skip the next mosque he had planned, he switched gears seamlessly and guided us first to a street side stand for fresh juice and snack (this really perked up my son…don’t skimp on the snacks on city tours!!) and then to an ancient bath house. I didn’t get the name, but this ended up being one of my favorite parts of the tour. 

We were alone in the bath house, which was carved from stone and set with marble. We saw ancient hot tubs carved into the rock, saw massage tables (flat stone tables), and wandered around this beautiful and completely overlooked piece of Egyptian history. It was nice to get inside and out of the heat, and the quiet moment was a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Cairo.

Papyrus Making Demonstration

The last stop on our private half-day tour of Cairo was a visit to one of the many papyrus stores in Cairo. We saw a demonstration of how papyrus is made by cutting reeds thinly, rolling them out flat, soaking them in water, weaving the strips of reeds together, and pressing them for 6 days until they are dry. 

Yes, they pressured us to buy some papyrus, but I wanted to buy some and enjoyed the visit very much. We bought a large depiction of the Egyptian final judgement myth and they gave us 2 smaller papyri, one for each kid, with their name spelled in hieroglyphs. If you want to make sure you don’t overpay, you may want to avoid a stop at one of the touristy shops, but on my one day visiting around Cairo, I felt that it was worth it to not spend time seeking out other options. 

It was a history lesson in the role that papyrus has played in human history; it was interesting, and it gave us a chance to bring home a souvenir we won’t find from anywhere else.

What to See in Cairo with Kids

If we had had more stamina, there were other options for us to during our private VIP tour of Cairo. Our guide suggested that we visit a perfume shop, where we could learn about perfume-making techniques and mix our own. We were ready to head back to our hotel by then, and I didn’t think it would be very interesting for my son, but had I been by myself, I would have loved that! Most Cairo tours will offer this as an option.

If we had wanted to spend more time around Cairo, our guide could have dropped us off at the Egyptian museum rather than return us to our hotel. The Egyptian museum is one of the best in the world, with ancient artifacts uncovered (or recovered) from ancient temples and tombs. If you’re looking for mummies, this is your spot. It is wonderful for younger kids, who may not always stay interested in museums (at least in my experience!)

Day 3: Day Trip from Cairo + Nile River Felucca Ride

If we had had more energy, I would have gotten out of Cairo for our last full day in Egypt and done one of the many amazing looking day trips I came across. I considered a private full day trip to Alexandria, a great place to see the sea, more history, and some ancient sites.

I also looked into a private full day tour of dune bashing, sand surfing, and a camel ride which looked amazing and would definitely keep the kids interested. This one allows children 2 and over. 

I also would have booked a felucca ride on the Nile River because how can you come to Egypt and not see the Nile? A felucca is a traditional wooden sailing boat. There are tons of felucca cruises from Cairo, many of which include a dinner and musical performance. I hesitated to book an evening dinner cruise because the timing would keep my kids up too late, but they also have lunch cruises that would work better for families.

Where to Stay in Cairo with Kids

When I was looking at hotels in Cairo, I had one main goal: see the pyramids from everywhere. That left me really only one option: The Marriott Mena House Cairo . The Mena House has a fascinating history, going from a royal hunting lodge in 1869 to a private house for wealthy English expats in 1883 to the first version of the Mena Hotel in 1886. It served as a hospital in World War I. Since then, as a luxury hotel it has hosted royalty, heads of state, and countless celebrities.

In its current incarnation under the Marriott brand, it serves as a four star hotel with unparalleled views of the pyramids and a spectacular breakfast buffet. What I loved about this hotel was, of course, the view. I also loved the grounds, which were beautifully maintained and had plenty of space to wander around. The aforementioned breakfast buffet provided endless choice, and is included for Marriott Platinum rewards members.

What I didn’t love as much was the size. Marriott Mena House Hotel is a large hotel, and it caters to American and Asian tourists on organized tours, so large buses of tourists were constantly coming and going. I prefer smaller hotels and more personalized service, and the Marriott doesn’t really compare to true 5 star properties in this regard.

Another thing I didn’t love was the room sizes. We tried endlessly to get a room that was properly large enough for 2 adults and 2 children to fit, but when we arrived, we walked into a room with 2 double beds. I am an unapologetic bed snob, and I usually sleep alone in a king bed. Sharing a double with another adult was not going to happen! We were able to get a second adjoining room so we had a bit more room to spread out, but with a worse view. 

Our first room was room 394, and it had a stunning view from the balcony. When we moved to adjoining rooms, we were put on the first floor, where we had a larger terrace, but where the view was much more obstructed.

The Mena House Hotel lacks much in the way of suites, and while room sizes were average with a small loveseat and a desk, they were not overly spacious.

My husband asked why we weren’t staying at one of the more luxury hotels in Cairo, like the St. Regis, the Ritz, or the Four Seasons. While I knew these properties would provide a better experience (and the newer St. Regis in the new part of Cairo is consistently a confusingly good deal ), I had this vision of waking up with the pyramids as the first thing I saw in the morning that I just couldn’t shake. Marriott Mena House is the best place to stay if that’s what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a true luxury hotel in Cairo and you don’t mind not seeing the pyramids, I would recommend one of these other options.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, or want to avoid the crowds, there is an Airbnb villa rental that caught my eye near the Saqqara pyramids.

What to Wear in Cairo with Kids

Egypt is a Middle Eastern country, which means that it adheres to more conservative dress than is custom in Western countries. I thought long and hard about what to wear to the pyramids and throughout Cairo – I wanted to be comfortable but also look good in pictures! I also wanted to respect the local customs and not disrespect the culture. 

For our day at the pyramids, I wore a white short-sleeved t-shirt from Athleta and this maxi skirt , paired with very comfortable tennis shoes from Paul Green . This let me get some air flow around my legs while staying covered, and the sneakers kept my feet comfortable but also covered from the sand and dust.

For our day touring around Cairo, I went with another dress, this one a knee-length v-neck dress with elbow-length sleeves that I picked up at Marshall’s (wish I could link it but I have linked similar ones below). I paired it with these Sam Edelman sandals , which are super comfortable and which look similar to the iconic Hermes slides but at 20% of the price. I wanted to keep my shoulders and arms at least partly covered, and I wanted my skirt to be on the longer side to maintain the modesty requirements of the mosques and other locations we were visiting. 

My kids wore their normal t-shirts and shorts and sneakers everywhere in Egypt and they were totally fine.

A hat was another crucial part of my wardrobe. We visited in September and it was super hot. I just threw in a hat at the last minute, and I’m so glad I did. It made a huge difference in the desert sun.

My general packing tips for Cairo are to avoid form-fitting or revealing clothing. Tank tops are not a great choice, nor are mini-skirts. Opt for lightweight or performance fabrics that will help keep you cool and wick sweat. Aim to have your shoulders and knees covered, and even so, expect to get looked at as you wander the streets of Cairo.

Here’s my full packing list for Cairo:

• Maxi skirt , perfect for travel because it doesn’t wrinkle – I brought this in 2 colors
• Here are other cute options
• Performance t-shirt because you will sweat!
• Comfortable sneakers that look good with a dress. Here’s another option from Sam Edelman , another brand I love
• Packable hat
• Anti-theft purse – this one had some bad reviews about the lining ripping but I shoved it full for 3 solid weeks and it held up beautifully
• Packing cubes – eBags are my go-tos
• Laundry soap bar so you can wash clothes in the hotel bathtub – this was one of the best things I discovered on our 3-week trip and I won’t travel without it now

Traveling in Egypt with Food Allergies

After our experience traveling in Israel with food allergies , I was nervous about Egypt, to say the least. Egypt proved to be even more challenging than Israel, due to the prevalence of nuts in their cuisine.

I also found that the level of English was not as high as in Israel, so I leaned on my Equal Eats translation cards a lot more. I was very happy to have printed off the Arabic cards and laminated them prior to our trip.

The Marriott Mena House has a stunning breakfast buffet daily. As any food allergy traveler knows, buffets can be terrifying. Though our server was more than happy to ask for a chef to walk me around the buffet and get my bearings on what was safe for my egg and nut/peanut allergy kid, we waited a very long time for someone to come help us.

The risk of cross contamination was high, with many dishes containing nuts or being garnished with them. However, we were able to find enough variety to keep him interested and full (though not without some tears about all the pastries he had to forego).

We did find that the Italian restaurant on property had pizza and pasta options that were safe, which was a joy! The pool restaurant also had several kid-friendly options that were safe.

When we were out in Cairo itself, we worked with a private tour guide for a tour of pyramids. He arranged a delicious lunch of grilled meats, vegetables, dips, and pita bread, all of which was safe and free from nuts and eggs. Of course, I still carried his epi pens and Benadryl with me and double checked everything with the wait staff. I did not breathe very easily when it came to staying safe with food allergies in Egypt, but we did make it through the entire trip with no reactions!

Lessons Learned Visiting Cairo with Kids

Our family had an amazing time visiting Cairo. The juxtaposition of modern Cairo and the ancient pyramids made for good conversations, so many learning opportunities, and it was overall a really impactful trip. I adored getting to share something as special as seeing the pyramids with the boys, and even though we bailed on our day trip from Cairo, we were still able to see and do a ton. I definitely recommend visiting Cairo with kids! Would you take the leap and plan a trip to Egypt with kids?

Want more Middle East content? Check out these other posts from our time in the region.

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It also has some great coastal areas , with amazing beaches and beautiful diving and snorkelling areas.

Along with the friendly people and close communities, it really is a very welcoming place to go and a country that has a lot to offer travelling families.

We lived in Egypt for 4 months and got to really immerse ourselves in the country and completely fell in love with it.

Due to the length of time we had there, we got to really explore the country in detail. Below is what we learnt in order to pass onto other families for a guide to visiting the country.

Is Egypt Safe for families?

Egypt has had some troubles over the last couple of decades which has dented the tourism industry. They’ve mainly been isolated incidents, but have been enough to put some people off.

But as a result of these incidents, the Egyptian authorities have put in numerous additional measures to keep the country secure and safe.

And they are now extremely protective of tourists (somewhat annoyingly at times!).

There are regular check points on main roads and high police presence in most tourist areas. There are even some areas where they do not allow tourists to enter. Not because they are dangerous, but just because they are being extra careful.

You’ll often get police escorts as well during some transits. Again, don’t be alarmed if this happens, it’s usually just for show and as a precaution to make tourists feel safe.

Aside from the authorities being ever present, the community is also a very peaceful one.

The crime rate is pretty low in Egypt and the people are mostly very kind and caring.

The most likely unpleasant thing you will encounter in Egypt is being ‘scammed’ or general ‘hassle’, mainly in the tourist spots.

People can sometimes be overly enthusiastic at times about getting you to take their taxi, boat, shop, tour or whatever they are selling.

But if it ever gets too much, a stern ‘la’ (no) or ‘halas’ (that’s enough!) will usually suffice to move them on.

As a white man, I rarely have too much trouble wherever I go (one of the many unfair privileges we tend to get), but it can be more challenging for other genders and ethnicities.

The hassle Nadia would get was certainly a lot more intense than what I experienced, especially if she was out alone.

It’s nothing you won’t have experienced in tourist places before if you’re a frequent traveller. So take the right precautions and take a deep breath and be firm but fair when it gets to ‘ that ‘ point.

Don’t be afraid to call on the other locals if it gets too much. The good people outweigh the bad, and most will help you if you require it.

Western families are a regular occurrence in Egypt and so we didn’t experience too much over-attention with our kids. We had the odd person asking to take a picture, but pretty rarely in comparison to other countries we’ve been to.

The scams (if you can call them that) are the sort where a person will offer something, maybe taking a photo for you, but then ask for money once done.

So it’s the usual tricky balance of not going in too close minded and defensive, but also keeping your wits about you!

But other than this, we would say Egypt is no less safe than any other country we’ve visited. And one of the more visitor welcoming ones in many ways.

Entering and Staying in Egypt with Kids

Egypt is one of the simpler countries to enter currently, with a straightforward visa process that can be done online.

But there are few various options for how to enter and then sty in the country depending on where you are heading and for how long.

To read some further detail on this, head to our Egypt Entrance and Visa page.

Egypt itinerary for a family with kids

Egypt is split into 2 main sections, with the Sinai Peninsula to the east of the Gulf of Suez and then the remainder of Egypt to the west.

The vast majority of the population and sites are clustered up and down the River Nile or over by the Red Sea Coast . And taking the time to explore the various areas is highly recommended.

Below is our suggested 3 week Egypt itinerary for families . It covers the Nile area and Red Sea area. Hitting what we think are the best cultural and natural sites that you can do in a limited time.

If you have slightly less time we also have some suggestions of what you could cut down on in brackets to make a 2 week family itinerary .

1. Hurghada – 2. Marsa Alam – 3. Aswan – 4. Luxor – 5. Faiyum – 6. Cairo

Hurghada – 3 (1) Nights

Hurghada is a good starting point for families for many reasons.

Due to it being a popular holiday destination, there are many flights in and out of Hurghada. So this can be a good place to arrive into the country if coming in internationally.

Whilst it doesn’t have any Ancient Egyptian sites nearby, it has countless beaches and areas to swim. Plus many other attractions for kids to enjoy.

If you want some more detail on Hurghada then head over to our Hurghda Guide with Kids post to see the details of the city and it’s attractions.

Marsa Alam 4 (2) Nights

South of Hurghada is Marsa Alam , another Red Sea area, but this one is much quieter and an up and coming area.

If you’re after some peace and tranquillity then there are some great areas to hit around here.

Tondoba Bay , was an absolute paradise for our eldest. Here you can do snorkelling and diving courses. With spotting sea turtles a regular occurrence here.

Aswan – 2 (2) Nights

At the southern tip of the Nile lies Aswan . A gorgeous city, which is a great stop off on any Egyptian itinerary.

It’s one of the best places to take a Felucca on the Nile, which is the common type of sail boat you will often see on the waters.

You can cruise around Elephantine Island , one of the Nubian areas in Aswan. Stop off at the Tombs of the Nobles , Aswan Botanical Gardens , Aga Khan Mausoleum and whatever else takes your fancy.

A little drive from Aswan is also the High Damn and the Philae temple.

The High Damn is a little bit of a tourist trap in our opinion, with not much there and a bit of a high entry price (for Egypt) at around 150-200 EGP per person. But if you’re interested in it then it can be worth a butchers.

The Philae Temple is a beautiful one, and it is situated out on a small island. Because of this yo will need to take a boat, which can be costly. But pay what you feel is reasonable and maybe join with other tourists if it lowers the cost.

A much bigger drive from Aswan is also Abu Simbel , one of the most popular Ancient Egyptian temples to visit in Egypt. It’s over a 3 hour drive from Aswan and is a popular day trip.

Luxor – 5 (3) Nights

You will be absolutely spoiled for Ancient Egyptian architecture in Luxor .

There is (deep breath) Valley of the Kings , Valley of the Queens , Luxor Temple , Karnak Temple Complex , Avenue of the Sphinx , Habu Temple , Colossi of Memnon and even more…

On top of all tat you can do a hot air balloon ride , which is an incredible experience and a great place to do one if you haven’t before.

With views of the desert and mountains one side, the fields of the west bank, the Nile river and the city of Luxor the other side.

Considering how much there is to do, it’s surprising how many people swing by Luxor on a day tour.

We would definitely say to stay a good few days and maybe even make it the biggest chunk of your trip. We’ve got a separate guide on Luxor if you want to know more.

Faiyum – 3 (3) Nights

Faiyum is an oasis just south of Cairo. Here you can head to some incredible sites.

Valley of the Whales is one of the more unique things we came across in Egypt. Where you can wonder around the desert and see prehistoric whale skeletons !

The other side of the oasis is also a petrified forest , along with some more prehistoric skeletons.

You can opt to do this area as a tour from Cairo, but we think that as there is so much on offer it’s more logistically comfortable to stay in Faiyum itself.

One of the usual stop off spots n the tours is Tunis Village . But this is a great place to actually stay so you can really explore this pottery village. And then from here, you can easily get jeep tours to the various sites without having to rush.

Cairo – 4 (3) Nights

Cairo has people on top of people on top of people. It’s a crazy and busy city and one that not all are a fan of. But we loved it and it has some great sites that you can visit.

And they don’t come much bigger than The Great Pyramids .

Although this is technically in Giza not Cairo. But it can easily be done from Cairo either on a tour, or just grabbing a taxi or Uber or even the microbus.

Some people opt to stay in Giza for some or all of their time, but other than the Pyramids there isn’t much other than overpriced tourist restaurants. And you will probably get more hassle in Giza than if you just stay in downtown Cairo.

Away from the Pyramids, there are other great attractions in Cairo.

The Citadel , a medieval Islamic fortification, is a great place to explore.

Here, you can visit numerous Mosques, the biggest being the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (not the boxer!). There’s also the National Military Museum . The outside being particularly fun for kids, with the opportunity to climb and sit on military vehicle replicas.

There are also amazing views of Cairo from there and on a clear day you can see right out to the pyramids.

The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is also a must. Even though exhibits are in the process of being moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, due to be opened soon, there are still lots here to explore and the prime exhibits such as the King-Tut area is still there currently.

Getting Around Egypt

Getting around Egypt is a fairly simple and you have a good few options for doing it as a family. Although it does require some patience and perseverance (as a lot of things do in Egypt).

There are numerous ways to get about with, Trains, Boats, Coaches, Cars and Tuk-Tuks all offering a good method for various situations.

If you want some further detail, you can head to our Getting Around Egypt with Kids post.

Eating in Egypt with Kids

Egyptian food is cheap, fresh and delicious. With lots of different cuisines to try it can be a taste bud treat for families in Egypt.

We’ve been used to having Arabic food in our family, with the Yemini influence at home. And we found lots of our favourites in Egypt whilst there.

Ful is a hearty breakfast meal packed with protein as a beans based meal. And Shakshouka is another delicious breakfast that we love, made of eggs in a tomato base.

You’ll find numerous types of Tagines meals to eat. And for a quick bite a Shawarma , an Egyptian style sandwich, always hits the spot.

For the budget travellers it is very cheap for food in Egypt. Providing you don’t head to the tourist restaurants all the time.

Street food is common. You’ll see falafel stands regularly and they are absolutely delicious. We pretty much lived off the falafel sandwiches, and we never get bored of them. Even after 4 months!

For self catering you might need to hit a few shops when doing your groceries. Such as a convenience store for the essentials, then the fruit and veg shop, then the spice shop, then the bakery etc. They often won’t have prices so be prepared to haggle!

You do get larger supermarkets in some places as well. But they are often more expensive, although they have the advantage of usually having the price on the items at least.

Accommodation in Egypt

Accommodation varies widely by area. The more touristic areas have the big hotels. But you can also find lovely apartments and smaller BnBs and hostels for much cheaper if you prefer.

The usual sites such as Booking.com and Airbnb will have a choice for pretty much any level of budget.

Camping can also be done in a lot of areas. Camping in the dessert or on the beach is a great way to spend one or two nights. There’s various types of camping within Egypt. With permanent camps set up around various areas but some guides and tours will also take you out and set up tents like a traditional camping set up.

Some camping is only allowed if you have the resident permit. But there are plenty that will accommodate the short term tourists as well. So just have a quick check before you try to sort one out.

Accomodation can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it, so decide your budget and go from there.

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What my 5-year-old daughter learned about the world – and what I learned about her – on a trip to Egypt

Egypt was the first country I travelled to. I remember driving through the chaotic streets of Cairo in the early 1990s, terrified by the seemingly limited road rules, and fascinated by the magic of it all. I was glad I chose Egypt as my first big adventure; it’s always held a special place in my heart.

Fast forward 20ish years, and I had the opportunity to return to Egypt, this time with a brand new travel companion. Bea enjoyed her first overseas adventure at the tender age of 18 months (a relatively easy holiday to Bali); Egypt would be the tenth country she’d visit. At five years of age, her curiosity and sense of the world was growing, so I knew Egypt would offer her a wonderful new perspective.

Our group at Abu Simbel.

I love travelling with my daughter. I love seeing the world through her eyes, and I appreciate her curiosity and reserved sense of adventure. Travelling as a solo mum doesn’t come without its challenges, but they’re far outweighed by the benefits.

We travelled on Intrepid’s 8-day Egypt Family Adventure with four other solo-parent families. This is what I learned about my daughter while we were there.

She’s more adventurous than I give her credit for

One of my favourite things about travelling with my daughter is exposing her to different types of food. Is she a picky eater at home? One hundred per cent. Do we battle every morning over breakfast? Absolutely. Who knew she suddenly can’t stand peanut butter on toast?? Not me! Like most kids, there are foods she adores, and will eat with great gusto, but something that was once a favourite can be easily relegated to the ‘yuck’ pile in one fell swoop.

But something switches in her when we travel. Suddenly she’s eager to try EVERYTHING – and she seems to love everything too.

EXPLORE OUR FULL RANGE OF FAMILY TRAVEL EXPERIENCES HERE

Lentil soup!

After a cruise around Aswan’s islands with our Nubian guide, we had dinner with a local family. We’re served lentil soup, and it’s delicious. All the kids in our group slurp it up and ask for seconds. Would my daughter eat lentil soup at home? Unlikely. But on a holiday like this, with other kids, look at her go.

RELATED: 10 AWESOME TRAVEL EXPERIENCES KIDS AND PARENTS WILL LOVE

After dinner, the kids left the table and went outside into the dusty courtyard, where a game of soccer is soon underway. The lighting is not the best but the enthusiasm is high. As I watch them play, I think, ‘This is what travel is all about. Local interaction that isn’t forced. Genuine connections.’ When it gets dark, some of the children venture indoors where singing starts and drums are handed around. It’s a night we won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Bea says: I liked eating the felafel in the restaurants. The lentil soup was yummy too. The sweets were a bit too sweet for me.

Playing cards on the train.

She has her own unique sense of independence

I love seeing how independent she is. Like most kids, she can be shy at first. But as soon as she gets some confidence, she turns into a different kid.

We had a night on a felucca and Walid, our local leader, was determined to teach the kids how to make a kite. Flying a kite is one of those simple childhood activities that most people have forgotten about. Walid spent a few days collecting materials, and then gathered the kids together and talked them through how to make a kite. This wasn’t like one of the Western ones, where you just take the kite out of the packet and insert a few rods; this was back-to-basic construction.

The kids looked up a tutorial on YouTube, and then worked together with Walid on how it would look, and how it would fly. They were so determined, and so engaged.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT INTREPID’S 8-DAY EGYPT FAMILY HOLIDAY HERE 

Deeply involved in kite construction.

When the sun set, they asked for our mobile phones so they could use the torch for some extra light. They each took it in turns constructing the kite, while someone else held the torch and gave instructions. It was such a team effort. This simple task became a highlight of the trip – Bea will never forget making kites on a felucca on the Nile!

Bea says: Walid was so good at games! He taught me how to play thumb wars, but he beat me every time. I wanted to hold his hand everywhere we went because he knew so much about everything.

Also, I was a bit scared and nervous travelling with other kids, because I didn’t know them. But then I got used to them and it was really fun, especially swimming in the pools. 

TRAVELLING AS A SOLO PARENT? WE’VE GOT A RANGE OF TRIPS JUST FOR YOU

Pools are always a big hit.

She’s curious about what it means to be a responsible traveller

Egypt has a huge issue with recycling. Walid explained that most of the local vendors think it’s convenient to give tourists a plastic bag when they buy a can of coke or a packet of chips. The kids in our group had been learning about the environment at school, so their questions and comments about recycling and waste management came from the heart. They wanted to understand why there aren’t options to recycle plastic, or compost fruit and vegetable scraps.

Bea says: At the start of the trip, we were given bags that we could keep and we still use them. Egypt don’t do very much about recycling so Walid taught us to say no to plastic bags when we went shopping. The people in the shops would just put our things into our bags and they’d smile at us.

RELATED: A CONVERSATION ON CONSERVATION – A FAMILY ADVENTURE IN BORNEO

She’s interested in everything

Walid and the kids at the pyramids.

Walid became so much more than a leader for our group. He became part of our family. He’s a parent himself – he has twin daughters the same age as Bea – so he knew how to explain things to the kids in a way they’d understand, like the history of the pyramids and the different pharaohs.

Because he’s got daughters of his own, he could understand Bea’s questions and curiosity. He knew how to read her too, like when she was getting grumpy, when she needed to talk about something, and when she’d had enough. On this 8-day trip, Walid was able to give her an education that far exceeded what she’d learn in a term at school.

He was also so encouraging. He’d persuade the kids to try new foods, to listen to the call to prayer, and to learn the local language. It always made me smile seeing the kids saying thank you in Arabic in a local restaurant; it’d bring a huge smile to the waiters’ faces too!

RELATED: WHAT TO EXPECT ON A FAMILY ADVENTURE IN COSTA RICA

Having fun with new friends!

Bea says: I liked visiting the pyramids, and seeing the big cat in the sand! We went inside the pyramids and it was really sandy and steep. I wasn’t scared though.

What I love about travelling with my daughter at this age is that she’s such a sponge. Her views aren’t clouded by difference; she just immerses herself in the culture without bias or forethought, and she soaks everything up. Travelling on a group trip like this, with a local leader and other families from different backgrounds, gives her an experience that I could never do on my own.

Interested in an Intrepid Family adventure? Explore our full range of trips here now . We’ve also got a great range of trips for solo parents and families with teenagers too!

All photos by Pat O’Neill. 

Feeling inspired?

Travelling the world I was always that passenger that muttered under my breath and prayed like mad that the family with the toddler walking down the aisle of the plane was not going to sit next to me. We’ve all been that person when you don’t have a little person of your own. I am now that person walking with my child to our seats as we jet off around the world to discover new things. While I miss the days of packing light and travelling on a whim, I relish the time spent with my new travelling companion and seeing the world through her eyes.

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12 Tips For Visiting Egypt With Kids: How To Plan An Awesome Family Vacation

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Families searching for the best tips for visiting Egypt with kids are in the right place! Egypt is an amazing country with a rich history and culture, from seeing ancient mummies in their tombs to some of the world’s most remarkable examples of architecture. But before you start packing your bags, there are a few things you should know before planning a family vacation to Egypt. I recently took a trip to Egypt with my kids and had a blast, though there are several things I think that other families should know before visiting. From tips to flying to Egypt with kids to advice on what to do and more, I’ve included some helpful advice for planning your trip. I’ve even included a sample 2-week Egypt family itinerary based on my trip, so keep reading to find out more!

Tips for Flying Internationally to Egypt with Kids

One of the most important things to know before traveling to Egypt with kids is what to expect when you fly. I booked our trip about 11 months beforehand and got a great deal on miles. Egypt Air is the only airline that has direct flights to Cairo and has a few quirks: it’s a “dry flight,” meaning there’s no alcohol on board, but you can bring on your own wine/spirits on the plane with you. 

It’s also not part of the TSA program , and even though you can check in online 24 hours before your flight, you need to pick up physical tickets at the check-in counter. Though the plane was dated, the beds were angled, flat, and comfortable. Plus, we enjoyed the food and service. 

RELATED : Best Hacks & Products For Sleeping On Long International Flights With Kids

Tips for Taking Domestic Flights in Egypt with Kids

Domestic airfare is super cheap in Egypt, and upgrading to business class costs very little relative to the US. It’s roughly an extra $50pp, and depending on the plane you get, the seats are quite large, and you get a small meal as well. This makes it really easy to see the country outside of Cairo in a fast and convenient way. However, keep in mind that domestic flight times change all the time. Don’t plan too much on a travel day , and make sure to check your flight times a few days beforehand (and sign up for updates) so that you can improvise if need be.

Before getting to your gate, there are 2-3 security checks , so I suggest leaving more time than you would anywhere else. You also almost always need to pick up physical tickets at the counter, even if you’re already checked in.

Click here to read   An Exciting Kenya Safari Itinerary For Families !

General Tips for Visiting Egypt with Kids

My family planned a two-week Egypt itinerary for kids , but there are some things I would have changed in retrospect. I also wanted to clear up a few concerns and misgivings that I had about our visit, in case you have the same concerns, as well as a list of tips as you start to plan your trip. Keep reading to learn more tips for visiting Egypt with kids!

See everything by booking a day trip from Cairo: Pyramids, Sakkara & Memphis Private Tour with Lunch using GetYourGuide!

Safety is Important

When it comes to traveling with kids, safety is always the number one priority . In my opinion, Egypt is pretty safe, especially outside of the bustle and chaotic traffic of Cairo. Most people are poor and hustle for tips and try to sell you souvenirs or rides, but we never felt unsafe. However, it’s always important to:

• Keep your kids close by at all times, especially in crowded areas like markets.
• Keep your belongings close to you as well, and don’t let your kids carry anything valuable on their own.
• Be aware of the local customs and culture before heading out into public areas with your family. Remember that you are visiting their home and country, be respectful and adhere to local cultural expectations as best you can. This means dressing appropriately, which I will cover next.

By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can help ensure everyone has a fun trip to Egypt!

Dress Appropriately

First, dress appropriately for the weather . Egypt can be pretty hot; light and breathable clothing is a must. Packing a few cover-ups for when you’re out and about is also a good idea, as the sun can be intense. Also, be prepared for lots of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must , and you may want to bring along a stroller or carrier for younger children.

Secondly, while I don’t think wearing short shorts and crop tops is smart, you don’t need to wear long skirts either. Most Egyptian women cover up, so I would avoid low-cut or short clothing, unless you want to be gawked at or possibly talked to inappropriately. Linen clothing can be an excellent option for respecting cultural modesty norms, as well as weather-appropriate fabrics.

Book Your Own Hotels to Avoid Price Gouging

Always book your hotel in advance . This will help you get the best rates and avoid last-minute surprises. And, unless your family is doing a group packaged tour, I would strongly recommend booking your own hotels online . I found that every tour operator that I contacted to put together a package for us lacked transparency on pricing, partly because they put a huge markup on hotel prices (as much as 50%). And when it comes to choosing accommodations, be sure to pick a place that’s family-friendly . Some hotels have great amenities for kids, like swimming pools and kid-friendly activities.

This article covers some excellent hotel options : An Amazing 2-Week Egypt Itinerary For Families: Best Things To See & Do With Kids .

Choose Local Guides for Your Private Tours

During my Egypt family vacation, I also learned that most tour guides (Egyptologists) work primarily for tips, as the tour operators pay them very little – and the same goes for private drivers. For that reason, I strongly urge you to find a local guide recommendation if you want a private tour . Remember that guides are not allowed inside most tombs and temples, so they give you the download before you go in.

Don’t Take a Guide on Your Cruise

One popular option for families visiting Egypt is to take a cruise between Aswan and Luxor. When booking this cruise through a tour company, they’ll usually include a private guide to accompany you. However, there’s no need to have your own guide on most high-end boats, as guides are provided . Basically, the boat knows how many of the passengers have private guides with them and provide the rest accordingly at no extra charge. Remember, you’re on a fixed schedule when you are cruising (unless you charter or take over a small boat with your group). So, I very much doubt families will get anything extra other than a layer of cost for taking a private guide along with them.

Book this Overnight Nile Cruise to Luxor with Meals through GetYourGuide!

Look Closely at Your Tickets

If you’re going on a tour, ask what tickets are being purchased . Most sites sell a basic ticket (for around $4pp), and then there are many add on to see various tombs, go inside certain temples or pyramids, or even take photos inside certain places. You can always pay for a supplemental ticket on your own if your tour doesn’t include it (unless you are on a group tour).

For more exciting destinations, check out these   Best Weekend Getaways From Dubai For Families !

Make Your Plans in Advanced

If you’re thinking of taking the family to Egypt, remember to plan ahead and make your reservations early . There’s plenty to see and do in Egypt with kids, so you’ll want to make sure you hit all the highlights. The sooner you can book your flights and hotels, the better your chance of getting the best deals.

Note, Cairo has a lot of tourist police, whose job it is to police the tour guides and make sure they pay taxes on all the sites they take you to see. For that reason, you should try to book Cairo and Giza-related sightseeing a few days in advance if you are going with a guide.

Bring Small Bills for Tipping

When traveling to Egypt with kids, be sure to bring a lot of small bills for miscellaneous tipping , for which I recommend taking out local currency . It’s always a good idea to have a little extra cash on hand when traveling with kids, and tipping in cash is often overlooked when traveling outside of the United States.

Whether it’s the hotel staff, tour guides, or restaurant servers, everyone appreciates a little extra tip, and it goes a long way in making your trip more enjoyable. Here are two places in Egypt you may not know you need to tip:

• Very few bathrooms have toilet paper; you are expected to “tip” about 10 Egyptian pounds to get any.
• Inside tombs, the security guides will offer to take a family photo or take photos from restricted angles for an extra tip (about $2-5).  

Pack a Lunchbox or Bring Snacks

Planning a trip to Egypt with kids in tow? Remember that packing a lunchbox or snacks is always a good idea, since there are few places to get food unless you are in the city proper. This is especially true if you drive from Aswan to Luxor and see temples along the way. Or, if you’re visiting the Valley of the Kings and Queens/Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. We found that many guides will rush you back to your hotel for lunch for this reason. 

Most restaurants outside of hotels don’t serve alcohol. In general, the food in Egypt is nothing to write home about, in my opinion. There are certainly some good places to eat, but nowhere that blew us away. Overall, we thought the food was just ok.

Learn Information Beforehand to Save Time at Each Site

When planning a trip to Egypt with your kids, you should keep a few things in mind to make the most of your time there. First, be sure to learn as much about the country and its history before you go . This will help you explain things to your kids as you go, and save time at the sites.

For example, families planning a day trip to Abu Simbel by plane will have about 90 minutes at the site, which is enough – but it’s tight. If you have a guide, ask him to give you as much upfront information as possible to save time to actually see the temples when you get there. 

Also, if you’re considering taking a trip to Egypt, I highly recommend giving your kids a little background by listening to Great Courses: The History of Ancient Egypt by Bob Brier .

A Sample Two-Week Itinerary for Visiting Egypt with Kids

Now that we’ve discussed the best tips for visiting Egypt with kids, I can give you a brief look at our 2-week Egypt itinerary for families. While you don’t have to take this exact route or stay as long, here’s a brief summary to give you some inspiration!

• Spend at least two days in the city of Cairo. From the Giza Necropolis , which has the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx, to riding camels and exploring museums, there are many things to see here. Plus, it’s a good place to start your trip, since most international flights land here. 
• From Cairo, families can fly to Aswan , a city in southern Egypt that is a trendy tourist destination because of its beautiful location on the Nile River. The Philae Temple (Temple of Isis) is one of Aswan’s most popular tourist attractions and a must-visit for families. As is The Nubian Village , a living museum providing a look into traditional Nubian culture. If you have extra time in Aswan, add a day trip to Abu Simbel.
• When traveling from Aswan to Luxor , many families decide to take a cruise to see the sights along the Nile. While my family didn’t choose this, we did drive the distance and stop at a few sights. If you choose to drive, check out Kom Ombo , which is 1 hour from Luxor. There’s also Edfu (Temple of Horace) and Esna . 
• A trip to Luxor is a must on any family vacation to Egypt. Luxor is the richest city in Egypt from an antiquities standpoint, home to some of the most iconic historical sites in the world. This includes the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens , and the Temple of Deir al-Bahri (Temple of Hatshepsut).  

Optional: Beach Vacation

• To end your Egypt family vacation, head to Sharm el-Sheikh , situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. This is a popular tourist destination for beach vacations and water sports, offering a more relaxed vibe than Cairo, Aswan, or Luxor. Families can take advantage of the many kid-friendly activities available, such as swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach. 

For more information on visiting Egypt with kids, check out our Amazing 2-Week Egypt Itinerary For Families!

Interactive Map of Egypt

Use this interactive map to find points of interest, hotels, and more to help plan an exciting family trip to Egypt with kids!

READ NEXT : 11 Best Airlines For Kids For International Family Travel – And What You Need To Know!

Happy Travels!

We hope you liked this list of the Best Tips For Visiting Egypt With Kids by our contributor Anna Massion! From the Great Pyramid to soaring over Luxor in a hot air balloon, you won’t be disappointed with your dream vacation to Egypt. Enjoy visiting Egypt with your kids, thanks to these tips! 

*Unless otherwise noted, all images within the article belong to and are courtesy of  Anna Massion . 

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are that of the attributed author, Anna Massion.

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Egypt welcomes you with its mighty Nile and magnificent monuments, the beguiling desert and lush delta, and with its long past and welcoming, story-loving people.

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Amun Temple Enclosure

Amun-Ra was the local god of Karnak (Luxor) and during the New Kingdom, when the princes of Thebes ruled Egypt, he became the preeminent state god, with a…

St Catherine's Monastery

This ancient monastery traces its founding to about AD 330, when Byzantine empress Helena had a small chapel and a fortified refuge for local hermits…

Temple of Horus

Southern Nile Valley

This Ptolemaic temple, built between 237 and 57 BC, is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. Preserved by desert sand, which filled the…

Temple of Seti I

Northern Nile Valley

The first structure you’ll see at Abydos is the Great Temple of Seti I, which, after a certain amount of restoration work, is one of the most complete,…

Great Temple of Ramses II

Carved out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile between 1274 and 1244 BC, this imposing main temple of the Abu Simbel complex was as much…

Temple of Isis

Built to honour the goddess Isis, this was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style. Construction began around 690 BC, and it was one of the…

White Desert National Park

Western Desert

Upon first glimpse of the 300-sq-km national park of the White Desert, you’ll feel like Alice through the looking-glass. About 20km northeast of Farafra,…

Valley of the Kings

The west bank of Luxor had been the site of royal burials since around 2100 BC, but it was the pharaohs of the New Kingdom period (1550–1069 BC) who chose…

Top picks from our travel experts

15 best experiences in egypt for history, adventure and culture.

Luxor Temple

Largely built by the New Kingdom pharaohs Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BC) and Ramses II (1279–1213 BC), this temple is a strikingly graceful monument in the…

Tomb of Seti I (KV 17)

One of the great achievements of Egyptian art, this cathedral-like tomb is the finest in the Valley of the Kings. Long closed to visitors, it is now…

Carved into a reef, 8km north of Dahab, is Egypt’s most infamous dive site. The Blue Hole is a gaping sinkhole that drops straight down – some say…

Sataya Reef

Horseshoe-shaped Sataya, 50km north of Berenice, is the main reef of the Fury Shoals, and has steep walls leading down to a sandy slope scattered with a…

Wadi Al Hittan

This Unesco World Heritage Site is home to the earliest prehistoric whale fossils ever discovered. The more than 400 basilosaurus and dorodontus (both…

Karnak is an extraordinary complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the Theban triad but also to the greater glory of pharaohs…

Khan Al Khalili

The skinny lanes of Khan Al Khalili are basically a medieval-style mall. This agglomeration of shops – many arranged around small courtyards – stocks…

Bab Zuweila

Built in the 11th century, beautiful Bab Zuweila was an execution site during Mamluk times, and today is the only remaining southern gate of the medieval…

Pyramids of Giza

The last remaining wonder of the ancient world; for nearly 4000 years, the extraordinary shape, impeccable geometry and sheer bulk of the Giza Pyramids…

Although only the burial chamber is decorated, this tomb, tucked away in the West Valley, is noted for its scenes of Ay hunting hippopotamus and fishing…

Tomb of Ramses III (KV 11)

One of the most popular tombs in the valley, KV 11 is also one of the most interesting and best preserved. Originally started by Sethnakht (1186–1184 BC),…

Valley of the Queens

At the southern end of the Theban hillside, the Valley of the Queens contains at least 75 tombs that belonged to queens of the 19th and 20th dynasties as…

Tomb of Nefertari

Nefertari's tomb is hailed as one of the finest in the Theban necropolis – and all of Egypt for that matter. Nefertari was one of five wives of Ramses II,…

Luxor Museum

This wonderful museum has a well-chosen and brilliantly displayed and explained collection of antiquities dating from the end of the Old Kingdom right…

Wadi Rayyan Protected Area

The 'waterfalls' in the Wadi Rayyan Protected Area are a major attraction for weekend picnickers from Cairo. The waterfalls, where one lake drains into…

Cleopatra’s Spring

Following the track that leads to the Temple of the Oracle and continuing past the Temple of Umm Ubayd will lead you to Siwa’s most famous spring. The…

Medinat Habu

Ramses III’s magnificent memorial temple of Medinat Habu, fronted by sleepy Kom Lolah village and backed by the Theban mountains, is one of the west bank…

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Transport in Egypt is fairly efficient and reasonably priced. Here are the best ways to get around Egypt, from overnight trains to cruise boats on the Nile.

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21 tips for families visiting Egypt

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If you’re considering visiting Egypt with your family it’s important to go with your eyes open. It is full of magical places. But it is not Disneyland.

Ancient Egypt was an advanced civilisation whose mind-blowing achievements are still being discovered and analysed around the world. This is the Egypt people dream about going to see.

However, modern Egypt faces many challenges. Over population, poverty, climate change and youth unemployment all factor high on its national risk register.

It’s also a Muslim country with different cultural norms to those of the European and US tourists who have made up the bulk of visitors in recent years.

*This post contains affiliate links*

Contents - jump to what you'd like to know

Our experience of visiting Egypt

We visited Egypt in April 2023. Our trip was booked through a travel agent and included a full-time professional guide, our accommodation bookings, all our travel by road using a private mini bus, and a journey on the Egypt sleeper train.

Everything was planned for us so we are not experts in self-guided Egypt itineraries, but our experiences are relevant to families who want to try a DIY trip or a package.

Before booking our 10 day Egypt itinerary we did some research online and spoke to other families who’d visited.

We knew that tourists can be harassed at the ancient sites. We knew that women in-particular can be subject to unwanted attention. And we knew that we would be asked for tips for anything and everything.

But we still wanted to visit Egypt.

In the end I think we went over-prepared for all of the potential downsides and came away pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t as bad as we imagined.

I suspect that managing our expectations helped and I’d encourage other families visiting Egypt to do the same to avoid any disappointment.

In this post I’m sharing some of the things we learnt about visiting Egypt. It includes:

• Is Egypt safe to visit?
• Do you need a visa to travel to Egypt?
• Flights to Egypt
• The best time to visit Egypt
• Things to know about visiting Egypt during Ramadan
• Currency and tipping in Egypt
• Handling souqs and street hawkers
• What to wear in Egypt
• Journey times between ancient sites
• Family accommodation
• Security in Egypt
• What to expect on Egypt’s roads
• What not to do in Egypt
• Where to visit in Egypt with kids
• What to pack for travelling to Egypt

Things to know before travelling to Egypt

Here’s some information to help you manage your expectations before visiting Egypt. Some of it is very factual, while other parts are based on our personal experience.

1. Is Egypt safe to visit?

This was the question I was asked most on  Facebook  and  Instagram  before, during and after our trip.

It’s a fair ask.

Egypt ranks in the top 20 countries in the world affected by terrorism. And the UK government advises  against travelling to some areas within the country.

In general there is a heightened risk of terrorism in Egypt with 30 recorded incidents in 2022. You can see how this compares with other countries in the Global Terrorism Index .

The conflict in Sudan to the south might also make people think twice about how safe it is to visit Egypt.

North East Africa is a region with significant political unrest. The Foreign Commonwealth Office is constantly updating its travel advice.

Feeling safe in Egypt

Feeling safe is a very subjective thing. Our personal experience was that we felt very safe.

We had our own guide with us the whole time and we didn’t touch on any of the places the UK government advises not to go. We also knew our travel agent would react to the latest travel guidance.

If you do have safety concerns then we can recommend booking your tour through a travel agent so that you have your own guide and every part of your trip is arranged in advance.

We used and had a great experience with Families Worldwide, a UK-based tour company. Stubborn Mule and Intrepid Travel also offer Egypt tours for families.

Just like you should every time you go on holiday, make sure you have a good  travel insurance policy * that adequately covers the country you are visiting and all of the activities you may do.

2. Do you need a visa to travel to Egypt?

Yes. Each person visiting Egypt must have a tourist visa unless you are only staying in the Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba resorts and are there for no more than 15 days.

Visas to travel everywhere else in Egypt cost $25 per person and can be bought online on the Egyptian Government’s  official visa website . Ours took 24 hours to come through.

The website is a little clunky, so be patient.

You can also buy visas at the airport before you go through immigration. I prefer to get this kind of detail sorted well before we land.

3. Flights to Egypt

We booked our own flights to Egypt using Skyscanner to check the best routes and prices. There are plenty of direct flights to Cairo International Airport from the UK.

If you want to skip Cairo and hop on to Luxor, Aswan or the Red Sea you’ll need to get a connection. Egypt Air is the main airline for internal flights.

We found their website to be a bit ropey and their customer service was really poor when we wanted to make a change to our flights.

The flight itself – an internal trip from Hurghada to Cairo – was much more pleasant than the pre-travel admin.

If you book your travel itinerary through a tour operator they can organise all your flights as part of your package. We had to book our own as we were travelling from outside the UK.

4. Getting around Egypt

Our transport was included as part of our tour but if you are arranging your own itinerary it’s a good idea to get your tickets or drivers booked in advance.

Backpacking families have got this licked whichever country they are visiting. If you’re wondering how they do it without local contacts, websites like Bookaway are the key.

It helps you easily find options to get around – buses, trains, flights or taxis – from A to B for your family group and budget.

Check out the transport options for routes around Egypt *.

5. The best time to visit Egypt

We visited Egypt at the beginning of April during our children’s Easter school holidays.

The temperature in Cairo, on the Mediterranean coast in Alexandria and on the Red Sea was below 30°C in the middle of the day, so sightseeing was possible, although we had lots of water with us and sought out shade when we could.

When we travelled south to Luxor and Aswan the daytime temperature peaked at 35°C, which was less comfortable. We still managed to spend a few hours exploring the ancient sites but the AC of our private mini bus was a very welcome relief.

Between May and September the tourism season in Egypt winds down due to the heat. Temperatures rise above 40°C, which can make sightseeing difficult, particularly with children.

By October Egypt’s average temperature has slipped back down to 30°C and in December through to February the thermometer lingers at around 20°C making exploring much easier.

So if you want to avoid the worst of the North African heat December and February half term are the best times to visit Egypt for sightseeing.

October and April are the optimum times if you want to combine seeing the ancient wonders with a beach holiday at a Red Sea resort.

As Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, you should also be aware of the timing of Ramadan.

6. Visiting Egypt during Ramadan 

We visited Egypt during the Muslim celebration of Ramadan. We live in Oman so we knew some of what to expect but found Egypt to be much more liberal in how the rules were applied for tourists.

This is why I wanted to share a few tips based on our experience of travelling to Egypt during Ramadan. Each Muslim country has a slightly different approach, particularly if tourism plays an important role in its economy.

Our guide told us that in Egypt they wanted to encourage tourists to continue visiting during Ramadan, so allowances were made for them.

In some countries, tourism is not so well developed and non-Muslims must observe the customs of Ramadan in all public spaces. Here’s what we’ve experienced in Oman during Ramadan .

So, if you visit Egypt during Ramadan, what do you need to know so you can respectfully observe its region and culture?

Here’s what we learnt:

Eating and drinking during Ramadan in Egypt

Eighty percent of cafes and restaurants in Egypt are closed during daylight hours in Ramadan.

The ones that are open are there for tourists, not locals, so we found them to be either very quiet or only serving coach tours.

All the cafes at the ancient sites, where you can buy drinks and snacks, were open.

Our guide found us restaurants where we could have a meal at lunchtime. He always called ahead to check they were open. Some opened just for us.

If you were organising your own tour during Ramadan finding places to eat during the day could be difficult.

There was a definite difference in quality between the places we ate during the day and the places our guide was able to take us to in the evenings. Every experienced traveller knows the best food is served at the places where locals eat. But during Ramadan these places are closed during the day.

Hotels continue to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. They and any guides you employ during your trip may also be able to recommend places to eat. Speak to them beforehand to see what’s possible.

Very few restaurants and bars, apart from the ones in hotels, will serve alcohol at all during Ramadan.

Can you eat and drink around your guide?

If you have an Egyptian guide it is very likely they and your driver will be fasting. 

Ours was happy for us to eat and drink on our mini bus and while out and about with him. This was a relief as it helped us to keep on top of the kids’ daily snack quota.

Having said this, I don’t know if every guide would be comfortable with this.

If you intend to use multiple guides and drivers I’d recommend broaching the subject of eating and drinking when you first speak to them. Are they happy for you to do this around them or would they prefer you to hold off sipping water or nibbling on a snack until a certain point in your tour?

This is a polite and will be appreciated. I suspect most professional guides won’t mind at all.

What to wear during Ramadan

In general, it is respectful to cover your shoulders and knees while in Egypt. During Ramadan I’d go further and wear long sleeved tops and trousers when anywhere other than the tourist sites.

If you are visiting a mosque woman should also cover their heads with a scarf.

You don’t need to be so conservative when at your hotel where western standards of clothing are acceptable at all times.

I talk more about what to wear in Egypt further down this post.

Check when Ramadan falls this year.

More handy things to know before visiting Egypt

7. currency in egypt.

Cash is king in Egypt. And with less than 3p per Egyptian Pound (EGP) you will need a wedge of it.

We picked up our currency at Cairo Airport, and at cash machines inside and outside our hotels. It was easy to get our hands on the larger notes this way but it’s useful to have one, five and 10 EGP notes for tipping, and for the toilets at the historic sites and road side loo breaks. 

You’ll have to make a purchase to get hold of these or ask if your hotel reception can swap big notes for small ones.

A lot of places, partiality souq traders, will also accept US dollars and Euros. 

The average monthly wage in Cairo is $100 (around £80). So elsewhere in Egypt you can expect people to have even less money in their pockets.

Tipping is not just a nice thing to do for good service, it is an essential part of the Egyptian economy.

Everyone from toilet attendants to the guys selling camel rides and the guards at historic sites who offer to take photos expect a tip.

The only place we saw signs saying you definitely should not tip was at the airport.

The good news for your travel budget is that no one expects much. You just need to have lots of small change on you.

We budgeted £50 for tips over our 10 days in Egypt and gave this to our full-time guide to distribute on our behalf.

He tipped our drivers, staff at restaurants and at hotels. He also slipped tips to cleaning staff at the historic sites. We left it to his discretion to distribute the money in the best way.

At the end of our tour we also tipped our guide. Our travel agent suggested between £2 and £5 per person per day. We went for the top end of this after seeing how hard he worked.

At the historic sites the standard charge to use the public toilets seemed to be 5 EGP per person. Some places didn’t charge for children while others did. 

The most we paid to use road side toilets as 10EGP per person.

If you go to a restaurant or cafe with a toilet attendant you will be expected to tip 1 to 2 EGP for each person, even if you bring your own toilet roll and you’ve bought food. 

You’re less likely to find a toilet attendant in smaller restaurants, but if you pop in off the street to use the toilet expect to be charged.

On the way to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor my youngest daughter was desperate for a wee to we stopped at a cafe. The owner tried to charge us 10EGP each. I only had 5EGP on me so he had to settle for that. We’d already been at that point so there wasn’t much he could do.

10. Souqs and street hawkers 

We’re no strangers to souqs as we live in the Middle East. However, we found the sales tactics in Egypt a bit more forward than in Oman where we live.

Street hawkers

You’ll be approached by people selling things and services outside the historic sites and on the streets if you are out at night.

The adults and children trying to get you to take horse and carriage rides or buy cheap souvenirs are persistent. We found ourselves saying ‘la shukran’ (‘no thank you’ in Arabic) a lot.

Having said that they were not rude and took rejection well when they finally gave up, simply walking away.

The only rude and aggressive people we saw in Egypt were other tourists. 

A word of warning about souqs

The one negative experience we had was at Luxor souq. By day seven into our trip we had a bit of downtime and decided to do some souvenir shopping.

Our eyes had been caught by the loose harem pants we’d seen on lots of markets at the historic sights, so we wanted to get a few pairs. 

We haggled a reasonable price and were then persuaded to buy an expensive trinket that we really didn’t want. At this point we could see things were going to spiral out of our control if we didn’t leave.

So, the souq isn’t somewhere I recommend browsing with kids.

The traders are very keen for you to visit their friends’ shops and once inside it is harder to stop them pressing small gifts into children’s hands.

If you do go, have a mission and stick to it otherwise you could come away with all kinds of things you don’t want or need. We made a quick exit after buying our off mission souvenir, which is a shame as I’d liked to have looked around some more.

As I mentioned earlier, a lot of people have asked me if we felt safe in Egypt and we absolutely did. But did we feel harassed?

This was the only time we felt really hassled in Egypt. It was our one evening out without our guide so I suspect that might have shielded us from over-zealous sales pitches elsewhere.

11. Stomach upsets

Whenever we visit a country where there’s a chance of picking up a funny tummy I usually do. It may not be a bug or dodgy food as such, but I often find my stomach is unsettled when we are travelling.

I had a rumbling during our Egypt trip but it was mild and only lasted half a day after I popped a precautionary Imodium.

Pack a packet of whatever you usually use to help settle your stomach in case one end or the other reacts to different food and water. Rehydration sachets are also handy to have in your travel first aid kit.

12. Drinking water

Bottled water is much safer to drink than tap water. Some people go as far as avoiding salads and fruit that has not been peeled, but we ate small quantities of both at our hotels.

We used tap water to brush our teeth in our hotels but avoided it altogether during our train ride from Cairo to Aswan. Even our Egyptian guide used bottled water to clean his teeth.

13. What to wear when visiting Egypt

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country where conservative dress is expected in most circumstances.

Essentially, planning your holiday wardrobe is very similar to other north African countries. Planning a trip to Marrakesh or Casablanca? Here’s what to wear in Morocco .

Here’s what I’d recommend you wear for different activities and in different places in Egypt:

Sightseeing

As I mentioned higher up, covering shoulders and knees is expected when out in public in Egypt.

Cropped trousers, t-shirts and shirts made from cotton with robust sandals or trainers are the ideal clothes for exploring in Egypt. Don’t forget your hat and sun glasses too.

What not to wear

We saw lots of people in strappy tops and bum skimming shorts at the ancient monuments, even during Ramadan.

These skimpy outfits made me cringe at these people’s lack of cultural awareness.

Females who show their legs and shoulders in public places will draw negative attention. Unfortunately it’s a fact of life for Egyptian women. So unless you want a negative experience think a bit about your outfit.

Truth bomb: I’d also not recommend not wearing floaty dresses for sightseeing.

A lot of people do as they look dreamy in photos.

But you will get sweaty legs.

I saw one poor lady at Hatshepsut’s temple who had gathered up her long skirt and pulled it back up through her legs and into her neck line to stop her legs chaffing.

It’s also difficult to climb inside a pyramid or down into a tomb in the Valley of the Kings if you are tripping over your skirt.

What to wear in mosques and churches

We didn’t go to any religious buildings during our trip. But we know from visiting other Muslim and devoutly Christian countries that shoulders and knees should be covered in mosques and churches.

Woman should also bring a scarf to cover their hair.

What should children wear in Egypt?

Children under the age of puberty can pretty much wear what they like. Just make sure it’s practical.

We packed short sleeved t-shirts and long cotton trousers to keep our girls comfortable in the heat.

Hats and sun glasses are also a must.

At your hotel

You can wear what you like in your hotel. Your normal swimwear is fine by the pool. Just check the dress code for hotel restaurants.

At our final hotel on the Red Sea bikinis, thongs and speedos were standard lounging attire at the beach, but tops/shirts were required in the buffet and restaurants.

If you’d like a more detailed list of clothes to wear in Egypt take a look at my suggested packing list at the bottom of this post.

14. Journey times between Egypt’s ancient sites

If you want to see a good proportion of Egypt’s ancient wonders in one trip you will be doing a lot of travel.

For this reason I’m glad we did this trip when the girls were aged 10 and nearly eight. It was tiring.

They spent a lot of time in our mini bus napping or on their tablets as the scenery – often very bland – rolled by

I brought a bag full of cereal bars, nuts and sweets with us and we topped this up during the trip.

Our longest travel day – aside from our 16 hour journey home – was a nine hour round trip to Abu Simbel. Seven hours of this was on the road.

There were also some very early mornings and late nights that younger children may find difficult. Our girls were pushed to their limits.

When we first looked at Egypt as a possible destination we knew we needed to add some downtime to the end of our trip for everyone’s sanity. We did seven straight days sightseeing and two full days at the end relaxing.

On reflection, if we’d had more time, I’d have added an extra day off in the middle.

15. Hotel star ratings in Egypt

Egypt has a lot of five star hotels, but they don’t necessarily match the standards of five star hotels in the UK and Europe.

We stayed in three five star hotels and one four star hotel during our 10 day trip. Two of the five star hotels were quite tired. Fixtures and fittings were worn, particularly in the bathrooms.

One of them didn’t provide a kettle in our rooms and had a something weird going on in the bathroom.

We also saw a lot of old Covid-19 signage and empty hand sanitiser dispensers at some of our hotels. Neither staff or guests were adhering to the instructions, so they were just out of date and needed to be removed.

The rooms in our four star hotel in Hurghada, which was aimed at a European market, were much better. But they didn’t have much character.

I’ve summarised the rooms, facilities and service at the places we stayed in my Egypt itinerary post.

Something else to bear in mind is that Egypt’s city hotels rarely do family rooms. You might find family suites at some of the Red Sea resorts.

We had interconnecting rooms at three out of the four hotels we stayed at and onboard the sleeper train between Cairo and Aswan .

This isn’t a problem for us – we quite liked having more space while still being able to keep an eye on the kids – but families with younger children might want to stay in a single room.

16. Security

There’s no getting away from the fact security is tight in Egypt.

You will travel through countless police check points where armed officers ask drivers who they have in their vehicle. ‘Four anglaise’ was always our drivers’ reply and away we went. Only one police officer asked for the mini bus door to be slid open so he could eyeball us.

There are armed guards at all tourist sites and each of our hotels had security people at the front gate and bag scanners in the lobby.

We found this all reassuring rather than worrying. It’s what you’d expect in a country where tourists have been targeted by terrorists.

17. Traffic and roads 

The roads in Cairo are a tangle of horn happy drivers, weaving motorcycles, tuk tuks, vans overloaded with people or goods, horses and carts, and pedestrians dashing across eight lane highways. It’s quite a show! 

The traffic is similar in Alexandria but much slower paced in Luxor and particularly Aswan.

The quality of rural roads in Southern Egypt is particularly bad.

After the Arab Spring in 2011 many villagers installed speed bumps and check points so they could control who came to their area. The bumps are still in place and make the rural roads uncomfortable to travel.

You’ll also see donkey drawn carts, tuk tuks and even vans loaded with camels outside the cities.

Our Egypt travel tips – dos and don’ts

Here’s some things to do and not to do to make the most of your family holiday in Egypt:

18. What not to do when visiting Egypt

Before I share our favourite experiences and the places we recommend seeing in Egypt I’m going to suggest some things not to do.

Don’t pick up a guide on the fly

Getting everything agreed in advance means you can make sure you are happy with your guide’s credentials and the price you are going to be charged. We found this much less stressful. I’ve read plenty of stories online by people who felt they got conned by guides they’d employed last minute.

We arranged our guide through our travel agent. He studied Egyptology at the University of Cairo and was with us for the whole 10 days we were in Egypt. We weren’t taken on any unexpected ‘factory tours’, taken to places we didn’t feel safe or asked for extra money at the end.

And because we booked through a travel agent specialising in family holidays our guide was great with our kids. He entertained them interesting stories, found us shady spots where he could tell us about the temples and read the room when the kids had had enough.

Don’t bother bringing a proper camera

All of the ancient sites we visited charged extra if you wanted to use a proper camera.

If a guard sees you using a camera they will ask to see your ticket for it (or for a tip to allow you to use it under the radar).

For this reason, I decided to leave my DSLR at home. It wasn’t worth the faff.

All the photos and videos from our holiday in Egypt were taken on our iPhones.

Smartphone cameras can be used everywhere for free. The only tourist place photos couldn’t be taken was inside the Tutankhamun exhibition in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Don’t bring a drone

It’s illegal to fly a drone in Egypt, so if you have one leave it at home.

Don’t take photos at check points

Taking photos of check points, security guards, police or official government buildings is a no-no. We were even instructed not to take pictures at Aswan Higher Dam for security reasons.

Avoid the sleeper train

This is a tip specifically for clean freaks. If you can’t bear the thought of travelling on a less than spotless and comfortable mode of transport then the sleeper train is not for you.

Personally, I’m glad we did it but I wouldn’t travel by train in Egypt again. I’d fly or book a cruise (without the kids).

Read about our experience on the Cairo to Aswan sleeper train to decide for yourself.

Don’t touch cats and dogs

There were lots of cats and dogs at the ancient temple sites we visited in Egypt. We found this a bit surprising as where we live in Oman they would have been chased away or worse.

In Egypt stray animals are part of the street furniture. Locals feed them and leave them to their own devices. We even saw puppies playing outside the Sphinx complex.

Your kids may be tempted to pet animals but they are still wild and won’t have been vaccinated or treated for parasites. So remind animal-loving little people not to touch them, however tame they might appear.

Don’t climb on ancient structures

It’s obvious really, but you are going to get in trouble with the security guards if you start climbing all over the centuries old structures.

Don’t accept offers to see inside roped off rooms

Staff at some ancient sites will invite you into roped off areas and over barriers for a tip.

Our guide warned us about this at Hatshepshut’s temple. Sure enough, when we reached the top tier we were asked if we’d like to go around a barrier. We also saw it happening in the tombs at the Valley of the Kings.

It’s against the law for staff to let you into restricted areas, so don’t feed this illegal activity.

Don’t accept help unless you are happy to tip

If a temple guide offers to take your photo, if someone asks to carry your bag or if someone says they can show you the best view, expect to be asked for a tip.

Don’t forget you are in a Muslim country

Just remember a few simple rules in order to act respectfully and avoid the wrong kind of attention:

• Wear conservative clothing – see above.
• Don’t kiss, cuddle or hold hands with your partner in public. LGBTQ+ couples must keep their relationship secret because Egypt is not a very tolerant country.
• Don’t drink alcohol in public places. Hotels and some restaurants will serve it.
• Avoid discussing religion and politics – Egyptians are very protective of their views. NB we got away with this a bit with our guide as he was well travelled and we got to know him over a period of days.

19. Where to visit in Egypt with kids – our top five sites

Here’s a proper conundrum. What should you see in Egypt with kids?

We squeezed a lot into our 10 days and could have still done more as well as adding extra time to relax on the Red Sea coast.

I’d definitely recommenced exploring further than Cairo. The pyramids are one of Egypt’s best known attractions but there’s so much more to the country’s historic treasures.

To be honest, it was Egypt’s temples that impressed us most.

We also wouldn’t have missed Southern Egypt. Reaching Abu Simbel from Aswan is an adventure in itself and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor was much more impressive than we had imagined.

So what are the best places for families visiting Egypt? Here’s our top five:

The Pyramids of Giza

Even though they weren’t our favourite destination who could go to Egypt without seeing the pyramids? Especially with travelling with kids!

After all they are the most recognisable landmark and one many little ones will know from Go Jetters .

Add a trip to Cairo’s Egyptian Museum (or the Grand Egyptian Museum when it opens) to build a foundation of knowledge that will enrich the rest you time in Egypt.

Mummified crocodiles…need I say more?

OK, I will. Kom Ombo’s collection of 300 preserved crocs were found buried at this Roman-Greaco site beside the River Nile.

The Temple itself is dedicated to two gods: Sobek and Horus.

Much of it is ruined but there’s plenty of incredible hieroglyphs to see including one depicting a mother giving birth. This kind of image has not been found nowhere else in Egypt.

The Temple of Philae

A visit the Temple of Philae requires a boat trip to the island of Agilkia.

The temple was moved here in the 20th Century during the construction of the Aswan Dam which led to the original Philae site being flooded.

It’s a beautiful temple and its location makes it an extra special place to explore.

Valley of the Kings

I’m not sure why but I wasn’t expecting much from the Valley of the Kings. Tunnels cut into sand with a bare chamber at the end was what I suppose I had in mind.

But the Valley offered so much more. The colours of the hieroglyphs have been shielded from the sun and grave robbers never hung around long enough to bother defacing them in the way some temples have suffered.

They are also a marvel of ancient Egyptian engineering. It’s amazing to think that the architects, artists and workers spent years creating them below the surface.

Deir el-Bahri

Queen Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple was my favourite Egyptian temple. Not only is it a unique design, it was interesting to experience a place inspired by such a fascinating figure in Egypt’s history.

Hatshepsut isn’t born to rule as pharaoh. But she talked herself into the job and ruled alongside her younger brother and the rightful heir, Tutmose III.

She built Deir el-Bahri temple for the god Amun and, according to ancient gossip, the architect was her lover. After she died and was buried in the Valley of the Kings he had a tunnel built from his own tomb to hers.

Bonus place: Abu Simbel

OK, so I couldn’t miss this one off. The temples of Rameses II and Queen Nefertari on the edge of Lake Nassar are incredible. BUT! It’s a long drive and families with young kids might find it too much.

We visited as a day trip from Aswan which meant setting off at 4.30am and seven hours in our private mini bus. If you do visit Abu Simbel, take a private tour to maximise your comfort.

Also plan in some down time on either side and pack all the snacks!

Find out more about each of these places and all of destinations we visited by reading about our 10 day Egypt itinerary .

20. What to pack for visiting Egypt

By now I hope I’ve answered a lot of your questions about visiting Egypt and you’re ready to pack your bags. But what should you take?

Here’s my packing list including what you’re going to need while you’re travelling and sightseeing:

• Travel documents

Here’s the important paperwork to bring with you:

• Passports – they need to be at least six months in date from the day you arrive. Check the gov.uk website for the latest entry requirements and travel advice.
• Your travel insurance – I always have a digital and printed copy with me.
• Your visas – when you apply online you are instructed to have printed copies with you.
• Currency – we couldn’t get hold of any Egyptian Pounds before we travelled so brought some spare US dollars with us. We picked up more cash at the airport and other cash machines.

Hand luggage

As well as taking three flights we were on the road a lot during our 10 days in Egypt. So we each had a carry on sized bag full of entertainment and things we wanted close to hand.

We took a variety of bags. Mr Tin Box has been using his versatile travel bag the Osprey Farpoint for years, the 10-year-old and I took OLPRO rucksacks *, and the seven-year-old, who loves to be different, had her rainbow pattern Landsend rucksack.

Here’s what we packed in our rucksacks: 

• Reading books
• Pencil case
• Tablet and earphones
• Squishaboo/travel pillow
• Hand sanitiser 
• Reusable water bottle 
• Cuddly toys 
• Sun glasses

Main luggage packing list for visiting Egypt

Here’s the clothes we each packed in our main bag for sightseeing and hanging out at our hotels:

• Two pairs of cotton/light trousers 
• 10 cotton t-shirts or shirts for day time 
• 3 evening outfits – longer is more versatile for using inside and outside your hotel
• Light jumper
• 12 pairs of underwear 
• 2 swimsuits with long sleeves or separate rash vest
• Sarong or beach shirt/dress
• Sunglasses 
• Walking sandals or trainers 
• Evening shoes

Here’s the other essentials we packed:

• Toiletaries
• Small first aid kit including travel sickness and Imodium tablets
• Packets of tissues
• Phone and tablet charger leads
• Battery packs
• Power adaptors

Of course if you want to travel super light you can cut back on some of the changes of tops and underwear and wash them as you go.

However, we weren’t staying at any of our hotels long enough to have our clothes laundered and I didn’t fancy hand washing in our downtime.

21. Egypt books for kids and families visiting Egypt

We gave each of our girls a book about Egypt before our trip. It was a great way to get them excited and remind us all about the extraordinary places we were lucky enough to be visiting.

We can personally recommend National Geographic’s Ancient Egypt: Level 4 * book for children aged seven and up and National Geographic’s 1,000 Facts About Ancient Egypt book for bite-sized information to share with children of all ages.

Younger children might prefer a sticker book. The British Museum * does a lovely one that allows kids to add stickers to Egyptian scenes. And here’s plenty a short tales for young readers in Meet the Egyptians *, which is part of the Horrible Histories book series.

If you’re looking for book about Egypt for yourself I can recommend Lonely Planet *. There’s a new travel guide for Egypt coming out in November 2023. You can pre-order * it now.

We visited Egypt in April 2023 and these tips are based on our personal experience then.

Have you visited Egypt? What was your experience? Or are you on your way? Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to know.

Here’s some more posts you might like to read:

• Visiting the Roman Baths with toddlers
• Exploring Kents Cavern – tips on visiting with young kids
• Best places to visit in Greece with kids
• What to wear paddle boarding in the UK
• Family travel blog resources for clued up travellers

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links marked with *. If you click on one of these and make a purchase I may earn some commission. This does not affect the price you pay.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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Family Travel to Egypt: An Insider’s Guide

• By Nicole Wiltrout
• August 24, 2021

Egypt was a travel hot spot for years, but its popularity waned following political upheaval in 2011. Now, Egypt is back on the scene, ready for its comeback as a once-in-a-lifetime vacation destination. For those considering future family travel to Egypt, this overview can help you imagine how you might go about visiting one of the world’s most incredible places with your kids.

Planning a Family Trip to Egypt

Many people become fascinated with at least one aspect of Egyptian culture at some point in their lives, including children. Maybe it’s the legendary stories of the pharaohs, or the origins of hieroglyphics, or the engineering feats of building the pyramids, or even the way the Nile irrigated fields in the desert. Regardless of what captures your interest about Egypt, it’s still necessary to balance all the incredible history and sites with more relaxed, modern fun to ensure a truly memorable vacation to Egypt with kids.

No trip to Egypt is complete without experiencing the landmark attractions of Cairo, including the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza. We suggest a minimum of three days in Cairo to at least do justice to the city and see the main sites.

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, officially named The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, is a massive structure in the center of the city. One of the largest museums in this region, it contains more than 100,000 Egyptian artifacts — more than any other museum in the world, including the famous mummy rooms. Because of its vast size, this is a great place to book a private Egyptologist to show your family around and ensure your understanding of the significance of the items on display in a kid-friendly way. 

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Families should note that a new museum, called the Grand Egyptian Museum, is set to open in Giza, about 2 kilometers from the Pyramids, sometime in late 2021. Many of the most popular exhibits from the Egyptian Museum (including the complete King Tut collection) will move to this new 3,800-acre location, but it is expected that both museum facilities will remain open over the long term.

Seeing the iconic Pyramids of Giza is likely a driving factor for coming to Egypt, so it’s important to make the experience as easy and as meaningful as possible. Built as tombs for pharaohs, they are the only Ancient Wonder of the World that is still mostly intact. Again, we suggest hiring a driver and guide, who can take you inside the pyramids as well as drive you to the various viewing platforms around the complex for the best views of the three pyramids and the Sphinx. It’s also possible to take a camel ride or boat cruise for additional views of these magnificent structures. 

Other highlights in Cairo might include a ride on a felucca, which is an Egyptian wooden sailboat that has been used to transport people and goods up and down the Nile for centuries. It’s popular to make this a lunch or dinner cruise experience. Families also enjoy wandering Khan el-Khalili, the famous souk in the center of the historic old part of Cairo. Older teens or college students who have studied Rumi and Sufism might appreciate attending a tannoura one evening, where you can watch the whirling dervishes perform.

After exploring Cairo, visitors to Egypt usually opt for one of two choices. Those looking for more experiences related to history and culture travel farther south along the Nile, often via cruise. And families more interested in combining the historical sites of Cairo with leisure time on the beach head southeast to a resort along the Red Sea. With more time (at least 10 days and up to two full weeks), it is possible to do a mix of both.

Nile Cruise

The idea of cruising the Nile may feel a bit touristy, and it is suggested in most Egypt tour offerings. But remember, Egypt is the most populated country in Africa, and 95 percent of the Egyptian population lives along the Nile Delta. So traveling by ship up or down the river is actually a great glimpse into local life and the easiest way to see the significant cultural landmarks found near the river.

Ship sizes range from intimate private vessels to boats that can accommodate up to about 150 people. The giant cruise ships common in the Caribbean and elsewhere are not found on the Nile, so cruisers should not expect that level of robust amenities either. Be advised that the size of the cruise ship usually determines the size of the group you’ll be with for your tours (the larger the ship, the bigger the group). If you’d like a more private, intimate experience for your family, be sure to make those arrangements in advance or opt for a smaller vessel.

The most popular route for a Nile cruise is to fly from Cairo to Luxor, then cruise down to Aswan from Luxor, with stops along the way. (Or do the reverse by flying to Aswan and cruising north to Luxor.) This is typically a three- or four-night experience, and families will want to research dates as a starting point when planning their trip. 

Luxor is a must-see location in Egypt and usually the starting or ending stop on a Nile cruise. One of the world’s most ancient cities, it has the feel of an outdoor museum. Highlights here include the Luxor and Karnak temples and the Valley of the Kings (the tomb of King Tutankhamun) and Valley of the Queens. Between Luxor and Aswan, a common cruise stop is the Temple of Kom Ombo. In Aswan, many cruisers visit Elphantine Island and the Temple of Isis at Phelae and enjoy the Nubian market. 

Following the Nile cruise, those with extra time might consider flying farther south to see the temples of Abu Simbel before returning to Cairo or moving on to one of the resorts along the Red Sea.

Sharm El Sheikh

This city at the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula is the hub of Egyptian beach resorts. Known for its year-round warm temperatures, long stretches of beach and calm waters perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving and other water sports, it is not surprising that most 4- and 5-star hotel chains have a presence in Sharm El Sheikh. Visitors can expect all the typical luxury resort activity options found elsewhere in the world, like golf courses, onsite dining and spas. 

For those looking to get off the resort a bit, a day spent at Ras Muhammed National Park to snorkel or scuba dive is a highlight, as the protected mangroves and coral reefs are exceptional and the currents allow for amazing marine life. Or take an excursion into the desert one evening to ride camels and learn about the Bedouin tribes that live here. Adventurous families can consider climbing Mount Sinai, either on foot or by camel.

With all these activities, many families are happy staying in Sharm El Sheikh for several days up to a full week. It is easily accessible by air from Cairo.

What to Know About Traveling to Egypt

Most of Egypt has a hot desert climate. In summer, temperatures can be sweltering and families with flexibility to travel at other times of the year may want to avoid this heat. Fall and spring are quite pleasant.

Families will also want to consult the Muslim calendar and be aware of holidays that may affect the travel experience in Egypt. While visiting during Ramadan is really special for those who are interested in seeing the decorations and observing the celebrations, it can also be limiting in terms of reduced museum hours, closed restaurants, etc. Alcohol sales may be restricted as well.

Expect and follow a more conservative approach to clothing. At many sites, shoulders and knees need to be covered (men included), and this will be strictly enforced at religious landmarks. Women will want to keep a scarf in their bag in case a head covering is required, though it is usually not expected for foreign visitors.

Browse our favorite destinations around the world for cultural immersion with kids!

All destinations have unique cultural experiences incorporated into a visit, but some places truly shine. Read about the ones we love most, then contact us to help you plan an unforgettable family trip.

Gratuities are expected by any vendor who provides any kind of service, including just answering questions at museums. In fact, some of our on-the-ground partners provide our clients with a purse or wallet specifically for this, full of small bills to make tipping easy and convenient. 

To make visiting major landmarks as hassle-free as possible, we always advise hiring a guide. Otherwise, plan to be pursued by local vendors who will want to show you around once you arrive, and quality will vary. You’ll be very happy you arranged this in advance instead of haggling on site.

Egypt is often described as the cradle of civilization, where everything from yoga to modern medicine has its beginnings. It’s also a destination where families are exposed to so much rich history and culture, and the connections you make between the sites you saw in Egypt and future trips to other global destinations will feel profound.

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Introducing Egypt

About egypt.

• Images of Egypt
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Egypt
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

• Cairo International Airport
• Hurghada International Airport
• Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport
• Hurghada beaches
• Sharm el-Sheikh beaches

Cruise Locations

• Sharm el Sheikh

Egypt travel guide

A complicated but fascinating country with some of the most enduring historical monuments on Earth, Egypt stands as an unforgettable travel destination. It’s had to deal with its fair share of turmoil in recent times, but this North African nation remains proud, welcoming and accessible. And with treasures as timeless as the temples and pyramids of the Nile to shout about, it’s not somewhere that’s going to slip from public consciousness any time soon. A trip here still very much has the potential to thrill.

In many ways, there are two Egypts. The first is the Egypt of Cairo and the Nile, of bustling medieval bazaars, noseless Sphinxes, river cruises and Agatha Christie-era exoticism. The second, and just as integral to many visitors, is the Egypt of the Red Sea, where a spread of large-scale modern resorts caters to sun-seekers and scuba divers. Sharm el Sheikh, with its world-class diving, high-end hotels and desert adventures, is the best known of them.

Most of the country’s ancient treasures were built during the time of the pharaohs. The Pyramids of Giza (the sole survivors of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World); the lotus-columned temples of Luxor and Karnak; the Valley of the Kings; Aswan and the temples of Abu Simbel: strung along the Nile, these monuments have drawn visitors for centuries. They represent a lasting legacy of one of the most fabled periods of human history.

Of course, the country is best understood not so much for its great monuments or its coral reefs, splendid though they are, but through its people. Bartering for a bargain in Cairo’s ancient Khan al-Khalili bazaar, taking tea and falling into long conversation with a local, or simply stopping awhile in a remote village, silent but for the chatter of hooves on tarmac, will give a glimpse of a country full of character, colour and fortitude.

1,001,450 sq km (386,662 sq miles).

94,137,816 (UN estimate 2016).

88.4 per sq km.

Cairo (El Qahira).

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi since 2014.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli since June 2018.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

Egypt-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum (where we advise against all but essential travel).

North Sinai

FCDO advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai.

Northern part of South Sinai

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.

The eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.

Western Desert

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

• Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings
• the Governorate of Faiyum
• the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh
• the Marsa Matruh-Siwa Road
• the oasis town of Siwa
• the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis
• the road between Giza and Farafra (but we advise against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)
• Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert

Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Conflict in neighbouring Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs)

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) could close at short notice. As a result, the land border into Israel from Egypt at Taba could close with little notice. Check with local authorities and consult the travel advice for  Israel  and the  Occupied Palestinian Territories  before trying to cross the border.

In response to events in Israel and the OPTs, a number of demonstrations have taken place in Egypt and protests have been planned, including after Friday prayers. Demonstrations could take place at short notice, with a heavy security presence in place. You should avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and protests. See  Safety and security

Entering Egypt from Gaza

The Rafah border crossing partially opened on 1 November. This is primarily to facilitate the evacuation of seriously wounded Palestinians and some foreign nationals. We understand that the crossing will continue to be open for controlled and time-limited periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals, including British nationals, to cross. It is for the Egyptian and Israeli authorities to determine who is permitted to cross, and when. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact Embassies to let them know when their foreign nationals can cross. Should we receive notification from the Israeli and Egyptian authorities that individuals are permitted to cross, we will notify those people individually.

Movement to the Rafah crossing and beyond is at your own risk. You should only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. Check the  Israel and The Occupied Palestinian Territories travel advice.

The Egyptian authorities have said all aid going into Gaza from Egypt must be channelled through the Egyptian Red Crescent:

• telephone: + 20 226 703 979, + 20 226 703 983
• fax: + 20 226 703 967

They are unlikely to consider requests for humanitarian access made in Egypt at short notice.

Concern for friends and family

If you are concerned about friends or family, or need consular assistance call:

• British Embassy Cairo on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000
• +44 1767 667 600  (UK number) if you experience technical difficulties with the above number

Incidents in South Sinai  

On 27 October, an Egyptian Armed Forces spokesperson confirmed that an unidentified drone fell near a medical facility in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Taba next to the Israeli border, injuring six people. An additional unidentified drone also struck outside the town of Nuweiba, though no casualties have been confirmed. The authorities are conducting ongoing investigations.

Incident in Alexandria

On 8 October 2023, an Egyptian police officer is reported to have shot and killed two Israeli tourists and an Egyptian tour guide in Alexandria. A third tourist was injured. Remain vigilant and exercise caution at tourist and religious sites, as well as public gatherings. Find out more information on current risks on the  Safety and security .

Border crossings from Sudan

There are still people trying to cross the border into Egypt at Argeen and Qustul. Our ability to provide consular assistance is very limited.

If you are a British national and have crossed the border without valid documentation, contact the British Embassy in Cairo for consular assistance on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Egypt set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Consulate General for Egypt in the UK .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

Visa requirements

British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally need a visa. Visa processing fees are non-refundable.

We advise you to get a visa before you travel, particularly if travelling for work or business. You can apply for a visa from the official Visa2Egypt portal or at your nearest Egyptian Consulate . Tourist visas granted using the e-visa system are valid for a maximum of 3 months.

The online e-visa portal (Visa2Egypt) does not currently accept applications from variant British passport holders (those from British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies).

All British passport holders can get a visa in advance by submitting an application in person or by post to the Egyptian Consulate in London . The specific requirements for the visa are listed on the website.

Alternatively, if you wish to get a visa on arrival, you can do so at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters. The visa fee is 25 US dollars, payable in dollars as the preferred currency, although you may also be able to pay in pounds sterling or euros. Visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days. There’s no need to buy a visa from an agent. In many cases agents will charge more than US$25 for a visa. If you’re harassed by an agent, report the incident to the tourist police in the airport terminal.

If you’re travelling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts for up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival. If you intend to travel out of these areas or stay longer than 15 days, you must get a visa.

If you have travelled to one of the South Sinai Red Sea resorts, entered without a visa and your plans have changed, you can normally purchase a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport to allow you to travel elsewhere.

Applications for visa extensions should be made at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. You may have difficulties leaving Egypt with an out of date visa. You will normally have to pay a fine if your visa is out of date by more than 14 days.

For further information and enquiries, contact the Egyptian Consulate in London .

Visa extensions

Apply for visa extensions at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. You may face difficulties if you try to leave Egypt on an expired visa. You may be fined if your visa has expired by more than 14 days.

Contact the Egyptian Consulate in London for more information.

Visas at the Egypt-Sudan Border Crossing

If you’re crossing the border from Sudan, the Egyptian authorities have advised it is still possible to get a visa on arrival for the regular cost of 25 US dollars.

HIV test for work permits

You will need to show your result from a HIV test to apply for a work permit.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro’s Egypt guide . Depending on the country you’re arriving from, this may include a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Egypt . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You’re allowed to bring in or take out up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds. There is no limit to the amount of hard currency that you can bring in, but you must declare it when you arrive if it’s worth more than 10,000 US dollars.

You must also declare certain valuables, including electrical equipment or video cameras, when you arrive. These will be noted in your passport. You may be asked to show these items again when you leave the country. If you do not have them on you, you may have to pay a high rate of customs duty.

Officials are likely to confiscate satellite phones or radio communications equipment unless you have prior clearance from the Ministry of Telecommunications.

Contact the Egyptian embassy in your country of residence for further information on customs requirements

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out more about the global threat from terrorism .

Terrorism in Egypt

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt.

Terrorism is a risk across Egypt, particularly in North Sinai. Attacks could be indiscriminate. Targets might include:

• Egyptian security forces
• religious sites
• large public gatherings
• places visited by foreigners

The authorities in Egypt have a significant security presence across the country, including armed security officers at important sites, critical infrastructure and road checkpoints. Extra measures are in place at tourist sites. Recent attacks include:

• in 2022, an attack to the west of the Suez Canal targeting security forces within the city of Ismailiyah
• in 2019, at least 20 people killed by a car bomb in Central Cairo’s Manial district
• in 2019, at least 16 people injured after an IED attack on a tourist bus near the Giza pyramids
• in 2019, 3 security personnel killed by a suicide bomber in Central Cairo’s Darb al-ahmar district
• in 2018, a roadside blast killed 4 people on a bus near the Giza pyramids
• in 2018, gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Coptic Christians in Minya province killing 7 people. Daesh (formally ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attack

Terrorism during holiday periods

There is a heightened threat of terrorism in and around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan and the Christmas period (including Coptic Christmas in January). Terrorist attacks have occurred over local holiday weekends. See a list of public holidays on the Egyptian Presidency website .

You should:

• follow the advice of Egyptian authorities
• be vigilant in crowds and large gatherings

Airports and airlines

Terrorists in Egypt have the intent and capability to target airport buildings and planes.

The main threat is on the North Sinai Peninsula where Daesh operate with greater freedom, but terrorists are active throughout Egypt.

Co-operate fully with security officials at airports and pay attention to security measures on flights from Egypt to the UK.

Terrorist kidnap

There is a threat of kidnapping by groups operating in North Africa, particularly from Libya and groups originating in the Sahel. This includes Al Qaeda and Daesh-affiliated groups, who may travel across the region’s porous border. There is a heightened risk of kidnap in border and remote desert areas of North Africa. Terrorist groups have taken foreigners, government officials and civilians hostage for financial gain and for political leverage. Further kidnappings are likely.

British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Military activity in the Red Sea area       

Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that Travel Advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor Travel Advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.

Political situation

Since 2011 there has been significant political turmoil. The political environment remains restrictive. There have been violent protests and disturbances, resulting in a number of deaths.

Protests, marches and demonstrations occur across Egypt, particularly in cities. Avoid protests, marches or demonstrations as the situation could change quickly and without warning. Police have used water cannons, tear gas, birdshot and live ammunition as crowd control.

The authorities may close public spaces, including parks and beaches, at short notice, particularly around the holidays. Follow the guidance of the local authorities. You could be fined or arrested if you do not do as you are told.

Foreigners involved in any political activity or activities critical of the government may be at risk of detention or other measures.

There are reports that personal electronic devices are being checked by security personnel, particularly around places of public gathering, such as Tahrir Square.

The crime rate is generally low, but visitors have reported armed robberies, muggings (including in taxis), sexual assaults, and break-ins to accommodation and cars. Take extra care when travelling alone, particularly at night, in taxis and microbuses.

If you want to report a crime, contact the tourist police on 126. If you do not report a crime before you leave, it will be difficult to ask for a prosecution at a later date.

Sexual assaults and harassment

There are a number of sexual assaults reported to the British Embassy, including cases involving minors.

The majority of cases that have been reported took place in tourist resorts in the Red Sea region, often committed by someone the victim had already met, including hotel workers and excursion staff. There have also been reports of hotel staff discouraging incidents being reported to local police.

Female travellers should exercise caution when travelling alone, particularly at night, in buses, taxis and microbuses. If you are travelling on public transport including microbuses, avoid being the last passenger left on board.

Take extra precautions, including:

make sure children and young people are always accompanied by known and trusted people and not left alone with hotel or excursion staff

don’t allow hotel staff to enter your room when you are alone. Try to ensure a friend or relative is present

avoid travelling in a taxi alone. If this isn’t possible, apply extra security to your trip by sharing the details of your driver and trip with a friend, and using live location on WhatsApp

use reputable providers for any services and excursions, and carry out research beforehand, including by consulting your tour operator where you have one

avoid sharing personal contact or social media details

You may also want to read:

advice for women travelling abroad

information for British nationals affected by rape or sexual assault abroad

If you experience sexual harassment or assault, or anything you see doesn’t feel right, report it to the hotel or local authorities - Tourist Police on 126 and contact the British Embassy at +20 2 279 160 00 as soon as possible for advice and support. Or, you can call the local Police on 122. Both numbers provide English speakers.

Protecting your belongings

Keep a copy of your passport, visa and flight ticket separately from originals when travelling. Leave copies at home where others can access them, and also store them electronically so you can access them easily. If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the police immediately and get a police report.

Take particular care of your possessions on buses, trains and in crowds. Criminals may ride past on bikes and snatch valuables.

Be cautious in tourist areas, where scammers and touts target foreigners.

Staying safe at tourist sites

Tourists at popular tourist sites, such as the Giza Pyramids, may be confronted aggressively for money or business, even while travelling by car or taxi. Visitors using a pre-booked guide, or taking an organised tour to visit the Giza Pyramids, are likely to face fewer difficulties.

Laws and cultural differences

Egypt is predominantly an Islamic country. It is illegal to encourage conversion to the Christian faith.

Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during Ramadan or when you visit religious areas.

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets). Public displays of affection are frowned on. What may be acceptable in the tourist resort areas may not be in other areas.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. Ramadan in Egypt in 2024 will likely begin in March and end in April and will last for 30 days. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
• be patient and show tolerance

Personal ID

Police regularly carry out ID checks. Keep valid photo ID with you at all times.

Alcohol laws and bans

Drinking alcohol anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is illegal and can lead to arrest.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can, even for small amounts, lead to lengthy prison sentences (25 years), life imprisonment or the death penalty. Those sentenced to life imprisonment on drugs charges will normally spend the rest of their life in prison with no possibility of parole or pardon.

Khat is illegal in Egypt.

Criticising the Egyptian government

Making political or negative comments about the Egyptian government, including about the President or security forces, can cause trouble with the authorities. People have faced prison sentences for making insulting comments on social media.

Restrictions on photography

You need a permit for professional photography or film equipment. This includes photography umbrellas, artificial outdoor lighting gear, and any equipment that occupies or blocks public roads.

You are not allowed to take or share photographs that could be considered damaging to the country’s image. You can only take photographs of Egyptian citizens can if you have their written permission. Do not photograph officials without their consent. Taking pictures of children is not allowed.

Photography of, or near, military property is strictly banned. This includes the Suez Canal. There are sensitivities about taking photographs of embassies, government buildings, churches and religious buildings. British nationals have been arrested for photographing churches, electricity stations, train stations and bridges. If you are in any doubt, get permission before taking photographs.

Do not use radio controlled helicopters or ‘drones’ to take photographs.

The import, production or use of drones is banned in Egypt unless you have prior authorisation from the Egyptian Ministry of Defence . Anyone who uses or imports drones without authorisation could be sent to prison for up to 7 years or fined 5,000 to 50,000 Egyptian pounds.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt, but LGBT+ people have been prosecuted under the law of ‘debauchery’. People have been arrested for flying rainbow flags at public events on debauchery charges.

There is little public acceptance of homosexuality in Egypt. Public expressions of homosexuality or displays of affection between same-sex couples are likely to get negative attention. See our information and advice page for the LGBT+ community before you travel.

Be cautious about sharing content or having discussions of a sexual nature on social media, especially about sexual acts that are considered illegal. Some travellers have been arrested and imprisoned for this.

Children and young people

Egyptian family law is very different from UK law, particularly around child custody. See FCDO guidance for those affected by international parental child abduction and how to get assistance.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Insurance for adventure activities.

Make sure your travel insurance, or the tour or dive company, covers the costs for any air or sea rescue. The current fee can exceed 4,000 US dollars per hour. The Egyptian authorities will only undertake rescue operations when there’s a guarantee of payment. Book excursions for activities at your resort or through approved agents or tour operators.

See FCDO travel insurance guidance for more information on travel insurance.

Hot air balloons

Some UK tour operators have not been able to verify the safety standards for balloon flight operators and have stopped selling balloon flights. There have been a number of injuries and fatal accidents. Speak to your tour company before booking.

Diving and snorkelling

Safety standards of diving operators in Red Sea resorts vary considerably. Never dive or snorkel unaccompanied. Where possible make bookings through your tour representative. Very cheap operators may not provide adequate safety and insurance standards. Diving beyond the depth limit of your insurance policy will invalidate your cover.

Shark attacks are rare, but there have been a number involving tourists in the Red Sea region. Monitor any updates from local authorities or your tour operator.

Quad bikes and desert visits

There have been several serious quad bike accidents involving British nationals in resort areas. Take the same precautions as you would in the UK. Safety standards can vary considerably. Always wear a crash helmet.

There is a small risk from unexploded landmines in some desert areas, including:

• in the north west of Egypt near to Alamein
• on some limited stretches of the Mediterranean coast near Marsa Matrouh
• on the Red Sea coast south of Suez

Dangerous areas are usually well marked with signs and barbed wire fencing. Take care and follow local advice, especially if planning trips off marked roads.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Egypt, see information on driving abroad .

You can drive in Egypt on an International Driving Permit for up to 6 months. If you intend to stay in Egypt for a longer period you must apply for an Egyptian driving licence.

You may not be allowed to import a vehicle into Egypt. If you want to bring in a vehicle temporarily, you will need a ‘carnet de passage’ from the Automobile Association.

Accidents are common because of poor road conditions, dangerous driving and poor enforcement of traffic laws. Do not drive outside main cities and resorts at night. Make sure you have adequate insurance.

If you’re travelling off-road, employ a qualified guide and get a permit from the Ministry of Interior.

You must wear a seatbelt in the front of a vehicle.

Rail and bus travel

There have been serious bus crashes in recent years with large numbers of fatalities, including tourists.

There have also been fatal train collisions and derailments.

Suspect devices have been found at train stations and on the rail network. Although some have been hoaxes or false alarms you should be vigilant.

River and sea travel

Overcrowding and poor safety standards have led to several accidents on Red Sea ferries and Nile cruisers.

This section has safety advice for regions of Egypt. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

Egypt-Libya Border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egyptian-Libyan border, due to active military operations that target criminal activity, except for the border town of El Salloum (where we advise against all but essential travel).

FCDO advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai, due to continuing criminal activity and terrorist attacks on police and security forces that have resulted in deaths.

There are frequent reports of terrorist attacks in North Sinai. Most attacks are in the northeast corner of the governorate between Al-Arish city and the border with Gaza, but the whole of the North Sinai Governorate is at risk. A state of emergency in North Sinai is in effect and a curfew is in place.

Most attacks in North Sinai are against the Egyptian government and military installations and personnel. However attacks have been carried out against civilians suspected of working with the authorities and local religious minority groups.

The northern part of South Sinai

If you plan to travel in a 4x4 vehicle from mainland Egypt through the Suez crossing, you need a permit from the Travel Permits Department of the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior. You should book any activities outside of resort areas through approved agents or tour operators.

Additional security measures are in place to protect the resorts of Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam and other tourist areas on the Red Sea. Security forces carry out routine security checks on vehicles and at airports. These are in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula and further south. These areas do not have a travel advice warning.

Ismailiyah Governorate

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the eastern part of the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal due to ongoing military operations against terrorists and criminals. Egyptian authorities at checkpoints may prevent onward travel to this region.

FCDO  advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

Tourists who enter the Western Desert areas of Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert must apply for permits in advance and use an official guide. There is limited phone reception and poor medical facilities. Monitor travel advice and follow guidance from official guides and local authorities.

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Al Bawiti and Siwa, including the desert areas near the start of the road in Bahariya. The road is closed and there are military checkpoints.

If you travel to the south west corner of Egypt near the border with Sudan or Libya you will need a permit from the Travel Permits Department of the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior . Bandits and armed groups operate in these areas.

Act with extreme caution in all border areas.

The  FCDO  advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

The Hala’ib Triangle remains disputed territory between Egypt and Sudan. If you’re in the Hala’ib Triangle and need urgent consular assistance, you should contact the British Embassy Cairo .

The Bir Tawil Trapezoid is unclaimed by either Egypt or Sudan. If you’re in this area and need urgent consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in the country you last travelled through (either the British Embassy Cairo or the British Embassy Khartoum .

Egypt-Sudan border

There are large numbers of people trying to cross the border into Egypt. There are 2 main land border crossings between Egypt and Sudan - Qustul and Argeen. The nearest town in Sudan to the crossings is Wadi Halfa (30km from border).

Travel in and from Sudan is taken at your own risk. There is almost no infrastructure at these border crossings. People are waiting several days to cross the border, with very limited access to food and water. The British Embassy in Egypt does not have staff at the border. Our ability to provide consular assistance is very limited.

If you are a British national planning to cross into Egypt at Argeen or Qustul, and you do not have valid documentation with you, contact the British Embassy in Cairo on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000.

If you are have crossed the border into Egypt, and need consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in Cairo on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000.

Read FCDO ’s Sudan travel advice .

If you are in Egypt and need consular assistance, such as an emergency travel document, contact the British Embassy in Cairo on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 123 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Egypt guide

where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines may be controlled substances in Egypt. You may need permission from Egypt’s Ministry of Health before you arrive. If you do not have prior permission or the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed in and you may be prosecuted under Egyptian law.

If you’re travelling with prescription medication, carry a letter from your GP that specifies:

• your condition
• the quantity of medication you will be carrying
• that the medication is for your personal use only

For further information, contact the Egyptian Embassy in London.

Healthcare facilities in Egypt

FCDO has a list of English speaking doctors in Egypt .

Some hotel doctors have overcharged for treatment and medicines. Review your bill closely for excessive charges. Pharmacies outside hotels will often supply medication at lower prices.

Access to specialised treatment for psychiatric illness is limited and may not be available outside major cities.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Egypt

Ambulance: 123

Police: 122

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking  lawyers ,  funeral directors  and  translators and interpreters  in Egypt
• dealing with a  death in Egypt
• being  arrested in Egypt
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Ideal 7 day Egypt Itinerary for Families

Only got a week to spend in Egypt and working out how to make the most of your family vacation time?

There are so many different ways you can tackle planning a family trip to Egypt . This is highly dependent on the time you have available, the time of year, who you are travelling with and what your interests are.

We’ve crafted the perfect Egypt itinerary for you to fit within one week, capturing the main attractions and ancient sites.

We are by no means saying you can capture all the highlights of such a large, fascinating and historically significant country as Egypt in one week, but we know time can be limited to half-term breaks and annual leave when planning a family vacation.

We’ve put together a classic 7-day family itinerary for Egypt that takes in the wonders of the ancient world, explores archaeological sites and brings textbook pages to life. All this whilst keeping things at a manageable pace for kids.

We will concentrate only on the main cities in Upper and Lower Egypt along the Nile.

Before you dive into this post, you may also want to check out:

• Our guide to the best time to visit Egypt
• An in-depth look at the current safety situation in Egypt for families
• What to wear in Egypt – dress code advice for the whole family

Our Suggested 7-Day Egypt Family Itinerary

Day 1 egypt itinerary: cairo, day 2 egypt itinerary: cario & giza, day 3 egypt itinerary: cairo to luxor, day 4 egypt itinerary: luxor, valley of the kings to edfu, day 5 egypt itinerary: edfu to aswan, day 6 egypt itinerary: aswan & abu simbel, day 7 egypt itinerary: aswan to cairo, extending your trip to egypt, further tips for travelling to egypt.

Confident travellers may wish to tackle this itinerary on their own with just some added day tours. However, it is one of the more challenging countries for making travel arrangements.

You may prefer to engage an experienced travel agent to help you put this itinerary into action or join an organised tour that covers a similar route but takes care of all the details for you. 

We will cover the pros and cons of private tours and what to look out for in the following article of our Egypt series – not all tours are created the same when it comes to families!

It’s important to note this really is a fast-paced itinerary suited more to sightseeing than relaxation. Most days will involve very early starts. Partly due to the daytime heat, but also to get ahead of crowds and make transfers and connections work in a week.

We have built afternoon and evening downtime into this very busy schedule so your younger kids can keep pace. With older kids, you can probably do more nighttime exploring too.

As Cairo International Airport is the country’s largest, it’s likely to be the first stop on your itinerary and a great place to start exploring.

After dropping your bags off at your central Cairo accommodation, head straight on to the Egyptian Museum on your first day.

Tackling the Egyptian Museum with Kids

There’s no doubt about it; this is a fascinating place with over 5000 artefacts, but most kids are likely to need a little encouragement to get through several hours here. A private guided tour for the first hour with an Egyptologist is a great idea but also, build in enough time to freely explore.

Some favourite exhibits might include Tututnkuhams mask and Tutunkhams tomb, the mummy rooms (100LBP extra), the mummified animals and look out for the Lego room in the basement!

(The new Grand Egyptian Museum , situated in Giza, is still yet to fully open its doors but will be a welcome replacement for this ageing museum. The opening date has moved half a dozen times; presently, limited guided tours are offered as of early 2023 to the Grand Hall and gift shop area only – 1000 EGP adults/500 EGP kids/students – foreigner prices).

If you have more time to spend in Cairo on day 1, pop over and check out our complete guide to Cairo with kids – we highly recommend you add the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in lieu of the GEM full opening.

Enjoy dinner on one of the permanently docked Nile cruise boat restaurants near 6th October Bridge.

Self-guided in Cairo? You may be interested in having a tour guide with a driver for parts of your trip. Here are some suggested tours from Cairo:

Overnight: Cairo Hotel

Some suggested hotels that have been popular with our readers in Cairo include:

• The Nile Ritz Carlton, Cairo
• Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
• Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
• Hotel Novotel Cairo El Borg
• Ramses Hilton

Today is probably the day you and the kids have been dreaming of – that moment you first set your eyes on the Great Pyramids of Giza. You can walk right up to the pyramids, take a camel ride, even visit under Khufu pyramid if you wish (additional charges), as well as see the Sphinx in this one large and sprawling site.

Your driver will no doubt offer you options to stop at papyrus factories along the way – or pick up lunch at the KFC with some of the world’s best fast food restaurant views!

In the afternoon, visit Saqqara , even older again than the Great Pyramids! The “Step Pyramid” (Pyramid of Djoser), as it is commonly known, can be found northwest of the city of Memphis, believed to date as far back as the 27th century BC.

This is a very busy day for the kids so we suggest a very early night ready for another huge day 3 and an early start as you transfer to Upper Egypt for the remainder of your Egypt trip.

Why not stay at the Pyramids? If you don’t want to be at the bustle of Cairo Downtown, try staying near the Giza pyramids instead, these hotels will offer you views of the Great Pyramids .

Overnight: Cairo Hotel (or stay close to the airport for early starts)

(Note there are many different ways you can tackle Upper Egypt. It doesn’t make too much difference if you transfer to Aswan or Luxor as your starting point, and whether you catch the overnight train or fly, take a Nile cruise or felucca for parts of the journey; it’s up to you. We are basing this sample itinerary on internal domestic flights and a Nile cruise starting from Luxor to Aswan, but you could equally take the overnight train from Day 2 to Aswan -13 hours – and take this trip in reverse.)

An internal flight to Luxor will only take you an hour but be early at the airport for security checks. An early morning start means you can transfer straight into your east bank exploration and Karnak Temple , the second most visited site in Egypt after the Pyramids.

The dramatic and well-preserved columns of Karnak open-air museum make it one of the most photogenic and fascinating places. It can take a good few hours to explore the site, and we highly recommend you visit with an Egyptologist who will talk you through the history and theories.

Next, back to the centre of Luxor and the Luxor Temple, a smaller yet still very significant site dating back to 1400BC.

Around lunchtime, your Nile Cruise ship will be docked in Luxor ready to board. You can enjoy lunch and dinner on board, and in the warmer months enjoy a swim in the pool and relax after several busy sightseeing days.

In the evening you can stroll into the Souk (market) areas of Luxor, or get the kids in bed for an early start Day 4.

Overnight: Cruise Boat, docked in Luxor

If you would like a more detailed guide on exactly what to expect onboard a Nile Cruise boat with kids (and the difference between them all) check out this blog post by Our Globetrotters travelling Luxor to Aswan , or our detailed Egypt Nile Cruise guide Aswan to Luxor .

Cruise ship staff prepare breakfast early so that passengers can transfer quickly over to the west bank of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings with a guide at dawn, the transfer takes up to an hour, depending on traffic.

Here you will find many famous tombs dating back from around the 16th to 11th century BC. The valley is known at present to house 63 tombs but excavation work is ongoing. General entry tickets here get you into your choice of three tombs; additional fees must be paid to visit Tutunkhams, and additional fees if you want to take photographs inside.

Next, over to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Underneath the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, it is one of the country’s greatest monuments.

As a side option, some choose to enjoy an early morning air balloon ride (suitable from 6 years+) and then just one of the famous sites from the west bank of Luxor.

• See this Luxor Hot Air Balloon option

You would need a longer itinerary than 7 days in Egypt to fit everything Luxor offers.

Early afternoon sees the daily departure of the Nile cruise ships from Luxor starting their journey down the Nile towards Aswan. On your first overnight cruising the Nile, you will pass through Esna Lock, then dock in the early hours dock in Edfu .

Overnight: Cruise boat on the Nile

Another very early morning start to see the Temple of Edfu (and if you love your hieroglyphics and ancient legends, one of our favourites!). You will take a traditional horse and carriage from the dock on the west bank of the Nile to the Edfu Temple complex.

Again you could spend hours here, but experience tells us that by about 9am it starts to get pretty crowded with tour groups and can be a little overwhelming for your little ones amongst the vast walls.

You are back on your cruise boat by mid-morning and ready for your longest stretch enjoying the Nile Valley, watching the busy everyday life go by on the shores and enjoying the sun deck.

In the late afternoon, your cruise will dock at the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Crocodile Museum. Another stop you definitely need your Egyptologist guide on hand to explain this “double temple” dedicated to two different sets of gods. Kids will be fascinated by the mummified crocodile collection here.

You board your Nile river cruise once more for the last river leg, which will see you sail overnight into Aswan.

Did we mention there might be a few early starts? You can mix and match what you do in Aswan , but one last really significant landmark you won’t want to miss is Abu Simbel, which requires a very early start for the 240km journey south by road (or there are options to fly in a small aircraft – but this may add considerably to your budget).

• Check out this private day tour option to Abu Simbel

The Abu Simbel temples date back to the 13th Century BC, but they were painstakingly moved stone by stone from lower ground to their current location as the Aswan High Dam was constructed in the 1960s.

It is a long drive but incredibly rewarding to see the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the small temple dedicated to his chief wife, Nefertiti.

After your return from Abu Simbel, you can take a drive along the Aswan high dam wall and take in a wider view of Lake Nasser. Time permitting, squeeze in a visit to the unfinished obelisk.

Overnight: Cruise docked at Aswan or transfer to a hotel if only on a 3-night cruise

Some suggested family-friendly options in Aswan include:

• Tolip Aswan Hotel
• Mövenpick Resort Aswan
• Maghrabi’s Guest House

Depending on whether you leave Cairo on the afternoon of Day 7 or early Day 8, you can still have another reasonably full day in Aswan before flying back to Cairo by taking the sleeper train.

You may want to swap Day 6 and 7 around if the kids need a break from the very early starts.

Near Aswan, take a small motorboat out to the Temple of Philae , situated on an island. The kids will enjoy this experience as much as the temple itself, though understandably, the littlest ones can be quite templed out by now!

It is grand and fascinating, but if we were to skip any mentioned on this itinerary, it’s probably this one, also relocated stone by stone due to the construction of Lake Nasser.

If you didn’t get a chance earlier in your trip to experience a felucca, this is a great way to wrap up your trip in Aswan and sail around Elephantine in a traditional boat (wind permitting!). Perhaps combine this with a Nubian village visit, even a camel ride, if you missed this at the Pyramids.

If you only have a short overnight stay or layover in Cairo, rather than tackling the traffic back in and out of the city centre, why not try Novotel Cairo Airport before your departure.

We are still pulling together for you some alternative itineraries for 10 and 14-day trips to Egypt.  These will include time at the Red Sea , as well as the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria , approximately an hour by train from Cairo. 

Many of the Red Sea resort towns , such as Hurghada , Dahab or Sharm el-Sheikh (now reopened to British tourists ), can also be tackled as stand-alone sunshine and snorkelling/diving vacations.

You may also find these reference guides helpful in preparing for a trip to Egypt:

• The fine art of dealing with Baksheesh – the tipping culture in Egypt
• What to take home from Egypt as a souvenir
• What to pack for a family trip to Egypt – includes a complete Egypt packing list to follow
• Planning your Egypt family holiday – tours, timing and what to expect with kids

Save this for later

Bookmark this page in your browser or save it to Pinterest for later when you’re ready to plan your family trip to Egypt .

Take me back to the Egypt Home Page

This article is not sponsored but does contain affiliate links that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase or booking is made. You can see our full disclosures, privacy policy and website terms of use here . 

The Family Travel in the Middle East team of travel writers are all parents based in the Middle East, sharing first hand experiences and reviews from across the region to help you plan your next family adventure.

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9 terrific things to do in cairo with …, ultimate guide to things to see & do …, is it safe to travel to egypt …, the fine art of dealing with baksheesh – ….

The Ultimate Guide to Egypt: Dos and Don’ts Every Traveler Must Know!

W aving hello from the land of the Pharaohs , it's Kevin Erickson , your trusty travel companion. Ever dreamed of marveling at the Sphinx , floating on the Nile , or relishing in the historic hustle and bustle of Cairo's streets? Ah, Egypt, a majestic place! But, wait – do you know the etiquettes and local customs? Dive in as I unravel the treasures of Egypt and help you navigate potential pitfalls. 🌍

• Dress modestly and respect religious practices
• Greet, haggle, and tip like an Egyptian pro
• Stay hydrated, savor local delicacies, but know where to draw the line
• Relish history but respect boundaries
• Dive deep into the culture but keep American sensibilities in mind

Why Egypt Should Be on Every Traveler's Bucket List

According to the World Tourism Organization, Egypt welcomed a staggering more than 11.3 million tourists in 2018. A beacon of history, culture, and cuisine, Egypt promises a travel experience like no other.

Cultural Nuances: Navigating Egypt's Rich Tapestry

1. dress to respect.

Egypt's culture is an intriguing mix of modern and traditional elements. In religious and rural areas, dressing modestly is the key.

Women, consider long skirts or pants and tops with sleeves, while men might ditch the shorts.

Remember, dressing appropriately is not just about blending in, it's about showing respect!

2. Communicate Like a Local

Starting with a warm " As-salamu alaykum" can break many barriers. It’s an essential phrase that means "Peace be upon you".

Plus, trust me; locals appreciate it when you put in the effort.

3. Fun with Finances: Haggle and Tip!

Haggling isn't just a transaction; it's an art form in Egypt .

Dive into the vibrant bazaars, start with half the price, and let the dance begin! And when it comes to tipping, small gestures can bring big smiles.

4. Food, Drinks, and the Egyptian Way

Egypt offers a culinary journey that your tastebuds will cherish.

From falafels to koshary, there's a world to explore. And here’s a zinger for my American friends: while Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, alcohol is indeed legal and available in many restaurants, hotels, and bars.

However, remember: public drunkenness isn't just frowned upon—it can land you in hot water!

5. Dive Deep into the History, but Respect the Boundaries

Egypt is, as Anthony Bourdain rightly said,

" a unique fusion of civilizations, cultures, and religions. Traveling here is like walking through layers of history."

But remember, while the Pyramids might tempt you, climbing them is a big no-no. Let's keep history preserved!

From a Traveler's Eye: Kevin's Secret Tips

• The Nile - More Than Just a River - The Nile isn't just about those mesmerizing boat rides. Avoid swimming, especially near urban areas, due to pollution.
• Not Everyone's After Your Bucks - Sure, there are hustlers, but many Egyptians are genuinely warm. Embrace the culture, make friends, and you'll discover the true heart of the country.
• Step Outside the Tourist Spots - Discover Egypt's hidden gems. Beyond the Pyramids and Sphinx, there’s a whole world awaiting.

Embracing the Egyptian Adventure: A Final Word

The magic of Egypt is something that has enticed travelers for generations. Whether it's the mysterious allure of the Pyramids, the sprawling beauty of the Nile , or the vibrant tapestries of the bazaars, every corner of Egypt is a testament to its rich heritage and captivating culture. But beyond the visual spectacle, the soul of Egypt lies in its people – warm, welcoming, and eager to share their stories.

Traveling here is not just about checking off sites from a bucket list; it's about immersing oneself in a timeless narrative that has shaped much of the world's history. It's about understanding the delicate balance of tradition and modernity that Egyptians navigate daily. By respecting local customs and approaching each experience with an open heart, travelers can forge connections that transcend mere tourism.

Kevin Erickson' s insights and tips are crafted from a place of deep respect and admiration for this land. While the dos and don'ts serve as a practical guide, they also underscore a more profound message: Travel with empathy. Every "do" is an invitation to embrace and every "don't" a nudge to respect boundaries.

In conclusion, as you set out to experience Egypt, remember that it's a journey both external and internal. The monuments will leave you awestruck, the cuisine satisfied, but it's the memories made and the friendships forged that will truly stand the test of time.

So here's to Egypt – an eternal story waiting for your chapter. Safe travels!

What currency should I carry in Egypt?

Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While major cities and tourist areas accept credit cards, it's wise to carry some local currency for smaller vendors, tipping, and haggling in bazaars.

Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Egypt?

It's recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before your trip. Common vaccines suggested for Egypt include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever, especially if you're planning to visit rural areas.

Is English spoken widely in Egypt?

While Arabic is the official language, English is widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas, major cities, and by younger generations. However, it's always appreciated if you learn a few basic Arabic phrases.

Are there specific cultural or religious festivals I should be aware of?

Yes, Egypt has several religious and cultural festivals, the most notable being Ramadan, a month of fasting. During this time, many shops and restaurants may have altered hours. Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha are also significant festivals with grand celebrations.

Is vegetarian or vegan food easily available?

Yes, Egyptian cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian and even vegan-friendly dishes. Staples like falafel, koshary, and molokhia are both delicious and vegetarian-friendly.

How do I get around within the country?

Egypt boasts a range of transportation options from trains, buses, and domestic flights to more local means like tuk-tuks and horse-drawn carriages. For major attractions like the Pyramids, it's often convenient to hire a taxi for the day or join a guided tour.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

It's advisable to stick to bottled water in Egypt, both for drinking and brushing your teeth, to avoid any potential stomach upsets. Always ensure the bottle seal is intact when purchasing.

• World Tourism Organization
• Egyptian Tourism Board
• "Parts Unknown" by Anthony Bourdain

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25 breathtaking places and experiences for 2023

Looking for your next adventure? You’ll find it on our annual list of the world’s best destinations for travelers.

Travel inspiration is everywhere you look. The question is where to go next. Here’s our annual list of superlative destinations for the year ahead—places filled with wonder, rewarding to travelers of all ages, and supportive of local communities and ecosystems. Reported by our global editors and framed by five categories ( Community , Nature , Culture , Family , and Adventure ), these 25 destinations for 2023 are under the radar, ahead of the curve, and ready for you to start exploring.

Community: Where conservation benefits everyone

Discover Karpathos, Greece, a surprising and sublime spot in the Dodecanese Islands , where women-led ventures are leading the charge in sustainable tourism. Spend a long weekend in Milwaukee, Wisconsin , a vibrant Great Lakes city that celebrates its cultural community as much as its breweries. Experience how long-held traditions and contemporary perspectives intersect, with Indigenous tourism outfitters in Alberta, Canada . Board a new high-speed train that makes lesser known regions of Laos accessible to tourists and brings economic opportunities to locals. Head to Ghana to explore Black heritage and hang out with a fashion-forward crowd in the capital, Accra. ( Learn more about how these Best of the World destinations support their communities. )

Nature: Escapes to wild, beautiful places

Marvel at the biodiversity of Botswana —as well as the programs to rehabilitate endangered species, create wildlife corridors, and develop community-owned tourism projects. Linger in the   Scottish Highlands , where a rewilding movement is aiming to restore the original landscape and native flora and fauna. In Slovenia , a longtime leader in sustainable tourism, set off on new gastrotourism biking routes that visit farms, vineyards, cheesemakers, and other food producers. Big Bend National Park   brings to life the frontier legend of Texas—but the landscape will also surprise you. In the Azores ,   applaud   award-winning sustainability programs that conserve the natural wonders of this volcanic archipelago known for whale watching and thermal springs.   ( Delve into our best destinations for nature lovers. )

Culture: Places where history and heritage rule

Visit King Tut’s new home in Egypt at Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum and see Luxor’s Avenue of the Sphinxes. Tap into the creative energy of Asia’s top film festival and sip craft beer in Busan, South Korea , the nation’s second largest city. Make a pilgrimage through history along Italy’s Appian Way , Europe’s ancient “superhighway.” Explore culture and history—with a side of Low Country cuisine—at the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Caroli na . See one of the world’s largest assemblages of stone statues at Longmen Grottoes , a UNESCO World Heritage site in Henan Province, China.   ( Here’s how to visit these Best of the World destinations .)

Family: Inspiring journeys for all ages

In Switzerland , ride the rails to quaint Alpine towns for chocolate, hiking, and skiing. Help save the turtles in Trinidad & Tobago , one of the most important leatherback turtle rookeries in the world. In San Francisco, California ,   gather around a campfire with Golden Gate views at Presidio Tunnel Tops and hike the urban Crosstown Trail.   Go birdwatching in the avian paradise that is Colombia , the enchanted land of Disney’s Encanto.   Visit the playing grounds of a storied soccer team in Manchester, England —and be inspired by the city’s art scene as well.   ( Explore more of these family-friendly destinations .)

Adventure: Adrenaline-pumping outdoor excursions  

Trek to Choquequirao, Peru ,   an isolated Inca site that’s under the radar—but soon to be more accessible. In New Zealand , the country that invented bungee jumping, rekindle your sense of adventure post-pandemic. Get your adrenaline rush in less visited areas of the popular adventure state of Utah . In Austria , hike the cross-country Bergsteigerdörfer network of mountaineering villages to sample local culture. Finally, add Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico , to your itinerary. Its protected waters, supported by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas initiative, hold one of the largest aggregations of sharks and manta rays in the world.   ( Dive deeper into these adventure trips. )

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Countries of the World Country Facts 

This page about the Countries of the World from A to Z will provide country facts for kids and share insights into the most important facts about the countries of our world.

Countries of the World

There are 193 countries or independent states in the world according to the United Nations (UN). These countries are all represented with equal rights in the General Assembly of the UN.

Then there are two countries Vatican City (Holy See) and Palestine that have observer status at the UN, but are not member states of the UN.

When you look at different sources, you will notice that the numbers of countries vary, as some regions claim independence but are not acknowledged as independent by other countries or governments.

On our country pages we will share fascinating and fun country facts including information on geography, people, animals, economy, food, attractions and so much more. Simply check our country listing from A to Z below.

And then there are our facts about the world's 10 largest countries here.

Please note that we do not only list sovereign countries alphabetically here but include various dependencies as well as dependent islands and territories here. (Not all UN member states are listed yet, this is work in progress. If you can help expand our country guide, please contact us:-) 

Country Facts for Kids A - Z

Here are some interesting country superlatives which were choosen and research ed by kids especially for kids.

Facts about Countries Country Superlatives

Simply click on the boxes to learn more country facts:

Want to do our fun geo trivia  quiz? 

Popular Pages

Useful resources for countries of the world.

• Central Intelligence Agency. "Countries". CIA World Fact Book.  Last accessed 13 March 2024
• Commonwealth of Nations. "Facts and Figures." Commonwealth Education Online . Last accessed 13 March 2024
• United Nations. "Member States." UN. Last accessed 13 March 2024

Image Credits on Country Facts page: Shutterstock.com and wikipedia commons

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