Overall, it’s the Sphinx, sarcophagi, aromatic spices and the warm Saharan sun.
Where I went:
Cairo (Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah)
Sahara Desert
Luxor
What I wore:
Sundresses, swimsuits and sun hats—the Saharan sun is strong! Since Egypt is a moderately conservative Muslim country, I also packed some long-sleeved shirts and scarves.
What I did:
Cairo
My hotel was situated on the Nile River and provided remarkable views of the city. At the hotel, I celebrated Coptic Easter with a feast of Egyptian cuisine and holiday deserts. I also cruised the Nile, picked up a few Arabic phrases, and learned how to belly dance.
Cairo is an amazing city to explore (with a guide and bodyguard, in my case). I explored the Egyptian Museum, including King Tut's Treasures and Pharoah Mummies, some still with hair. A bit creepy. I also visited Tahrir Square, which is the site of the 2011 Revolution.
But the main reason to visit Cairo is the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and a camel ride. Check, check and check! Absolutely incredible.
Sahara Desert
Whenever possible, I prefer to take a break from the typical tourist experience and do something active like going for a hike or a bike ride. When in Egypt, the way to go is sandboarding. The steep slopes provided a challenging and exhilarating workout. I also hiked through the Valley of the Whales and swam in a desert oasis.
My guide normally arranged camping treks through Southern Sudan but created this itinerary, which provided a unique way to explore the desert and surrounding villages. Plus, Samir was super cool—he was a former pro basketball player who played with Manute Bol.
Luxor
Since it wasn't safe during my visit to hit up the beach at Sharm El-Sheikh (next time!), I took a day trip to Luxor to visit the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Queen Hatshepsut Temple. The ancient tombs and temples were awe-inspiring, but I will always remember this as the place I received my first marriage proposal. He was a local, and I was 12—lol!
What I ate/drank:
Egyptian food is similar to the cuisine of other North African countries, and I enjoyed flavorful chicken, rice, lentils, and fresh fruit. The legal drinking age in Egypt is 18 for beer and 21 for wine/hard alcohol. Since it’s a Muslim country, drinking is generally limited to hotels and other tourist facilities.
Social media musts:
The camel ride is a given, and just try to fight the urge to “walk like an Egyptian” and take the silly perspective photos in front of the pyramids and the Sphinx. You’re in Egypt, go for it!
A Few Songs From My Travel Playlist From Egypt:
Walk Like an Egyptian - The Bengals
Come And Get Your Love - Redbone
The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani, Akon
Oh, Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
Birthday - Katy Perry
Say You Love Me - Fleetwood Mac
Another One Bites The Dust - Queen
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