Weather in January

January brings probably the best weather for visit Egypt. It’s warm during the day so you can walk in a t-shirt and a bit cold at night (but a fleece or a light jacket is enough).

In Siwa it doesn’t rain, but you need a warm jacket for the night. In Alexandria the rains are common during winter. And yes, bring a pair of long trousers, too. It can be a bit windy so a light jacket is a good idea. In Cairo you can walk in a t-shirt during the warmest part of the day, but a light jacket is also necessary at night and in the morning.

Sample temperatures

Alexandria avg high 17C / avg low 10C
Aswan avg high 21C /avg low 11C
Cairo avg high 18C / avg low 9C
Luxor avg high 21C / avg low 7C
Siwah avg high 19C / avg low 3C

Flights and Accommodation

January is a popular month to travel to Egypt because you can now enjoy the sites without the sun baking you. But it’s also a time when many Europeans choose to escape the colder climates, so flights to Egypt are more crowded and more expensive than the rest of the year. Book your flight in advance.

When it comes to accommodation, hostels are always the cheapest option. You can also look for flight and hotel packages, which can save some money.

Things to do

The variety of things to do in Egypt pleases many types of travelers. Cairo can be a bit cold at night, but it’s pleasant during the day and you can explore its sites without worry about the heat. The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities can take up half a day easily and you can also look for some souvenirs in the bazaar. Make sure to plan a day trip to the Giza plateau, with its pyramids and Sphinx. Yes, it can be crowded but you won’t melt.

Luxor is another important stop in Egypt. It is the gateway into the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Nobles and also some interesting temples. You won’t be melting in the sun, but you need to plan to face the crowds.

Alexandria is a nice choice, too, but do plan for colder nights and possible rains. Or you can visit Aswan and the near-by Abu Simbel temples. Maybe you fancy a Nile Cruise to see the sites roll by.

Winters can be quite cold in the desert, but during the day it’s nice and you can walk around in a t-shirt. You can visit an oasis or you can choose a desert safari.

Weather in December

Weather in December is nice through the day and can be a bit cold in the night, especially in the desert. Think of a nice spring day in Europe, that’s how warm the weather is, so no need for sunscreen.

Alexandria is warm by day, a bit cold at night and it might be rainy, too. Cairo is sunny, warm and nice, but you need a jacket or fleece for the night.

Sample temperatures

Alexandria avg high 19C / avg low 11C
Aswan avg high 22C /avg low 12C
Cairo avg high 19C / avg low 10C
Luxor avg high 22C / avg low 8C

Flights and Accommodation

December is a very popular time to visit Egypt if you plan to check out the sites. Also, since many European prefer to take vacations around the winter holidays and escape to a warmer place, the flights to Egypt are more crowded and more expensive. But, you can always book in advance. About a month is usually enough (at most 8 weeks).

Hostels are always the cheapest option, but if you can find a good bargain for a hotel room, you can always splurge a bit.

Things to do

There are plenty of things to do in Egypt , whether you like to check out the historical sites or enjoy some time in the desert. If you visit Cairo, now you’ll be lucky not to melt under the sun. Make sure to spend some time visiting the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and you can also look for some souvenirs in the bazaar. A day trip to the Giza plateau, with its pyramids and Sphinx, is a must, especially with the lovely weather.

The city of Alexandria is also worth your time, but make sure to pack an umbrella. December can be a bit rainy. Don’t miss checking out the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Roman Theatre and Pompey’s Pillar.

Luxor is the gateway into the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Nobles and some interesting temples. The weather is lovely now, so you don’t need to worry about baking in the sun

Make your way to Aswan and visit the Abu Simbel temples, but you can also challenge your fitness skills a bit and climb Mount Sinai.

Although a bit cold at night, you can also check out an oasis and plan some interesting activities in the desert. Dress accordingly.

Weather in October

The weather in Egypt in October is warm, but can easily turn hot. It is, however, the best time to visit Siwa Oasis and take desert trips. It’s still best to avoid the mid-day sun, but the weather allows now for more hours outside without much problems. In the desert, the nights are cool by now.

It is also warm in Cairo but the temperatures can easily turn hot. Still, you need to pay attention to the afternoon sun, which can easily burn you.

Sample temperatures

Alexandria avg high 27C / avg low 18C
Aswan avg high 33C /avg low 23C
Cairo avg high 29C / avg low 18C
Luxor avg high 33C / avg low 20C

Flights and Accommodation

October marks the start of the best time to travel to Egypt, so expect the flights to be busy and the fares to start to rising. It’s best to make the travel arrangement in advance. So, look for flights to Egypt several weeks (or months) before departure and also make sure to book the accommodation ahead of time. Hostels http://www.africatravelguide.com/hostels-in-egypt are always the cheapest option.

The country is still rebuilding its travel industry and trying to get the tourists to feel confident to travel to Egypt again, so might just be lucky to find some excellent deals if you plan your vacation ahead of time.

Things to do

Egypt is filled with a lot of interesting things to do . If you visit Cairo, don’t miss the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the bazaar and also make sure to take a day trip to the Giza plateau, with its pyramids and Sphinx.

The city of Alexandria is also worth your time. Some of the places to visit include: Citadel of Qaitbay, the Roman Theatre and Pompey’s Pillar.

Luxor is another highlight with access to the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Nobles and some interesting temples.

Make your way to Aswan and visit the Abu Simbel temples. And before heading to Sharm el Sheikh, for some excellent diving, climb Mount Sinai. You can also plan to explore an oasis and Siwa Oasis is an excellent choice.

Arusha is located in Northeast Tanzania and is the gateway to the popular Northern Safari Circuit. The city is situated at the foot of Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain. The city itself is not very attractive but it’s the stop before heading into the wilderness. But it’s a fast growing city and that can be quite interesting.

>>read more about Arusha National Park

Quick summary

The cheapest way to travel from Nairobi to Arusha is by bus. There are plenty of companies operating between the two cities which means the fares are low (from US$14.40 on way) and the service is good.

Flights from Nairobi (airport code: NBO) to Arusha

JKIA Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is Kenya’s largest airport and the busiest in East Africa. It is hub for Fly540 and Kenya Airways. The airport handles flights to/from other African countries, Middle East and Europe.

Arusha is served by two airports: Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) ; but only the latter receives flights to/from Nairobi. Kilimanjaro Airport is the one which offers the connections between some of the best wildlife areas in Africa. It is not hub for any airline and receives limited flights from Europe.

Once at the airport, you can choose between a taxi or a shuttle to get to Arusha (some shuttles are free, some cost US$10 per person, one way).

Flights between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro Airport are operated by: Airkenya Express, Kenya Airways, Precision Air and Qatar Airways. During the dry season (May to October), expect to pay from US$226 one way (with a stop in Zanzibar, night stay required) on Fly540.

Read more about:
>>Flights to Kenya
>>Flights to Tanzania

Buses from Nairobi to Arusha

There is shuttle bus service operated between the two cities by various bus companies. The travel time is about 5 1/2 hr – 6 h. Here is a list with some of the companies:

• The Riverside Shuttle Bus offers two buses per day ( 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and the single fare is US$35.
• East Africa Shuttles also offers two buses per day ( 8 a.m. and 2 p.m,) and the single fare is US$25.
• Scandinavia Express Services offers two buses per day (11:30 p.m and 7 a.m.) and the single fare starts at KSH1200/ US$14.40.
• Regional Luxury Shuttle operates the same number of buses per day (8 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and the single fare is US$30.

Driving from Nairobi to Arusha

There are 270 km between Nairobi and Arusha so you can rent a car and drive the distance. However make sure to ask the rental company if you are allowed to take the car across the border.

The drive time is about 3 ½ h but doesn’t include the border crossing. So prepare for a longer journey.

View Larger Map

Photo credit

Sharm el Sheikh is a well known port and resort town , located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It is very popular among those who choose a vacation package for their stay in Egypt. Thankfully, if you want to come here for something other than sunbathing and diving, you should know that are other interesting things to do, such as: camel trekking and horseback riding.

Quick summary

The cheapest way to get between Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh is by bus. The travel time is about 7 h and the single fare is US$12.

Flights from Cairo to Sharm el Sheikh

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the busiest airport in Egypt and an important hub in Africa. It is hub for EgyptAir and handles flights to/from various cities in Europe, Africa and Middle East.

Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is the second busiest airport in Egypt but it’s not hub for any airline. It receives quite a lot of season flights and is mostly served by flights from various European cities.

Flights between Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh are operated only by EygptAir (with its subsidiary EgyptAir Express). In mid-September 2012 – when the temperatures lower a bit and it’s better to plan your vacation here – expect to pay from US$104 one way. The flight time is 1 h. Return flights start at US$209.

>>book a fight to Egypt

Buses from Cairo to Sharm el Sheikh

Since there are no trains going to Sharm el Sheikh, the buses connect the two cities making it easier for those traveling on a budget or not as part of a package to their dream destination.

There are two companies which operate buses on this route: East Delta Bus and Super Jet Bus. Neither have online schedules , but you can find the departure times here . The distance is 485 km and the travel time about 7 h. The fare is 68 Egyptian Pounds (US$12) one way. There are four buses per day (including an overnight bus).

Driving from Cairo to Sharm el Sheikh

If you are used to finding your way using Google Maps, you are in for some trouble. It’s impossible to run a search for getting between the two cities, so unless you choose a specific resort (or search using your car’s navigation system), you’ll be in for some headaches.

Yes, you can rent a car and drive between Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh. Make sure to either rent a car with driver or bring along someone who knows the route. The route goes under the Suez Canal. The drive from Cairo to the tunnel under Suez Canal is about 2 ½ h. After you exit the tunnel just follow the signs to Sharm el Sheikh (or El Tur). That’s another 4 h drive.

Photo credit

Luxor is the main travel destination in Upper Egypt, the gateway into the Valley of the Kings and other important necropolis in the Nile Valley. The temple of Karnak and the Luxor Temple are on the East Bank, while the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and other important sites are on the West Bank, also the location of Ancient Thebes.

Visiting both cities , along with their most important historical sites, is what pretty much every traveler does when in Egypt. So, it’s a good idea to know how to travel between the two cities and what to expect.

Quick summary

The safest and cheapest way to get between Cairo and Luxor is by train. Choose the sleeper if you want to maximize your time on the road, or the daytime train if you want to see the sights along the way.

Flights from Cairo (airport code: CAI) to Luxor

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the busiest airport in Egypt and hub for EgyptAir. It is located about 15 km from the business center of Cairo. Cairo’s airport is the second busiest in Africa and has four terminals. Connections to down town can be quite hard to find, unless you plan to take a taxi. There is a public bus option but the lettering is in Arabic so it’s going to be an adventure to find the one which stops where you want to get.

Luxor International Airport (LXR) is the main airport serving the city and is located 6 km from the city center. It is not a hub for any airline but it’s used mostly by charter airlines which take tourists to the Valley of the Kings.

The only airline offering flights between Cairo and Luxor is EgyptAir. The flight time is about 1 h. The single fare in early November 2012 – during winter, best time to visit Egypt – is US$121. Return flights start at US$246.

>>book a flight to Egypt

Trains from Cairo to Luxor

All trains to Luxor depart from Giza Metro-Train Station in Cairo, which is not the main railway station in the capital (that would be Ramses Station). As a general rule, trains rarely run by schedule. And yes, they are always late.

Tickets can be purchased online here and make sure to get the ticket in advance (in order to be assigned a seat). There are four type of trains connecting Cairo to Luxor , but the express (marked Speed AC on the official website) and the sleepers are recommended for the travelers. The travel time between the two cities is about 10 hours, so using a sleeper is a good way to maximize your time on the road (and save money).

Schedules tend to be changed so run a search on the website mentioned above to get the latest schedules and plan accordingly. Single fares start at 47.84 Egyptian Pounds / US$8.

Buses from Cairo to Luxor

Did you think that the train schedules are not reliable? Think again because finding the bus schedules in Egypt is close to impossible. The only place to actually find a schedule is in the bus station.

From various websites, we manage to find some information, but please use it carefully, as a general guide to planning your trip. The bus to Aswan passes through Luxor and there are quite a lot of buses per day. The price is 47 Egyptian Pounds / US$7.8.

Driving from Cairo to Luxor

You can rent a car in Cairo and drive the 653 km to Luxor. Driving in Egypt can be quite an adventure so it’s advisable to either get a driver or take someone with you who can read Arabic. The driving time is about 8 ½ h (according to Google Maps).

View Larger Map

Photo credit

Visit the Giza Plateau

Located on the outskirts of Cairo, the Giza Plateau is where you can find Giza Necropolis. The Necropolis comprises the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, several cemeteries, a workers’ village and an industrial complex.

The Pyramids were popularized during the Hellenistic times when the Great Pyramid was listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, it’s the only wonder of Ancient world still standing.

You can visit the Pyramids as part of an organized day tour from Cairo , but you can also go there independently. The area is well known for the tourist traps, so be alert and exercise common sense.

Pay your respects at the tombs in the Valley of the Kings

The valley is located opposite Luxor (ancient Thebes), within the heart of the Theban Necropolis. The area is famous for being home to the tomb of Tutankhamun but tombs have been constructed here for a period of 500 years.

Most of the tombs are closed to the public. There are 18 of them which can be open but they are rarely open at the same time. It is no longer possible to take photos inside the tombs and the tour guides aren’t allowed to give lectures inside the tombs anymore.

The west bank necropolis is divided into zones and sub-zones; the Valley of the Kings is only one of the zones. So which tombs can be seen here? Some of the most famous are: Tutankhamun, Ramesses IV, Ramesses IX, Merneptah, Ramesses VI, Ramesses III , Seti I, Tuthmosis III, Amenhotep II and Horemheb.

It’s best to plan this day trip with a guide. You can choose private guides if you want more insight (and you are not fond of large groups). If you have time, the near-by Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Nobles are equally interesting.

Visit the Abu Simbel temples

Close to Aswan, on the western bank of Lake Nasser, there are the two massive rock temples , known as the Abu Simbel temples. The temples were carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II (13th century BC) .

The entire site has been relocated in 1968 on an artificial dam. The reason? They didn’t want the temples to be submerged when Lake Nasser was created.

The Great Temple at Abu Simbel was dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah and deified Rameses. It is considered the most beautiful temple built during Ramesses’s reign.

The Small Temple (The temple of Hathor and Nefertari) was dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Nefertari, Ramesses II’s chief consort. It’s the second ever temple in Egypt’s history dedicated to a queen.

Climb Mount Sinai

Located in the Sinai Peninsula, it is the traditional and most accepted identification of the Biblical Mount Sinai. The biblical mountain is mentioned in the Bible, Torah and the Quran. It is the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments (according to the Christian, Jewish and Islamic tradition).

At the foot of modern Mount Sinai, there is St. Catherine’s Monastery. It is Greek Orthodox and is considered the oldest working Christian monastery in the world.

There are two main routes to the summit. The longer (and easier) one takes about 2 ½ h on foot. The shortest starts behind the monastery and you get to climb the 3,750 “steps of penitence”.

The summit has a mosque (still in use), a Greek Orthodox chapel (not open for the public) and Moses’ cave.

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

The museum located in Cairo houses more than 120,000 artifacts, spanning from the early dynasties to the Roman Egypt and is the largest collection of this kind in the world.

Allow for at least half a day to visit the museum’s highlights. And if you want to see more, plan for an entire day here.

Explore Alexandria

Alexandria is Egypt’s second largest city. It was founded by Alexander the Great and used to be home to the Lighthouse of Alexandria (on the island of Pharos) and the Library of Alexandria – second largest library in the world. It served as capital of Egypt for a millennium.

There are a lot of historical monuments to visit in the city and the museums are also worth your time. Don’t miss the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Roman Theatre and Pompey’s Pillar.

Soak up the sun, snorkel/dive at the Red Sea

The waters of the Red Sea are among the best places to snorkel/dive in the entire world. If you are not into this type of exploration, just sit back and soak up the sun. Sharm el-Sheik is probably the most well known resort town in the area.

A cruise on the Nile

Yes, it’s cliché, but if you like this to explore an area by river, the Nile is best seen from a aboard a felucca (wooden boat) . The river cruises depart from Aswan and there are plenty of them to choose from.

Shopping in Khan-el Khalili bazaar

Cairo’s Khan-el Khalili bazaar is the place to visit if you like haggling for spices, perfume and different souvenirs. When you are too tired, stop for a tea or coffee.

Visit an Oasis

Siwa Oasis is home to the ruined 13th-century fortress ruins of Shali, which is best climbed either early in the day or for the sunset (because of the heat). Siwa is one of Egypt’s most isolated settlements. In ancient times it was the home of an oracle of Amon, the ruins of which are a popular tourist attraction. It is also an excellent base for trips into the desert.

Photo credits:Abu Simbel , Pyramids , Valley of the Kings , Mount Sinai , Egyptian Museum of Antiquities , Alexandria , Diving , Nile cruise , Bazaar , Siwa Oasis

Once you do get the motivation to hit the road and make your travel dreams come true, one of the first things you’ll do is start crafting your itinerary. Where to go and what to see are usually tops on your mind, and you should seriously consider adding Cairo to your RTW trip itinerary. Seeing the Giza Pyramids are usually tops on travel wish lists, and Cairo is the base for exploring the Pyramids.

But that’s not all that Cairo has to offer. Did you know that Cairo is one of the biggest cities in Africa and the Middle East, with about 16 million people calling it home. If you are a fan of big, bustling cities, it doesn’t get much bigger or more bustling than Cairo. It may be overwhelming at first, but if you have some patience, you can grow to love Cairo. Cairo is much more modern than you may suspect, and there are plenty of western amenities in this African city. If planning a RTW trip, you may want to consider adding this city and region to your itinerary.

Photo credit: 1

]]>