What to do in Egypt in 2021

Egypt is open! But our new reality obviously requires some adjustments — you’ll need to have a negative COVID-19 test, issued 72 prior to arrival. But in this case you won’t need to quarantine!

So now you can feel like an explorer of an ancient civilization and try not to burn in the boiling sun: the average temperature in Egypt is +30 °C, and in winter it drops to 20-25 °C — definitely warm, but not boiling hot, which means you can put our list of interesting activities to good use.

1. Explore the different shades of the desert

You can’t imagine a trip to Egypt without exploring the desert. You have probably fantasized about this moment more than on one occasion: a camel, a scorching sun, golden sands… But no need for such stereotypes: the desert can be crossed by jeeps, bicycles and ATVs, and the sands can be not only golden, but also white and even black. The desert is alive and changes — you will feel it yourself as you spend the night under the starry sky. If you're lucky, you might even be able to spot desert foxes. 

During the day you can also meet real desert experts near the oases — the Bedouins. They are indigenous tribes, former nomads. Some of them are sheltered, but some are open to tourists — of course, such visits are not free. If you happen to meet them, try to imagine that you are their first guest ever and learn as much about their lifestyle as possible.

2. Go snorkeling

There are many resorts in Egypt: Hurghada, Dahab, Sharm el-Sheikh... If you have never dived or explored underwater life before, Egypt is a good start. Let's look at different types of diving: for freediving you’ll need flippers and a special mask, but you still need to hold your breath. Snorkeling allows you to explore the underwater world in a mask and flippers whilst diving into a shallow depth. And scuba diving with an oxygen tank and a special suit helps you discover some great depths. So choose what suits you best.

3. Take a Nile cruise

Go wherever you want and not bother about getting there? Easy, if you make sure to include a Nile cruise in your travel itinerary. The river that has been the source of life and fertility of the region for several millennia, is now open for tourists. Ancient temples and sugarcane thickets float past as you explore those sights that are usually neglected. On the way you will see the massive Aswan dams and the temples of Kom Ombo. The former are modern engineering achievements, and the latter were built about two thousand years ago. Egypt is truly the place where the ancient coexists with the modern.

4. Go wind or kite surfing

Another great way to spend your holiday is to learn a new skill. Hop on the board, catch the wave, and trust the wind. Go sailing or be carried away by a kite — here you can do anything.

5. Overcome yourself en route to Mount Moses

The exodus of Jews from Egypt is a biblical story, and the Church of St. Catherine is a place that holds a piece of Christian culture in Muslim Egypt. Next to it is Mount Moses that can be climbed by only 750 steps. Up there it is cool, and you can enjoy some beautiful views. But if you are looking for more mountain adventures, take a look at Saint-Catherine, the highest peak of the Sinai Mountains. By the way, the entire mountain range is suitable for both mountaineering and rock climbing, so do not deny yourself the pleasure.

Фото: wikimedia.org

6. Watch the sun rise in a hot air balloon over the Valley of the Kings

Фото: wikimedia.org  

7. Take a trip to the last wonder of the world

Seeing the pyramids in Egypt is a must. Now, when there are fewer tourists, the sight of the last surviving wonder of the world reminds of those early days when ancient Egypt was just being discovered by the Western civilization. Before you go there, visit the Egyptian National Museum to learn more about what was once hidden inside the tombs of the pharaohs. When you are near the pyramids in Giza, look up at the sphinx and try to find the answer to his riddle. But remember, the question is different for everyone.

Spending your holiday in Egypt can be different and quite surprising. But it is important to plan everything in advance, even better to choose a guided tour led by a local expert. Remember the holiday and not the routine and stress of planning it!