Egypt

The Arab Republic of Egypt

In the north-east of Africa, one of the most mysterious countries is located. For thousands of years, Egypt has kept its mysteries. It is a country of pharaohs and ancient pyramids, golden sands of the Sahara and yellow waters of the Nile. Egypt is rich in amazing underwater world of the Caspian Sea, blooming oasis and unique national parks. Monuments of the ancient civilization are in harmonious combination with modern luxury hotels.

Egypt is one of the few countries located on two continents – the Sinai Peninsula in Asia and the northeast of Africa. Due to its unique location, the country is washed by two seas – the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Coral reefs inhabited by the myriads of fish of different shape and colour stretch along the coast for hundreds of kilometres. No doubts, it's a paradise for divers. Those to be fond of diving are advised to go to the coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Ras Muhammad National Park. Such Egyptian resorts as Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, El Gouna, Safaga, Alexandria and others have brought worldwide fame to the country. These resorts offer their services all year round, as the temperature does not drop below +22-25°C. The climate of Egypt has its own peculiarities. One of them is known in Egypt as Khamaseen – hot and dry wind. During the period from April to June – for 50 days – the Khamaseen carries clouds of sand and dust from the Sahara.

It is important to note that Egypt is one of the largest countries in the world by area and the largest in the Arab world in terms of population. However, only little part of its territory is inhabited. The Egyptians live in the valley and the delta of the Nile, the only river in the country and the longest in the world. The rest of the country is covered with endless sands of Egyptian deserts – the Libyan Desert, the Arabian Desert, the Nubian Desert, and the famous Sahara. Each of them is unique. In Egypt, there are also the so-called Black and White deserts. Villages and towns are located only along the river and near oases. Each of them has its unique charm. At the times of pharaohs, oases served as strongholds to protect against invaders. Today they are most popular stops for those who take a safari through the deserts. There you can see ancient temples, ruins of Roman settlements, tombs with "golden" mummies, as well as hot springs, palm gardens, lakes and farms for breeding of camels.

At that place where valleys give way to the desert, where palm groves and green fields turn into golden sands, mysterious pyramids appear on the horizon. In the country, there are about one hundred of pyramids, most of which are located on the banks of the Nile. Egyptian world famous pyramids – the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure and the Pyramid of Cheops – are located next to each other on the outskirts of Cairo, in Giza Necropolis, an archaeological site. The last mentioned pyramid – also world known as the Great Pyramid of Giza – is the biggest of them. Along with these giants, smaller pyramids intended for the burial of wives, priests and counsellors of three pharaohs were built. Giza Necropolis has also gained its fame due to the Great Sphinx, located not far from the pyramids. The Sphinx, a mythical creature with a lion's body and a human face resembling Pharaoh Khafre, stands guard over the buried kings. It has kept many mysteries…

Ancient Egypt left much secrets and mysteries to solve. The rich thousands-year-history of the Egyptian civilization can be seen in its unique cultural monuments, in which the country abounds. The impact and contribution of the Egyptian civilization made to the world culture might be compared only to the heritage of the Maya, the Sumer, and the civilizations of China, India, Greece and Rome. Ancient monuments located in the valley of the Nile – from Aswan to Luxor – are so beautiful and majestic. The tombs of the pharaohs are located in the Valley of the Kings; the most famous among them is the tomb of Tutankhamun. Unique Egyptian structures – the Colossi of Memnon, Amun Ra Temple and the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, as well as the ruins of Kom Ombo Temple – should be mentioned. The Temple of Kom Ombo was partly dedicated to Sobek, a god with the head of a crocodile.

Cairo – the largest city in Africa and the capital of Egypt – should be definitely visited by you. It is a cultural centre of the country and the most westernized metropolis you can find in Africa. There are many mosques and mausoleums. Cairo is home to numerous tourist destinations, including international chains of hotels and restaurants, skyscrapers, and museums. Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Al-Azhar Mosque, the Cairo Tower in its design resembling the flower of a lotus, Coptic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili – the largest market in the Near East – and many other places of interest attract thousands of tourists to the capital of Egypt.

In your travelling through Egypt, you are advised to taste national dishes. They are hot and are usually cooked using a large number of different sauces. Here, as in most Muslim countries, they do not eat pork. Ful medames, a dish of fava beans, and mahshi hamam, a roasted pigeon, are popular in Egypt. Fish and beef are usually baked with vegetables and rice on grill. For dessert, you are advised to sample sweet el menenas, fatir or Umm Ali, mixed with almonds, coconut and raisins. Eastern Egyptian bazaars have their own atmosphere. You can buy not only different spices, but also incenses, copper and bronze ware, precious stones, gold and silver jewellery, as well as cotton and leather products.

The exotic nature of Egypt attracts many tourists from different countries. You’ll get unforgettable impressions while learning the country’s culture and solving mysteries of the ancient civilization. You’ll be charmed with Egypt just the way its bazaars have got under a charm of tart smoke of honey-apple hookah.