Sphinx, Photo taken by Vincent Brown

Egypt is a country in north-eastern Africa with a part of a small Sinai Peninsula extending into Asia. Bordered by Israel and the Gaza Strip to the north-east, by Sudan to the south and by Libya to the west. To the north lies Mediterranean sea and to the east lies Red Sea and is geographically dominated both by the Nile River and its fertile well-watered valley, and by the Eastern and Western deserts.

Today we hear news of political unrest in Egypt since the uprising in last year, however tourism is one thing which has been kept immuned from the political differences. Another TWR's student journalist had recently visited Egypt to make Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh holidays and her experiences describes everything was smooth and relaxing in the country.

When we talk about Egypt first thing comes to the mind is Pyramids of Giza. Egypt is no doubt best known as the home of the ancient Egyptian civilization, with its temples, hieroglyphs, mummies, and - visible above all - its pyramids. 

However Egypt is not only famous for Pyramids but also for its beautiful resort towns of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. Remote oasis of Siwa (Near Libyan border) and Golf Kebir.

Beside the above mentioned places, another major attraction is Luxor, known to be at the site of Ancient city of Thebes. Luxor keeps the title of having world's greatest open air museum. as the ruins of the temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor stand within the modern city. Immediately opposite, across the River Nile, lie the monuments, temples and tombs on the West Bank Necropolis, which include the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens.

Since Egypt is dependent on tourism for it large part of economy, thus authority ensure that you will make the most out of your Egypt holidays. It is very easy to get in Egypt as getting visa is very easy and relaxed considering the increasing number of tourists flowing in the country.

Below is the list of best places to experience the pyramids in Egypt.

Great Pyramids of Cheops 

This is a must see! One of the wonders of the world, which should be for sure on everybody’s “bucket list”. Impressive huge limestone blocks construction of almost 144 m high, standing there for thousands of years without moving an inch. There are eight other pyramids are in the complex, together with the Sphinx. 

Pyramids of Cheops, photo taken by Ed Yourdon

I entered the Pyramid of Menkaure, which is the smallest of the three pyramids of Giza; there was a long passage which was stiflingly hot and not for those who may be even slightly-claustrophobic, I had got there early to take the option of a visit inside when there were only about 12 people inside because later would have had to stand in queue and as the day passes it gets very hot. Surroundings and paths are rocky and uneven one must take care and wear appropriate footwear if you plan to go inside. 

The way up in the King's chamber is awesome, however to go up and come down there is only one narrow passage with no divider and you may often find people going the opposite side come in your way. Don’t miss mortuary ship fully restored, separately exposed in the complex. You may want to hire a camel or horse ride; negotiate it hard, don’t give up. Likely you’ll get it for 30% of the asking price. Walking away will help a lot.

Stay away from locals guides and ignore everyone who approaches you for photo or guiding. It is better to go in an organized tour or with a group of people as there have been cases of gangs robbing tourists on highway by forcibly asking them to stop.

Pyramids of Dahshour

If you are in Cairo then you should give a go to the region of Dahshur. The area is wide and open desert and contains two of the most significant of all Egyptian pyramids, the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid, both credited to Snofru and built around 2600 BC – meaning over 4600 years ago.

Red Pyramid, photo taken by Hannah Pethen

Both pyramids are a little over a hundred meters high and are as impressive and magnificent as the pyramids in Giza. These pyramids are not as popular as the Gizas and hence there is a possibility that you can be almost alone here as you wander around and look at the majestic monuments from all four sides. One can enter the Red Pyramid and the interior is impressive too. When I climbed down the steep steps through a narrow corridor, I was the only once inside the gigantic monument.

Bent Pyramid, photo taken by Arian Zwegers

Another pyramid, the Black Pyramid is also impressive, although rather crumbled and not accessible as it stands in a restricted area. But there is a good panoramic view from the Bent Pyramid. 

Great Sphinx

You can no longer go up to the Sphinx, but you can get close enough to it to take great pictures. Be a bit patient to find a time when you can take pictures without anyone crowding around you. You don't want anyone else in your pictures. 

Sphinx, Photo taken by Ernesto Graf

Watch for the volunteers trying to give you explanations. They may only want your tips! They will start saying they are ‘official free guides’ to end up asking for money for their services; and the explanations are very vague. On rare exceptions you’ll meet nice locals who will honestly try to be helpful.

Pyramids of Giza

You only need a morning to go here, try to go as early as you can as it becomes very hot as the sun climbs up. It's 60LE to enter the pyramid complex. However, if u wish to enter the burial chambers u ll need to pay 100 LE to enter the biggest pyramid and 30LE to enter the smaller one. Remember, cameras are not allowed inside.

Pyramids of Giza, Photo taken by Tim Kelley

Practically every tour guide will try and scam you regardless so be wary of that. Be wary of vendors and touts jumping on you - they do come by the dozen all at once.

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