A terrific and succinct guide to Cairo. Beautiful photos of some of the pyramids and riding on a camel to see the pyramids has to be an exhilarating experience. I like that you mentioned some of the more "off the beaten path" pyramids as i'm sure there's a sea of tourists from all over the world visiting at any given time.
I would love to go to Cairo one day, but at the moment I am a bit hesitant as travelling solo there as a woman would make me feel uncomfortable. The blue skies and golden sand landscapes are my perfect environment. I would totally use the opportunity and go on a tour inside the pyramids. You can also sign me up for the camel ride and the new museum GEM, I have kept my eyes open for its grand opening since 2022! I hope it will happen as scheduled later this summer, fingers crossed.
I completely agree with you about the solo traveling. Egypt and Cairo in particular, is a bit chaotic and confusing. I would highly recommend going on a tour. Even though you are still by yourself, you will have the support of others around you. The challenge will be to pick the tour and itinerary that suits your needs. I went with Wingbuddy from Canada but GAdventures or Exxotica are also fantastic companies. Small group tours would be best so its easier to stick together in the crowded areas and you are closer to your guide who can help push away the peddlers.
How have I not been to Egypt yet?! I've always wanted to go, and have gotten close, but never actually got up close with this amazing country. Cairo is a dream trip, to see all the history of the pyramids - although not sure I'm brave enough to go inside one. What I can never get over is how close these ancient monuments are to the city. Great job convincing me I need to firmly plant Cairo and Egypt on my travel list again
I visited Cairo many years ago, and loved the main attractions, especially the pyramids and sphinx. But I didn't have time to see much of the city. So it was good to learn about the historic churches and mosques and the Saqqara Pyramid.
I have been fascinated by Egyptian history since I was a child and have had the country on my list for decades. I will make it happen in the next year or two, and will use this post as part of my inspiration for planning. Did you go as a solo traveller? I've heard that solo female travellers should probably choose a group tour. What are your thoughts?
Hi Lyn, Egypt is an incredible country. But, I would highly recommend seeing it as part of a group. Tour guides are regulated in Egypt and must take a 1-2 year course to get the permit. As a result, they are highly knowledgeable and since most speak Arabic, they are valuable in keeping the local pan-handlers at bay. I went with my husband on a tour through Wingbuddy. They were fantastic! Our tour guide had a masters degree in Egyptology and has written university textbooks on the subject. I think if you went as a solo female, you would be hassled even more. I know some have done it, but I would rather spend my time viewing the sites and taking in the history than worrying about my personal safety all the time. Egypt is very chaotic and if you don't speak the language (or have blonde hair) you will stand out.
Any thing about Egypt, pyramids and curses is music to my ears. I have not been but always itching to see this intriguing country and visit its capital. I have heard from a friend that Cairo is a noisy and chaotic capital which definitely make up a good story already. If Omar Sharif had left an impression on me, I don't see Cairo wouldn't do the same ;-) #flyingbaguette
Yes, Cairo is very noisy. Horn-honking all the time and the lines on the roads are only suggestions. What should be three lanes of traffic, often have six intermixing lines of vehicles including cars, motorcycles, trucks, donkey carts and bicycles. Signs are written in Arabic, so good luck if you plan on driving. As I have told others, it is best to visit with a tour. Let someone else do the driving and commentary so you can enjoy the sights and listen to the stories. There is so much history, everywhere you turn.
I thought Coptic Cairo was the coolest thing to see! Cairo really has a lot to offer travelers other than the pyramids (which are amazing don't get me wrong), but it's such a historical place to visit. So cool
A terrific and succinct guide to Cairo. Beautiful photos of some of the pyramids and riding on a camel to see the pyramids has to be an exhilarating experience. I like that you mentioned some of the more "off the beaten path" pyramids as i'm sure there's a sea of tourists from all over the world visiting at any given time.
Thank you so much. Yes, Egypt seems to be crowded most of the time.
I would love to go to Cairo one day, but at the moment I am a bit hesitant as travelling solo there as a woman would make me feel uncomfortable. The blue skies and golden sand landscapes are my perfect environment. I would totally use the opportunity and go on a tour inside the pyramids. You can also sign me up for the camel ride and the new museum GEM, I have kept my eyes open for its grand opening since 2022! I hope it will happen as scheduled later this summer, fingers crossed.
Carolin | <a href="https://solotravelstory.com/">Solo Travel Story</a>
I completely agree with you about the solo traveling. Egypt and Cairo in particular, is a bit chaotic and confusing. I would highly recommend going on a tour. Even though you are still by yourself, you will have the support of others around you. The challenge will be to pick the tour and itinerary that suits your needs. I went with Wingbuddy from Canada but GAdventures or Exxotica are also fantastic companies. Small group tours would be best so its easier to stick together in the crowded areas and you are closer to your guide who can help push away the peddlers.
How have I not been to Egypt yet?! I've always wanted to go, and have gotten close, but never actually got up close with this amazing country. Cairo is a dream trip, to see all the history of the pyramids - although not sure I'm brave enough to go inside one. What I can never get over is how close these ancient monuments are to the city. Great job convincing me I need to firmly plant Cairo and Egypt on my travel list again
Thank you so much.
Yes, Cairo and the rest of Egypt really needs to be on everyone's must visit list.
I visited Cairo many years ago, and loved the main attractions, especially the pyramids and sphinx. But I didn't have time to see much of the city. So it was good to learn about the historic churches and mosques and the Saqqara Pyramid.
Yes, there is so much else to see in the city!
I have been fascinated by Egyptian history since I was a child and have had the country on my list for decades. I will make it happen in the next year or two, and will use this post as part of my inspiration for planning. Did you go as a solo traveller? I've heard that solo female travellers should probably choose a group tour. What are your thoughts?
Hi Lyn, Egypt is an incredible country. But, I would highly recommend seeing it as part of a group. Tour guides are regulated in Egypt and must take a 1-2 year course to get the permit. As a result, they are highly knowledgeable and since most speak Arabic, they are valuable in keeping the local pan-handlers at bay. I went with my husband on a tour through Wingbuddy. They were fantastic! Our tour guide had a masters degree in Egyptology and has written university textbooks on the subject. I think if you went as a solo female, you would be hassled even more. I know some have done it, but I would rather spend my time viewing the sites and taking in the history than worrying about my personal safety all the time. Egypt is very chaotic and if you don't speak the language (or have blonde hair) you will stand out.
Any thing about Egypt, pyramids and curses is music to my ears. I have not been but always itching to see this intriguing country and visit its capital. I have heard from a friend that Cairo is a noisy and chaotic capital which definitely make up a good story already. If Omar Sharif had left an impression on me, I don't see Cairo wouldn't do the same ;-) #flyingbaguette
Yes, Cairo is very noisy. Horn-honking all the time and the lines on the roads are only suggestions. What should be three lanes of traffic, often have six intermixing lines of vehicles including cars, motorcycles, trucks, donkey carts and bicycles. Signs are written in Arabic, so good luck if you plan on driving. As I have told others, it is best to visit with a tour. Let someone else do the driving and commentary so you can enjoy the sights and listen to the stories. There is so much history, everywhere you turn.
I thought Coptic Cairo was the coolest thing to see! Cairo really has a lot to offer travelers other than the pyramids (which are amazing don't get me wrong), but it's such a historical place to visit. So cool