Egypt

Cairo International Airport is the main aviation gateway to Egypt and receives direct flights from major international cities, such as London and New York. For those coming from other parts of the world, Cairo can still be reached via indirect flights from an array of origin cities.

Passport holders of most nationalities must obtain a visa before entering Egypt. This can either be done on arrival at Cairo International Airport or online via the Egyptian government's official e-visa portal. A single entry visa is valid for a period of three months, starting from the date of issuance, and grants the holder permission to travel within Egypt for a duration of one month.

While the official language of Egypt is Arabic, the vast majority of Egyptians speak one of several distinct regional dialects that have developed organically over the centuries. In official and academic settings, formal Arabic is used.

The official currency used throughout Egypt is the Egyptian pound, known locally as the "geneih" and with the currency code “EGP”. Each Egyptian pound is divided into 100 smaller units called piastres. When shopping, you'll commonly see the pound symbol (£) displayed alongside prices.

You can easily withdraw Egyptian pounds at ATMs, which are found throughout towns and cities. Major international credit and debit cards are accepted at most tourist businesses, although it’s good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases. 

While the water in Cairo is heavily chlorinated and generally safe to drink, this is not the case in all Egyptian towns and cities. Once outside the capital, it’s advisable to drink only water that has been treated/purified. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and portable filter to ensure clean drinking water. 

There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter Egypt, although it’s recommended that you are protected against hepatitis A, polio, and tetanus. You may also want to discuss with your health provider regarding vaccinations against rabies, typhoid, and malaria, with all three present in Egypt. Proof of a yellow fever vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through some parts of Africa and South America.

Malaria is present in certain regions of Egypt but the risk to travelers is extremely low, especially in popular tourist areas. In the El Faiyûm region, which is located southwest of Cairo, there is a very limited risk of malaria transmission that typically occurs between June and October. However, this localized risk poses little threat to visitors spending their time in well-developed tourist hubs along the Nile River. 

Botswana uses Type C (two round pins) plugs and Type F (two round pins with two earth clips) and operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

If you're visiting Egypt in the sweltering summer months, temperatures can easily reach a scorching 122°F (50°C) in some parts of the country. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are an absolute necessity, with linen and cotton being good choices, together with athletic performance wear designed to wick away moisture.

Particularly for women, it’s important to cover up from the shoulders down to at least the knees, as the local culture expects a more conservative dress code. Long, flowing skirts or loose-fitting pants paired with long-sleeved tops are ideal. A versatile bathing suit is also a good idea for those looking to cool off in a hotel pool. 

To protect against the relentless sun, a wide-brimmed hat and a good pair of sunglasses are essential, and comfortable walking shoes will make navigating the city's streets and markets much easier. Women should also pack a lightweight scarf or shawl to cover their hair when visiting mosques. 

Additionally, we provide detailed packing lists for all yours in Egypt. Be sure to read your pre-trip materials to find your designated packing list.

All of our private tours are custom-designed, including our family tours. Depending on your interests and preferred destinations, we can tailor an itinerary to suit. The minimum age requirement for children differs depending on the places you want to visit and the activities you want to participate in. 

On all of our custom safaris and private tours, we do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, provided we have prior knowledge. That being said, particular ingredients may be difficult to find in Egypt and suitable alternatives will be sought wherever possible.