The Egypt Bucket List: 10 Best Things To Do on your First Visit

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My name’s Ahmed. I grew up in Egypt and graduated with an Architecture and Urban Design degree from the German University in Cairo.

I’ve always loved shooting videos. I used to shoot on trips just for the love of it. My passion for creating content was always there. Although, I didn’t fully realise it until I saw people on YouTube making travel films for a living.

YouTube became my playground to learn everything I would need to know. There are no secrets to achieving your goals. Everything is out there.

I started practicing by shooting Vlogs on my phone on university excursions. It slowly turned into a passion for travel filmmaking and photography. As an architecture student, my eyes are always looking for good composition. My studies certainly helped me with filmmaking.

Later on I launched my own startup called Voyage Tellers. We run tours that include film and photography as part of the trip. People can enjoy the trip whilst leaving the documentation to us. We are stuck in limbo at the moment with the COVID-19 situation but we hope to reopen soon.

Things To Do in Egypt
A View from the Highest Point in Fayoum Overlooking Qarun Lake © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr
Things To Do in Egypt
Exploring the Khan El Khalili Market in Cairo © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr
Things To Do in Egypt
Spectacular Luxor Temples at Night © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr

Why Egypt is the Ultimate Travel Destination

Egypt is the adventure of a lifetime. There are so many different experiences to enjoy and destinations to discover. It’s hard to choose one reason why you should visit Egypt. We have amazing weather year round, the most incredible ancient wonders of the world and a rich history.

Of course, one of the biggest attractions of Egypt is the Great Pyramids of Giza. These incredible structures date back over 4,500 years. So you can just imagine the amount of discoveries that have been made in Egypt over the years. The latest of which was 30 coffins with mummies inside of them!

They were found at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut located near Luxor. I was lucky enough to witness the discovery on my last trip in October. Everyone was gathered in awe and the media was all over the place talking about it. I even took pictures for my friends with the coffins.

10 Best Things To Do in Egypt

The great thing about Egypt is the diversity of the attractions. Each destination has something special about it. Each town and landscape captivates you with unique history, friendly people and stunning nature. Check out my top 10 bucket list experiences in Egypt below:

1. See the Great Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are popular for a reason. The sheer size and architectural precision of the pyramids is enough to take your breath away. Built as massive tombs for the pharaohs, the pyramids are an awe-inspiring example of the rich history and achievements of Ancient Egypt.

Pyramids
The Great Sphinx of Giza with the Pyramids in the Background © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr
Pyramids
Good Times at the Pyramids © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr
Pyramids
Riding Horses around the Pyramids © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr

2. Sail Down the Nile – The World’s Longest River

Sailing down the Nile is a bucket-list experience. Imagine sitting on the upper deck of your yacht taking in extraordinary monuments, the stunning fertile valley and beauty of the surrounding desert. Whether you cruise in luxury or on a budget, this trip will be one of the highlights of your visit.

Things To Do in Egypt
Philae Temple in the Middle of the Nile © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr

3. Watch the Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning over Luxor

One of the best things to do in Luxor is to go hot air ballooning at sunrise. This magical experience is an early morning wake-up but totally worth it for the stunning views of the rocky landscapes, fertile valley, winding Nile River and Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in the distance. I highly recommend it!

Hot Air Ballooning
Hot Air Ballooning Preparations Before Sunset © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr
Things To Do in Egypt
Magical Moments Hot Air Ballooning over Luxor at Sunrise © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr
Hot Air Ballooning
Hot Air Balloons over Luxor © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr

4. Go Diving and Snorkelling throughout Egypt

Egypt is a fantastic country for snorkelling and diving. The reefs here are teeming with colourful corals and an abundance of fish. Some of the best destinations include: Alexandria, Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, Dahab, Elphinstone Reef, El Quseir, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and many more places!

5. Explore the Landscapes of the White Desert

The White Desert is a gem of a destination. Best of all it’s still relatively unknown on the tourist trail. So if you go, you’re likely to have this place all to yourself. You can find incredible rock formations in this desert as well as unique white colours that resemble snow when seen from a distance.

Things To Do in Egypt
Exploring the Unique Landscapes of the White Desert © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr
White Desert
Incredible Rock Formations at the White Desert © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr

6. Visit the Mysterious Siwa Oasis in Egypt

Siwa Oasis is a small community based on the border of Egypt and Libya. It’s a mysterious place that offers travellers unique adventures. You can go swimming in salt pools and explore the surrounding sand dunes of the oasis. The ancient Shali Fortress is also a wonderful place to see here.

7. Discover the Incredible Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings has been the site of royal burials in Egypt since 2100 BC. It’s now home to 63 incredible royal tombs. Although the site has decayed over the centuries due to treasure hunters and floods; the Valley of the Kings still remains an impressive ancient site to explore.

Valley of the Kings
Tomb of Ramses IV in the Valley of the Kings © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr

8. Treat your Tastebuds with Authentic Local Cuisine

Egyptian cuisine is the most delicious cuisine in the world. You’ll have to set out an entire day just to try the local dishes. Once you try Egyptian food you will never want to leave Egypt, trust me! My favourite dish would be ‘Warak Enab’ – grape leaves stuffed with rice, meat and veggies.

9. Ride Camels with Bedouins in the Desert

No trip to Egypt is complete without an adventure into the desert on camels. Taking in the silence and vast beauty of the desert in the company of your camel and Bedouin friends is an unforgettable experience. There are many desert tours throughout the country giving you plenty of options.

Things To Do in Egypt
Riding Camels at the Sand Dunes of Faiyum © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr

10. Meet the Incredible People of Egypt

The people of Egypt are generous, helpful and intimate. Being Egyptian means no one is a stranger and everyone is welcome. We don’t permit racism and we celebrate differences. Egyptians welcome everyone and we want to be great hosts to people who make the effort to visit our country.

Things To Do in Egypt
Local Guide in Giza © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr
Things To Do in Egypt
Abdo - A Pure Hearted Man from Aswan © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr
Things To Do in Egypt
Visiting a Nubian Village in Aswan © Ahmed Diaa Elsadr

Tips for your Visit to Egypt

Travelling with a group is a lot more fun than going solo. That’s not to say that solo travel isn’t fun. You can always meet new people and make new friends in Egypt which will make your journey more rewarding.

I recommend travelling with someone who knows their way around. Otherwise you’ll be overwhelmed with the roads and driving. Everyone should know that Egyptians like the risky/living on the edge lifestyle. That might seem dangerous to some people but it’s part of the experience.

Thanks for reading my bucket list guide on Egypt. I hope that you found it insightful and inspiring! I look forward to seeing you in Egypt one day.

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