Date travelled: 24-27 May 2008
Known as "the city of a thousand minarets" and Africa's most populous city, is the Egyptian capital Cairo. Cairo offers the visitor friendly Middle East hospitality, plus the fascinating history that's hidden within.
British passport holders need a visa to visit Egypt (if you are visiting the resorts of the Sinai peninsula, for example Sharm El Sheikh, you don't need one). You can purchase a visa (which is basically a large sticker) on arrival at Cairo airport for $15, payable in US Dollars or Pound Sterling. From the airport, you can either make use of the shuttle bus service (price EP35 - about £3.50) or taxi (EP100 - £10). I pre-booked a meet-and-greet service using South Sinai Travel (in association with worldwide tour specialists Viator), which cost roughly EP160, and the service was superb. I highly recommend this, especially if it's your first visit to the Middle East. I stayed at the Pyramisa Hotel Cairo, which is a five-star hotel situated in the heart of the city.
The main highlight of any visit to Cairo is of course the Pyramids of Giza, which are about 30minutes from the centre of Cairo city. The pyramids are one of the seven wonders of the world, and have been situated on the plateaus of Giza for over 4000 years. Entrance to the site costs EP50.
The Pyramids of Giza.
The pyramid of Cheops (on the left of the above image) was for thousands of years the worlds tallest building. The pyramid of Khafre is slightly smaller than Cheops, and you can have a walk around inside for EP15. However the walls are quite low down, and it can be really hot inside, but well worth the experience.
Guarding the Pyramids is the Sphinx, with its head supposed to resemble Khafre, and the body of a lion.
The Sphinx & The Pyramids.
On the site is the Sphinx temple, where Egyptian burial ceremonies used to occur. From here you can get quite close to the Sphinx, and notice its disfigurement on its nose; some say as a result of target practice by Napoleons' armies.
The Sphinx & The Pyramid of Cheops.
Be warned that there are many touts around the site of the Pyramids, trying to sell you various gifts, offer to take your photo or give you brief camel rides for high prices. Either tell them no thank you and walk away, or if you do want a camel ride for example, haggle the price down hard.
The life and soul of both past and present Cairo, and indeed Egypt, is the River Nile. The Nile is one of the worlds' longest rivers, and dissects Cairo neatly in two. Many of Cairo's five-star hotels are situated close to the banks or the river.
The River Nile.
Situated on an island called Gazirsh, surrounded by the Nile, is Cairo Tower, which is a lotus-shaped structure that overlooks the city centre. Also on Cairo tower is a revolving restaurant, and an observation deck (entrance price EP20 - £2).
Cairo Tower.
If you are wanting to buy some excellent souvenirs for family and friends, Egpyt offers genuine fragrances and essences, such as frankensence and myrth for example, which would make a lovely gift. Egpyt also offers beautiful paintings created on Papyrus, an ancient form of paper. These pieces of art look lovely in a frame in the living room. Be careful of fakes though. If you are after genuine Papyrus, head to the Papyrus Institute in Giza. The Institute gives you a demonstration how the papyrus is turned into paper on site, and also paint the ancient designs on site too. You will be offered a drink during your visit, so try some authentic Egyptian mint tea, which is highly refreshing on a hot day.
A good way of getting around the centre of Cairo is the Metro system, which is Africa's only underground rail system. Trains are frequent, and for EP1 (10p) for a single ride anywhere on the network, very cheap. Watch out for the women only carriages in the centre of the trains.
As with any Middle East city, Cairo offers authentic evening entertainment in most hotels, taking the form of somewhat hypnotic belly dancing. Enjoy!
The centre of modern day Cairo is Maydan at-Tahrir Square (or Liberation Square in English). Here you can stand and watch the world go by. You will notice the horrendous traffic problems that Cairo faces, along with the local drivers loving the use of their horns! Do not even think about renting a car in Cairo, you will run into alot of problems. Taxis in the city are black & white, and feature a wide variety of cars. The quality of the cars vary from the quite impressive to the absolutely shocking. Always negotiate a price before you start your journey.
Maydan at-Tahrir Square.
Located on Maydan at-Tahrir Square is Cairo's second biggest tourist attraction; the Egyptian Museum. The museum includes over 120,000 pieces of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, which makes up the Worlds' largest colleciton of Egyptian antiquities. Entrance costs EP100, and security is quite tight here too, so expect delays.
Egyptian Museum.
Cairo's other big tourist attraction can be found to the east of the city (about EP50 for a taxi ride from the centre). The Citadel was built in the early 13th century by the Saracens, led by Saladin, and was built to protect Cairo from the crusaders from Europe, attempting to conqueor the Holy Land. Dominating the Citadel is the Ottoman Turkish-style Muhammad Ali Mosque.
Muhammad Ali Mosque.
The Citadel also offer you a fanstic view of Cairo city and beyond. On a clear day, you will be able to see the Pyramids.
View of Cairo from the Citadel.
A perfect way to finish your Cairo adventure is by viewing the Light and Sound show at the Pyramids. The performance is an experience not to be missed, and explains in an exciting but highly tasteful manner the history of these truly magnificant feats of human engineering (Entrance price EP50 plus EP35 if you want to take pictures or video).
Light and Sound Show at the Pyramids.
In terms of local cuisine, the Egyptians love their meat, in particular Lamb or Chicken, but if you are feeling adventurous, the local delicacy is stuffed Pigeon served with rice. Not my cup of tea! The local beers are Sakara (4%) or Stella (4.7% - not to be confused with Stella Artois which is completely different).
So if you love your history, and fancy a break outside of Europe, head to Egypt, and in particular Cairo.
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