WADI EL RAYAN PROTECTORATE
COUNTRY CONTEXT:
Size: 386,900 mi²
Languages: Arabic is the official language, and English is a widely spoken second language (most signs we saw were in both Arabic and English)
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP, E£, or ج.م)
Something You Should Know: Driving — especially in Cairo — felt like an extreme sport, even as the passenger. Ready yourself for some chaotic jaunts around the city, and know that, as one of our Uber drivers told us, honking is not seen as rude but rather a second language on the roads.
OUR TRAVEL SUMMARY:
Egypt is a place that is hard not to dream about, and let me tell you, it lived up and surpassed my expectations. We spent about 3 weeks in the country, exploring 3 primary regions: Cairo, Fayoum, and southern Sinai, largely focused on exploring the country's nature. We stayed in Airbnbs and eco-camps, and we used Ubers, private transfers, and one flight to get around the country. While Cairo is very on-the-beaten-path, Fayoum and southern Sinai were much less traveled, and turned out to be two of the regions we've most loved from all our travels.
Cost-wise, Egypt is quite affordable. There is an abundance of cheap, amazing food in Cairo (see below: Cairo), and most eco-camps include delicious Egyptian meals as part of your stay. Likewise, accommodation, transfer, and experience costs were all reasonable. See below for more-detailed guides based on our time there!
Local organization spotlight:
Eco-Egypt
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