Egypt is a destination that many can only dream of going but never actually get to visit. Safety is often the biggest concern why a lot of travelers decide against traveling to the country. The good news is that the transcontinental country spanning Africa and Asia is now stable, generally safe, and very accommodating to tourists.
If you want to add one more stamp on your passport, here are some reasons why Egypt is definitely worth including in your bucket list.
The landscape is unforgettable
Egypt is about 90% desert, which covers part of the African Sahara, and the best way to explore it is via safari vehicles. It will take you through a vast expanse of black, white, and red sand, stones, oases, dunes, and canyons. There are also hills and mountains to hike like the biblically significant Mount Sinai where you can follow the footsteps of Moses or just gaze into where the sky meets the sand or the sea.
The Nile, beaches, and diving spots are breathtaking
If you prefer water activities than exploring land, Egypt’s water features are just as wondrous and offer an endless amount of activities. Cruising the Nile should be at the top of your list. It is regarded as the longest river in the world which stretches for 4,160 miles spanning eleven countries, and it is the primary source of water in Egypt since ancient times.
For an exotic getaway, the Red Sea has many beaches that are typically less crowded than other tropical destinations regardless of the season. You’ll definitely get your fix of soft sands and picture-perfect waves similar to the destinations previously tackled by Scotch Naturals. Egypt also offers various aquatic pursuits such as wakeboarding and surfing, and it is a mecca for those who want to go underwater. Snorkelers can sample shallow reefs while divers can marvel at shipwrecks and diverse marine life. For the more daring, The Guardian recommends diving with sharks as it’s a generally safe activity as long as you don’t bother the typically misunderstood creatures.
Egyptian food is delectable
One way to immerse yourself in the local culture is through food, so The Culture Trip came up with a list of must-try dishes that give you an authentic taste of Egyptian cuisine. Vegetarians don’t have to worry about finding restaurants that suit their diet as plant-based options are easy to come by such as ta’meya (falafels), ful medames (fava beans), or besarah (vegetable mash). Meanwhile, omnivores can indulge in kebab or sausages that you can get almost anywhere.
It is an archaeological paradise
Of course, no one goes to Egypt without seeing the historical attractions up close. There are plenty of pyramids, the most famous of which are the ones in Giza; as well as temples, ruins, tombs, statues, and other mysterious yet impressive manmade structures all dating back to early civilization. These sites are a testament to the depth of the history and culture of Egypt which has been the object of fascination and often featured extensively in different forms of media.
One of the most glaring examples is the blockbuster The Mummy where an adventurer has to fight evil locked away in a sarcophagus. Although the plot is far from the truth, the movie showcases important elements of Egyptian culture such as mummification and the concept of resurrection. In gaming, the enigmatic side of Egypt is also being employed to appeal to players. Foxy Casino’s ‘Pyramid Quest for Immortality’ slot title pays homage to the mystery that surrounds ancient traditions by featuring hieroglyphs, ankhs, and the Great Pyramids. How these structures were constructed have been the topic of many archaeologists’ studies. And as long as they’re referenced in pop culture, the interest and awareness of people all over the world will remain. The effect is generally positive, as these kinds of exposure helps boost tourism in Egypt.
It created many makeup trends
As a bonus for Scotch Naturals, Egypt is also the source of many makeup and beauty trends today with the likes of Cleopatra, AKA Queen of the Nile, as the originator. Marie Claire lists milk baths for skincare, henna tattoo, and the use of essential oils for different purposes as some of the practices that came from Egypt. If not for Cleopatra, the more gentle way of removing hair through body sugaring probably wouldn’t exist. And of course, who could forget the hard-to-achieve winged eyeliner look of the pharaoh herself? Ladies, you all have Cleopatra to thank for and you can do so by visiting her home country!
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