Egypt

Lies in the north east corner of Africa, it has a 550 mile sea coast on the eastern Mediterranean, and a 650 mile sea-coast on the Red Sea, both of these are linked with the 100 mile Suez canal, on top of this it has the world longest river the River Nile (4157 miles in total of which 960 miles lies in Egypt) traversing the country. The Nile valley is obviously the most fertile area, varying in width from 5 miles to 15 miles, beyond this is mainly desert (95% of Egypt is desert). One thing you must do in Egypt is take a felucca (sail boat) ride on the Nile, the trip between Luxor and Aswan lasts from 3-5 days and the scenery is superb. Make sure you stop off at Edfu, Isna and Kom Ombo. As I've said before do NOT swim in the Nile it is rife with Bilharzia, as is the rest of Africa. .

Hostels and Student Accomodation



Places To See

Cairo, the capital, the largest city in Africa and also the second largest city in the world, is split by the River Nile. Most famous for its pyramids at Giza, also has many superb buildings. Saladins Citadel in the Mokattam Hills gives a great view over the city with the pyramids in the background. In Old Cairo (east bank) there is Amr Ibn Al-Aas the oldest mosque in Egypt. Not to be missed is the Egyptian Museum with its fantastic Tutankhamun collection

Alexandria, this was the city founded by Alexandria the Great and was the center of the civilised world. All that remains of its golden age is Pompeys Pillar amidst the ruins of Serapium Temple.

Luxor, once known as Thebes , (aprox 400 miles south of Cairo) has many sights nearby. Temple of Karnak, the Great Temple of Amon-Ra, avenue of Ram Headed Sphinxes and a Sacred Lake. Across the river The Valley of the Kings with the tombs of Tutankhaun, Rameses 111, 1V and V1, Seti 1, Amenhotep 11 and Thutmose 111. The valley of Queens with the tombs of Queen Nefertari and Queen Titi. There is also the Funeral Temples of various Kings and Queens. South of Luxor on the west bank is the Temple of Esna with its massive pylons.

The Sinai Peninsular, is mainly mountainous but has good flat beaches in several areas, some have been developed some maintain their unspoilt charm. The main destination here apart from the beaches is the Monastery of Saint Catherine, near here is supposedly where Moses got his 10 Commandments. Going south-east from Suez along the peninsular visit, Abu Redeis (145 km) with its oil wells, El Tor (245 km) has good views of the Gulf of Suez and fruit orchards. At the extreme tip of the peninsular (325 km from Suez) is the world famous Scuba Diving resort Ras Mohammad, if you do nothing else in Egypt you must dive or snorkel here, the waters are crystal clear and teem with life. Sharm El Sheikh (20 km further) at the bottom of the peninsular is another famed diving area. Heading north-east up the peninsular is Dahab (417 km) a holiday village, next Nuweiba with its fine sandy beach dotted with palm trees, holiday village, diving and fishing facilities, and an 18th century Turkish castle, you can also get a ferry to Jordan from here. Taba (574 km)lying on the Israeli border opposite the Israeli resort of Eilat.

El Faiyum, the most fertile oasis in Egypt famous for its abundance of greenery, fruits and vegetables, all set among clear streams and waterwheels. Nearby in Syllin are Amphitheatres, the Queens Pyramid, Senusert 11 and Amenemhat111 pyramids

The Red Sea, until recently this coast was very remote and off the beaten path, but with places like Hurghada (375 km from Suez) and Ain Sukhna (55 km from Suez) leading the way it is now much more accessible. Again a paradise for watersport lovers, diving, snorkeling and skiing, Here you will swim with the giant Manta Rays and numerous coloured fish in crystal clear warm waters, do not miss it.

Aswan, is a winter resort it gets really hot in summer (40 C and over), its granite quarries supplied the Kings and Queens of Thebes with their stone. Nearby is the Temple of Philae that was saved from the Dam which is aprox 6miles south of the town. 45 km north is The temple of Kom Ombo, also at Kom Ombo you may see the descendents and culture of the ancient Nubians which might have dissapeared under the waters of the Aswan Dam had they not been relocated. 123 km north is the Temple of Horus at Idfu, South of Aswan are the Temples of Abu Simbel hewn out of the sandstone cliffs and later moved to higher land to escape the rising waters of the dam.