Footnotes

Egypt

Vital statistics

Capital: Cairo

Population: 101m

Language(s): Arabic

Time: GMT +2

International dialling code: +20 Visas: (UK nationals) required and obtainable from visa2egypt.gov. E-visas are valid for a maximum of three months. Alternatively, visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days.

Money: Egyptian pound (E£). Currently around E£20.83 to the UK£.

When to go

March to April (with lows of 13°C and highs of 29°C in Cairo) and October to November (with lows of 15°C and highs of 30°C). These short shoulder seasons are when you’ll get the most comfortable temperatures so less sweating during sightseeing. There are also smaller crowds and lower hotel rates most days of the week.

Health & safety

No vaccinations are required, though Hepatitis A + B, typhoid, yellow fever and the tetanus, diphtheria and polio 3-in-1 are recommended. Cairo is among the areas considered safe for travel, but check FCO advice.

Getting there & around

Egypt Air (egyptair.com) fly direct from London Heathrow to Cairo. Flight time is around 4 hours and 40 mins; return fare from £258. The best way to get around town is the metro: efficient, cheap and not too crowded (if you miss rush hour). You can even get to Giza this way. Otherwise take a taxi: rates start at E£2.50 (approximately 12p) and a 10% tip is very much appreciated. Uber operate in Cairo.

Cost of travel

Egypt is inexpensive, with costs for food, accommodation and transport being comparatively low. Even if you travel everywhere by taxi and eat in the very best restaurants, you’ll be hard pushed to spend any more than £60 a day.

Accommodation

The author stayed at the Four Seasons in Cairo (fourseasons. com). Located in the heart of the city, the five-star hotel has panoramic views over the Nile. Doubles from $225 (£173).

Further reading & information

Pharaohs and Pyramids (Anthony Allan, 1997). egypt.travel – official site