Suzanne answers your Frequently Asked Questions ABOUT EGYPT:

Q - Is it safe?

It is very safe, in fact, it is more safe than most cities and towns in my home country of America!  Ask anyone who has visited Egypt and most will tell you the same thing…It is very safe!  I feel safe

Most likely you will also find these beautiful people gracious and kind as they invite you to visit their sites and partake in cultural ways.  Family life is very strong, education is a high priority, and alcohol and drugs are seldom consumed by the majority of Egyptian people.  Hospitality is primary!  Learning about the customs of ‘good bargaining’ can help you have a positive experience!  We can help you with guidelines for shopping.   

There are far more “incidents” in many places in the western world where travel is considered safe.   With 20 million people in greater Cairo, the main concern is traffic rather than crime.  Our tour bus drivers are very skilled at delivering us safely to our destinations. 

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Q – Are there diseases?  Do we need shots? What about medical care?

No inoculations are required to visit Egypt.  If you require prescription medications, please bring them along. Pharmacies are readily available, however brand names may vary from your prescriptions.  Doctors are available/on call through the hotels and cruise ships.  

A word about traveler’s revenge!  I have lived in Egypt for many years and have never gotten traveler’s diarrhea in Egypt.  It is wise to bring something with you to help relieve symptoms in case you need it!

For your personal health concerns, please consult with your health practitioner.

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Q – What about the food and beverages?  Can we drink the water?  

Our hotels and cruise ships are all equipped with high quality water (triple or higher filtration) systems.

Tap water in Egypt is considered safe, but with a chemical mix  uncommon to foreigner digestive systems.  Most likely you will not die from rinsing your toothbrush in the tap water, however drinking bottled water is a must for all foreigners!  Egyptians also drink bottled water which is readily available in a variety of sizes and brand names, often from deep wells in the oases of the Western Desert – and very reasonably priced at $. 50 - $ 1.75 per liter bottle depending on where it is purchased.

The food is absolutely wonderful!  Our accommodations and Restaurants are known for their fabulous buffets offering fine International Cuisine along with delicious Local Cuisine.  Whatever your dietary preferences, you will find an variety of choices that are sure to please!  Please let us know if you have special needs!   

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Q – When is the best time to come?  What is the temperature? 

It is always a good time to come to Egypt!  Temperatures vary, according to location and season - we simply adjust our touring schedule to accommodate.    

The climate may be compared to places like Arizona and Texas.   Temperatures will vary from day to night as well as location.  It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. 

In the winter season (October through May) bring a sweater and light to medium-weight jacket.  Shawls are readily available here in a variety of sizes, colors, and weights!  In the spring (March-April) the occasional sand storm can blow in from the desert lasting from a few hours to a day.  Clean up begins as soon as the storm passes!

In summer season (June through September) temperatures range from moderate to hot in the north (Lower Egypt- locations like Cairo) and hot to scorching at midday during peak of the season in Upper Egypt (southern locations like Aswan).  Very early morning and evening are the best times to visit sites, returning to hotel/cruise ship AC or taking a dip in the pool.  It is also a great time to schedule a massage or to simply sit and have tea, getting to know the people!

Resorts are plentiful along the coastlines and waterways of Egypt.  Diving & snorkeling; wind-surfing and the timeless Felucca sailboat ride; River Nile & Lake Nasser  Cruises; dinner cruises; beaches, pools, hot air balloon rides, hikes in the Sinai Peninsula, camel, horse, and 4x4 safaris,  all await you during most seasons as well as the famous museums, historic and religious site, temples, tombs, and pyramids!    

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Q - What should I wear?  Will all the women be veiled or covered?  

Egypt is a Muslim country and conservative dress is the norm. Many women choose to cover their heads with scarves, some beautifully tied.  You will see many who wear stylish western dress as well.  There are also some woman who may be entirely covered.  Women are free to dress in whatever way suits their local/family ways.  Men also dress conservatively, almost always with a sleeve, whether wearing a pair of slacks and shirt or the more traditional Gallabeya. 

Tour groups are best received when being respectful of local custom.  Short sleeves are preferable to bare shoulders for both women and men.  Bathing suits are fine when sunbathing next to the pool or on the beach; cover-ups are expected to be worn when away from the immediate pool & beach area.  Shorts are being worn by more and more tour groups and still draw a lot of attention when outside the hotel/cruise ship areas. 

We are able to have special permission to be in areas not open the general public and many eyes may be upon us.  Appropriate dress will go a long way in leaving a good impression!

Please see additional information provided under About Our Tours:  What to Bring.