Book cheap flights to Cairo

The best time to visit Cairo Is between October and April. Although these peak seasons draw large crowds, the temperatures are much more welcoming. Be aware that ‘high seasons’ of Christmas and Easter are when hotels and cruises increase their prices. If you wish to experience local festivities, go during Ramadan. Avoid travelling to Cairo between June and September as the heat can be suffocating and the city experiences terrible pollution.

South African Passport holders do require a travel visa for Cairo and Egypt. Visas are issued free of charge by the Egyptian authorities for SA passport holders. Visas for SA passport holders must be obtained prior to your departure for Cairo. Please note that Egypt Air will not accept SA citizens as passengers without a visa. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Egypt.

Cairo is considered to be a fairly safe city. As in any touristic city, a general awareness is recommended. The market place often attracts pick-pockets, so keep your valuables close and don’t flash expensive jewellery or equipment. Some locals will try to lure you into their stalls for a “cup of tea” – try to avoid indulging them as you may feel obliged to spend money on unnecessary items.

Tap water is fine for showering, but stick to bottled water for drinking. If you are on a Nile cruise, avoid tap water altogether.

Good walking shoes and sunblock is a must if you’re planning on exploring the pyramids and other landmarks.

If you wish to be amid the hustle and bustle of the city, then Down Town is the place to be. With a wide selection of budget accommodation and convenient transport links to the main sites, you won’t miss a beat staying there.

If your only interest is in the main tourist sites, then consider staying in Giza. It’s situated on the edge of town, on the west bank of the Nile, but there’s less traffic and the air is a bit cleaner. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to the magical sight of the Pyramids on their doorstep?

If comfort and style are more appealing to you, the residential area of Zamalek has upscale hotels and many restaurants to choose from. When you’re done wondering through the boutique shops, go up the Cairo Tower and enjoy the splendid panoramic view of the city.

The roads in Cairo can be quite overwhelming, so walking around the city might not be the best experience. Be careful when crossing the roads, as drivers do not often stop for pedestrians.

Taxis are the primary choice for getting around. The black and white taxis are cheaper for short distances and drivers will decide to stop for you based on your destination. Fares tend to double if you catch a taxi from your hotel – rather walk around the corner for a better price.

The yellow taxis operate via reservation, so you’d need to ask your hotel to arrange one a few hours in advance. They are metered with air conditioners and their rates are a lot higher.

The CTA buses are fairly reliable, though you’ll need to check the destination with the driver. Avoid the micro buses as they are hazardous on the road!