Book cheap flights to Egypt

Egypt is best visited during spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) when crowds have dispersed and temperatures are cooler. Peak tourist season runs during winter from November to February. The Nile Valley experiences lovely warm days and the Sinai Desert resorts see an influx of tourists. Summertime (May-September) brings searing temperatures and heatwaves to the central regions and many affluent locals migrate to the coastal resorts. Avoid Cairo during the summer with its high pollution levels and blistering sun. If you must go during this time, sightseeing is best done in the early morning and evening. Egypt is home to many exciting festivals and religious celebrations. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival (21 February and 21 October), paying homage to King Ramses II’s ascension to the throne, is a spectacle to witness. The Islamic holiday of Ramadan limits eating and transport arrangements during the daytime but, after sunset, festive evenings are a communal affair.

South African passport holders do require a travel visa for Egypt. Visas are issued free of charge by the Egyptian authorities for SA passport holders and must be obtained prior to your departure for Egypt.

Please note that EgyptAir 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.

The South African Embassy is located in Cairo at the following address: 11 Road 200/203 Degla Maadi 1524 Cairo Email: cairo.embassy@dirco.gov.za / cairo.consular@dirco.gov.za

There is also a South African Consulate in Alexandria. Tel.: 20-3-582-6825 Email: south-africa@nileprojecs.com

The Egyptian Embassy in South Africa is located in Pretoria at the following address: 270 Bourke Street Muckleneuk P.O. Box 30025 Sunnyside 0132 Pretoria Tel.: ( 27) 12 343 1590/1 Email: egyptemb1@gmail.com

In exercising basic safety precautions and vigilance you’ll find that Egypt is a very safe country. Foreigners are not targets of violent crime; if anything, you may be overcharged for taxi fares and souvenirs. Unfortunately, some cities in Egypt have been targeted in recent terror attacks, so it is advisable to keep abreast of current political affairs and warnings. Avoid walking through dimly-lit areas at night, although the tourist areas are perfectly safe at any time of the day or night. Women may find themselves subject to verbal harassment in public areas and should avoid walking around alone. In general, men and women should dress modestly and avoid showing too much skin. Be aware of wayward traffic when crossing the roads in Egypt. Hiring a car with a driver is advisable if you’re staying for a considerable amount of time and need to get around.

There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Egypt, although it is advisable to be immunised against hepatitis A and typhoid. If you are an adventurous eater, be wary of uncooked street food and fruit juice. Tap water is not potable so stick to bottled water at all times.

Use a good insect repellent to ward off pesky mosquitoes, especially if you are staying around the Nile region. Be aware that medical facilities in Egypt are not always up to standard so it is recommended to bring along a medical kit with basic supplies. A comprehensive travel-insurance policy to cover theft and medical expenses is always recommended.