Egypt is home to a wealth of ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the iconic pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the ancient temple complex of Karnak. The pyramids of Giza are perhaps the most famous, with the Great Pyramid being one …
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Egypt
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Backpacking Egypt in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Egypt with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Egypt
Step into the cradle of civilization with a backpacking journey in Egypt. Pros? Immerse in ancient wonders like the Pyramids, cruise the Nile, and indulge in affordable local cuisine. Egypt offers a rich historical tapestry. However, be prepared for persistent touts and haggling in tourist areas. Yet, the juxtaposition of ancient and modern, coupled with budget-friendly options, makes Egypt a captivating destination for backpackers seeking an iconic adventure, where the echoes of pharaohs and the vibrant culture create an unparalleled travel experience.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Egypt
Architecture
Beach life
Egypt is great for beach life and snorkeling due to its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. The Red Sea coast, particularly in popular resort towns like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, offers some of the best snorkeling …
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Scenery
Egypt is a country rich in history and natural beauty, offering a variety of stunning sceneries to explore. One of the most iconic attractions is the Great Pyramids of Giza, which are a must-visit for any traveler. These ancient wonders are not only …
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Food
The food in Egypt is so good because of its rich and diverse culinary history. Egyptian cuisine has been influenced by various cultures and civilizations, resulting in a unique and flavorful food tradition. The use of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, …
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Uniqueness
Exploring Egypt is a unique and off the beaten track experience because of its rich and ancient history, diverse landscapes, and hidden treasures. From the iconic pyramids of Giza to the stunning temples of Luxor, Egypt offers a glimpse into one of …
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Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Egypt can vary depending on various factors such as accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day.
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Egypt
- Pyramids of Giza: A must-visit attraction, these ancient wonders are a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians and their architectural prowess.
- Karnak Temple Complex: This vast open-air museum in Luxor is one of the largest religious sites in the world, with beautifully preserved temples, obelisks, and statues.
- Nile River Cruise: Embark on a cruise along the Nile River, the lifeblood of Egypt, to witness stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and traditional villages.
- The Egyptian Museum: Located in Cairo, this museum houses an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the iconic treasures of Tutankhamun.
- Valley of the Kings: Explore the burial grounds of pharaohs and nobles from the New Kingdom period, including the tomb of Tutankhamun, in this ancient royal necropolis near Luxor.
But Egypt offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Egypt
The best time to visit Egypt for backpacking is during the winter months, from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant and mild, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F). This makes it ideal for exploring the famous historical sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, and Aswan, as well as enjoying outdoor activities like snorkeling in the Red Sea or hiking in the Sinai Peninsula. Additionally, the tourist crowds are usually smaller during this time, allowing for a more immersive and budget-friendly backpacking experience.
Risk level: medium (58%)Safety advice for Egypt
- The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. There is an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests across the region. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
- The ongoing conflict may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, flight diversions and other travel disruptions across the region.
- There's a high threat of terrorist attacks and violent crime in the Governorate of North Sinai.
- The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt may be closed or have highly restricted access which is subject to change at short notice. It has been subject to air strikes during the current conflict.
- Terrorists have attacked popular tourist locations, resulting in deaths and injuries. More attacks are likely. Be alert to possible threats.
- Terrorist groups in Egypt have targeted Christians in the past. Take care, particularly during major religious periods and at religious sites.
- You're at risk of kidnapping in Egypt. Take extra precautions.
- Violent crime can happen. Take extra care if you're a woman and alone. Don't leave valuables unsecured in your hotel room or unattended in a public place.
- Women, particularly foreigners, are frequently subject to unwelcome male attention.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
EgyptMy tips to get you on the way!Does Egypt sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
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Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Egypt. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Egypt may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Egypt. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Egypt may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Egypt, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Egypt, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024
Help othersDo you like this info about Egypt?
Do you like this info about Egypt, please share it with a fellow-backpacker. Did you spot a mistake, or you have any tip for improving, please let me know!