Egypt's vast desert is split into two regions by the Nile River and known locally as the Western and Eastern Deserts. Both parts are subregions of the greater Sahara ecosystem. The Western Desert covers about two thirds of the nation's entire size, earning it the nickname the 'Great Sand Sea'.
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Though largely lacking in human population, there are pockets of civilization centered around the palm oases dotted across the arid landscape. The best known are the Siwa and Faiyum Oases.
The earliest evidence of settlement in the Siwa Oasis is a necropolis dating back 10,000 years. Along with a permanent communities, the oasis has also acted as a strategic stopover point for numerous military groups, from Alexander the Great on quest to conquer the Persian Empire all the way up to British and German troops during World War I and II. Permanent civilizations supported themselves largely through cultivating olives and dates or weaving baskets for the caravans that passed through. In more recent years, tourism has become a vital source of income with many of the hotels designed to celebrate the region's local style.
The Faiyum Oasis sits just south of the thriving Cairo metropolis. Unlike typical oases that get their water from springs, Faiyum is a sunken basin that gets its water from the Nile River. Historically it would receive periodic influxes of water when the Nile would flood its banks, but today channels are used to keep the land permanently watered due to its use as a key agricultural site. Cereal crops, Egyptian cotton, figs, grapes, olives, roses and sheep are the main products of the region.
The Red Sea is an unexpected side of Egypt that few would expect from a country known for ancient civilizations, desert landscapes and vibrant cities. Luxurious resorts dot the palm lined beaches against a beautiful backdrop of mountains. Unwind in the tranquility, soak up the sunshine, indulge in a spa treatment or read a book beside the pool.
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For those seeking a little more adventure, the Red Sea is home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. Beneath the crystal turquoise waters sprawling coral reefs thrive. An astonishing 800 species of fish live there, with 10% found nowhere else on Earth. Diving enthusiasts will be thrilled by the numerous shark species, dolphins, whales, sea turtles and even the rare dugong.
Perhaps one of the most storied rivers in the world, the Nile River has nurtured civilization for over 6,000 years. A source of life-giving waters in a vast desert, numerous towns have sprung up along its banks over the years. Ribbons of fertile soil weave along each bank, giving rise to ornate temples, date palm plantations and sleepy fishing villages.
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Many of the region's most iconic experiences takes place along these banks. Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the desert, explore the vast Karnak Temple complex, wander the Luxor Temple when it's illuminated against the starry skies and delve into the tombs of Egypt's great bygone royalty in the Valley of the Kings and Queens. To protect from grave robbers, many of Egypt's later rulers constructed their tombs into the mountains outside of Luxor as a way to mimic a pyramid's stairway to heaven shape.
Nile Cruises take place between Luxor and Aswan, with boats sailing in either direction. Drift along on a traditional dahabiya boat sipping on a cold drink as a gentle breeze rustles your sails. Stop off every day at a different point of interest ranging from beautiful temples to tranquil hiking trails and swimming holes under the shade of towering mango trees.
Along the southernmost reaches of Egypt's Nile River lies the Abu Simbel Temple. Designed to be an imposing show of power to deter the Nubian Kingdoms of modern-day Sudan, this site is well worth the day trip down.
Cairo is Egypt's sprawling capital city and Africa's largest city, home to 20 million people. Though thriving in modern times, it dates back to Ancient Egypt when it founded in 969 AD during the Fatimid Dynasty. A intriguing and at times chaotic blend of ancient and modern, this city is home to several of Egypt's most interesting sites. Most famously, the Pyramids of Giza loom tall against the skyline of the city, rising from the flat desert expanse like sentinels watching over the city. Delve into the heart of these mysterious structures or take them in from the back of a camel.
Immerse yourself into the country's many millennia of history with guided tours of the National Egyptian Museum and Grand Egyptian Museum, which displays countless artifacts, mummies of pharaohs and other antiquities.
Step into the wonderful hustle and bustle of Cairo's Khan Al Khalili, a collection of shops nestled into a maze of alleyways and courtyards.
Intricate lanterns hang from the eaves, semi-precious stones glitter on display, hand-painted ceramics are carefully stacked and colorful textiles drape over stalls. Step into the earliest realms of Christianity in Egypt with a visit to the Coptic Museum where numerous frescoes, galleries and relics are housed.
