Swaying palm trees, clear blue water and the amazing temples and tombs dotted along the Nile, there’s a reason why people travel to Egypt but is it still safe to do so?
Since the start of the Arab revolution in 2011, Egypt has seen numerous demonstrations and violence with Cairo and northern parts of the Sinai Peninsula proving to be amongst the country’s most volatile areas. Although things have calmed down significantly during the past four years there is still a certain amount of tension attached with travelling to Egypt.
Best advice is to air on the side of caution when visiting areas mentioned below and you’ll find a much less busy and more affordable travel destination that still holds much of the magic and charm that has long been a draw for authors, artists and adventurers.
Mrs. Van Schuyler: “You perfectly foul French upstart!”
Hercule Poirot: “Belgian upstart, please, madame.”
Quotes taken from Agatha Christie’s: Death on the Nile
Safe places to visit in Egypt
Luxor
This is one of the Nile Valley’s main locations for cultural tourism and as such it’s well guarded and has suffered little or no threat within recent times. Often considered to be one of the world’s greatest open air museums, Luxor is home to many of Egypt’s most revered ancient sites with the Valley of the Kings and the Luxor Temple presenting two incredible excuses to pay your respects to the ancient communities of Thebes.
Aswan
From the banks of the Nile to the steps of the Nubia Museum, Aswan is one of Egypt’s most important cities and is currently considered to be safe to visit. Bustling markets, endless sunshine and the archaeological sites on Elephantine Island make Aswan a highly attractive destination and anyone interested in modern day achievements of engineering need look no further than the mighty High Dam that still helps to create more than half of Egypt’s electricity.
Sharm el-Sheikh
Situated on the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh and its wonderful night weather, has long been a pull for the bucket and space brigade with plenty of clear water and resorts providing the perfect excuse to soak up the sun and dive beneath the ocean waves. Although you might spot a few tell tale signs of increased security, the area is definitely safe to travel to and even if it doesn’t carry the cultural gravitas of locations along the Nile, there’s plenty of fun to be had, especially in and around the water’s edge.
Places to be careful in Egypt
Tahir Square, Cairo
Increased security in and around Cairo airport gives you an indication as to how seriously Egypt takes the threat of further violence, and the closer you get to Tahir Square then the more you’re reminded of the demonstrations and scenes from recent years of conflict. Although Tahir Square holds the National Museum it’s worth bearing in mind that it was ransacked during the troubles and the areas around the square are worth avoiding during significant calender dates that cause crowds, including: festivals and political anniversaries.
The pyramids of Giza
Visiting the pyramids of Egypt used to be what travelling to the region was all about however, due to the lack of tourism, this has now become an altogether more uncomfortable affair thanks, in part, to the increased number of touts and non-licensed tour guides. Although Giza is relatively free from terrorist threat it is certainly worth investing in a recognised guide or going on an organised tour as the unnerving force that you might be put under otherwise could definitely spoil the experience.
Red Sea resorts north of Sharm
Although Sharm el-Sheikh is considered to be relatively safe for travellers, mainly thanks to the security, other Red Sea resorts, such as Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba need to be treated with a much more tentative approach. You will find less crowds and awesome diving however, bear in mind that the further north you go along the Sinai Peninsula then the more chance you’ll find of potentially dangerous situations so please don’t take too many risks if you’re intending to explore.
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