What comes to mind when you hear or say the word, “Egypt”?

Pyramids? The Sphinx? A mighty ancient civilization, hieroglyphics? The Nile?

As a little girl, I became entranced by the history and culture of Ancient Egypt. At the age of 9, I took a mini-course, an after school extracurricular, at my elementary school that exposed students to additional topics.

I only remember taking the “Walk Like an Egyptian,” and “Entrepreneurship” courses. I used to read everything I could about Egypt, I had little art kits and dreamed of going to Egypt when I got older. I even said I wanted to be an Egyptologist when I grew up, it was THAT serious.

So, when life opened the door to go, some 25 years later, I jumped on the opportunity. Chris and I visited October, 2017 shortly after it was “safer” and more feasible to visit.

We reached out to and worked with Nassir Gebril of Tour Egypt Club. Egypt offers SO MUCH to do, hence the title, and my list is definitely non-exhaustive. We experienced a few different regions during an 8 day-7 night stay: The Giza and Cairo hubs, Aswan region, Abu Simbel, a portion of The Nile, Luxor and Alexandria.

Cairo and Giza

Check out the Pyramids

Source: Acasia Olson | The Great Pyramid of Giza

The pyramids are synonymous with Egypt, so if you visit this great land of ancient history and wonders, you most certainly want to visit the iconic Pyramids at Giza and only remaining wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

We actually got to see them from our hotel in Cairo, the capital. There are over 100 pyramids in Egypt, some still intact, and others crumbling under the weight of time. But they’re a sight to behold and when you realize they were erected millennia ago, without the use of technology from our modern world, you can’t help but stare in awe.

Be mindful of where you point your camera when taking pictures. Many of the men and vendors at the entrance of the main pyramid grounds will want money if they think you’re taking a picture of them and their camels and horses. So watch where you wave that thing (your camera)!

2. Exchange secrets with the Sphinx

Source: Acasia Olson: Pyramid of Giza and Great Sphinx

"Which creature has one voice and yet becomes four-footed and two-footed and three-footed?" - The Riddle of the Sphinx from Oedipus

If you didn’t know the answer to the riddle, it’s hu(man)s.

Well, of course there are far more stories and secrets to behold in the presence of the Sphinx. For starters, it’s not as HUGE and massive as most assume. In pictures, it always looks gigantic. It is pretty large, no lie, but not pyramid large. Whatever the case, it is, yet again, another one of the amazing feats of Ancient Egypt.

And, if you listen closely, it’ll spill the tea and give you a few tips.

3. Ride a camel in the desert to look at more pyramids

Source: Acasia Olson | Pyramids of Giza and Camel Ride

If you’ve never gotten on a camel, get ready for one interesting experience. Enjoy humping along the burning sands with Humphrey and Harriet as your trusty guides.

This is the site of many a photo op, but it’s also a nice panoramic view of the area. Just make sure you’re super hydrated in the hot, summer months, and be sure to go to the restroom beforehand or you’ll feel your bladder sloshing around as you awkwardly bump along on the route.

4. Visit a Papyrus shop

Source: Acasia Olson | Papyrus Shop in Cairo

Papyrus, the original paper, is a plant whose reeds are flattened, mashed and dry pressed to create a uniform sheet of fibrous paper for text and images.

Step into a papyrus shop and prepare to be impressed by the artwork on the walls around you. You can get tiny or grand papyrus pieces and the shop we went into also personalized our pieces, which is great for gifts. And, your nice little souvenir comes rolled up, so you can act like you're opening up a scroll when presenting the item to a guest if giving in person.

5. Get a cartouche

Source: Acasia Olson | Jewelry Shop in Cairo

A cartouche is an Ancient Egyptian name plate and another great souvenir and gift idea if you’re visiting Egypt. The shop we visited featured a lot of different styles and sizes as well as a helpful hieroglyphic character guide to help us translate the images and their meanings.

You can get silver, gold and non-precious metal cartouches.

Just note that if you have a long name or a lot of letters in your name, you’ll either need to get a large cartouche or use a nickname or initials in order to fit your characters on the space. Even with six letters in my name, I had to consider the characters since some, like the bird characters, don’t all fit in a straight line in a small space.

6. Go to Saqqara and visit the Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser

Source: Acasia Olson | Step Pyramid of Saqqara

The Step Pyramid is located in Saqqara in Memphis, one of the oldest cities of Ancient Egypt and gateway to the Nile.

Designed by Imhotep for King Djoser in the 3rd Dynasty, the Step Pyramid Djoser is the first known monumental structure of stone and is a series of 6 stacked stones, hence the name step pyramid. The complex includes a few additional areas that look like the site of an old grand hall and open court.

7. Check out the Imhotep Museum

This location was a MUST for us. If you can tell, Chris is wearing a shirt that says Project Imhotep. Eight years prior to taking this photo, he and I met via the Project Imhotep summer public health internship at Morehouse College.

So this was like a full circle experience for us, standing in Egypt as a married couple in front of the museum named for the same man who inspired the name of our internship.

Given Imhotep’s status as both vizier to King Djoser as well as physician, architect to the Step Pyramid and high priest, it makes sense that they would include a museum on the site. If you can, swing by and learn about Imhotep and the 3rd Dynasty of Egypt.

8. Get lost in the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

THIS is where the magic happens. Make sure you have a full day or a lot of time to scroll from exhibit to exhibit in the “House of Treasures”. It’s worth every penny and second spent inside. This museum houses a lot of artifacts to help preserve the story of Ancient Egypt.

It’s also the site of the world famous bust of Tutankhamen and many of the countless treasures found in his burial chamber when archaeologists excavated his tomb in the valley of the kings.

The relics and items throughout further blow your mind as you marvel at how ingenious, talented and ahead of their time Egyptians were millennia ago when they made items that have withstood the test and terrors of time.

9. Visit Coptic Egypt

There’s an area where the Muslim, Jewish and Christian places of worship can be found. In the Coptic (Christian) area lies several churches, including the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary or “Hanging Church”, so named for its position above a Roman gate-tower.

The church is beyond beautiful and the area is was eerily quiet when we visited. We also got to look inside the only Jewish synagogue (Ben Ezra Synagogue) in the area, though it doesn’t hold services due to years of threats and tension.

We also got to see the area where Jesus, Joseph and Mary hid while fleeing Herod during the great persecution of Christ’s early childhood.

Alexandria

Take a day trip to this Mediterranean sea town in Northern Egypt

Source: Acasia Olson | Montazah Palace Gardens

10. Descend into the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

Source: Acasia Olson | Catacombs of Kome el Shoqafa

Housing numerous tombs, multiple chambers and intricate pathways, the catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are considered an Ancient Wonder of the Middle Ages.

This area is deep underground, wet and cool. There are a number of areas where, if you’re not careful, you could easily fall into standing water. So pay attention to where you walk or you’ll damage your camera, your pride and will likely want to rush to the nearest shower to wash your sins away.

11. Avoid getting blown away at the Qaitbay Citadel

Source: Acasia Olson | Qaitbay Citadel, Alexandria

Considered one of the most important defensive strongholds of Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea, this fortress is in the same location of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

It’s located along the coast and it was pretty windy on the day that we went.

12. Browse the Library of Alexandria

Source: Acasia Olson | Library of Alexandria

Remember when I said I wanted to be an Egyptologist as a kid? Well, as a bibliophile, I also wanted to spend my days in the Library of Alexandria. This is the modern reincarnation of that ancient heaven on earth, founded in early 3rd century B.C.

It once boasted holding a half million texts and scrolls and given its location near the water, copies of countless international texts from visiting countries found a home along its shelves.

It also served as the precursor to universities and is heralded as the largest and most advanced library in the Arab world.

Unfortunately it burned down and with it went countless manuscripts and irreplaceable relics. But to set foot in this modern version was still mesmerizing.

13. Grab a Starbucks mug after eating a meal by the sea

I happened to take this photo the day Rosalind Brewer, Spelman Alum (‘84) and newly appointed Starbucks COO officially started her position.

I was on a mission to both get a Starbucks mug to add to my travel mug collection and commemorate the historic occasion of Starbucks’ first Black COO starting her first day of work.

We dashed to this place for a pick me up shot of coffee right before lunch at this lovely restaurant by the sea. We enjoyed a seafood platter with a delicious spread and fresh fish and views of the Mediterranean.

14. Visit The Montazah Palace Gardens

Follow in the footsteps of those who escaped the excruciating desert heat of Cairo for a repreive and relaxation.

No longer the summer home of the Monarchy, Montazah is still a beautiful location to enjoy views of the Mediterranean under the shade of trees while walking along the paths or feasting on a picnic atop soft, carpeted grass.

And the president supposedly enjoys summer retreats there.

Aswan Region

Source: Acasia Olson | Lake Nasser, Aswan Dam

Home of the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, learn about the process and purpose behind creating the dam and the resulting changes brought to the region.

15. Check out and buy scent essences at the perfume shop

If you want to score a truly enduring and solid fragrance, look no further. As a perfume collector and lover of great scents, I was beyond excited to visit a perfumery. Perfume in Egypt is an ancient practice, dating back to the time of Pharos and embalming.

Plus, you can’t live in the desert and go a day without noticing the need for perfume and deodorant, so I’m not surprised they probably perfected the art.

Visit a perfume shop, where you’ll learn about the process of extracting fragrance from flowers, smell a few familiar scents, many of which sell for hundreds in the European perfume houses that export them from Egypt, and walk away with a new appreciate for what makes a classic perfume the gem that it is. And take home a few of those delicate and fancy containers too.

16. Get a few pieces of clothing from the cotton shops (and meet long lost cousins in the process)

There are a lot of darker skinned people in this region of Egypt. They are the Nubians. Growing up, I would hear people here and there talk about Nubian this and Nubian that. I never realized it was an actual location and people group.

Well, Nubia is a region within the Aswan area of Egypt going further south into Sudan and a smaller percentage of the overall population of Egypt. It’s one thing to visit Africa as a 7th+ generation African American who can’t trace her family tree. It’s another to walk into a clothing shop and spot a man with such an uncanny resemblance to some family that you do a double take.

And what’s beautiful is that he shared that he, like me, thought I looked like some of his family (representation and travel matter!). With that revelation, and subsequent other encounters with shop owners who called me Nubian or Sister, I started to wonder if I could get that Nubian Cousin coupon (wink wink). But nope. Because I had to remember that the Nubians were forcibly moved from their native lands in the 60’s and 70’s to make way for the Aswan Dam, resulting in the flooding of their lands by Lake Nasser. So, I could spare a few extra bucks for some good, authentic and “locally sourced,” Egyptian cotton threads.

17. Take a boat out to the Philea Temple (Temple of Isis)

Source: Acasia Olson | Philae Temple (Temple of the goddess Isis)

We enjoyed the Philae Temple Complex, a series of monuments and temples dedicated to the goddess Isis.

It’s a beautiful space which can only be reached by a water taxi along the nile. We spent a considerable amount of time here, learning about the uses for the different rooms, the one temple area that included a bedroom space with views of the Nile.

I could just imagine being royalty, luxuriating on my marble slab bed with people fanning ostrich feathers to cool me down as I ate dates and drank wine. Can you, can you envision that too?

Abu Simbel Day Trip

18. Explore the Temples at Abu Simbel

Ramses II invented social media. If you don’t believe me, take a look at the countless facades and monuments erected in his image. It takes a lot more effort than a smart phone could ever to create the likes of these enormous, colossal figures.

There are store rooms, sanctuaries and statues throughout the temples. And there are several, one for Ramses and one for his wife, Nefertari (The Temple of Hathor), which still includes statues of Ramses II, because I guess he wanted a finders fee.

Another thing to note is the special sun alignment phenomenon that occurs twice a year. At just the right hour, on February 22nd and October 22nd, the sun will shine directly into the temple and illuminate it in the most magical of ways. The legend is that these dates might be in line with the coronation and birth of Ramses II.

CRUISE THE NILE

Bay beh…you haven’t really cruised until you’ve cruised the Nile!

19. Visit the Temple of the Crocodile God (Kom Ombo)

30 miles north of Aswan is the Temple of the Crocodile God or Kom Ombo. True to its name, there are mummified crocodiles found within.

This temple is dedicated to several dieties and is a sight to behold during sunset under a full moon, which we were fortunate to enjoy!

20. Enjoy Esna and Edfu (Temple of Horus) by horse - drawn carriage

Source: Acasia Olson | Esna, Temple of Khnum

Esna maintains a well preserved hall with massive columns called the Temple of Khnum.

Pristinely kept and true to form, the Temple of Horus in Edna is known for its statues of Horus and the grand entrance that has perfectly mirrored engravings.

Access is by horse drawn carriage.

Source: Acasia Olson | Temple of Horus - Edna

Luxor region

21. Trek through Karnak and Luxor Temple

The Most Perfect of Places (Ipet-Isut) or Karnak is arguably the largest temple complex containing collections of sanctuaries, obelisks and kiosks.

With three compounds, this place has hours worth of artifacts, ruins and structures to admire including:

The Avenue of the Sphinxes, The Great Court, Shrine of Seti II, Temple of Ramses III, Open Air Museum, Obelisks of Hatshepsut and a sacred lake, to say the least.

The Luxor Temple is best enjoyed at night and can take an hour to walk through. But you will want to take more than an hour to learn and reflect on the history. It too boasts an avenue of Sphinxes, a Great Court of Ramses II, Mosque of Abu Al - Haggag and Sun Court of Amehotep III

22. Marvel at the Valley of The Kings

Source: Acasia Olson | Valley of the Kings (and a photo bomb)

23. Take in the Temple of Hatshepsut

Source: Acasia Olson | Temple of Hatshepsut - Valley of the Kings

The original Boss Lady, Hatshepsut decided that she was the rightful heir to the throne and rule Egypt as the only woman pharaoh.

She ascended the throne by stepping to the plate after her husband died, leaving his young son as his successor.

But, she knew better and acted as re-gent , later usurping him and declared herself king, featuring her prosthetic, royal beard.

This sit is so well kept and gorgeous. I vividly enjoyed the well preserved paintings and hieroglyphics on the walls, the stories they told and the depictions of Ancient Egypt at the time of Hatshepsut’s rule. And

24. Sit with the Colossi of Memnon

Source: Acasia Olson | Colossi of Memnon

These twin statues of Amenhotep III sit off the road of the West Bank near sugar cane fields. They are the remnants of a memorial temple dedicated to the king.

Between earthquakes, robbers and flood erosion, the temple, believed to have been much larger than the grand Karnak Temple Compound, no longer exists.

I almost didn’t notice it when we pulled up to what I thought were two random and dilapidated stone statues. But they are also colossal and impressive, even if they are dissolving.

25. Purchas a few pieces of Alabaster

Source: Acasia Olson | Alabaster Demonstration - Egypt

Used by the Ancient Egyptians to house organs and burial treasures, alabaster has long been prized for it’s unique beauty and properties.

You can enjoy a little alabaster shop demonstration before entering the shop to select all manner of busts, pyramids, chess boards, and statues.

Bonus: Take a midday nap during the call to prayer, while sailing through the Esna Locks

25 Best Things to do in Egypt