Egypt Travel Trips: A Practical Guide for Expedition Participants

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Practical Guidance for Your Egypt Expedition

This guide will help you prepare comfortably and confidently for Egypt. Please read it carefully before departure and bookmark it for reference during the trip.

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🌤️ Weather & Climate

Winter (Mid-December–February)

• Nights in Cairo & Alexandria can drop into the 40s°F (5–9°C)
• Early mornings in the desert are often windy and cold
• Daytime warms quickly and may reach the 70s–80s°F
• Too cold for swimming
• Light rain is possible in the north (rare, but happens)

What to pack:

• Light jacket
• Sweater or fleece
• Layers (better than one heavy coat)
• Gloves + wool or knit hat

Once we’re in the desert, we’re out there. Shelter may be hours away—be prepared.

Shoulder Seasons (Oct–Nov / Apr–May)

• Nights: ~60°F
• Days: ~85°F
• Warmer in Upper Egypt
• Ideal conditions
• Bring a bathing suit

Summer (June–September)

• Very hot, especially in the south (110°F+ afternoons)
• Dry heat
• Fewer tourists than winter, but still busy
• We start early, finish by midday, and rest poolside

Summer travel is only challenging if you really dislike heat.

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👕 Dress & Gear

Comfort is everything. We move a lot.

Recommended clothing:

• Shorts or lightweight pants (khaki/cargo)
• Tank tops or breathable shirts (short & long sleeve)
• Light jacket for evenings
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear (optional)

Fabric tip:

• 100% cotton or lightweight technical fabrics
• Loose-fitting and breathable

Safari Jacket (Highly Recommended)
A 4-pocket safari jacket is ideal for carrying essentials while keeping hands free. Quality options are not easy to find in Egypt—bring one if you want it.

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👗 Dress Code Notes

• Ancient sites are relaxed and tourist-friendly
• Shorts and sleeveless tops are fine at temples
• In Cairo or rural areas, modest dress reduces hassle
• Head scarves are not required, but optional

Many women enjoy buying traditional galabiyyas—comfortable, breathable, and great evening wear.

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👟 Shoes (Essential)

• Lightweight walking or jogging shoes
• Chukka-style boots are excellent for keeping sand out
• Bring sandals as well

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🧢 Sun Protection

• Sun hat (essential)
• Sunglasses (the sun is very bright)
• Sunscreen (bring your preferred brand)

Affordable sun hats are widely available in Egypt.

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💧 Water & Day Bags

• Insulated water bottle or canteen (recommended)
• Small backpack or tote for:
  • Camera
  • Extra layers
  • Snacks

Egyptian canvas totes make great souvenirs.

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🧳 Extra Bags

• Bring a foldable duffel for souvenirs
• Affordable versions are available locally

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📸 Cameras & Video

Photography:

• Bring extra memory cards
• Flash photography is not permitted inside temples
• Built-in flashes can interfere with proper exposure—disable if possible

Video:

• No tripods
• Monopods, gimbals, or selfie sticks are usually allowed

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🦟 Mosquito Repellent

• Useful, especially near water
• 100% Aloe gel works well for bites

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🧺 Laundry

• Hotel laundry is fast and reliable
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothing reduces what you need to pack
• A small travel clothesline can be handy

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🔦 Flashlight

Essential.
Bring the brightest compact flashlight you can.

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🔭 Binoculars (Optional)

Small, lightweight binoculars can be very useful at sites.

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🧰 Odds & Ends

• Ziploc bags (various sizes)
• Small roll of duct tape
• Tissues / pocket packs
• Travel pillow (inflatable neck pillows are ideal)

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🛂 Passport Copies (Important)

Make several photocopies of your passport’s ID page.

Your passport is temporarily registered with authorities at our first hotel. Copies allow you to avoid handing it over repeatedly.

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🔌 Power Adapters

• Egypt uses 220V
• Same two-prong plug adapter as most of Europe
• Some electronics only need the adapter
• Hair tools often require a voltage converter

This is our recommended adapter

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🩺 Health & Wellness

• No vaccinations required
• Tourist areas are very safe
• Avoid canal water and unsanitary food

Pharaoh’s Revenge:

• Unpredictable stomach upset
• Usually mild and short-lived
• A medication called Antinel is widely available in Egypt and works best when taken at the onset

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✈️ Jet Lag

• Jet lag + sensory overload is common early on
• Gentle sleep aids or your preferred solution can help
• Rest when your body asks for it

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💊 Medications

• Bring a two-week supply of prescriptions
• Pack spare glasses or contacts
• Sand can irritate contact lenses
• Toiletries are widely available, but favorites may not be

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🍫 Snacks & Energy

We’re often out early and between meals for long stretches.

Bring:

• Trail mix
• Protein bars
• Familiar snacks

This can be a physically and mentally immersive journey. Everyone—young and old—gets tired. Pace yourself.