Egypt "A Land of an Ancient Civilization"

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Backpacking in Egypt

Backpacking holidays in Egypt can add new dimensions to your hiking experience by extending your stay in the wilderness. The additional benefits of backpacking are twofold. Backpacking gives you a chance to extend and enhance your hiking experience and the meaning it brings to you on a personal level. Secondly, it opens up more new territory. You can travel farther into wilderness and see more of the natural world when you aren’t constrained by always having to return at the end of the day.

Egypt is a magnificent country with countless legacies behind it which form its present. Most of the country is covered by desert, so the small part which isn’t, the valley of the Nile River, is where a striking 95% of the population have settled. The capital, Cairo, is a city which is overwhelming due to its enormity and chaotic feel. The outstanding pyramids and temples of Cairo will take your breath away. It was not until the late 18th century, when Napoleon invaded Egypt that the fascinating artifacts of the Egyptians were discovered and the world began to be aware of the treasures of this far away land.

Backpacking around Egypt can start in Cairo which is one of the most distinctive cities in the world and is the most convenient base for seeing the Great Pyramids. Within Cairo you will find plenty of hawkers eager to sell you transport to Giza, only 20 minutes from the city which where you will find these spectacular testaments to a formerly great civilization. While in Cairo, and after visiting the pyramids, it is worth spending a day or two exploring the rest of the city. Coptic Cairo is the oldest part of the city and is where you will find what remains of the Fortress of Babylon. The last two remaining towers are the highlight of this site although the museum just at the base of them is worth a look for its collection of religious artifacts and art. Other sites in Cairo include the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Mosque of Qaitbey and the Citadel.

In the past Luxor, which situated on the River Nile, was the Egyptian stronghold, a centre of immense power. Luxor is where Tutankhamen’s burial chamber lies, in the Valley of the Kings. A walk in Luxor is a walk through history as you are met with unique and wonderful statues, temples and carvings everywhere you go. The main attraction is the Temples of Karnack which were built during Theban times as centres of worship. Also worth looking at are the Luxor temple which was built by Amenhotep III and the Colossi of Memnon.

Alexandria, the second largest Egyptian city, is the main port of Egypt and is situated in the north-west of the Nile delta. There are beautiful white sandy beaches and captivating scenery stretching for 140 km along the Mediterranean Sea. Abu-Qir Suburb is one of the most peaceful beaches and is well-known for fishing and delicious seafood restaurants. This area also offers the opportunity to see many Greek and Roman monuments. Backpacking out in the wilderness the more layers of artificiality are stripped away and the deeper your understanding of nature becomes. Perhaps the most dramatic and immediate effect is noticed when you extend your stay to include a full day's cycle of both light and darkness. If you have never tried hiking out and staying for a day or two, you should at least try it once. It is quite an experience.