|
The Egyptian republic is located in North Africa while the Sinai Peninsula
east of the Suez Canal is in Asia. Egypt is bordered to the west by Libya,
Sudan to the south and Israel to the northeast.
The richness of the Nile River due to annual floods and the semi isolation
of the deserts allowed the development of one of the world’s greatest
civilizations in 3200 BC and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for
the next three thousand years. Following the completion of the Suez Canal
in 1869, Egypt became an important world transportation hub and Britain
took control of Egypt’s government in 1882 when the Suez Canal fell
heavily into debt. Egypt finally acquired full sovereignty following World
War II.
Around half of the Egyptian population lives in urban centres such as
Cairo and Alexandria and real estate investors are seeking to profit from
rental returns and, with the creation of new luxury residential Egypt
property districts, international interest is on the increase. The capital
city of Cairo is the largest city of the Middle East and Africa and lies
at a strategic centre of all routes leading to and from Asia, Africa and
Europe. Today Cairo offers visitors a great cultural experience combined
with good accommodation, restaurants and shopping.
Luxor is without a doubt one of the world’s most important historical
sites and contains one third of the world’s antiquities from the
ancient Egyptians dating back seven thousand years. Sites include the
famous Tomb of Tutankhamun, the City of the Dead, the nobles’ tombs,
the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple and Luxor Temple.
As you might expect, the city contains many tourist amenities, including
hotels, restaurants, clubs and bars.
Alexandria was founded in 331 BC and boasts a rich Graeco-Roman history
which for many centuries was at the centre of culture and learning of
the entire world. Alexandria was, and still is, of prominent cultural
interest for knowledge seekers and the history of its famous library,
whose revival is underway, tells the story of the dawn of culture, enlightenment
and creation.
Today Alexandra is also the largest port in Egypt, located on the Mediterranean
Sea.
The Red Sea resorts in northeast Egypt form an important area in terms
of economic development and it is here that many foreign property investors
are putting their money while benefiting from the country’s increase
in tourism traffic. The stunning natural sea and desert scapes attract
divers, fishermen and birdwatchers alike who enjoy the white sandy beaches,
warm waters of around 22°C and the luxury resort facilities that are
increasingly on offer.
Information Required When Travelling to Egypt
Below is a collection of essential information for anyone thinking of
traveling to Egypt:
Visas: Visas are required.
EU nationals travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Newiba and Taba for
up to 14 days receive a free visa stamp in their passports upon arrival.
Tourist visas for Egypt can often be obtained upon arrival in Egypt for
citizens of most countries, otherwise a visa will need to be applied for.
See www.egyptianconsulate.co.uk for your particular requirements.
Vaccinations: None for tourists travelling from South Africa
However, recommended vaccinations are for Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria.
Also ensure your tetanus and polio vaccinations are up to date.
Yellow fever certificate of vaccination may also be required.
Time Zone: + 2 hours GMT
Electricity: 220 Volts
Weights and Measures: Metric system.
Tel. Dialling Code: 00 + 20 +
|
