Now that Egypt is opening up for both local and international travelers, you might be considering a new adventure to feed your wanderlust. Whether you’re an Egyptian who’d would rather resume traveling domestically first or you’re a tourist who decided to take a leap of faith and visit our beautiful land this year, I can relate to your worries. That’s why I compiled a list of the best places to visit in Egypt in 2020.

Traveling in the time of the pandemic could feel a bit daunting and you might not be very comfortable being around crowds. That being said, a secluded destination seems like a more reasonable idea for the time being.

The Best Places to Visit in Egypt After the Quarantine

There are many beautiful places in Egypt, but for this post, I’ve picked the less crowded options. So, no, don’t expect me to recommend the over-the-top nightlife of the North Coast and Gouna or the laid-back, yet very popular local travelers’ choice, Dahab.

Nuweiba

Yes, Nuweiba might be as popular as Dahab, but the camps life gives you more isolation as well as tranquility. It’s just you and mother nature; what could be a better way to break free from the chains of quarantine?

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Lodging Recommendations:

• Droub Camp
• Dayra Camp
• Basata Eco-lodge

Ras Sudr

This other Sinai destination, but on the west side of the peninsula, is much closer to home; it’s only two and a half hours away from Cairo by car. You can still enjoy staying in a hut by the beach if you’d rather stay at a camp rather than a hotel. If yoga tickles your fancy, then Ras Sudr is your place. and if you need your dose of adrenaline, then this kitesurfing spot is also your go-to!

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Ras Sudr is the Egyptian hub for kitesurfing, so whether you’d want to practice your jaw-dropping water tricks or take a course, there are many centers there; the most popular are 360 Sudr and Soul Kitesurfing. For a more laid-back and less crowded atmosphere, BluePoint Kitesurf is a lovely place. It also offers lodging options; including huts and a camping spot. Oh, did mention it’s also pet-friendly? If you’d like to stay at a private beach hotel, then I’d definitely recommend the popular fan-favs; Bayside and Matarma Bay.

Mahmya

If the hippie vibes aren’t for you, then this Red Sea heavenly destination is a choice you definitely won’t regret! Mahmya is an exclusive beach on Giftun island, which is part of the Red Sea National parks. The sandy shores and pristine, crystal clear water, along with the tranquility of this heavenly destination make it a much better option away from crowded, touristy Hurghada.

For reservations, you can reach out to Mahmya right away by calling +20100 111 9792 or via e-mail.

Red Sea Mountain Trail

How about embarking on an adventure instead? If you’re a fellow hiker, then the first long-distance hiking trail of mainland Egypt is a great way to reconnect with mother nature and your nomadic instincts. This 170-km 10-day route is situated in the highlands of Hurghada. The sister project of the Sinai Trail, founded by the Bedouins of the Maaza tribe, will not just show you the beauty of Egypt’s wilderness, but will also introduce you to the Bedouin community and their cultural heritage.

For further inquiries, you can reach out to the Red Sea Mountain Trail team.

Fayoum

One of the best places to visit in Egypt is only an hour and a half ride from Cairo and it’s hands down one of the most breathtaking destinations in the country. From marveling at the famed Magic Lake or birdwatching by Lake Qarun to enjoying adrenaline-fueled activities such as sandboarding, kayaking, and riding off-road cars in the desert, Fayoum has it all. There, you can also visit Wadi El Hitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to fossil remains of the earliest suborder of the Archaeoceti whales which are now extinct. And if you’re into pottery, then a visit to Tunis Village is a must!

For accommodation, Zowara Ecolodge is highly recommended. There, you can stay at either tents or stone huts. You can also go full-on adventure mode and go camping in the desert! If you’d rather enjoy a lush stay, then you can check out the lodging options Byoum Al Fayoum offers.

Siwa

Situated in Egypt’s Western desert, nestled by palm trees, Siwa is one of the country’s most beautiful oases. This heaven on earth is best known for its salt lakes and hot springs, but there are definitely many things you can do there. You can visit the famed Shali Fortress, Cleopatra’s Spring, the Mountain of the Dead, the Temple of the Oracle, and you can also go sandboarding.

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Siwa is also dubbed as the Sunset Oasis, so make sure not to miss a sunset there, and you’ll know why! There’s a wide variety of beautiful lodging facilities in the oasis where you can enjoy your stay the proper Siwi way such as:

• Adrere Amellal
• Albabenshal Lodge
• Kenooz Shali Lodge
• Hotel Ghaliet Eco-lodge

Fun Fact: Other than Arabic, the people of Siwa also speak Siwi, which is one of the Berber/Amazigh languages.

Black and White Deserts

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For total isolation, there’s no better than a camping adventure. Head to Egypt’s western desert and visit the breathtaking Black desert (in El Bahariya Oasis) and the White desert (in El Farafra Oasis). Enjoy the picturesque views and spend the night stargazing in one of nature’s finest creations and Egypt’s hidden gems.

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• The Future Travel Experience Post-Lockdown
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