Egypt is not just another destination to cross off your bucket list; it’s got a bucket list of its own. It’s an experience to be lived. Sure, exploring ancient temples, wandering through the bustling bazaars, and indulging in the local cuisine are all part of the experience. But some of the most magical experiences in Egypt go far beyond traditional sightseeing; they come from the adventures you embark on. 

One thing a lot of travelers often do not realize when visiting my beloved homeland is that not all experiences in Egypt can be done at the very last minute. Maybe you can decide to show up at the Egyptian Museum one morning, even though I personally prefer skipping the line and booking online. But experiences like sailing down the Nile for a few days or spending the night under a sky full of stars at the White Desert aren’t things you can plan on a whim. 

So, if you’re planning a trip to Egypt soon, I put together a list of experiences in Egypt that, as a local, I believe are worth adding to your itinerary and booking in advance. 

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Experiences in Egypt to Add to Your Bucket List

1. Visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza

This one might feel like stating the obvious, but as someone who was born and raised here, I can assure you that the pyramids are worth all the hype. Driving on the Ring Road and casually passing by that majestic site every now and then is something I sometimes struggle to comprehend and try not to take for granted. 

That doesn’t mean that seeing them from afar is enough, though. I highly recommend you wake up bright and early to avoid the crowds and take in all the history right at the Giza Plateau. It’s worth noting that since this is one of the most touristy sites in the world, and not just in Egypt, it could be a bit overwhelming. That’s why it’s best if you hire a tour guide or go with a local friend if you have one.

READ: Giza Pyramids Tour: A Local’s Ultimate Guide to the Ancient Wond

2. Giving the other pyramids the same attention

A lot of travelers think that the Great Pyramids of Giza are the only pyramids in Egypt. Well, that’s not the case. Archaeologists have identified over 100 pyramids; some of which are significantly smaller in size and others are no longer there. However, Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and their subsidiary queens’ pyramids, are not the only ones of significance. 

For off-the-beaten-path choices, I highly recommend you add Saqqara and Dahshur to your Cairo itinerary. Saqqara is where the oldest known monumental stone structure in Egypt stands, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. As for Dahshur, it’s where you’ll find the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid, among others. 

READ: 25+ Activities in Cairo – Complete Local Travel Guide Included

3. Sailing down the Nile

The Nile River is considered Egypt’s heartbeat, life, and soul. You can experience it by either taking a short felucca ride in the city or by boarding a multi-day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa. 

I’ve taken countless felucca rides throughout my life, but I still remember my very first time going on a Nile cruise as a child. The themed nights were cheesy but cute; my family and I made a lot of friends, but waking up to the view every morning was the biggest highlight. 

FUN FACT: In Egypt, there’s a saying about how drinking from the Nile always brings you back. While drinking straight up from the Nile is generally unsafe, you can safely do so only in Aswan right after the dam, as it purifies the water. I’m living proof of that. 

4. Hot air ballooning in Luxor

This is not just one of my favorite experiences in Egypt; it’s hands down one of my most unforgettable memories. When I did this on my 29th birthday, I thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but I was wrong. I would absolutely do this over and over again. Floating over the lush green fields and ancient temples of Luxor at sunrise felt euphoric, despite my fear of open heights. So, if height or safety are your concerns, trust me; there’s nothing to worry about, and you’ll forget all the fear once you’re up there. 

READ: Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor: The Best Sunrise in Egypt

5. Going all the way to Abu Simbel

Believe it or not, I only went to Abu Simbel after 29 years of living in Egypt, even though I’ve been to Aswan multiple times. But Abu Simbel is further down south, so it often felt like going the extra mile, as it was a day trip from Aswan that required waking up before dawn. But one February, since I was already there, I decided it was time to finally visit one of the most praised ancient temples in the country. 

My advice? Don’t wait as long as I did and cross this off your itinerary, as it’ll be one of your most unforgettable experiences in Egypt.

READ: Abu Simbel Tour: Explore One of Egypt’s Stunning Wonders

6. Diving in the Red Sea

Egypt’s Red Sea is known for its wonderful coral reefs and incredible marine biodiversity. That’s why diving or snorkeling is one of the experiences in Egypt you just can’t miss. I still remember how astonished I was the first time I saw all sorts of vibrantly colored fish; that’s a core memory for sure. 

If you’re looking for the best destination to go to your first intro class, or get PADI-licensed, Dahab is one of the most affordable places to do so. On the other hand, if you’re a pro diver, Marsa Alam is known for being a world-class diving hub, as it’s home to an abundance of spectacular reefs as well as wild dugongs, sea turtles, and dolphins. 

READ: Epic Things to Do in Dahab: Your Unconventional Guide

7. Camping in the Black and White Deserts

Another unconventional birthday trip of mine was to the Black and White Deserts. For some reason, whenever I wanted to go, it didn’t happen. So, I planned a full camping trip for me and my friends on my 27th birthday. 

The Black Desert, which is a result of ancient volcanic activity in the area, is located in the Bahariya Oasis. On the other hand, the White Desert’s distinctive nature is because the entire area used to be covered with water millions of years ago. The desert’s iconic rock formations, composed of either calcium, quartz, or limestone, were the result when the ocean retreated. I’m someone who really appreciates the great outdoors, so celebrating in a destination with such a unique landscape and otherworldly terrain was such a magical experience.

The cherry on top for me was that we went the extra mile to make this trip extra special; almost 100 miles to be more specific. That was how far we drove to reach the iconic Djara Cave, where I literally blew out my birthday candles. 

Djara Cave is a dripstone cave in the heart of the Western Desert on the Wahat road connecting Farafra Oasis to Assiut governorate. The cave dates back to around 55 million years ago and is a result of rain corrosion into the limestone. It also contains animal engravings dating back to the Neolithic period.

READ: A Full Guide to the Black and White Deserts: Egypt’s Underrated Adventure

8. Hiking in Saint Catherine

Home of the Jebeliya tribe and Egypt’s tallest mountains, Saint Catherine is where I fell in love with hiking, despite my fear of open heights. My first-ever hike was the infamous Mount Sinai, where Moses is believed to have received the 10 commandments. The journey to the summit, paved with breathtaking scenery, was both adventurous and spiritual at the same time.

Saint Catherine is where you can enjoy unforgettable, if not the best, hiking trails and experiences in Egypt, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast like me. After Mount Sinai, I kept going back for more adventures and views, and I have to say, Saint Catherine never ceased to amaze me.

READ: St Catherine, Egypt: From Fascinating History to Mindblowing Views

9. Floating in the salt lakes of Siwa

Believe it or not, the first time I got inside one of these salt lakes, I didn’t even know how to swim. I was dead scared because I was water-phobic at the time (I’m currently working on it), and the lakes were incredibly deep. But you’ll float no matter what; the super high salinity in the water does that, just like in the Dead Sea in Jordan. 

Then when you add the Instagrammable turquoise waters, nestled between crystal-shiny salt mines, you’ll get it. That’s what truly makes floating in the salt lakes one of the most magical experiences in Egypt. It’s what makes the long ride to Siwa worth every second.

READ: Siwa Oasis, Egypt: A Paradise in the Western Desert

Final Thoughts

Reliving these memorable experiences in Egypt through telling you about them made me think about how lucky I am to be surrounded by so much beauty and magic. Living in Egypt can be taken for granted far more often than it should be, but I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge how much I’m grateful for each one of these experiences. And I truly hope you get to live them yourself as you turn your dream trip to Egypt into a reality. 

If you’re adding one or more of these experiences to your itinerary, I can’t stress enough that it’s best if you book them in advance, especially if you’re traveling during high season. This way, you can secure a spot and guarantee better rates. Now tell me, which of these experiences in Egypt are you adding to your bucket list?

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You might also like:

• Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor: The Best Sunrise in Egypt
• Abu Simbel Tour: Explore One of Egypt’s Stunning Wonders

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