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A trip
to Egypt is like traveling back in time to witness an ancient world
you've seen only in movies and books. The biggest (literally and
metaphorically) attractions are the pyramids of
Giza,
which allow visitors to experience the reverence and veneration of
ancient Egyptian royalty, both in life and especially death. Also
popular are the city of
Luxor
with its ancient ruins, the Valley of the Kings, and the Valley of the
Queens.
Despite
the enormous size of the country, there are not that many options when
it comes to cycle routes in Egypt. And why that is? Well, one of the
first reasons would be of the monotony of the landscape. Egypt is 80%
desert and there is not that much to do in the desert... and neither is
there much water, much accommodation nor many
cyclable
roads.
But that doesn't
mean you can't cycle through the desert at all ! One of the greatest
cycle trips in Egypt is the one through the western (or Libyan) desert.
Here you will find a string of oases settled besides various shades of
desert, all located at a convenient cycling distance from one another.
There are plenty of stops along the way, be it an ambulance station or a
military check point; so you can always stock up on water.
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Or what about a
round trip through the Sinai? Or a leisurely ride along the banks of the
Nile in Upper Egypt? Let us take you there ! Check out our recommended
routes and see what is on offer for cycle tours in beautiful Egypt.
Egyptian culture has six thousand years of recorded history. Ancient
Egypt was among the earliest civilizations and for millennia, the
country maintained a strikingly complex and stable culture that
influenced later cultures of Europe, the Middle East and other African
countries. After the
Pharaonic
era, Egypt itself came under the influence of Hellenism, Christianity,
and Islamic culture. Today, many aspects of Egypt's ancient culture
exist in interaction with newer elements, including the influence of
modern Western culture, itself with roots in ancient Egypt.
Egypt's
capital city, Cairo, is Africa's largest city and has been renowned for
centuries as a center of learning, culture and commerce. Egypt has the
highest number of Nobel Laureates in Africa and the Arab World. Some
Egyptian born politicians were or are at the helm of major international
organizations like Boutros Boutros-Ghali of the United Nations and
Mohamed
ElBaradei
of the
IAEA.
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Examples of
cycling tours
Nile by Bike and
Boat
An unforgettable
experience. Witness the Pharaonic temples and monuments of the Nile
Valley that you'd expect to see, ride camels to the Tombs of the Nobles,
the Aga Khan Mausoleum and St. Simeon's Monastery in Aswan. Bike through
the Nile Valley from Luxor to the Nile locks at Esna. Return each day to
your 5-star Nile cruise boat, the Magic Serenade, and enjoy the creature
comforts of the modern world.
Although this route
is only small in comparison with the others, it doesn't mean it is less
interesting. As a matter of fact, the ancient history of Egypt is all
around you when you cycle in Upper Egypt.
Western Desert
Oasis
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The
western or Libyan desert route is undoubtedly the best known cycle
route in Egypt. Due to its stunning landscapes, its remoteness and
tranquility, the desert route is a great way to get from Cairo to
Luxor
and avoid the busy Nile river banks.
The
route takes you from the capital city, via the oases of
Bahariya,
Farafra, Dakhla
and Al Kharga to Luxor
in Upper Egypt; a trip of just over 1400 kilometres.
Starting oasis is the
Bahariya oasis, with it's
main hub being the town of
Bawiti. It is the closest oasis to
Cairo (apart from Fayoum) and
therefore one of the busiest.
Sinai
Peninsula
The
Sinai, widget between Africa and Asia, is a region of stark beauty.
Barren red-brown mountains and seas of sand make up the interior,
while resort towns like
Sharm
El-Sheikh and
Dahab
hug the coastline of the Red Sea; renowned for its superb marine
environment.
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Cycling in Sinai
is challenging: distances between the towns are enormous and the
climate is extreme, but the rewards are just as great.
Note for those who want to visit the Sinai, but not any other part
of Egypt: a visa is needed when visiting Egypt, except if you enter
the Sinai peninsula from Israel or by air from outside Egypt; intend
to stay no longer than 14 days and do not leave the peninsula; that
said: you DO need a visa if you venture west of either
Sharm
el Sheikh, St. Catherine or
Taba.
Organizing
if you are interested in this kind of tours, just contact us in
order to provide you wit much details, like full itinerary,
accommodation, food, distances between the different cities &
costing.
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