Egypt
is full of surprising stories, ancient wonders and cultural
traditions that many travellers overlook. These insights reveal a
deeper and more intriguing side to the country before you discover it
for yourself.
Egypt has more than 100 pyramids, not just the famous ones at Giza.
Cairo is known as the “City of a Thousand Minarets” due to its historic mosques.
The Nile flows south-to-north, one of the few major rivers in the world to do so.
Egypt experiences minimal rainfall each year — some regions go decades without it.
Cats were so sacred in ancient Egypt that harming one was considered a serious offence.
Ancient Egyptians created one of the earliest writing systems: hieroglyphs.
They developed early surgical tools and medical practices still recognised today.
The 365-day calendar originated in ancient Egypt.
Papyrus was the world’s first major writing material.
Egyptians value warm hospitality — offering tea or coffee is customary.
Dress is generally modest, especially around religious sites.
Public displays of affection are discouraged.
Tipping (baksheesh) is common for services of all kinds.
Cleopatra VII remains one of history’s most famous rulers.
Tutankhamun’s tomb discovery transformed global archaeology.
Naguib Mahfouz, Nobel Prize-winning author, shaped Arabic literature.
Omar Sharif is celebrated worldwide for his roles in classic cinema.
The Nile is the world’s longest river and Egypt’s lifeline.
Luxor is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum.
The Red Sea offers some of the best diving and coral reefs on the planet.
Aswan is known for its peaceful Nubian culture and striking landscapes.
Family life is central to Egyptian society.
Cafés are important social hubs where people gather for tea, games and conversation.
Traditional music features instruments like the oud and qanun.
Egyptian cuisine includes dishes such as koshari, ful medames and molokhia.
Ramadan and Eid are major cultural and religious observances.
Traditional markets (souks) sell everything from spices to handmade crafts.
Storytelling has deep roots in Egyptian culture.
Egyptian Arabic is widely understood across the Arab world due to film and music.
The Pyramids of Giza are the last surviving Ancient World Wonder.
Ancient Egypt spanned more than 3,000 years of civilisation.
The Valley of the Kings holds dozens of royal tombs.
Alexandria was a major centre of ancient knowledge and scholarship.
Abu Simbel’s temples were relocated in the 1960s to save them from flooding.
Siwa Oasis blends Berber traditions with stunning desert landscapes.
White Desert National Park features surreal chalk formations.
Philae Temple is one of Egypt’s most beautifully preserved ancient sites.
Egypt has over 100 pyramids.
The Nile flows from south to north.
Hieroglyphs date back thousands of years.
The 365-day calendar originated here.
Cairo is the largest city in Africa.
The Red Sea is a top global diving destination.
Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered in 1922.
Abu Simbel was physically moved to prevent flooding.
Luxor has one-third of the world’s ancient monuments.
Egyptian cuisine is rich and diverse.
Some deserts receive almost no rainfall.
Ancient Egyptians pioneered early medical practices.