Egypt is a country in northeast Africa that also reaches into southwest Asia, which gives it a position where two continents meet. It is known above all for its ancient pyramids and its long pharaonic history, and for the Nile River that has run through its land for as long as its story has been told. Officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, it makes a destination that rewards travellers who want to see the remains of one of the world's oldest civilisations alongside a living, modern country.
What draws visitors
- The pyramids, the most famous monuments of ancient Egypt, standing in the desert edge of the country.
- The Nile, whose valley and banks shaped the settlements, farming and travel of the ancient world and still shape daily life today.
- Pharaonic heritage, found in ancient sites and the objects and stories that survive from them.
- A transcontinental setting, with the country's Asian reach adding a further layer to a trip through Africa.
Planning a visit
Egypt suits travellers interested in history, archaeology and the sweep of landscape from river valley to desert. Because the country is large and its major attractions are spread out, it helps to choose which sites matter most to you before you set out, and to allow time to move between them. Visitors who enjoy learning about the past will find that the pyramids and pharaonic remains give a trip its central focus, while the Nile offers a steady thread that links one place to the next.
