Egypt travel offers the perfect blend of thrilling desert adventures and beach vacations. The entire country is filled with world-class monuments and museums. Most people visit the famous tourist spots like the Giza Pyramids, the Nile River, and the Red Sea beaches. And of course, you are sure to find these spots filled with people almost the entire day. That is why we think travelers should be keen to explore hidden gems that reflect culture and ancient facts while being less crowded. Camping near the beaches that are yet to be discovered by the crowd can be a fun experience. You can also visit the Howard Carter House and learn more about the historical significance of the artifacts there. Here are a few underrated spots you can visit during Egypt travel.
Explore 5 Underrated Spots During Egypt Travel
1. Elras Camping
Camping in Egypt is often considered an amazing getaway from the crowded cities. Travelers can relax in the serene desert while stargazing under the clear skies. One such camping spot is located in the Ras Mohamed National Park, which is a remote beach inside the park- the Elras Camping spot. It is yet to be explored by the crowds, so you can relax in the quiet surroundings while sipping the fresh Bedouin Tea prepared by the hosts. We recommend booking camps with a licensed tour guide for a safe experience. For a fun adventure, you can go snorkeling or coastal walking to explore the rich marine life and the calm shoreline.
2. White Desert
Most travelers who visit Egypt generally plan to explore the famous tourist spots like the Classic Nile Valley or the Giza Pyramids. Honestly, these are great spots to visit as they reflect the beauty of ancient monuments. But we believe every traveler should also want to explore spots that are yet to be discovered by most people. So, we recommend visiting the White Desert for its surreal carved chalk formations and the dramatic volcanic hills. It is an off-beaten path that you can explore by jeep safari tours or even by sandboarding on the dunes.
Pro Tip: Visit the White Desert from November to February to enjoy a comfortable temperature and great photo conditions throughout the day.
3. Saqqara
Saqqara is older than the famous Giza Pyramids, as it was built during the Third Dynasty for Pharaoh Djose and features the oldest stone structure. It is located south of Giza, and you can reach it in about 30-40 minutes by car. It is a 4,000-year-old burial ground and features the Mastaba Tombs and the Imhotep Museum. If you are a history buff, you can easily explore Saqqara without a tour guide. You can start by visiting the pyramid of Unas, where you can see the first funerary texts on the walls of the burial chambers. Then visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser and explore the royal tomb, underground passages, and the blue faience decoration in the hidden chambers, which symbolize rebirth and the heavens.
4. Abydos
There are many religious sites in Egypt, and one of them is Abydos, a less crowded spot you can visit if you want to skip the heavy crowds. It was the cult center for the god Osiris, the God of the underworld. You can start exploring this site by visiting the Funerary Temple of Seti 1, where you will see inscriptions on the walls listing important pharaohs and images of Egyptian deities. The place will help you get relief from the sun due to its architecture. Another structure you should definitely check out is the Osireion, which features a mysterious boat-shaped structure, which is surrounded by water channels to stimulate an island.
5. Howard Carter House
Howard Carter House is located on the West Bank of the Nile near the entrance of the Valley of the Kings in the village of Qurna. You will definitely feel like you have taken a step back in time as you witness the artifacts from Carter’s time on display. While in the study room, you can see his original desk and a small picture of King Tut. All the rooms feature original period furniture, tools, and artifacts. And if you opt for a private tour, the guide will share engaging insights related to the royal burials and the story about Tutankhamun’s tomb.
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Bottom Line
Egypt travel is a great way for travelers to learn about the country’s ancient history. Over the years, tourism here has exponentially increased as more and more people are excited to immerse themselves in this culture. And almost all the famous spots are filled with tourists from all over the world. So, to calmly enjoy a vacation here, we recommend these hidden gems that are unexplored by most people. At the Howard Carter House, you will get the opportunity to learn about the significance of various artifacts and other items, and also learn about royal burial. While in the garbage city, you can interact with the local community while exploring the church cave. Hope you explore these hidden gems while gaining knowledge about the local history.
