Backpacking in Egypt is a bucket-list adventure—ancient history, desert landscapes, and chaotic but fascinating cities. It’s relatively affordable and unforgettable, but you need to be prepared for a bit of intensity.
🇪🇬 Why Backpack Egypt?
🏺 Ancient Wonders
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- Pyramids of Giza – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- Valley of the Kings – tombs of pharaohs
- Abu Simbel – massive rock temples
🌊 Nile & Desert Landscapes
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- Sail the Nile on a felucca ⛵
- Explore the White Desert
- Visit oases like Siwa Oasis
🌆 Cities & Culture
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- Cairo – chaotic, huge, unforgettable
- Luxor – open-air museum of temples
- Alexandria – Mediterranean vibe
🤿 Red Sea (bonus highlight)
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- World-class diving/snorkeling
- Chill backpacker spots like Dahab
🧭 Classic Backpacking Route (2–3 weeks)
- Cairo – pyramids + museums
- → Alexandria (optional coastal stop)
- → Night train to Luxor
- → Aswan (Nile + Abu Simbel)
- → Nile felucca trip ⛵
- → Dahab / Red Sea (relax + dive)
💰 Budget
- 💵 Budget: €20–50/day
- 🛏️ Hostels: €5–15/night
- 🍔 Food: €2–8 per meal
- 🚆 Transport: cheap (trains, buses)
💡 Egypt is very affordable for backpackers
🚍 Getting Around
- 🚆 Trains (Cairo–Luxor–Aswan route is key)
- 🚌 Buses for coastal/desert areas
- ✈️ Cheap domestic flights for long distances
⚠️ Things to Know
- Expect hustle culture (people trying to sell you things)
- Some sites require guides or have restricted access
- Dress modestly (especially outside tourist areas)
- Stay aware of scams but don’t be paranoid
👉 Safety is generally okay in tourist areas, but always check current advisories
🎒 Who It’s Perfect For
- History lovers ✔️
- Budget travelers ✔️
- Adventurous travelers ✔️
💬 Bottom line
Egypt is intense but unforgettable—a place where you’ll see some of the most famous sites on Earth while spending very little money. If you can handle the chaos, it’s an amazing backpacking destination.