Egypt is a great destination for those travellers who are looking for somewhere more exotic than locations in Europe, but don’t want to spend hours at an airport or on a plane. The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx attract millions of visitors, but in this article, we’re going to look at other, less well-known options for those looking for something different.
These locations offer a different perspective on the country but one that is just as interesting and gives you the best of Egypt.
The Temples of Abu Simbel
These temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stand as a tribute to Ramses II near the country’s southern border. This part of Egyptian culture continues to capture the imagination worldwide. We can see this in the number of films and television shows that continue to draw inspiration from this time period. Films such as The Mummy and The Scorpion King were big-budget releases in the last couple of decades.
We can even see evidence of this interest in the iGaming sector. Bingo games, such as Slingo Cleopatra, offer gamers the chance to enjoy Egyptian-themed bingo, complete with pyramids, sphinxes and beetles. The mystique that these games and shows bring to life can be experienced first-hand at the temples, where rock temples are covered with carvings that have lasted until the present day and beautifully complement the amazing architecture of the site.
The White Desert National Park
Famous for its mushroom-shaped rock formations, the White Desert National Park has scenery unlike any other part of the country. One of the standout attractions is the nearly magical change in scenery as light changes, especially mesmerising at sunrise and sunset. Overnight camping trips are the best way to experience this and allow visitors to sleep under the stars—a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The tours are commonly led by Bedouin guides who share their local knowledge about culture, nature, and local history. It’s the perfect getaway from the rush of other areas of the country.
The Aswan Botanical Garden
This is truly one of the country’s hidden gems. The Aswan Botanical Garden is situated on the River Nile and was developed in the 1800s by Lord Kitchener. It houses rare and tropical plants from all over the world and allows visitors to wander around at their leisure, taking in the sights. A traditional boat can take you from Aswan and bring you close to this peaceful oasis, perfect for plant and nature enthusiasts.
According to gowithguide.com, Egypt gets over 13 million visitors yearly. It’s not hard to see why when you can combine these destinations with the other, more well-known locations that Egypt has to offer. Couple that with the relatively short flight from Europe and it’s a perfect winter destination. Whether tourists are looking for grand architecture, lush scenery, or hot weather and natural wonders, Egypt has it all. A trip to this northern African paradise will leave you with plenty of memories and thoughts of a return trip.
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