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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Egypt

Summer Attire June - August

Protection from extreme heat and relentless sun. Opt for natural, breathable materials.

Items

  • Lightweight, loose-fitting fabrics (cotton, linen).
  • Long sleeves and trousers/Long skirts for sun protection.
  • Wide-brimmed hat for face, neck, and ear sun protection.

Winter & Shoulder Seasons

Winter days are pleasant, but mornings and evenings turn cool. Shoulder seasons need a blend of summer and winter clothing.

Layering is Wise

  • Light jacket, fleece, or warm sweater for evenings/mornings.
  • Light windbreaker for breezy conditions.
  • Scarf or bandana for potential spring sandstorms.

Footwear Recommendations

Main Footwear

Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or sandals with good arch support.

For uneven surfaces and long exploration days.

Seasonal Choices

Breathable walking Sneakers or Good walking sandals for warm weather. Closed-toe shoes for winter evenings.

Prioritize comfort over fashion.

What to Avoid

High heels, dress shoes, or new, un-broken-in shoes can lead to discomfort.

Prevent blisters and fatigue.

Essential Documents

Your Critical Travel Papers

Keeping your travel documents organized and secure protects you from potential issues. Have both original and copies available.

  • Original Passport (valid 6+ months).
  • Photocopies of passport & visa (kept separate).
  • Digital copies on cloud storage and phone.
  • Printed copy of e-Visa confirmation.
  • Travel Insurance policy (printed & digital).
  • Prescription list & doctor's note (if applicable).
  • Flight, hotel, tour confirmations (printed & digital).
  • Emergency contact list (family, embassy, local numbers).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Thoughtful planning for your electronic needs keeps you connected and powered.

Items

Camera Gear

Capture the majestic temples and sprawling surroundings.

Recommendations

Digital Safety

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox to back up photos and documents regularly.

External Hard Drive

For photographers, a physical backup for photos while traveling.

VPN Service

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

Pack a compact, comprehensive First aid kit for common ailments.

Contents

Sun & Insect Protection

The sun is intense. Insect repellent safeguards against mosquitoes near water.

Daily Needs

Special Health Remedies

Motion Sickness

  • Relevant for long bus/car journeys to Abu Simbel.
  • Also for boat trips on the Nile.
  • Bring your preferred remedy (Dramamine, Bonine).

Personal Hygiene

Activity-Specific Equipment

Photography Gear

Beyond your camera, ensure you have these photo essentials.

  • Extra batteries for long days.
  • Ample memory cards for thousands of photos.
  • Lens cleaning cloths.
  • A small, Flexible tripod for exterior low-light shots (if allowed).

Nile Cruise/Sailing

If combining with a Nile cruise or felucca sailing from Aswan.

Abu Simbel Specifics

Items that enhance your temple visit experience.

  • Binoculars to view intricate temple details.
  • Lightweight shawl or sarong for sun protection/modesty.
  • Small backpack or Daypack for daily essentials.
  • Self-driving to Abu Simbel is generally not recommended.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Bring Your Own

  • Comfortable walking shoes (fit and comfort are personal).
  • Personal camera gear (for quality and familiarity).
  • First-aid kit contents and essential medications.
  • Specific sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).

Consider Renting/Avoiding

  • Cars for Abu Simbel journey (not recommended for tourists).
  • Snorkeling/diving gear (unless visiting Red Sea resorts).
  • Motorcycles/scooters (not common or safe for tourists).
  • Bicycles (limited infrastructure, challenging in city traffic).

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Add comfort to your journey and protect your valuables.

Travel Comfort

Reusable & Practical Items

Contribute to responsible tourism and simplify your daily needs.

Sustainable Choices

  • Reusable water bottle for constant hydration.
  • Reusable shopping bag for markets.
  • Reusable utensils (optional, for street food).
  • High-quality sunscreen and insect repellent (may be expensive locally).

Travel Essentials

Guidebook

For historical context and self-guided exploration.

Small Bills

For tips and small purchases, avoid needing large change.

Personal Alarm

A small personal safety device for emergencies.

Offline Maps

Download Google Maps for Egypt, especially for Aswan and Abu Simbel.

Recommended Apps

Navigation & Translation

  • Google Maps (download offline maps).
  • Google Translate (Arabic offline pack).
  • WhatsApp (for local communication).

Ride-Sharing & Reviews

  • Uber/Careem (for major cities like Aswan).
  • Tripadvisor/Google Reviews (for finding services).
  • Airalo (eSIM service for data).

Expert Advice

Always keep a copy of your passport and visa separate from the originals. Digital copies on your phone or cloud storage provide an extra layer of security.

Consider packing high-quality sunscreen and insect repellent from home, as these may be more expensive or harder to find locally.