Caravan-Serai Tours - Egypt - Handbook

Handbook

Egypt Overview

Egypt has been and continues to be one of the most celebrated countries in North Africa. Incredibly rich in archeological wonders, cultural flavors and recreational options, Egypt is without a doubt high on the list of any seasoned traveler who intends to visit the highlights of the world in his or her lifetime.

Egypt's archeological treasures are second only to its people. When chatting to people in the street, in the hotel, and in the shops, you will find that the people of Egypt are unaffectedly friendly. Making time to meet new friends is the best way to reap the rewards of this country today. Egypt is as ready to welcome the visitor today as it has been in the past. With its waves of conquests and settlers Egypt has constantly reached out, but always gives back something in return. The key to understanding the country is realizing that it is not merely a museum with inhabitants, but a constantly evolving entity.

The country of Egypt comprises some 1,002,000 square kilometers and consists of four clearly defined geographical sub regions:

1. The Nile Valley- this area is known for its fertile soil watered by the river Nile, second only in length to the Amazon. It flows from south to north to a point just north of Cairo. Here it divides into two branches, the Rosetta branch in the west and the Damietta branch in the east, both of which flow into the Mediterranean. The area between the branches is known as the delta. Egyptians refer to the southern Nile region as Upper Egypt. It is dominated by the cities of Luxor and Aswan. The northern end of the Nile is then referred to as Lower Egypt and houses the metropolis of Cairo and the Mediterranean coastal resort town of Alexandria.

2. The Western Desert - this area comprises 68% of the surface area of Egypt. Its lowest area is a depression 170 meters below sea level that contains a number of oases and a large artesian basin that is the region's principle source of water.

3. The Eastern Desert - Stretching from the Nile valley to the Red Sea, the Eastern desert is a mountainous area which covers about 28% of Egypt's territory.

4. The Sinai Peninsula - This desert area is bordered by the Gulf of Aqaba to the east, the Gulf of Suez to the west and is a host of several resort properties.