• Cairo

The principal geographical feature of Egypt is the impressive River Nile. Used for centuries as a water source and travel highway through Egypt, it has become a major tourist attraction and cruise ship route. As one of the world's greatest civilisations, Egypt has a very long, interesting and well-preserved past and is using that past to great effect to promote itself as an increasingly popular modern tourist destination. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea between Libya and the Gaza Strip, Egypt has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and moderate winters. The desert plateau terrain is interrupted by the fertile Nile Valley and Nile Delta. There is little rainfall. Ruled by a series of dynasties for thousands of years, astonishingly beautiful architectural triumphs remain to mark the landscape. The Pyramids of Giza with fascinating temples and painted tombs in The Valley of the Kings are such a breathtaking sight to behold that visitors return to Egypt time and time again. The River Nile feeds an endless ribbon of irrigated fields with its much sought after water, the Aswan Dam now controls the once annual floods and supplies fresh water to the 99% of people who live within the Nile Valley and Delta. The coast is yet another jewel in Egypt's crown. Fine beaches south of the Suez Canal compete for popularity with the fabulous coastline on the Red Sea. Divers come here for the technicolour underwater show provided by the fish and coral reefs. Huge, dusty cities such as the capital, Cairo, provide all the exotic babble of sights and sounds you need. For those who like to party, eat well or shop, Alexandria and Cairo have the facilities to ensure that you are not disappointed.

Driving in Egypt is an adventure to say the least, and requires your complete attention. There is no logic to Cairo traffic. In fact, it defies explanation, and does take some understanding. Traffic is terrible, drivers are undisciplined and the roads are in bad condition. Traffic lights and regulations are ignored, and accidents are frequent. Drivers drive with their horns, contributing to a cacophony of irritating sounds. There aren't that many signs out there; some are in Arabic and some in English. Road signs are similar to those used throughout Europe. Driving is on the right-hand side. A Driver: To make your life easy in Cairo, get yourself a driver. One reason it makes sense to get a driver is parking, or lack thereof. With a driver, you're deposited where you want to go, and you let the driver worry about parking. When you want to go home, ring the driver on your mobile, and he'll collect you right where he left you! Speed Limits: If you do go it alone watch out for speed limits which are enforced by radar. Note that the speed limit on the Autostrad is 60 km/h, on the Alexandria Desert Road 100 km/h. and the Ayn Sukhna road, 120 km/h. Speeding tickets start at LE 100 and you can loose your driver's license from one month onwards if caught several times. If your driver's license is confiscated for a traffic infraction, you must retrieve it; pay your fine and a penalty at Dar Al Salam in Abbassiya. It is best to take an expediter or someone fluent in Arabic. The cost will be about LE 50 plus the fine. You must do this in person. Always carry your driver's license and car registration in your car. These documents are required by the traffic police and at checkpoints. Car Rental: In view of the traffic congestion and the scarcity of parking spaces, renting a car with a driver is recommended. Be aware that the cheaper the company, the less likely it will be registered. Your best bet is to rely on international rental agencies like Avis, Hertz or Budget, etc. Prices are higher, but for the sake of safety and less aggravation, it's well worth it. If contemplating driving a rental yourself, you will need your passport, a valid international driver's license and be at least 25 years of age. Car rental agencies are at most major hotels and elsewhere. Be sure to check the contract carefully and check that all dents and scratches are listed and therefore are not your responsibility. All major credit cards are accepted. Car Rentals: Hertz 3539-1380 Avis 2527-5400 Driving your own Car: If you're living here on a long term tourist visa, you can legally drive on a valid international driver's license for (1) month. If you intend to live here for an extended period of time or have a resident visa, you need an Egyptian driver's license. To obtain this, you must go to a license office and bring: ? Your passport and a valid visa ? Your (4) photos - passport size. ? A note from both a medical and eye doctor certifying your good health. ? A lab report stating your blood type. ? A statement from your Embassy confirming your place of residence in Egypt (with Arabic translation). That said, we've been told that there are many other ways to get your driver's license and they apparently all work. You will have to take a driving and a theory test. Be prepared to dedicate several hours at the driving department. If possible, take an Egyptian staff member or an Arabic-speaking friend to facilitate and translate. Remember that Third-party liability insurance is obligatory.