The pyramids in Egypt have long held much mystique for those who remember studying their history at school. But with the area subjected to political unrest, Kate would like to know if Egypt is safe to visit.
Q. Kate
I’ve always wanted to go to Egypt and see the pyramids, and fear that time may not be on my side to put it off for much longer. However, I am concerned about all the unrest in the area, and I’m wondering if it’s safe to visit or, in fact, if it’s still even possible to go there?
A. Ah, the craziness that is Egypt. I visited Egypt nearly 20 years ago, and to be honest, it’s one of those countries where you always have one eye on what’s going on around you. Granted, back then it was largely due to the fear of a stolen wallet or a pinched bum, but there has always been some kind of unrest going on in this area of the world. In fact, three months after we visited, there was a terrorist attack on tourists at the Temple of Hatshepsut, in which 70 people died.
But back to now – if you’re careful and understand the risk involved, then the choice is yours on whether or not you decide to visit Egypt. Advice from governments is also mixed, with the Australian Government advising that you should reconsider your need to travel, while the British Government lists areas that it considers safe enough to travel – mainly the popular tourist areas.
Tourism is nowhere near the levels that it once was in Egypt, which is understandable, but it does mean that the ever-eagre peddlers in the bizarres, the street children trying to sell you their wares and taxi drivers are possibly more pesky than before. All vying for a limited share of business, it can be overwhelming and you will need to keep your wits about you and your wallet safe.
One of the easiest and most popular ways to see this intriguing and ancient land is by combining a cruise with a tour. BunnikTours offers several tours that include a cruise, land and air travel, as well as the option to visit the countries that surround Egypt. As a small-group touring company that caters to those who are “not too young and not too old”, you are not likely to be overwhelmed by trying to cram too much into any given day, nor trying to keep tabs on a large group.
If you do indeed decide to take the trip, make sure you register your travel at SmartTraveller.gov.au and have appropriate travel insurance. You may also have to have certain vaccinations depending on which areas you plan to visit and these should be arranged well in advance of your trip.
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