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Located in Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya, the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea and north of Sudan sits the "Land of the Pharaohs". To quote Lonely Planet: It's not just the Pharaonic monuments that have drawn travellers to this country since long before the birth of Christ - it's the legacy of the Greeks, Romans and early Christians, and the profusion of art and architecture accumulated from centuries of successive Islamic dynasties. Around 5000 years ago the independent riverfront states were unified under Narmer, giving rise to the first dynasty of pharaohs. The pharaohs were considered divine and they ruled over a highly stratified society. The first pyramid was built in the 27th century BC; over the next 500 years the monuments grew increasingly grand. Monarchical power was at its greatest during the 4th The Pyramids of Giza represent one of the greatest architectural feats by man. The last surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the world's oldest tourist attractions and the reason most people visit Egypt today. The capital, Cairo, is home to more than 16 million people. Cairo is chaotic, exotic, smelly, dusty and also beautiful. There are mosques at every corner, Coptic churches, huge medieval gates and bazaars selling everything from motorbike parts to perfumes. |
Egypt is one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations and that's not really surprising given the incredible attractions Egypt has to offer.