The Abu Simbel Temples

Built by Ramesses II, this historic site contains the magnificent Great Temple alongside a tiny village. What makes this site even more remarkable is that it was moved in the 1960s from its original site to avoid being lost to the flooding of Lake Nasser by the Aswan Dam.

The Temples of Luxor

Divided by the Nile, here you can visit the ancient capital of both the middle and the new pharaohs. The East Bank side contains the Luxor Temple and the Temple of Karnac, while on the West bank the incredible Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens reveal to you their ancient splendour and magnificence.

Pyramids of Giza

Outside the city of Cairo are the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx which must surely top most people’s "to do" list for a holiday in Egypt. This is where Egyptian royalty constructed their imperious burial shrines with hundreds of "mastaba" alongside as the final resting place for relatives and favoured servants.

Cairo

As well as being the obvious place to experience all the flavours of the Egyptian culture, the capital is also the home of the world famous Cairo Museum. Here you can view some of the most famous artefacts ever discovered from the ancient world. These include the contents from the tomb of Tutankhamun and the "cache" of mummies that were first discovered in the 1870s.

The Red Sea

The Red Sea can be as relaxing or as energetic as you want to make it. Whether you choose the ancient town of Hurghada or the purpose built tourist destination of Sharm el Sheikh, water sports, especially scuba diving and snorkelling, are the order of the day. Without doubt, the Red Sea offers some of the best scuba diving in the world due to the crystal clear waters that abound with coral reefs and all the marine life that they attract.

Egypt is a remarkable place with something to offer for everyone. From culture, architecture and history, to beaches, cruises and water sports, Egypt really is somewhere not to be missed.

Photo © archer10 (Dennis) SLOW

Guest post provided by Sunshine easily search and find hotels and holidays in Sharm el Sheikh as well as other great holiday destinations.

Do you dream of exploring the beautiful South African city of Cape Town, but have only a small travel budget to work with? Don’t worry, because there are more than enough adventures to be had in the “Mother City” which will not cost you a single rand.

Here are some of the experiences that you can enjoy for free in Cape Town:

• Relax on the beach. Cape Town has many beautiful beaches where you can spend the day lounging in the sunshine and dipping your feet in the water. Clifton Beach is the trendiest beach to see and be seen at, and Camps Bay is one of the most scenic. If you are brave enough to let it all hang out, Sandy Bay is the official nudist beach of Cape Town.

• You can see some excellent collections of artworks by old masters at the Michaelis Collection in Greenmarket Square and the Rust en Vreugd, an 18th century mansion. Both of these art galleries are free to enter, although you can give a small donation. You can also window shop at some of the finest commercial art galleries in South Africa, such as the AVA, Everard Read, and Michael Stevenson, which are free to the public.
• Hike up Table Mountain. This amazing flat-topped mountain is one of the most recognizable icons of Cape Town, and if you want to avoid paying for the cable car you can make it up the mountain on your own steam. Remember to take good hiking boots, a map, and weather-proof clothes because the climate can change dramatically on the mountain.
• Listen to buskers on the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. This lively pedestrian area is always filled with performers from lone guitarists to full jazz bands who will provide the perfect background music to your leisurely strolls along the waterfront. They are free to listen to, but if you enjoy the tunes it is nice to throw a few coins in their hat to show appreciation.
• Visit the Groot Constantina, which is the oldest wine-producing estate in South Africa. There are free tours through the ornate Manor House, which is fitted with period furniture, paintings, ceramics, brass, textiles, and so much more, showing what life was like for a wealthy farming family in the late 18th century. You can also see some beautiful wine drinking vessels from antiquity in the old wine cellar.

• The Cape Town Holocaust Centre is free to visit, and tells the harrowing tale of the six million Jews killed during this terrible time in history. The museum aims to teach about the dangers of racial discrimination, and links the injustices of the Holocaust to apartheid. The gallery of local survivors and their testimonies is particularly powerful and moving.
• Take the trip out to Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, where you can see African penguins waddling about in their natural habitat and go for a hike among the gigantic boulders that give the beach its name.

With so many free things to do in Cape Town; you can have a great time in this thriving city even on a shoestring budget!

This content was written by Simon Grant of timetowander.com on behalf of Etihad Airways, who are now offering regular scheduled flights to Cape Town.

Tea tourism is not a term encountered very often, but it’s something upon which India and China have come to rely. People are interested in tea; they want to know where it comes from and how it’s grown. More than that, however, they want to recapture some of the magic of yesteryear.

Tea plantations conjure up images of old fashioned civility and values. They allude to simpler times. It doesn’t hurt that tea plantations are also generally found in some of the most beautiful landscapes of the world. Tea plantations themselves are beautiful, with all the fresh greenness that seems to undulate forever. They are peaceful, almost spiritual places. Even people who don’t like tea like tea plantations.

Among the most renowned tea estates are those in Darjeeling, India. Darjeeling tea has been called the “champagne of teas”. Ask any tea connoisseur what his or her favourite tea is and chances are good that it will be Darjeeling.

China also produces its share of tea, although the plantations tend to yield green tea rather than the black tea for which Darjeeling is famous.

When you think about it, most of the world’s tea is produced in Asia, with Malaysia and Sri Lanka also getting in on the action. For some reason, Africa slips below the tea lover’s radar.

That is starting to change, however, as the Thyolo region steps up to take its rightful place among the old tea producing giants.

In 2007, the UK’s Independent newspaper declared the Satemwa Tea Estate in the Thyolo region to be one of the five best tea plantation hotels in the world. The estate was founded in 1923 and offers guests three accommodation options: the uber luxurious Huntingdon House with five en-suite rooms; the very comfortable Chawani Bugalow; and the relatively simple Zomba Cottage.

Not only does the estate specialise in tea, but it also grows its own speciality coffee.

As it is a working estate, visitors have a chance to experience the inner workings of a tea plantation, although tours will have to be arranged beforehand. You can’t just wander among the workers and into the buildings at a whim.

In addition to the peace and tranquility of the estates themselves, the Thyolo region also contains the Thyolo Forest Reserve and Thyolo Mountain. Mount Mulanje, the highest mountain in central Africa, is also nearby.

If you like tea, or even if you don’t like tea but you like old school values and more nature than you can shake a stick at, put Thyolo on your itinerary. It’ll add a whole new dimension to your Malawi travels.

Sandy writes for a number of different blogs, including those on Malawi travel and other African adventures.

Wide brimmed hats, sun glasses and other covering. The main thing to consider in going to Egypt is the heat. If you are white skinned too much heat can burn you up pretty fast. If you are not careful you may end up having a heat stroke. So don’t forget to bring wide brimmed hats, sun glasses and other coverings such as scarves and arm guards. This is especially important for those who are not accustomed to being exposed in extreme heat. Bringing hats and coverings will protect your skin from the harsh heat of the sun.

Water bottle. Too much sun exposure can lead to dehydration. The Egyptian sun is tricky. In humid countries like Thailand or the Philippines, you sweat a lot so you know that you need to drink up and replenish lost fluids. But in Egypt it is so hot that you don’t even sweat. Your skin just dries up. So you need to carry around a water bottle to ensure that you regularly replenish lost fluids. There are water bottles that have a fan (which battery operated) and sprayer attached to it. This is great to carry around as it can help alleviate hotness even if just a little bit.

Sun block. A sun block is another must have. In buying sun block make sure to get the one with the highest SPF (Sun Protection Factor). And reapply every 1 – 2 hours. It is common for first time tourists to be so busy going from one tourist spot to another that they forget to reapply sun block. As a result they get painful sunburns. Just in case you get sun burns you might as well bring Aloe Vera Gel. This is a great product of Forever Living. It feels cool and soothing on the skin and can really provide relief from sun burns. This can also be used for cuts, burns and insect bites.

Of course in vacationing to Egypt you are going to need several more items. But for me these are the top three things you should never forget when travelling to Egypt.

“Amy C. is an interior decoration aficionado and online marketer.  She also likes testing and trying new home and office decorating themes.  In addition to being an interior decoration hobbyist, she enjoys designing calming indoor fountains and glass art.  Amy invites you to browse her delightful collection of glass vases”

Probably the most affordable way to get to the Giza pyramids site from the center of Cairo is on the buses that run from Midan Tahrir, the central square in Cairo. It is easy to locate the buses that will take you. The simplest method is to take a cab, however have the driver agree on a sensible cost before you depart. Ask a local what the trip should cost before you jump in. Your hotel may offer a bus/tour package and that may be the best and simplest approach, especially if you’re not the adventurous type.For the tourist wishing to experience the area on a more conventional mode of transport, there are camel and horseback services available. Nothing surpasses exploring historical Egyptian historic sites from atop a four-legged beast. Many recommend horses over camels, though, as camels can be relatively problematic sometimes.

When you arrive at the pyramids, you’ll no most likely be surrounded by tour guides and sellers of cheap tourist goods. Be resolute and ask your hotel staff or a local beforehand what the honest price should be for one of several possible tours. You will find likely to be many who wish to separate you from your dollars, euros, or other currencies. Don’t be afraid to haggle a little – it’s part of the culture and it is a great way to interact with the locals – plus it is anticipated – no one will be offended if you generate a tough bargain.

The Pyramids of Giza are one of the must-see locations for just about any world traveller. Plan a trip now and make the most of low off-season prices. And whilst you are there, ensure that your family and buddies can effortlessly call Egypt to hear about your adventures whilst you are having them. It’s possible to make cheap calls to Egypt 24/7 through one of the low-cost telecom services obtainable. Discover ancient Egypt without losing touch with the 21st century!

On your way to Ngong Hills you can have a really good time by visiting Karen Blixen Giraffe Center which is a few kilometres from the city.This area has a house that was built around 1910 and is so well maintained that it still looks good making it a historic area in spite of it not having a great number of giraffes.It also has a museum that has gardens that are landscape in a beautiful manner and you get to fall in love with the place right from the parking lot.

You can have a breathtaking view of the Ngong Hills once you reach that place.A lady from Denmark visited the country and established the place after whom the place is named.This place is the right place in Nairobi if you are willing to hold a party with a touch of wildness and other such occasions.

The Nairobi museum is located only one and half kilometre from the city centre and will help you to learn more about the Kenyan history and its people.If you spend the whole day there even than you wont finish the whole tour as this museum has a lot to offer after undergoing major renovations for around two years till 2007.

You can also take a look at the dinosaur fossils that were discovered several years ago apart from the section about the people that displays the developments of many tribes in the country.You can visit the Nairobi Snake Park situated opposite to the main museum if you love snakes or if you are willing to learn more about Kenyan history you can visit the education centre located in the museum.These two are usually open from 09:30 am up to 06:00 pm local time with a small entry fee being charged at the entry gate.

If you do not visit the Nairobi National Park, your visit is far from being over.Very few capitals in the world have national parks and Nairobi is one of those capitals.Located around 7 kilometres from the city and it has almost all kind of wild animals you can find anywhere in the country of the continent.

All the tall buildings that characterize Nairobi city are seen while you are there.You can be in the city during the months of July through to August if you want to see the Zebra and the wildebeest migration which is like one of the wonders of the world.

Staying in Nairobi and visiting some of these and many more attractions in and around the city will for sure give you a complete picture of the country.You surely can get an experience by checking out what the capital has to offer if you don’t have enough time to visit the rest of the country.

Nairobi is a great place for businessmen to do their business. Check out the  Kenya online business directory and see listings of Kenya wedding planners or Kenya BPO companies.

A wildebeest’s life is a never ending pilgrimage, in which they follow food and water; the cycle starts in Kenya early September and in the north-eastern parts of Tanzania, 1.5 million four legged beast prepare for the journey an entire country.

Throughout their longsome journey the wildebeest will exhaust planes kilometres wide of shrubbery and grasslands, the pure weight of the heard will sculpture landscapes and shape pathways, a unique ecosystem’s will evolve purely around the herds movements.

During the Remarkable migration over 400,000 thousands wildebeest calves are born and are instantly thrown into the gruelling race for life! The Calves have to travel vast distances days after discovering their feet as well as avoiding predators which are after an easy meal.

The amazing spectacle has to be witnessed firsthand and is definitely something you have to do before you die! To get the best experience out of the wonderful spectacle go full out and book a Safari Holidays.

Early September is the prime time to follow the herd in southern Kenya, but don’t worry if you miss the chance as the Kruger National Park, South Africa has the second largest wildebeest herd which migrates a shorter distance and keeps within the parks boarder, if you wish to visit the concentrated Kruger park your going to have to book South Africa Holidays and take your stay at one of great hotels in Nelspruit or spend a little more on a luxurious Lodge which are dotted throughout the wilderness around the safari park.

If your after more than an adventure why not add a little sea to your holidays by spending a few days in Mozambique.

Mozambique Holidays offer the best of both worlds, not only do they offer a fantastic safari adventures but the country itself boarders the tropical Indian ocean, perfect or unwinding after a long day on the tracks these ideal of holidays combines exhilarating adventure and bountiful relaxation into one ultimate holiday.

If you should choose to visit Egypt the first and last stop will probably be the Egyptian Museum in Midan Tahrir, also called Liberation Square. Among other museums in Egypt this one is a standout as it displays over 136,000 items, whole hundreds of thousands of artefacts wait in the basement. The museum was first established in 1835, and was first constructed to prevent looting, not necessarily boost tourism. However, by 1858 the museum officially opened and now in 2008 over 1,500,000 tourists visit it every year, not to mention 500,000 local residents.

There are presently plans to transport the museum closer to the vicinity of the Pyramids of Giza and rename it the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Funerary Works

The Egyptians have a very unparalleled belief in the afterlife, and this collection contains many traces of that. One can see sarcophagi, funeral art, and many other items and artifacts.

Jewellery

Egyptian jewellery is beautiful and unique, and the Egyptian Museum has the most incredible collections in the world. You can see jewellery of both silver and gold, some even inset with precious stones. The workmanship is highly detailed and wonderful .

Sculpture

Egyptian sculpture was used for religious depictions and was oftentimes located in temples and tombs. The museum houses a number of different sculptures from throughout the history of the civilisation of Egypt. The attention to detail in the sculptures is unbelievable .

Some of the most impressive pieces in the collection are a sculpture of the goddess Selket from the Canopic Shrine and the bust of King Merenptah. You can find a wide variety of sculptures.

The Collection of King Tut

Probably the most famous artefacts in the entire museum belong to the King Tut collection. A boy king, he ruled for only nine years, but his power and legend are still felt today. He had in incredible collection of treasure and much of that is located at the museum.

Some of the most impressive pieces in this collection are shields, bracelets, jewellery and more. The collection is vast, and has a great variety of items.

Anyone who comes to Cairo should make certain to visit the Egyptian Museum. It makes a great place to visit along with the pyramids and the other historical sites.

Giza Pyramids & Egyptian Museum Day Tour
The Giza Pyramids & Egyptian Museum Day Tour is a well rounded and exciting trip, uncovering many wonders and natural scenes.

Cairo Stopover Transit Tour 
The Cairo Stopover Transit Tour from Cairo Airport is one of the most convenient and enthralling short trips offered in this area. This trip covers the Pyramids, the Museum and the Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

But why, precisely, should you take a Nile river cruise over another form of touring the country?  And what attractions await you along the lengths of Nile in Egypt ?

Why Take A Nile Cruise?
Egypt is an ancient land and, traditionally, the way to travel it was by sailing along the Nile.  Can there be any better way of immersing yourself in the magic and mystery of its heritage than the method which Cleopatra and the Pharaohs used – slowly drifting along the world’s longest river ?

If your main concern is comfort and convenience, then you should unquestionably consider a cruise as the way to travel Egypt. With most motorbus tours, you’d be stopping every night at a different hotel, having to pack and unpack morning and night, as well as keeping to a fairly tight time table.

Spending several hours sitting on a coach each day is not everyone’s cup of tea – however comfortable the coach.  The beauty of Nile River cruises is that your hotel is also your means of transportation system.  You establish your home base in your cabin and then are free to do with your day what you will – whether that be relaxing on deck with a cool drink or exploring tremendous tombs and temples ashore.

This leads on to another vantage of cruises, and that is their flexibleness. Maybe you already know Egypt well and don’t wish to sightsee further.  In that case, you’ll find plenty on offer on board ship.  But, if getting to know the country’s heritage is your main reason for your vacation , then most cruise lines can easily arrange excursions and tours for you at all ports of call. 

You’ll also enjoy the atmosphere on Nile cruise ships.  Ships which cruise the River Nile tend to be comparatively small – not like some of the huge liners which cross the oceans.  This results in a wonderfully intimate, friendly atmosphere, where you get to know one another and become a big family.  Yet the ships are also large enough to offer plenty of amenities, fine food, and comfortable accommodation.

Finally, with the tremendous choice of cruises available, you should certainly be able to find something to fit your budget and specifications.

What To See?
Cruising the Nile you’ll enjoy the sites, temples and tombs located along the particular stretch of the River you’re travelling – and it’s about the only way to visit southerly Egypt.  Cruises tend to be three, four or 7 nights in length, the shorter ones between Luxor and Aswan, the longer ones journeying further north. Obviously, the longer your cruise, the more you’ll get to see and the further north you go, several combining cruising with flights and land tours – sometimes to fairly distant areas.

If you’re after something slightly different, you may wish to experience sailing by "felucca".  A felucca is a typical Egyptian sailing boat – but accommodation and amenities are certainly not as deluxe as the cruise ships.

One thing’s for sure, whichever of the Nile River cruises you choose, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime and surely fall in love with the magic land of Cleopatra and the Pharaohs. 

Egypt Nile Cruises: Luxury Holidays While Cruising the Nile River

Explore five thousand years of history while you travel the Nile River! This Egypt Nile cruises information section has been designed to help visitors select the right cruise for their needs and interests.

Luxury Nile Cruises in Egypt

Taking Luxury Nile Cruises in Egypt is a great way to really enjoy your Egypt tour. Nile cruisers in Egypt are often luxurious (5 star).

For those trying to find night life after a day in the sun, Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh are the places to be. Nevertheless, it is very important to make certain you keep in mind where your hotel is in relation to the centre as a lot of them can be several miles away. However, many hotels do run free of charge shuttle buses or taxi cabs are very low priced.

For divers, any of the areas are ideal but the Marina Lodge at Port Ghalib has the most desirable setup for all scuba divers. The dive centre is positioned at the lodge and there are loads of awesome dive sites in easy reach of the day boats. More to the point, it is nowhere near as hectic as locations like Sharm.

For divers with a non-diving spouse and kids, the Hilton in Nuweiba is the best option. The diving here is primarily shore based which means you don’t have to be away from the loved ones all day long which is what happens on day boats.

For golfers, the choice of choices is developing constantly but the best value is found at Taba Heights. From the fairways, you look down at the ocean and 3 different nations are visible; Egypt, Israel and Jordan.Taba is also recommended for those who want to pop over to explore the Israeli vacation resort of Eilat.

For those in the market for a peaceful, soothing holiday, El Quseir is undoubtedly one of the quietest. The superb self contained resorts mean you can spend your getaway between your room, dining areas, the seaside and pool. El Quseir is on a stretch of coast with a number of tranquil resorts most notably Soma Bay, Safaga, Makadi Bay and El Gouna.

Any of the places to stay near Hurghada are a most wonderful choice for those who want to head out on day excursions. Luxor with its unique treasures is a 4 hour or so bus ride away and it is also possible to take a tour to Cairo and the Pyramids by road. When deciding on your resort for your Red Sea holiday, there is definitely no shortage of choices.