Destination guide
North Africa · Egypt
Where ancient wonders meet a living, breathing metropolis
Best season
October to April — cooler temperatures make sightseeing far more comfortable. Summers are extremely hot (35–40 °C). Ramadan brings a unique atmosphere but some reduced opening hours.
From Nairobi
Approximately 5–6 hours direct (NBO → CAI).
Cairo is a city that exists on a scale unlike almost anywhere else. Home to over 20 million people, it is the largest city in Africa and the Arab world — and yet, amid the noise and the traffic, it holds some of humanity's most extraordinary achievements.
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx sit on the city's western edge, as awe-inspiring in person as any photograph promises. The Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square houses the world's greatest collection of ancient artefacts, including Tutankhamun's golden mask. Islamic Cairo — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is a living medieval city of mosques, minarets, and souks. And the Coptic quarter tells the story of Egypt's early Christian heritage.
Beyond the monuments, Cairo is a city of sensory overload in the best sense: the scent of koshary and grilled meat drifting from street stalls, the call to prayer echoing across rooftops, the colourful chaos of Khan el-Khalili bazaar. It is a city that gets under your skin.
Best for
History lovers, culture seekers, first-time Africa travellers, and anyone who wants to experience one of the world's oldest living cities.
Trip style
Cultural city break, historical exploration, multi-destination Egypt trip
Known for
The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili, Nile cruises, koshary
Best time to visit
October to April — cooler temperatures make sightseeing far more comfortable. Summers are extremely hot (35–40 °C). Ramadan brings a unique atmosphere but some reduced opening hours.
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are widely available. USD and EUR are commonly accepted at hotels and tour operators.
Languages
Arabic (official). English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
Visa summary
Most nationalities (including Kenya, UK, USA, EU) can obtain a visa on arrival or e-Visa online. Check the Egyptian e-Visa portal before travel.
Flight time from Nairobi
Approximately 5–6 hours direct (NBO → CAI).
Airport / arrival
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is about 20 km northeast of the city centre. Taxis, Uber, and the Cairo Metro (Line 3) connect the airport to downtown.
Safety note
Cairo is generally safe for tourists. Stay aware in crowded areas, use reputable transport, and follow local advice on areas to avoid after dark.
Visa and entry
Look up entry rules by passport for travel to Egypt on the Tsavaro visa checker.
Check visa requirements for Egypt
Landmark / HistoryHalf day
No visit to Cairo is complete without standing before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat, and consider entering one of the inner chambers for an unforgettable experience.
Museum / Culture3–4 hours
The iconic pink building on Tahrir Square holds over 120,000 artefacts spanning 5,000 years of history. The Tutankhamun galleries — including his golden death mask — are the undisputed highlight.
Culture / ArchitectureFull day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this medieval quarter is home to hundreds of mosques, minarets, madrasas, and historic gates. Don't miss the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, and the Citadel of Saladin.
Shopping / Culture2–3 hours
Cairo's great medieval market dates back to 1382 and is one of the Middle East's most atmospheric souks. Browse stalls selling spices, papyrus, jewellery, textiles, and antiques — and stop for tea at the famous El Fishawi café.
Leisure / Scenic1–2 hours
A sunset felucca sail on the Nile is one of Cairo's most relaxing experiences. Glide past the city's bridges and riverside corniche as the light turns golden.
History / Religion2–3 hours
The oldest part of Cairo is home to ancient Coptic Christian churches — including the Hanging Church (Al-Muallaqa) — the Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Coptic Museum. A quiet contrast to the city's bustle.
Museum / HistoryHalf–full day
The world's largest archaeological museum, located near the Pyramids, houses the complete Tutankhamun collection and hundreds of thousands of ancient artefacts. A modern marvel in its own right.
Suggested itinerary
Four days is enough to see Cairo's headline sights without rushing. This itinerary takes you from ancient Giza to medieval Islamic Cairo, with time to explore museums, bazaars, and the Nile.
Day 1
Arrive at Cairo International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest and recover from the journey, then head to the Nile Corniche at sunset for your first views of Africa's greatest river. Dinner at a riverside restaurant in Zamalek or downtown Cairo.
Cairo's traffic is notoriously heavy. The Metro is cheap, fast, and air-conditioned — use it where possible (Lines 1, 2, and 3 cover key areas). Uber and Careem are reliable and affordable. Agree on taxi fares before boarding unmetered cabs.
Cairo is affordable for most international travellers. Budget hotels from USD 25–50/night; mid-range USD 60–150; luxury from USD 200+. Street food (koshary, foul, ta'ameya) costs under USD 2. Entrance to the Pyramids complex is around USD 10–15; the Egyptian Museum USD 10.
Egypt is a conservative Muslim-majority country. Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites (cover shoulders and knees; women should carry a headscarf). Remove shoes before entering mosques. Tipping (baksheesh) is customary and expected for most services.
Register with your country's travel advisory service before visiting. Keep copies of your passport and visa. Avoid political gatherings. Be cautious of scams around tourist sites — always agree on prices before accepting services.
SIM cards are available at the airport (Vodafone Egypt, Orange, Etisalat). Data is affordable. Most hotels and cafés offer free Wi-Fi.
Cash (EGP) is king for markets, street food, and smaller vendors. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops. ATMs are widely available but sometimes out of cash — carry a reserve.
CityApproximately 4–5 hours (often via Cairo); direct charter options available seasonally.
BeachApproximately 4–5 hours (usually via Cairo or with direct charters)
CityApproximately 4 hours 30 minutes non-stop.
CityApproximately 5–6 hours (non-stop or one-stop via Addis Ababa or Lagos)Cairo, Egypt