The rich history of Egypt has been drawing visitors to the country for years. The Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and King Tut are some of the biggest attractions but if you’d like to avoid some of the crowds, here are a few underrated places to see on your adventure to Egypt.
The Sanuur Cave
Even though these rock formations were formed some 60 million years ago, the limestone cave wasn’t discovered until the 1980s. Some of the caves are 700 meters long. They are now government protected due to a decree that was made back in 1992.
Elephantine Island
Wondering what else to do in Egypt? Take a journey over to Elephantine Island, a quiet island that gives you a welcomed break from all of the crowds. In ancient Egpytian, Elephantine means both “elephant” and “ivory”. The island offers a variety of attractions from temples and museums to gardens and even an ancient fort.
The Red Sea
The Red Sea is very popular but visit Marsa Alam, an up and coming resort town for a more private experience. Sea turtles are known to be found on Abu Dabab beach, and all in all Marsa Alam is known for some pretty incredible kite-surfing.
Daraw Livestock Market
Livestock is an important source of income for many families in Egypt. The Daraw Livestock Market is the largest livestock market in upper Egypt. During your trip to the market you’ll see sheep, goats, cows, horses, donkeys, and more.
White Desert National Park
One of Egypt’s most underrated destinations is White Desert National Park. A five-hour drive from Cairo, the White Desert feels like it's on another planet. Visit the White Desert to go sandboarding or dunbashing - an experience you won’t soon forget.
City of the Dead
Each tomb in the City of the Dead is a walled compound. There are estimated to be millions of people buried in this ancient cemetery that dates back over 700 years. Now, nearly half a million living souls call the city home. Eerie as it may sound, the high walls and ornate gates and domes create homes for both the living and the dead to live harmoniously.
Temples of Abu Simbel
About 12 and a half miles from the Sudanese border are the Temples of Abu Simbel. The two temples are the Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor. The temples were originally carved in 13th Century BC as a monument for Pharaoh Ramesses II and his queen Nerfertari.
Blue Desert
Near the Sinai Desert, you’ll find numerous bright blue painted boulders, hence the name the Blue Desert. This work of art was created in 1980 by a Belgian artist named Jean Verame. 10 tons of paint were used for this project.
Tombs of the Nobles
The Tombs of the Nobles, also known as Qubbet el-Hawa, is a less visited archaeological site in Egypt where ancient tombs are built into the cliff. The site can be seen from the city of Aswan. The public ferry can take you across the Nile and you’ll be taken through the site by a tour guide.
Mount Sinai
Okay, so Mount Sinai is actually a pretty well known place in Egypt, but hiking to the summit is another story. This UNESCO world heritage site will be well worth dealing with potentially larger crowds. Two paths allow you to choose your own experience as you embark on the approximately four mile long hike to the summit.
Egypt has numerous sites that are worth visiting on your journey. Want to learn more about what to do in Egypt and what places to see? Check out our Egypt expedition today and get ready to embark on an adventure you’ll never forget!
Post written by Allison Steinke