When you think of Egypt, it’s likely one of the first things you think of is the Egyptian pyramids. However, while the pyramids are undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in the country, Egypt boasts a number of other incredible natural wonders.
From vast deserts to luscious river deltas, keep reading to discover some of Egypt’s lesser known but equally awe-inspiring terrains.
The Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is beautiful in its vastness. The desert covers much of Egypt’s territory and is known for offering visitors the chance to lose themselves in remote campfires, travel slowly by camelback, and experience some truly unforgettable expeditions such as dune bashing and stargazing.
In the west of the country, travellers can find a particularly intriguing corner of the Sahara Desert. Beginning in the north at Siwa, home to a crumbling ancient medieval mud fortress and temple, you can find a string of oases that are connected by barely discernible sand tracks.
Beyond the last outpost of habitation, you can also find places of Saharan longing, like Egypt’s Black and White Desert.
Desert Safari image by Iqbal Nuril Anwar from Pixabay
The River Nile
The River Nile is the longest river in Africa, and to some, also considered the longest in the world. Not only does this river have major historical significance as the first Egyptians settled along the banks, but the River Nile is also an important factor in the country’s agriculture and daily life.
An Egypt river cruise will help you explore this incredible landmark, particularly the opening of the Nile, the Nile Delta. This area has sustained Egypt’s population for thousands of years due to its fertile sediment which has been used to grow food.
The Sinai Peninsula
For both travellers and locals looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big Egyptian cities like Cairo, the Sinai Peninsula is a peaceful slice of Egyptian paradise.
South Sinai is known for some of the best diving and snorkelling in Egypt, as well as its many colourful canyons and desert safaris. This area also has a big religious significance; Mount Sinai is one of the few locations where, according to the Bible, Quran and Torah, Moses received the 10 commandments.
Sinai has its own separate culture from the rest of Egypt, making it an ideal place to truly experience the country in its most traditional sense. This could mean anything from a close-up encounter with traditional Bedouin culture and trekking up Mount Sinai to see one of the many jaw-dropping sunrises over Saint Catherine’s Monastery.
While no visit to Egypt is complete without seeing the infamous Egyptian pyramids, the next time you are lucky enough to go to this incredible country, don’t miss these other unforgettable natural wonders, too.
Top image of pyramids by Tibor Lezsófi from Pixabay
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