Ask the Expert

Mohamed A. Shata is an established Egyptologist and Guide, licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism. His field of expertise includes an extensive background in the discovery, excavation and restoration of many of the tombs and antiquities in the Giza area. Educated at Cairo University with a degree in Archeology, he has worked with Dr. Zaki Hawes, Curator of the Giza pyramids. He has also been authorized to authenticate, identify, classify and appraise the value of ancient artifacts. He is in demand as a guest lecturer at many museums and universities in the United States and Canada.

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?
A: A valid passport, visa and an onward/return ticket are required for entry into Egypt.

Q: What's the best time to travel?
A: There are basically two seasons in Egypt: a relatively cool season that lasts November-March (by far the better touring season) and a hot season April-October. The Red Sea coast has fewer extremes and is nice year round. October is a good month if you want to visit the rest of the country off season, when prices and tourist crowds are low. During the other off-season months it is simply too hot to be enjoyable, though the average humidity stays in the 7%-20% range. In the spring (especially late March to early April), sand and dust storms called khamsin blow in and can reduce visibility (sometimes even in Cairo) to less than 100 feet.

Q: How many shots do I need?
A: No inoculations are required for entry into Egypt or Jordan, but you may want to take some basic precautions. A Yellow Fever shot is not mandatory. However, if your travel plans include traveling to or from a African country that is infected with yellow fever or is located in areas where yellow fever transmission has occurred (endemic areas), then the easiest and safest thing to do is to get a yellow fever vaccination and a signed yellow fever certificate, which you should carry with your passport.  After immunization, an International Certificate of Vaccination is issued. It becomes valid 10 days after vaccination to meet entry and exit requirements for all countries. The Certificate is good for 10 years. You must take the Certificate with you.

Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: The best bet is always to drink bottled water. Bottled water is readily available, so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. In remote areas water is usually boiled or bottled and is safe to drink but not from the tap. Food, even in remote tented camps, is carefully prepared, and the local produce is refreshing and safe.  

Q: How in shape do I need to be?
A: To enjoy your trip to the fullest, you should be in good physical and mental health. This will be a moderately strenuous tour.  There will be walking over uneven surfaces and a few long and hot days of sightseeing.  Travel will be in a comfortable bus or a cruise ship.  To reach the most beautiful part of excavated tombs, you will have to bend over and walk down fairly steep inclines through narrow tunnels. Bring comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking and temple floors are far from even. In summer, wear a hat to protect yourself from the heat of the sun.

Q: I plan on enjoying the shopping, as well. Are credit cards accepted?
A: Some major credit cards are accepted such as MasterCard and Visa, but American Express and Diners Club are often not accepted. Please note that Discover Card is basically unknown in Africa. However, it is advisable to carry some cash or travelers checks in small denominations of US Dollars for purchases outside urban areas, and tipping. Since you will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel, you will not need any local currency before you reach the hotel, where you can easily obtain it.  Exchange of U.S. Dollars can be made at lodges and banks. You should not depend on your ATM card outside of the U.S. unless your bank advises otherwise. Local banks will give you notes in local currency. ATMs can be found in large cities and Victoria Falls but not in camps and game reserves. Keep your traveler's checks on you, along with other valuables, including passport, credit cards, or lock in the safety deposit boxes when provided. Cash works best in the African marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected.

Q: Any packing suggestions?
A: Just a few! Following is my recommended packing list:

• Small backpack to take while exploring sites (also bring a water bottle)
• A small flashlight with extra batteries
• Adapter plugs and converters for electrical appliances
• Packaged wet tissues ("Wash & Dry" "Wet Ones")
• A tiny calculator for estimating cost while shopping
• Plenty of film or tape for your camera + extra batteries or chargers
• Good quality sunglasses – preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
• Sun hat with a brim
• Sun block
• Shorts/skirts
• Long trousers/slacks
• Underwear and socks
• Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine) – they should be breathable and lightweight
• Swimsuits with cover-up garment
• Jacket or sweater for cooler mornings or evenings
• Light rain gear
• If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses
• BINOCULARS  (ESSENTIAL) and a bird book if you are keen
• Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments)
• Insect repellent e.g. Off!, Jungle Juice, etc
• Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc)
• Tickets, passports, money etc
• Sandproof bags/cover for your cameras
• Travel alarm

Q: That should do it for now, Mohamed. Any other suggestions?
A: Just pack a sense of wonder, adventure and humor! I look forward to sharing my  beautiful country with you.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Nile River stretches over 4,000 miles and is the longest river in the world. It flows from Egypt into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile River and its tributaries run through nine countries.