EGYPT: A JOURNEY THROUGH PHOTOS
Last Updated on 22nd March 2020 by Bejal
Egypt represents the land of great archaeological discoveries, hieroglyphics and the sacred site of the great lost Pharaohs. For me it’s a country that quite literally has a deep and rich history, buried in its depths. It’s one of the countries that from beginning to end provided me with a huge knowledge base supplied by the numerous temples, archaeological site visits, many accompanied by Egyptologists, that fuelled my interest in the land. A warm and friendly culture coupled with the above, made Egypt one of my most memorable destinations to date.
Join me as I share some of my favourite photos from my visit to Luxor, located on the banks of the River Nile and the capital, Cairo.
CAIRO
(The Capital City)
THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
The Pyramids of Giza are an awe-inspiring site located in Cairo, Egypt’s capital city. To think of these massive structures, created entirely by hand, by the Egyptian Pharaohs, who commissioned these as their tombs. If you’re feeling brave you can walk deeper and deeper into them but its dark, damp and very claustrophobic! A complete marvel of Egyptian architecture.
THE GREAT SPHINX OF GIZA
The Sphinx of Giza or just the Sphinx, is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. Facing directly from West to East, it stands on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Egypt. In Ancient Egypt, the head was that of a Pharaoh or a god. Why were they built? The Egyptians built sphinx statues to guard important areas such as tombs and temples.
LUXOR
(The Ancient City on The Nile)
THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS
On the West Bank of The Nile, near Luxor lies the Valley of The Kings. During the period 1539 – 1075 BC, this area became the royal burial site of the Pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Ramses and high priests. It is the most famous elaborate tomb collection of the period known as the New Kingdom and provides us with a fine example of the ancient Egyptian history. The Egyptians believed in the afterlife in which humans were promised life after death and therefore their tombs contained a mummified sarcophagus to preserve the body and eternal soul. They also contained materials that a ruler may require in the afterlife such as treasures. For me, The Valley of The Kings, was one of the best experiences of my trip and would thoroughly recommend that you don’t leave this off your itinerary.
THE VALLEY OF THE QUEENS
The Valley of the Queens is a site in Egypt, where the wives of pharaohs were buried in ancient times. It was known then as Ta-Set-Neferu, meaning the place of beauty. As we read above the Pharaohs themselves were buried in The Valley of the Kings.
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER THE NILE
One of the best ways to see the Valley of the Kings is by Hot Air balloon, which sets off on the banks of Luxor around 5 am. You’re treated to a peaceful flight over the Nile, the valleys as well as the rooftops, with locals waving at you as they awake.
LUXOR TEMPLE
Located on the East bank of the River Nile, Luxor Temple was built around 1392 BC and is the most accessible Temple, which can be accessed via the Corniche in Luxor.
KARNAK TEMPLE
Karnak temple literally translates to ‘fortified village’ is located close to Luxor and was built to commemorate King Ramses III. It’s colossal in size and is a city of temples, built over 2,000 years ago. The temple comprises of a vast mix of pylons and chapels.
COLOSSI OF MEMNON
These two 59 foot tall structures are of Amehotep III and his wife Tiye, once guarding the entrance to a large temple complex, which no longer remains today.
SAILING DOWN THE NILE
A great way to experience the Nile is by sailing boat. There are many small islands to stop off at, such as Banana island where we had the opportunity to visit some of the local farming community.
SUNRISE & SUNSETS IN LUXOR
The Nile poses as a beautiful backdrop for a gorgeous bright and vibrant sunset. Grab a traditional fruit juice from the street vendors or from one of the many cafes and watch the stunning Egyptian sky light up. Mornings on the Nile are also a perfect time to catch the sunrise, whilst watching the locals make their way to work.
Sunrise over The Nile from a hot air baloon
Sunset at Banana Island
I hope you enjoyed some of my favourite images of Egypt and that they inspire you to visit this beautiful country steeped in so much ancient history. There has been a lot of concern about visiting Egypt as of late but seriously, it is the best time to visit as tourism picks back up slowly and you’ll have much of these historical sites of the Pgaroahs all to yourself.
Tell me, have you visited Luxor or Cairo? What was your experience?
Á Bientôt…
PIN FOR LATER
Aaron Vallance (@1dish4theroad)
What stunning photos, Bejal. Would love to visit Egypt one day. Went to the Tutankhamen exhibition last week, and found it utterly enthralling. I can only imagine what it’s like actually being amongst those sites and monuments in person..
Bejal
Aaron Vallance (@1dish4theroad)Thanks so much Aaron for reading. I am quite literally obsessed with Egyptology and saw an incredible Tutenkhamen exhibition at Cairo Museum but seeing the tomb was breath taking. Looking at all the intricate hieroglyphics is really an amazing experience. I hope you get a chance one day to visit as there’s literally no where like ancient Egypt.
Kerry LifeandLoves
Ahhh I loved this Bejal, especially as I have never been to Egypt. I have no idea why we have just never got there! I love the look of the hot air ballon over the Nile. Gorgeous!
Bejal
Kerry LifeandLovesThankyou so much for reading Kerry! I’m sure you’ll get there one day and it will be just as incredible as you imagines. The hot air balloon ride is a great way to see The Valley of the Kings and local rural life.
thetravelsofmrsb
I would love to visit Egypt one day, we have spoke about a river cruise down the Nile
Bejal
thetravelsofmrsbOh that would be totally incredible. I know many friends who have done the Nile cruise and really enjoyed the experience.
louise
I went to Egypt a couple of years ago, but we were advised not to leave the resort, so I basically didn’t see anything! It was really disappointing, as I wanted so badly to go out and explore. Good to know that it is more safe to go now – I love your photos, B
Lousie x
Bejal
louiseOh no that would be rather disappointing I agree being amidst ancient Egypt and not being able to explore. I reckon you should go back when little Clara is old enough. Thanks so much for stopping by Louise Bxx
Mohamed
Egypt is one my next destination! Hope to travel there next October!
Thanks for sharing this article!
Bejal
MohamedOh I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time! Until then stay safe and well!
Johne Doe
I like this Bejal. Would love to visit Egypt one day. Thanks for share this content with Image.
Bejal
Johne DoeI’m glad you like it and I hope you can visit one day.