Africa · Attractions · Egypt · Going Out · Regions
Why you should visit Egypt in 2020
Egypt is distinguished with its gushing Nile, ancient treasures, great history, vast deserts, warm sun, and cool beaches. However, Egypt has more to offer than you might expect. You don’t have to look through hundreds of holiday destinations around the world for your perfect vacation; Egypt has it all.
2020 is set to be the year in which the largest archeological museum in the world – Cairo’s new Grand Egyptian Museum – will open its doors. If you have visited Cairo’s existing Egyptian Museum – in Tahrir Square – you may notice that the old museum is just a storehouse of Egypt’s ancient treasures, while the new one offers a special theme that leads visitors through a journey to the ancient Egyptian world. Moreover, the location of the Grand Egyptian Museum is very close to the Giza plateau, on the edge of the Western Desert and outside central Cairo, which gives it an outstanding overview out at the great pyramids and adds even more atmosphere.What makes it more interesting is Giza’s newly inaugurated Sphinx Airport, which set to operate domestic flights.
About Cairo’s new Grand Egyptian Museum
In 1992, the Grand Egyptian Museum was firstly announced, to deal with what was considered a pretty unsatisfying selection of institutions showcasing Egypt’s great treasures. The location was chosen to be away from central Cairo’s infamous traffic. Also, the building is designed to give more than enough space to welcome the world and show them the best of Egypt’s inheritance. Therefore, the Grand Museum is built on a slope of 162-foot difference in levels between the Nile valley, the entrance, and the Giza plateau, where you can find the main galleries.
Many sculpture gardens are situated in the museum park. Once you reach the main atrium of the GEM, Ramses II massive statue will be there to greet you. Then, the Grand staircase appears to lead you from valley level to Giza plateau; it’s lined with 87 statues of Egyptian kings.
Coming to the main galleries–at the left from the staircase– they are divided into four eras:
- Pre-dynastic: Up to 3100 B.C.
- Old Kingdom: The pyramid builders
- Middle and New Kingdom: Tutankhamun, Ramses, and Co.
- Greco-Roman.
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Egypt has never really sprung to mind for me as a holiday destination but the more I read about it, the more I’m tempted. I’m really interested in ancient history so like the sound of the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
Egypt is preparing from now to a legendary inauguration for this moment, The Museum will be next to The Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Airport
Very interesting to learn about the opening of Sphinx Airport near Giza. That should make for much easier travelling in Egypt. It’s a big country and not that easy to get around.
I’m hoping that the Sphinx Airport will be seeing the wheels of some low cost carriers touching down. Are there any budget airlines operating out of there?
So far only scheduled flights, but hopefully in the future.
I’m contemplating a family trip to Egypt in the coming year. And was waiting for the inauguration of this Grand Egypt Museum all this time. Heard that there is a fabulous children’s museum too inside?? My elder one takes a keen interest in ancient artifacts and archielogical sites. So, this will be the first visit of its kind. But I am a bit skeptical of the desert safari. Ofcourse, I and the kids love the adventure but my wife is asthamatic. Hope the desert sand doesn’t exacerbate the condition? She had a terrible attack in the past on a desert safari due to the sandstorm- that too while we were honeymooning in Dubai. So, I am intrigued to know the best time of the year when there are minimum or no dust storms occuring in Egypt. Can some please shed light?
Hello David,
Th best time to visit Egypt including the safari trip is October & November.
However, with the global warming, no one can guarantee the weather conditions.
Best,
Sherif
Sure thing Sheriff!!
But October and November? So, that means my kids will have to take leave from school! And do you have any idea when exactly is the Museum opening? Will it be operational next year around this time??
Hi David,
it should be open at the last quarter of 2020. But known exactly when. It is always better to visit Egypt in Winter since the Summer is very hot. But also visiting Egypt during Summer means you will avoid the traffic in the sites and also rate are cheaper than Winter.
The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum reminds me of the world’s second largest architectural competition that was held to select the best proposed design, style, interior and exterior of the magnificent building prior to its construction. A couple of my friends participated. What a fierce and fiery competition it was!!! With over 1500 architects and companies participating from 82 different countries it became the talk of the town!
That was 2002…..now we are entering 2020.Aaahh time flies!!
Can’t wait to visit and explore this grand attraction.
It is a must see museum specially that it will be next to Giza Pyramids. The whole area is being restored now with lots of hotels and international airport.
The thought of a cruise along the Nile attracts me. It would be an easy way to see all the attractions, Luxor, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings and all that etc. Do the sights then back on board for G & T and dinner. No unpacking etc. Easy.
But what’s the state of the Nile at the moment? Is the water high enough to cruise all the way?
Hi Sue,
The best time to sail is October and November.
Best,
Sherif
My brother went to Egypt three years ago and he said it was a once in a lifetime kind of experience, but he did find some of it daunting. I think that’s in terms of the police presence and there were issues with the airport on the way back. I know he wished he’d read up a little more on what to expect before he went there, but he was still glad he went.
I’ve always been fascinated with Egypt, probably because of when you learn about the mummies and pyramids as a kid and the place starts to take on this mysterious vibe. It must be fascinating to see these things for yourself, so get that authentic experience. He didn’t do a Nile cruise though I know he regretted not getting around to it, I think he just ran out of time in the end. I’d be interested in doing that. When’s the best time to go in terms of balanced weather but it not being too busy?
Egypt is on my bucket list, so maybe one day..!
Hi Wendy,
Egypt completely changed now than three years ago, The area of the New Egyptian Museum will be completely different with several hotel, Tunnels and even a new airport.
The best time ti visit is October and November. No crowd in Summer time but it is very hot so i would recommend October and November.
Sherif
I love archeaology and anything about ancient Egypt. I don’t know why I’m fascinated with that seeing as I live halfway around the world. This is great news to me because I’m actually planning to go on a pilgrimage next year that includes Cairo as one of the stops. And I didn’t know they’d be opening a new and grander Egyptian museum that will be able to display even more artifacts. Perfect timing!
Hi Roise,
Glad to know you will visit Egypt soon, the new Egyptian Museum should be open at the last quarter of 2020.
Best,
Sherif
Only a few weeks left before 2019 ends, if you are planning a vacation next year, you may want to consider traveling to Egypt. Aside from the great pyramid of Giza, there are many destinations that one can visit and it will surely make your stay worthwhile. I have tried many of the activities featured in this article when I visited last year and it was an amazing experience. Giza, no matter how many times I’ve seen it in pictures and tv shows, is awe-inspiring in real life. Riding a camel though was another story. But I did it for the experience. I was already there, right?
Cool, I really want to visit Egypt but I doubt I’ll be able to do it any time soon. There’s a lot of history to explore and for whatever reason, I guess because of their politics, it seemed like a viable place to go early in the 20th century. I guess I should study more about it before getting there. To me, it’s one of the most adventurous places to visit in the world.