Known to the Ancient Egyptians as Abu or Yabu – meaning elephant – Elephantine Island is truly ancient site resting as it does at the First Cataract of the Nile and creating a natural boundary between Egypt and Nubia. It is said that Khnum – the ram-headed god of the cataracts, dwelled in caves beneath the island and controlled the waters of the Nile. These days the southern tip of the island holds the ruins of the Temple of Khnum. Up until 1822 there were also temples to Thutmose III and Amenhotep III on the island, but the Ottoman government destroyed them. Photo by: .Angeli

Elephantine is delicate island, steeped in ancient history and blessed with significant artifacts. Transported instantly back in time, you hike under banana trees and date palms through colourful Nubian villages with narrow dusty alleyways and mud houses, painted or carved with crocodiles or fish. Photo by: monopthalmos

On the edge of the island is one of the oldest Nilometers in Egypt – a stone ‘yardstick’ used to measure the height of the River Nile. It was last reconstructed in Roman times and was still in use as late as the 19th century. Its 90 steps, leading down to the river, are marked with Hindu – Arabic, Roman and heieroglyphic numerals and  inscriptions carved deep into the rock during the 17th century can be seen at the water’s edge. Elephantine Island is green oasis of calm – lapped by the turquoise waters of the Nile and clinging quietly to its exotic past. Photo by: Templar1307

When to go: Very hot between June and August (daytime temperature around 40 degrees). So December and February are great if you hate the heat. The other months of the year give warm days and fewer crowds. Population: 2,000. Getting there: Motor launch or felucca from Aswan; plane, train or boat from Cairo. Photo by: gabindu

Alexandria is a tremendous city situated on the north coast of Egypt. This is where Euclid sired geometry, Aristarchus deduced that Earth revolved around the sun and of course, the young Alexander the Great founded the city as his capital in 331 B.C.

The city developed through the 19th century as the place of Egypt’s commerce, especially the trade with cotton drawing a cosmopolitan mix of Greeks, Italians, French and Jews, who brought their languages, architecture and food. The picture shows the Roman Amphitheater.

White and Blue Restaurant, also emerged as the Greek Club, is in the Hellenic Nautical Club at the end of the Corniche by Fort Qaitbay. A full dinner including grilled sea bass, served the Egyptian way (with tomato and basil) or Greek (with potatoes), is 120 Egyptian pounds.

During the last years preservationists and the government have made an effort to restore its luster after the city’s cultural grandeur began to crumble [around the 1950's]. The first sign of the city’s renewal was the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the glimmering vision in steel and glass that opened on the Corniche in 2002.

The temple, designed by Senenmut, governor of the domains of Amun, in co-operation with the chief treasurer, Djehuty who recorded that he acted as chief, giving directions, I led the craftsmen to work in the works of Djeser-Djeseru. Hatshepsut was unique because she took on several male adornments while she ruled Egypt. Unlike most women of that time, she attached a false beard, wore male clothing, and was depicted in statutes as a pharaoh. She might have done this to make her transition to kingship and the acceptance of the priesthood more convincing. It may be that if she had ruled strictly with a more feminine-looking disposition she may not have been so readily accepted by the masses. Her strategy seemed to work and the priests supported her reign as pharaoh.
Traces of papyrus were found when the pools were excavated and tree pits, dug into the rocky ground and filled with Nile mud, surrounded the pools. The pools may have been used for rituals connected with plants and animals.

In any case, Hatshepsut has left a legacy of architectural and statuary elegance. Her temple built in the area of Thebes, at modern Deir el-Bahri, stands as a beautiful monument to her reign.

Alexandria Learning Centre is a service centre for both students and teachers of the University of Helsinki. Experts in teaching, information service and information technology provide consultation and advice on the use of Alexandria’s state-of-the-art facilities. The centrally located learning centre is also a meeting place for students. Classroom is not reserved for courses and training it is at the disposal of library users. Terminals that can be accessed even without user ID can be found from Circulation floor lobby. Alexandria Learning Centre also has about 350 computers for independent study. The 70 computers on the first floor are reserved for quick use. On the top floor, there are 20 computers for multimedia work and for watching online lectures.
The enormous room is envisioned for 3500 visitors, each book can be found with help to computer. The circulating library disposes :Copying machines – they are located on the first floor under the stairs. The Undergraduate Library has copying machine on the Service and Collections Floors. Public telephone -There is a public telephone in the Undergraduate Library on the first floor in the lobby area by the lifts there is a telephone which can be used for making calls inside the University. Video presenting - In order to view the video, you need Real Player, which can be downloaded from the University of Helsinki Centre. In addition to the library, Alexandria’s computers are also in heavy use year round. During terms, nearly all 350 computers are continually taken in the afternoons and even in summer – apart from July, which is the traditional holiday month in Finland – the utilisation rate is approximately 60 percent.
The Theology Library holds a collection of modern theological literature and aims to maintain a good selection of important theological journals and publication series. The library also provides theological information services for the public in addition to the university community. Arts Library is provides information services for research and teaching in the science of Art and Humanities. It is open to the public and comprises nine different library units (philology, aesthetics, translation, linguistic, …). Social Science Library is provides information services to the public and the university community. The collection of the Library comprise the fields of communication, economics and social history, political, and…other.

Children’s Library: If you are between 6 and 11 years of age and are looking for fun, knowledge, entertainment and education, do not miss this opportunity! Come to the Children’s Library at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina main building, first floor, and jump into the fun.

The library is seen as a progressive landmark for the country as a whole, reinstating Egypt on the map as an open, modern centre of cultural exchange. The idea of a universal library, like that of Alexandria, had to wait for historic changes that would help to develop a new mental outlook which could envisage and encompass the whole world.

Snorkeling on the house reaf outside Empire Hotell, Hurghada, Egypt

The lake is remote and thinly populated by peasant fishermen, the local residents are Bedouin camel and sheep herdsmen who are occasionally seen grazing their flocks on the sparse vegetation at the edge of the lake. There are an impressive variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. More than 100 species of birds have been recorded: Wild duck, Egyptian geese, pelicans, herons, egrets and various species of hawks, kites, falcons and eagles will be among the birds seen. In most areas there are crocodile and monitor lizards, other types of wildlife include Dorcas gazelle, jackals, desert fox, and various smaller desert mammals.

Lake Nasser is a place where a small group of anglers have literally hundreds of square miles to themselves. Lake Nasser has arguably the best freshwater fishing in the world for both Nile perch and Tiger Fish. There are also several species of catfish; the legendary giant Vundu being the biggest. Two species of Tilapia also inhabit the lake and give a good account of themselves on a fly rod. All told there are some thirty two species of fish in the lake.

Recent studies indicate that the temple of Dendera had several interrelated functions. It was a venerated place of pilgrimage where miraculous cures were effected by the goddess; it was a sort of hospital where various physiological, psychological and magical therapies were practiced; and it was the scene of great processions and festivals throughout the astrological cycle. A feature of Dendera not found elsewhere in Egyptian temples are the dozen mysterious crypts, some underground, some enclosed within the massive double walls of the upper temple. It has been suggested that these crypts were the dwelling place of the goddess, where her statue and ritual objects were kept, and where began the great New Year’s processions celebrating the dawn of creation. In the dark of night, the temple priests brought the statue of the goddess from the crypt, through the corridors of the enormous temple and, ascending to the roof, awaited the coming of the dawn. As the first rays of the morning sun broke upon the horizon, the statue was unveiled. Ancient texts speak of this ceremony whereby: “the goddess Hathor might be united with the beams of her father, Re” and that the sky rejoices, the earth dances, the sacred musicians shout in praise.

Enclosed within the precincts of the Dendera complex are a sacred lake, a temple of the goddess Isis, and a brick sanatorium where divine healing was practiced. There is also an early Christian church that typifies the situation in so many Egyptian temples, whose sacred precincts were usurped by the Christians. Within the main temple it is interesting to study the beautiful and highly detailed astrological calendars carved and painted upon the ceilings. Visitors may wonder about the blackened condition of other ceilings in the temple. When Napolean’s scholars first visited Dendera they found a centuries-old Arab village firmly established inside the great temple; the villagers’ cooking fires had blackened the ceilings over the years.

The Dendera complex has long been one of the most tourist-explorable ancient Egyptian places of Worship. It used to be possible to visit virtually every part of the complex, from the crypts to the top most roof of Hathor temple, to every other monument located in the complex. This has changed in recent years. The top most part of the roof of Hathor temple has been closed for some years now. The last time it was open default was in 2003. The second stage of the roof was closed in November 2004, after a tourist got too close to the edge and fell to her death on the bedrock below. So be Aware pls

There is wind throughout the year in Hurghada, with some of the best in the summer. It is also very popular in winter as it is a good break from the British climate. The original fishing village has now built up into an international holiday resort with many hotels stretching along the coast to the north and south of the town.
Hurghada is one of the best places to learn to kitesurf. There are three bays with the downwind one popular with windsurfers, leaving the two upwind ones with large shallow areas free for kitesurfers. There is plenty of space to practice flying the kite, bodydragging and waterstarting in shallow areas. This extends far enough from the beach to allow 100m runs before getting into deeper water.

There is wind throughout the year in Hurghada, with some of the best in the summer. It is also very popular in winter as it is a good break from the British climate.
The wind in the Red Sea is created by the difference in temperature between the land and sea. In Hurghada this is accelerated by the mountain range and a bit more by Giftun Island offshore. It will generally pick up during the day and can often start early and sometimes blow all day.

In the summer months, from May to Oct, the average wind is around 18 knots with the afternoons sometimes getting up to 25 / 30 (especially in September)! In the winter it is mostly big kite weather (14 – 16’s)..

Hurghada is good for all levels but is especially good for complete beginners or those looking to progress. There is a very high level of instruction on hand here and the shallow flat water of the ’small bay’ is just perfect for training.

The sand bar, about 1km out, is an awesome place to practice for the more advanced riders – clean wind, flat water and a sand bar to take a break or jump….you’ll never want to come in !!

The Magawish Hotel, Hurghada has the best beach in the area for kitesurfing, huge shallow areas for training, dedicated launch areas and a nice sand bank off shore. Other facilities include compressed air for easy pumping of kites, rescue boat, equipment cleaning and storage, kite repair service and a workshop with necessary tools and spare parts. Feedback from clients that have recently travelled to Hurghada and kitesurfed with Colona has been exceptionally good and so we highly recommend this outfit.

Hurghada offers a variety of excursions, tours and day trips to the interior of this fascinating country. Egypt is probably the world’s oldest civilization having emerged from the Nile Valley around 3,100 years ago. This “Gift of the Nile” as described by Herodotus boasts a longer recorded history than any other country on earth. A country of legends and mysteries, the birthplace of ancient civilization with a third of the world’s most magnificent and awesome monuments and treasures.

Hurghada is ideal for those wanting to combine windsurfing and kitesurfing. The conditions are very good for all levels and the area is large enough to allow both activities without interfering with each otherThere is some nightlife in downtown Hurghada. As well as bars and restaurants, the bazaar is bustling in the evenings. It is also worth checking out which night Papas has live bands.

It is easy to combine your holiday in Hurghada with a variety of tour and day trip excursions to the interior of this fascinating country. Egypt is probably the world’s oldest civilization, having emerged from the Nile Valley around 3,100 years ago. This “Gift of the Nile” as described by Herodotus, boasts a longer recorded history than any other country on earth. A country of legends and mysteries, the birthplace of ancient civilization with a third of the world’s most magnificent and awesome monuments and treasures.

You can go to a sample excursion itinerary that encompasses the very best of this fascinating country, taking you on a journey through ancient Egypt and on to the underwater world of the Red Sea.
About 90% of Egypt is covered by desert. We offer day and half-day excursion tours from Hurghada resorts to discover the beauty of these largely unexplored parts of the country.

There are desert safaris lasting several days, to introduce you to the unspoiled nature of the desert in a spectacular way. Watch the sunset in the desert and sleep overnight under the starry sky. An unforgettable experience.

The southern Red Sea, especially the Hurghada area, is known for its spectacular landscape, rich with colourful mountains and canyons. Safari Operators in Hurghada arrange some magnificent safaris ranging from a half day to 4 or 5 days. You can choose from camels, horses, Quads or 4X4 vehicles. A visit to a Bedouin village by camel is quite an experience and are often combined with the desert safaris.

As with all Red Sae resort we feature world class Scuba Diving and snorkelling is on hand for those calm days windless days. Most hotels have on site dive centres offering a full range of courses and daily diving.

Karnak is the biggest temple complex in the world, covering an area of 100 hectares and there is nowhere more impressive to the first-time visitor. In ancient times, Karnak was known as Ipet-isut, The most select of places. It is a vast open-air museum and the largest ancient religious site in the world, and is probably the second most visited ancient site in Egypt, second only to the Giza Pyramids near Cairo.

It took millennia to build and enhance the massive Karnak Temple, though most of the work was done by the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (1570-1100 BC). Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the buildings, enabling it to reach a size, complexity and diversity not seen elsewhere. Few of the individual features of Karnak are unique, but the size and number of features is overwhelming.

Some Highlights about Temple of Karnak in Luxor:

Temple Facade
Ancient temples were considered to be the residence of the god. The Karnak temple was the dwelling place of Amon-Re, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu, the moon god. Construction continued on this temple for more than two millennia under the belief that once building ceased, the temple “died.” The temple was a closed compound, open only to the priests and the pharaoh. The common people could only enter the courtyard.

Hippostyle Hall
Consisting of 134 columns, the Hippostyle Hall was started by Seti I, but the majority of the construction was done by Ramses II. The center columns are taller than the others, and the windows would allow light to come in. This hall may have been similar to Solomon’s “House of the Forest of Lebanon” (1 Kings 7).

Thutmose’s Canaanite City List
In Thutmose III’s city lists, hundreds of princes are depicted with hands tied behind their backs and their cartouches on their shields. This is a depiction of the rulers of the cities of Canaan that Thutmose III captured when Megiddo fell. All the rulers, except the king of Kadesh, were trapped in Megiddo, and so by the capture of Megiddo, Thutmose could say that it was as the capture of a thousand cities. At Thutmose’s death the Egyptian empire stretched from the Euphrates to the Fourth Cataract, the greatest extent of Egypt’s territory ever.

Ramses’ Treaty
Ramses II’s treaty with the Hittites is one of the most important treaties in history. Originally written on silver tablets in Heliopolis and Hattusus, a copy was found here on this wall in the Karnak Temple. After years of inconclusive battles between the Hittites and the Egyptians, Ramses II and the Hittite ruler concluded an agreement by which Syria and Canaan would be divided between them. On either side of this text are depictions of Merneptah’s battles in Canaan, including those against Ashkelon and Israel.

Shishak’s City List
Pharaoh Shishak (945-924 B.C.) invaded Israel and Judah in 925 B.C. and carried off the treasures of Jerusalem’s temple. The Bible records the attack from Judah’s perspective (2 Chron 12), but Shishak’s list gives much greater detail including the names of 150 cities, most of which cannot be located today. Scholars debate how to read this inscription, but most agree that the following cities are mentioned: Taanach, Beth-Shean, Rehob, Mahanaim, Gibeon, Beth-Horon, Megiddo, and Arad.

Sacred Lake
Every Egyptian temple had a sacred lake, and the one at Karnak Temple was the largest. Used daily by the priests for purification, the sacred lake was also used in festivals during which images of the gods would travel across the lake in boats. The lake measures 130 x 77 meters and was surrounded by storerooms and homes of the priests.

Precinct of Amun-Re
This is the largest of the precincts of the temple complex, and is dedicated to Amun-Re, the chief god of the Theban Triad. Construction of temples started in the Middle Kingdom, and continued through to Ptolemaic times.

Precinct of Montu
Dedicated to the son of Amun-Re and Mut, Montu, the war-god of the Theban Triad. It is located to the north of the Amun-Re complex, and is much smaller in size. It is not open to the public.

Precinct of Mut
Located to the south of the Amen-Re complex, this precinct was dedicated to the mother goddess of the Theban Triad, Mut. It has several smaller temples associated with it, and has it own sacred lake. It is not open to the public.

Temple of Amenhotep IV (dismantled)
The temple that Akhenaten (Amenhotep IV) constructed on site was located to the east of the main complex, outside the walls of the Amun-Re precinct. It was destroyed after the death of its builder, and its full extent and lay-out is currently unknown

There is also a Sound and Light Show at Karnak. The show starts with a historical introduction covering the birth of the great city of Thebes and erection of the Karnak temple. The show also narrates the glorious achievements of some great Pharaohs. The Spectators listen to a magnificent and poetic description of the artistic treasures and great legacy which the Karnak temple encloses.

The Great Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now Cairo, Egypt in Africa. It is the main part of a complex setting of buildings that included two mortuary temples in honor of Khufu (one close to the pyramid and one near the Nile), three smaller pyramids for Khufu’s wives, an even smaller “satellite” pyramid, a raised causeway connecting the two temples, and small mastaba tombs surrounding the pyramid for nobles. One of the small pyramids contains the tomb of queen Hetepheres (discovered in 1925), sister and wife of Sneferu and the mother of Khufu. There was a town for the workers, including a cemetery, bakeries, a beer factory and a copper smelting complex. More buildings and complexes are being discovered by The Giza Mapping Project.

Khafre’s Pyramid, is the second largest of the ancient Egyptian Pyramids of Giza and the tomb of the fourth-dynasty pharaoh Khafre (Chephren).

The pyramid is believed to have been completed around 2532 BC, at the end of Khafre’s reign. It lies a few hundred meters southwest of its larger neighbor, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, in the Giza necropolis outside of Cairo.

Khafre’s Pyramid had an original height of 143.87 m (275 royal cubits or 471 ft). It now stands at 136 m (446 ft) tall with a base of 215.29 m (410 royal cubits or 704 ft), covering a total area of about 11 acres (45,000 square m). Its angle of incline measures 53 10′ at the top, which is steeper than the Great Pyramid, but at the bottom the angle is lower. The reason for this is that at the base cracks began to form, so the Egyptians decided to lower the entire height of the pyramid. This, and its slightly more elevated location often make Khafre’s Pyramid appear larger than the Great Pyramid. It is, in fact, smaller in both height and volume.

Menkaure’s Pyramid, located on the Giza Plateau on the southwestern outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, is the smallest of the three Pyramids of Giza. It was built to serve as the tomb of the fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Menkaure.

had an original height of 65.5 meters (215 feet). It now stands at 62 m (203 ft) tall with a base of 105 m (344 ft). Its angle of incline is approximately 51 20″25′. It was constructed of limestone and granite.

The pyramid’s date of construction is unknown, because Menkaure’s reign has not been accurately defined, but it was probably completed sometime during the 26th century BC. It lies a few hundred meters southwest of its larger neighbors, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Pyramid of Khufu in the Giza necropolis.

Of the three, only Khafre’s pyramid retains part of its original polished limestone casing, towards its apex. It is interesting to note that this pyramid appears larger than the adjacent Khufu pyramid by virtue of its more elevated location, and the steeper angle of inclination of its construction – it is, in fact, smaller in both height and volume. The most active phase of construction here was in the 25th century BC.

The ancient remains of the Giza necropolis have attracted visitors and tourists since classical antiquity, when these Old Kingdom monuments were already over 2,000 years old. It was popularised in Hellenistic times when the Great Pyramid was listed by Antipater of Sidon as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today it is the only one of the ancient Wonders still in existence.

Due largely to nineteenth-century images, the pyramids of Giza are generally thought of by foreigners as lying in a remote, desert location, even though they are located in what is now part of the most populated city in Africa. Consequently, urban development reaches right up to the perimeter of the antiquities site, to the extent that in the 1990s a Pizza Hut and KFC restaurant opened across the road.

The ancient sites in the Memphis area, including those at Giza, together with those at Saqqara, Dahshur, Abu Ruwaysh, and Abusir, were collectively declared a World Heritage site in 1979.

Interesting tidbits about the Pyramids of Egypt at Giza:

* Many theories exist on how the Pyramids of Egypt were constructed. Most Egyptologists now believe that a large temporary earth ramp with a gentle incline was built. The giant stone blocks were then dragged up the slope with a combination of pulleys, levers and raw manpower.

* Over the course of several centuries, the construction design evolved from the modestly high step pyramid style to the skyscraping, smooth-sided pyramids of Khufu and Chephren at Giza.

* Then, starting with Menkure’s pyramid (the nearest one in the picture), size and structural strength gradually began to decline. The primary reasons were weakening economies and fading pharaonic powers.

* The three great Pyramids of Egypt have a north-south alignment because the polar stars were considered sacred.

* The number of large stone blocks used to build the Pyramids of Egypt is often overstated. For example, it is commonly written that 2,300,000 million were used for Khufu’s structure. The actual figure is many times smaller when you divide the cubic size of the pyramid by the average cubic size of the stone blocks.

* Some archeologists speculate that the tomb robbers were unsuccessful in finding the true burial chambers in the Pyramids of Egypt because the tomb builders were cleverer than the thieves. If so, the pharaonic mummies and treasures are still concealed somewhere within their respective pyramids, waiting to be detected by future technology.

Egypt is a country of many options—from ancient antiquities to camel riding, snorkeling to jeep exploring, felucca sailing to mountain climbing—and all is available for those who want to truly experience the wonders of this ancient place. In order to provide our clients with the ultimate Egyptian experience.

Egypt, the cradle of history and modern culture, traces its beginnings to remote civilizations that developed along the banks of the Nile River. Throughout time, the lure of ancient Egypt has exerted an irresistible fascination. Archeological records of ancient civilization date back to 4000 BC. A unified Kingdom arose around 3200 BC and extended its way south into Nubia and north as far as Syria. A high culture of rulers and priests was built on an economic base of serfdom, fertile soil and annual flooding of the Nile banks. Even though Egypt is on the continent of Africa, its ties are more to the Middle East sharing not only their religious beliefs, but also their language and cuisine. This is a land of contrasts from the fertile Nile river valley stretching some 550 miles northwards, to the vast stretches of desolate and barren sands throughout the rest of Egypt.

Many of the greatest diving locations in the northern Red Sea are within easy reach of the land-based operations located in Sharm el Sheikh, located at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. We represent many different hotels in the Sharm el Sheikh area to suit every need and budget.

Sinai Divers pioneered scuba diving in the Sinai and have earned themselves a great reputation. Not only do they now own and operate three full-time liveaboards but also offer four dayboats (Ghazala II – IV) that offer comfort and safe diving for divers to Ras Mohammed, Straits of Tiran, Jackson Reef and more. Sinai Divers have a variety of dive packages to choose from as well as daily rates.

Egypt lies on the north east corner of Africa with Libya to the west, Sudan to the south and Israel to the east. The capital, Cairo, has a population of close to seven million and is the commercial enter as well as the seat of government. There are really only two languages spoken, Arabic (official) and English, and the population is 90% Sunni Moslems.

Tourists have been flocking to the Nile Valley for hundreds of years to see the ancient antiquities of this great nation such as the pyramids and the sphinx of Giza, the temple at Karnak, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, the High Dam at Aswan which was completed in 1971, as well as the temple of Abu Simbel. In the 1960s, as the finishing touches were being made to the High Dam, UNESCO launched a worldwide fundraising effort to prevent the Abu Simbel from being drowned by the waters that now make up Lake Nasser.

They managed to raise $40 million dollars to disassemble the temple block by block (more than 2,000 blocks weighing from ten to forty tons each) and reconstruct it inside a specially built mountain 210 meters away from the water and 65 meters higher than the original site. The project took more than four years and the temple was reopened in 1968.

The Nile Valley has so many archeological sites, artifacts, temples and tombs that you could spend weeks trying to take in all the dates, names and information—there is a magic about this place that is hard to put into words. You can take a Nile cruise on one of the many ships plying this mighty river, ride a camel into the sunset, sail a felucca or traditional sailing boat across the still waters of the Nile, climb deep into the heart of ancient pyramids, explore the many other sights such as the maze of paths at the Bazaar Khan-al-Khalili (the largest bazaar in the Middle East, if not the world) with arrays of silver, pewter, rugs, clothes, artifacts as well as the incredible smells of spices, tea and an assortment of Arabic delights, or just relax with a drink at one of the many hotels throughout Egypt.

Scuba diving in the Red Sea has been popular with Europeans for many years but now Americans have made the incredible discovery and word is quickly spreading on the beauty and variety that the Red Sea has to offer. Most of the diving in the Red Sea is wall diving, making it necessary to dive from tenders on most of the liveaboards. The soft coral colors are so vibrant that it can be overwhelming. Schools of hammerheads and lemon sharks always make a dive exciting. Clouds of fish swarm over the reefs in a perpetual dance of life creating an incredible illusion. No diver, or snorkeler, is disappointed with the wonders of the Red Sea. There are three distinct areas for diving; Sinai, Hurghada and the waters from Egypt to Djibouti accessible by liveaboard.

Egypt’s climate is easy to summarize: most of the year, except for the winter months of December to February, is hot and dry. Temperatures increase as you travel south from Alexandria on the Mediterranean. Alexandria receives the most rain, approximately twelve inches a year, while far south in Aswan any rain at all is rare. Summer temperatures range from a scorching 122ºF in Aswan to 87ºF on the Mediterranean coast. At night in winter the temperature sometimes plummets to as low as 47ºF, even in the south. Be prepared for the temperature extremes as it can get bitterly cold in the nighttime desert, even in the spring. Between March and June, the outstanding phenomenon is the khamsin, a dry, hot and often dusty wind that can blow in from the parched Western Desert at up to a hundred miles per hour. The Sinai has unique weather as the desert is typically hot during the day and cold at night, but the mountains can be freezing, even during the day in the winter. Egypt is a year around destination with land touring better in the fall, winter and spring and diving and beach activities in the spring, summer and fall.