Egypt Information

General Information

Middle East, North Africa.

Area

1,002,000 sq km (386,874 sq miles)

Population

74.9 million (UN, 2005).

Population Density

74.8 Per sq km.

People 

Egyptians, Berbers, Bedouin, Hamitic Arabs and Nubians

Language 

Arabic

Religion 

94% Muslim, 6% Christian

Capital

Cairo (El Qahira)

Population

 16.7 million (2005 estimate)

GDP

US$247 billion

GDP per capita

 US$3,600

Annual Growth

   5%

Inflation

 3%

Major Industries

  Oil & gas, metals, tourism, agriculture (especially cotton) and Suez Canal revenues

Major Trading Partners

USA, EU, Middle East

Government

Republic

Head of State

President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak since 1981

 DATE \@ "M/d/yyyy" 12/25/2007

Head of Government

 Ahmed Nazif since 2004

Recent history: Hosni Mubarak is Egypt’s longest-serving ruler since Muhammad Ali in the early 19th century and one of the longest-serving leaders in the Arab world. President Mubarak was re-elected on 7 September 2005 for his fifth successive term. On 25 May 2005, a constitutional amendment was passed to allow for free and direct Presidential elections to be contested by multiple candidates following pressure form the US and domestic political groups. In previous elections, Egyptians voted yes or no for a single candidate appointed by Parliament. The only opposition organization which has broad public support, the Muslim Brotherhood, is outlawed and could not field a candidate. Mr Mubarak succeeded Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated in 1981. He is a great survivor, having escaped no fewer than six assassination attempts. The President appoints the Prime Minister. Ahmed Nazif has occupied this post since July 2004. Elections to the 454-member Majlis al-Sha’ab are (People’s Assembly) are held every five years. The first stage of a three-stage election took place on 9 November 2005.
 

Egypt is bordered to the north by the Mediterranean, to the south by Sudan, to the west by Libya, and to the east by the Red Sea and Israel. The River Nile divides the country unevenly in two, while the Suez Canal provides a third division with the Sinai Peninsula. Beyond the highly cultivated Nile Valley and Delta, a lush green tadpole of land that holds more than 90 per cent of the population, the landscape is mainly flat desert, devoid of vegetation apart from the few oases that have persisted in the once fertile depressions of the Western Desert. Narrow strips are inhabited on the Mediterranean coast and on the African Red Sea coast. The coast south of Suez has fine beaches and the coral reefs just offshore attract many divers. The High Dam at Aswan now controls the annual floods that once put much of the Nile Valley under water; it also provides electricity.

Language
Arabic is the official language. English and French are widely spoken.

Religion
According to the 1986 census, over 94 per cent of the population follows Islam; the majority of the rest is Christian. All types of Christianity are represented, especially the Coptic Christian Church. There is also a small Jewish minority.

Social Conventions

Islam is the dominant influence and many traditional customs and beliefs are tied up with religion. The people are generally courteous and hospitable and expect similar respect from visitors. Shaking hands will suffice as a greeting. Because Egypt is a Muslim country, dress should be conservative and women should not wear revealing clothes, particularly when in religious buildings and in towns (although the Western style of dress is accepted in modern nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars in Cairo, Alexandria and other tourist destinations). Official or social functions and smart restaurants usually require more formal wear. Smoking is very common.

Photography: Tourists will have to pay a fee to take photographs inside pyramids, tombs and museums.

Passport & Visa Requirements

Passport Note
Visitors from all countries except the EU and the USA must register with the police within one week of arrival in Egypt, although this service is usually undertaken by the hotel.

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
 

1. 1. EU nationals travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Newiba or Taba resorts for up to 14 days. They will receive an entry permission stamp upon arrival;

2. those continuing their journey to a third country within 24 hours, provided holding confirmed tickets;

3. cruise ship passengers entering Egypt, at any port, for a maximum of three days.
   
   Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note
(a) Those in possession of a residence permit to Egypt are not required to obtain an entry visa if they leave Egypt and return within the validity of their residence permit or within six months, whichever period is less.

Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist and Business (single- and multiple-entry).
Cost varies according to nationality. For UK nationals: Tourist: £15 (single-entry); £18 (multiple-entry). Business: £53 (single-entry); £91 (multiple-entry). For US nationals: All visas £12. Processing fees for other nationals vary considerably; check with the appropriate consulate (or consular section of embassy) for details; see Contact Addresses.

Validity
Varies, but are usually valid for six months from the date of issue for stays of up to three months. Visas cannot be post-dated. Visas can be extended one week before the end of the permitted stay in Egypt at Immigration.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses.
Note: It is, however, possible for most tourists and visitors to obtain an entry visa at any of the major ports of entry. Visitors should check with their nearest Egyptian Consular mission for more details concerning visa regulations applying to their citizenship.

Working Days Required
Same day for personal applications; seven days or more from day of receipt for postal applications.

Duty Free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Egypt without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g of tobacco; 1l of alcoholic beverages; 1l of perfume or eau de cologne; gifts up to the value of E£500.

Persons travelling with valuable electronic equipment such as cameras, video cameras or computers may be required to list these in their passports to ensure that they will be exported on departure.
All cash, travellers' cheques and gold over E£500 should be declared on arrival.

Prohibitions
Narcotics, firearms, cotton, gold and silver purchased locally unless for personal use only and in small quantities; for a full list, contact the Egyptian Commercial Office, 23 South Street, London W1L 2XD (Tel: (020) 7499 3002).

Documents

Visitor’s own insurance and an International Driving Permit are required to drive any motor vehicle. Carnet de Passage or a suitable deposit is necessary for the temporary import of visitor’s own vehicle. All vehicles (including motorcycles) are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher and a red hazard triangle.

Activities

Diving in Sharm El Sheikh

The Red Sea coast and the Gulf of Aqaba are deservedly popular among divers, owing to their rich marine life and shipwrecks. A large variety of coral, tiny florescent fish, giant turtles, and Napoleon wrasse and nurse sharks are just some of the species inhabiting the area. The main dive centers are on the Sinai Peninsular at Sharm el-Sheikh and Ras Muhammad, a national park since 1983. Equipment may be hired and training is available for all levels of ability. Near Sharm el-Sheikh, there is a famous World War II wreck, the SS Thistlegorm and the nearby Straits of Tiran host spectacular offshore reefs, as well as two more wrecks. Live-aboard packages are available from some operators. Conditions vary according to the time of year: in February and March, the extra plankton in the water attracts manta rays and in November and December, the visibility is particularly good. A twice-weekly tour for E£5 can be taken to four islands in the Red Sea, namely Abou Kizan, The Emerald, The Rocky Island and The Two Brothers. For further information, see the Resorts & Excursions section or contact the Egyptian State Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section.

Note:

The Red Sea coral reefs are all protected by law and persons removing ‘souvenirs’ will incur heavy fines.

Nile Cruises in Luxor and Aswan

There are numerous cruise steamers on the Nile, the majority of which provide a very high standard of service. Vessels usually carry between 50 and 100 passengers, with the facilities varying according to the size of the individual vessel. Contacting a specialist operator is recommended for choosing a Nile cruise. Normally visitors can only book the complete package through a tour operator. Traditional feluccas may also be chartered. For further information, see Nile Cruises in the Resorts & Excursions section or contact the Egyptian State Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses Section)

Golf and Tennis in Egypt

Tennis, croquet and horse riding clubs are found in both Alexandria and Cairo. For details, ask at the hotel. There is a public golf club at the foot of the Giza pyramids and there is a Gary Player course at Soma Bay on the Red Sea. Most courses either adjoin or are part of hotels; for instance, the Mena House, which is 15 minutes from Cairo. Other courses include the Alexandria Sporting Club (30 minutes from Alexandria); Jolie Ville (five minutes from Sharm el-Sheikh); Royal Valley Golf Course (25 minutes from Luxor); The Steigenberger Golf Club (30 minutes from Hurghada). The Egyptian State Tourist Office can provide further information (see Contact Addresses section). State Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section).

Top Things To Do

• Try your skills at bargaining at Cairo's famous Khan-el Khalili, one of the world’s largest bazaars, pulsing with commerce and crammed with spices, coppersmiths, perfume and trinkets. Here, Fishawi’s tea house has been in business for over 200 years, and is still a great people-watching venue. For an even more exotic touch, go to the Camel Market (Souq al-Gemaal), held every morning at Birqash, around 35km (21 miles) from Cairo, and located on the edge of the Western Desert. Hundreds of camels are sold daily, most having been brought from Sudan. A livestock market is held every Tuesday morning at El-Hebel, a village 4km (2.4 miles) from Luxor.
   

• Escape the city in Egypt’s six oases. All have accommodation and can be accessed by public transport. The largest and most developed oasis is Kharga, with a Berber community, temples and museums. Dakhla Oasis has hot springs, and camel rides over the sand dunes. The nearby village of Bashandi sells handicrafts made by local girls. The smallest is Farafra, an ancient fort town; Bahariya is made up of several small villages, famed for its olives and dates. Al-Faiyum Oasis is 100km (60 miles) southwest of Cairo, and the area contains small pyramids, the old city of Karanis, and temples. Siwa is the furthest west and remote, but the most picturesque and idyllic. The community is traditional and Berber-speaking.
   

• Go on a Nile cruise, usually between Luxor and Aswan, and generally lasting around five days. Also see Top Things To See. Along the Nile, felucca owners tout for custom; from Luxor, it is possible to hire one for a brief sunset cruise to Banana Island, or even to organise a trip upriver to Aswan. Hot-air balloon trips are also available, offering the best views of Luxor.
   

• Alexandria, 'The Pearl of the Mediterranean', still attracts wealthy Cairenes as a summer retreat. Swimming and diving are popular, although beaches tend to be overcrowded in summer. Ma’amoura is a more liberal and Westernized beach, and further out of the city Agami and Hannoville are cleaner and less crowded. Diving is possible on Montazah beach. Further west from El Alamein is the coastal resort of Mersa Matruh.
   

• The Red Sea Coast sits strategically between Africa and Asia, rich in mineral wealth and revered as the place of miracles and prophets in Judaism, Islam and Christianity. God is said to have appeared to Moses here, and delivered the Israelites from the Egyptian army by parting the Red Sea. These days, the region is revered for its spectacular diving resorts, beaches, stunning coastline and vast deserts. This area has some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, and has a more liberal atmosphere than the rest of Egypt. The coastline attracts tourists ranging from top-class package holidaymakers, to backpackers in campsites: Sharm el-Sheikh is a large resort, and is best for diving. Ne’ama Bay is much better developed and up-market, with private beaches. A few kilometers north is Shark Bay, a quieter resort camp. The beaches at Dahab are spectacularly framed by jagged mountains. Holiday villages within a Bedouin settlement are close by. Nuweiba is a port city, with a plethora of resort hotels. Local Bedouins offer jeep safaris into the interior. Between here and Taba, there are many small, quiet resorts that are under threat of being overshadowed by a huge new tourist development, Taba Heights. On the west of the Red Sea Coast, the biggest diving resort is Hurghada, once a fishing village and now a major commercial tourist centre. Ras Muhammed is the southernmost point on the peninsula, fringed with lagoons and reefs, and is now a National Park.
   

• Little is accessible in Sinai’s interior, a barren area with rocks and sands, and the best way to explore this is by treks or safari by camel or jeep. One of the highlights is St Catherine’s Monastery, now home to Greek Orthodox monks. It has been a place of pilgrimage since the 4th century. Within the monastery is the ‘burning bush’ from which God is said to have appeared to speak to Moses. Mount Sinai, revered as the site of God’s revelation of the Ten Commandments, is a craggy and sheer-faced mount of grey and red, dramatic and steep. Care should be taken when ascending.

Top Things To See

• In Islamic (Medieval) Cairo, wander around narrow congested streets filled with donkey carts, spice traders and imposing mosques. A central landmark is Midan Hussein, a large open square with tea houses around the perimeter, and dominated by the sacred Mosque of Sayyidna Al-Hussein. The Al-Azhar Mosque contains the oldest university in the world (AD 970). The pre-Ottoman Madrassa and Mausoleum of Al-Ghouri, has Sufi dancing, and opposite is Wakala of Al-Ghouri, an attractively preserved cultural centre. Exhibits in the Museum of Islamic Art bring Islamic Cairo to life, with arts, ceramics, mosaics and calligraphy. The Citadel was home to Egypt’s rulers for 700 years; an imposing medieval fortress offering sweeping views of the city. Within is the Midan Salah al-Din with the unmissable Sultan Hassan and Rifai Mosques. The Mohammad Ali Mosque has classic Ottoman minarets and interior. Other attractions within the Citadel include the Military National Museum, Al-Gawhara Palace and Museum and the National Police Museum. City of the Dead (Northern Cemetery) is a Mamluk necropolis with hundreds of thousands of tombs dating from the 12th century. In Sharia Talat Harb street and Midan Tahrir (Liberation Square) spend time at one of the country’s greatest attractions; the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities housing over 130,000 exhibits, including Pharaonic and Byzantine art and sculpture, the Mummy Room and the celebrated Tutankhamun exhibition. In the south of Cairo, home to the Coptic Orthodox Christians, visit the Coptic Museum which has the world’s greatest collection of Coptic art. The Hanging Church, Monastery of St George and the churches of St Sergius and St Barbara are all in the same area. The Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the oldest in Egypt, and represents what remains of the Jewish community.
   

• The small island of Gezira is a modern upmarket area with the Opera House (a US$30 million arts complex) containing the Museum of Modern Art, and the Cairo Tower with great city views.
   

• Cairo is most famous for the Great Pyramids, Egypt’s most visited monuments. Of the three main pyramids (Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus), the largest is 137m (449ft) high and contains some three million blocks of stone. Exploring the interiors is possible via labyrinthine tunnels and staircases.
   

• Adjacent is the bewitching Sphinx, as named by the ancient Greeks, with the head of a woman and body of a lion. In the evening there are son et lumière performances - extravagant sound and light shows telling the story of ancient Egypt. Camels, horses and donkeys can be hired to explore the site.
   

• See the remains of the Old Kingdom’s capital Memphis; at Saqqara the necropolis and the Step Pyramid - the latter is older than those at Giza, with well-preserved wall reliefs and royal tombs. Dahshur has only been open to foreigners since 1996, and is famous for its Bent Pyramid and a huge field of royal tombs.
   

• In Luxor, once the ancient city of Thebes, the highlight is the Karnak Temple, covering an immense 100 acres (40.5 hectares). The whole site has colossal statues, reliefs, obelisks and halls and the Avenue of the Sphinxes. There are nightly son et lumière shows. Along the riverbank, Luxor Temple is guarded by a huge statue of Ramses II. A pleasant walk north along the corniche brings you to the Luxor Museum where a small, interesting collection of relics from the Theban Temples and Necropolis can be viewed. The Mummification Museum has exhibits of human, reptile and bird mummies, as well as explanations of how they are made.
   

• On the West Bank of the Nile is the vast Theban Necropolis, containing some of the world’s finest tombs: the Valley of the Kings; Valley of the Queens; and Tombs of the Nobles. Highlights include the Tomb of Tutankhamun; Ramses II; and the Tomb of Nefertari, reputed to be the country’s finest.
   

• A beautiful winter resort, relaxing Aswan is the gateway to Africa, and steeped in Nubian culture. The corniche provides attractive riverside walks, and a stop-off for many cruise ships. In the evenings, floating restaurants provide a lively gathering place, and a folkloric dance troupe performs nightly during winter months at the Cultural Centre. The Old Cataract Hotel is famous as the location of the film Death on the Nile.
   

• Elephantine Island is easily accessible by river taxi from Aswan. Formerly Egypt’s frontier town, recent excavations of this ancient site have revealed temples and a fortress. Aswan Museum contains exhibits found in Nubia and Aswan.
   

• Head south to the tiny Island of Plants, presented to Lord Horatio Kitchener in the 1890s in recognition of his military services. Importing exotic flowers and plants from India and Malaysia, he created a beautiful botanical garden, attracting a wide variety of birds.
   

• On the West Bank of the Nile lies the Monastery of St Simeon, which resembles a fortress. Nearby is the domed granite and sandstone Mausoleum of Aga Khan.
   

• Be impressed by the sheer size of the Aswan Dam, built by the British at the beginning of the century. It is 11,811ft- (364m-) high and provides electricity and irrigation for the whole of Egypt.
   

• Also near Aswan is the Temple of Philae, on the Island of Philae. The Temple is one of Egypt’s most famous attractions, and after being under threat from flooding from the High Dam, UNESCO moved it stone by stone to a higher point on the island.
   

• Do not miss Abu Simbel, the magnificent Sun Temple of Ramses II, also rescued from flooding by UNESCO. Ramses had four gigantic statues of himself built in order to intimidate travellers entering Egypt from Africa, especially the Nubians.
   

• Kom Ombo ('The city of gold'), 30km (18 miles) north of Aswan, is a largely Nubian settlement, known for its Temple of Haroreis and Sobek.
   

• Edfu is famed for the largest and best preserved Pharaonic Temple in Egypt, the Temple of Horus. It is a favored start/end point for felucca trips to and from Luxor.
   

• In Alexandria, Egypt’s second city, see relics from the third century BC in the Greco-Roman Museum. See also the Roman Amphitheatre. Fort Qait Bey is a 15th-century fort built on the foundations of the long-gone Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The modern Mosque of Abu al-Abbas Mursi dominates the main square on Sharia Tatwig, and other places of interest include the Museum of Fine Arts and Montazah Palace with attractive gardens, often the summer venue of theatre performances.
   

• The ancient city of Rosetta, 65km (39 miles) away from Alexandria, is famed for being where the Rosetta Stone was discovered (now housed in the British Museum) and has attractive Ottoman, ‘Delta Style’ architecture.
   

• El Alamein is a small coastal village 100km (60 miles) west of Alexandria and an easy day trip. Famous as the scene of a decisive Allied victory, which determined the fate of Egypt and Britain’s Empire, there is a War Museum, Cemetery and Memorial to the soldiers who died in battle.
   

• A great example of modern engineering, the Suez Canal links the Red Sea with the Mediterranean. Completed in 1869, it has repeatedly been the cause of dispute, most recently when blocked during the 1967 war with Israel. Port Said is the main city. Anyone travelling to Sinai by road would cross the Suez on a small shuttle boat, or under the tunnel.

Safety and Security

Credit and Debit cards as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB and Euro cards are accepted at various points of sales such as, stores and hotels displaying the appropriate signage. And, you can use Visa and MasterCard to obtain cash advances from ATM machines at Banque Misr and National Bank of Egypt branches.

A service charge of 12% applies in restaurants and hotels, and a sales tax of 5-10% is also levied. Additionally, you might find yourself paying a further 1-4% tax on upper-end accommodation, so it is possible to find that a 23% tax has been added to the price you've been quoted for a mid-range or top-end hotel room.

Bargaining is a part of life in Egypt and virtually many things are open to negotiation. This includes your room for the night, your lunchtime roadside snack and the felucca you ride down the Nile in. The few rules to observe in the bazaars are these: never offer a price that you're not prepared to pay, get a feel for the real price before you begin haggling, take your time and enjoy the friendly sport of it (which might include a cup of tea from the vendor), and remember that you're never obliged to buy anything - you won't offend anyone.

Climate

Hot, dry summers with mild, dry winters and cold nights. Rainfall is negligible except on the coast. In April, the hot, dusty Khamsin wind blows from the Sahara.

Egypt, although having two seasons - a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October -, enjoys a very beautiful weather almost all year long, with a commonly warm days and cool nights.

Required Clothing

Having a rather moderate weather, no heavy clothes are required during the winter; you will need lightweight wool clothes and pullovers. But during the summer day summer clothes are suitable light cotton clothes and comfortable shoes would be just fine .It is also recommended to take sunglasses and protective head gear, a hat or a cap and sun blocks for protection against penetrating summer sunrays .the sun can be intense, specially in the summer. For open air evening gatherings and event ladies jackets, shawls or light dresses and coats may be needed Egypt is religious country; therefore, modest dress is essential. Short dresses should be avoided, particularly when visiting religious sites such as mosque. Light suits are suitable at all times for gentlemen.  Don’t forget to bring along your swimming costume. Most hotels, even in Cairo, have swimming pools.

When to Go

Already   decided when to come to Egypt, you have to take in your consideration where you want to go, and what you want to see. Upper Egypt governorates is uncomfortably hot in the summer months (June through August), especially Luxor and Aswan. Winter (December through February) is surely the best time to visit these areas. If you are visiting Egypt in the summer months you should think of visiting coastal areas like Alexandria it gets pretty beautiful in the beginning of summer which is the time when the Mediterranean coast is most crowded, but winter in Cairo can get pretty cool. March to May or September to November is the best time to enjoy the warm days.

Landmarks of Modern Cairo

Pharaonic Village

Historical spectacle reflecting the style of the ancient Egyptians life, it is located on the Nile, El-Bahr El-A'azam St., Giza.

Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Centre

Established in 1989 A.D. It is located in Nasr City and contains three main halls in addition to a hall for ceremonies and another for exhibitions besides offices for secretarial and press work and other media.

The Cultural Centre (Opera House)

It was inaugurated in 1988 A.D. An artistic architectural masterpiece of Islamic style, equipped with the latest audio-visual facilities. It consists of three theaters and is located at Gezira Exhibition Centre.
   

The Zoo

Established in 1890 A.D, it contains large collection of animals and birds in addition to exotic plants and trees. It is located in Giza area.

Fish Garden

Constructed by Khedive Ismail in 1867A.D., on a surface of 8 Fedans from his own properties, in Hassan Sabry St., Zamalek. This garden was designed by an Italian engineer to resemble other gardens which were admired by the Khedive in Italy. It contains rare aquariums and includes a big lake. It's also distinguished by its royal palm and rare trees.

Sound and Light show

In an enchanting atmosphere, with sound, light, and music, the show captivates audiences and commemorates the ancient times, the history of the pyramids and the glory of the pharaohs. The show is presented in six languages: Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish and Italian.

Media Production City

Recently established, it aims at presenting high quality productions in order to preserve the values and traditions which accord with the Arab cultural character and identity. It is situated in the 6 of October City on an area of 2 million square meters. It contains the following: the Pharaonic, Islamic, Bedouin and rural areas, underwater photography, Dream Land "Magic Land: Egypt's Gate, and an information centre.

Child Museum

 It is a unique kind of museums in the world, being the first museum which gives the child information on environment, nature, topography and its location in addition to Egypt's ancient history. It is located in Heliopolis, 34 Abu Bakr Al-Sediq Street, and is divided into four sections: Egypt's nature, history, civilization and environment, Egypt of the Nile, deserts, oases and mountains, Egypt's plant, birds, and animals and Egypt of mankind, arts, sciences and music.

Cairo and Giza offer a wide selection of Shopping, leisure, culture and nightlife centers.

Khan El-Khalili Bazaars and Sagha comprises an array of shops that go back to the 14^th Century A.D.

Haraneya is the main center for hand-made carpets.

Kerdasa is famed for its embroidered cotton and silk dresses (galabias) as well as many other hand-made products.

Cairo by Night

Nights of Cairo are uniquely romantic. It combines between the charm of the East and the arts of the West; it offers tourists evenings full of all kinds of entertainments. Cairo has many interesting places where tourists can spend enjoyable time, in theater houses and cinemas, restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, and latest malls.

Wadi Degla Natural Preserve

Wadi Degla is located in the northern section of the eastern desert. It extends 20 km, from east to west and ends at Maadi district south of Cairo governorate. The total area of the Natural preserve is 60km².
It is noted for its limestone and mud formations which are abound in aquatic fossils and for its waterfalls of deferent elevations. On the rims, caves were formed inside the limestone rocks and became the dwelling for various living beings. Wadi Degla is considered to be a tranquil refuge where you can stroll among magnificent natural sight seeing and enjoy bird watching, cycling or mountain climbing with the accessibility of camping. There, in the visitors' center you'll find a museum, a library and a show room.
 Wadi Degla is a natural dwelling for several living beings of wild animals, insects, reptiles and migrant birds in addition to comprising a diverse variety of plants.

Kobat El-Hassana Natural Preserve

Located in Abu Rawash, Giza, its area is 1 Km²; it is a chalk geological composition.

Petrified Forest Preserve

It is 6km² and is located 18km, north El-Kattamia Road. It's also known as Wood Mountain Natural Preserve due to the thickness of its petrified wood. It comprises a variety of petrified trees, plant and animal fossils dated back to 35 million years ago.