Egypt has been around forever. These reasons to love it have not.
Egypt is home to some of the oldest chapters in human history, lending its natural appeal to history buffs and travel lovers. But as the population of Cairo grew, along with its tourist appeal, the masses quickly overwhelmed the infrastructure. But massive changes on many levels are happening, and Egypt is poised to enter a golden age of tourism. Just in time, you can join our Gay Egypt Tour, including a cruise along the Nile River. Here’s why we’re so excited about a visit to the land of Pharaohs and pyramids.
5. They are building a brand new capital city.
Cairo is already home to 22 million residents, a population that’s expected to double by 2050. Worse, the national government departments are spread throughout the city. This places huge strains on everything from traffic to government efficiency.
While it won’t be part of our tour, it’s worth noting the Egyptian government is literally building a brand new Administrative Capital city, in the desert, outside Cairo. It will consolidate embassies, ministries, government agencies and the presidential compound. It will also provide homes for over six million people. Unlike the dusty pyramids of yore, the new city will be built around a ‘green river’ of trees and water features twice the size of Central Park in Manhattan. Along with countless new neighbourhoods, schools, hospitals and towers, there will be two significant skyscrapers built. Iconic Tower will be the tallest in Africa. But they are also building Oblisco Capitale. At one kilometre tall, it will claim the Burj Khalifa’s throne as Tallest Tower In The World.
Photo by Youssef Abdelwahab on Unsplash.
4. Death On The Nile Gets a Reboot
We think it’s rather copacetic that this cinematic masterpiece – a murder mystery set on a Nile River cruise – would release a reboot shortly before our departure. Grab some popcorn and settle in.
3. The Pyramid of Djozer Reopens
It may not be the most famous, but Djozer is Egypt’s oldest pyramid. Built by Imhotep 4700 years ago, it just underwent an exhaustive fourteen-year rehab effort and reopened in 2020. Alas, you’ll be among the first to have a chance to check it out. The pyramid, part of a mortuary complex, is known for its stepped sides rather than the smooth pyramids of Giza. As the oldest monumental structure in the country, it speaks to the emergence of Egypt as a powerful entity, where the government gained unprecedented control of people and resources.
2. Avenue of The Sphinxes Opens
Never mind the fourteen-year rehabilitation of the Pyramid of Djozer. In the city of Luxor (ancient Thebes), the Avenue of The Sphinxes also opened after a seventy-year restoration effort. 2.7 km long and 3000 years old, it once connected the temples of Luxor and Karnak in the ancient city of Thebes.
1. The Grand Egyptian Redefines The Museum
When we finally make it to Giza, the world’s largest archaeological museum – The Grand Egyptian Museum – will hopefully have opened its doors after years of delays. Construction even endured through the Arab Spring. When it opens, it will replace the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo. The GEM, for short, will house the entirety of the Tutankhamen collection, much of it on display for the first time. The 100,000+ pieces offer a glimpse into thousands of years of pharaohs, along with Egypt’s role in Greek and Roman times.
Let us know if you have questions about our Gay Egypt Tour & Nile River Cruise, or are intrigued by any of our other sublime gay holidays!
