Why Visit Egypt?
Exploring the Lifeblood of Egypt: The Nile
The Temple of Horus
Stretching an impressive 6,650 km (4,132 miles), the Nile River is the world's second-longest river after the Amazon (7,062 km/4,400 miles). One of the best ways to experience Egypt is by taking a river cruise along this historic waterway. Don't forget your binoculars - the Nile and its banks teem with birdlife, and Egypt lies on major migratory routes where millions of birds pass through seasonally.
Midway between Luxor and Aswan lies Edfu, home to the magnificent Temple of Horus. While most tourists flock to Cairo and Luxor, venturing further south rewards visitors with fewer crowds. For the most magical experience, arrive when the gates open in the morning to explore these ancient monuments in peaceful solitude. Watch our Edfu temple video to preview this remarkable site.
The temple at Kom Ombo
The Temple of Horus stands as an enormous testament to ancient engineering, comparable in scale to a grand cathedral. Protected by centuries of desert sand, its preservation is remarkable. The temple serves as a giant stone newspaper, with every wall and pillar covered in hieroglyphs and carvings broadcasting ancient news. Built by the Greek Pharaoh Ptolemy, this architectural marvel doubled as political propaganda, asserting his divine right to rule as a descendant of the god Horus.
A unique hieroglyphic
Ancient Egyptian cats
Further south along the Nile lies Kom Ombo's riverside temple, another site that often enjoys peaceful visitor numbers. The afternoon light bathes this Nile-side temple in golden hues, creating breathtaking views. Among its many treasures is a rare hieroglyph depicting childbirth - an absolute must-see. The temple grounds are home to numerous feral cats, their graceful movements among the ancient stones creating a living connection to Egypt's feline-worshipping past. Experience Kom Ombo through our video.
Join me in my next article as we continue our journey down the mighty Nile, uncovering more of Egypt's ancient wonders.
Travel deals: Flights from San Francisco to Cairo range from $1,258 to $1,532, while Nile cruises from Cairo to Aswan start at $642.58.