I first visited Egypt on a backpacking trip after university. With seemingly limitless time, I navigated my way through Cairo and Alexandria, transfixed by the bazaars and smells of street food. Drawn to more immersive cultural experiences, I ventured into the Siwa Oasis, an isolated settlement in the Sahara, before finishing in Dahab, a coastal town on the Red Sea.
My passion for marine conservation kept me by the Red Sea, where I built up my diving portfolio. Since then, I’ve explored the waters of the Maldives, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Colombia, contributing to reef restoration projects and spearfishing invasive lionfish.
Egypt, however, has consistently fostered a sense of awe I’ve yet to replicate. The scale of the pyramids, the wonder of Abu Simbel, the vastness of Luxor and Karnak Temples and the vibrancy of the Valley of the Kings has kept me returning time and time again.
Q&A with Delphie
What’s the one thing you always pack?
I always carry money with me for tipping. Tipping plays a significant role in Egyptian culture, and you’ll be expected to tip for all services no matter how small they may feel. I also try to quickly break up large notes into smaller denominations, so I don’t get caught out, for example to use the bathroom.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
During my stay at a Nubian ecolodge built entirely from mudbrick, I was hosted by three generations of the founding family and invited on a sunset boat cruise around Abu Simbel. As we cruised around Lake Nasser on the family’s boat we turned a corner, revealing the Temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari standing colossal and uninterrupted. At sunset the temples are closed to the public and can only be viewed by boats on the lake. Having experienced the bustling sites of Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, the personal reflection granted by witnessing the temples empty was sublime.
Your best piece of travel advice?
When visiting the pyramids, consider your personal limitations. On my first visit to Cairo, I explored the interiors of the pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, and Dahshur. By the next morning my legs were so tired, I struggled to walk down the stairs. The insides of the Pyramids are tight, often requiring you to crouch for extended periods and squeeze past other people. I don’t recommend anyone who experiences claustrophobia or has joint pain to enter the larger Pyramids. My best advice is to trust your body, remember you can always turn back, and consider that the most intricately decorated tombs await you in in Luxor.
