5 Essential Packing Tips for Your Port Stop in Egypt

Thinking about a cruise that includes a port stop in Egypt (like Dinogo's Africa cruises, Asia cruises, and Europe cruises)? It's crucial to pack the right clothing, especially if you plan to visit mosques. Dinogo's itineraries in Egypt also include other Muslim countries with similar dress codes, so you'll want versatile options for various destinations.

Packing for Egypt and its neighboring areas can be challenging due to the intense heat. While you might find it tempting to wear short shorts and tank tops, remember that Egypt is a conservative country.

To kick off your Egypt cruise, here are eight packing tips to help you travel from the port to your chosen landmarks comfortably and respectfully towards the local culture.

1. Choose Seasonally Appropriate Attire

Egypt's weather can differ significantly based on the time of year you visit. From November to March, you can expect cooler temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't forget to pack a rain jacket, as there's a possibility of rain during this period depending on your destination in Egypt.

If you're visiting Egypt in April, May, September, or October, expect warm but not excessively hot weather. The peak temperatures occur from June to August, when many people seek refuge from the heat at beaches or pools.

2. Pack Conservative Attire

Both men and women in Egypt typically dress conservatively, regardless of their religious background. It's uncommon to see local men wearing jeans or t-shirts; instead, they often opt for dressier shirts, long trousers, and leather shoes.

Most Egyptian women choose to wear abayas, which are loose-fitting garments that cover their everyday clothes. To better blend in, you can purchase your own abaya at local souvenir shops.

In certain areas of the country, wearing shorts can be acceptable, particularly in tourist-heavy beach locations like Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada.

The key guideline to remember is that when visiting religious sites in Egypt, you must have your knees and shoulders covered. Women should also ensure their cleavage is concealed. While a headscarf isn't generally required, you might be asked to wear one depending on the location. If you want to have one just in case, consider buying a beautiful, inexpensive scarf locally; a regular scarf can also suffice.

3. Don't Forget Your Swimsuits for the Beach

Dinogo Egypt itineraries include a stop in Safaga, which is located along the coast. If you plan to enjoy the beaches, be sure to pack a swimsuit.

4. Bring Ample Sun Protection

As Egypt is a desert country, it can be quite hot throughout the year. Applying sunscreen is essential while exploring historical sites that lack shade or cover. Sunscreen can be pricey if you need to buy it locally, and finding it can be a challenge since locals don't typically use it.

Your lips also require protection. If they aren’t getting cracked and dry from the desert air, they may be at risk of sunburn. Using lip balm with SPF is the best way to shield them from both the harsh desert conditions and the intense sun.

Wearing hats is advisable, especially for the scorching desert sun. While baseball caps are an option, they don’t shield your neck from the sun and may draw more attention.

5. Bring Comfortable Footwear

If you're planning to visit any of Egypt's historical sites, be prepared for a lot of walking in the heat. It's wise to pack comfortable shoes, ideally more than one pair. If you develop blisters from extensive walking in port the day before, you won’t enjoy wandering around in shoes that irritate the same spots.

Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended. Even if your excursion takes you across seemingly flat terrain, you'll encounter sand and rocks around temples and pyramids. Reserve your flip-flops for the beach, as the sand can be painfully hot to walk on.

Keep in mind that you cannot wear shoes inside a mosque. Opt for footwear that’s easy to slip on and off, and consider bringing an extra pair of socks if you'd prefer not to walk barefoot.