The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via Instagram

Reading the title, you might be thinking, “Glamping? Don’t they mean camping?” But rest assured; this is not a typo. Glamping, as you may have guessed, is a combination of the words “glamorous” and “camping,” making it a more luxurious alternative to camping. When glamping, you don’t have to worry about spending the night in an uncomfortable sleeping bag, as your tent should have a bed. There’s no need to worry about bugs crawling through the flimsy canvas tent, as the structures are sturdy and let nothing other than sunlight through. And bathrooms – every outdoor hater’s biggest concern – are also taken care of! Given that it’s summertime, we genuinely think that you should add glamping to your to-do list for the summer.

Image via Instagram

The idea of camping in Egypt, while being relatively popular, is still not a very traditional activity. Because the desert is a very harsh environment, we tend to think of ourselves as not strong-willed enough to go for it. This is where glamping comes in. Many aficionados consider glamping as a must-try alternative to its traditional counterpart, as a gateway from hotels to the great outdoors. So, it’s ideal for people who want to try camping but are worried it might not be for them.

So, what’s so special about glamping? The short answer is you get to marvel at the beauty of mother nature in style and comfort. In Egypt, most glamping sites (which we’ll get to in a minute) are either by a lake, the beach, or some body of water you can swim in, which is amazing. They are perfect for hiking and walking around nature, so you should come prepared with sturdy shoes. You can go with your favourite outdoor games like racket ball, spike ball, frisbee, or anything your heart desires –imagine playing Twister in the desert! Campfires are also no less a fundamental part of glamping than traditional camping. Most glamping sites are equipped with a fire pit, and the nightly bonfire is a place to bond and make amazing new friends.

Image via Instagram

With all of this said and done, you might be wondering: where on earth can I go glamping in Egypt? There are actually a few places:

Remal El Rayan was Egypt’s first glamping site, and they’re going strong! They’re located in the Wadi El Rayan National Park in Fayoum. Some of their tents can accommodate families, others are equipped with a jacuzzi, and the site is located near the famous Magic Lake, where they often take campers for a dip. To make the experience all the more incredible, their restaurant Lummayya makes the most delicious food imaginable.

Next, Rock n’ Rope’s Basecamp in Ain El Sokhna is heaven on earth, and its proximity to Cairo is the least exciting part. Located by the beautiful Galala mountains in IL Monte Galala resort, the view takes your breath away. It’s an incredible place to chill by the beach during the day and for stargazing at night, the ultimate relaxing experience. What’s best, though, is that Basecamp has an obstacle course for the adventurous types!

Lastly, Al Nyhaya in the Great Sand Sea, close to Siwa, makes for an incredible glamping experience. The site is wonderfully equipped, and the excursions their team hosts are nothing short of memorable. Visits to the crystalline salt lakes, Cleopatra’s Spring, and their guided meditation and yoga sessions in the middle of the desert are an ideal way to unplug and relax.

Image via Instagram