Packing for Egypt: Essential Tips for Travelers

The first time I packed for Egypt, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement, my suitcase splayed open on the living room floor like an overstuffed treasure chest. I’d dreamed of standing before the Pyramids of Giza, tracing the ancient sands of the Sahara with my fingertips, and drifting down the Nile under a blazing sun. But as I stared at the chaos of clothes, gadgets, and toiletries, I realized I had no idea what I was doing.

Egypt wasn’t just a trip—it was an adventure into a land of extremes, where scorching days melted into chilly nights, and dusty streets gave way to majestic ruins. Packing for it felt like preparing for a journey to another world. Let me take you through my story—the struggles, the lessons, and the essential tips I picked up along the way—so you can pack smarter than I did.

The Overpacking Disaster

It all started with ambition. I’d read every travel blog, watched every YouTube vlog, and scribbled a list longer than the Nile itself. Three pairs of jeans? Check. A fancy dress for a hypothetical dinner cruise? Why not. A bulky sweater because someone online mentioned “desert nights get cold”? Into the bag it went. By the time I zipped my suitcase shut, it weighed more than a camel loaded for a caravan. Dragging it through Cairo International Airport was my first wake-up call. The wheels groaned, my arms ached, and the sweat pooling under my shirt told me I’d made a rookie mistake.

Egypt doesn’t care about your fashion aspirations. It’s a place of practicality, where the sun dictates your wardrobe and the dust clings to everything. My first tip? Pack light. You’ll thank yourself when you’re hopping between temples in Luxor or weaving through the crowded Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo. Aim for a carry-on if you can—trust me, lugging a 50-pound suitcase up a rickety hostel staircase is a memory you don’t want.

The Clothing Conundrum

On my first day in Cairo, I stepped out in a pair of heavy jeans and a long-sleeve shirt, thinking I’d nailed the “modest yet stylish” look. Within an hour, I was a walking sauna. The sun beat down relentlessly, and the humidity from the Nile made my clothes stick to me like a second skin. Egypt’s climate is a force of nature—daytime temperatures in summer can soar past 100°F (38°C), and even in spring or fall, you’re looking at a solid 85°F (29°C). I quickly learned that breathable fabrics are your best friend.

For my next outing, I swapped the jeans for lightweight, loose-fitting linen pants. They were a game-changer—cool, comfortable, and culturally respectful. Egypt is a conservative country, especially outside tourist hubs, so covering shoulders and knees is a must for both men and women. I packed a few cotton tunics and a pair of flowy palazzo pants, which doubled as evening wear when paired with a scarf. Scarves, by the way, became my MVP—perfect for shielding my neck from the sun, covering my hair when visiting mosques, or dusting sand out of my eyes during a sudden windstorm in the desert.

Here’s a pro tip: stick to neutral colors like beige, white, or khaki. They reflect the sun’s rays and hide the inevitable dust stains better than black or bright hues. I made the mistake of packing a red shirt once, and after a day in the desert near Siwa, it looked like I’d rolled in paprika. Oh, and leave the high heels at home—sandals or comfy sneakers are your go-to. My favorite pair of Tevas saved me during long walks through uneven temple grounds.

The Desert Night Surprise

I’d heard whispers about cold desert nights, but I didn’t take them seriously until I camped near the White Desert. The day had been blistering—my water bottle was warm enough to brew tea—but as the sun dipped below the horizon, a chill swept in faster than a Bedouin on horseback. My thin jacket wasn’t cutting it, and I spent the night shivering under a borrowed blanket, cursing my packing choices.

Layering is key in Egypt. Pack a lightweight fleece or a packable down jacket that can compress into your bag during the day. I also tossed in a pair of leggings to wear under my pants and a pair of socks—yes, socks! They’re not just for warmth; they’ll save your feet from blisters after hours of exploring. My second trip, I was smarter: a scarf doubled as a shawl, and a compact thermal layer kept me cozy without bulking up my bag.

Footwear Fiascos

Speaking of feet, let’s talk shoes. My first attempt at footwear was a disaster. I brought a pair of brand-new hiking boots, thinking they’d be perfect for the rugged terrain of the Valley of the Kings. Big mistake. By midday, my heels were blistered, and the boots were caked in sand. I hadn’t broken them in, and Egypt’s unforgiving landscape didn’t care about my excuses.

Comfortable, broken-in shoes are non-negotiable. I switched to a pair of sturdy sneakers with good grip for my next adventure, and they held up through rocky trails and bustling markets alike. Sandals work too, especially in cities or on a Nile cruise, but make sure they’re closed-toe if you’re heading into the desert—sand has a way of sneaking into every crevice. Bring a small pack of moleskin or blister pads too; they’re tiny but mighty when your feet start protesting.

The Sun: Friend and Foe

Egypt’s sun is relentless. I learned this the hard way on a day trip to Saqqara. Armed with nothing but a baseball cap, I figured I’d be fine. Nope. By noon, my neck was lobster-red, and a headache throbbed behind my eyes. Sunscreen became my lifeline after that—SPF 50, reapplied every two hours, no exceptions. Pack a tube in your day bag, not just your suitcase, because you’ll need it on the go.

A wide-brimmed hat is another must. I picked up a cheap one from a Cairo market after my sunburn fiasco, and it was worth every Egyptian pound. Sunglasses with UV protection are essential too—my polarized pair cut through the glare bouncing off the Nile and the desert sands. And don’t skimp on hydration. I carried a reusable water bottle everywhere, refilling it at hotels or with bottled water from corner shops. Dehydration sneaks up fast in Egypt, especially when you’re too busy marveling at hieroglyphs to notice.

The Dust Dilemma

Dust is Egypt’s silent companion. It coats your shoes, creeps into your bag, and settles on your skin like a fine powder. On my first trip to the Great Sphinx, I opened my backpack to find my camera lens dusted like a cinnamon roll. Lesson learned: pack a few resealable plastic bags or dry bags to protect your electronics and important documents. A microfiber cloth for wiping down lenses or screens is handy too.

I also started carrying a small pack of wet wipes and hand sanitizer. Between sweaty bus rides, street food stops, and touching ancient stone, my hands felt grimy by midday. A quick wipe-down kept me feeling human, especially in places where bathrooms were scarce or lacked soap.

Tech and Travel Gadgets

I’m a bit of a tech junkie, so I brought my camera, phone, and a portable charger on my first trip. Egypt’s outlets use Type C or F plugs (220V), and I’d forgotten to check that before leaving. Cue a frantic search for an adapter in a tiny Aswan shop, overpaying because I was desperate. Pack a universal adapter—it’s small, cheap, and saves you a headache.

Power banks are a lifesaver too. Long days of snapping photos at Abu Simbel or filming the chaos of Cairo streets drained my phone fast, and outlets aren’t always available. I’d recommend one with at least 10,000mAh capacity. And if you’re bringing a camera, extra memory cards and batteries are a must—Egypt’s beauty demands to be captured, and you don’t want to run out of space mid-pyramid.

The Money and Documents Dance

Egypt runs on cash, especially outside major cities. I learned this when I tried to pay for a felucca ride with a credit card and got a blank stare from the boatman. ATMs are plentiful in Cairo and Luxor, but they can be finicky, and some charge hefty fees. I started carrying a mix of Egyptian pounds (EGP) and a few U.S. dollars as backup—small bills are best for tips and haggling.

Keep your passport, visas, and travel insurance docs in a waterproof pouch, and stash photocopies separately. I nearly lost my passport to a spilled water bottle in my bag, and the panic was real. A money belt or hidden pouch under your clothes is smart too—pickpockets aren’t rampant, but they’re not unheard of in crowded spots like the Pyramids or Tahrir Square.

Medicine and First Aid Mishaps

My stomach staged a rebellion on day three of my first trip. Maybe it was the street-side koshari or the unfiltered tap water I accidentally sipped—either way, I was down for the count. Imodium and rehydration salts saved me, but I wished I’d packed them from the start. Egypt’s food is incredible, but your gut might need time to adjust. Bring a basic first aid kit: antidiarrheals, painkillers, antihistamines, and any prescriptions you need. Pharmacies are common, but finding specific brands can be tricky.

Mosquitoes were another surprise. On a Nile cruise near Kom Ombo, I woke up dotted with bites. A small bottle of bug repellent and hydrocortisone cream became staples after that. And don’t forget a basic bandage or two—scraping your knee on a temple step is easier than you’d think.

Cultural Respect and Souvenirs

Packing isn’t just about survival—it’s about blending in. I once wore a tank top to a rural village market, and the stares were louder than the vendors’ calls. A lightweight shawl or cardigan fixed that fast. Respecting local customs makes your trip smoother and earns you smiles instead of side-eye.

And leave room for souvenirs! I regretted filling my bag to the brim when I found a stunning alabaster vase in Luxor. Pack a foldable tote for market hauls—papyrus scrolls, spices, and scarabs are hard to resist.

Final Thoughts from the Road

Packing for Egypt taught me to embrace flexibility. My first trip was a mess of overpacked bags and rookie errors, but each struggle shaped me into a savvier traveler. Keep it light, prioritize comfort, and prepare for the unexpected—Egypt’s magic lies in its chaos, and your packing list should reflect that.

So, as you zip up your bag, picture this: you’re stepping off a plane into a land where history whispers through the sands, where every corner holds a story. Pack smart, travel light, and let Egypt unfold its wonders before you. I’ll see you on the other side of the pyramids—hopefully with a lighter suitcase than mine.