EGYPT WILDLIFE GUIDE

The history of Egypt is a rich tapestry woven with millennia of human civilization, culture, and innovation. It begins with the early Neolithic communities along the Nile River around 6000 BCE. These early settlers cultivated the fertile land, giving rise to agricultural practices that would sustain one of the world’s oldest and most enduring civilizations. The Nile’s annual flooding deposited nutrient-rich silt on its banks, enabling bountiful harvests and supporting a growing population.

The formation of a unified Egyptian state around 3100 BCE marked the beginning of the dynastic period. This era saw the rise of powerful pharaohs, who were considered both divine rulers and earthly administrators. The Old Kingdom, often called the “Age of the Pyramids,” saw the construction of the monumental pyramids of Giza, including the Great Pyramid built for Pharaoh Khufu. These colossal structures not only served as tombs but also as symbols of the pharaohs’ absolute power and divine authority.

Egypt’s Middle Kingdom, starting around 2040 BCE, was a period of political stability, economic prosperity, and artistic flourishing. The centralized government embarked on large-scale irrigation projects, which increased agricultural output and trade. However, this period also faced challenges, including invasions by the Hyksos, a Semitic people who introduced new technologies such as the horse-drawn chariot and the composite bow.

The New Kingdom, beginning around 1550 BCE, is often considered Egypt’s golden age. Pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, and Ramses II expanded Egypt’s borders through military conquests and established it as a dominant power in the ancient world. This era also witnessed remarkable achievements in art, architecture, and religion. The construction of grand temples like Karnak and Luxor, and the burial of pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, stand as testaments to the New Kingdom’s grandeur.

The decline of Egypt began around 1070 BCE as it faced internal strife and external pressures. Assyrian, Persian, and eventually Greek and Roman conquests marked the later periods of Egyptian history. Despite these invasions, Egypt remained a vital cultural and intellectual center, influencing its conquerors and preserving its ancient traditions.

Egypt’s history is not just a chronicle of kings and conquests; it is also the story of a civilization that made profound contributions to humanity. Innovations in writing, architecture, medicine, and mathematics, as well as its enduring art and religious practices, have left an indelible mark on the world. Today, the legacy of ancient Egypt continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of a civilization that flourished along the banks of the timeless Nile.

Country Code: +20

Crime: Crime in Egypt has been a growing concern for both locals and tourists alike. As a multifaceted issue, it encompasses a variety of criminal activities, from petty theft to organized crime syndicates.

Despite efforts by the government to enhance security measures and law enforcement, challenges remain in effectively addressing this problem. In recent years, the prevalence of drug-related issues in Egypt has gained significant attention as a contributing factor to the country’s crime rate. 

Currency: Egyptian Pound.

Latitude and Longitude: 26.8206°N, 30.8025° E.

Population: 109.3 Million (2021). 

President: Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Egypt is home to several national parks, each offering unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. These protected areas are essential for conserving Egypt’s diverse ecosystems and promoting sustainable tourism.

Wadi El Rayan National Park: Located in the Fayoum Governorate, southwest of Cairo, Wadi El Rayan is Egypt’s first designated national park. It was established to protect the Wadi El Rayan Depression, a unique geological feature consisting of two connected lakes created as a result of agricultural development and rainwater runoff.

The park is known for its diverse birdlife, including migratory species, as well as desert foxes and other wildlife.

Ras Mohammed National Park: Situated at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed is one of Egypt’s most famous national parks. It encompasses both marine and terrestrial environments, with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life in the Red Sea and unique desert landscapes.

The park offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and observing marine creatures such as sharks, turtles, and various fish species.

Saint Katherine Protectorate: Located in the heart of the Sinai Peninsula, this protected area surrounds Egypt’s highest peak, Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa), and includes the famous St. Catherine’s Monastery. The park is home to rare and endemic plant species, as well as wildlife like ibexes, foxes, and migratory birds.

It is also a popular destination for hikers aiming to climb Mount Sinai, especially to witness the sunrise from its summit.

Gebel Elba National Park: Located in southeastern Egypt, near the border with Sudan, Gebel Elba is one of the country’s most remote and least-visited national parks. It offers a diverse range of ecosystems, including mountains, coastal areas, and desert plains.

The park is known for its unique flora and fauna, including rare tree species, various reptiles, and the endangered Nubian ibex.

Zaranik Protectorate: Situated on the northern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, the Zaranik Protectorate encompasses a coastal wetland and salt marshes that provide vital habitats for migratory birds. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts visit the area to observe the diverse avian species that pass through during their annual migrations.