Responsible tourism issues
Egypt is a wonderful, fascinating, welcoming country to travel, but it’s vital to go in clear-eyed about some of the problems you will inevitably encounter while there. Most obvious are the poverty, and the litter, but Egypt’s embattled tourism industry has also had to contend with regional conflict, terrorism and revolution and these have left their mark. Visitors keep coming, though, because Egypt’s treasures are manifold – along the Nile, on the outskirts of Cairo, on the Red Sea’s coral reefs and, after many years of delay, within the imperious Grand Egyptian Museum.
Income from tourism contributes to the conservation of Egypt’s ancient sites and natural landscapes. But you can also do your own bit by travelling responsibly and being conscious of the issues here. Our guide to responsible tourism in Egypt explores some of the most pressing concerns, and what you can do to help.
Income from tourism contributes to the conservation of Egypt’s ancient sites and natural landscapes. But you can also do your own bit by travelling responsibly and being conscious of the issues here. Our guide to responsible tourism in Egypt explores some of the most pressing concerns, and what you can do to help.
People and culture in Egypt
Poverty
As much as 60 percent of the Egyptian population lives at or below the poverty line. Once one of the wealthiest countries in the world, its fortunes derived from agriculture, minerals and trade, Egypt today struggles economically: laden with debt, reliant on food and fuel imports, and large state infrastructure projects crucial to employment ahead of a weak private sector. Even the country’s storied tourism industry – the first travel guide to Egypt was written by a Greek chap call Herodotus in the 5th century – is still in recovery from years of political instability, rare but well-publicised terrorist attacks, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
You will encounter begging everywhere, especially around temples and monuments in places like Luxor and Aswan. Handing out change is a personal choice, of course, but most tour operators recommend a polite but firm No.
Though not directly linked to poverty, there is a prevalent tipping culture throughout Egypt, and a gratuity is expected for any small service. If you are taking a guided tour of a city like Cairo or Egypt, don’t be surprised if you end up at a carpet shop for a no-obligations look around – people are desperate to earn, and tourism gives them an opportunity. It’s important to handle such situations politely, even if you’re not inclined to put your hand in your pocket.
You will encounter begging everywhere, especially around temples and monuments in places like Luxor and Aswan. Handing out change is a personal choice, of course, but most tour operators recommend a polite but firm No.
Though not directly linked to poverty, there is a prevalent tipping culture throughout Egypt, and a gratuity is expected for any small service. If you are taking a guided tour of a city like Cairo or Egypt, don’t be surprised if you end up at a carpet shop for a no-obligations look around – people are desperate to earn, and tourism gives them an opportunity. It’s important to handle such situations politely, even if you’re not inclined to put your hand in your pocket.
What you can do
Go in prepared, and don’t be annoyed at constant requests for tips. Baksheesh is just a way of life when travelling in Egypt – everyone from train guards to taxi drivers expects a little extra. Many of our group tours in Egypt operate a tipping kitty, which eliminates the hassle and awkwardness. It can be hard to say no to beggars, and if you want to hand out some small change to, that’s a matter entirely for you. You may prefer to make a donation to a charity that works with poor and marginalised communities, such as Egypt Aid or CARE Egypt. This will ensure your money gets to where it is most needed, and where it can make most difference.
Remember that spending locally is key to travelling responsibly. When you eat at locally owned restaurants, stay in locally owned hotels, and use guides or drivers from the local community, you don’t just get a more authentic introduction to Egyptian culture. You also ensure that as much money as possible remains in the local economy. The money you spend doesn’t have the same positive effect if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort owned by an international chain, because most of their profits leave the country at the earliest opportunity – a problem sometimes referred to as ‘tourism leakage’. Our holidays help to plug that leak.
Go in prepared, and don’t be annoyed at constant requests for tips. Baksheesh is just a way of life when travelling in Egypt – everyone from train guards to taxi drivers expects a little extra. Many of our group tours in Egypt operate a tipping kitty, which eliminates the hassle and awkwardness. It can be hard to say no to beggars, and if you want to hand out some small change to, that’s a matter entirely for you. You may prefer to make a donation to a charity that works with poor and marginalised communities, such as Egypt Aid or CARE Egypt. This will ensure your money gets to where it is most needed, and where it can make most difference.
Remember that spending locally is key to travelling responsibly. When you eat at locally owned restaurants, stay in locally owned hotels, and use guides or drivers from the local community, you don’t just get a more authentic introduction to Egyptian culture. You also ensure that as much money as possible remains in the local economy. The money you spend doesn’t have the same positive effect if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort owned by an international chain, because most of their profits leave the country at the earliest opportunity – a problem sometimes referred to as ‘tourism leakage’. Our holidays help to plug that leak.
Nubian culture & indigenous rights
Nubians, the indigenous people of southern Egypt and northern Sudan, make up about three percent of the Egyptian population. In the 1960s, the Aswan High Dam was built and the newly created reservoir, Lake Nasser, submerged ancient Nubian villages, fertile lands and many places of great historic significance. The Nubian people requested that the new lake be named Nubia, but the president chose to name it after himself. Since that time, Nubian people have struggled for recognition in Egyptian society and government.
As well as losing their physical and spiritual homes, some 120,000 Nubian people were displaced to towns in Egypt or to Sudan, forced to seek employment far from the river. Some also set up home on Nile islands such as Gharb Soheyl or Heisa. Today there are only nine Nubian villages along the Nile and they’re a popular tourist attraction, but there is also an element of ‘cultural performance’ that not all Nubians are comfortable with. There is a growing push for Nubians to reclaim their heritage and culture, as well as traditional languages such as Kenzi (Mattokki) and Fadicca that are some of the oldest on the African continent but, with a widespread diaspora, have largely fallen into disuse.
As well as losing their physical and spiritual homes, some 120,000 Nubian people were displaced to towns in Egypt or to Sudan, forced to seek employment far from the river. Some also set up home on Nile islands such as Gharb Soheyl or Heisa. Today there are only nine Nubian villages along the Nile and they’re a popular tourist attraction, but there is also an element of ‘cultural performance’ that not all Nubians are comfortable with. There is a growing push for Nubians to reclaim their heritage and culture, as well as traditional languages such as Kenzi (Mattokki) and Fadicca that are some of the oldest on the African continent but, with a widespread diaspora, have largely fallen into disuse.
What you can do
Seek out trips that include visits to Nubian villages and support them well. Visit the Nubian Museum in Aswan, which, when it first opened, wasn’t even going to have the word ‘Nubian’ in title. The UN stepped in and threatened to pull funding, and officials changed their mind.
Many Nubians are now opening up tourism businesses rather than simply having elements of their culture used as passing tourist attractions. You can buy souvenirs from artisan businesses in the region. Read up more about the history and struggle of Nubian people. For a poignant photographic study of the Nubian people, see the stunning work of photographer Nour el Refai. You can also seek out the documentary films of Hafsa Amberkab, a leading voice among Nubian people seeking to rediscover their heritage.
Seek out trips that include visits to Nubian villages and support them well. Visit the Nubian Museum in Aswan, which, when it first opened, wasn’t even going to have the word ‘Nubian’ in title. The UN stepped in and threatened to pull funding, and officials changed their mind.
Many Nubians are now opening up tourism businesses rather than simply having elements of their culture used as passing tourist attractions. You can buy souvenirs from artisan businesses in the region. Read up more about the history and struggle of Nubian people. For a poignant photographic study of the Nubian people, see the stunning work of photographer Nour el Refai. You can also seek out the documentary films of Hafsa Amberkab, a leading voice among Nubian people seeking to rediscover their heritage.
How safe is Egypt for travel?
“It’s total chaos but lovely chaos; I’ve never felt safer.”Nearly half a million British tourists visit Egypt every year, and the vast majority of trips are entirely trouble-free. As in many parts of the world, there is a risk of terrorism, and historically some attacks have targeted tourists, but the risk is predominantly in the North Sinai region where very few trips go. Exercise due caution by always checking the latest guidance from your government and avoiding public demonstrations, which can get out of hand very quickly. Popular tourism destinations such as Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab and the Nile between Aswan and Luxor are all considered safe according to current FCO advice.
LGBTQ+ travellers should note that, while same-sex relationships are not illegal in Egypt, the law criminalises sexual relations between men and the LGBTQ+ community is frequently subject to discrimination. If you are travelling as a couple, it’s best to be cautious and refrain from any public displays of affection.
Female travellers can sometimes experience low-level harassment in Egypt, with catcalling on the street a regular annoyance, usually from younger men. Ignore it, if you can, and when visiting local bars, try and go in a mixed group to avoid hassle. “My daughter lives in Egypt, and in the bazaar, no-one bothered her,” says Liz Pepperell, founder of our partner Journey in Style. “It’s a very polite society; we were perfectly safe there after dark. It’s total chaos but lovely chaos; I’ve never felt safer. I’ve just sent an 80-year-old in a wheelchair on her own, in total confidence. We meet people at the airport after immigration and someone is with them from that point on.”
Wildlife & the environment in Egypt
A rubbish situation
“Egypt is one of the worst places I know for plastic waste and litter in all forms,” says Anthony Horrobin of our partner Encounters Travel, who spends a lot of time in the country. Littering is a major issue and you’ll encounter it everywhere you go, but especially in cities like Cairo. The sides of the railway tracks and the roadsides are covered in trash, and it can be depressing to see this amount of rubbish left everywhere seemingly with little consideration for sanitary health. A lack of waste infrastructure, such as bins, exacerbates the problem, but there is also a lack of education around correct disposal, “Outside of Cairo there’s just not a lot of knowledge about recycling or responsible handling of waste,” says Anthony.
When it comes to drinking water there’s unfortunately not a great deal that can be done. While Egypt’s tap water is generally safe to drink, it is so heavily chlorinated that it’s very much an acquired taste. Most travellers wisely stick to bottled mineral water, but with a lack of recycling options, this generates huge volumes of single use plastic.
When it comes to drinking water there’s unfortunately not a great deal that can be done. While Egypt’s tap water is generally safe to drink, it is so heavily chlorinated that it’s very much an acquired taste. Most travellers wisely stick to bottled mineral water, but with a lack of recycling options, this generates huge volumes of single use plastic.
What you can do
Take as little packaging as you can when you travel, and pack a reusable shopping bag. On many of our small group holidays in Egypt (and, indeed, in other countries too) you will either be given or offered the chance to purchase a Water2Go bottle. These reusable bottles, made from sugar cane, have a filter that makes it safe to drink any non-saltwater. “Conceivably you could even drink from the River Nile,” says Anthony (though we wouldn’t recommend trying it). “I’ve used them for years all over the place and never had any issues. One bottle replaces around 300 small plastic bottles.”
For their travellers who have a little more time available, and an urge to help make a difference, Anthony and his team are also organising voluntary clean-up days in the desert north of Cairo.
Take as little packaging as you can when you travel, and pack a reusable shopping bag. On many of our small group holidays in Egypt (and, indeed, in other countries too) you will either be given or offered the chance to purchase a Water2Go bottle. These reusable bottles, made from sugar cane, have a filter that makes it safe to drink any non-saltwater. “Conceivably you could even drink from the River Nile,” says Anthony (though we wouldn’t recommend trying it). “I’ve used them for years all over the place and never had any issues. One bottle replaces around 300 small plastic bottles.”
For their travellers who have a little more time available, and an urge to help make a difference, Anthony and his team are also organising voluntary clean-up days in the desert north of Cairo.
Train or plane?
Most Nile cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan, a journey that takes three to four days, or longer if you’re taking your time. Holidays often begin with a few days in Cairo at the start – seeing the pyramids, the Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum – so getting down south to meet your cruise is a matter of taking a short internal flight (about 60-90 minutes) or the overnight train, which has a significantly lower carbon footprint.The train does have a reputation for being quite poor quality, which leads many people to opt for the flight instead. “The overnight train is a lovely idea but it’s a bit grubby, so those who do want to take that route south do need to be prepared for it,” says Liz. But as Anthony points out, things have improved a lot in recent years. “Personally I have no hesitation recommending the train south over the plane. Sure, the cabins could do with a bit of a refresher but they’re fine for a night. You get two beds, a washbasin, charging points, and an aeroplane-style dinner and breakfast. The sleeper train has lay-down beds and private compartments so it is more comfortable. Each carriage has Egyptian and Western style loos.” There is also a VIP train with reclining seats but not compartments, suitable if you’re on a budget.
To call the train atmospheric would perhaps be overselling it. It crawls along all night, and views of the city outskirts are not particularly attractive. But if you want a more relaxed experience, and one that affords opportunities to spend a little time alongside local Egyptians as they go about their lives, it’s hard to beat the train. Another, more expensive, option is to drive down with a private vehicle and driver, which means you can stop off and explore communities, and less-visited sites like the Dahshur pyramid, along the way.
How does tourism affect the River Nile?
Cruising along the Nile is extremely popular and, like most forms of tourism, there are responsible companies but there are plenty of irresponsible ones too. The river is severely under-policed. While vessels are obliged to have licences to ensure they have correct containers for sewage, don’t spill fuel and so on, not all of them do, and so pollution is rife.
The other major cause of pollution in the Nile is the scourge of plastic, which as well as being unsightly chokes the river and poses a danger to aquatic life before it ends up floating around in the Mediterranean Sea.
Due to pollution and the risk of schistosomiasis, an infection caused by parasitic worms, you’re best off not swimming at all in the Nile, and definitely not drinking from it. Even from a water filtration bottle.
The other major cause of pollution in the Nile is the scourge of plastic, which as well as being unsightly chokes the river and poses a danger to aquatic life before it ends up floating around in the Mediterranean Sea.
Due to pollution and the risk of schistosomiasis, an infection caused by parasitic worms, you’re best off not swimming at all in the Nile, and definitely not drinking from it. Even from a water filtration bottle.
What you can do
Consider taking a wind-powered felucca sailing trip down the Nile: less pollution; more peace and quiet. Responsible cruise operators will ensure that they are using vessels that don’t pollute the river with the deliberate release of sewage or fuel. They will also aim to keep the use of plastic onboard to a minimum, and try not to let anything they do use end up in the water.
And of course, responsible travel companies can affect the Nile in many positive ways too, such as by providing employment and a valuable income for communities alongside the river. Some smaller cruise vessels, such as traditional feluccas, are able to moor up at jetties along the river where they can buy fresh local produce for meals and snacks.
If you see bad practises, tell your tour operator and report the boat to the tourist board. Ultimately they, and the tourism and environment ministers, listen to punters. Paying ones that is, as opposed to river ones.
Consider taking a wind-powered felucca sailing trip down the Nile: less pollution; more peace and quiet. Responsible cruise operators will ensure that they are using vessels that don’t pollute the river with the deliberate release of sewage or fuel. They will also aim to keep the use of plastic onboard to a minimum, and try not to let anything they do use end up in the water.
And of course, responsible travel companies can affect the Nile in many positive ways too, such as by providing employment and a valuable income for communities alongside the river. Some smaller cruise vessels, such as traditional feluccas, are able to moor up at jetties along the river where they can buy fresh local produce for meals and snacks.
If you see bad practises, tell your tour operator and report the boat to the tourist board. Ultimately they, and the tourism and environment ministers, listen to punters. Paying ones that is, as opposed to river ones.
Egypt’s water crisis
Egypt suffers from water poverty, unable to meet its citizens’ clean water needs for food and washing. This is a desert country, of course, with many demands that put severe strains on water supply. The situation is likely to get much worse. The Nile River, from which Egypt draws 90 percent of the water it needs, has two main tributaries: the White Nile and the Blue Nile. Almost all of the Nile waters downstream originate from the Blue Nile, which begins in Lake Tana in Ethiopia. Egypt has for decades been accused of taking the lion’s share of the Nile water and its economy depends on the river. But now the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been built on the Blue Nile, and the impact on Egypt’s water supply could be devastating. As water levels sink, regional tensions over the dam and its repercussions are on the rise.And then there is the climate crisis. Egypt has very low rainfall, and a warming climate will affect rainfall patterns further, likely causing more droughts. Combine that economic reliance on the Nile, and you have a country that is particularly vulnerable when it comes to water shortages.
What you can do
When travelling in Egypt, appreciate that the tourism industry’s hotels and resorts dominate much of the country’s clean water supply. In other parts of Egypt, people will be getting by with far less. With that in mind, try to keep your own water usage to a minimum – skip the baths, and have just the one short shower a day if you can.
Try to avoid accommodation with a swimming pool or large garden, as these require a massive amount of water to maintain. Responsible tour operators will aim to minimise the use of plastic on their trips. One way that can be done is by using large water containers to refill smaller bottles, so be sure and bring your own reusable bottle when you travel, and ask your tour operator what else they are doing to reduce water consumption and the usage of plastic bottles.
Some of our trips make a financial contribution to the Makhad Trust which helps Bedouin communities in the Sinai to deepen their wells and access the water they depend on for survival. So far, the trust has helped over 40,000 people by restoring more than 600 wells across this arid desert region.
Is it ethical to take a camel ride in Egypt?
Riding a camel in Egypt is almost as iconic as posing outside a pyramid. Camels are seen as being survivors, hardy and up for anything, but this isn’t actually true. In some cases, they are neglected, overworked, beaten and underfed. However, camel treks are an important source of income for local people and we aren’t taking a stance to ban them. We believe, like many animal welfare organisations, that they should be well cared for, given plenty of rest and food, and retired when they become too elderly to work. They should never be beaten to work either.In 2024, animal welfare charity PETA raised serious concerns over the treatment of working camels and horses at the Pyramids at Giza, with some animals routinely beaten, left without shade or water, malnourished, and seen with open wounds and sores. You can watch their video highlighting the issues at Giza in the link above.
What you can do
Before taking a camel ride, take a good look at the animals. If they look unhealthy, skeletal, exhausted or otherwise mistreated, give it a miss. The same goes if you witness the owner shouting at or beating the camel. If, however, the camel is standing there placidly, chewing its cud, this is a sign that it’s relaxed and content.
Responsible tour operators will never encourage you to take a camel ride if they believe the animals are not well cared-for. Report any incidents you see of abuse; take pictures if you can, and send to your tour operator and perhaps the tourist board. You don’t have to name or show pictures of the owner, and risk them being punished personally. Just say that you don’t support mistreatment of camels in the name of tourism and that animal protection codes of practice should be adhered to.
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