Egypt with kids: ages, pace and the days that work
The short answer: Egypt works well with children when the days are short and the heat is avoided. A few experiences set ages: a first dive is for 10 and over, our White Desert camp for 7 and over, a tandem skydive for 16 and over, and the Mount Sinai climb suits teenagers used to walking. Private tours let you shorten any visit. Tell us the children's ages and the plan and quote follow them.
What sets an age
| Day | Ages | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Your first dive | 10 and over | PADI's standard |
| White Desert camping | 7 and over | A night in the desert |
| Tandem skydive | 16 and over | And under about 100 kg |
| Mount Sinai at sunrise | Teenagers used to walking | An overnight climb |
| A boat of your own | All ages | With life jackets for children |
| Desert safari | Set by the operator | Children ride as passengers |
| A telescope night | All ages | Children need to stay up late |
Pacing the days
- Half days first: the Giza half day and the royal mummies half day leave the afternoon for rest. The mummies hall is quiet and dimly lit rather than frightening, and your guide can shorten the visit.
- Watch the long drives: the road day to Abu Simbel spends roughly six hours in transit, and Luxor from Hurghada is about 14 hours door to door. In our judgement, fly or stay a night with young children.
- Water days work: in our judgement a boat of your own, or a felucca in Aswan, suits every age.
- Mind the heat: see what to wear and the best time to visit. In our judgement, October to April is easiest with children.
What the official advice says for families
- Resorts: the UK government's advice says a number of sexual assaults have been reported to the British Embassy, including cases involving minors, most of them in Red Sea resorts. Among its precautions: do not leave children unaccompanied.
- Vaccinations: the US advice says Egypt has circulating poliovirus, and to make sure you are up to date on polio vaccines before travelling.
- Museum tickets: the Ministry's listing for the Egyptian Museum includes children under six in its free-entry policy.
In our judgement, tell us when you ask for a quote:
- Each child's age, so tickets, boats and rooms fit
- Whether anyone needs a car seat
- How early the children can realistically start
Where to go from here
Sources and review
Reviewed on by Deluxe Trips Egypt. Official statements are attributed to their source; where we give a judgement, we say so. This guide names no school, boat or hotel.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
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