Author: Anaisa Mohamed
Travelling to Egypt seems like the impossible with the current political crisis in the Middle East. However, Egypt tourist destinations are safe & there is security all around.
This is the second time that we visited Egypt, and although we LOVED Sharm el Sheikh last year (Thank you, Fatima Variawa), we decided to try the Hurghada area of the Red Sea. Like Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada is an all-year-round destination, due to the warm temperatures.
The Hurghada area is split into a few sections, including El Gouna and Soma Bay. We opted for a resort in Soma Bay, due to the water park inside the resort, which we booked on the Marriott app. The booking.com also has all the resorts that you may consider more to your liking. I do recommend booking at least half-board, as most of the resorts offer free breakfast. Also, look for a 4-star hotel upwards, for the best service, as well as language barrier issues.
Hurghada, like Sharm el Sheikh, is an hour’s flight away from Cairo, upon landing. El Gouna and Soma Bay require a drive further out of Hurghada airport upon arrival. While Hurghada has Uber facilities, consider the time that your flight lands. If your flight lands at night, consider a private transfer. El Gouna is 30 minutes away from Hurghada airport, while Soma Bay can take up to an hour by car.
Most of the resorts are halal but do check with the hotel through email if you are in doubt.
Most of the premium & higher-end resorts offer activities for children during the day, to keep them busy.
Activities in & around Hurghada include:
- Tours of the city, including the Mina Mosque & the Marina
- Snorkelling
- Boat tours
- Island hopping
- Quad biking in the desert
- Horse riding
While these can be booked through a hotel, or on the Marina, it can also be done through a reputable tour guide, who is more flexible on the cancellation and/or pick up & drop off times, as well as transfers.
About the Author:
My name is Anaisa. While I was born in Portugal, I grew up, schooled and worked in Johannesburg, so I am South African in spirit. I have been living in Mozambique for over a decade, and am passionate about seeing the world, one Masjid at a time.
My travel as a single parent will always be economical, yet luxe and finding amazing halal places to eat. I am always looking for travel tips to share and use and be inspired to travel. I never have less than 3 trips planned at any given time. If you’re wondering, I am a corporate legal professional, and that is what pays the bills.
My insta and tiktok handle is @i_am_anaisa.