Egypt during Ramandan

[WeBeGone]

If you are traveling to Egypt in September, I just got an email today from Hazem of Nile Blue Tours re rules from the Egyptian Tourist Authorithy during Ramadan:

During the day, sunrise to sundown, no alcohol may be consumed in public places. Most hotels and cruises will follow that but some may not according to the special permissions they will have.

 

The sites close early as follows:

Sakkara/pyramids/Memphis closes at 2:30 (normal days 4:30)

Museum 4:30 (normal days 6:30 in winter & 8:00 in summer)

 

The alcohol is an issue only because that elimates beer as a drink for lunch, leaving only soda and bottled water. Also note that the rules are sunup to sundown. The closing hours will mean adjustments in travel plans.

[MVPinBoynton]

I would be interested to hear from folks that have traveled to Egypt during Ramadan to find out about their experiences. Our group leader said that Ramadan is an interesting time to be in Egypt, since it is very festive with lots of lighting decorations and celebrations going on.

[carolat]

I have been in Cairo during Ramadan, but not on a cruise.

 

At the appointed time, everyone gathers to break the fast. It is a family gathering with lots of food, and Egyptian food is excellent! Then, much later in the evening festivities begin. We went with an Egyptian friend to a huge tent set up in the parking lot of the Sheraton. There were couches and stuffed chairs set up and it was quite dark inside. Many hotels apparently have this setup, but I think admission is pretty exclusive.

 

People are smoking hubbly bubbly and there are singers, bands, etc. Very noisy and it goes on until the wee hours, but very interesting.

[MVPinBoynton]

Thanks for that info Carolat. I appreciate the insight.

[CAT GIRL]

We were in Cairo last September during Ramadam. During lunch our

tour guide sat an another table with a friend and talked while we ate.

We were at the Sphinx when they started telling people it was closing.

As we were walking away we heard the call to prayer.

On the drive back to Alexandria when the sun set, the driver asked

if it was okay for him to stop for a minute. Of course we said yes,

not really knowing why, until he pulled over to the side of the road and

proceded to drink a juice box. It was then that we realized he hadn't

eattn or drank anything all day. Along side of the highway we

see several groups of people pulled over and setting up a picnic of sorts to eat since the sun had just gone down.

Oh, this reminds me, they don't use their head lights. Did anyone else

notice this?