Travel Info

Egypt

Vaccinations: No compulsory vaccinations are required but hepatitis A, polio, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended.

Climate: The diving season is year-round with visibility averaging 30m. Water temperatures range from 20ºC in the winter months to 29ºC in summer. The topside air temperatures range between 22ºC in winter to 38ºC in summer. July and August are the hottest months. In winter, there can often be a breeze.
Divers can use LYCRA, DARLEX or POLARTEC suits during late spring, summer and early autumn. During winter, a 5mm two-piece suit is best and for the evenings, a light sweater or jacket is recommended.

Time: Egypt is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

Currency: Egyptian pounds or LE. £1= 11 LE approx

Hurghada

Hurghada is located at the west side of the Red Sea. The small fishing village developed to the most popular tourist destination at the Red Sea.

Hurghada became the capital of the Red Sea. The name Hurghada is coming from the word "Ghardak". This is a special species of trees that grow up in the desert. Unfortunately the Ghardak trees became very rare. Only few example still exist in the area.

The city of Hurghada counts 40.000 inhabitants and is divided into two parts. Downtown (El Dahar) the new part and Sekalla, the former fishing village. Hotels and Resorts extend along the coast over 40 km now. Several Restaurants, Bars and Shops are available all over Hurghada. The city is a mixture of oriental life and modern touristic development.

Hurghada offers a lot of entertainment. Nearly every hotel has its own Disco. The most famous one at the moment is "Kalaboush" in the Arabella Resort. If you like bellydancer, Arabic and Nubian folklore than you have to spend an evening at "Alf Leila Wa Leila" ("One thousand and one night"). It is a big open air arena, which offers a bit of everything.
Ebb&Tide Bowling center (near Sindbad Beach Resort), the Go Kart Club "Pharaonic" at the airport road near Magawish Hotel and 2 cinemas at Seagull Mall are the latest openings. To get an idea how boats are built in Egypt, visit the Shipyard in Sekalla. It is quite interesting!
Several car rental companies are situated in Hurghada. You have to show your international driving license and your passport.

You need your passport also to go shopping in one of the Duty Free Shops. They are located in the Hurghada International Airport, beside Ambassador Hotel opposite the airport and beside Royal Palace Hotel. Only useful within 24 h after arrival.