Packing for Égypte, one of Africa's rare countries combining three distinctly different climate zones, is quite a challenge. Climate conditions vary significantly between regions governed by Mediterranean climate and those dominated by desert climate. You'll need to make intelligent choices about what to pack if you want to avoid an overstuffed suitcase. Furthermore, the destinations you've selected and the activities you're planning should also influence your packing decisions.

To help you prepare, we've compiled a list of essential items to bring during your stay.

Clothing

- Don't forget to pack mosquito-resistant clothing to protect yourself from the voracious appetite of mosquitoes.

- Always remember to bring lightweight garments to help you endure the stifling daytime temperatures. However, for nighttime, make sure to include items for cooler temperatures in your packing list, such as a light fleece jacket, warm trousers, or a warm zip-up jacket.

- Pack several swimsuits for swimming in your hotel pool or for diving in the waters of the Red Sea.

- Also add quality hiking boots or breathable sneakers to your list.

For desert walks, it's advisable to avoid open-toed shoes due to scorpions and sand.

- Plan to bring long clothing, essential when visiting religious sites.

- Wear a lightweight scarf to cover your shoulders and arms, which is practical both for cultural respect and sun protection.

- Also reserve a small scarf, bandana-style, to protect yourself from the sun if you don't want to wear a hat.

- Bring long thermal underwear for your legs, which you'll need if you plan a desert bivouac.

Useful Accessories

- An electrical adapter for your electronic devices with power switches

- A solar charger is also very useful for charging your devices in this sun-soaked country

- A pair of binoculars, essential during a Nile cruise, for observing the attractions around the river.

- Quality sunscreen if you plan to spend time at the beaches.

- Camera or video camera.

- Snorkel mask and snorkel.

First Aid Kit

- Medications such as antacids to treat traveller's diarrhea. Tourists frequently contract this type of illness.

- A repellent or cream to ward off mosquitoes or treat their bites.

- Plasters and disinfectants, since in a country where it's always hot, you shouldn't neglect any wound, no matter how small.

- Pain relievers

Never Leave Without:

- A copy of your passport or insurance documents, and keep the original with your luggage to avoid losing or tearing them.

- Your bank card for withdrawals and payments.

- A French-Arabic dictionary to communicate quickly and easily with locals.

- A road map.

- A hat and a pair of sunglasses.

- A water bladder and a special belt to attach it, as it's not convenient to carry a water bottle or flask in your hand during hikes. If you can find the famous Breeze Squeeze, it's ideal for your desert walks. It's essentially a water bottle equipped with a sprayer and a fan that operates on a simple battery.