Animals to Discover During a Trip to Égypte
Égypte attracts thousands of travelers each year for its incredible historical richness.
Égypte attracts thousands of travelers each year for its incredible historical richness. A crossroads of the world's greatest and most ancient civilizations, it contains some of the most beautiful temples on the planet to discover during a cruise along the Nile and the only one of the seven wonders of the world still standing today, the Pyramid of Khufu. Remember to bring binoculars to observe this unique heritage, but also to admire the numerous animals of Égypte.
Terrestrial animals and birds
During your stay in Égypte, you'll have the chance to admire numerous bird species. Égypte sits at the heart of the migratory route of many avian species, while others settle there to spend the winter in warmth. The country is also home to nearly 150 bird species endemic to its territory. Along the Nile, you can see storks, flamingos, herons, and cranes, among the country's largest wading birds.
Égypte's deserts once harbored many mammals, including cheetahs, leopards, and oryx. Unfortunately, most of them have disappeared. However, you may see some gazelles (dorcas gazelle, white gazelle, or Arabian gazelle) and, if you're fortunate, a Nubian ibex or a sand cat. Exercise caution in the desert as it is home to 34 species of snake including the cobra, as well as scorpions.
Near the Nile, you can see many domesticated animals, particularly camels and water buffalo.
Marine animals
On the Red Sea side, Égypte is rich in marine life. It's an ideal destination for scuba diving and observing coral in countless colors and hundreds of fish species. 20% of them are endemic to Égypte. You can also see magnificent turtles, such as the green turtle, leatherback turtle, or hawksbill turtle, as well as a few small shark species.
Animals in ancient Égypte
Égypte makes great efforts to preserve its wildlife, and for good reason. During antiquity and under the reign of the Pharaohs, animals were sacred and venerated, considered as deities. You'll see this reflected in the many statues and paintings of animals. Some temples were even dedicated to the worship of a single animal species. Recently, archaeologists have discovered mummies of numerous animals: crocodiles, cats, scarabs, snakes…
Frequently asked questions
Along the Nile, you can observe numerous birds such as storks, flamingos, herons, and cranes. Domesticated camels and water buffalo are also visible near the riverbanks. Égypte is home to nearly 150 bird species endemic to the country, and the river constitutes a major migratory route for many avian species.
The Red Sea is one of the world's most biodiverse seas. In Égypte, you can observe hundreds of fish species (20% of which are endemic), multicolored corals, marine turtles (green turtle, leatherback turtle, hawksbill turtle), and a few small shark species. Scuba diving and snorkeling are the best ways to experience them.
Yes, caution should be exercised in desert areas. Égypte is home to 34 snake species including the cobra, as well as scorpions. These animals are generally discreet but can be dangerous if disturbed. It is advisable not to overturn stones and to wear closed-toe shoes when hiking in the desert.
Égypte is crossed by an important migratory route. The best time to observe migratory birds is autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May), during migration passages. Winter (December-February) is ideal for seeing species that winter in the country, particularly in the Nile Delta and around the river.
In ancient Égypte, many animals were venerated as deities or incarnations of gods: the cat (goddess Bastet), the crocodile (god Sobek), the ibis (god Thoth), the scarab (god Khepri), and the cobra snake. Some temples were dedicated to them, and mummies of animals have been discovered by archaeologists, attesting to this veneration.
