Flight tickets from Durban to Cairo

Welcome to the City of 1,000 Minarets - Cairo! Located on the banks of the Nile River, Cairo is the largest city in both Egypt and Africa. With its bustling medieval markets, ancient monuments, vibrant culture and hospitable people, it has long been considered the "heart of Arab world" and a true testament to Egyptian history. Here, a mix of old and new, of the familiar and exotic, of the traditional and the modern, awaits you. Whether you seek the ancient wonders of the Pyramids of Giza or want to explore the robust life along the dusty streets of the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, Cairo will give you the opportunity to do both and much more. You will be awed by the city’s photogenic beauty and captivated by the energy of the people living there. Take a journey with us through Cairo, and explore the history, wonders, and culture it has to offer.

Getting to Know Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a sprawling city located near the Nile River Valley. As one of the largest cities in Africa, Cairo is home to a population of over 20 million people. Most of the population is within the Greater Cairo area, including Giza, which houses the world-famous pyramids. The time zone for Cairo is EEST - Eastern European Time, which is two hours ahead of UTC. Arabic is the official language of Egypt and is spoken by almost all of the population. Nevertheless, English is also commonly used, particularly by younger generations. Egypt's currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), which is divided into 100 piastres. The EGP has been pegged to the US dollar since 2003, with a rate of 1 USD to 16.78 EGP. In actuality, the currency is subject to frequent fluctuations due to political and economic factors.

Climate and Weather

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, has a hot desert climate. Summers in this area are extremely hot and dry, with temperatures usually reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius. Winters are mild and relatively sunny, with temperatures dropping as low as 10 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is rare in Cairo, with its median annual precipitation being 22 mm annually. This low amount of precipitation contributes to the city's arid climate. Despite its desert climate, the temperatures in Cairo can still feel humid due to its close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Cairo experiences cooler temperatures from October to April, making this the best time of year to visit the city.

Touring Cairo: Airport and Transportation

There are three airports in Cairo; Cairo International Airport, Helwan Airport, and Mit Ghamr Airport. To get from Cairo International Airport to downtown Cairo you can take a taxi or a personal car service, which takes around 45 minutes and costs around $20 or the Cairo Airport Metro Express Line, which takes around half an hour and costs around $2.50. Yes, you can change money at Cairo International Airport either at a bureau de change, ATM or via most banks in the departure lounge.

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Cairo

1. Cairo is home to a multitude of religions and cultures, with evidence of Islamic, Jewish and Coptic influences shaping the city for centuries
2. Visitors should not miss the Egyptian Museum, located in the city's midtown, with its huge collection of artefacts, which tell the story of the country's ancient cultures
3. One can experience the lively atmosphere of markets, bazaars and coffee shops, where locals meet to chat, buy and sell goods and discuss the latest news of the city