Plan a CruiseSafaga is primarily an industrial port, located approximately 2 to 3 kilometers from the town of Safaga itself. There are no tourist facilities directly at the port. For most cruise passengers, Safaga serves as the gateway to the historic sites of Luxor, which is about a 3-4 hour drive inland. Due to the distance and the nature of the port, a cruise-organized excursion is highly recommended, especially if your main interest is visiting Luxor.
Getting Around from the Port
The port is not walkable to Safaga town, which is 2-3 km away. A taxi ride to Safaga town should cost around $4. Taxis to the larger city of Hurghada are about $40 each way, but finding taxis can be difficult. For visits to Luxor, which is 3-4 hours away, independent transport is not practical for an 8-10 hour port call given the distance and the crucial fact that your ship will only wait for late customers if they booked the ship's official excursions.
Attractions and Activities
- Luxor (3-4 hours drive): This is the main attraction for visitors to Safaga. Luxor offers an incredible journey into ancient Egypt. Key sites include:
- Karnak Temple: A vast complex built over 1300 years, featuring some of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian design.
- Hatshepsut's Temple: An impressive structure built for Queen Hatshepsut, the only woman to reign as Pharaoh.
- Valley of the Kings: Home to pharaohs' tombs, still displaying fantastic wall paintings. The most famous is Tutankhamun's tomb, discovered in pristine condition.
- Valley of the Queens: Features the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, principal wife of Ramses II, which opened to the public in 1995.
- Important Note for Luxor: While many companies offer reliable excursions to Luxor, your ship will only wait for late customers if they booked the ship's official tour. If you opt for an independent tour, be sure to have a cell phone with you and the ship's telephone number in case of delays. All tours to Luxor will include armed security on each bus, and police escorts often accompany bus caravans. Comparing cruise line tours here is advisable.
- Safaga Town (2-3 km from port): For those wishing to stay closer, Safaga offers unique black sand dune beaches. The sea water here is known for its high salinity and mineral content, making it a popular curative destination.
- Water Sports (Savage and Abu Soma): These areas, known for constant winds and gently sloping sandy beaches, are popular spots for surfing in the Red Sea Riviera.
Dining & Shopping
For shopping, you'll find jewelry, spices, copper utensils, Coptic cloth, and copies of Egyptian artifacts such as papyrus sheets decorated with pharaohs and hieroglyphs. Egyptian cuisine blends the best of Middle Eastern cooking. Local specialties include foul (bean dishes), roast pigeon, kebabs, and humus (chickpeas). Although Egypt is a Muslim country, alcohol is available in café-style bars and good restaurants.
Safety
When taking excursions, particularly to Luxor, note that armed security personnel will be on each bus, and police escorts often accompany bus caravans. If you choose an independent excursion, ensure you have a working cell phone and your ship's contact number, as the ship will only wait for passengers on its official tours.
Currency and Language
The local language is Arabic. In souvenir shops, both US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. While internet facilities are available, be aware that keyboards may be in Arabic. A helpful tip: "Sahara" in Arabic means "desert," so avoid saying "Sahara desert."