The Logistics of Settling In 167 Cairo to Aswan
Suez to Hurghada
These routes are kept in good condition. A new addition
to Cairo’s roads is the ring road or beltway designed to
deflect traffic away from the downtown area. The ring road
is the modern, divided, multi-laned motorway that facilitates
getting from one side of the city to the other. Other main
motorways are paved, but frequently in need of repair.
Remaining roads are dirt. Desert tracks lead to the secondary
oases, but are recommended for only highly skilled drivers
with knowledge and experience in desert driving.
Travel Permits
Travel permits are not required for motorists using the major
routes in Egypt. However, certain roads may be used only if
you are in possession of permits. These routes include:
the secondary roads of the delta
the coastal road to Libya
the track along the Suez Canal between Ismailia and Suez,
the Sinai, Saint Catherine’s Monastery
some roads leading to the oases, especially those to Siwa
and Bahariya.
Travel permits may be obtained from the Travel Permits
Department, located at the corner of Sharia Sheikh Rihan
and Sharia Nubar in Cairo.You should also be aware of the dangers of off-road travel
in Egypt. Old mines from previous conflicts remain buried
in some areas of the country. Minefields are not easily
recognisable because signs do not mark them. Instead,
areas containing mines are enclosed by barbed wire, so
you should definitely not drive into any such enclosed
areas. Another clue that you may be in an area where
old mines remain are deserted tank embankments. Also
avoid driving through built-up sand on roads. These may
hide land mines that have shifted due to flash flooding in
desert areas.