What Is Slow Travel, Really?

“Slow travel” was a new phrase to me until recently—but the idea isn’t. I’ve been talking to solo travelers for years, and many of them say the same thing:

“I don’t want to be rushed from temple to temple.”
“I like to take my time, explore alone, and soak things in.”

And that’s exactly what slow travel is about—freedom, reflection, and authenticity.  But in Egypt, it comes with a few caveats you need to know before you set your heart on it.

We all have different definitions of a “successful” holiday.  Some people are happy just to get away from work and let others make the daily plans.  Others want full control over their itinerary, free to follow their interests without compromise.

If that sounds like you—if you love wandering backstreets, talking to locals, or lingering at one spot because it speaks to your soul—you’re likely drawn to slow travel.  But Egypt is not like Thailand or Spain.  You need to understand the landscape—both cultural and logistical—to truly enjoy it.

The Reality at the Monuments

Let’s get this out of the way:

  • You are never going to be left alone in most tourist areas in Egypt.

  • Every quiet moment you try to carve out may be interrupted by a vendor, guardian, or guide.

  • Asking for “free time” often gets misinterpreted as “let’s sit and chat.”

Even at the temples, guards will approach you, pretending to show you “something secret”—but they’re just angling for a tip.  At the Pyramids, you’ll be surrounded by vendors the moment you step out of the car.

Logistics That Can Ruin Your Day

  • Ticket offices don’t always make sense. For example, the ticket office for Medinet Habu isn’t outside the temple—it’s a short drive away.

  • You might need tickets from different places for Hatshepsut Temple and Valley of the Kings.

  • Internal transport matters: Some roads to Abydos are an hour longer than others depending on police checkpoints.

  • You’re often limited by ticket office hours and government-imposed site curfews (e.g., back in Luxor by 6 PM).

These may seem like small details—but they can eat into your precious time, especially if you’re traveling independently.

Wandering Cairo vs. Being Hassled in Luxor

Cairo, despite being chaotic, is a good city for solo wandering—if you do your homework.  When I lived there in 2011–2013, I explored on my own.  But even with unlimited time to both research and wander, I found it frustrating.

  • Taxi drivers may refuse to cross the city.

  • You can’t always communicate clearly.

  • Even if you find your destination, you may not understand what you’re looking at.

That’s exactly why I created Mara House Tours and in 2025 the offer of long stay options for digital nomads, retirees etc—so others wouldn’t have to face that same stress.

In Luxor or Aswan, wandering alone is much harder.  Constant street hassle from vendors, calèche drivers, taxi drivers, felucca men, and commission-seekers can turn a peaceful walk into a battle of wills.  Even “helpful locals” often want to lead you to a shop for a cut of the sale.

A Better Way: Structured Freedom

Our guests are usually met at the airport, taken on a carefully designed tour, and leave having experienced the best of Egypt.  Ironically, those who have everything organized for them often don’t realize what they’ve been spared—because they haven’t had to fight for clarity or peace.

A recent surprise visit from friends drove this home again.  They had a rough time in Cairo and Hurghada—confused, hassled, misled from the moment they arrived.  They were so relieved when they got to Mara House.  Their frustration reminded me that slow travel in Egypt can work—but not without support.

Egypt Is Not a “Figure It Out as You Go” Country

If you have unlimited time, yes—wander and explore.  But for most travelers with fixed dates even if it 6 months or more, and limited energy, the reality is different.

Egypt is a place where:

  • Experience matters.

  • Local knowledge matters.

  • Having someone to translate, explain, and guide matters.

At Mara House, we organize your travel, adapt to your interests, and are honest about what’s worth your time.  After years of doing this, it’s instinctive for us to understand what you’re looking for—even if you can’t quite put it into words.

3/4 of the following video is about McDonalds in Cairo 🙂 go to 12:33 for his experience at the Great Pyramids.  I have no idea what “tomb” he got scammed into visiting – and paying for – but where his time and video should have been about the marvellous Great Pyramid, it wasn’t.  Google scams in Luxor or Cairo for many more – don’t take my word for it.

Slow Travel in Egypt: Still a Good Idea?

Yes—but with structure.  With support.  With local guidance that allows you to feel free while protecting your energy and time.

So now you know.  Will you wander and figure it out the hard way?  Or will you trust someone who’s lived it for over 20 years and can show you the Egypt behind the curtain?

If you’re dreaming of a deeper, slower journey—one with heart, history, and honesty—you’re in the right place.

Let’s start planning it together.  Email me maraegypt@gmail.com

If you’re thinking about going deeper rather than faster, this full guide helps you explore that option.