A kids’ guide to Egypt

This kids’ travel guide to Egypt is perfect for children who want to learn about the amazing country of Egypt. It’s written for both native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. Reading this article can help children improve their English reading and comprehension skills, learn fun vocabulary, and discover cool facts about ancient pyramids, camels, and the River Nile! Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer.

An Introduction to Egypt

A country in two continents

Egypt is a country in North Africa, with a part of it also in Asia! This is because Egypt stretches across a special piece of land called the Sinai Peninsula, which links the two continents.

Egypt is one of the oldest countries in the world. Thousands of years ago, people called ancient Egyptians built amazing things like giant stone pyramids and huge statues. They had kings and queens called pharaohs, and even wrote using pictures called hieroglyphics!

Today, Egypt is famous for its hot deserts, tall pyramids, and the River Nile – the longest river on Earth. Many people live near the Nile because it brings water, food, and life to the land around it.

Facts About Egypt

• Capital City: Cairo
• Currency: Egyptian pound
• Language: Arabic
• Flag: Red, white, and black with a golden eagle in the centre
• National Animal: Steppe eagle

What’s Egypt Famous For?

Egypt is best known for the ancient pyramids and the Great Sphinx, built thousands of years ago. It’s also famous for pharaohs, mummies, and treasures like King Tutankhamun’s golden mask.

The River Nile has always been important for travel, farming, and life in Egypt. Today, Egypt is also known for its busy cities, colourful markets, and ancient temples.

Cool Places to Visit in Egypt

• The Pyramids of Giza – These giant stone pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs. You can even go inside some of them!
• The Sphinx – A huge statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh.
• Luxor Temple – A grand temple built over 3,000 years ago in the city of Luxor.
• The Egyptian Museum – Located in Cairo, it’s full of ancient treasures, including real mummies!
• The Red Sea – A great place to go snorkelling and see colourful fish and coral reefs.

What’s on the menu?

Egyptian food is full of flavour and fun to try!

• Koshari – A popular dish made with rice, pasta, lentils, and tomato sauce.
• Ful medames – Mashed fava beans eaten with bread, often for breakfast.
• Ta’meya – Like falafel, made with fava beans and herbs.
• Basbousa – A sweet cake made with semolina and syrup.

What do people wear?

In cities, many Egyptians wear modern clothes like jeans and T-shirts. In rural areas and at festivals, some people wear traditional clothes such as a galabeya, a long robe that can be plain or colourful. Women might wear a hijab (headscarf), and during celebrations, children sometimes wear sparkling or embroidered outfits

Fun facts about Egypt for kids

• Ancient Egyptians wrote using a picture language called hieroglyphics.
• Cleopatra, one of the most famous queens of Egypt, could speak many languages – some believe it may have been nine!
• The ancient Egyptians loved pets! They kept cats, dogs, monkeys, baboons and even falcons.
• Egypt has over 100 pyramids!
• In ancient times, cats were sacred and often lived in temples.

Vocabulary list

• Pyramid – A building with a pointy top, often used as a tomb in ancient Egypt
• Pharaoh – A ruler or king of ancient Egypt
• Mummy – A body that has been wrapped and preserved
• Hieroglyphics – Picture writing used in ancient Egypt
• Galabeya – A long robe worn in Egypt
• Temple – A place built for worship or to honour gods
• Coral reef – An underwater area made of coral, home to many sea creatures
• Desert – A dry, sandy place with little rain
• Fava bean – A type of bean used in Egyptian cooking
• Snorkelling – Swimming near the surface of the water with a mask and tube

Comprehension questions

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