Safaga: Egypt's Hidden Seaside Gem

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhara]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bi-khayr. wa-ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al-ingliziya?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awad an ara al-qaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل لحما
  [ana la aakol lahma]
• Cheers!في صحتك
  [fi sahtak]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfaa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-najda!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [itassal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt al-tariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [awad an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat attala]
• How much is it?بكم؟
  [bi-kam?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khaafid al-sa'ar?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam al-sa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [al-sa'ah al-wahida]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al-'ashirah wal-nisf]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd al-thuhr]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [ayn ...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-eanan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (ala al-kharita)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata yaati al-hafilat al-qadima?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkirat (ila ...)]

Safaga, known in ancient times as Myos Hormos, served as a crucial port during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. It was a key maritime link between Egypt and the Red Sea, facilitating trade with India and the Arabian Peninsula. Archaeological findings, including pottery and inscriptions, highlight its significance in ancient maritime commerce.

During the medieval period, Safaga was an important stop on the pilgrimage route to Mecca. The town provided essential services and supplies to pilgrims traveling by sea. The port also played a role in the spice trade, connecting the Mediterranean with the Arabian Peninsula and India.

Under Ottoman rule, Safaga continued to be a vital port. The Ottomans fortified the area to protect it from potential threats and to control the Red Sea trade routes. The remains of these fortifications offer a glimpse into the military strategies of the time.

In the 20th century, Safaga transformed from a small port town into a thriving tourist destination. The discovery of its pristine coral reefs and clear waters attracted divers and snorkelers. Modern infrastructure developments, including hotels and resorts, have made Safaga a popular spot for both leisure and adventure tourism.

Safaga is also known for its phosphate mining industry. The town's proximity to rich phosphate deposits has made it an important center for mining and export. The industry has significantly contributed to the local economy and provided employment opportunities for residents.

Safaga is accessible via Hurghada International Airport, located around 60 kilometers to the north. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange a private transfer to Safaga, which typically takes about an hour. There are also bus services available from major cities like Cairo and Luxor to Safaga. The journey by bus from Cairo takes around 6 to 7 hours.

Within Safaga, transportation options include taxis, minibuses, and rental cars. Taxis are the most convenient for short distances, while minibuses are a more budget-friendly option. If you plan to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car offers greater flexibility. Be sure to negotiate taxi fares in advance, as meters are not always used.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Safaga, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash for your needs before heading to more remote areas.

Safaga is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Safaga does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant. Be cautious in areas with limited lighting and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

In case of emergency, dial 122 for police assistance, 123 for medical emergencies, and 180 for fire services. The local hospital in Safaga can handle most medical issues, but for more serious conditions, you may need to be transferred to a larger facility in Hurghada. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Salam' (peace). A handshake is appropriate for men, but wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Safaga like a local, visit the local markets and try fresh seafood, a specialty of the area. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share their culture and stories. Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby Red Sea for diving and snorkeling, as the area is renowned for its vibrant marine life. For a unique experience, take a trip to the Eastern Desert and explore the ancient quarries and wadis.