It is no secret that rising prices this year have forced many Egyptians to trade their summer plans for an urban staycation. Nonetheless, as the weather cools down, the country’s gentle autumn could just be the ideal season for a budget-friendly road trip. Beach getaways might get all the hype – but Egypt’s landlocked governorates have just as much to offer for a fun-packed weekend. For those Cairenes seeking respite from the city, a day trip allows one to spare the expense of accommodation while still reaping the enjoyment of travel. Below are four beautiful spots awaiting exploration, all within two hours’ drive from the capital. Al Hamra Spring Lake in Beheira, ~100 kilometers northeast of Cairo Named for the red crustacean organisms that give the water its unusual tint, Al-Hamra Spring Lake is located in the Beheira governorate, at the edge of the Wadi El-Natrun desert, and offers some of its most mesmerizing natural sights. Transportation: Situated halfway between Cairo and Alexandria, the lake is just under one hour and thirty minutes’ drive from either city. There are also several public and private bus options available from Cairo to…
