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On the tip of Northern Africa lies a mystical land. Egypt, a gateway to the continent of Africa has drawn travelers for centuries. Its temples of myth and legend have intrigued explorers and its famous pyramids have baffled even the most educated of minds.

Time stands still in this country. People dress traditionally and as you walk the streets you can hear the call to prayer being played over loud speakers throughout the city. Horse carts weave through busy traffic and fruit stands line the streets. The city is alive with energy and you can almost feel the ancient Pharaohs presence in every corner. Nowhere is this more prominent than a visit to the greatest temples on earth.

It is impossible to understand how the Pyramids of Giza have survived over 4000 years. The desert, looters and all of the elements that Mother Nature can throw at them will not destroy these ancient structures. To see these giants standing proud over the land, you wonder in awe how they could have possibly be built by human hands. Take a camel to see the grounds and imagine that you are an ancient Pharaoh coming across these great monuments for the first time. What would it have felt like then?

Valley of the Kings is another popular place to visit on the tourist route is The Valley of the Kings. Located just outside of Luxor. The Valley of the Kings is a giant valley in the desert containing 63 tombs and chambers of Kings and noblemen; the most famous being King Tut.

Make sure to conceal your camera, as it will be confiscated at the gate. Many people manage to smuggle their cameras into the grounds anyway, just be respectful of not taking photos inside the tombs. They will be taken away for sure as there are guards watching everything.

King Tuts tomb may be the most famous but it is hardly the most impressive. There are only a limited number of tombs open and one time and some of the other tombs are far more interesting of a visit. Rameses IV and Merneptah are two that are interesting. Mernaptah is located in a deep chamber and the walk down and up is steep. Rameses is large and very well preserved. Bright paintings on the walls depict scenes from various scriptures.

The large size and bright colours make you feel comfortable and the fact the they don't contain any sarcophagi anymore keeps it from becoming and eerie experience. You also won't find any jewels or hidden treasures here, they have been either looted or excavated. If you want to see most of Egypt's treasures, you will find them at the Antiquities Museum in Cairo.

Don't miss visiting the Hatshepsut's Temple nearby. Another must see destination in Egypt, it is a temple made for one of Egypt's most successful Pharaohs. What is so interesting about this temple is that it was made for a female king. It is amazing to see that Egypt was ruled by a woman for 21 years, in 1479 BC!

It is one of the most successful temples blending harmoniously with the land. Built into the side of an imposing cliff, it is thought to be one of the most dramatic temples on earth. Massive and intricate it is a sight not to be missed.

It was here that a massacre occurred in 1997 killing 60 tourists. Over a decade later, peace has been restored and tourism is back to normal. However you will see many armed guards around grounds

Back in the town of Luxor you can find a great temple within footsteps of your hotel. Located in the heart of the city it is an impressive monument. Make sure to visit it at night for awesome photo opportunities as they are lit up for viewing. There are many shops and restaurants located across the street from the temple all with great views of the square out front where children play football.

Located almost at the border of the Sudan stands the last great ruin of Egypt, Abu Simbel. Luckily it was saved from being submerged under water in the 1960's due to a great undertaking of relocating it piece by piece. When the Aswan Dam was constructed it flooded the entire area and everything in its way. The government of Egypt would not let one of its national treasures be lost, so it was moved to higher ground.

Ramses is an imposing sight. Standing 20-metres high, four statues of Rameses II sit side by side. They stand guard over Lake Nasser and it is truly and impressive sight. You can see these by taking a tour from Luxor which is recommended since it is a 280km trip or if you plan on going to the Sudan, there is a great view from the ferry heading to Wadi Halfa.

Egypt is a destination that everyone must make time to visit. It is one of the most ancient locations on earth. Filled with grand temples and monuments, blessed with the Nile River and alive with energy and excitement it has something for every explorer to see.