Car & Van Hire - Sharm El Sheikh

On the shores of the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh is a wonderful resort town with plenty to keep all kinds of visitors busy. For many travellers, the main attraction is underwater. The Red Sea has great temperatures all year round and some of the best diving in the world. You'll see stunning coral reefs packed with colourful sea creatures, including massive schools of fish, turtles, manta rays, and even menacing-looking sharks! You'll also find some shipwrecks to explore, including the 1876 wreck of the Dunraven. This is a great spot for scuba diving or, if you prefer to stay closer to the surface, snorkelling.

Sharm El Sheikh is ideally located where the desert meets the sea. Out in the South Sinai Desert, you can visit one of the holiest sites for the Abrahamic religions, Mount Sinai. This is said to be where God handed the ten commandments to Moses. Regardless of your religious beliefs, you'll be swept away by the sheer beauty of this rugged, rocky mountain rising out of the windswept desert. Use car hire in Sharm El Sheikh to get close to the mountain, then hike up at sunrise for some stunning, once-in-a-lifetime views.

While you're near Mount Sinai, you should also pay a visit to the nearby St Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world. Inside, you can see ancient religious texts and a bush that some claim is a direct descendant of Moses' Burning Bush.

Sharm El Sheikh has stunning beaches and literally dozens of dive sites, but visitors shouldn't neglect the city, either. This is a vibrant, bustling city with a great traditional market. You can pick up some excellent bargains here - don't be afraid to haggle! You can also see the stunning Al Mustafa Mosque. Although only completed in 2008, this has already become a major icon of the city, with its towering, delicate minarets and stepping-stone domes. Remember that if you want to go inside, you will need to dress appropriately. That means women will have to cover their hair, and everyone should cover their shoulders and knees.

Of course, visitors to Egypt usually have one thing on their mind. The good news is that car or van hire in Sharm El Sheikh makes it possible to head to the Great Pyramids of Giza. This is an epic road trip, and it's best to plan a couple of days in the Valley of the Kings. The famous pyramids need no introduction and should be high on every keen traveller's bucket list.

Traffic in Sharm El Sheikh is at its worst at the weekends and during peak tourist season. It's best to avoid driving in the city during rush hour. You can often find an alternative route to get to your destination, but you'll need to keep a cool head. Egyptian roads often get gridlocked during rush hour, and the chorus of honks can drive anyone to distraction. Always stay calm.

Watch out for buses on Egyptian roads. You might be surprised by how recklessly bus drivers in this country behave. At times, it seems like they believe the biggest vehicle should have the right of way. Again, stay calm and drive carefully.

Parking in any Egyptian city can be an adventure, and Sharm El Sheikh is no exception. You may be surprised by the total lack of parking signs. Locals will park anywhere they like, often just leaving the handbrake off so that other people can push the car out of the way if it's bothering them. Don't be tempted to join in! You'll often find helpful locals who will point out a good parking space for you in exchange for a tip. These tips are small by Western standards, and many visitors decide it's worth paying for the convenience.

Petrol stations in Egypt are open 24 hours a day. They usually accept cards, but in some remote areas, this may not be the case. It's always worth carrying cash to be on the safe side. In general, you'll often need cash to pay in shops and restaurants, so ensure you always have some.

When driving between cities, you'll need to prepare for poor-quality roads. Egypt's roads are often badly maintained. Expect potholes, poor lighting and a lack of signs. Carry a paper copy of the maps that you need, as you may lose your phone signal while out in the Egyptian wilderness. The desert has its own particular hazards. In the event of a sandstorm, pull over and wait until you have enough visibility to continue. Camels, donkeys and goats are also all common sights on rural Egyptian roads. You'll need to be patient with these animals, waiting for them to pass.

Police and military checkpoints are common, particularly when you are driving between cities. Don't panic - they are totally normal here. Be prepared to show the officers your paperwork if required.