Car & Van Hire - Sheikh Zayed

Sheikh Zayed City is a short distance from the Nile, which places you outside Egypt's bustling tourist hotspots without rendering them inaccessible. The city was built in the nineties to relieve Cairo's population density, making it the perfect way to experience Giza away from the crowds. It's a 15-kilometre drive from the Giza Plateau, so you'll have the opportunity to take in the scenery in comfort if you arrange a van hire in Sheikh Zayed City.

Most bucket lists include the Great Pyramids of Giza, so they have a rightful place at the top of every Sheikh Zayed City to-do schedule. The Great Sphinx of Giza, which was sculpted out of a single slab of limestone, is also a must-see.

You'd be forgiven for heading straight to The Great Pyramid of Khufu, but the area is peppered with other pyramids and tombs, so it's best to arrange an inclusive tour that covers the entire region. You needn't only experience it from ground level. A helicopter or balloon tour will give you an aerial view of the ancient world. After the sun sets, the legendary sound and light shows take over, so book a seat and experience the pyramids in an entirely new way.

Travelling has as much to do with culture as it does entertainment. You can absorb Giza's heritage at the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha (also known as the Alabaster Mosque) in the Citadel of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin) in Cairo. Here, marble columns rise into the air, and the twin minarets are the highest in Egypt. It's a spectacular site that hosts people from all walks of life. The architecture is best viewed at sunset when lights illuminate the columns. Don't forget to take in the view over the city from outside the mosque.

When you think of Egyptian cuisine, you might think of hummus, falafel, and shawarmas, but ful (or ful medames) is its most renowned dish. It's a unique fava bean stew with olive oil and cumin, sometimes flavoured with garlic, onion, lemon juice, herbs and other ingredients. You can try it at traditional restaurants in Sheikh Zayed City, and don't forget to wash it down with a refreshing cup of mint tea.

Don't make the mistake of thinking Sheikh Zayed is a conservative destination. It offers plenty of adrenaline-pumping sports, from skydiving and off-road biking to cycling and camel riding.

If you intend to arrange a van hire in Sheikh Zayed, you'll need to be at least 20 years old. The minimum age for driving is 18.

Sheikh Zayed City is bordered by the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road in the north and the 26 July Corridor in the south. If you're driving in from Cairo Airport, you'll encounter a toll gate for Alexandria Desert Road. Electronic payment is available, but it is a good idea to carry cash. There are no main highways running through the city itself. El-Nozha and El-Bostan roads take most of the traffic. Road closures plague Highway 75, causing severe traffic jams.

Once you're in the city, traffic congestion will ease. There are a few problematic areas around ZED Park and Mazar Mall, but if you avoid peak hours, you should have a pleasant driving experience. Giza, on the other hand, is congested throughout the year, so it's advisable to park outside the city and walk the rest of the way. There are car parks at the entrance to the pyramids, but they're usually full. If you don't have any luck with the roadside parking, you'll find several car parks to the east and west of the riverbank. Sheikh Zayed City offers affordable parking at the plazas and malls littered throughout District 7 and at ZED Park.

Giza's drunk driving blood alcohol level is lower than in many other countries, so stay away from those cocktails. Police also issue fines to drivers who don't have the necessary paperwork. First-aid kits are required, as are passenger seatbelts. Speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on motorways. The desert highway has a speed limit of 100 km/h.

You might notice plenty of hooting on Giza roads. Don't take it personally. Egyptian drivers use their horns to greet people. Sheikh Zayed is a friendly city, so if you're ever lost or need help with parking, simply ask the nearest attendant. Some car parks are managed by informal workers, so don't forget to tip.

Egyptian drivers are often erratic, hopping between lanes and entering highways via exit ramps. You'll need plenty of focus and defensive driving skills during peak hours. Stay aware of your surroundings and watch for vehicles travelling in the wrong direction. Driving in Giza can present a challenge, but Sheikh Zayed is quiet enough to deliver favourable road conditions.
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