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Marsa Matruh

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Africa : North Africa : Egypt : Lower Egypt : Marsa Matruh
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Marsa Matruth (Arabic مرسى مطروح) is a coastal town in the western part of Lower Egypt.

[edit] Understand

[edit] Get in

[edit] By bus

The West Delta Bus Station is the city's main transportation hub and is located on the town's main square. Buses plying the Marsa Matruh - Alexandria route leave three times daily at 7AM, 5PM and 10pm. Booking ahead is well advised.

The most convenient way to reach Marsa Matruh from Cairo is to catch the 7:30AM West Delta Bus from the city's Turgoman Bus Station to Marsa Matruh. This should arrive in time to make 1:30PM plans.

From Alexandria, the fastest route is take a West Delta Bus to Marsa Matruh.

[edit] By taxi

There is no official shared taxi service in Marsa Matruh, but sheruts leave from in front of Abdu's Restaurant (across from the Yousef Hotel) in the early evening. Confirming in advance is highly recommended. A conservative estimate of the price is around 20LE (but be prepared to pay more).

[edit] Get around

===Bicycle===
Umbrellas on the Marsa Matruh Waterfront
Umbrellas on the Marsa Matruh Waterfront

Bicycles are the best way to explore Marsa Matruh and surroundings, and Chinese gear-less models can be rented for 10LE per day (5LE half day). Before accepting a bike, however, check that it is sturdy, that the brakes are functioning well and that the handle bars are not cracked or bent. Note that driving on sand covered streets can be quite a challenge for inexperienced cyclists.

[edit] Donkey cart

Donkey cart drivers are mostly children who have learned the trade from very young. Prices for this mode of transport are negotiable, and run from around 3LE for a short trip within the downtown up to 30LE for longer journeys.

[edit][add listing] See

Marsa Matrouh Waterfront
Marsa Matrouh Waterfront

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Eat

  • Siwa Dates are the best in Egypt, and perhaps the whole world. Apart from regular dates, they are also sold stuffed with almonds and chocolate. Look for shops handling dates, and prices range from around 7 to 8 LE for a 500 gram box.
  • Stroll the beach and eat a large variety of vendor offerings.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

[edit] Mid-range

[edit] Splurge

[edit] Stay safe

As a very conservative and traditional town, Marsa Matruh is extremely safe. There is no risk of theft or physical violence as long as travelers behave according to expected norms, which in Marsa Matruh includes not communicating with local women as doing so is considered a rude and hostile act.

But foreign ladies should be careful if they want to sunbathe on the beach. The clifftops are home to an army base and the troops are known to watch the sunbathers and jerk themselves off. Many people have complained to the base seems to think that the foreign women deserve no better.

[edit] Respect

  • Women are not allowed to wear clothes that reveal the shoulders, breasts or legs.
  • Displays of affection in public are prohibited.
  • Alcohol cannot be consumed public.
  • Male travelers should avoid contact with local women.

[edit] Contact

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