Convoy stopped for checks

Terrorism ? 
An important issue, indeed, in a country where dramatic events occurred such as, in 1997, the attack at the Hatshepsout temple, on Luxor west bank. What you need to know is that, since this attack, the Egyptian government took a number of important actions. Tourist policemen and even soldiers are on sentry-duty at each tourist visited site and sometimes far beyond (the Theban mountain is under surveillance 24 hours a day from posts located all along the ridge). Generally, Egyptians are not allowed at historic sites except well identified groups (classes or professional travels). These protective provisions may become clumsy; for example, do not try to drive outside the Luxor district: you would be stopped at the check point and, anyway, your driver would refuse to take you (we do not recommend renting cars, see local travelling). Should you wish to go North, to visit Dendera or Abydos temples, or South, to visit Esna, Edfou, Kom Ombo or Assuan, or East, to the Red Sea, you will have to go with the convoy, escorted by the police, that is organised for each of these directions. Your driver will give you all the information and pick you up in due time.

Here, as anywhere else, zero risk does not exist but staying in Luxor is not more hazardous than travelling underground in any western city or getting a plane in any airport.

Traffic hazards
In our opinion, this is a significant hazard. Egypt is not Europe or North America. Pedestrians are not that important. Besides being very careful when attempting to cross a road, beware of:
- horse cars which can run on your feet as on the road: a horse car wheel can terribly hurt a nearly bare foot and you could end up in hospital
- street conditions, with varied levels and holes due to poor maintenance;
- footpaths that are particularly high;
- getting in and out motor boats as footbridges are often casually made (they hardly ever deserve this name) and are not always stabilized.