Kafr El‑Sheikh Governorate in northern Egypt is an under‑the‑radar destination rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Home to Burullus Lake, Egypt’s second-largest natural lake, and Fuwwah, a city recognised by UNESCO for its Islamic heritage, the region offers a diverse mix of relaxing coastal spots, ancient ruins, and vibrant local life. From island villages to centuries-old mosques and family-friendly parks, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.
In this guide, we explore the top things to do in Kafr El‑Sheikh—from nature reserves and historical sites to local food and hidden gems.
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Celebrities Born in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate
Besides Big Ramy, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate is the birthplace of many other Egyptian celebrities. Playing as a midfielder for the Premier League club Aston Villa and the Egyptian national team, the Egyptian professional footballer Mahmoud Trézéguet was born in Kafr El-Sheikh.
Another Egyptian celebrity who was born in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate is Saad Zaghloul. Zaghloul was a former Prime Minister, a statesman, and the legendary leader of the Egyptian Revolution 1919.
Where is Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt?
In the north of Egypt, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, also known as Kafr El-Shaikh, is situated along the western branch of the Nile River in the Nile Delta region of lower Egypt. The Mediterranean Sea bounds it to the north, the Rosetta or Rasheed Nile branch to the west, El-Gharbeya Governorate to the south, and El-Dakahlia Governorate to the east.
Weather in Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate has an arid climate, with winds from the Mediterranean Sea moderating the temperature. Summers are hot and humid; however, winters are mild and slightly wet. Although Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate has little rainfall, January and February have the most.
The hottest month in Kafr El-Sheikh is August, with an average temperature of 97°F (36°C). Nevertheless, the coldest months are January and February, with an average temperature fluctuating between 50°F (10°C) and 71°F (22°C). The best time to visit Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate is in February, March, June, and September.
What to Wear in Kafr El-Sheikh
If you travel to Kafr El-Sheikh in winter, bring pullovers, long-sleeved T-shirts, jeans, heavy pants, a coat, a light jacket, an umbrella, sunglasses, boots, and sports footwear.
If you travel in summer, pack cotton t-shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, sandals, light footwear, a beach towel, beachwear, sunscreen lotion, and sunglasses.
What are the Best Things to Do in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate?
Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate has many municipal divisions: Burullus, El-Hamool, El-Reyad, Biyala, Desouq, Fuwwah, Sakha, Metoubes, Qallin, Sisi Salem, and Kafr El-Sheikh. There are many things you can do in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, like swimming, fishing, shopping, delving into its history, and exploring its rich culture.
Enjoy the majestic natural beauty of Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate and its imposing historic places. Keep reading; we will provide you with the top things to do in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate.
1. Burullus City
In Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, start your journey from the historic city of Burullus. It contains Baltim town, Baltim resort, and Burj Al-Burullus. Take a tour of Burj Al-Burullus and watch the gleaming graffiti on its local houses. Do not forget also to visit the shipbuilding area in the city.
On the west side of Burullus City, explore the ancient original Burullus lighthouse built by Khedive Ismail. Using paraffin (Kerosine), the light illuminates a distance of up to 118 miles in the sea.
2. Burullus Lake
Burullus City has the second-largest natural lake in Egypt, Burullus Lake. It is one of the most important fishing areas in Egypt. Furthermore, the lake is home to around 135 plant species and different species of fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds.
In Winter, observe the migratory wild birds in Burullus Lake. If you are into fowling, the lake is a beautiful spot for amateur wild bird hunters. Another activity you can do on the shore is fishing.
On the coasts of this nature reserve, relax and enjoy the high dunes. You can also take a boat to the village of Al-Maqsaba, a fishermen’s village on the shore of the lake.
3. Al-Shakhloba Island
Situated in the middle of Burullus Lake, Al-Shakhloba Island is one of the astonishing places you must see in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. Take a boat to Al-Shakhloba Island and enjoy the magnificent views. On its shore, relax and have a delicious lunch. The lunch will be on the ship if it is a tidal day.
Take a tour of Al-Shakhlouba Island and learn about fish auctions and other lake islands. You will also learn about the places where the locals make nets and boats for fishing.
4. Baltim Resort
Overlooking Burullus Lake, Baltim is a beautiful summer resort on the Mediterranean coast. It is where Big Ramy was born. This resort has seven beaches where you can relax on the sand, swim in the sea, or stroll along the beach.
Baltim is known for its farms of figs, watermelons, and black grapes. Experience a special taste of these fruits because they are irrigated by rainfall. In this astonishing resort, appreciate the impressive views of the daffodil hills along with palm trees.
Baltim is also famous for its fresh, diverse species of fish. So enjoy eating your favourite species at an affordable price. Additionally, it explores the remains of the Ptolemaic period, the remains of Ahmed Orabi, and the battles of the Egyptian troops.
5. Baltim Aquarium and Museum
If you want to learn more about marine life, head to Baltim Aquarium and Museum. It has four main halls: the museum, the aquarium, the lecture hall, and the laboratory of plankton. In the museum, you can see fossils of whales, crocodiles, and other sea creatures.
In the aquarium, explore a number of endangered sea creatures and unique creatures that live in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Among the diverse collection of sea creatures that you will see are the fantail fish, the eel, the swordtail fish, and the catfish.
6. Sana’a Gardens
Located in the Kafr El-Sheikh administrative region, going to Sana’a Gardens for recreational activities is one of the most entertaining things to do with your family in the Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. It is covered in lush vegetation. Relax and enjoy the views of the greenery, fountain, and waterfalls.
Sana’a Gardens has a 3D cinema for all ages, a cinema for kids with video games, and a modern theatre. Your kids will have fun in the amusement park there. Swimming in its pool is one of the exciting activities you can do there. If you feel hungry, order your meal from one of its unique restaurants.
The gardens host the annual international book fair. They also contain Kafr El-Sheikh Zoo, where you will enjoy watching a wide range of animals with your kids, including wild animals, pets, endangered birds, and beautiful gazelles. Near the gardens, a museum houses several monuments and antiquities.
7. Kafr El-Sheikh Museum
Also located in Sana’a Gardens on the Nile Delta, the Kafr El-Sheikh Museum is among the best things to do in the Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. Since Buto, currently known as Tel El-Faraeen, and Sakha were once the Capital cities of ancient Egypt, the museum focuses on the cultural heritage of Kafr El-Sheikh and the nearby governorates.
In Kafr El-Sheikh Museum, three main exhibition halls display antiquities, artefacts, and excavations discovered in Lower Egypt, especially in Tel El-Faraeen. You can also explore the history of science, including medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine, in ancient Egypt.
The museum contains monuments and artefacts dating back to the ancient Egyptian, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras. It has a unique woven fabric that embodies the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt. It also includes statues of some Pharaonic dynasties, a wooden coffin, and a collection of funerary masks illustrating ancient Egyptian funeral rites until the Roman era.
8. King Fouad Palace
Additionally, visiting King Fouad Palace is among the best things to do in Kafr El-Sheikh. King Fouad I built a palace on El Geish Street in Kafr El-Sheikh and named it Al-Fouadiya after his name. It is one of Egypt’s most ancient archaeological places, with an excellent red and beige facade. This two-storey palace has a European architectural style, especially Italian and French.
9. Qanater Edfina
Connecting Kafr El-Sheikh and El-Beheira Governorates, Qanater Edfina was built across the Rasheed Nile branch. On its left side, there are five beautiful parks. On the other side, there are two botanical gardens with endangered plants and flowers, green spaces, fountains, and fruit trees.
10. Fuwwah
Visiting Fuwwah is one of the best things to do in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. It is the third heritage city in Egypt after Cairo and Rasheed. UNESCO declared Fuwwah a World Heritage Site, full of historic commercial buildings and archaeological sites. Known for its rich Islamic heritage, Fuwwah is called the “City of Mosques” worldwide as it has 365 archaeological mosques and 26 Islamic monuments.
11. Fez Factory
In Fuwwah, find the remnants of the Fez Factory. You will learn about the stages of manufacturing Tarboush or Effendi’s crowns during the Mohammed Ali Pasha era.
12. Kleem Factories and Handmade Carpets Workshops
There are also several Kleem factories in Fuwwah. Kleem is an Egyptian Joplin that varies in its manufacture on usual Noels. Explore the stages of Kleem manufacturing and how handmade carpets have been made for over 80 years. Before you leave, do not forget to purchase handmade souvenir carpets to take home with you.
13. Corniche Fuwwah
On the east bank of the Rasheed Nile branch, Fuwwah is also known for its wonderful corniche. Stroll along the corniche and enjoy the beautiful views of the Nile’s blue water and the lined green trees. Also, take a boat tour of the Nile and take photos of these breathtaking views.
14. Robaa Al-Khatayba
East of Fuwwah, Robaa Al-Khatayba is located near the Rasheed Nile branch. With the impressive facades, exploring this three-floor iconic building is one of the best things to do in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. Built with wood and bricks, it was an ancient archaeological hotel for the merchants coming to Fuwwah in the 19th century. Its ground floor was used as a stable.
15. Wekalet Hassan Magor
Behind Robaa Al-Khatayba is Wekalet Hassan Magor, the second wekala left in the Delta region. The first wekala is Wekalet Sultan Al-Fwry in El-Mahalla El-Kubra. Wekalet Hassan Magor was a place for commercial transactions in the past in Kafr El-Sheikh.
You will see the old shopping district in Fuwwah, Kafr El-Sheikh, when you go there. Additionally, you will see ancient factories and workshops for weaving and manufacturing handmade carpets.
16. El-Qena’y Mosque
El-Qena’y Mosque is the biggest mosque in Fuwwah, built on the Nile bank. It has the tallest minaret in the central Nile Delta region. Designed in the Islamic style, this hanging mosque has pillars decorated with Pharaonic and Roman decorations and ornaments.
17. Abu El-Makarem Mosque
Another famous Fuwwah mosque built on the Nile bank is Abu El-Makarem Mosque. With its Islamic architectural style, this mosque was built during the era of the Bahri Mamluk sultanate, Al-Nasir Muhammad bin Qalawun. The mosque was renovated in the Ottoman period.
18. Sakha
Sakha is a historic city where the Holy Family passed through to reach Samanoud. Its houses are archaeological with a unique style. Palm trees and green spaces surround them. You can also explore Tel Sakha or Sakha Hills, which has wondrous Pharanoic Granite statues.
19. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
In Sakha, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Sakha Church, is one of the most ancient churches in Egypt. With its unique architectural design, the church has several 19th-century artefacts, remnants of archaeological pillars, and some critical manuscripts. Jesus Christ’s footprint was marked on a rock when he was a child, which is now displayed in the Church.
20. The Holy Family Route
Leading to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, there is a street called the Holy Family Route. Enjoy walking through this embellished street. This street is illuminated between the University of Kafr El-Sheikh and the station, and its sidewalks are paved. Additionally, palm trees are planted along its sidewalks.
21. Hill of the Pharaohs (Tel El-Faraeen)
Hill of the Pharaohs or Tel El-Faraeen, previously known as Buto, is one of the most critical cities in Kafr El-Sheikh. Visit the Temple of Pharaohs and explore the Greco-Roman artefacts and monuments.
22. Family and Children Park
Heading to the Family and Children Park on the Rasheed Nile Bank in Desouq is one of the best things to do with kids in Kafr El-Sheikh. A zoo in the park has 20 species of animals and birds, including peacocks, pelicans, owls, flamingos, deer, Sudanese turtles, and different species of monkeys.
Your children will also enjoy playing in the kids’ area and the amusement park. An activity you can do there with your kids is taking a boat on the Nile and enjoying this wonderful trip. Relax, grab a sandwich, and drink a cup of coffee with your family in the family area.
The Most Famous Food in Kafr El-Sheikh
Called the Home of Agriculture, Kafr El-Sheikh has fertile land that produces many goods in large amounts, especially rice. It also produces over 40 % of the seafood in Egypt. That is why Kafr El-Sheikh’s popular food is seafood and rice.
Must-Try Restaurants in Kafr El-Sheikh
To relax and watch the magnificent sunset, the Rove Sky Lounge restaurant in the Engineers Syndicate Building is your perfect choice. With stunning panoramic views of Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, enjoy a Sky Lounge coffee with your family or friends. Then, dine with glamorous stars above your head.
Try several of the Mediterranean’s best seafood in El Hamady restaurant on Mahmoud El-Maghraby Street. Also, experience the seafood pasta at La Dolce Vita restaurant opposite Kafr El-Sheikh University.
On El-Masnaa Street, there are also many restaurants and cafés where you can experience the local cuisine. Head to Napoli café and experience their tasty meals and desserts.
Trying Bellissimo Coffee is one of the best things to do in Kafr El-Sheikh. Like Napoli café, it is another café on El-Masnaa Street. Drink one of their fantastic cups of coffee and eat a delicious piece of dessert of your choice. You will soak up their coffee and forget about all your troubles!
To eat Chinese food, visit the Chinatown restaurant on the same street.
How to Reach Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate in Egypt
To reach Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, take a plane to the Cairo International Airport. Then, you can travel from Cairo to Kafr El-Sheikh by train, air-conditioned bus, car, or taxi in around two hours and 30 minutes. The distance from Cairo to Kafr El-Sheikh is approximately 134 km. If you come from Tanta, reaching Kafr El-Sheikh takes around 53 minutes by bus, mini-bus, car, taxi, or train.
Hotels in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate
Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate does not have many hotels. However, here are the best hotels you can stay in during your vacation in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate.
1. Marina Hotel
In the heart of the bustling city, the Marina Hotel is near the Kafr El-Sheikh Museum in Sana’a Gardens. Overlooking a pool, it has air-conditioned single and double rooms at affordable prices.
Your kids can have fun in their kids’ area. There is also a restaurant in the hotel. If you need anything at any time, the hotel offers 24/7 room service.
2. Cleopatra Hotel
Another hotel in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate is the Cleopatra Hotel. It is located in Al-Corniche, Burj Al-Burullus, in Burullus City. If you want a wonderful vacation in Baltim, the Cleopatra Hotel is one of the best hotels.
3. Dahab Hotel
ِAnother hotel in Burullus City is Dahab Hotel. It is located in Al-Corniche, Al Bananin.
4. El-Narges Hotel
El-Narges Hotel is the cheapest hotel in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. It is located Downtown on the street that leads to El-Mahalla El-Kubra. The hotel has fantastic views, spacious rooms, and a restaurant. It offers free parking, breakfast in bed, and 24/7 room service. The hotel staff is friendly.
5. Shaikh Hotel
Among the hotels in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate is the Shaikh Hotel. It is also known as Al-Funduqia or Kafr El-Sheikh Hotel. The hotel is located in El-Shaikh Abdu Allah Street in Kafr El-Sheikh.
There are many things to do in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. It is a fantastic place with many attractions where you can spend a wonderful vacation. Now, tell us which destination in Kafr El-Sheikh you would visit first. Share your Kafr El‑Sheikh tips in the comments
Enjoy your stay in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate! While considering Egypt, why not consider checking out some of these other articles on the country: Things to do in Egypt | Egyptian Monuments | Popular Egyptian Destinations | Siwa Oasis – Egyptian Desert | Dahab – Egypt
FAQs
1. Where is Kafr El‑Sheikh in Egypt?
Kafr El‑Sheikh sits in the Nile Delta about 134 km north of Cairo. It’s bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Rosetta Nile branch to the west and Dakahlia Governorate to the east; the capital city shares the same name.
2. How do I get from Cairo to Kafr El‑Sheikh?
Drive or take an air‑conditioned bus—both cover the 134 km in roughly 2 ½–3 hours. Trains run via Tanta with one easy change, and private taxis or transfers are available for door‑to‑door convenience.
3. What is the best month to visit?
Aim for February–April or September–November when daytime highs hover around 20‑28 °C and humidity is low—ideal for lake tours, coastal walks and sightseeing. Peak summer (July–August) is hot and sticky.
4. Is Kafr El‑Sheikh safe for tourists?
Yes. The governorate is generally quiet with low crime; visitors rarely face issues. Stick to usual traveller precautions, keep valuables secure and monitor official travel advice for any updates.
