djet Loc: Burbank, CA

Some of the places you will visit will require a photo permit and the guards will enforce it. Your guide should take care of purchasing the inexpensive permit for that location.

Robg

You are going to have a fabulous trip.

Be ready for sand storms, even mild winds not classified as "storms". The blowing sands that whipped up around me without warning disabled the zoom on my lens when we were in Giza at the start of our trip. Luckily the disabling wasn't total and I was able to cope for the rest of the trip. But upon my return I replaced the camera with one that claims to have dust and water protection built in.

Ratelliott

I did Egypt, Israel, and Jordan last Nov. My 24-105 was all I needed. As a women, the lack of toilet paper, or attendants selling toilet paper was a surprise. A small pack of tissues is a necessity.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

When I went there in 1983 I only had a 35mm film camera with a 35mm lens. Still able to d\take great slid pics.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I never leave home without the 100-400mm MII.
You will use it a lot, if not most of the time.

11bravo

Did Egypt in 1977 independently, coming from Khartoum via train to Wadi Halfa then boat across Lake Nasser. Then various methods (train, bus, taxi, donkey cart) to Cairo. SLR with 50mm, 28mm, 35-70zoom, 70-210zoom. Used Blue Guide Egypt for DETAILED info of what was what (no hotels, no restaurants, just site guides).
Cairo: Egyptian museum, Cairo citadel - there is one view from a buttress over a steep drop and the city that is incredible. Pyramids.
Luxor/Karnak: anywhere and all sights. Never used flash in tombs. A number of the entrance gates could be climbed for a view from the top.
Abu Simbel: took a day flight back from Luxor. WORTH it.
Any temple along the Nile: worth it to me.

Did Jordan in 80 independently: Petra, Kerak, Jerash. Worth it to hike back to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra for a night shot if the moon is full (I saw it then while trying to keep up with a Bedouin on a horse. He had found me sleeping in the Siq when it got too dark and I was unsure of my way to the valley so stopped off trail. He invited me back to stay with his family inside the valley). Unknown to me at the time but believe there is a trail to the top of the Monastery (Ad-Dier). Any and all tombs in the valley.

Learn how to greet: salaam alaikum
acknowledge greeting: alaikum salaam
How are you: Kaif Halak
Fine: kuwayes
Thank you: Shokran
You're Welcome: Aafwan
Bye: Masalama

Inshallah (if God wills it)
hamdulillah: praise be to God (nice to add after Kuwayes), or say after you've eaten and been asked if you want more.

Maafi Mushkila: no problem (or Mushkila, mushkila - when you have a problem)

No: La
Yallah: Let's go, but very useful for "get away from me" when pestered by vendors. Just say it forcefully.

Lived and worked in the Middle East for 8+ years, these served me well.

OleMe Loc: Montgomery Co., MD

IF a side trip to Abul Simbel, don't pass it up. Read about it:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Simbel?wprov=sfla1

mikee

Was scheduled for this cruise last March when travel bans kicked in. I didn't know viking was back up and running. Best of luck.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Been Jordan once, Egypt twice, 2019 with cruise, going back in 2021. Leave the long len(s) and tripod at home. Need wide-angle for some temples & tombs, fast lens inside them. You will be walking right up to sights. Amazing places. Been to 52 countries, rank Egypt in top 5, friendly people and kids. Jordan was much less friendly but beautiful to see. Per warning anyone that wants to pose, help you with photo suggestions, etc. looking for a tip. I always carry small local denomination currency and extra $1 bills. Pay thousands for my trips, couple thousand of equipment, a good picture is not worth a dollar?

11bravo

For souvenirs, I'll carry 10 $2 bills as they're not usually seen. They can make a nice momento for someone. Also a couple of dollar coins - I have bumped into a few coin collectors. For bills, best if they're as pristine as possible.

tienws

Beside the extra ticket for the camera, you may also need to pay extra ticket for the tripod or monopod, if allowed.
I was in Egypt and Jordan twice in the last 4 years, brought with me the Nikon D800 and the versatile 28-300. So I am ready for the shoot anytime as the tour moves fast, and no change in lens (windy, dusty and sweaty). Mostly in the 28-100 focal length, but some nice 200-300 for far away detail and background compression. If I need more than 28mm, then I shoot pano hand held.
If you have a GoPro or similar, great to bring along for camel ride and river cruise action.
Enjoy.

knutte

My grandfather went there with just a rangefinder camera, his B&W images were amazing, so sharp, probably what got me interested in travelling. He didn't have ANY probelms with pesky vendors though. This was in 1927 though, maybe that had something to do with it?

Judy795

I was there in 2018. Almost all of my shots were with Nikon D750 and 24-70 f/2.8. I would love to return. I loved Jordan, thought the food and people were terrific.

Glenn Reiner Loc: Sacramento CA

I’ve done the same trip and my best advice is travel LIGHT!!

Glenn Reiner Loc: Sacramento CA

I agree with the latter. All the fancy equipment means nothing. Leave all tripods at home, fact you might be better off using a newer point/shoot. Enjoy the history and artifacts. The native vendors are merciless.