Why So Many Black Americans Are Traveling to Egypt Right Now
Egypt has become one of the most meaningful destinations in Black travel. Here's what's driving the movement.
Open any Black travel community online and Egypt is everywhere. It has become one of the defining heritage destinations for Black American travelers, and the movement is only growing. Here's what's behind it.
Reconnecting with Africa
At its heart, this is about connection. Egypt sits on the African continent, and ancient Egypt was an African civilization. For many Black travelers, standing among its wonders is a homecoming, a way of reconnecting with a heritage and a history that was too often left out of the story they were taught.
Reclaiming a fuller history
There's pride in seeing, first-hand, the brilliance of an ancient African society, and in learning the truths that aren't in most textbooks: the Black pharaohs who ruled Egypt, the kingdom of Nubia, the warrior queens of Kush. It reframes history in an affirming way. See our pieces on the Black pharaohs and Kemet.
The power of community
A huge part of the movement is doing it together. Sorority lines, church families, friend crews and alumni groups are turning Egypt into a shared celebration. The joy, the photos and the bonding are as much a part of the trip as the monuments. The Black travel movement has made group travel to the Motherland aspirational and accessible.
Social media and visibility
Seeing other Black travelers thrive in Egypt, in stunning photos and videos, has inspired countless others to go. Visibility builds momentum, and Egypt has become a rite of passage you see celebrated again and again.
How we fit in
We've had the honor of hosting many of these journeys, and our guides intentionally weave in the connections between ancient Egypt, Nubia and African American history. If you've felt the pull, you're in good company. Read our guide to African American tours to Egypt or browse our heritage group journey.