The "No Photographs" signs everywhere do not indicate that you can't take photos, only that the guards need 5 or 10 pounds to take them.
I have some fantastic photos from the Cairo Museum King Tut exhibit. The guard sent everyone out and gave me 5 minutes to photograph what I wanted.
I lived there for approximately a year and shot about 2500 photos (pre-digital), remember that the average monthly income is approximatly 200 pounds so tip accordingly. Not too much or you will increase the cost for the locals, but not too little.
And bargain.
Oh these are Egyptial Pounds not GBP.
And expect the heat, it got to 54 degrees Celsius in Aswan one day. Also wear long sleeved shirts and long pants at all times out of respect, same with your wife. Buy some light cotton clothes when you are there, the quality is excellent and they are dirt cheap.
And a wide brimmed hat.
As for a lens I would take a 10-20 or 12-24mm and a long lens.
Last edited by omega leader; 03-13-2009 at 10:57 AM.
Reason: Added advise about a hat.