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Province · Nile Delta
Monufia
Monufia, the southern tip of the Delta between the Rosetta and Damietta branches: villages, canals and cotton fields an hour from Cairo.
In the photo: Omar Effendi canal and bridge, in Shebin el-Kom.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Monufia
Monufia occupies the southern point of the Nile Delta, in the triangle between the Rosetta and Damietta branches, just after the river splits. The capital is Shibin el-Kom, a trading and university town.
It is one of the most densely populated provinces of the Delta, with villages close to each other, irrigation canals and fields of cotton, wheat, maize and vegetables. Waterwheels, buffaloes in the canals and weekly markets are part of the rural landscape.
Menouf, the region’s former capital, gave the province its name. To the south, near the Nile’s division, the Al-Qanater al-Khayriya barrages, in neighboring Qalyubia, are the area’s best-known excursion.
Monufia receives few foreign visitors. It’s a way to see the agricultural Delta near Cairo on a car trip with a driver.
When to go
From October to April the days are mild for exploring the countryside. Summer is hot and humid. During the cotton harvest at the end of summer, the fields turn white.
Getting there
Shibin el-Kom is about 80 km from Cairo, served by buses and trains. Delta roads connect the province with Tanta and Banha.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Monufia
Where is Monufia?
At the southern point of the Nile Delta, between the Rosetta and Damietta branches, north of Cairo. The capital is Shibin el-Kom.
How do I get to Shibin el-Kom?
By bus or train from Cairo in about two hours. By car, it’s about 80 km.
What is there to see in Monufia?
The agricultural Delta landscape, with villages, canals and cotton fields, and the towns of Shibin el-Kom and Menouf. The Al-Qanater al-Khayriya barrages are nearby in neighboring Qalyubia.
Is Monufia worth a day trip from Cairo?
If you want to see the agricultural Delta, yes, by car with a driver. If you have limited time in Egypt, the sites in Cairo, Giza and Upper Egypt usually take priority.