Where to go swimming in Cairo: Sahel season is just around the corner, but not all of us are Sahel-bound, whether we’re trying to get away from the crowds or we’re spending Eid at home with our families. But with the hot weather here at full force, there’s little to do in Cairo during the day that will not leave you covered in sweat.

Which is why we’ve curated a guide of 10 different venues for swimming pools that you can make a day out of whether you’re looking to relax, hang out with friends or family, or train your swimming muscles in time for the summer.

OUR FAVORITE DAY-USE OPTIONS-

Hotels are an obvious go-to for anyone looking for day-use options: While a bit on thepricey side, the fee typically includes room access as well as passes to gyms or other wellness facilities. Not to mention that picking the right hotel could mean getting a gorgeous view while you swim. Just remember to make a reservation first.

For a beautiful view of the Nile, the Sofitel El Gezirah in Zamalek’s infinity pool is our top pick. Along with access to the pool, the hotel generously throws in a double room and entry passes to its gym. For EGP 1,277, you can use the pool on any day of the week from 10am to 7pm.

Prefer hitting the green?The Westin Golf Resort in New Cairo boasts a large pool overlooking the green expanse of their beautifully manicured golf courses. Spend as much time as you want from 10am to 6pm lounging in the pool or chilling in the accompanying room for USD 130, according to a representative.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE- Why not book yourself a treatment or two in their famous HeavenlySpa or play a round of golf?

If you miss the feeling of sand beneath your feet, the JW Marriott is just the place for you. Alongside a regular pool, they have a man-made “beach” that you can relax on during spring and summer and a fun little waterpark for your kids. You can pick between a double room or a poolside cabana big enough for two adults and two children for EGP 6500, and get access to all three of their water features as well as the gym, sauna, and jacuzzi from 12pm to 7pm.

SOMETHING TO KEEP IN MIND- It does get quite crowded on weekends and public holidays, so try to spare a day in the middle of the week if you prefer a smaller crowd.

THE COUNTRY CLUB LIFE-

If you’re looking for a long-term commitment, country clubs are the way to go. Luckily, you can literally and figuratively dip your toes in the water before diving head-first into a membership by paying for a day pass at these country clubs.

A fee so sweet you could eat it (literally): The Poolhouse at Uptown Cairo’s clubhouse offers one key competitive advantage: While day-use passess are usually purely transactional, the fee for this pool comes in the form of a delicious but mandatory meal at Odin Restaurant. This upscale restaurant’s menu has a bit of everything — from salads to pasta and steak.

The pool house also hosts DJs for parties every weekend, so if you’re looking for a place to get away from your kids or just let loose, this is the one.

One pool not enough? How about fifteen small, connected ones? You can take your pick of pools at the SakkaraCountry Club, a beloved family- and pet-friendly destination for those looking to kick back and relax in the sun. An EGP 400 fee during the week and EGP 450 during the weekend will give you access to the pools, showers, changing rooms, and even a set menu.

GET SOME ACTIVITIES IN-

For those looking for some playtime and lessons: Here are some places that can teach you (and your kids) to perfect your swimming skills and help you work on your fitness.

Fit4life covers all the basics of swimming, offering not only classes for adults and children, but for all levels of swimmers, from beginners to professional athletes. They also offer more personalized experiences through personal training.

Conquer your fear of water: But what really sets them apart from the rest of the centers we’ve seen is their treatment and rehabilitation of people with aquaphobia.

Once you’re a confident enough swimmer, you can even participate in their long distancetournament, which includes races for amateur swimmers. The academy is located at Tolip El Narges Hotel, Merryland International School in New Cairo, Guard Hotel in Heliopolis and Club S Eastown.

THE PRICE TAG- You can find a wide range of packages accommodating your level of commitment, from ten sessions for EGP 1.4k to 120 sessions for EGP 13k.

Alongside introductory classes, Aquatics Swimming Academy offers a wide range of water sports programs. While you can find adult classes and programs dedicated to beginners, intermediaries, and expert swimmers, another main focus seems to be teaching young swimmers and educating parents about the physical and mental health benefits swimming can have on their little ones. The academy is located at The International School of Elite Education in New Cairo, perfect for east-siders.

THE PRICE TAG- There are three different programs dedicated to each skill level: Aqua-Learn for beginners, Aqua-Team for intermediates, and Aquatics Master Team for advanced swimmers. You can book up to 16 sessions during their set schedule at a time for EGP 1.85k, or up to 250 sessions to fit your own schedule for EGP 18.5k. If you decide to go on a whim, you can attend a single class for EGP 200.

AUC lends its 50-meter swimming pool to the ONEflow Aquatics Swimming Academy, a German institution that has produced Olympic finalists and world-class athletes, to train both children and adults. The academy is open all week long on a set schedule (from 2pm to 9:30pm on weekdays, and from 11am to 9:30pm on weekends), and is also available to non-AUCians.

THE PRICE TAG- If you happen to have attended the university, you will be offered special rates, paying EGP 300 for yourself for the season and EGP 500 for family.

HYDROTHERAPY-

Whether you're rehabilitating from an injury or experiencing body aches and pains, there are a couple of hydrotherapy treatment providers that can help you strengthen your muscles — courtesy of the water resistance.

With seven locations around Cairo, Physio Cure is an accessible option if you’re looking to improve general mobility and cardiovascular health with hydrotherapy. The clinic has an impressive range of physical therapy treatments, and will recommend the best one for you depending on your needs. The price for the treatment also depends on the extent of your injury or pain issues, so consult with them on that once you’re there. You can find them in Heliopolis, New Cairo, Maadi, Nasr City, and Madinaty.

The Saudi German Hospital in Heliopolis also has a hydrotherapy pool for people with maladies from orthopedic and sports injuriesall the way to spine diseases and those needing neurological rehabilitation. As with Physio Cure, the price of the session depends on the treatment you’ll need, so consult with them at the hospital.

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