Ramadan is a time for reflection, community, and — ironically — eating.Once a year, the streets of Cairo are overtaken by pop-up suhoor tents, food trucks, and people lining up to try the latest kunafa innovations (or abominations, if you’re a dessert puritan). While it doesn’t seem like there’s much else to do, we’re here to tell you that there is. We’ve searched far and wide for fun events and activities around Cairo that don’t focus on food in case you want to switch it up this year.

FOR THE WANDERERS-

If you’re into adventure and spontaneity, the routine of Ramadan must leave you feeling restless. We’ve got you covered. Instead of the month being one big 3ezooma blur, here are some activities that can provide a much-needed breath of fresh air throughout the month.

Qahrawya’s year-round walking tours focus on Cairo’s outstanding art scene, and they’re bringing their “iftour” back this Ramadan. A guided 4.5-hour tour of Downtown Cairo and Zamalek on 12 April will explore vibrant music, arts, and dance scenes that you may not have been privy to before.Book your spotwith Qahrawya before 8 April if you want to connect to the creative communities that foster many writers, artists, musicians, and performers.

Fancy a Ramadan safari? Check out Yalla Safari’s Ramadan night in the Valley of the Whales. The trip includes a bedouin iftar and a traditional Egyptian suhoor, as well as a visit to the area’s museum. The EGP 850 price tag covers transportation, meals, accommodation, and permits. Block out the weekend of 31 March for the chance to fall asleep under a starry sky away from the hustle and bustle of Cairo.

If you want the desert experience but also want to sleep in your own bed at the end of the day, Vamos has got your back. After a leisurely hike at Wadi Degla at 3pm, you’ll get to have iftar with an amazing view of the canyon and end the night with a tea prepared over embers and dessert in the form of roasted marshmallows. The trip will take place on 1 April at the budget-friendly cost of EGP 300.

FOR ATHLETES-

Whether you’re a year-round athlete or are just trying to outrun the Ramadan sweets, there are plenty of folks organizing events to keep you going. (Some of us will be cheering for you … from the couch.)

Check out PowerRide’s Ramadan indoor cycling league in the People’s Democratic Republic of Maadi, featuring a shot at being crowned king or queen of the league as you earn points for each race you join. Races take place every Thursday in Ramadan starting 30 March, running from 9pm until 11pm CLT at PowerRide. Sign up here

The only thing better than being all sweaty and out of breath is being sweaty and out of breath as a team.The TriFactory agrees. You can head to Palm Hills Club on 5 April for this year’s Ramadan Relay Run. Perhaps the only thing more challenging than the actual race is convincing friends and / or family members to participate, since this is a team running challenge. Don’t forget to sign up beforehand.

If you like something a little less strenuous, yogi Irina Zimina is instructing yoga as it was intended to be practiced — on an empty stomach. Yoga combined with fasting apparently eases your fast and promotes long-term health benefits, Zimina says. A total of seven sessions for all levels will be held at TD Athletics Garden in New Cairo every Sunday and Tuesday from 4:00pm to 5:30pm starting 28 March. While the program, priced at EGP 2100, is non-refundable, you can pass your remaining classes to a friend if you decide to drop out.

Want a long-term fitness commitment?Stamina may have the answer with their 24-dayRamadan challenge starting 24 April. You’ll be expected to show up at their Heliopolis location every single day at 4:30pm for intensive training. They’ll also be providing you with your own personalized shirt, a customized nutrition plan, and will be rewarding the top performers with giveaways at the end of the month.

FOR THE ACADEMICS-

Looking to expand your intellectual horizons and exercise your brain instead? Or just learn about a bunch of cool stuff? Here are some interesting talks taking place at AUC’s Tahrir Campus this month. And the best part? They’re all provided without charge and are open to the public.

If you’ve ever wondered where our popular expressions and idioms come from, ‘Ala Ra’y Al Mathal, a deep-dive into Egypt’s rich oral history that will run on 3 April from 8pm to 10pm. Another really interesting (and pertinent) talk is Musalsalat: Now and Then, happening on 10 April. More than just a discussion of how TV shows have changed throughout Egypt’s media history, AUC plans to hit you with a healthy dose of nostalgia with live performances of the most popular show intros. Check out AUC Connect for all of their scheduled Ramadan events.

FOR THE KIDS-

Do kids do anything during Ramadan besides fast for half a day? No, we’re not jealous at all, why do you ask? Okay, maybe a little. And the fun activities we’ve found for them definitely aren’t helping.

Fawanees Ramadan carry a wealth of Egyptian history and culture, and thanks to TechAdemics, your children can immerse themselves in that tradition. The STEM education academy is offering a novel workshop on 30 March that allows kids to build their own Ramadan lantern. The event is scheduled from 8pm to 12am, but that includes a movie night for your little ones, as well as a special suhoor.

FOR THE GIVERS-

Monetary donation is a great way to give back, but you could choose to be generous with your time this year by volunteering at organizations actively trying to help Egyptian families and communities. Popular institutions such as Misr El Kheir, the Egyptian Food Bank, and Resala always welcome volunteers. If you want to spread the Ramadan spirit, pay a visit to the children at 57357 and bring toys, books, or any simple gift to put a smile on their faces. Resala also organizes weekly meetups to feed strays in different areas.

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