The most notable features of the Egyptian cobra are its large head and neck, as well as its broad beak. The eyes are larger than other snakes and have round pupils. The skinfolds on the neck can be as wide as 15-18 cm when inflated.

Egyptian cobras come in a variety of colors, from black or dark brown to pale yellow and white. Unlike non-venomous snakes, venomous snakes have relatively small fangs that cannot be folded. The body is very large, up to 1.2-2.5 meters long.