Similarly the earth's orbit around the sun is elliptical. When the earth and moon are at their closest to the sun they will receive more light. So at this time the moon will appear brighter from the earth. See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/what-is-a-supermoon-and-when-can-i-see-the-largest-moon-in-70-ye/ for more information.
There are other, much more minor, factors that result in this Full Moon being the best since 1948.
I tried to get some photographs near moonrise at the Colossi of Memnon, but there was too much air pollution. The cultivation area must have been rather damp. But up behind the temple of Merenptah, where the 2 statues of Ramesses II have recently been erected, I managed to get a reasonable picture. I include also a few from the RRH, including also one of Venus setting in the west. Later I ate at Africa and include some pictures from there. The area towards the public ferry has been rebuilt since last year. It is quite brightly and colourfully lit, but not much used.