One of Egypt’s best-known features, the Nile cuts a fertile valley through the desert landscape and it has long been considered excellent for sailing opportunities. In the 1850s three men in a kayak traversed the entire length of this epic river from Burundi to Alexandria. Of course there are easier ways for travellers to experience the sights of Egypt from the water, without the risk of getting wet!
Tourists who travel to Egypt are not generally encouraged to make their own way on the Nile. Rather, the majority opt to climb aboard a cruise, or hire an Egyptian captain to take them on a journey inside a traditional wooden boat. Many of the organised cruises last for up to seven nights so you can choose one of the longer excursions or select a shorter trip, depending upon your preferences.
Why not begin your Nile cruising experience in Luxor? From here you can take in many of the famed Egyptian sights, including the Temple of Hatshepsut – a site dedicated to the sun god Amon-Ra – plus the Valley of the Kings, an area that became the final resting place for a number of Pharaohs between the 16th and 11th centuries BC.
Many Egyptian cruises arrive at Aswan, the southernmost city in the country where beautiful islands are fringed by palm trees and there is a distinctly African culture. Nature lovers should visit the botanical gardens, where ornamental woody plants, including bigonia and tabebuia, thrive alongside fruit trees and several other species. Those who prefer to investigate history can take a short bus ride to the Nubian temples of Abu Simbel, which lie inside a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Twice each year the sun shines inside this sanctuary to light up the four statues of Ptah, Amun-Re, Ramesses II and Re-Horakhty – a very special sight that must be witnessed to be believed. Look out for other architectural delights such as the row of baboon monkeys, animals carved as protectors of the water.
After all of that sightseeing you will of course be glad for some relaxation on board your boat. Those accustomed to cruises will expect a swimming pool and loungers for a spot of sun worshipping. Cruising is one of the best ways to experience the Nile and Egypt’s finest attractions as you glide past sleepy villages where palms line the shore and beautiful meadows stretch into the distance. It gives you the flexibility of visiting several destinations without worrying about transport or accommodation – and of course you will always be received with a warm Egyptian welcome!
