Is Aswan worth visiting?

“Aswan itself: the town is worth a visit” … With its great market, connection to Nubian people and culture, its easy cross Nile ferry trip and a great place to stay, Aswan is a much more enjoyable place than Luxor. Beit el-Kerem Hotel is THE place to stay.

How many days do you need in Aswan?

2 full days should be enough to see most of what Aswan has to offer. Below is a rough itinerary for Aswan: Day 1: Go on a day trip to Abu Simbel and go on a felucca ride along the Nile at sunset.

Is Aswan beautiful?

Aswan is known for its beautiful Nile Valley scenery, significant archaeological sites and its peaceful aura. Its weather is warm all year round, which makes it a perfect winter destination. The city provides splendid views and attractions to sail through the Nile with a felucca (Egyptian sailboat).

Why do people visit Aswan?

Aswan’s Nubian nature

Not only will you enjoy the beautiful nature of the place, but you’ll meet a unique group of people, who were able to maintain their traditions and culture, having their own traditional dress and even their own language.

How do you spend a day in Aswan?

Here is a one-day itinerary for Aswan.

Have lunch at the The Terrace restaurant at the Old Cataract Hotel. In the afternoon, cruise on the Nile River by felucca. If you like the idea of climbing to the viewpoint at Qubbet al-Hawa, do this now. End the day with a motorboat ride to the Nubian Village.

Is Aswan safe?

In general, Aswan is considered a safe place in Egypt to visit for tourism. Street theft and pickpocketing are not common in Aswan, Nevertheless, travelers are advised to exercise the same caution as when visiting other foreign cities. Some tips to ensure safety in Aswan include: Be vigilant in crowded areas.

Is Abu Simbel worth the trip?

Travel times can be long (if you travel by land) or expensive (if you travel by air), so is it worth it? Absolutely! The temples of Abu Simbel are some of most impressive and unique temples you will see in Egypt, so it is well worth the visit.

Why is Aswan important to Egypt?

With a reservoir capacity of 132km³, the Aswan High Dam provides water for around 33,600km² of irrigation land. It serves the irrigation needs of both Egypt and Sudan, controls flooding, generates power, and helps in improving navigation across the Nile.

How many Nubians are in Egypt?

Nubian activists in Cairo put their community’s population at around 300,000 in Egypt, up to 60,000 were displaced in the 1960s, while the rest were either uprooted in the colonial era or had already moved farther afield looking for work.

Is Aswan a country?

Should I go to Luxor?

Situated in the Nile Valley in Upper Egypt, Luxor is an essential component of any Egyptian itinerary. Known as ‘the world’s largest open-air museum’, it harbours many of the country’s most astonishing monuments and is the starting point of the majority of river cruises.

What is special about Luxor?

General information. Luxor is the most well known recognized City in Upper (Southern) Egypt and the capital of Luxor Governorate, known famously for its oldest and most Ancient Egyptian sites. Originally called ‘Thebes’ in ancient Egypt, Luxor is often known also as the ‘World’s greatest open-air Museum’.

How do you get from Abu Simbel to Cairo?

The quickest way to get from Cairo to Abu Simbel is to take a plane, tickets to which cost on average 390 USD and travel time is 4 hours. ✚ How far is it from Cairo to Abu Simbel? The distance from Cairo to Abu Simbel is 532 miles. The road distance is 690 miles.

How long is train from Aswan to Cairo?

Direct routes for travel from Cairo to Aswan

There are 2 direct trains per day and 14 trains per week that depart from Cairo and arrive at Aswan. The trip takes approximately 12 hours and tickets cost from 3 USD.

How many days in Luxor is enough?

Would suggest at least 3 days in Luxor allowing you a little relaxation time as well as sightseeing. You could fly to Cairo from Luxor for just a day and see the main sights, Pyramids, Sphinx and Museum.

What temples are in Aswan?

Is Aswan safe at night?

Aswan is a fairly safe place to visit. Having said this, there are certain precautions that should be taken in order to ensure a smooth trip through the southern region of Egypt. … Make sure to keep up on the political and social situation in Egypt before planning a trip. Avoid walking alone at night (especially women).

Can you drink the water in Aswan?

In Egypt, drinking water from the tap is not recommended. Water treatment plants in and around Cairo heavily chlorinate the supply, so the water in the capital is relatively safe to drink. … Some hotels you stay in may have drinking water available in large drums.

Is it safe to drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel?

Lots of people travel from Aswan to Abu Simbel by road each day with no incidents. You will be fine. Long day by road as it is 3.5 hrs one way. With a couple of hours to visit the temples it will be about a 9 hr day.

What was there before Lake Nasser?

Prior to Lake Nassar being filled, many ancient Egyptian sites were physically relocated to new locations above the lake’s high water level. However, some were not relocated, such as the massive fortress of Buhen, which is now underwater.

What is so special about Abu Simbel?

It was dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to the deified Ramesses himself. It is generally considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the reign of Ramesses II, and one of the most beautiful in Egypt.

Can you fly from Luxor to Abu Simbel?

There is no direct flight from Luxor Airport to Abu Simbel Airport. The quickest flight takes 5h 20m and has two stopovers. … Egyptair offers flights from Luxor Airport to Abu Simbel Airport.

How long did it take to fill Lake Nasser?

The time forecasted for filling of the reservoir by the official estimate is 362 years, somewhat less than the original design life of 500 years. By taking into account changes in the hydrological regime of the Nile after 1964 and another compaction factor, an estimate of 535 years was made.

Was the Aswan Dam a success?

But some experts argue that despite all the costs, the project has been an overwhelming success. The High Aswan allows predictable irrigation. It paid for itself within two years, and shielded Egypt from what would have been a disastrous drought throughout the 1980s, followed by potentially catastrophic floods in 1988.

Is the Aswan Dam Good or bad?

The Aswan Dam benefits Egypt by controlling the annual floods on the Nile River and prevents the damage which used to occur along the floodplain. The Aswan High Dam provides about half of Egypt’s power supply and has improved navigation along the river by keeping the water flow consistent.

Do Nubians still exist?

Nubia is not a “lost civilization,” and today the Nubians live on in Egypt, Sudan and other countries. The total population is uncertain.

Was there ever a black pharaoh?

In the 8th century BCE, he noted, Kushite rulers were crowned as Kings of Egypt, ruling a combined Nubian and Egyptian kingdom as pharaohs of Egypt’s 25th Dynasty. Those Kushite kings are commonly referred to as the “Black Pharaohs” in both scholarly and popular publications.

What does Kush mean in ancient Egypt?

The designation ‘Kush’ seems to be indigenous while the later name for the same region, Nubia, came most likely from the Egyptians to the north. The region of Kush was the main source of gold for the Egyptians, and it is thought that ‘Nubia’ derived from the Egyptian word for gold, ‘nub’.

What language is spoken in Aswan?

Minority languages

In southern Egypt, Saidi Arabic is the main spoken language for most people. In the Upper Nile Valley,around Kom Ombo and Aswan, there are about 300,000 speakers of Nubian languages, mainly Nobiin, but also Kenuzi-Dongola.

Is Aswan in Nubia?

Nubia is the region along the Nile river between Aswan, Egypt and Khartoum, Sudan. It was the site of one of the oldest civilizations in Africa, dating back to at least 2500 BC (4,500+ years ago).

Where is Alexandria now?

Alexandria is located in the country of Egypt, on the southern coast of the Mediterranean.

Is Luxor better than Cairo?

Cairo is a fantastic city, even though it’s dirty, polluted, with horrendous traffic. Luxor is definitely more relaxed and pleasant in a way (except for the countless hustlers), but Cairo is more real. Though it has amazing sights, the Luxor area is a tourist town, not a “real” city.

Does Luxor Egypt have pyramids?

Luxor, along with its Theban sites, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. While the Pyramids get all the glory (and are a fantastic sight in their own right), I found the ruins of Thebes left a much deeper impression.

Is Luxor a desert?

Luxor has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh) like the rest of Egypt. Aswan and Luxor have the hottest summer days of any other city in Egypt. Aswan and Luxor have nearly the same climate. Luxor is one of the sunniest and driest cities in the world.

Is Thebes now Luxor?

Its ruins lie within the modern Egyptian city of Luxor. … Thebes was the main city of the fourth Upper Egyptian nome (Sceptre nome) and was the capital of Egypt for long periods during the Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom eras.

Which place is Egypt?

Egypt, country located in the northeastern corner of Africa. Egypt’s heartland, the Nile River valley and delta, was the home of one of the principal civilizations of the ancient Middle East and, like Mesopotamia farther east, was the site of one of the world’s earliest urban and literate societies.

What is inside the Abu Simbel temples?

Built in 1244 B.C., Abu Simbel contains two temples, carved into a mountainside. The larger of the two temples contains four colossal statues of a seated pharaoh Ramesses II (1303-1213 B.C.) at its entrance, each about 69 feet (21 meters) tall.

How much time do you need at Abu Simbel?

Re: how much time at Abu Simbel? 3 hours should be ample time.

How many days do you need in Cairo?

How Many Days in Cairo? Cairo is a really massive city, the second largest in Africa in terms of population. You could spend weeks and weeks touring it all, but for a first visit, we recommend spending at least three days in Cairo.

Can you cruise from Cairo to Aswan?

The Long Nile Cruise offers a range of wonderful sights and sounds and operates from Cairo to Aswan (or vice versa). Tel El Amarna, the remains of the desert city of Akhenaten, the tombs of Beni Hassan, Abydos Temple and Dendarah Temple. Our selection of Long Nile cruises operate from February through to October.

How do you sleep on a sleeper train?

I always aim for a bottom berth and facing the direction of travel. The bottom berth gives you control of the table and of course avoids any undignified falling out bed in on the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. It’s usually cooler down under and you can watch the sunrise out of the window from your bed.

Is Alexandria worth visiting?

If you happen to find yourself in Cairo and have one more day to spare, Alexandria in Egypt is worth a visit. Unlike Giza, it does not have momentous monuments like the Pyramids to show for, but it does have a great waterfront view, and is a refuge from the chaos of downtown Cairo.

What do tourists wear in Egypt?

Egyptian land is mostly desert.

Therefore, it’s essential that visitors wear light, breathable clothing at all times as well as a hat or scarf to cover their heads during the hottest hours of the day, especially if they are walking and sightseeing.

How long does it take to see the pyramids?

Plan on spending a minimum of three hours at the Pyramids of Giza. This gives you enough time to go inside one of the pyramids, visit Panoramic Point, go on a short camel ride, visit the Solar Boat Museum, and snap a photo with the Sphinx.

How much does it cost to visit the Valley of the Kings?

Tickets, which cost 100 Egyptian pounds (approximately $11) for adults and 50 Egyptian pounds (or $6) for students, can be purchased at the entrance’s visitors center. All tickets include access to three tombs, but additional fees apply to visit the tombs of Tutankhamun, Ay and Ramses VI.

What do Nubians wear?

The garments that Nubians wear often have wide sleeves and collarless necks, perhaps it’s more suitable for the hot and humid weather that they have to deal with in the desert. Woman of Aswan wear wide abayas and dresses, with pretty shapes and lines woven into the colourful fabric.

Is Aswan beautiful?

Aswan is known for its beautiful Nile Valley scenery, significant archaeological sites and its peaceful aura. Its weather is warm all year round, which makes it a perfect winter destination. The city provides splendid views and attractions to sail through the Nile with a felucca (Egyptian sailboat).

Which is better Luxor or Aswan?

Is Aswan better than Luxor? Aswan is not objectively better than Luxor, but it is better for some things. Namely, if you want to take a day trip to Abu Simbel temple, or if you want to get a close look at the ancient Nubian culture that still very much exists in and around Aswan city.

Is Aswan safe for tourists?

In general, Aswan is considered a safe place in Egypt to visit for tourism. Street theft and pickpocketing are not common in Aswan, Nevertheless, travelers are advised to exercise the same caution as when visiting other foreign cities. Some tips to ensure safety in Aswan include: Be vigilant in crowded areas.

Is Luxor safer than Cairo?

The locals are friendlier than in Cairo. We felt a lot safer in Luxor. We were told to avoid the “horsemen” though as they can be too pushy.

Is there Uber in Aswan?

Nor is Uber available in Aswan. Your best (only?) option is to ask the airport taxi driver to take you to the temple, wait for you there, and then drop you off at the Nubian Museum in town.

Can I brush my teeth with the water in Egypt?

4. Don’t drink the tap water. Water is not properly filtered, It is also not advisable to brush your teeth with tap water in certain areas of Egypt, including Dahab. Buy bottled water and use that to brush your teeth.

How polluted is the Nile?

Despite its importance, the Nile is still heavily polluted in Egypt by waste water and rubbish poured directly in to it, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial waste, with consequences for biodiversity, especially fishing, and human health, experts say.

Is the Nile water drinkable?

Nile River is the valued natural and exclusive source of fresh water in Egypt, where the drinking water supply is limited to the river. The water quality of 24 sites between Aswan and Cairo along the Nile was investigated.