Cruising the Nile River - 10 reasons why you’ll love it
Cruising the Nile River is high up on many travellers wish lists. While a trip to Egypt is synonymous with seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza, more and more visitors are wanting to include a Nile River Cruise as part of their itinerary.
With so many ancient attractions to discover and experiences to enjoy, setting sail on one of the world’s most famous waterways has become increasing popular.
Here are our best 10 reasons why you will fall in love with a cruise on the mighty Nile River.
Cruising the Nile River is world famous
Did you know that the Nile River is the longest river in the world, and probably the most famous on the planet. It stretches over 6,650 kilometres (4,135 miles) in length and flows through 11 countries, passing through Egypt, including the centre of Cairo and draining into the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
Egypt, often referred to as the ‘gift of the Nile” describes the lifeline that the Nile provides to the country through its water supply. In a region of arid desert landscape, the Nile provides a vital water source to millions of people.
The Nile in Aswan is incredibly picturesque
2. Witness generations of agriculture
For generations, the agriculture along the Nile River has been a cornerstone of Egyptian livelihood and culture. The river's annual flooding deposits rich silt onto its banks, creating fertile land ideal for farming. As a result, the ancient Egyptians developed sophisticated irrigation techniques to harness the Nile's waters and maximize agricultural productivity.
Even in todays modern times, this tradition practices have been upheld to produce such crops wheat, corn, rice, and cotton. There are also many fruits grown including dates, figs, pomegranates, watermelon and a large proportion of orange trees.
The Nile is an important water source for farming
3. Can easily be included in an Egypt itinerary
Nile cruises generally move between the iconic Upper Egypt cities of Aswan in the far south to Luxor on the East Bank. They last from 3 to 7 nights, and can easily be included in a full Egypt Tour itinerary. There are some 200 boats on the river at any one time, but is barely noticeable unless in a port.
The weekly cruise schedule for a single Riverboat is generally as follows:
Luxor to Aswan: 4 nights
Aswan To Luxor: 3 nights
Round trip: 7 nights
For those short on time, the Aswan to Luxor Cruise of 3 nights is the perfect cruise option. Or you could add a night or two in Aswan and visit the High Dam and the impressive Philae Temple. The dam, completed in 1970, controls the Nile's annual flooding and supports Egypt's agriculture and energy needs.
The Luxor to Aswan cruise of 4 nights is also popular and allows an additional night to take in the amazing views while heading south. Additionally, before you set sail you could opt for a scenic balloon ride over the west bank.
For many, the highlight of Egypt is all about the Nile and a 7 night roundtrip cruise would definitely fit the bill.
To encompass all the Egypt highlights this 14 day Wonders of Egypt Tour with 3 night Nile Cruise is a great option.
For a focus on the Nile River and surrounding attractions, the Nile Splendor 1o day private tour is perfect.
For a mix of Egypt’s biggest attractions, a Nile Cruise and some relaxation on the read Sea, the Nile Valley and Red Sea private tour is the best choice.
All of our Small Group Tours include a cruise on the Nile River, Egypt
4. The Nile is a scenic oasis
Setting sail along the Nile is full of magical sites that of course can only be seen from the water.
From the lush green oasis that hugs the banks of the river to the stark contrast of an endless desert, it is beauty on steroids. Its majestic calmness washes over you at every turn as you take in a vision of ancient times, and the civilizations that have long called this land their home.
You will also see plenty of Feluccas on the Nile. These traditional wooden sail boats are a timeless addition on the water and you can add a short tour while in Luxor or Aswan, but my personal pick is to do it in Aswan.
5. Visit ancient temples during your Nile Cruise
One of the best reasons for cruising the Nile River is the ancient temples that can be visited along the way.
These famous temples are all easily accessible to explore and most cruise packages will include an Egyptologist tour guide. You’ll be transported back in time, some 4000 years to when Kings (pharaohs) and Queens once ruled over Egypt.
Temples along the Nile include:
Philae Temple: located on a small island setting near Aswan, the UNESCO World Heritage Site features the grand Hypostyle Hall and sacred complex of Isis.
Kom Ombo: walking distance from your cruise boat, the temple is dedicated to Sobik, the crocodile god and horus, the falocn headed god of the sky.
Edfu Temple: located on the west bank, Edfu is one of the best preserved temples taking around 180 years to compete. Feauring a grand entrance with walls adorned with ancient inscriptions.
Karnak Temple: a marvel in construction, Karnak’s sheer size is mind blowing, with an impressive 134 massive columns creating a forest of breathtaking architecture. This temple also showcases an evening light show not to be missed.
Luxor Temple: featuring intricate hieroglyphics within its walls, Luxor Temple is a favourite at dusk when the four colossal Ramesses statues are lit up. This commanding view is seriously impressive.
The impressive Karnak Temple can be visited as part of a Nile River cruise
6. Enjoy excellent amenities and local entertainment
There is something extra wonderful when it comes to cruising. You can unpack and unwind, but also enjoy luxury of relaxation while being transported from one place to the next.
If you have chosen a good cruise to embark on, it will include full board so all of your meals are included. Life is so much easier when everything is taken care of. During the day when you have free time, head up to the pool deck for a dip in the pool, or sit back and take in the surrounding beauty.
During the evening there will be live and local entertainment such as belly dancing, or my favourite, the Tanoura. This traditional Egyptian folk dance is performed by male performers who spin continuously in long colourful skirts.
For the best time to cruise the Nile and all of Egypt, go to Summer or Winter - best time to visit Egypt
Enjoying the scenery from pool deck on a Nile Cruise
7. Enter the tombs at Valley of the Kings
One of the most sought after Egypt attractions is Valley of the Kings. This prized archaeological site, first discovered in 1922 has long captivated the world with its incredible preservation. It is here you will witness some of the most decorated tombs in all of Egypt
.Located on the west bank of the Nile River near the city of Luxor, this ancient burial ground served as the final resting place for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom era. Spanning over 500 years, from the 16th to the 11th century BCE, it contains around 63 tombs, including Tutankhamun's famous tomb.
The site is open for visitors and though not all tombs are accessible or will be open at the same time, there is still an incredible amount to see.
Visiting Valley of the kings during our Nile Cruise
8. Take a day tour to Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colossal rock-cut temples and four gigantic statues of Ramses II. The site is home to two colossal temples greeting visitors, and are dedicated to the Pharaoh himself and his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari.
Ramses II is not only one of Egypt’s longest running Kings, but was a visionary in building colossal monuments and temples. A mammoth 80 tonne statue of Ramses II has made its new home in the entrance to the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
Taking a day tour to Abu Simbel from Aswan is a must for history buffs. It is a long journey by road (or fly there) to within 50 km of the Sudan border, but that doesn’t stop thousands from wanting to visit here. You could easily include it as part of your cruise or if staying an extra night or two on Awan.
Australian Tour Leader Mel with a tour group in Abu Simbel -Absolute Egypt Tours
9. Take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Luxor from a unique vantage point high above the Nile River, in a hot air balloon. As the sun bathes the ancient land in a warm glow, you'll ascend into the heavens and witness Luxor's timeless wonders unfold beneath you.
By taking an early morning balloon ride at sunrise, you’ll be rewarded with a surreal and tranquil experience that is certain to be captivating and exhilarating.
Highlights include seeing the Nile River from above, as well as Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.
A hot air balloon ride over the West Bank is a popular activity in Luxor
10. Witness the most impressive sunsets
While cruising the Nile River in Egypt, you are sure to witness some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see.
The unique characteristics of the Nile River contribute to these spectacular sunsets. The river's east-west flow creates a long, unobstructed path for the setting sun's rays to reflect off the water's surface, intensifying the colors and creating a mesmerizing display. Additionally, the surrounding arid landscape and absence of heavy industry minimize air pollution, allowing the natural hues of the sunset to shine through vividly. These factors combine to produce breathtaking moments from the comfort of your cruise boat.
Further reading: Great Egypt sunrise and Sunset Locations with spectacular pictures
You will witness some of the best sunsets during your Nile River Cruise
Nile River Cruises conclusion
Taking a Nile Cruise has many advantages including seeing some of Egypt’s best ancient attractions. It’s also allows you to be transported in the most scenic fashion.
If you have the extra time I recommend adding an additional night in both Aswan and Luxor. This way you can easily add on a felucca ride, hot air balloon, Abu Simbel day Tour or Karnak Sound and Light Show for example. Alternately, the Red Sea Resort areas of Hurghada and Marsa Alam are a short journey away.
If you are looking for a full tour of Egypt that includes Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Sakkara Step Pyramid, day tour to Alexandria and much more we have fully guided tours with Australian Tour Leaders in our Small Group Tours.
Alternately, if you prefer to visit Egypt independently, you can visit our range of Private Tours or Tailor Made Tours for those with their own wish lists.
Be sure to check out Best Egypt Travel Tips to help plan your next trip to Egypt.
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