Aswan
★ 4.7🇪🇬 AswanSuggested visit 1-2 daysBest season October to March, with mild weather
NatureHistoric siteRiver
The loveliest stretch of the Nile, with white-sailed feluccas, Nubian villages and desert dunes.
Overview
Sitting above the first cataract of the Nile, Aswan is Egypt's southernmost major city. The river runs smooth here, with feluccas and motor boats crossing between islands where Nubian villages stand and dunes fall straight to the water. Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk and the High Dam are nearby, and it is the departure point for Abu Simbel.
History
Historically a trading and military centre between Egypt and Nubia, it became a winter resort in the 19th century; the High Dam built in the 20th formed Lake Nasser.
Highlights
- •Sunset felucca sail on the Nile
- •Philae Temple
- •Nubian villages and painted houses
- •The Unfinished Obelisk
Practical tips
- •Agree the price and duration before boarding a felucca
- •Summer heat is intense — plan for early morning or evening
Practical information
- Best time
- October-March
- Tickets
- Philae about EGP 300; felucca about EGP 100 per hour
- Opening hours
- Sites roughly 7:00-17:00
- Local food
- Nubian grilled meat, tagine, hibiscus tea
- Getting around
- About 1.5 hours by air from Cairo; boats and taxis cover the sights.
- Visa
- A visa is required, available as an e-visa or on arrival.
Traveller reviews
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