ASWAN

Lying about 228 km south of Luxor and being Egypt’s southern most cities, Aswan and its population of 370,000 people consists mostly of Nubians, (or dark-skinned Egyptians originating from Sudan). Originally farmers and ivory traders, the Nubians are known for their extreme hospitality and their renowned smile. This pleasant and fairly modern town is possibly the best winter resort in all of Egypt. Renowned for its many islands, the Elephantine, Kitchener’s and Philae, as well as the thousands of felucca’s with white sails going back and forth between them, and have an excellent view of the famous Agha Khan Mausoleum. Not dissimilar to Luxor, there are various Pharaonic sites in Aswan, the most important of which is the Philae temple and island, but nothing is as amazing as the Granite Quarries where the Unfinished Obelisk lies. Aswan is also home to Egypt’s High Dam, the main source of power for the entire nation, and it might be worth a visit. A walk through the Elephantine Island or Kitchener’s island is enough to make your heart sink.

Aswan was very popular with the British as a winter resort during their occupation of Egypt, it was also there where Agatha Christie wrote and based her best seller, Death on the Nile. The Nile River becomes magnificent in Aswan, as it flows around the palm-filled islands and the giant granite boulders. We definitely recommend that you site by the river during sunset, and watch the feluccas go by. Tourists usually visit Aswan as part of a five day cruise which also includes Luxor, Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Again like Luxor, Aswan is a mixture of past and present, the locals have their souvenir shops, the horse drawn carriages, and of course the dozens of Nile cruisers parked against the banks of the Nile. Once in Aswan, an option to be considered is to take a private vehicle, or more preferably a plane to Abu Simbel, where you can see the great and exotic temple of Ramses II. We recommend a period of three days and two nights for the Aswan area.

Not to visit Aswan in the winter is truly a great loss. The city has the best winter weather in all of Egypt. It is sunny and averages around 22’C, making it warm and definitely worth a visit. During the summer Aswan is unbearably hot, with the afternoon temperature often as hot as 45’C, nevertheless the locals seem to endure it. During autumn and spring the weather is also great, note that Aswan is sunny all year round, just try to avoid coming during the months of May, June, July, or August. If you do come during the summer, make sure your entire trip is air conditioned (bus, room and all), and be sure to drink a whole lot of water for dehydration is not uncommon. Aswan gets so hot by noon and you won't believe the number of flies, so we suggest you do your site seeing very early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Egypt Air has a daily flight to Aswan International Airport and back from Cairo. Other international airlines organize charter flights to Aswan and back. Cheaper still you can take the train from Cairo (12 hours). From Luxor you can come by boat (Nile cruiser), felucca (5 days), or by bus. It is not advisable to come to Aswan by car from Cairo, the road isn’t very safe and it’s a long ride. The best way to visit Luxor and Aswan is by taking a plane from Cairo, and then taking a five-day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, or vice versa, it is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

We bring various excursions and tours. As for getting around in Aswan, you have to options: the horse drawn carriage for a ride through the magnificent and memorable city of Aswan. Take a private vehicle to Abu Simbel or by the plane and visit King Ramses II temple and Queen Nefertari Temples at Abu Simbel should not be missed. Also, a trip to Aswan Museum, the Nubia Museum and Nubian Villages is recommended. Evening, enjoy the magical sound and light show at the temple of Philae.

<< PREVIOUS