Egypt is famous for its cities like Cairo and Luxor and for its River Nile, but south Nubia has even more to offer for the tourist who wishes to escape from the chaos of the cities. In the case of the Lake Nasser Cruise, tourists have a chance to see the ancient temples, enjoy the desert scenery, and study the sites without being disturbed by city bustle.
It is different from the regular Nile cruise because in this cruise, you have the chance to sail on a very large lake encircled by the expansive desert.
Why Choose a Lake Nasser Cruise?
Lake Nasser was formed after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The increasing water level in Lake Nasser threatened the ancient monuments that were present in the Nubia area. There was an international effort for rescuing some of these important temples, and UNESCO stated that the Nubian monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae contain many of these monuments.
A cruise makes it possible for tourists to tour these monuments in a single tour. Most of the monuments are located in secluded places and difficult to access via road transport. A boat tour is thus convenient.
Abu Simbel Is the Main Highlight
The most exciting part of this tour is definitely Abu Simbel. There are two rock temples dating back to the 13th century B.C., which were built by Ramses II. The larger one is guarded by four colossal statues of Ramses II. According to UNESCO, these temples have been moved to another place due to the campaign.
Travelers who arrive on a Lake Nasser Cruise often see the temples with more time built into their itinerary than visitors on a short road excursion. The site also includes the smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Early morning or late afternoon light can make the sandstone details easier to appreciate.
Temples Beyond Abu Simbel
The trip is worthwhile since it includes locations not visited by many newcomers. The temple of Kalabsha is an example of the Greco-Roman age and was also moved to save it from floods. Monuments close by include the Kiosk of Qertassi and the rock-cut temple of Beit el-Wali.
Further to the south, we find Wadi es-Sebua which has temples and other structures belonging to various periods. This place houses monuments that date back to the time of Ramses II along with later religious use. Temple of Amada is yet another significant stop on the trip with its unique painted reliefs and inscriptions.
Another significant site that we will visit on our journey is Qasr Ibrim. This is one of those sites where the monument has not been moved to any other location and can be seen from the boat due to conservation concerns.
What the Sailing Experience Feels Like
The air above the lake is serene. Few towns dot the path, and consequently, the area features more water, desert, and sky than anything else. The sun decks are more enjoyable in the early hours of the morning or later in the day.
Most cruise programs include cabins, meals, guided excursions, and transfers linked to the sailing schedule. Exact services vary by vessel, so travelers should review what is included before booking. A company such as MSM Egypt Travel can also help travelers compare sailing dates, cabin types, transfers, and the order of archaeological visits.
Evening tends to be calmer compared to most Nile cruises. Some boats provide entertainment activities, but the key thing is the tranquil environment. People who enjoy nightlife might find this journey boring, while those who love history can embrace the slow pace.
Best Time to Travel
The weather would determine when to go on the trip. Southern Egypt experiences extreme heat in summer, particularly at the open-air temples. The weather between autumn and spring makes outdoor walks pleasant.
Mornings may be cool at sea in winter even though afternoons would be warm. Tourists would require light clothes in addition to summer clothes. Other items tourists may require include a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
The itinerary of cruises may vary depending on the time of the year and the demand for the service. Before buying air tickets, one would have to find out what the exact start date of the cruise is and where it starts from either Aswan or Abu Simbel.
How Many Days Should You Allow?
The majority of itineraries run from four or five days depending on the direction and number of stops. While a shorter itinerary might be suitable for people who have less time, a longer one provides more flexibility and also decreases the sensation of rushing from temple to temple.
When it comes to adding Aswan to your tour, at least an extra day should be allocated either before or after the cruise. The city provides access to Philae, the Nubian Museum, Elephantine Island and the High Dam. An additional day will also provide extra leeway in case something changes in flight and transfer times.
A Lake Nasser Cruise is perfect in the context of a larger Upper Egypt itinerary which includes travel to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temples and also extends to Cairo.
Practical Booking Tips
Make sure to check if the tour price covers entrance tickets, guides, transfers, and drinks. Also, you should ask what the operator does in case of early arrival or late departure due to the difference in timings between the cruise and flights. Moreover, it is good to know if there is Wi-Fi on board and how reliable it is on the lake.
Selecting a cabin, consider its comfortability instead of the price alone. The window size, deck position, air conditioning, and engine proximity are important factors when choosing your cabin. For guests who appreciate silence, it is best to take a cabin far from crowded and technical areas.
It is advisable to have some Egyptian pounds in hand for small costs and tips. There might be difficulties with cards at remote places. Make sure you always have some water with you during excursions.
Respecting the Region and Its Heritage
The Nubian landscape is not only an archaeological area. Nubia is also a living culture, whose traditions have been influenced by the river Nile, migration, language, music, and communal life. Visitors may get more information on this at the Nubian Museum in Aswan or while staying in the villages in case their schedule permits.
At historical monuments, visitors should refrain from touching the engraved walls and crossing barriers since the monuments managed to endure significant environmental and engineering threats. The UNESCO rescue mission was successful in saving many monuments from the flooding created by the new reservoir.
Final Thoughts
Travelers who desire history but at leisure rather than on a packed timetable will appreciate the unique trip provided by the Lake Nasser Cruise. The blend of Abu Simbel, temples, deserts, and cruising will make this tour experience different from the typical Nile tour itinerary.
Careful planning of the trip makes the whole process easier. It is important to know the direction of sailing, the weather, transfers, and the included excursions prior to making any bookings, and one should consider getting assistance from experts like MSM Egypt Travel.
