Beautiful Nubia, my very first solo destination, is one of Egypt’s hidden gems you really shouldn’t be missing. It’s where you get to marvel at nature’s finest scenery, get to know a vibrant culture, and enjoy peace of mind. Rich in all of that, the region, that stretches from Aswan, Egypt to Khartoum, Sudan, is bucket list material. So, for those who wish to explore this underrated heavenly spot, here’s a guide that’ll get you through your first visit to the Egyptian part of Nubia!
Where to stay in Nubia?
The answer of this question depends on where will you be heading exactly. Will you be on a Luxor-Aswan Nile cruise and you’ll just be passing by? Are you staying in Aswan for a few days? Or are you going to stay in a Nubian village?
If the latter, I recommend you stay on Gharb Soheil village; it’s the most inhabited and the one with the famous Nubian market (don’t confuse that with the Aswan market). There, you can stay at a guest house; like Katodool, Hadouta Masreya, Anakato, or Nubian Dream.
In case you’re staying in Aswan itself, there are lots of lavish hotels like Helnan and Movenpick. You can also go for an extra posh option and stay at the iconic Sofitel Legend Old Cataract that Aswan is famous for.
Where to eat in Nubia?
- Your guesthouse: Guesthouses offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are quite affordable, tasty, and most importantly, authentic.
- There are several options in Aswan itself, from normal restaurants to fast food chains like McDonald’s. However, my ultimate fav is El Doka restaurant right by the Nile, overlooking Sofitel Legend Old Cataract.
Things to do in Nubia
Barbar Island
You’ll definitely be going on a boat ride to show you around Aswan. When you do so, make sure to pass by Barbar island for traditional Nubian coffee, known as “Gabana”, or some tea.
Philae Temple
This is the top destination you shouldn’t miss when in Aswan or Nubia. The mesmerizing complex features several temples, but the most prominent of all is the Temple of Isis. Beautiful and picturesque, it could be visited during the day or in the evening for a Light and Sound show.
Fact: The temple was moved to its current location; on Aglika Island, as it was under the threat of being submerged due to the construction of the High Dam.
The Nubian Museum
Museum fan or not, this one’s a must-visit! Get to know all about the ancient civilization of Nubia; the stories and displays there will surely stun you! The place is located in Aswan, right across the street from Sofitel Legend Old Cataract.
Gharb Soheil’s Market
The perfect place to buy souvenirs, thread a hair lock of yours with some vibrant colors, or make a new friend! There’s an endless array of souvenirs, handwoven colorful scarves, and a variety of herbs, spices, and flavored tea. Speaking of which, Nubia is pretty famous for using herbs for natural remedies. Oh, and peanuts there are out of this world!
Heissa Island
Heissa is another Nubian village that’s less popular than Gharb Soheil, but as colorful! There, you can spend some time with the locals and have some tea as you enjoy the sunset with a view!
Agha Khan
As you tour around in a boat, you’ll definitely pass by the tomb of Mohammed Shah Agha Khan, one of the Imams of the Ismaili sect, on the west bank of the Nile. Agha Khan resorted to the magical golden sands of Nubia to treat his rheumatism. That’s why he had his beautiful white villa built in this spot, right below his mausoleum.
Fact: After he passed away in 1957, his wife, Begum Om Habibeh, used to leave a red rose by his pink granite tomb every day. All until she died and got buried right next to him.
Nubian Night
That’s something you definitely shouldn’t miss when in Nubia. Get a closer look at the culture as you enjoy a specially curated Nubian night full of ethnic tunes. Your guesthouse can have this prepared for you along with a mouthwatering dinner.
Drink from the Nile!
It’s perfectly safe to drink from the Nile’s fresh water as long as you’re in a boat after the High Dam. It’s an experience, so don’t miss it!
Useful Information
- Transportation to and from Gharb Soheil village is via microbuses.
- Befriend a local to show you around or depend on yourself rather than your hotel/guesthouse. It’s normally more expensive.
- Pack meds! Remember, you’re staying at a village and the pharmacy there doesn’t have many options because they mainly rely on natural remedies. Those will come in handy, they’re even better than chemical medication, but just in case, have your own meds on you!
- Pack munchies for your midnight cravings. The market closes around 7-8 pm.
- It’s safer than the comfort of your own home! I’m not even exaggerating! Vendors leave their stores unattended at night and no one dares to steal a thing!
- Upper Egypt is flaming hot! So, the best time to visit is from October to April.
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
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