Let me take you on a virtual trip to one of my all time favorite places in the world, the ancient land of Nubia, Egypt! After all, that was my very first solo destination, so it surely has a special place in my heart.
To Egyptians and tourists alike, the Luxor and Aswan iconic trip is must; but little attention is given to beautiful Nubia. To those of you who’ve never heard about the hidden gem before, Nubia is a region stretching from Aswan in Upper Egypt to central Sudan.
Whether you’re going for the Nile cruise or you’re willing to dedicate a couple of days to Nubia, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the vibrant simple life there. Here’s why!
The History
Nubians origins are considered one of the earliest and most ancient civilizations that still exist to this day. That being said, it’s no surprise that the ancient Nubian language; that’s spoken and unwritten, is still preserved! Whether you’re staying in the city of Aswan itself or in one of the Nubian villages nearby, don’t forget to pay a visit to The Nubian Museum in Aswan. I’ve been there twice and I can never get enough of the super interesting stories you’ll hear about there.
The Culture
The fact that the land and its civilization are ancient prove that the culture there is interesting. Nubian traditions are still being passed from one generation to another, from their ancient language (they also speak Arabic) to their family-oriented lifestyle.
The following points all fall under culture and each reflects a special aspect of their magnificent civilization.
Fun Fact: Did you know Nubians keep crocodiles as pets? Don’t forget to take a selfie with one!
The Colors
The vibrant splash of color is no stranger when it comes to Nubia’s bright and welcoming environment. Nubian villages’ homes are best known for their artsy colorful look. Taking a walk down Gharb Soheil, for instance, feels just like going for a walk in Rainbow town. All shades and tints of the color spectrum and the geometric patterns wall-hugging murals are just everything!
The People
Out of all the places I’ve visited in my life, I’ve never met anyone like the Nubians. Kind-hearted and welcoming, those people are by far the most generous and hospitable ones you’ll ever meet. As you take a stroll down any Nubian village, families will have their homes’ doors wide open for you. Yes, that’s pretty much the norm there! So, if people invite you over for traditional Nubian tea or even dinner, don’t worry, they mean it!
The Food
Speaking of food, Nubian cuisine is one of the most delicious! From their crepes-like bread, known as sanasel, to their super delicious fresh jews-mallow (molokhia in Arabic), you’d love their mouthwatering dishes for sure. Check out my guide about Nubia for food recommendations.
Fun Fact: Nubians’ favorite traditional dish is eggs with molokhia!
The Market
Friendly faces and endless shopping, the iconic Nubian market in Gharb Soheil is a must-visit. Souvenirs, check. Home decor, check. Spices, check. Herbs, check. Fragrances and natural remedies, check. Authentic garments, check. Whatever you wish for, you can’t walk away bear-handed!
The Serenity
With peaceful people like Nubians and quiet small village, your peace of mind is guaranteed. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Aswan, in general, is a definite go-to. It’s all about reconnecting with nature, and there, nature is like no other place.
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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.
