Since Hadouta Masreya didn’t disappoint–even after all these years–I thought I’d share with you my full experience in all honesty.

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The Story Behind Hadouta Masreya

Hadouta Masreya, which translates to “Egyptian Tale” in Arabic, is a traditional guesthouse named after the iconic song by legendary Egyptian singer Mohamed Mounir, who also happens to be a family friend of the owners. Being Nubian himself, Mohamed Mounir holds a special place in the hearts of his people, and the property pays homage to his legacy in a truly unique way. 

Instead of just numbers, each room is named after one of his songs, with the lyrics beautifully inscribed on the walls. This creative detail makes every stay a truly immersive experience, especially for Mounir’s lovers. 

It’s also worth mentioning that Hadouta Masreya was the second guesthouse ever to open its doors to the public in Gharb Seheil. One of the founders, Shereen, who’s an Egyptian solo female traveler herself, was the only woman to start her own project in the Nubian village at the time.

Hadouta Masreya’s Booking Process

First things first, you have 2 options to book your stay at Hadouta Masreya. You can either reserve through Booking.com, or you can email the property directly at hadoutamasreya@hotmail.com – and they’re usually quite responsive. 

Lucky for you, Hadouta Masreya offers 10% off to my readers. To benefit from this deal, though, you need to email the property the promocode: curlsenroute, and they’ll apply the discount for you. This promo code is only valid for email reservations. 

So, which option is better? That depends… If you’re a local traveler, booking directly with the property would be more budget-friendly–and you can also benefit from the exclusive discount. On the other hand, if you prefer an online, instant booking, whether you’re a foreigner or not, then Booking.com is the option for you.

P.S. Hadouta Masreya often offers their guests complimentary benefits if they’re solo female travelers!

Useful Information:

• Phone number: +2012 8808 9076
• Email: hadoutamasreya@hotmail.com

Hadouta Masreya’s Location in the Nubian Village 

Hadouta Masreya is located in Gharb Seheil, the most popular Nubian village in Aswan. This Nubian village is famous for its colorful houses and vibrant bazaar. This is where you should get the best souvenirs when in Aswan–there is far more variety and unique options than at the old Aswan Souk, and you can definitely get better deals than at Philae Temple. 

As for transportation, there’s a touristic ferry dock, just a couple of minutes’ walk from Hadouta Masreya, in the heart of the bazaar. However, the main transportation method to and from the Nubian village is the 3-wheeled motor tricycle. Since the road is rugged and isn’t well-paved, there aren’t taxis around. You need to take the tricycle to the bridge connecting the village with the city. 

A great perk about staying at Hadouta Masreya is that they can hire a private driver for you. Mohamed, the driver they hired for me, was super friendly and hospitable. He arrived early before my train arrived in Aswan, and he coordinated my pickup time with me in advance. On my way back home, he helped me with my luggage all the way till he made sure I got on my train back to Cairo safely. He even noticed I was falling asleep on our way to the station, so he stopped and brought me a Red Bull (he knew it was my favorite energy drink from an earlier conversation). It’s also worth mentioning that Mohamed was always on time, so don’t worry and don’t expect the typical Egyptian timing. 

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room–safety. I know this will be a great concern, especially if you’re a solo female traveler, but believe it or not, I’ve never felt as safe in my entire life as I have in the Nubian village. I’m not exaggerating, and this is not one of those cases where it’s all about personal experiences that vary from one person to the other. To prove to you the level of safety, local vendors in the Nubian village don’t bother to lock up their shops after dark! They simply cover their stands and displays to protect their merchandise from dust. This is how safe it is. 

Don’t forget to download an eSIM to stay connected for safety and navigation! Browse different Egypt data plans from Airalo starting at USD 7 only. You can also snag my 10% discount exclusive to my readers HERE!

Accommodation

Hadouta Masreya offers single, double, and triple rooms, making the guesthouse perfect for solo travelers as well as those traveling in pairs or groups. Each air-conditioned ensuite room comes with clean towels and bed linens, as well as coat hangers and storage space. 

Some of the rooms come with a balcony and a premium Nile view—I stayed in one of those on my last visit. The room, as well as the balcony, were quite spacious, and I truly enjoyed working and reading with that view. The balcony, along with the songs bit I mentioned earlier, were among my favorite things about the accommodation itself. 

It doesn’t stop there–Hadouta Masreya is also implementing sustainable efforts. It’s the first guesthouse in the Nubian village to embrace upcycling by creatively repurposing wooden pallets into beds. This not only makes the property eco-friendly but also reflects its commitment to simplicity. Hadouta Masreya prioritizes hospitality, quality service, and a culturally immersive experience. For instance, they intentionally chose not to include TVs in any of the rooms to encourage guests to fully embrace the surrounding atmosphere.

Available Facilities

• Free and fast WiFi is available on-site, so you can save up on international mobile data plans. I was able to get some work done, and I even watched a Nordic noir while packing.
• Hadouta Masreya has 2 common areas; a spacious waiting area at the reception and a quiet rooftop with a killer Nile view.
• The guesthouse has its own in-house kitchen that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner to guests. You can expect tasty Egyptian cuisine in sizeable portions. My favorite dish of theirs is, hands down, the Kebab Halla (Egyptian braised beef), and I also loved the mashed potatoes served at breakfast.

• Entertainment is also on the table—Hadouta Masreya hosts a Nubian party every few days, a must-do when in the Nubian village.
• In addition to that, they can also organize activities outside of the Nubian village of Gharb Seheil, such as felucca rides, sightseeing, and visits to other Nubian villages like Heissa Island. 
• Hadouta Masreya often offers their space to host retreats, such as wellness and yoga retreats, and workshops, providing facilitators with everything they need.

The Atmosphere

The Atmosphere in the Nubian Village

The Nubian village of Gharb Seheil is mostly famous for its traditional Nubian houses, painted in bright colors and murals, making it the most colorful place in Egypt. Nubians are known for their unmatched hospitality and generosity, so don’t be surprised if locals welcome you into their homes for a cup of tea, a meal, or even to meet their pet crocodiles! 

It’s worth mentioning that Gharb Seheil may no longer be as quiet as the other Nubian villages or how it once was. Its growing popularity in recent years has led to an influx of restaurants and guesthouses, so expect frequent traditional Nubian performances and celebrations after sunset.  

During the day, the Nubian village buzzes with the market’s hustle and bustle and the arrival of tourists at the ferry dock. It’s not as overwhelming as it sounds, though. In fact, the air is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed herbal tea and fragrant spices, adding to Gharb Seheil’s unique charm.

The Atmosphere at Hadouta Masreya

Just like the rest of the village, the staff at Hadouta Masreya falls no short of hospitality and generosity. Everyone who works there is super friendly and helpful and will make you feel right at home. 

In spite of the guesthouse’s cozy and relaxing atmosphere, it’s noteworthy that it’s a family-friendly place. The presence of families and big groups might influence the atmosphere at the restaurant or the reception, but don’t fret, I found the rooftop to be the perfect getaway whenever I wanted some peace and quiet in the evening. 

Value for Money

For bed and breakfast accommodation, expect to pay something between USD 70 and 175 per room per night if you’re a foreigner or EGP 1,540 and 3,755 if you’re an Egyptian. Prices vary depending on the travel dates, the occupancy, the size of the room, and whether or not it comes with a view. 

If you’re a solo traveler, expect to pay from USD 70 to 110 or from EGP 1,540 to 2,650 per night, which is great value for money when you consider food, WiFi, and the authentic Nubian experience. It’s also super budget-friendly when you compare it with hotel prices in the city, outside of the Nubian village. 

Reminder: Hadouta Masreya offers 10% off to my readers. To benefit from this deal, though, you need to book directly via email and mention the promocode: curlsenroute, and they’ll apply the discount for you.

Overall Experience

A lot of things can make guests return to a property–food, atmosphere, comfort, you name it! But to me personally, what keeps me going back to any business is always the service. In my opinion, that’s what makes or breaks any business, whether it’s a hotel or not. And that’s exactly what brought me back to Hadouta Masreya after all these years. But it wasn’t just any service—it was something truly special.

It all goes back to the story of how my solo travel journey began. As I mentioned earlier, when I took my first-ever solo trip to the Nubian village, I stayed at Hadouta Masreya. However, it wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies. In fact, for the most part, it was quite the opposite. You see, I fell incredibly ill throughout the entire trip. I had viral gastroenteritis, so you can probably imagine how miserable that was. I couldn’t keep food down, and because of that, I was constantly dizzy, so sightseeing in the scorching Aswan sun was always a struggle. My illness almost ruined the trip for me.

Luckily for me, the staff members at the guesthouse took care of me. They made sure I had meals that were easy on my stomach and even prepared a home remedy that worked like magic! That trip taught me my first solo travel lesson: always carry meds–I learned that the hard way! But what truly stuck with me was the kindness and warmth I experienced at Hadouta Masreya. That’s why this place holds such a special place in my heart.

Fast-forward to early 2025, the hospitality hadn’t changed one bit. As soon as I arrived in Aswan, I was met with the same warmth and kindness that made my first stay so memorable. The staff members went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. They even organized an off-the-beaten-path tour for me when they found out I wasn’t interested in the typical tourist spots. This was by far the most fun and relaxing day of my whole trip.

If you found my travel guides and tips valuable, you can show support by buying me a virtual cup of coffee HERE. Your support helps me keep bringing you the resources and insights you need for unforgettable, safe solo trips.
Thank you, Nadine ☕️🌍

Final Verdict

In a nutshell, staying in the Nubian village guarantees an immersive cultural experience for those seeking authenticity. If you decide to stay at Hadouta Masreya, it will only level up your experience, as it’s not just a guesthouse but a home away from home.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

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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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• Reasons That’ll Make You Fall in Love With Nubia, Egypt

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