River Cruises in Egypt
by Paul Hughes: September 2018
River cruising in Africa follows two distinct styles - the historic and sometimes crowded Nile River cruises, and river cruises in Africa that focus more on jungles, animals and safari style environments.
Travelers are often confused when they see river cruises and tours of Egypt being promoted as both Asian Tours and African Tours.
There is a simple reason for this.
The Arab Republic of Egypt is a transcontinental country of around a million square kilometres, most of which is in north-east Africa. Around 60,000 square kilometres covers the north west corner of the Middle East, near Jordan and Israel, which is on the western edge of Asia.
The "land bridge" between the “two” Egypts is known as the Sinai Peninsula. All of the Suez Canal is in Egypt, with the east side being in Africa and the west side in Asia.
Nile River Cruises
The Nile River - home of Egypt’s most famous cruises - is in Africa. A Nile River cruise is an amazing way to travel through the pages of history. More than five million years old and covering 6,650 kilometres, the Nile River is the world’s longest river.
It is also unusual because it is one of the few rivers to flow from south to north and flows from two separate sources - the Blue Nile from the Abyssinian highlands and the White Nile which has it source along the African equator.
Travelers are often confused when they see river cruises and tours of Egypt being promoted as both Asian Tours and African Tours.
There is a simple reason for this.
The Arab Republic of Egypt is a transcontinental country of around a million square kilometres, most of which is in north-east Africa. Around 60,000 square kilometres covers the north west corner of the Middle East, near Jordan and Israel, which is on the western edge of Asia.
The "land bridge" between the “two” Egypts is known as the Sinai Peninsula. All of the Suez Canal is in Egypt, with the east side being in Africa and the west side in Asia.
Nile River Cruises
The Nile River - home of Egypt’s most famous cruises - is in Africa. A Nile River cruise is an amazing way to travel through the pages of history. More than five million years old and covering 6,650 kilometres, the Nile River is the world’s longest river.
It is also unusual because it is one of the few rivers to flow from south to north and flows from two separate sources - the Blue Nile from the Abyssinian highlands and the White Nile which has it source along the African equator.
The Nile has played a vital role in the formation and development of the Egyptian civilisation for more than 8,000 years, it has always been regarded as the "source of life” for Egyptians, so naturally it has a revered role in the thousands of myths, legends and stories based on both fact and folklore.
Winding its way through nine countries, the Nile begins at Lake Victoria in Uganda and flows to the Mediterranean Sea.
Most Nile River cruises operate in the 240 kilometre stretch between Luxor and Aswan, with more than 300 river cruise vessels focused in this area alone.
Luxor is on the east bank in southern Egypt and was formerly known as Thebes, the site of the ancient capital of the pharaohs during the five centuries Egypt dominated world events some 8,000 years ago.
It’s only a short journey from Luxor to the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens on the Nile’s west bank, as well as some amazing temples.
Aswan has been southern Egypt’s commercial and strategic gateway for centuries, containing important archaeological sites such as the Philae group of temples, which includes the Temple of Isis.
Winding its way through nine countries, the Nile begins at Lake Victoria in Uganda and flows to the Mediterranean Sea.
Most Nile River cruises operate in the 240 kilometre stretch between Luxor and Aswan, with more than 300 river cruise vessels focused in this area alone.
Luxor is on the east bank in southern Egypt and was formerly known as Thebes, the site of the ancient capital of the pharaohs during the five centuries Egypt dominated world events some 8,000 years ago.
It’s only a short journey from Luxor to the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens on the Nile’s west bank, as well as some amazing temples.
Aswan has been southern Egypt’s commercial and strategic gateway for centuries, containing important archaeological sites such as the Philae group of temples, which includes the Temple of Isis.
River cruise companies provide outstanding information on the amazing wonders of cruising the rivers of Egypt. With agriculture being the second major industry after tourism, you will see plenty of irrigated fields of sugar cane, alfalfa, wheat, corn and sesame.
Every cruise will also expose you to the traditional mud huts that have been there for centuries; farmers tilling the soil by hand; boys bathing their donkeys in the river; and of course the seemingly endless desert.
Your choices will be influenced by the style of boat you want to experience and the facilities it offers (including food and service) as well as the destinations and the quality of the monuments, pyramids, temples and markets they include in their itineraries.
Most Nile River cruises run between three and seven nights. Although at the time of writing there has been no terrorist incidents on the Nile for more than a decade, there is a heavy security presence across the whole region. Check your government travel warnings before you book your journey, and stay linked with updates.
Nile River cruises operate all year round but the most popular cruising time is between October and May, before the weather gets too hot.
While many countries operate on traditional seasons like summer, autumn, winter and spring, in Egypt they often refer to three seasons - farming, harvesting and flooding - all of which can be very warm to very hot!
Every cruise will also expose you to the traditional mud huts that have been there for centuries; farmers tilling the soil by hand; boys bathing their donkeys in the river; and of course the seemingly endless desert.
Your choices will be influenced by the style of boat you want to experience and the facilities it offers (including food and service) as well as the destinations and the quality of the monuments, pyramids, temples and markets they include in their itineraries.
Most Nile River cruises run between three and seven nights. Although at the time of writing there has been no terrorist incidents on the Nile for more than a decade, there is a heavy security presence across the whole region. Check your government travel warnings before you book your journey, and stay linked with updates.
Nile River cruises operate all year round but the most popular cruising time is between October and May, before the weather gets too hot.
While many countries operate on traditional seasons like summer, autumn, winter and spring, in Egypt they often refer to three seasons - farming, harvesting and flooding - all of which can be very warm to very hot!
During June, July, August and September the average temperature can be around 40C (100F), and even hotter if you are on a tour across the desert or inside some of the ancient ruins. And there are few palm trees around for shade or swimming pools to cool off!
While Egypt is a Muslim country, dress expectations for women are more progressive so it is not a specific requirement to follow a dress code unless you are visiting a temple or other religious area, where head, arms and legs are expected to be covered.
On the boat it is everyday wear, however female travelers tell us that in major cities and townships skimpy clothes will still attract stares and angry shouting. They found that long skirts, sarongs or pants and tops in good quality lightweight cotton were the most comfortable. Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are also a must and ladies should avoid eye contact with the local men, as this is sometimes considered flirting.
Because it is very dusty, try to avoid whites and pick colours that are not too bright but will not show the dirt as much.
While Egypt is a Muslim country, dress expectations for women are more progressive so it is not a specific requirement to follow a dress code unless you are visiting a temple or other religious area, where head, arms and legs are expected to be covered.
On the boat it is everyday wear, however female travelers tell us that in major cities and townships skimpy clothes will still attract stares and angry shouting. They found that long skirts, sarongs or pants and tops in good quality lightweight cotton were the most comfortable. Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are also a must and ladies should avoid eye contact with the local men, as this is sometimes considered flirting.
Because it is very dusty, try to avoid whites and pick colours that are not too bright but will not show the dirt as much.
Other Cruise Destinations in Africa
When travelers speak about Africa they are usually focused on safaris, game reserves and the amazing countryside - not river cruising!
However there are some outstanding river cruises in Africa where you can experience both - the difference is that you are likely to spend more time on land exploring the wildlife reserves or deserts than cruising on the river, but the meals and accommodation are just the same and, after all, that is what visiting Egypt is all about.
When travelers speak about Africa they are usually focused on safaris, game reserves and the amazing countryside - not river cruising!
However there are some outstanding river cruises in Africa where you can experience both - the difference is that you are likely to spend more time on land exploring the wildlife reserves or deserts than cruising on the river, but the meals and accommodation are just the same and, after all, that is what visiting Egypt is all about.
There may also be a few “unexpecteds” compared with other river cruising, such as:
- African Time: A little like Fiji Time, in Africa life often slows down and sometimes things will get done when they get done. Holiday Destinations followers report that while the food, accommodation and service is outstanding given the remoteness of destinations, many crew members are not fluent in other than local languages so if you don’t speak slowly and clearly you may not be understood. Perhaps that’s not such a bad thing, as holidays are supposed to help you slow down and relax while the amazing landscapes you are passing should help shroud any frustrations.
- Relaxing: If you are not satisfied sitting back and watch the crocodiles and hippos gaze at you with interest as you glide by, or checking out the elephants, giraffes or occasional big cat having a cautious drink on the water’s edge, then take a crossword puzzle or book because the natural scenery is what this type of river cruising in Africa is all about. - there are no casinos or theme parks on board.
- Drinking Water: Not all river cruise boats provide unlimited filtered or bottled water for drinking and many smaller vessels may not have the onboard resources to purify local water, so it is wise to check the specifics for the cruise you select and be prepared. Fortunately, most of the smaller cruises are only two to four days so you can take your own water if need be.
- Passports and Visas: A river cruise in Africa will generate plenty of activity on your passport, with a few surprises compared with other river cruises around the world. There are 54 countries in Africa and, while you won’t see all of them, there are plenty of border crossings, often requiring perhaps two visa fees (exit and entry) of up to $50USD ($70AUD) each for a 24-hour visit. Sometimes you will leave the boat in one country, enter a game reserve in another country, then repeat the process on returning to the boat. Just be prepared to spend a little time waiting for a local official in a small hut to stamp your passport; ensure you have allowed for the fees in your budget; and have plenty of space in your passport.
- Creature Comforts: Most African river boats don’t have air conditioning - rather, your cabins will have shutters, insect screens and a fan. Passenger decks are screened and designed to catch the night breezes. All main lights are usually switched off at night and you are left to drift to sleep with a background of lapping water, the hum of the generators and fans, the echoes of local wildlife in the background, and an amazing view of the stars gazing down on a landscape lit only by the moon.
- Insect protection: Given the humidity and environment, surprisingly there are not many insects on the river boats at night but travelers are advised to take good quality inspect repellent as well as medications suggested by your Travel Doctor, such as anti-malaria tablets.
- Cruise Expectations: River cruising in Africa (other than the Nile) is very different from most other river cruises because there are few if any ports of call, little river traffic except near an occasional village, and fewer cities or monuments to see. Rather it is the activity on the water and riverbanks that are the big attractions, so you should also remember to pack some small but powerful binoculars.