Nubian Village Tour by Boat

After pickup from your hotel, board a motorboat and cruise upriver through the First Cataract, weaving between granite islands, palm groves and golden dunes. Look out for herons, kingfishers and egrets along the banks. The ride to Gharb Soheil, one of the most colourful Nubian villages near Aswan, takes about 45 minutes and is a highlight in itself.

Wander through Gharb Soheil's sandy lanes, lined with houses painted in bright blues, yellows and pinks and decorated with traditional motifs. Visit a Nubian family home, where you are welcomed with tea, hibiscus juice and fresh bread, and learn about Nubian customs, crafts and the Nubian language. You can shop for handmade crafts and spices, or have a henna design painted, before the boat takes you back to Aswan.