How to do a Nubian village tour in Egypt?

Table of Contents  

• Introduction  

• Who are Nubians? 

• Where were the Nubians located historically? 

• Aswan Full-day Tour & Nubian Village

• Other Places Explored on the Aswan Day Tour  

• Where is the Nubian village in Aswan?

• Ways to Reach the Nubian Villages:

• What is the Nubian village famous for? 

• Is the Nubian Village tour worth it?

• How long should one spend in Nubian Village?  

• What should you pack for a Nubian Village tour in Aswan, Egypt? 

• Things to keep in Mind while booking Nubian Village tours 

• Conclusion  

Introduction  

A tour of the Nubian villages in Egypt is a completely different experience from temples and museums. During the exploration, you observe locals and their lifestyle, which tells you about the Egyptian ethnic and tribal culture. These villages are located near Aswan on the Nile River. Travelers can explore them on a day tour. How you should plan a trip and what things to keep in mind while exploring are mentioned below.  

In this blog, you will also know about the Nubians, their existence in the 21st century, when they became part of Egypt, and many unique facts that make their villages a must-visit plan on your Egypt tour while exploring Aswan.  

Who are Nubians? 

The Nubians are an indigenous ethnic group that originally inhabited the Nile Valley, spanning the southern region of Aswan in Egypt. They are widely known as “Ta-Seti,” the land of the Bow, and also for their unique culture and traditions. Ancient Nubia was a major center for trade, especially of gold, ivory, and exotic goods with the Egyptians. Then, at that time, the Nubians were conquered by the Egyptian pharaohs. During the New Kingdom in the ancient Egyptian period, the Nubian culture started to mingle. Later, the “black pharaohs” of the 25th dynasty were also Nubians. 

These historical groups have preserved their culture and have maintained a distinct identity from the Arab Egyptians. They have their own language, such as Nobiin; music; dance; and colorful, vibrant architecture. In the modern era, the Nubian villages located on the shores of the Nile in Aswan are famous for tourism and promoting the authentic historical culture. By visiting the village, you can feel the essence of connection and the warmth of a historical tribe that is still active in Egypt. 

Where were the Nubians located historically? 

The Nubian village location historically is in the southern part of Egypt, where the Nile Valley enters Egypt, and also in some parts of northern Sudan. They resided in a famous region where precious metals like gold and iron were easily accessible; also, historically, they have managed key trade routes between Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean world. Also, the 25th dynasty in ancient Egypt was ruled by the Nubian leaders, commonly known as the Black pharaohs. Modern Nubians are concentrated and now only found near Aswan. 

Aswan Full-day Tour & Nubian Village

The special Aswan Nubian village tour’s latest packages include a felucca or motorboat ride, a walk in the village’s roads, a traditional lunch at well-maintained tourist spots, and exploration of the markets.  

A detailed itinerary for a Day tour in Aswan & Nubian Village  

Here’s what a typical Aswan & Nubian village itinerary includes: 

• Hotel pickups and drop-offs in the well-maintained AC taxi transfers.
• Boat experiences on the Nile to sail to Nubian villages. 
• A tour guide assists you on the village roads and shares interesting facts about the culture. 
• You will also get to visit the Nubian houses, colored blue or pink with traditional art on the walls. 
• Travelers are served traditional meals and mint tea, a traditional Nubian drink.  

Other Places Explored on the Aswan Day Tour

Abu Simbel temple visit, the famous religious place built by Ramesses II, dedicated to the sun god, and offering photogenic views at the entrance gate with four massive rock-cut statues in the background.  

The Unfinished Obelisk, a major tourism spot located in the Aswan granite quarry, was commissioned around 1500 BC. It is the largest obelisk known in Egyptian architecture, which was left unfinished, potentially due to a large crack. 

Philae temple visit: It is a prominent religious place dedicated to the goddess Isis, located on Aglikia Island. Approached by a felucca ride from the Aswan Nile corniche. It is commonly known as the “Pearl of Egypt” and was originally moved from Philae Island under a UNESCO project.  

In Aswan, travelers also explore the mesmerizing, man-made botanical gardens and can buy souvenirs from the shops showcasing handmade artifacts. 

Travel operators in Egypt combine the Nubian Village exploration with the abovementioned locations for a fulfilling experience. Itineraries by different companies cover different locations on pre-planned day tours. 

Where is the Nubian village in Aswan?

On the west banks of the Nile, near Aswan, the Nubian villages are located. Now you must be thinking, How do I go to Nubian Village, Aswan? Here you go: a simple guide that will help you reach the Nubian Villages. 

Famous tours visiting the Nubian villages are carried out on Elephantine Island, Gharb Soheil, and in areas surrounding the Nile islands south of Aswan. 

Ways to Reach the Nubian Villages:

• The easiest way is by a motorboat or felucca ride from Aswan’s Nile Corniche to the villages. 
• Eventually, the boat rides are also part of the explorations as tourists witness the scenic view of islands and desert landscapes and see the local river life.  
• On a packaged tour, you may get assistance for transportation from the hotel, and that also includes visits to the Abu Simbel temple, unfinished obelisks, and the High Dam; with that, on day tours, which rest at Nubian villages, are also included. 
• You can book a private boat, easily available for travelers seeking more personalized experiences in Egypt. 
• Sometimes the itineraries for Dahabiya Nile cruises also include visits to the Nubian villages to offer cultural insights into Egyptian culture. 

What is the Nubian village famous for? 

• Nubian villages are largely recognized by their vibrant houses colored in blue or pink with unique geometric artworks that you will not see on the historical sites in Egypt. 
• The traditional Nubian hospitality and handmade crafts are something that amazed the tourists. 
• Another major thing that makes Nubians different from others is their distinctive music and dance traditions, sometimes also presented on the all-inclusive Nile cruise on-board cultural nights. 
• The villages also offer exclusive insights into the living culture that differs from the mainstream Egyptians’ life; travelers experience authentic and pure rural vibes.  

Is the Nubian Village tour worth it?

Yes, for many travelers, a visit to Nubian villages offers them a unique and personalized experience. They get stunned by witnessing the cultural side of Egypt in its most original form. It offers a perfect blend of historical exploration with real-life cultural encounters during the Nile cruise in Egypt during vacations.  

The tours are best for those who are interested in knowing and documenting the local traditions, community life, photography, Nile scenery, and slower cultural experiences. These vibrant Nubian villages offer less formal experiences, and visitors see the raw rural side of southern Egypt.  

How long should one spend in Nubian Village?  

Most itineraries are around 2-4 hours long; the most ideal is a half-day trip to the Nubian Villages, which includes boat rides, walking tours, shopping, tea breaks, and photography. These tours are combined with exploration of Aswan’s major tourist locations, mostly the Philae temple or Abu Simbel temple; that depends on the type of itinerary you’re selecting for the exploration of Nubian villages in Egypt. 

What should you pack for a Nubian Village tour in Aswan, Egypt? 

• Ensure you keep a hat or headwear to cover your head during peak noon hours.  
• Get your camera to document the village life and architecture.  
• Keep comfortable walking shoes, as you need to walk through village roads and markets.  
• Keep your sunglasses and pack the high SPF sunscreen.  
• In winter, pack warm clothes, as the weather feels cooler in Nubian villages. 
• In the summer, keep lightweight cotton clothes for comfortable exploration. 

Things to keep in Mind while booking Nubian Village tours  

• Book your exploration package only from the trusted tour operators; you can inquire with your 3-night Nile cruise operator, as they can suggest the best deals to you.  
• Check the reviews and ratings of the companies you are going to book village exploration tours with.  
• Try booking an all-inclusive tour, which includes a boat ride, meals, and taxi transfers for a half- or full-day tour. 
• Visit the Nubian villages only with local tour guides, as rural areas do not have the availability of English-speaking individuals. 
• Compare the prices and inclusions before booking and try reserving tours in advance for a comfortable day trip to Nubian villages. 

Conclusion  

Nubian villages were part of the ancient villages from 2000 BCE as trade partners, and then by the 25th Dynasty, the Nubian culture flourished in ancient Egypt at its peak. To date, in the western part of the Nile Valley in Egypt, the Nubian ethnic groups are living and carrying the culture and authentic practices. They are now famous for art, music, and unique dance that reflects the ancient culture of the Egyptians in the New Kingdom. 

Follow the abovementioned tips and book your eNubian tour wisely. Prefer booking only from a verified partner for safe and fulfilling experiences. Take the felucca ride instead of the motorboats for a more traditional exploration of the unique Nubian culture.