NUBIA

Experience beautiful Nile views from the area’s many elevated islands and immerse yourself in Nubian culture while you discover local architecture and grow acquainted with the community’s distinct artistic style. For fans of Egyptology, Nubia hosts countless ancient sites.

Care for your first-ever Nile Crocodile sighting?

An elevated island with stunning sunset views over the Nile

Heissa Island, Nubia

This hill-shaped island contains Pharaonic and Islamic tombs, as well as a Coptic monastery.

Qubet El-Hawaa, Nubia

This UNESCO Wold Heritage Site hosts an authentic Nubian ecolodge.

Bigeh Island, Nubia

See

Natural Phenomena, Animals and Plants

A key highlight of Nubia’s fauna is the critically endangered Argun palm tree, which is exclusive to the Nubian Desert. This rare species of palm is distinguishable by its unique fan-shaped leaves. With a natural ecosystem steeped in Nile River grandeur, Nubia is home to a selection of wildlife unavailable elsewhere in Egypt, including the world’s second-largest reptile, the Nile Crocodile. While these crocodiles are the Nile’s largest reptiles, they are quickly followed in size by the Nile Monitor, commonly believed to be far more dangerous than its similarly sized crocodile cousin. Nubia is awash with key archeological sites from Pharaonic, Islamic, and Coptic eras. Fans of Ancient Egyptian history will thoroughly enjoy a visit to Nubia, which offers countless sightseeing and learning experiences such as the nearby Philae Temple.

Do

Activities, Excursions

Nubian people typically rely on small sailboats or motor boats for transportation as the landscape consists primarily of small islands dispersed along the Nile River. Boating is thus a very popular activity among visitors to Nubia, who enjoy spectacular sunset views along the banks of the Nile. If a relaxing boat ride doesn’t sound thrilling enough to you, consider sandboarding in the Nubian Desert!

Meet

Local People, Tribes

Nubian people are indigenous to the region of Nubia and have long been represented as Egypt’s most hospitable and well-spirited community in national popular culture. While roaming Nubia, you will see landscapes lined with traditional Nubian houses, painted with recurring artistic motifs in striking, vibrant colors. Arts, crafts, and embroidery constitute the heart of Nubian cultural expression. Nubian communities are famed for their masterful handicrafts, which include beadwork, wickerwork, and threading. Recurrent motifs are interwoven throughout all of these products, each with its own set of specific cultural significance. No Nubian visit would be complete without a meal shared with locals. Highlights include Al Etr, a dish similar to typical Egyptian Molokheyya, but made with okra and eaten with rice or fried eggs, and Al Kashad, a liver-based dish eaten either during breakfast or dinner.

Stay

Places To Lodge

Local community lodges are a popular accommodation choice for Nubia visitors. If you’d prefer a more authentic Nubian experience, why not consider staying on the Bigeh or Heissa Islands, both of which have several locally operated Nubian guesthouses.