Discover About and Explore the Wonders of the Nile River

From Old Cairo to New: An Introduction to Nile River Cruises

Egypt, a land of formidable terrain and undeniable beauty, thrives at the bosom of its crown jewel- The Nile River. Also known as the father of African rivers, The Nile is the longest river in the world, with Cairo being the gateway to the Nile Delta in Egypt.

The Nile River is home to some of the most incredible cruises in the world. From romantic Dinner Cruises to exhilarating Sightseeing Cruises, there's something for everyone on this majestic river. As you embark on your journey down the Nile, be transported to a world of wonder and excitement. From the ancient pyramids of Old Cairo to the modern skyscrapers of New Cairo, the river offers a breathtaking view of the city's stunning Architecture. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a Nile River Cruise is a perfect adventure.

Quick Guide to the Nile River

Nile River

Also Known As: TheFather of African Rivers, In Arabic, it is called Baḥr Al-Nīl or Nahr Al-Nīl.

Point of Entry: The northern limits of Lake Nasser in Aswan.

Point of Origin: The Nile River is formed from two major tributaries: the White Nile and the Blue Nile. The White Nile originates at Lake Victoria, which is located in modern-day Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. The Blue Nile originates at Lake Tana in Ethiopia.

Types of Cruises: Dinner Cruises, Lunch Cruises, Sightseeing Cruises, and Multi-day Cruises.

Popular Sights on the Nile:

  • Left Bank-  Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Hatshepsut, Ramesseum, Medinet Habu, Tombs of the Nobles, Deir el-Medina
  • Right Bank- Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Luxor Museum, Mummification Museum, Avenue of Sphinxes, Temple of Mut, Temple of Amun
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Why Visit the Nile River?

Ships by the nile river
  • Explore Egypt’s Ancient Sights: A Nile River cruise is a popular way to see Egypt’s ancient sights. Many of the most famous sites are located directly on the river, making a cruise the easiest way to travel between them.
  • Discover the History & Beauty of the Nile: A Nile River cruise allows you to discover the rich history and beauty of the Nile. You can try new experiences such as sailing on a traditional felucca.
  • Relax and Unwind: A Nile River cruise is a great way to relax and unwind as you gently cruise the Nile onboard a luxurious cruise ship.
  • Enjoy Evening Entertainment: Many Nile River cruises offer various evening entertainment that is fun for the whole family.
  • Take Advantage of Guided Tours: Many Nile River cruises offer guided tours along the banks of the Nile River. They will take you to the sites and explain the history in a way that is interesting and easy to digest.

Why is The Nile Famous? Unlocking the Secrets of Ancient Egypt

The Nile River is not just any river; it's a river of legend, mystery, and history. It has flowed through Ancient Egypt for thousands of years, shaping the culture and playing an essential role in the development of the civilization. For centuries, the Nile has been a vital source of life for the people who live along its banks, whether it be agriculture, transportation, or a way of life.

From the ancient monuments of Old Cairo to the bustling modern city of New Cairo, the Nile has been a constant presence in the lives of Egyptians for thousands of years. Ancient Egypt was a civilization that thrived along the banks of the Nile, leaving behind some of the most awe-inspiring sights in the world. The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings are just a few of the many Sights along the Nile that are nothing short of breathtaking. They remind us of a time when the world was young, and magic and wonder were still possible.

For romantics at heart, the Nile is more than just a river. It's a love story that has lasted millennia. It's a story of artists and dreamers who built a great civilization, created legends and literature, worshipped their gods and goddesses, and left behind a legacy that still inspires and captivates us today.

Discovering the Nile: A Brief History

The Nile is the longest river in the world, stretching over 4,000 miles from its source in the heart of Africa to the Mediterranean Sea. Its significance throughout history cannot be overstated, as it has been a crucial lifeline for the people who have lived along its banks for millennia.

The Nile in Antiquity- In ancient times, the Nile was worshiped as a god by the Egyptians, who relied on its annual floods to irrigate their crops and provide a steady supply of water for drinking and bathing. The river was also a vital trade route, facilitating the transportation of goods across different parts of Egypt and beyond.

The Nile in Medieval Times- During the Middle Ages, the Nile remained influential in the region. Arab traders used the river to transport goods such as spices and textiles, while the Nubian people who lived along its banks traded in gold, ivory, and slaves. The Nile also played a pivotal role in the rise and fall of various empires, including the Kingdom of Kush and the Mamluk Sultanate.

Today, the Nile remains an essential resource for the countries it flows through, a testament to the power of nature, human ingenuity, and the resilience of human society.

How did The Nile get its name?

In the ancient Egyptian language, the Nile was called Ḥ’pī (Hapy) or Iteru, meaning “river”. The  name- Hapy, also refers to the god of the annual flooding of the Nile in ancient Egyptian religion. The flooding provided fertile soil for agriculture and was considered a divine gift from Hapy.

the English name Nile and the Arabic names en-Nîl and an-Nîl both derive from the Latin Nilus and the Ancient Greek Νεῖλος. The Ancient Greek name Νεῖλος is derived from the noun νεῖλος (neîlos), meaning “river valley”, possibly from Semitic. However, the exact origin of these names is not clear and is a subject of debate among scholars.

Plan Your Visit

Tourist by the Nile river

The Nile River is always open to visitors. You can walk along the Nile in Cairo City. One of the best places to do so is by walking across the historic Kasr el Nil Bridge in downtown Cairo which gives you incredible views of the city – especially at night. The bridge connects Tahrir Square downtown to Gezira Island and the Cairo Opera House.

Tour guide for Sightseeing Cruises

  • Tour guide is available in English, Arabic, German, Italian, French, or Spanish, depending on your ticket.
  • All taxes and service charges (Entrance fees to the Pyramids and Sphinx area excluded)
  • Bottled water and snacks
  • Hotel transfers

Food by the pyramids

While all the dinner cruises include delicious dinner buffets, the afternoon sightseeing tour and Felucca boat ride do not include food. However, there are restaurants around the Pyramids.

  • Egyptian Cuisine: 9 Pyramids Lounge is located nearby, on the Giza plateau. This restaurant serves Egyptian food and offers stunning views.
  • Vegetarian & Vegan Food: Felfela is a 5-minute walk from the Pyramids and serves plenty of vegetarian and vegan Middle Eastern food.
  • Kid-Friendly Food: Other popular restaurants near the Pyramids of Giza include Koshary Hekaya and Restaurant El Dar Darak, opposite the main ticket gates. Additionally, there are kid-friendly fast food options such as Pizza Hut and KFC.
budget accommodations for Nile river cruise

  • Osiris Hotel: This hotel is in a perfect central location with a very friendly team.
  • City View Hotel: This hotel arranges Cairo tours and is a budget hotel.
  • Havana Hotel Cairo: This is a budget hotel in central Cairo that offers good quality accommodation and friendly staff.

Woman holding passport for nile river cruise

Photo ID: If you have purchased discounted tickets, please carry your valid photo ID for verification. All foreign citizens must present their passport and visa information upon arrival.

Packing: Bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Modest dressing is recommended as a sign of respect for the local customs.

Safety Guidelines: Do not climb on any pyramids. Unauthorized camel drivers and touts are plenty. Be wary, and look for uniformed Tourist Police for assistance.

Accessibility: Unfortunately, the Nile River Cruises are not entirely wheelchair accessible.

Interesting Nile River Facts

Nile River Cruise
  • The Nile River is traditionally considered the longest river in the world, stretching a massive 6,695 km (4,132 miles). However, there is some debate over this title as some scientists argue that the Amazon River in South America is longer.
  • The Nile River flows through 11 countries: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt.
  • The Nile River has two main tributaries: the White Nile and the Blue Nile. The White Nile starts in South Sudan, and the Blue Nile starts in Ethiopia.
  • The Blue Nile and White Nile merge in the city of Khartoum in Sudan. From there, the river continues to flow north through Egypt and finally into the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The Nile no longer floods each year because of the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1970. This enormous dam controls the flow of the river to generate electricity, irrigate farms and provide homes with drinking water.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Nile River

The Nile River is the lifeblood of Cairo, providing water and fertile land for agriculture, as well as being a major transportation route and tourist attraction.

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