Living in Luxor - Lake Nasser Cruises

When Lake Nasser was created as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam between 1958 and 1970, the relocation of the temples along its shores was necessary or they would have been submerged by its rising waters. In 1959, an international donations campaign to save the monuments of Nubia began. The most important temples, including Abu Simbel, were dismantled and reassembled in higher locations or back from the banks. Most of these Nubian temples are inaccessible by road and can just be visited by boat during a Lake Nasser cruise.

Safari boat on Lake Nasser

However, Nubia, with its rare flora and fauna, is not only interesting for lovers of the ancient Egyptian culture but also for nature enthusiasts, especially during the winter time.

 

Lake Nasser Cruise - Boat:

For your Lake Nasser cruise we offer you an attractive alternative to the huge cruise ships: a traditional Nubian style safari boat. Handcrafted out of pine wood within 5 years it is light for better float on water and less fuel consumption. With its tanking system for sewage it is the greenest boat of the region.

Safari boat - Deck

The 26 meters long safari boat operates regularly between Aswan and Abu Simbel since November 2016. It has only 6 double cabins, 4 on the main deck and 2 on the upper deck, each equipped with a private bathroom. The latter two are provided with a private terrace. A large sundeck of 35 square meters, a lounge restaurant and a bar are available on the main deck. All meals (oriental, Nubian, and international cuisine) are prepared and cooked on board.

Safari boat - Suite

Safari boat - Private balcony of the suite

Safari boat - Salon

Lake Nasser Cruise - Travel information:

On the first day of your Lake Nasser cruise you will be picked up at your hotel at 9 a.m. for the first site visit. The cruise ends on the last day after breakfast.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because of the proxinity to the Sudanese border a special permission is needed. That's why your booking including copies of the first pages of your passports must be received by no later than 6 weeks before arrival date.

Lake Nasser Cruise - Itinerary:

The safari boat operates on Mondays resp. Fridays between October and April, minimum 2 passengers.

From Aswan to Abu Simbel - 4 Nights, Departure Every Monday

• Day 1: Aswan - Kalabsha - Ghazal
  After boarding we commence sailing south towards the temples of Kalabsha and Beit el-Wali. Lunch will be served as the boat sails to the original site of the Kalabsha Temple. Here you can enjoy a swim in the lake accompanied with the serving of refreshments. As the day comes to an end the boat will anchor at the Khour el-Ghazal Creek where you will have a starlit dinner before retiring for the night.
• Day 2: Wadi El-Sebua - Dakka - Maharraqa
  On this day we travel down Lake Nasser with the goal of discovring three relocated temples. During the sailing we will pass the site of Abu Sheta, a region in the Nubian Desert with a reputation for exciting hikes filled with golden dunes and congregations of exotic birds in small lagoons. We will anchor to visit the temples of Wadi El-Sebua, Dakka and Maharraqa. Moving along, you will sail towards one of the most tranquil bays of the Nubian Lake, Wadi el-Arab. Following on, the boat will move towards the Amada Temple. Occasionally on this route you are privileged to see some of the lake crocodiles. Your day will come to an end when the boat makes its final stop of the day in Amada.
• Day 3: Amada - Pennout - El-Derr
  We will start our day by visiting the Temples of Amada and el-Derr and the Tomb of Pennout. Returning to the boat we will make course towards Qasr Ibrim where we will spend the night.
  
• Day 4: Qasr Ibrim - Abu Simbel
  Qasr Ibrim is the single monument on the Nubian Lake that stands unmoved from its original location. Returning back to the boat, we will venture through the Masmas area, which is home to numerous Nubian villages. Soon in the distance the Abu Simbel Temples will start protruding from the horizon, a gorgeous sight signifying the end of your journey. With a visit of these temples we conclude the day (eventually the visit will be not until the next morning). As night falls you have the option of attending the Sound and Light Show regularly performed in front of the temples.
• Day 5: Abu Simbel - Check-out
  After breakfast you will check-out from the boat.

Program subject to modifications.

Rock Temple of Abu Simbel

From Abu Simbel to Aswuan - 3 Nights, Departure every Friday

• Day 1: Abu Simbel - Qasr Ibrim
  You will board the safari boat after a tour of the Ramses II and Nefertari Temples at Abu Simbel. Once on board, we will initiate a four hour sail to Qasr Ibrim. Here the safari boat will dock as we plan on spending the night in one of the creeks of the area.
• Day 2: Amada - Pennout - Wadi El-Arab
  Rising in the early hours of the morning, breakfast will be served and soon we shall be on our way to watching some of the many species of migratory birds that flock to the Nubian Lake during the winter. We are sailing down to the Temples of Amada, Pennout and El-Derr, which we expect to reach by noon. After uncovering the wonders of every temple, we will return on board and continue our cruise. Sailing through the mountainous region of Korousko and Wadi el-Arab, one of Nubia’s largest valleys, we will take our last swim of the day as the boat throws anchor for the night.
• Day 3: Dakka - Wadi El Seboua - Maharaqqa
  On this day we travel down Lake Nasser with the goal of discovering three relocated temples, known for their unique sculptures and delicate beauty: Dakka, Wadi El Seboua and Maharaqqa. Back on board, the boat will journey to spend the night in one of the bays of New-Kalabsha.
• Day 4: Kalabsha - Beit El-Wali - Aswan
  Breakfast will be served as we make an early departure towards Aswan city. This particular route features a beautiful display of the Lake’s banks. We will be visiting the original sites of Beit el-Wali and Kalabasha before concluding our journey at Aswan. These two temples are situated 10 minutes away from our dock.

Program subject to modifications.

Temple of Wadi el-Sebua

Lake Nasser Cruise - Rates:

• 4 nights from Aswan to Abu Simbel: rates per person in a double cabin on main deck or upper deck - on request
• 3 nights from Abu Simbel to Aswan: rates per person in a double cabin on main deck or upper deck - on request
• Surcharge for single occupancy
  
  

Included in the Rates:

• 4 resp. 3 nights on board on full board basis (starting by lunch on arrival day, ending by breakfast on departure day)
• Mineral water, tea, and coffee during the trip
• Transfer from Aswan airport or from your hotel in Aswan to the boat and from the boat to Abu Simbel airport or the hotel in Abu Simbel
• Entrance fees for all the sites mentioned in the program
• All visits mentioned in the program.
• French, English or German Egyptian Egyptologist guide

Temple of Dakka, © Dennis Jarvis

Not ncluded in the Rates:

• Flights and visa
• Tips for the staff
• Tips for the guide
• Alcoholic drinks
• Any kind of insurance
• Transfer from Abu Simbel to Aswan or vice versa (with supplement)
• Sound & Light Show at the Abu Simbel Temples (with supplement)
  

Optional:

• Transfers from and to the airports in Luxor, Hurghada or Marsa Alam
• Hotels or holiday flats in Luxor
• Individual sightseeing programs in Luxor and/or Aswan
• Dahabiya Nile Cruises from Luxor/Esna to Aswan
  
  

Lake Nasser

Our Service in Luxor:

We pick you ap at the airport and bring you to your hotel/holiday flat or directly to Aswan resp Abu Simbel where your cruise will start. After the cruise we arrange your transfer back to Luxor or organise your stay in Aswan.

Do you organise workshops or group tours and would like to charter the whole safari boat? Ask for our special offer.

 

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