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Quick Guide to the Nile River
Also Known As: The Father 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
Why Visit 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.
Nearby Attractions
Depending on your ticket, these are some attractions you can visit and explore!
Plan Your Visit
Timings
Ticket Inclusions
Restaurants
Accommodation
Visitor Tips
What are the opening hours of 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.
What are the Sightseeing Cruise Timings?
Half-Day Tour: 5 Hours
- 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
1-Hour Tour:
- 4:00 PM to 5:00 Pm
What are the Lunch Cruise Timings?
- Starts: 1:30 PM
- Ends: 3:30 PM
- Duration: 2 hours
What are the Dinner Cruise timings?
- Starts: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
- Ends: 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
What are the 4-Day Nile Cruise timings?
- Starts: 9:00 AM
- Duration: Three nights & four Days
What do the Sightseeing Cruises Include?
- 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
What do the Dinner Cruises Include?
- Tour guide is available in English, Spanish, German, and Arabic, depending on your ticket
- All taxes and service charges
- Dinner and dessert
- Round-trip hotel transfers
- Belly dancing and Tanoura show
What does the Lunch Cruise Include?
- Tour guide is available in English, Arabic, and Spanish, depending on your ticket
- All taxes, fees, entrance, and handling charges
- Bottled water, Lunch, and Snacks
- Hotel transfers
What does the 4-Day Nile Cruise include?
- 3 nights' accommodation on a 5-star full-board cruise
- Airport/train/hotel pick-up service in Aswan
- Sightseeing tours in Aswan, Luxor, and on the cruise (group sharing)
- Full-board meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Access to Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon trips
- Service charges and taxes.
When is the best time to go on a Nile Cruise?
The best time for any Nile Cruise or Cairo city visit is between October and mid-April when the weather is nice and cool, and all the Nile’s locks are open.
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.
What are some budget accommodations in Central Cairo?
- 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.
What are some mid-range accommodations in Central Cairo?
- Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir: This hotel is located in downtown Cairo and secures a spectacular location in El Tahrir Square, overlooking the Egyptian museum.
- Triumph Plaza Hotel: This hotel is situated in Cairo’s Heliopolis district and offers air-conditioned rooms with free wired internet and a balcony.
- Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino: This hotel is located in the heart of Cairo and offers luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the Nile or the gardens.
What are some luxury accommodations in Central Cairo?
- Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza: This hotel is located in downtown Cairo and offers luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the Nile or the gardens.
- Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo: This hotel is located in Cairo’s affluent Garden City district and offers luxurious rooms on the shores of the Nile River.
- The Nile Ritz-Carlton: This hotel is located in downtown Cairo and offers luxurious rooms with views of the Nile River or the Egyptian Museum.
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
- 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.
How to buy you Nile River Cruise Tickets?
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nile River
What is the significance of the Nile River to Cairo?
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.
What are the best ways to experience the Nile River in Cairo?
There are many ways to experience the Nile River in Cairo, including taking a boat cruise, visiting waterfront restaurants and cafes, and strolling along the riverside promenade.
What are some popular activities to do along the Nile River in Cairo?
Popular activities along the Nile River in Cairo include visiting historic sites such as the Giza Pyramids and the Cairo Citadel, enjoying a traditional dinner and belly dancing show on a cruise, and taking a felucca boat ride at sunset.
Are there any famous landmarks or attractions along the Nile River in Cairo?
Yes, there are many famous landmarks and attractions along the Nile River in Cairo, including the Cairo Tower, the Opera House, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
What is the history of the Nile River in Cairo, and how has it impacted the city?
The Nile River has been a crucial resource for the people of Cairo for thousands of years, shaping the city's culture, history, and economy. It has provided water for agriculture, transportation, and trade, and has inspired art, literature, and architecture.
Can you take a cruise along the Nile River in Cairo, and what are the options available?
Yes, there are many options for taking a cruise along the Nile River in Cairo, ranging from budget-friendly group tours to luxury private charters.
What is the best time of year to visit Cairo and see the Nile River?
The best time to visit Cairo and see the Nile River is during the cooler months from November to March, when the weather is more pleasant and there is less risk of flooding.
How has the construction of dams and other infrastructure impacted the Nile River in Cairo?
The construction of dams and other infrastructure along the Nile River in Cairo has had a significant impact on the river's flow and the surrounding environment, leading to concerns about water scarcity and environmental degradation.
What is the significance of the Nile River to Cairo's economy throughout history?
The Nile River has been a vital source of economic activity for Cairo throughout its history, with many industries such as agriculture, fishing, and transportation relying on its waters for their livelihood. Today, the river continues to play an important role in the city's economy as a tourist attraction and source of renewable energy.
How has the Nile River shaped the culture and identity of Cairo throughout its history?
The Nile River has played a significant role in shaping the culture and identity of Cairo throughout its history, with many of the city's customs, traditions, and art forms reflecting its relationship with the river.
