Some places will have you craving vibrancy, while others offer a dash of colour occasionally. At the Nubian Villages in Egypt, you are greeted with an abundance of hues. The vibrant colours are not randomly splashed across the buildings; they hold significant meaning behind the patterns and shades used.
Historically, Nubians from southern Egypt and northern Sudan settled along the banks of the Nile to engage in farming. They were also renowned for their skills as archers.
The Nubian villages in Aswan still line the banks of the river and serve as treasuries of some of Egypt's oldest ancient ruins. Residents of these villages are known for their friendliness and hospitality. They maintain their own customs and traditions, speaking a language called Nuba, which is sacred to the community and not taught to outsiders. This unique culture has been preserved through generations.
Vividly painted mud houses dot the villages, offering a charming backdrop to the landscape. Visitors can interact with welcoming Nubian families and gain personal insights into their lifestyle. Most tourists are taken to the Gharb Soheil Nubian village, which has resulted in many traditional homes being transformed into guesthouses.
There is plenty to do in this village. First, take a stroll around to soak in the beautiful shades of colour and the art adorning the walls. You can also indulge in shopping at the local market, where roasted nuts, trinkets, Nubian dolls, clothing, and souvenirs are available. If walking isn't your preferred style, consider trying a camel ride through the market instead.
Crocodiles hold an important place in Nubian culture as totems of blessings. Historically, they were even used to guard residences, but now they have become a tourist attraction in their own right. Many locals have domesticated these reptilian predators, drawing tourists from far and wide to view them. When they pass away, the crocodiles are often skinned and mummified. A mummified crocodile hung above the door of a house indicates that the owner has domestic ones available for viewing. The aggressive nature of these creatures is carefully managed by their owners. These crocodiles play a significant role in supplementing the income of the Nubian community.
For those wishing to explore the history of the Nubians, the Nubian Museum in Aswan is an excellent starting point. The museum was established as part of the UNESCO International Campaign for the Development of the Nubia Museum in Aswan and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo. It showcases 3,000 artifacts related to Nubian history and culture, allowing visitors to witness the evolution of Nubian culture from its ancient roots to the present day. The museum's architecture is designed with traditional Nubian elements in mind, and in 2001, it was honoured with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
You will be taken from Aswan to the Nubian villages by either a felucca or a modern boat, depending on the weather conditions. This ride offers impeccable views of the Nile, providing a panoramic postcard image of the villages.
To reach Aswan, Egypt, you can fly directly into Aswan International Airport (ASW) from Cairo, which takes approximately 90 minutes. Both Egypt Air and Jazeera Airways operate flights to this destination from Cairo and other hubs, such as Kuwait. Alternatively, you can enjoy a scenic train ride from Cairo or Luxor. Overnight sleeper trains offer a comfortable and affordable option, taking around 13 to 14 hours from Cairo. From Luxor, the train ride is about three hours. You can also travel by Nile cruise from Luxor, providing a unique and leisurely way to reach Aswan while enjoying Egypt’s ancient sites along the river.