The further south we travel, the more beautiful the lush countryside becomes. Lofty date palms and mango, fig and lemon trees line the banks, interspersed by thickets of reeds from which an occasional ibis rears up, spreading its snow-white wings.
Virtually all the temples in Upper Egypt are built from sandstone from Gebel el-Silsila. The big Nile cruisers do not bother to stop at Egypt’s most important quarry, but the Abundance draws up there directly at the spot.
Esna, the starting point of our journey. Several dahabiyas are lined up along the city’s pier in the morning sun; the Abundance stands out as particularly inviting with its gleaming wooden deck, sparkling white hull and colour-coordinated textiles. An eight-strong crew is on hand to take care of the ship and the guests.
Sailing Cruise in Egypt. The joys of the Nile. Heading down the river. Board a traditional dahabiya and you’ll find an escape from the mass tourism that is so dominant here; instead, you can explore the culture, the country and the people from a personal and individual perspective.
Life in Upper Egypt is calm these days. As everywhere in this world there are recommendations and measures like masks and distancing rules; yet the Egyptians stay relaxed and trust life. Inshallah – God willing, as people say here. A relaxed attitude, perhaps more beneficial to health than fear and worries. Our family and our…