The Nubian Village: Seheyl Island

A short trip (about 3 hours) with the felucca* could be an excursion to Sahel Island: Mustafa will sail with you along Aga Khan, pass houses built in Nubian style (some of which are restaurants), sail along the desert to the cataract, where you can feel and hear the force of the Nile under the felucca. At the westbanks camels lie in the sand, Nubian artifacts are sold, but if you dont ask Mustafa to stop there, the wind will carry you further south - in direction of the highdam.

At Sahel Island you can get off the felucca and visit the Nubian village there.
Maybe a group of children will sing for you while an old man beats the Darabuca. You are welcome to visit a house, where you will get a glass of tea, admire the small crocodiles they have as pets, see the kitchen and the stove where bred is made.
Women will offer you Nubian jewellery, if they ask you to change Euros or Cents to Egyptian money, please do. They dont get coins changed at the bank. If you like, Mustafa can show you the village.

Then the felucca will take you around the island, to return to Aswan along the eastbank, a very pleasant trip.
Sometimes - if the wind drops - rowing is necessary on the way back (last picture). Take your time to see the southern part of Aswan, including the villa of Mohamed Mounir - a very famous singer in Egypt.

If you are interested in archaeological sites, sail around the island and see the ancient inscriptions!

Good to know:
Take a bottle of water and a headpiece against the sun with you. Long clothes and suncream will help you not to get a sunburn.
Unfortunately children have become used to begging. Nubians and Egyptians have asked me to advise you, that it is better to give them pens, sweets, … instead of money.
The purchase of Nubian handiworks is also possible in the village. But there is never any obligation to buy!

* Usually felucca, motorboat possible if there is no wind

 

One felucca
each hour
13 USD

Optional -
with lunch:
19 USD each person

Please bring some baksheesh (small Pound Notes) for a visit in a Nubian House and the tea.

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If no wind to sail:

• Motorboat to tear the felucca against the current near the Dam and then sail back quietly (without motorboat) with the current (relaxing and beautiful):
felucca each hour
13 USD
plus 1x 14 USD for the motorboat

or

• Motorboat only
- if no wind
- cheaper than felucca plus motorboat
(but motorboat is loud, felucca is quiet)
- if you want to see much within short time (motorboat is faster than the felucca)
each hour 14 USD