People thinking of taking a Nile river cruise often forget that as well as seeing Ancient Egypt’s fascinating history you will see life as it is currently lived on the river and also some fascinating wildlife.
When I first cruised the Nile I enjoyed the daily visits to the temples and archeological sites as well as the fascinating and often humorous explanations of our Egyptologist. But what I enjoyed equally was the opportunity, when cruising, to just sit quietly and watch the life of the river go by.
Each afternoon, when we were sailing, I would draw up a comfortable chair next to the rails up on the sun deck and, cold drink in hand, watch people working, children playing, mothers washing clothes and all sorts of personal interaction along this most fascinating of rivers. I also found the sounds of the Nile mixed with the regular sounds of the call to prayer would make you realise that you were in a unique and wonderful country. So different to ours.
I also looked beyond the green of the immediate banks, past the low rise of buildings and watched the sands of the desert hills beyond. Often, in quieter stretches of the river I would see wild camels grazing in the low hills adjacent to the banks. I also saw extensive bird life. I knew little about the birds of Egypt but when I next return I will take the Birds Of Egypt book that we sell in the Nile Cruise bookshop so that I can identify and find out more about this side of Egypt.
If you are due to cruise shortly I would highly recommend that you take a good pair of binoculars, a video and still camera and some books about the bird and wildlife of Egypt. You wont’ regret taking them but you will regret it if you dont’.
Cruising the Nile is a totally different experience than most you will have had before and I think you will enjoy those quiet times just watching Egypt as I did.
