Discover the genuine charm of El Nuba as you delve into the local lifestyle. During your stay, you'll have the chance to engage with the island's residents, participating in their daily routines and enjoying their warm hospitality up close.
We don't visit touristic sites on this trip, so if it's your first time to visit Fayoum and you're interested in that, then this is probably not the trip for you.
- Go on a fishing trip with locals in row boats
- Sail the Nile
- Bake Sanasel bread like a local
- Kayak from Heissa Island to Tingar beach
- Join the Nubian Zaffa Celebration
- Dine with an Island Elder
- Cook Over Wood Fire
- Visit an island's local home
- Swim at Tingar beach
- Explore Nubian Village
Your arrival in Aswan on day 1 should be between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. The departure time on day 5 is up to you.
Day 1
Welcome to El Nuba
Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the airport or train station and transferred to Heissa Island. Settle into our accommodation and enjoy the day at your leisure. Kayaks will be available for you to take one and go on a paddle to an island on the opposite side of our home stay, or you can opt for a relaxing boat ride. Take a refreshing swim and soak in the tranquility of the Nile's waters. Later, we'll return to Heissa island to catch the sunset at a unique place. After the sun sets, we'll return home for lunch. Experience the local hospitality and kindness that defines the island's people.
- Kayak from Heissa Island to Tingar beach
- Swim at the beach
- Dine with an Island Elder
Day 2
Fisherman's Island
We'll wake up early to experience a day in the fishermen's lives. We'll move at 6am in the morning using local transportation to reach today's destination. A felucca ride followed by a tuktuk journey will lead us to Fisherman's Island (Gezeiret El Sayad), where we'll test our luck at fishing in traditional row boats. Once we've reeled in our catch, we'll indulge in the unique experience of grilling or frying our fresh fish for lunch. We'll enjoy a Nubian musical performance featuring their main instruments as we chill until the sun sets. Then, we'll return to Heissa Island.
- Go on a fishing trip with locals in row boats
- Cook Over Wood Fire
- Ride a Tuktuk
Day 3
Sailing
Today, we’ll learn the art of making Sanasel bread, the Nubian crepe-like bread. After breakfast, we'll head out to explore the Nubian Village. Take some time for shopping before we set sail along the Nile on a traditional sailing boat. As we glide along the river, we’ll watch the sunset and enjoy a lunch aboard. In the evening, we'll return back to the island.
- Bake Sanasel bread like a local
- Explore Nubian Village
- Sail the Nile
Day 4
Live Like a Local
Our morning begins with a visit to an island local's house, offering a glimpse into a different way of life. Here, you'll observe a unique perspective and approach to daily living. Then, we'll take the boat to Tingar Beach, where we'll relax by the shore and have lunch. After lunch, we'll return home to enjoy the sunset over tea at 3am Sally's. We'll have some time to shower and freshen up, before head to El Gam3eya, a gathering place on Heissa Island where locals connect, play games, and host events. There, we'll share our final dinner and celebrate with a lively Nubian Zaffa, marking our last night together.
- Visit an island's local home
- Chill at Tingar Beach
- Join the Nubian Zaffa Celebration
- Dance to Nubian Beats
- Experience local nights
Day 5
Free Day
On our last morning in Aswan, seize the opportunity to explore the soul of the city one last time before we bid farewell. Depending on departure time, there may be a chance to explore Aswan souq before your journey concludes.
- Aswan Souq (depending on departure time)
Yasser's Guest House
- seating area overlooking the Nile
Rooms
- double, triple, and quadruple rooms (feature a traditional Nubian layout and are decorated in the authentic Nubian style)
- shared bathrooms
- note that based on your chosen room category when booking, you may share accommodation with one or two fellow travelers
Bathrooms
- two shared bathrooms inside the house
- additional bathrooms available outside
Sally's House
- seating area overlooking the Nile
- seating area inside the house
Rooms
- double, triple, and quadruple rooms (feature a traditional Nubian layout and are decorated in the authentic Nubian style)
- shared bathrooms
- note that based on your chosen room category when booking, you may share accommodation with one or two fellow travelers
Bathrooms
- two shared bathrooms inside the house
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- All activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Gazef accompanying chaperone
- First aid kit (first aid certified chaperones)
- All service charges and taxes
What is NOT included in the tour
- Meals other than mentioned in above itinerary
- Beverages
- Optional activities / tours
- Personal expenses
- Tipping
Non-Egyptians will incur an additional fee of $190 to cover essential permits, accommodation, and ticket price differences. Make sure you have this amount in cash to be paid to your trip chaperone at the start of the journey.
The Adventure Leader's primary role is to ensure your journey flows seamlessly. As your main point of contact throughout the trip, they're dedicated to enhancing your experience. Whether it's offering recommendations on activities or attractions, or facilitating interactions among travelers, they ensure everyone feels connected, although often connections form naturally.
Our groups are filled with solo travelers and like-minded individuals who share a passion for adventure and connecting with others. You'll feel right at home exploring with us.
We use private buses (Hiace), tuktuks, boats, and maybe taxis.
In Egypt, the power supply is Type C and F, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz.
You can expect a reliable network connection throughout the trip.
- Comfortable Clothing
- Comfortable Shoes
- Slippers
- Bathing Suit
- Towel
- Jacket
- Sun Protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- Insect Repellent
- Camera / Waterproof GoPro (if available)
- Power Bank (if available)
- Speakers (if available)
Tipping directly supports local communities, benefiting drivers and suppliers. The tourism sector heavily depends on this support. While not obligatory, your tip is a meaningful 'thank you' for their service.
Does the mentioned duration of the trip include the transfer time from the hotel to the sights? Yes, it is an estimate of how long it would take to drive from the hotel to the sights, have a private guided tour, and drive back to the hotel.
