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.
- Fishing Experience
- Nubian Musical Performance
- Sailing
- Traditional Bread Baking
- Kayaking
- Nubian Zaffa Celebration
- Home Dinner with Island Elder
- Wood-Fired Cooking
- Tingar Beach
- Local Evening Experience
- Nubian Village
Your arrival in Aswan on Day 1 should be scheduled between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Departure from Aswan on Day 4 should not be earlier than 10:00 am.
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.
- Kayaking
- Beach Swim
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.
- Fishing Experience
- Row Boat
- Tuktuk Ride
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.
- Sanasel Bread-Making
- Nubian Village
- Sailing
Day 4
Cooking 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.
- Island Local's Home Visit
- Tingar Beach
- Nubian Zaffa Celebration
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)
Accommodation
Our double, triple, and quadruple rooms feature a traditional Nubian layout and are decorated in the authentic Nubian style. Inside, there are two shared bathrooms, with additional facilities available outside. Step outside to find a seating area overlooking the Nile. Our guest house is the ideal home for exploring vibrant Aswan.
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
What is NOT included in the tour
- Meals other than mentioned in above itinerary
- Beverages
- Optional activities / tours
- Personal expenses
- Tipping
- 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.