Nile River Guide
The River Nile is the longest river in the world at 4187 miles from its White Nile source in the South to the mouth of the Mediterranean in the North. The River Nile gets its name from the Greek word "Nelios", meaning River Valley. The Niles average discharge of water is approximately 300 million cubic metres per day.
The Nile river flows south to north, from the high mountains in the middle of africa to the Nile delta, the point where Nile enters the Mediterranean Sea. (see the map below)
The two sources of the Nile are the White Nile (Lake Victoria in Uganda) and the Blue Nile (Lake Tana in Ethiopia). The Nile and itss tributaries flow through nine countries. The White Nile flows though Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt whilst the Blue Nile starts its journey in Ethiopia. Countries such as Zaire, Kenya, Tanzanian, Rwanda, and Burundi all have tributaries which flow into the Nile or into lake Victoria Nyanes.
There are a number of major cities located on the edge of the Nile and White Nile, and these include Cairo, Gondokoro, Khartoum, Aswan, Thebes/Luxor, Karnak, and the town of Alexandria which is situated close to the Rozeta branch.
There are also a number of dams along the River Nile, the Nile are Roseires Dam, Sennar Dam, Aswan High Dam, and Owen Falls Dam.
The Nile also known as the River of Life and has been revered in Egypt since ancient times. Before the Aswan Dam was built, only 4% OF EGYPT WAS CULTIVATED, BUT THIS HAS NOW BEEN EXTENDED TO 6%. Nearly all habitation owes its existence to the narrow strip of land either side of the river itself or to the very fertile Nile Delta in the north.
One explanation for the shape of the Ankh, the ancient Egyptian symbol for eternal life, is that it is thought to represent the Nile and its importance to life and consequently their religion. The two side arms represent the two banks of the river - the East for the Living and the West for the After-life. The top loop is for the productivity and fertility of the Nile
Delta; the stem is for the Nile itself.
The proximity of the Desert to the river is a constant reminder of the fragility of the narrow strip of life which survives all the way from Aswan to Cairo. Many of the dwellings and settlements have a very simple existence with few modern amenities.
There are so many holiday options available when taking a Nile cruise and so many interesting places to visit, many of which offer that once in a life time experience. These of course include the Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, situated just south of Cairo and the Valley of the Kings which is reached from Luxor. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the Tomb of Tutankhamun.
Many of our clients cho0se to "cruise & stay" when taking a holiday to Egpyt. Combining the enchantment of a river cruise on the Nile with a short city stay in Cairo for example.
Cruise along the Nile are mostly of a 7 night duration but longer cruise are available for those wishing to sail from Aswan in the South to Cairo in the North.
The Primary transportation along the Nile has been the Feluccas. These ancient boats still graces the river as they have done since the time of the Pharaohs. Despite motor barges which transport material and modern cruise ships which transport tourists, the felucca still remains as a major transport facilty.
The felucca rarely has any form of engine and relies entirely on the breeze which builds during the day and usually subsides at night. Tourists who wish to enjoy a peaceful journey can take a ride on the craft as they are carried onlg the Nile by the gentle breeze and the currents of the river.
Please use the search facility at the top of the page to find a Nile river cruise or simply call a member of our RiverCruising team on 0844 736 9379