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Lake Nasser, one of the biggest artificial lakes in Egypt, came into existence after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. This majestic water body provides a distinct experience; therefore, it is away from the crowded Nile cruise routes. A lush cruise around Lake Nasser sweeps through the desert landscape and passes by almost-forgotten archaeological treasures that are equally awe-inspiring, not what one usually experiences on a cruise down the Nile River. At just a hop away from Aswan, tourists can also enjoy a Lake Nasser cruise combined with Aswan day tours to find other iconic sites, such as the temples of Abu Simbel and the Nubian culture, a fleeting glimpse of her. This secretly fabulous haven provides tranquility, thrill, and a deep taste of Egypt’s glorious ancient culture, making it a one-of-a-kind journey any traveler will cherish.
When it comes to cruising Lake Nasser, a few options are available to the traveler depending on their interests, budgets, and experiences on offer. Whether your interests pertain more to luxury, comfort, or adventure, there is a cruise for you after all.
Luxury Cruises: They include premium cabins with modern amenities, exquisite dining, entertainment, and guided tours. Most luxury cruises are inclined to offer relaxation combined with cultural activities to the fullest, such as visits to Abu Simbel and the Tombs of the Nobles. It is also usual for these cruises to organize day trips to Aswan for their guests.
Mid-range Cruises: Comfortable accommodation with generously sized cabin decks and onboard activities, including cultural shows and some meals from local cuisines, make these cruises so well-balanced between price and quality. These cruises offer guided tours to the key lakeside sites.
Budget Cruises and Day Trips: For the constrained-by-time-or-budget traveler, day cruises from Aswan are available to explore in brief the highlights of Lake Nasser. It is usually combined with visits to accessible archaeological sites and natural reserves, and other tours of Aswan.
Some of these cruises, however, venture into fishing expeditions or bird-watching tours so that you can really experience the natural beauty of the lake's ecosystem.
Most cruises emphasize linking your cruise with Aswan excursions so that you can enjoy the lake and down-to-earth culture in the surrounding areas.
Choosing the right season during which to plan your trip is quite essential, as some seasons offer much more pleasure than others.
The best time to go to Lake Nasser is actually between October and April, when the weather remains mild and comfortable compared to the orange scorchers of summer.
This is the season for leisure activities such as sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and cruising, none of which will be disturbed by extreme weather. This period also witnesses maximum tourists cruising down the Nile, thereby providing more options and well-organized tours to choose from.
In winter, the evenings are cool, the ideal time to enjoy some good solitude onboard while cruising across calm waters or off for a desert safari.
Some Aswan attractions and day tours run excellently in these months, so this would also be the perfect time for combining other excursions with your cruise.
Of course, you have the option of cruising in the summer, but if you like to partake in outdoor activities, the temperatures can soar beyond 40°C (104°F), making it rather unpleasant and requiring intricate planning.
Booking your cruise during the best season also means clear skies, thus making great photography of the landmarks like Abu Simbel and the desert landscapes.
When planning your cruise, selecting the right type of cruise on Lake Nasser can be a decisive factor for enjoying the trip. Here's a concise display of the main options for you to decide which option corresponds to your style and interest:
Perfect if you want an upscale, comfortable experience. These cruises offer huge cabins with modern amenities, fine dining, and entertainment onboard. Many of these cruises can be joined with guided sightseeing for Aswan tourists to the magnificent Abu Simbel temples, thus making it easy to combine cruising with Aswan day tours.
It gives a perfect mixture of comfort and respectability. Expect intimate accommodation, cultural displays, and great local cuisine. This choice is the best for anyone looking for that deep experience without quite putting a dent in their pocket, mainly mixing the best side of a Nile River cruise with the local culture.
If your timing or purse might be tight, then opt for a SHORT voyage leaving from Aswan. From this short cruise, are chosen tracks of the main highlights of Lake Nasser, such as those of the ancient temples and nature. When combined with another tour in Aswan or excursions from Aswan, this will certainly guarantee you get the full satisfaction of a single day.
Off-the-radar NILE cruises offer thrilling options, especially for the adventurous who enjoy fishing, bird watching, and desert safaris around the lake. The rarer you get to enjoy such raw beauty of Lake Nasser and its surroundings, the more worthwhile your off-the-beaten NILE cruise.
Some cruises focus on the in-depth exploration of Nubian culture and lesser-known archaeological sites. Visiting Nubian villages, learning about their culture, and visiting ancient temples gives a rewarding experience for history lovers.
Now, most of these cruises either start or end in Aswan, so you can always blend in some Aswan day tours and Aswan excursions with your Lake Nasser cruise. By doing so, you have the best of both worlds: a lake cruise coupled with the rich history and beautiful landscapes of the city.
Culture Visits: Most cruises stop at important temples such as Abu Simbel, Philae, and Kalabsha, giving you an immersive experience of Egypt's ancient heritage.
Nubian Village Tours: Pass through Nubian villages to witness genuine Nubian culture, interact with the villagers, learn about their ways, and purchase some handmade items.
Wildlife Watching: The Lake Nasser area supports a myriad of avian species, including some rare migrants, making bird watching a very familiar pastime in these parts.
Fishing: The lake is said to be a haven for fish, so good luck to those anglers trying to fish for some catch in such an exotic place.
Desert Safaris: Most cruises offer a combination of desert activities so that you can appreciate the Sahara Desert either on camelback or onboard a 4x4.
Sunset and Sunrise Views: The almost infinite expanse of the lake juxtaposed with the desert sets the perfect stage to watch some really memorable sunsets and sunrises while capturing the moment with a camera or simply lounging on the deck.
Onboard Entertainment: Some traditional music and dance performances might entertain you, along with tasting delicious local ingredients.
Complementing the Lake Nasser cruise with Aswan excursions or day tours really adds to the diversity and depth of your travel itinerary.
However, the main season runs from October to April, with a climate mild enough for the full range of outdoor exploration options and comfortable cruise conditions for guests.
These months experience a delightful temperature ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, which is just right for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The period coincides with the main tourist season for Nile River cruises, so many operators extend well-organized packages and special tours.
A bit of cold may present itself in the evenings during winter, so it's better to go prepared.
The summer months of May through September are scorching, as the temperatures soar past 40 degrees Celsius, limiting outdoor activities; however, this situation is suitable for night cruises or for those who advocate for fewer crowds.
Bearing the weather in mind shall help you frame better Aswan day tours and make the most of your visit to Aswan tourist attractions.
Breathable and lightweight during the day, and with layers for chillier evenings.
Good walking shoes or sandals for archaeological sites and desert terrain.
Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and strong sunscreen to work against the strong sun exposure on the lake and in the desert.
To click beautiful views, wildlife, and historic monuments of Abu Simbel.
Medicines, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and your basic toiletries.
Passport, visa (if necessary), cruise tickets, and copies of important documents.
binoculars for bird watching, a swimsuit for swimming in designated sites, and a torch for night excursions.
Packing smart will give a boost to your entire enjoyment and comfort during your Nile cruise on Lake Nasser alongside the day trips to Aswan.
Enjoying the Lake Nasser cruise to its fullest really begins well before stepping aboard. Experience-wise, this part of Egypt runs slower, less hurried, and different from busy Nile routes, but a little smartness in planning ensures the smooth running of the show. How can you get yourself prepared?
Before anything else, give serious thought to how much time you have on hand and what kind of experience you seek.
Want comfort and full service? Go for a luxury Lake Nasser cruise.
If tight on budget or schedule, consider short cruises or a day trip along with other Aswan excursions.
Almost all cruises start or end in Aswan, thus making it an appropriate hub to circumnavigate before any after your cruise.
Put in extra days for day tours from Aswan to sites like Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Elephantine Island.
You may consider overnight stays to enjoy both the city and the lake without rushing.
The ideal months for cruising are between October and April. During that period, demand rises on routes that include famous sites such as Abu Simbel.
Booking early allows more time for considering cabins and ships, including combined tours in Aswan.
Some cruises include everything and more, from guided temple tours, meals, and transfers. Others leave options up to you.
Make sure to ask if the prices include entrance fees, transport from Aswan, etc., or if everything is optional.
If this is part of a Nile cruise adventure that extends to Luxor or Cairo, make sure you have logistics sorted for that well ahead of time.
The sun is strong in southern Egypt even in the cooler seasons.
Light clothing, a wide-brim hat, and sunscreen are perfect.
There are few ships with upper decks providing shade, so prepare for it in case you are sensitive to the sun.
Lake Nasser cruises take guests far away into the essentially isolated, but throwing in some Aswan day trips, like a visit to a Nubian village or a local cooking class, will only serve to deepen your experience.
You would not really need formal wear, but do bring:
Comfortable walking shoes (for temples and desert visits)
A warmer jacket for the evenings (even in spring)
A refillable water bottle and any personal medications
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