Quick Answer
The Nubian Village comprises a group of brightly colored settlements located on the western side of the Nile River near Aswan and usually include Gharb Soheil (West Soheil), as well as other villages such as Siou and Koti. The Nubian Village is an area inhabited by Egypt’s Nubians who have brightly colored mud brick homes that distinguish their unique culture different from other parts of Egypt. Tourists normally visit the village via motorboats or feluccas from Aswan and may take it up in combination with Nile cruises, the Nubian Museum, or Philae Temple.
Among all the places I take tourists around in Upper Egypt, the Nubian Village is the place that shocks people most. Having seen columns of Karnak and giant statues of Abu Simbel, landing in a village of cobalt and ochre houses, having tea in a Nubian family home makes tourists feel like being in a completely different nation inside Egypt. In this tour guide, I will describe who Nubians really are, why there is more than one Nubian village and why their names tend to be mixed up all the time, and finally, how to visit the Nubian Village properly.
Who Are the Nubians?
One of the oldest continuous civilizations in Africa is Nubia. Its history was first recorded at around 2000 BCE and spans through to today. The Nubians were responsible for direct rule of Egypt during the 25th dynasty (‘Black Pharaohs’) and governed important trading routes between Saharan Africa and the rest of the Mediterranean for generations.
Throughout all this time, the Nubian civilization has retained its distinct cultural heritage. The people of Nubia speak their own language (which includes Nobiin, Kenuzi-Dongolawi, and Arabic) and have unique customs and attire. There are also three main groups of people: Fadiga, Al-Orayqat, and Al-Konoz (or Al-Matoka). It is not a “lost” culture that exists only to amaze tourists but is a very real one that has managed to learn to coexist alongside them.
Many travelers combine a visit to the Nubian Village with a Nile cruise adventure. If you are planning your first journey, read our guide on Is a Nile Cruise Safe? to learn about security, comfort, and what to expect while sailing Egypt’s legendary river.
The Aswan High Dam and Nubian Displacement
The most crucial piece of information that helps us comprehend current-day Nubian villages is the Aswan High Dam built in 1970. With its construction, the Aswan High Dam caused the flooding of the Nubian homelands along the river Nile for hundreds of kilometres as a result of the creation of Lake Nasser, which became one of the largest man-made lakes of the world.
Thousands of Nubians were forced to leave their homelands in the sixties and settle in other areas; some were moved to the Elephantine Island and New Nubia near Aswan, while others further up north. Today’s colorful villages that tourists usually visit were primarily established because of this relocation process and thus exist in such quantity mainly in and around the area of Elephantine Island and the western shore of Aswan.
Which Nubian Village Should You Visit?
It’s right here that every other guide makes things difficult for themselves. ‘The Nubian Village’ seems like an all-inclusive name, but it’s actually made up of several villages, and which you will visit depends on where you started out.
| Village | Location | What You’ll Find | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gharb Soheil (West Soheil) | West bank, opposite Aswan, near the First Cataract | The most-visited and most photographed village; vivid blue/ochre houses, crocodile house, handicraft shops, tea houses | First-time visitors, photography, the classic ‘colourful village’ experience |
| Siou & Koti | On Sohail (Seheyl) Island | Quieter, more residential feel; traditional home visits with tea, less commercialised | Travellers wanting a calmer, more intimate cultural visit |
| Elephantine Island villages | Elephantine Island, opposite central Aswan | Closest to the city centre; mix of Nubian and Aswan-Egyptian residents, easy access from the corniche | Short visits, combining with Aswan town in the same afternoon |
However, in reality, the majority of day tours and Nile cruise shore excursions marketed under ‘Nubian Village tour’ take you to the sites of Gharb Soheil or Siou/Koti by boat from central Aswan – this will be the tour experience that we will discuss throughout the remainder of this guide.
The Nubian Village is just one of the many unforgettable experiences waiting for you in Aswan. Discover more temples, islands, cultural attractions, and hidden gems in our Best Things to Do in Aswan Egypt 2026 Local Guide.
What to Expect on a Nubian Village Visit
A typical visit lasts two to four hours and combines a boat journey with time spent walking through the village itself. Here is what defines the experience:
Colourful Mudbrick Houses
Symbolic of the Nubian village, houses are built using mud bricks and painted in vivid colors such as blue, orange, pink, and green. They are sometimes adorned with designs typical of Nubian culture and folk art. Some residents even go as far as painting their houses because they want visitors to come see them.
Traditional Tea & Hospitality
Every excursion ends up involving getting invited to the house of a Nubian family for some tea – normally hibiscus tea – which is served by them. This is what makes the trip most authentic, as it involves an honest discussion of their everyday lives.
Handicrafts & Local Markets
Local Nubian Villages sell woven fabrics, beadworks, and ceramics that are made in the village itself. When tourists buy from here, they support the economy of the area rather than making profits for travel agents.
The Crocodile House
Another popular stop in Gharb Soheil that houses Nile crocodiles, an idea dating back to ancient times when people used to worship Sobek, their crocodile god. This might be interesting for many tourists, although it is something to take into consideration before bringing along small children.
Nubian Music & Dance
Some tours and most Niles cruises will feature a Nubian evening that incorporates traditional music and dancing – either within the Nubian village itself or back onboard ship.
The beauty of the Nubian Village can be enjoyed all year round, but weather conditions can greatly affect your experience. Learn about the ideal seasons and temperatures in our Best Time for a Nile Cruise in Egypt guide before planning your Egyptian adventure.
How to Visit the Nubian Village
By Motorboat from Aswan
Most popular way of reaching there. In a very short period of time between 10 to 20 minutes, one can reach by motor boat from the center of Aswan through Nile River via Elephantine Island and the First Cataract.
By Felucca
The traditional wooden sail boat trip takes a little longer (takes around 30–45 minutes each way depending upon wind) but definitely is more beautiful, and for some travelers this method may prove to be more interesting than the other. Trips by feluccas depend upon weather, and can be scheduled at sunset time too.
As Part of a Nile Cruise Shore Excursion
If your Nile cruise journey will take place between Luxor and Aswan, then visiting the Nubian Village should be included among the other activities on your itinerary, including a tour of the High Dam, the Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk. Visiting the village becomes the easiest part because all that you have to do is to be taken directly from the ship. In case you would like to undertake a cruise journey between Luxor and Aswan, our Nile cruise range contains cruises within various types, including standard, deluxe, ultra-deluxe, and luxury ships.
Combined with the Nubian Museum & Philae Temple
Most tourists choose to combine the tour of the village with a visit to the Nubian Museum in Aswan, which has three thousand years of Nubian antiquities on display, making it perfect background information before the tour or after touring the villages; the third attraction that can be included in this tour package is the Philae Temple, which can be reached via a short boat trip from another pier.
📍 Quick Logistics
- Typical duration: 2–4 hours for a standalone visit; longer if combined with Nubian Museum or Philae Temple
- Best time to go: Morning (cooler, calmer water) or late afternoon into sunset for the felucca route
- Typical cost: $25–$60 per person depending on group size, boat type, and whether lunch/private guide is included
- What’s included on most tours: hotel or cruise ship pickup, boat transfer, guide, tea in a Nubian home; lunch and private guides are often optional extras
- What to bring: cash for handicrafts and tips, sun protection, modest clothing (see etiquette below)
- Nearest airport: Aswan International Airport (ASW), about 25 minutes from central Aswan
Visiting a Nubian Village or sailing along the Nile requires smart preparation, especially under Egypt’s sunny climate. Check our What to Pack for a Nile Cruise in Egypt guide to make sure you bring everything needed for a comfortable trip.
Visiting Respectfully: Etiquette in the Nubian Village
The Nubian Village is a place where people live, not an open-air museum, and a thoughtful visit makes a real difference to the families who welcome you.
- Ask before photographing people. Photos of buildings, artwork, and street scenes are usually encouraged, but always seek permission to take photos of people, especially children. Buy from local traders. Items bought from the village directly help Nubian families financially — this is one of the most valuable contributions tourism can make to the community after decades of displacement.
- Dress modestly. Light, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is appreciated, as it is throughout Upper Egypt.
- Be honest with yourself about the experience. Certainly, Gharb Soheil is more used to tourists, and there are several facilities (the crocodile farm, certain shops) that cater for the tourists. This does not mean that the culture is less authentic – Nubian identity and hospitality are real – however, be aware of the fact that the village has learned how to accommodate tourists, and it’s no longer the same as it used to be.
- Tip fairly. When you go to a house for tea, a tip will be a very appropriate gesture on your part, especially when one considers that tourism is the bread-and-butter of most Nubian families post-resettlement.
Plan Your Nubian Village Visit with Nile Cruise Offers
In the end, the village comes alive when it’s included as part of a bigger tour of Aswan and the Nile, instead of being visited hastily on its own. Most of our trips to Aswan from Luxor include half a day spent in Aswan where you can visit Philae Temple and the High Dam along with the Nubian Village.
Browse our Egypt Nile Cruise collection to find a sailing that includes Aswan, or explore by category:
- Cruceros Estándar por el Nilo
- Cruceros de Lujo en el Nilo
- Cruceros de Lujo Supremo en el Nilo
- Cruceros de Lujo en el Nilo
Travelling with a preferred cruise line? See our dedicated pages for Mövenpick, Steigenberger, Sonesta, and OberoiCruceros por el Nilo — many of which include Aswan shore time where a Nubian Village excursion can be arranged.
Check our current Ofertas de Cruceros por el Nilo for the latest pricing on Luxor–Aswan sailings, or visit our Guía de Crucero por el Nilo for more on planning your trip through Upper Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions — Nubian Village Aswan
What is the Nubian Village in Aswan?
Nubian Village is a term used to refer to a collection of settlements that exist on the west side of the Nile River around the area of Aswan and include the settlements of Gharb Soheil (West Soheil), Siou and Koti on Sohail Island, which comprise of Egypt’s Nubian population. The settlements are famous for the brightly colored mud-brick homes and unique cultural practices existing among its population for over 4,000 years.
Is the Nubian Village touristy or authentic?
Both, truthfully. Nubian culture and hospitality are entirely authentic, while the people you are going to encounter there are also genuinely locals, not performers. That being said, it is obvious that the village of Gharb Soheil, in particular, has long since accustomed to tourism, and some aspects of this area seem to be built up especially for tourists’ eyes, such as the crocodile enclosure and displays in some shops.
How much does a Nubian Village tour cost?
Prices for excursions to the Nubian Village from Aswan usually range from $25 to $60 depending on the number of people involved, mode of transport chosen, inclusion of lunch or personal Egyptologist guide. Excursions made during a Nile Cruise are generally not included in the price of the cruise.
What is the difference between the Nubian Village and the Nubian Museum?
Nubian Village is a community that one visits in real life, featuring the people’s homes, markets, family members, and tea. Nubian Museum, on the other hand, is a man-made structure situated in Aswan City. This museum comprises about three thousand items covering the geology, Pharaonic period, Roman period, Coptic era, and Islamic era of Nubia.
Can you stay overnight in the Nubian Village?
There are guest houses and homestay facilities managed by Nubians in Aswan and on Elephantine Island, where travelers can stay overnight with the locals. In reality, most tourists prefer to spend at least half a day here as an excursion or shore excursion, rather than spending a night here and staying elsewhere.
Why were the Nubian people resettled near Aswan?
Lake Nasser was formed through the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1970. This led to the submerging of the Nubians’ ancestral lands along the Nile River for miles. Thousands upon thousands of Nubians were relocated in the 1960s, with some moving to Elephantine Island and other regions known as New Nubia near Aswan. It is the relocation that led to the formation of colorful villages visited by tourists today.
Is the Nubian Village suitable for children?
Yes – the boat trip, walking distance, and tea break can all be easily accomplished, and children find the brightly coloured houses and markets fun. The crocodile house at Gharb Soheil is one attraction that will definitely be enjoyed by kids; however, parents must be forewarned that live crocodiles are kept in this enclosure.
What is the best time of year to visit the Nubian Village?
From October to April, visitors will enjoy the ideal temperature of 22-30°C for taking the cruise on board and exploring the village. During the summertime (June-August), Aswan is among the hottest cities in Egypt, where temperatures may go up to 40°C; thus, morning excursions are recommended.
