Holidays to Aswan

You know you're in Africa when you reach Aswan. Whereas most of Egypt retains a middle-eastern, almost Mediterranean atmosphere, here in the south, the temperature is warmer, nature is closer, and the Nile is even more beautiful. 

This sunny south Egypt city is a suitably ancient, mysterious riverside settlement where sailboats ply silently past floating restaurants, palm groves and graceful old hotels. A

swan is home to the Nubian people - a colourful society where music, dance and song are as important as the warmth of their welcome. In fact, so accommodating are the Nubian tribes that they even, obligingly, allowed the Cairo-based authorities to submerge many of their villages - a sacrifice for the rising waters caused by the building of the Aswan High Dam. Don't forget to make a visit to this singularly impressive feat of engineering, just out of town. 

In Aswan the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, weaving its ancient course past tiny, richly vegetated islands - no more than palm groves rising from the waters. Spend an afternoon getting lost in the old market - heady with the smells of spices, perfume oils and fresh vegetables, then embark on a desert safari - by thrilling four wheel drive, or graceful (or, possibly temperamental) camel. 

Just make sure you're home in time for drinks at sundown. The sunsets over the Nile from Aswan are something you'll never truly recreate, no matter how many photographs you take.

New Cataract Hotel
	Rating QQQQ Board Basis Bed and Breakfast The Hotel New Cataract shares facilities with its neighbouring hotel, the famous Old Cataract, where Agatha Christie wrote 'Death on the Nile'. This is an appealing option for those ... Hotel details Add to shortlist

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