An authentic experience at the Gharb Soheil Nubian Village in Aswan.
Stepping off the boat from the Nile into Gharb Soheil was a culture shock.
There was so much colour… and so many smiling faces…
My first experience of a Nubian village was going to be a fun one!
If you are heading down to Aswan on your Egypt trip and need more information about visiting Gharb Soheil village on the West Bank of the Nile, then you have come to the right place.
I headed to the quirky village during my Egypt adventure, and was surprised by the joy that the locals brought to us visitors.
Nowadays, the village has become a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into Nubian culture and a chance to experience a more traditional way of life in Egypt.
Let’s start with how you can visit the village, oh, and you may spot a crocodile, or two, or three!
The local children riding camels is a regular sight in the village.
How to visit Gharb Soheil.
During your visit to Aswan, you will be transported on a timeless journey to Nubia, bringing you closer to the land where the Nubians originated and continue to live today.
Here is how you can visit the famous village:
Getting to Aswan.
Train.
If travelling from the cities of Cairo and Luxor, you can use the sleeper train directly down to Aswan, which takes approximately 12-14 hours from Cairo and about 3-4 hours from Luxor.
Flight.
Internal flights take around 60-90 minutes in Egypt and can be purchased for cheap prices if booked far in advance.
Aswan to Gharb Soheil.
If you are heading straight to Gharb Soheil after arriving from Luxor on the train, then catching a boat is the only way of reaching the village, as it is located on the West Bank.
You can hire a sailor on a felucca boat from the riverbanks on the main Corniche, or negotiate with a taxi boat driver. The boat ride from the main Corniche in Aswan to Gharb Sohail typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of boat and weather conditions.
Motorboats are quicker and often used for tours.
Most tours to Gharb Soheil also include a scenic boat ride across the Nile, or an additional stop at Philae Temple, which adds to the experience of visiting the village.
The taxi boat area.
Some history about Gharb Soheil.
The city’s traditional Nubian culture makes Aswan one of the most unique places in Egypt, and the history of the locals dates back thousands of years, to when the Nubians were one of the oldest civilizations in Africa.
In the past, Nubia was split into Lower Nubia (now southern Egypt) and Upper Nubia (now northern Sudan), with Gharb Soheil falling within the Lower Nubian region.
The village, like many other Nubian settlements, was historically impacted by the construction of the Aswan High Dam around half a century ago.
The dam's construction led to the creation of Lake Nasser, which submerged a significant portion of Nubian lands, meaning many Nubians were displaced and resettled in areas like Gharb Soheil, which became one of the new settlements for Nubian families.
The colourful architecture does present modern vibes to International tourists.
Gharb Soheil is now an iconic Nubian village, which has become a popular destination for tourists looking to experience authentic Nubian culture.
If you want to deepen your understanding of Nubia and its traditions, you can learn about Nubian history and culture in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, or more thoroughly in the Nubian Museum in Aswan, which has a vast array of artefacts and information boards.
The lively bazaar is fun.
A lively market experience.
When you first enter Gharb Soheil, you have to walk through the markets, and the first thing I noticed was the high energy flowing through the packed streets.
The markets definitely felt more touristy than Luxor Market, and I found much more choice for souvenirs.
I also noticed that the Nubians share very similar cultural values to the locals in other Egyptian cities when it comes to trading, and daily market life.
The haggling culture, bartering, and sensory attack in the Egyptian markets is a highlight for international visitors.
Engaging with the local vendors across all of the markets in Egypt is fun way of engaging with, and learning the perspectives of the sellers.
I also found it competitive trying to secure the best deals!
There are all sorts of local souvenirs for sale.
This what you expect to be bartering for on your wanderings:
Nubian textiles.
There are a mixture of scarves, shawls, and traditional robes, which the locals call a ‘galabiyas’. I found all of the textiles were displaying traditional patterns and bright colours, reflecting Nubian heritage.
Most of the locals wear this everyday clothing, reflecting its practicality and comfort.
Colourful pottery.
Geometric bowls, plates, and mugs were adding some very bright colours to the market stalls.
Jewellery.
I noticed many stalls displaying jewellery, which was a mixture of colourful traditional beaded bracelets, and silver earrings. Our tour guide told us that traditional Nubian jewellery often incorporates symbolic designs, such as protective amulets and motifs inspired by nature.
Traditional themed art.
There is a large range of art pieces available to purchase, including paintings, carvings, and traditional Nubian masks. I saw some pretty epic masks, which were giant with awesome intricate details. I had no chance of carrying one home though, as I travel very lightly.
Some colourful artwork in the village.
I visited several cities during my solo adventure in Egypt, and I found Aswan to be the most colourful, with vibrant murals and a cultural identity expressed through art.
Gharb Soheil was one of my favourite Instagram spots in Egypt, as the whole village is decorated in a joyful theme, which when you consider the poverty which some of the locals have to live in, is a remarkable attitude.
The colourful artwork in Gharb Soheil is found on the exteriors of houses, walls, and public spaces, and I even spotted a couple of schools decorated with smiling children murals.
The villages’ murals and paintings are characterised by their bright, vivid colours and geometric patterns, often reflecting traditional Nubian designs and motifs.
The bright homes are beautiful.
As I wandered the village streets I noticed a common theme with the art was scenes depicted from daily life in Nubia, dating back thousands of years.
That, along with striking aesthetically pleasing colour schemes made it a pleasure to explore with my camera.
The artistic culture definitely rubs off on the community, which you will learn when you find yourself dancing with the locals.
Really colourful homes.
Do you want to ride a camel?
Riding camels is very popular with tourists visiting Egypt, and Gharb Soheil is a common spot for them to do so.
As I walked down the dirt roads in the village, I had to move to the side several times to let a group of camels trot past, which I found interesting, as the animals are so elegant.
At one point I also noticed a young child riding and looking after three camels by himself!
When approaching the village from the Nile, I also noticed a group of camels resting by the river bank.
Local camels wander through the street.
Riding camels in the village is usually included in the popular tours, where you will be guided through the village while seated on the camels.
These animals are also integral to the Nubian way of life and serve various purposes, as they are used for transportation, carrying goods, and even as a source of income through breeding and trading.
As with other African countries, camels are valued for their resilience and ability to thrive in the harsh desert environment.
Cheerful locals.
As I stepped into Gharb Sohail, one of the first things I noticed was the warm and cheerful spirit of the locals.
The Nubian people are known for their friendliness and hospitality, always ready to greet visitors with a bright smile and a genuine "ahlan wa sahlan" (welcome). As I wandered through the colourful streets, several locals were waving and calling me over for a friendly interaction.
Traditional Nubian Hospitality.
These interactions were one of the most unique experiences during my Egypt trip, which had everything!
Our tour guide was saying that it is customary for locals to offer greetings in their native Nubian language, adding a touch of authenticity and warmth to the interaction.
The village’s residents are known for their friendliness, and it’s common for them to invite visitors into their homes to share stories and learn about each other’s cultures.
Serving visitors tea is an integral aspect of the hospitality experience, and is usually done inside the homes, or in summer months, it can be on the roof terraces. As our official tour included enjoying tea with the locals, and some traditional entertainment, I learned a lot about how the Nubians enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
I could feel the village community spirit as we were immersed in the Nubian culture.
A local coffee shop.
Entering inside a Nubian home.
Nubian homes are built from thick mud-brick walls, high ceilings, and decorative elements which the hosts take pleasure in showcasing to tourists.
My most vivid memory was the bright geometric patterns filling the whole length of the walls.
The walls condense the sound inside the homes, creating very loud noise as the local music shows begin.
I found it fascinating the intense atmosphere which was generated in such a small time frame, as the locals got all of us tourists to clap to a beat, as they sang and played the drums.
After some singing, dancing, and learning the Nubian way, we left the home, but what an awesome travel experience!
Colourful decor inside a Nubian home.
A party inside.
Some travel tips for visiting a Nubian Village.
These tips will help you navigate the village better:
Respect the local customs and traditions.
Nubian culture is rich and deeply rooted in traditions, so dressing modestly, and covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
Some locals may also be uncomfortable with being photographed, so make sure you stay aware of the vibe as you explore.
Plan for very hot temperatures.
Summer months are the worst time to visit Egypt in terms of very hot temperatures, as it makes exploring the ancient sites very difficult for most visitors. The southern cities of Luxor and Aswan are extremely hot in summer time, so if you are visiting in these months, make sure you stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen.
Bring cash.
As you can imagine, the village doesn’t have the best infrastructure, and although there are some cash points dotted around the village, cash is your best option.
This will help you to haggle better with the market traders, tip the locals and boat drivers, and buy cheap snacks more easily.
Hire a knowledgeable guide.
It goes without saying how local tour guides can enhance travel experiences. We learned so much about the local culture, and were shown some hidden spots in the village.
Nubian homes.
The best tour to book for Gharb Soheil Nubian Village.
Aswan: Private Tour to Philae Temple and Nubian Village By Boat & Entrance Fees.
I recommend combining Philae Temple and Gharb Soheil in the same tour, as both highlights can be included in a beautiful cruise on the Nile.
This frees up your other days in Aswan to visit the Nubian Museum, Aswan Market, and the other famous landmarks located closer to the city centre.
My favourite thing about this tour was the colourful village and Philae Temple slowly coming into sight on the horizon as we slowly made our way up the river Nile.
You don’t get this sort of unique experience very often!
Sharing the moment with some like minded travellers from around the world made it even more special, this is one of the main benefits of booking on these official tours.
The 5/5 reviews on Viator reflect the professional and fun way that the tour is organised, as it is now an established tour.
The tour groups all enjoy local tea.
Crocodile culture in the village.
One of the most interesting facts about ancient Egypt which I learned during my visit to Gharb Soheil is the Nubians deep connection with crocodiles, dating back thousands of years.
I found out that this relationship is not just a historical curiosity, but an important part of Nubian heritage and belief systems.
It was not until towards the end of our tour that our guide discussed the crocodiles, however, by this point it was pretty obvious that the reptiles are held in very high regard by the locals.
There is crocodile themed art throughout the village, including inside the homes, along with crocodile themed menus, and actual pet crocodiles kept in certain homes.
Crocodile house.
We learned that in ancient Egyptian culture, crocodiles were often associated with various deities and divine powers, and the reptiles were seen as a symbol of strength, power, and protection.
The Nubians, living close to the Nile River, had to coexist with crocodiles, which were common in the region, therefore, they adapted to use the creatures to their benefit, and aided with survivial and protection.
Not all tourists agree with the treatment of the crocodiles, however, the reptiles are deeply ingrained in the culture of the Nubian people, so their practices aren’t going to change anytime soon.
Crocodile themed decor can be spotted in all of the houses.
Frequently asked questions about Nubian villages in Egypt.
Here are some of the common questions asked about the Nubian villages in Egypt:
What are Nubian villages in Egypt?
Nubian villages are communities located in the southern section of Egypt, usually alongside the Nile River in the Aswan region. The Nubians are known for their distinct language, traditional customs, and vibrant arts, and date back thousands of years.
Where are the main Nubian villages located?
The most well-known Nubian villages are situated in the Aswan Governorate, with the most famous villages being Gharb Soheil, Siou, and Koti, which are often visited by tourists interested in exploring Nubian culture.
What is the significance of Nubian architecture?
There is a strong emphasis on colourful hand-painted designs for homes and buildings, including murals and patterns, which create aesthetically pleasing environments that reflect the rich cultural heritage, and identity of the Nubians.
Is there a Nubian village on Elephantine Island in Aswan?
Yes, there is a Nubian village on Elephantine Island in Aswan. The island, which is situated in the Nile River near the city of Aswan, is home to several small Nubian communities, with several Nubian Guest houses available for visitors to stay in.
Is it safe to visit Nubian villages?
Yes, in general, Nubian villages are safe for tourists to visit, and the local communities are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards guests.
Sailing on the Nile in the darkness.
One surreal aspect of visiting Gharb Soheil was the night time boat ride back to Elephantine Island in the darkness.
With most tours heading up to the village as the sun sets, most journeys back to Aswan are completed later in the evening, when it is pitch black.
Other than when the ‘disco’ boat passed us, which was blasting loud music and had flashing neon lights, we were sailing in complete darkness, and silence.
It was a very eerie moment, and a complete contrast from the several hours I had just experienced, especially with such high energy levels inside the Nubian homes.
Sailing on the river Nile in the dark was an experience.
Want to stay with a Nubian family?
If you want to stay with a Nubian family in Aswan, then Elephantine Island has several guesthouses, which are all owned by Nubian families.
I recommend Bob Marley Guest House, as it is very reasonably priced and has a beautiful terrace overlooking the Nile.
There is a home stay feeling throughout the guest house, and immaculate bedrooms, which offer a nice escape from the chaos of Egypt.
I booked the double room, and it was very spacious, with good air conditioning, which is an important factor, as it gets very hot in Aswan.
The entrance to the Nubian Guesthouse on Elephantine Island.
You want to experience the river Nile at sunrise, right?
Imagine sitting on the Bob Marley terrace early in the morning, with a beautiful coffee watching the sunrise, knowing that you have a full day of exploring Aswan ahead of you!
It was an awesome moment, and I loved every second of it.
The hosts also offer a good sized menu with some authentic food similar to my favourite Egyptian restaurant in Luxor, meaning that dinner in the evening is also reasonable, and very tasty!
Make sure you book in advance to secure your bed in the busy months.
A 9/10 rating from 900 reviews is what led me to book this Guest house, and my experience proved that I made the right decision, with Ali and his staff making me feel very welcome.
I will never forget my stay with the awesome Nubians.
Perfect views from the Nile from the Bob Marley terrace.
Prefer more chaos on your Egypt trip? Luxor is perfect.
Along with being home to some of the best temples in Egypt, and some of the most famous tombs, Luxor also offers visitors a totally different vibe compared to Aswan.
The tranquillity of Aswan is replaced with chaos!
Most tourists split their Luxor holiday over several days, spending a full day exploring the West Bank and East Bank. Here are my main highlights on both sides:
East Bank:
Luxor Museum.
West Bank:
Valley of the Queens.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.