Nile Cruise Packing List: What to Wear and Pack for Your Journey

1. General rules of dress and traditions in Upper Egypt

The society in Upper Egypt is characterized by a conservative and ancient character that welcomes its guests with kindness and generosity. There is no strict or mandatory dress code for tourists on the streets or in temples, but wearing modest and comfortable clothing is respected and appreciated by locals and is the best way to protect the body from direct sunlight.

The golden rule is to use natural, light and loose fabrics (such as pure Egyptian cotton or linen) that cover the shoulders and knees, allowing freedom of movement, ventilation of the body and efficient absorption of sweat.

2. Clothing for day trips and temple visits.

Excursions to temples and tombs take several hours on foot and require practical clothing that adapts to changes in temperature:

• Pants and Trousers: Lightweight linen or cotton pants or lightweight cargo pants with multiple pockets. Avoid heavy, tight jeans during the day, as they trap heat and make it difficult to climb stairs.
• Shirts and T-shirts: Short-sleeved cotton shirts or long-sleeved, lightweight, foldable shirts, preferring light colors (white, beige, khaki) that reflect the sun's rays.
• A light cotton scarf or shawl: a magical item that is essential in every traveler's bag. It protects the neck and shoulders from the sun's rays and provides light warmth first thing in the morning during a hot air balloon ride or boat ride on the Nile.
• Light jacket or cardigan: for winter and autumn; Early mornings in Luxor and Aswan and nights on the Nile are relatively cool (the temperature can drop to 10 degrees Celsius).

3. Ideal footwear: Information on footwear suitable for rocky terrain

Choosing the right shoes is the most important decision you will make when packing your suitcase. The floors of the pharaonic temples consist of irregular stone blocks, sandy slopes in the Valley of the Kings, and ascending corridors within the pyramids and tombs:

Be sure to bring shoes that you have walked in before and avoid wearing completely new shoes to avoid painful skin ulcers.

4. Lounge clothing on board and in the pool

A comfortable and unpretentious resort atmosphere reigns on board the floating hotels:

• On the terrace: Swimsuits, shorts and summer T-shirts are allowed free use while relaxing by the pool and sunbathing.
• It is required to wear elegant and comfortable clothing (smart casual) in the main dining room and in the buffet restaurant. Out of consideration for the rest of the guests, entry is not permitted in wet swimsuits, without a shirt or barefoot.
• Evening: At dinners and evening parties, guests prefer to wear elegant shirts or light summer dresses.

5. Jalabiya Traditional Festival: What is it and how to prepare your costume?

The Galabeya Festival is a joyful festive tradition that takes place on board all Nile cruises on the night of the voyage between Edfu and Kom Ombo or in Aswan.

This evening, all guests and staff dress in traditional oriental robes and abayas and everyone participates in dance competitions, Egyptian oriental music and fun Nubian songs.

How to get Galabiya? You do not need to bring galabiya from your country; You can easily buy it at very reasonable prices (between 10 and 20 dollars) in the small bazaar inside the ship or in the popular markets of Esna, Edfu and Aswan, or even rent it for one night.

6. Accessories to protect yourself from the sun and heat of Upper Egypt

The sun of Upper Egypt stands out for its strength and brightness, even in the middle of winter. Required protective equipment includes:

• Sun protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50+, water and sweat resistant, and lip balm with UV protection.
• Wide-brimmed sun hat: To protect the face, neck and ears, preferably with a chin strap to counteract breezes over the deck.
• Polarized sunglasses: To reduce the intense glare reflected by the yellow rocks of the temples and the waters of the Nile.
• Thermal bottle to cool down: To fill with cold water before embarking on morning nature excursions.

7. Electronic devices, charging and photography.

Egypt is a paradise for photography lovers; To ensure your devices are always operational:

• Power supplies and charging sockets: Electricity in Egypt operates at a voltage of 220 V (50 Hz) with double circular plugs Type C and Type F (European Style). Bring an international universal adapter and a multi-cable plug splitter.
• Portable power bank: 10,000 to 20,000 mAh capacity; Extensive photography and browsing will quickly drain your phone's battery on long trips.
• Additional memory cards (SD cards): You will not stop taking thousands of photos and videos of reliefs and sunsets.
• Rules for taking photographs of temples: Nowadays, free smartphone photography is allowed in all temples and tombs, while in some exceptional places special permissions for professional cameras may be required. The use of drones is strictly prohibited throughout Egypt without senior security clearances.

8. Personal pharmacy and healthcare

Although there are doctors and pharmacies in the cities of Luxor and Aswan, it is always advisable to have a small special first aid kit in your bag containing the following:

• Medicines to treat stomach problems and diarrhea (for example, Antinal, which is available in Egypt with excellent effectiveness, or Imodium).
• Tablets for dizziness and nausea (for people with mild allergies when sailing or traveling by stagecoach).
• Analgesics and antipyretics (paracetamol/ibuprofen).
• Rehydration solution or effervescent salt tablets for quick rehydration after hot rides.
• Mosquito and insect repellent spray for night use on the deck of the Nile cruise.
• Dressings for small wounds and medical dressings to treat skin irritations when walking.

9. Complete baggage check list