One of the things travelers do when they come to Egypt is to have a cruise. Although they can always go to port cities in Egypt, most of them prefer having a Nile River cruise. Considering its part and role in the development of Egyptian civilization and the country itself, it should be interesting to learn about some of the facts about the river.
Nile River Unique Facts
People may only familiar with Nile for its cruise and the spectacular view along the journey. Little they know that the river has interesting facts. It has gone through amazing historical journey. It would be great if travelers can learn about these facts before going on a cruise on Nile because they can experience the atmosphere and feel the importance of the river in the world’s history.
1. World’s Longest River
This ‘status’ is basically still debatable because some scientists claim that Amazon River is the longest. The Nile is ‘measured’ to be 4,132 miles long, starting from African Great Lakes to the Mediterranean Sea. Nile is considered ‘a little bit’ longer than the Amazon. However, the system to measure the length is still questionable and debatable because of the river system itself, which is complex and big.
A Brazilian scientists team in 2007 claimed that they had re-measured the Amazon and they found out that the river had 4,225 miles in length. However, their study has never been published and many other scientists are quite skeptical about the method they were using.
So, up until now, it’s unclear of which one is truly the longest river in the world. Many people say that it’s the Nile, but others also say that Amazon is basically the biggest river in the world by volume. Does it even matter, really? All they have to know is that when they go on a cruise, they will appreciate the natural beauty and its various lives along the banks.
2. More than One Nile
Whereas most people think that there is only one Nile, there are actually tributaries of it. Blue Nile or the Lower Nile would flood during summers, supplying 60% of the water to the main Nile. White Nile is another tributary, starting from Lake Victory. This one has steady water flow.
3. Important Crops along the River
Nile has fertile banks because of the annual flood. That’s why vegetation can grow well along the banks, including the papyrus and Egyptian cotton. Without the Nile, papyrus would never be made and the paper we know today will never exist. Centuries ago, tiny reeds grew well along the riverbeds, and they were harnessed by the local Egyptians. They made papyrus from it, used for relaying messages and books. The Egyptians also used the papyrus to make boats.
Wheat, cotton, and other crops can grow well along the riverbeds. Egyptian Cotton is one of them. When compared to the regular cotton, the Egyptian cotton is more absorbent, more breathable, and more durable without compromising the softness. This is one of the popular crops in Egypt that is grown for export.
4. Nile Is the Afterlife Gate
The river is considered crucial for the locals, especially in the past, when they would include the river in their spiritual life and practice. The ancient Egyptians believed that the river was basically a pathway between death and life. That’s why they built tombs on the western side of the river. They believed that west was a place of ‘resting’ or death because sunset takes place in the west. These tombs still exist along the river banks up until today.
5. Nile Has Crucial Role in Pyramids Construction
Egypt is always associated with pyramids, which are basically tombs for pharaohs. The higher the kings’ status, the bigger the pyramid would be. It would be impossible to build the pyramids without the Nile because they needed rocks, bricks, and water for the construction. The ancient Egyptians would dig dykes so water can be supplied for the pyramids construction. Boats and ships would later use the canals to deliver materials.
6. Birthplace of Civilization
Those studying history should know that civilizations started and grew from any water source, especially rivers. That’s the case with the Nile. Scientists predict that the ‘age’ of the Nile is around 3000 years old, which is quite logical when considering its role in the early civilization of the world. It’s safe to say that the river has a crucial role in the world’s history.
7. Crocodile Worship
Ancient Egyptians worshipped a Crocodile God, named Sobek. The Egyptians believed that crocodiles are the representation of strength and power. They believed that Sobek was responsible for the fertility of the water and the land. The belief still continues until today. Don’t be too surprised to see a lot of crocodiles along the banks or the rivers, and the locals don’t seem to be afraid of them. In fact, many of them believe that a death by crocodile would be considered a ‘happy death’.
Exodus: The Reliable Service
It’s always better (and smarter too) to choose a professional traveling agency knowing its way around. What would be better than an agency from Egypt itself? Exodus has been around for quite a while, helping travelers and tourists from all over the world to enjoy their holidays and experience a memorable experience. Whether tourists are traveling for pleasure, business, or even love, they should be able to provide it.
When it comes to cruising down the Nile, they have various packages and offers. Travelers can go with packages exclusive for Nile cruise only or they can pick the ones with combined itineraries. For instance, travelers who want to enjoy the luxurious and quiet Upper river-side cities in Egypt can go with Abu Simbel and Lake Nassar cruise packages. Those who are more interested in a more luxurious options can go with Luxor, Aswan, and Nile cruise package.
Final Words
It’s imperative that travelers make a smart and wise decision when choosing a travel agency. That’s why it is advisable that they visit the official website at exodustravel.net. It will help them understand more about the agency as well as their service coverage, packages, and the option of Nile River packages.
Read more: Best Private Tour Packages Nile Cruises Cairo to Luxor