The Nile, longest river in the world, located in northeastern
Africa. From its principal source, Lake Victoria, in east central Africa, the Nile flows north through Uganda, Sudan, and
Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea, a distance of 5584 km (3470 mi). From its remotest headstream in Burundi, the river is 6,695
km (4,160 mi) long. The river basin covers an area of more than 3,349,000 sq km (more than 1,293,000 sq mi).
In pre-historic times, primeval forests covered the river
banks when the river was a vast swamp composed of rushes, papyrus, and weeds. However, due to thousands of years of human
intervention, the Nile throughout Egypt flows peacefully through green fields—looking much like a rich, well cultivated
European plain.
The Delta, an area of about 10,000 square miles, is a broad
swamp intersected by canals. The Mediterranean Sea influences this region bringing a regular winter rainy season. The Upper
Nile valley is one great waterway, with insignificantly small irrigation canals scattered along its length. It is much drier
than the Delta, with little to no rain. The lack of seasons makes it much easier to cultivate the land in the Upper Nile.
Thus it was cultivated first and is much less swampy than the Delta, which is still being converted into arable land.
About our cruise ships & itineraries. . .
Be sure our quality
of ships we select for our customers is excellent, and so is the service onboard. We personally select ships that we have
onboard and know from first hand experience what to expect. You too will appreciate our choice selection.
Cruise itineraries include land tours of legendary sites
along the Nile river. Tours are conducted by experienced licensed Egyptologists and are included in our prices. |