The River Nile is Life Itself

The Nile River is life itself for Egypt, both now and in ancient times. Because the annual rainfall in Egypt is an average of 2 millimeters (0.07 inches), the River Nile provides all the water needed for humans, animals, and plants to live. The annual flooding is a crucial aspect of Egyptian life, providing fertile soil for agriculture and sustaining the population. The flooding season coincides with the rising star Sirius and is a significant event in the Egyptian calendar.

In addition to the water it provides, ancient Egyptians believed it to be a source of profound mystical beliefs and a central figure in their mythology. The Nile River is revered as a gift from the gods and a symbol of life, prosperity, and rebirth.

Its flow was seen as a reflection of the journey of the sun god Amun-Ra across the sky, both in the heavens and the underworld. The river’s length is also associated with the journey of the soul to the afterlife. For centuries, the exact source of the Nile was a mystery, with ancient Egyptians believing it flowed from the underworld or the heavens.

The River Nile is associated with the god Hapi (the “Lord of the River”), who controlled the annual flooding, and linked to the myth of Osiris, whose death and resurrection were connected to the river’s cyclical flooding. Osiris’s wife, Isis, was believed to weep tears that caused the river to rise. Sobek (the crocodile god) was also associated with the Nile, representing fertility and the wetlands.

Esna Temple

We’ll have the opportunity to admire, experience, and connect deeply with this incredible source of life at my Egyptian Activation Retreat. We’ll sail aboard a luxury Dahabiya from Luxor to Aswan, making stops along the way to visit temples like Esna (temple of Khnum), Edfu (temple of Horus), Kom Ombo (temple of both Sobek and Horus), Philae (Isis temple), and Abu Simbel (temples for Amun-Ra, Ptah, Hathor, and Ramses II’s queen, Nefertari).

Abu Simbel

Philae, Temple of Isis

The luxury Dahabiya itself, with 12 rooms total, will be exclusive to our intimate retreat group. You can lounge on the sun deck and admire the view as we sail along or sit in the hot-tub and relax. Each room has its own en-suite bathroom (like a hotel) and offers plenty of space to relax at the end of each day. We’ll enjoy shared meals cooked by our private chef as we watch the sunset each night and gather for breakfast each morning. If you’re a birder, there are plenty to admire along the way who call the Nile their home.

If this is an experience you’d like more information about, we have only a few spots that are unclaimed. If not already sold out, registration will close on July 8. Reach out for more info!