With nature in a quieter setting, Egypt has some unique places to stay off the beaten track.
Ecolodges
Whether it’s a desert oasis, a mountaintop, a beach, or along the River Nile, there is an ideal ecolodge in Egypt to suite every traveler’s taste.
In the Desert
The Siwa, Fayoum, Bahariyya, and Dakhla oases all have beautiful ecolodges that offer everything from luxurious but ecofriendly amenities to just the basics. What they all have in common is that they use the land and local traditions as their main theme. Many ecolodges are built with local materials and pay homage to local architecture and building traditions. Without the hustle and bustle of conventional hotels and resorts, you can relax and enjoy the surrounding views, soak in a natural hot spring, sample local cuisine by candlelight, and hide under a blanket of stars.
Along the Nile
Ecolodges with colorful, Nubian-style dwellings set against the serenity of the Nile in Upper Egypt will enchant you with the magical scenery and simplistic charm of Nubia. Unplug and unwind as you take in the Nubian culture that’s on display in the colorful architecture, flavorful food, and serene pace of life. Idyllic Nubian ecolodges can be found throughout the islands of Aswan, and many are reachable only by boat.
Insider Tip
While visiting Aswan’s Nubian villages, make sure to sample unique local dishes like “solaih”, which is meat and vegetables cooked and served in a clay pot with a side of bread. If you’re a seafood lover, try the local Nile Perch caught fresh from the river. You can even enjoy a home-cooked traditional meal with local families who open up their homes to small groups for pre-arranged tours.
