Sehel Island

Sehel Island is one of the best islands in Egypt and offers a magical view of the Nile. In Aswan, it just takes minutes from the Corniche via motorboat to reach the small granite island stranded in the rapids of the Nile. Sehel Island is located four kilometers south of Aswan up the Nile. The island used to be the first natural defense against Nile floods. It was described as the Sacred Island as it was a place of refuge for many pilgrims traveling along the river. The prosperity of this island was due to its connection with the goddess Anubis, who was worshiped during the 12th Dynasty under the reign of Amenemhet II. She was considered to be a personification of the Nile and the waters of the inundation.

Sehel Island is home to a great number of carved inscriptions that have been attributed to Ancient Egyptian travelers, soldiers, and traders who left carvings that tell about their appeals for help or prayers of gratitude during their travels. On the summit of the hill stands the most well-known of rock inscriptions; carved into a large granite boulder and telling the story of the Third Dynasty; it is quite a sight to behold. The island was the main extraction point for Aswan granite that was used to build the Giza Pyramids. Sehel Island is worthy of a day out, it is calm, relaxing, and cultural. Sit and watch the Nile flow by while you drink tea or draw henna.

Location: Southwest of Aswan in southern Egypt