Unfortunately, when I reached Kom Ombo, I was stopped by the local marine police and informed that foreigners are forbidden to travel on the Nile unless in an organized tour or with special permission. Thus, my Nile trip was cut short. But it was nice while it lasted.
Nile, fishing boat encounter
This was taken some hours after I left Aswan, heading towards Kom Ombo.
The water is calm, clear, and cool. Only the risk of contracting schistosomiasis prevented
me from taking a dip.
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Nile, river bank
Lunch stop by the river bank, in the shade of a date palm.
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Nile, Kom Ombo
The small town of Kom Ombo is well know for its temple dedicated to Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. My Nile kayaking trip unexpectedly ended here.
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Dahab, Gulf of Aqaba
After visiting Luxor, I headed east to Sinai and the Red Sea coast. Here, I am paddling in the Gulf of Aqaba from the pleasant (though touristy) town of Dahab northward to a well-known diving site Blue Hole. Plenty of jellyfishes.
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Giza, Sphinx and a pyramid
Of course, the Sphinx and the pyramids at Giza. Still impressive.
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Nile, Cairo
A kayaking trip from Aswan to Cairo?
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A pod of orcas cruises by a kelp bed at sunset, coming within a few paddles length of my kayak. Breathtaking..
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Nothing but mountains and islands, sky and sea. A good place for reflecting and dreaming.
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On one of the islands is a white shell beach on which this hut with salmon motif stands.
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Morning breaks over calm Johnstone Strait. The water beckons.
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