Find Your Inner Peace at Nubian Royals Sanctuary

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True to Arabic culture, most people here abstain from alcohol. Many young men on the island can’t afford to get married and as a result have never so much as seen a naked female form, not even their mother’s. If you do not wish to draw attention to yourself, please dress modestly in public places and consider bringing a swimming smock to avoid any unwanted attention you may receive if scantily clad.

The Nubians are a beautiful, welcoming and curious people who are financially poor but lifestyle rich. There is an innocence here which is rare to stumble across. Nubia is one of the safest places to live in the world. Doors to houses remain open morning, noon and night. Nubians are proud of their culture and heritage and consider themselves to be the true guardians of Egypt’s ancient secrets and wisdom. Huge amounts of gold have been found in the region, always best left alone.

This is a man’s world and women often lack visibility as they are at home busy at work while their husbands take on the more visible roles in the local business community and culture. Egyptian men are allowed up to 4 wives here as long as they can care and finance all families and family members. Women can divorce their husbands if due care isn’t given, only if they can afford the court fees, however…

The island is teeming with exotic wildlife: storks, ospreys and Ibis soar across the waterways unperturbed by boats or company, flamingo’s rest here in migration, fish for dinner is caught fresh by local fishermen. The water itself appears to be awash with gold-dust. Geckos keep the fly and mosquito population at bay and can be welcomed guests in your room. Cats are everywhere, especially in the Isis temple. Please avoid throwing anything into the sacred Nile, it feeds all on the island. Local flora and fauna are stunning, Acacia, Mimosa, Camellia, Bougainvillea are constantly in bloom. Fresh Guava can be picked and enjoyed straight from the tree. Nubian Royal is the envy of the island as a rare Brazilian bird nests here and has blessed the sanctuary with good fortune. To care for our eco-systems we keep bins next to the loos for paper etc. and hand-wash and dry clothes naturally 

1. Honest and open communications at all times please
2. Respect for the people of Nubia and their land.
3. No haggling for prices at the Sanctuary please
4. Please respect diversity and seek out our commonality, rather than difference
5. You are welcome to manage your own space however you wish but please hold back from rearranging the layout or décor of the sanctuary. 
6. Please manage your own space, nobody will come in to clean for you.
7. Please be ready to pitch in and help with the general upkeep of the Sanctuary and food preparation at mealtimes, keeping things tidy as you go will keep life simple.
8. The temple space is used for yoga, meditation, group discussion and mealtimes. Please take off your shoes here and if you are a smoker, please smoke elsewhere.
9. There are a myriad of mud surfaces and walls which are specially treated to maintain a traditional aesthetic. They can become stained or tarnished easily. Please use other areas to place your things. 
10. If you have any problems or concerns, please consult Dhyani directly, she has managed many tricky dynamics here whilst building her sanctuary as a single lone ‘foreign’ woman without speaking Nubian or Arabic. If she can’t help directly, she can tap into a trusted network in the local community.

Kenze is the Nubian language spoken on the island and beyond as far away as Sudan. 

Here are some key words and phrases (written phonetically) to get you started:

Salam alikom/salam - hello/peace upon you/goodbye

Minabou/rayegre - how are you?

Zap tibou/tamam/reigg - I’m well

Eersay Bijou? Where are you going?

Inifiader - goodbye

Tamam/mashi - yes

La la - no

Icadoli - I love you

Inshala - God willing

Slowly - 

Quickly -

Please email Dhyani to introduce yourself and outline any particular needs, the size of your party etc.

Once your invitation has been accepted, we need your flight details. Along the way, please update via WhatsApp or mobile if your journey or connections are delayed. 

On arrival we will need to take a photo of your passport to forward to the Egyptian authorities

On the Island

You simply cannot beat getting up at sunrise to explore the island on foot. Tropical lagoons; rocky heights; beautiful brightly coloured houses, friendly faces, children at play who are eager to practice speaking English: village life at its best…

The Fila Temple and original Isis temple gateway

The temple was moved and restored to its former glory back in the 1950’s due to climate change and rising waters.

Sundown on the Nile

Life on Heisa island is punctuated by sailing the Nile and there are so many spots to enjoy a magical sunset from.

Aswan

Aswan is a vibrant and friendly hospitable city at times reminiscent of the streets of India. Get lost wandering around the souks, spice or perfume emporiums or head to the riverside of this busier section of the Nile for a Felucca trip

Garbacia

On the mainland Garbacia is a vibrant stylish village on the Nile over-brimming with brightly painted murals and street art. Ride a camel, wander around the markets or sample café culture to watch the word go by.

Abu Simbal Temples 

3 hours drive away and worth every minute of the journey. Abu Simbel is the site of two temples built by the Egyptian king Ramses II. Tourist visitor permits must be obtained 24 hours in advance to visit as a tourist.

Lake Nasser

The biggest lake in the world and a must-do for star gazers. With no natural light nearby for miles lose yourself in galaxies of stars. A 40-minute bus-ride away and tourist visitor permits must be obtained 24 hours in advance