Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Nile Bus..Royal Picnic Costs 3 EGP (video)


Thu 23 May 2019 | 01:53 AM
Nour El-Hoda Fouad

The River Nile has always been part and parcel of Egyptians life since thousands of years ago. It is known as the “life-blood” because it’s the main source of fresh water, irrigation and overall development. Apart from the Nile’s major role in Egyptians’ life, there is a Nile bus for entertainment and joy.

In this bus, you can enjoy an unforgettable cruise with your friends or family; with tickets cost 3 EGP per person.

First of all, the bus moves smoothly along the Nile Corniche, then it sails across the river passing under bridges in a charming scene. Once the bus passes under “Qasr Al-Nile” Bridge, one can feel the nice cool breeze flowing everywhere. This brings happiness.

Once the bus leaves the bridge behind, you’ll find yourself in front of a beautiful portrait of wide river surface with its shimmering water. Moreover, you can observe Cairo’s landmarks like the Egyptian Radio and Television Union headquarters- known as Maspero-, the deluxe hotels in Garden City district and the Opera House.

[caption id="attachment_52716" align="alignleft" width="365"]Tahrir station of Nile Bus Tahrir station of Nile Bus[/caption]

Also, the General Art Exhibition, the rowing club and Nile casinos can be clearly seen from the bus windows. While cruising in the middle of the Nile brings to mind how the ancient pharaohs were hallowing this river. Their deep love and respect were translated to the famous ancient story of bride of the Nile.

 

During a national feast that was held every year, the pharaohs used to choose one of lady to sacrifice her life and hurl herself in the Nile. After the Nile ride, you can still enjoy walking and sitting in the Nile walk located on the left side of the Two Lions of Qasr Al-Nil Bridge.

[caption id="attachment_52719" align="alignright" width="337"]Inside The nile bus Inside The nile bus[/caption]

This place is adorable in winter especially when you hold a cup of warm “Halabisa” or “Hummus Sham”; a very popular soup in Egypt .The round trip time doesn’t exceed half an hour, but this little time spent inside the river is not like any other.

This mean of transportation was first adopted to reduce pressure on ground transportation but it turned out to be a perfect and cheap entertainment. Tahrir station is the most popular one as river buses there go to Cairo University and the Zoo. However, there are many other stations extending over the Cornish.

There are also wonderful picnic areas like “Al Kanater Al-Khairiya” park with a ticket costing 15 pounds per person and 20 pounds for fancy tour buses.

Generally, there are two types of Nile buses; the closed and opened ones. The opened bus allows passengers to enjoy the cool breeze, the river view, the high-rise buildings on the river’s sides besides having some memorial photos.

Contributed by Salma Yassin

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