Egyptians have always been farmers but they now use other creative gifts such as artwork and pottery but farming is their main priority.

When you sail up the River Nile on one of the grand Nile cruise ships, the Egyptians will wave to you as they continue to farm the rich black soil the River Nile provides for them.

Some of the food Egyptian farmers grow are wheat and barley which is their main crop plus a variety of vegetables, figs and melons.

Years ago, the ancient Egyptian farmers would wait for the Nile Rivers yearly flood before they could grow their crops; when the grains were harvested they would also plant fruit trees and grow vegetables such as leeks, cabbages and other salad leaves.

Today, most Egyptian farmers still follow the rule of their ancestors by planting their crops in 3 cycles in accordance with the history of the River Nile.

Cruise ships would see the farmers on the edge of the river preparing for the growing and harvesting seasons.

• End of May to September, no farming is possible; the river Nile has its low and high water levels.

• October to February, the River Nile has left the banks full of rich black soil ready for farmers to grow their food.

• March to May time for rejoicing and giving thanks for the harvest of crops.

At River Nile Cruise we offer a wide range of individual Nile cruise deals tailored for your enjoyment.

The River Nile is famous for being the longest in the world, it flows from south to north and is attached to the Blue and White River Nile and the Atbara.

It is the important Blue Nile which takes its source from Lake Tana situated in Ethiopia, Africa.

It has melting snow and spring rain which overflows, causing summer flooding of Egypt by running down the River Nile.

Nile cruise ships that use the river to bring in tourists is great for the Egyptian economy, however most of the people in Egypt depend on the water of the River Nile to irrigate crops and leave an amount of fertile top soil, to ensure the continuation of good quality food being grown at the side of its river banks.

The Aswan High Dam which was built as a back up to two other dams that were heaving at the strain of the overflowing water, also brought along other beneficial changes.

1. The dam has allowed the Egyptians to harness the water, produce electricity and the Nile River cruises are able to navigate their way through the water with improved ease.

2. The Mediterranean Sea used to force salt water into the River Nile, the Aswan high dam reducing the strength of the flow of the river changed all that, altering the lives of many Egyptians and enabling the Nile cruise ships to sail safely on its calmer waters.

At One Small Step Travel we are able to provide River Nile cruises at cost effective prices.