Esna Lock

The Esna Lock is a fascinating engineering structure on the Nile that every cruise ship must pass through on the journey between Luxor and Aswan. The lock manages the difference in water level created by the Esna Barrage, built across the Nile in the early 20th century, and watching the lock operation as the massive cruise ship rises or descends in the chamber is a uniquely entertaining experience.

The Experience

As the ship enters the lock chamber and the massive gates close behind it, local vendors in small boats pull alongside, throwing merchandise up to passengers on deck in a lively floating marketplace. Scarves, tablecloths, and galabiyyas fly through the air as vendors negotiate prices by shouting up to the ship decks above. While the commercial activity can be persistent, the spectacle is entertaining and has become one of the most memorable moments of any Nile cruise.

Esna Town

Some cruise itineraries include a brief stop in Esna to visit the Temple of Khnum, partially excavated from beneath the modern town. The temple features some of the latest hieroglyphic inscriptions known, dating to the Roman period, and its Hypostyle Hall features beautifully decorated columns with diverse and unusual astronomical and religious scenes.