This is a really unique place to stay. You are on heissa island in a small Nubian community. When you wake up all you can hear is the birds and the Nile lapping at the shore of the island. The host family are really charming and friendly and the area outside is always free to use and relax in the sun. You can swim in the Nile or walk around the island and go to some of the cafes there. We had a really peaceful couple of days. The guest house is quite basic but has everything you need including ac in the rooms. The journey over to the island is also beautiful past Philae temple.

Stayed in April 2024

Heissa Hostel is a hidden gem away from the hustle of Aswan, located on Philae Island. It's the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in Nubian culture. To reach it, you'll need to take a boat, which can be shared or private. The shared rooms are spacious and clean, offering breathtaking views of the Nile River. You can enjoy both the sunrise from outside the Hostel, and sunset from the oposite side of the island. Rihab, the manager of the hostel, is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the area, ready to assist with any questions you may have. Since there are no restaurants on the island, they provide Egyptian breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the prices may seem high, the portions are generous and diverse. Rihab, Intisar, and Salua were exceptionally welcoming, making me feel like part of the family. A heartfelt thank you to all you!

Stayed in February 2024

Limited time of boats availability to pick me up.

On the banks of the river Nile Every single moment was valuable at this property like a wonderland of simplicity and beauty. Nothing could be a relief for soul like it was. Waking up every single day to see such a sun rise pallet could completely suffice, but limitless joy and kindness of warmhearted hostesses take it much further to become an implicit pleasure and connection. Thanks for “Rehab” the mayor😁 a name which means in English “the open arms welcoming person”, she truly was in all aspects.

Stayed in February 2024

Facilities were a bit old and could have been more clean, especially the beds were a bit dusty

Rehab was a very helpful host. The place had real family vibes, as she said "it's not a hotel but just a Nubian home". As we arrived near the end of the season we were nearly the only ones and truly felt like we were staying at someone's home, amidst the lovely cooking ladies and their kids

Stayed in February 2024

The tranquility, amazing nature and friendly service.

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing

two wonderful days at a quiet place with wonderful view, Rooms are clean, very good breakfast, all staff are helpful. Many thanks to MRs Rehab the owner as she handeled all our requests to make our trip wonderful from A to Z. She gave us good price with good quality. Also she offered to us places to visit and it was excellent. Overall it was a excellent place comparing the price, we refreshed our mood in a quite place, simple and wonderful view.

Stayed in January 2024

This is a real gem of a hostel - the position outweighs everything else. Superb location and so lovely to be somewhere so beautiful and peaceful and to travel everywhere very cheaply by boat. The manager Rehab speaks fantastic English and is lovely and incredibly helpful. The other Nubian staff are also lovely. Don’t be put off by the basic shower - it’s hot with a great jet. Yousef the boat driver/helm is a cutie. Breakfast was good but no tea or coffee offered. Evening meal was simple and could be improved but it didn’t matter due to the location - the restaurant on the neighbouring island opposite the temple was great but try to avoid 8-9pm as that’s when the temple light show is on if you want a peaceful meal. Abu Simbel day trip was worth the drive. Visit Elephantine Island from Aswan and wander to the Green of the other side through the streets of the village - real rural Nubian life and well worth it. Also take a Felucca trip (about £5 or 200el per hour). Worth seeing the soul/market for the spice shops, real life and felafel making. Just a gem of a tranquil place to stay!

Stayed in January 2024

The location and views are just stunning. It's really a dream location. I wish I had more time to stay there. The staff is very helpful, they offered me a room instead of tent because it was empty and I had long day. The food was just delicious, home made by two very sweet Nubian ladies. I had a little gentleman picking me up on the boat, it's his hobby, no child explotation involved 😝 There is no Wi-Fi, which makes this location even better to fully disconnect and relax. The toilet is outside which isn't very comfortable if you need to wake up at night. The terrace and common area was beautiful, full Nubian style. I really loved chilling there. It's also very handy to visit Philae Temple, nearby. All in all, very special location that I'd totally recommend :)

Stayed in January 2024

This place was so idyllic. I just loved it. The view on the Nile is so mesmerizing and the kayaking experience is also worth it. Rehab is one of the best organizers I’ve witnessed so far, she helps out with everything and finds a solution every time. Thank y’all for this amazing experience.

Stayed in December 2023

nothing

Wonderfull little place to deconnect and just watch the view and chill. Beutifull trip out to the island and nice food served on site.

Stayed in December 2023

The place is very beautiful as it is located directly on the Nile and near the Temple of Philae, away from the noise of the city. You can enjoy the stars at night and the sunrise as well. The service was also excellent, and the price was very reasonable for the value. Note: There are almost no supermarkets or fruit shops on the island, so you can bring them with you from Aswan :)

Stayed in December 2023

Apparently wifi was not working, but might have changed meanwhile.

Specially loved the support I got from the manager and the whole staff in how to get there and recommendations for places to eat and activities to do on Heissa Island. I loved the fact that the place is run by women and the food was amazing. Also made nice connections with other travelers. Definitely would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable, yet comfortable and easy-going stay in Heissa and escape the chaotic Aswan city. Views from the hostel are incredible.

Stayed in December 2023

It is kind of difficult to go to aswan, but possible. I like fruits and on the island is just a very little shop where you can get some water, cookies and basic stuff. So it is good to bring fresh things with you.

Heissa is a special place and you should come here when you are interested in the nubian culture and in simple places. Don't expect to much. It is a homestay and you are a guest. It is not a hotel. But when you dive into it you can have wonderful relaxing days with a lot of very beautiful people around you. There are not many things you can visit specifically on the island. But you can make good trips to philitempel or Abu sembel. And you can sit with many people on the island, you can enjoy the magic of the place and the nature. Get a kayak and see the sunset. The women who work there are very sweet and nice and the food was really nice too. I travelled a lot ant this is one of this special places I always look for.

Stayed in December 2023

There are no other places like this. Just arriving there and disconnect from the world, discovering the nubian culture, and relaxing with the purity of the place..

Stayed in December 2023

Perfect location is located in the heart of the Nile and near Philae temple.. the hostel offer you a Nubian food and lovely trips to Abu semple with a shared car, Recommended if you search for a local life in Aswan with a real Nubian people

Stayed in November 2023

Near airport, good stuff, great local and Nubian experience.. taste food .. there's a lovely feeling there like home Above: try to change money from the hostel they gave me a great rate..Shukran Rehab highly recommend

Stayed in November 2023

A special local experience there, the first thing i liked most was the Nile way from the port to the hostel by boat .. when you book , Rehab ( the owner of the hostel ) send you to handle everything about the transportation with you .. She also can help you to visit any places in Aswan .. I booked with her Abu simple trip by shared car was great and the next day she recommended to me more places to visit in Aswan .. Also if you interested in the local food and life .. this is the best place for you.

Stayed in November 2023

The view of the place is very excellent, the breakfast, and the cleanliness of the place

Quiet, privacy, and adequate lighting. The treatment of the staff in the place is wonderful

Stayed in November 2023

nothing

The video is excellent, the service is excellent, and the place is wonderful. I enjoyed it very much and had a nice time

Stayed in November 2023

I liked everything very much

Rehab's place is one of the best places ever. It is indescribably comfortable. I visited all of the island, or for example 5 places. Specifically, but the place that had the most purity and comfort was Hessa Hostel. The sweetest and best friends I made are currently friends of my life. They were a Sudanese group, but the best things I got from Hessa Hostel, and in a very nice feature, the food they have is very, very nice. They make Nubian food, fish tagines, and royal breakfast. A charcoal grilled dinner is very sweet and we can do it ourselves, and it will be like a BBQ party with friends. I tried it for the first time in my life, a beautiful experience. I am a person who is afraid, but the first time I tried it was in the place of Hisa Hostel, which is a kayak experience on the Nile. It is very nice, no matter how you describe the stages of fear. You would not believe the one I removed from me. It was really very beautiful and all the services were available. I stayed there for a week and I will go again to try and get to know new people as well. I love getting to know people very much. Also, Rehab, the owner of the hostel, took us to a place at the highest peak on a mountain on the island of Hisa as well. A very beautiful, true experience that is lived and not told 🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎

Stayed in November 2023

The hostel is beautiful, a really peaceful place to escape the hustle, and enjoy the river and beautiful sunrises. Om Youssef was so lovely! The food was good and the scenery was great! Since I was the only person there it was super chill and quiet too

Stayed in October 2023

One of the most wholesome booking I've stayed at. Extremely welcoming hosts that made me feel at home. It is located close to the nile river and is in an area that gives one a strong sense of community and an experience of how a normal day in Aswan would look like Would love to return one day, definitely recommend this beautiful peaceful place to anyone

Stayed in October 2023

Lovely place to be. The location is amazing and peaceful. The staff is friendly and welcoming, feels like home. The owner took care of us and showed us the local life. I will be back :)

Stayed in October 2023

If you want a serene spot overlooking water, this is the place for you. However, it is not fancy - not the bog common hotel experience. I think that's why so many people love it. I sat on the sand floored terrace working on my novel - totally relaxed and kicked back.

This place is not for the faint hearted. It screams "authentic." You are actually staying in a Nubian lady's home - who actually turns out to be a very good cook. It's extremely quiet because it is quite isolated.

Stayed in March 2023