Dra Abu el-Naga

درع أبو النجا

This hillside necropolis contains 17th Dynasty royal tombs as well as New Kingdom private tombs with colorful paintings and inscriptions. The site represents an important transition period in Egyptian burial practices and offers spectacular views of the Nile valley.

Things to do

• Explore Royal Tombs of the 17th Dynasty — Visit the underground chambers of early New Kingdom pharaohs with hieroglyphic inscriptions and witness the transition from Middle Kingdom to New Kingdom burial customs.
• View Colorful Tomb Paintings — Examine the well-preserved polychrome wall decorations in private tombs that depict daily life, religious scenes, and afterlife journeys with vibrant pigments still visible.
• Hike the Hillside Pathways — Walk the terraced paths through the necropolis to experience the dramatic landscape and gain panoramic views across the Nile Valley and West Bank.
• Visit Tomb of Ahmose — Enter the burial chamber of this important 17th Dynasty pharaoh to see the architectural innovations and decorative schemes that bridged two Egyptian periods.
• Study Funerary Inscriptions — Photograph and document the hieroglyphic texts and offering lists that provide insight into religious beliefs and administrative structures of the era.
• Photograph Nile Valley Views — Capture sunrise or sunset views from the hillside overlooking the cultivated floodplain, archaeological sites, and modern Luxor in the distance.
• Join a Guided Epigraphic Tour — Hire a local Egyptologist to interpret specific tomb paintings and texts, explaining symbolic meanings and historical context in detail.

Food to try

• Koshari — A popular Egyptian street food mixing rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta topped with tomato sauce and vinegar, commonly sold in Luxor's markets near archaeological sites.
• Ful Medames — A traditional breakfast of slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, often served with fresh pita bread in local eateries.
• Stuffed Pigeon (Hamam Mahshi) — Tender roasted pigeon filled with seasoned rice and herbs, a delicacy prepared in Luxor restaurants and special local gatherings.
• Fresh Nile Tilapia — Grilled or fried fish caught from the Nile River, seasoned simply with local spices and lemon, served at waterfront restaurants throughout Luxor.
• Hibiscus Tea (Karkade) — A cooling red beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers, sweetened with sugar and served cold at archaeological site cafes and local vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Hire Local Guides — Employ registered guides from Luxor who can navigate the site safely, provide historical context, and often have family connections to the region spanning generations.
• Respect Tomb Interiors — Remove shoes or wear protective coverings inside burial chambers, avoid touching painted walls, and refrain from using flash photography to preserve fragile ancient pigments.
• Visit During Cooler Hours — Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense midday heat on the exposed hillside; bring ample water and sun protection as shade is limited.
• Understand Local Access Rules — Some tombs require separate tickets or permissions; check current access policies at the Luxor antiquities office as conservation work occasionally closes sections temporarily.