Upon arrival, you'll step into a world unlike any other. Camels in various sizes and colors—some decorated with traditional markings—fill the dusty grounds. Your guide will walk you through the different trading sections, explain how camels are assessed and priced, and help you engage with friendly local traders (if you'd like).

Discover how camels make their journey from Sudan through the desert, how they are valued, and their modern-day uses in Egypt. Enjoy time for photography and observation, soaking in a truly immersive scene.

Depending on the day, you might stop at a nearby local market or village for an added taste of everyday life in Upper Egypt.

Relax as we drive you back to your hotel, filled with stories and stunning images from this hidden cultural treasure.

The Daraw Camel Market stands as one of the most fascinating and authentic cultural experiences in Upper Egypt. Located just a few kilometers east of Daraw town in Aswan Governorate, this legendary market is not only the largest of its kind in the region, but also one of the most active camel trading hubs in the entire country. Each week, the market becomes the center of economic and social life for thousands of people, from camel traders to butchers, farmers to brokers, and now—curious travelers seeking something beyond the tourist trail.

Every Saturday and Sunday, the desert comes alive as camels from Sudan and East Africa arrive in caravans, crossing the Egyptian border into Aswan. These camels are not ordinary livestock—they’re powerful, well-trained animals, prized for their ability to endure harsh conditions, carry heavy loads, and thrive in desert climates. Among the most prominent breeds are Selaf Omrah and Hamra Al-Sheikh, renowned for their stamina and size.

This thriving market is more than just a trading post—it is Egypt’s very own camel stock exchange. Live auctions take place at sunrise, where seasoned dealers, middlemen, and buyers engage in rapid negotiations, assessing the camels based on weight, breed, health, and purpose (meat or labor). Prices fluctuate daily depending on supply, breed rarity, and demand, and camels are often sold by the kilo, like precious livestock commodities.

It attracts traders from across Egypt, especially from the governorates of Upper Egypt and the Nile Valley.

It serves as Egypt’s primary gateway for imported camels from Sudan, which remain the country’s most trusted source of camel livestock.

The market hosts over 5,000 camels each week, creating a buzzing environment of commerce and culture.

There are strict veterinary checks and vaccinations performed on all incoming camels before they are cleared for trade or slaughter.

More Than Just Camels

While camels are the main stars of the show, Daraw Camel Market is a vast ecosystem of supporting industries. You'll find:

Merchants selling ropes, saddles, and "iqalat" used for tying and loading camels.

Vendors offering traditional Nubian and Sudanese garments like galabeyas, vests, and handmade leather goods.

Craftsmen producing basic tools for camel herding and transport, including wooden staffs, makeshift muzzles, and feeding baskets.

Farmers and livestock breeders shopping for agricultural tools, camel ropes, or cattle gear.

Local butchers sourcing fresh camels for meat, especially on Sundays when camel meat sales peak.

These satellite trades provide direct and indirect jobs for hundreds, making the market a lifeline for the surrounding communities. As a result, the market has become a powerful symbol of Nubian resilience and Egyptian-Sudanese trade traditions.

A defining aspect of the Daraw experience is the camel auction—a theatrical and strategic event. Brokers shout bids across the dusty grounds, circling camels while calculating weight and breed value. With prices constantly fluctuating, buyers must decide quickly. Some camels are bought for transport or farming; others are destined for slaughter, based on meat quality. Negotiations are tough but respectful—a true display of local business customs in action.

From Sudan to Cairo: A Trade Route Reimagined

Most of the camels in Daraw begin their journey in Sudan, trekking across the desert into southern Egypt. Once traded, many are transported to Cairo, Giza, and other major Egyptian cities for commercial use. Some are used for meat production, while others serve in agriculture or ceremonial functions. The Daraw Market acts as a national distribution hub, maintaining centuries-old trade routes that once defined life along the Nile and Sahara.

More recently, Daraw Camel Market has emerged as a must-see destination for international visitors, especially those interested in anthropology, documentary photography, or immersive travel experiences. The chaos, color, and energy of the market make it a thrilling, visceral encounter with Egypt’s living traditions.

Visiting with the Best travel agency in Luxor and Aswan ensures a fully guided experience—one that’s informative, respectful, and seamless. Our professional Egyptologists and local experts bridge the gap between curiosity and understanding, helping you connect with merchants, learn the market’s stories, and witness its pulse up close.

Whether you're drawn by history, culture, trade, or the unexpected, a visit to the Daraw Camel Market is more than a tour—it’s a cultural immersion into the heart of Nubian and African commerce. No visit to Aswan is complete without stepping into this extraordinary world.