What made it difficult for the ancient Egyptians to transport goods soutward down the Nile?

Answer 1

Compared with a lot of rivers transporting goods on the River Nile was relatively easy, you drifted with the current northwards and as the prevailing wind blowing from the north you allowed you to sail against the current going south.

One hazard of the river affected passage in both directions were the ever shifting sandbars.

Obviously heading north was easiest as the river current flows all the time. In the southerly direction there are days of contrary winds and of no wind at all. This meant you did not move at all or had to rely on rowers or gangs of men towing from the river bank.

Answer 2

If you travel south on the Nile you are moving against the current, which flows north.

Answer 3

That was the easy bit, going with the flow. The hard bit was going north against the current, especially after the wet season with the rivers in spate.

Answer 4

The cataracts or rapids.