The Nile in Dahabieh: rediscovering the sailboat of the pharaohs

"An unforgettable cruise to the rhythm of the Nile. Magnificent landscapes aboard a traditional boat, impeccably maintained and very comfortable. Pampered by an extremely attentive staff, we didn't want to go home!" tells us Prisca, who embarked on a 5-day Nile cruise aboard a dahabieh departing from Esna.

Sailing on these Egyptian sailboats means reconnecting with the very essence of travel. Carried by the wind, the boat glides slowly between palm groves, villages and ancient temples. Far from large motor vessels, discover Egypt differently, at the rhythm of the Nile.     

What is a dahabieh?

A thousand-year history

The dahabieh, also called dahabiya or dahabeya, is a traditional Egyptian sailboat, intimately linked to the history of the Nile. Its name comes from the Arabic word "dahab", meaning "gold", in reference to the prestigious golden vessels once used to transport elites along the river. The history of the dahabieh has its roots in Pharaonic Egypt: similar vessels already appear on the walls of royal tombs nearly 4,700 years ago.

Until the end of the 19th century, the dahabieh was the preferred means of transport for travelers on the Nile. Before the arrival of steamboats, a crossing from Cairo to Aswan could take several weeks. The introduction of steamers, particularly by Thomas Cook from 1869, marks the gradual decline of these traditional sailboats.

Since the 1990s, however, the dahabieh has experienced a true renaissance. Brought back into fashion by enthusiasts, they now combine historical heritage and modern comfort, reviving a slow and elegant way of traveling.

A sailboat shaped for the river and the wind

The dahabeya is a shallow-draft river sailboat, perfectly suited for cruising on the Nile. Its shallow hull (approximately 60 centimeters) allows it to moor on banks inaccessible to large cruise ships and to dock as close as possible to the islands and villages lining the river of the land of the pharaohs. 

Measuring between 30 and 60 meters long and 7 to 8 meters wide, it is equipped with lateen sails (a large one at the bow and a small one at the stern) perfectly suited to the prevailing winds of the Nile, which blow from north to south. The engine is only used as backup, when wind conditions are insufficient, or for precise maneuvers, which also influences the best time to go on a Nile cruise. Navigation is thus smooth, silent, almost hypnotic.

Life on board designed for travel

Modern dahabiehs have a layout and reduced capacity that guarantee an intimate atmosphere and personalized service, ideal for a journey on the Nile.

The sailboats generally have 4 to 10 cabins, accommodating between 8 and 20 passengers. They offer an average of 10 to 17 m² of private space. Equipped with double or twin beds dressed in Egyptian cotton, they all have a private bathroom with toilet. Some boats also offer suites with private terrace overlooking the Nile, depending on available offers.

On board, common areas open onto the outside: shaded upper deck (sundeck) and panoramic lounge decorated with authentic motifs, ideal for contemplating Egyptian landscapes and enjoying delicious traditional meals.   

The crew generally consists of 8 to 10 people for a medium-sized boat: captain, sailors, mechanic, cook, service staff and Egyptologist.[1]

Rates for booking an 8-day dahabeya cruise vary depending on the time of year, crowds, sailing conditions and chosen activities. Here is an estimate of prices, for guidance purposes, according to the seasons.

Why choose a dahabieh cruise?

To discover the Nile, several options are available to you: felucca, sandal, large cruise ships or dahabiehs. So why, among all the offers in Egypt, do our experts recommend these dahabeyas?

The perfect balance between tradition and comfort

The dahabieh clearly stands out from other vessels and constitutes, for many travelers, the best cruise on the Nile, and one of the top destinations for a winter cruise. More comfortable than a felucca, often rustic and reserved for short trips, and more authentic than a motor cruise ship, it offers a rare balance between tradition and comfort. Unlike the sandal, whose amenities generally remain basic, the dahabieh is designed from the start for travel. The cabins are more spacious and better equipped, while common areas are specially designed to promote relaxation, contemplation and life on board, in ideal conditions.

One of the other major assets of the dahabieh lies in the intimacy it provides. With a maximum of 20 passengers on board, the atmosphere is that of a private Nile cruise among friends rather than a tourist circuit. Each traveler benefits from generous space and personalized attention from the crew.[1]

Expert guides and privileged visits

When traveling by dahabieh, visits are preferably made early in the morning or outside peak hours, to discover the great sites in complete tranquility: a rare advantage among classic offers. Above all, it's a sailboat that allows stops impossible for larger vessels: Nubian villages, islands on the Nile, local markets… Encounters with inhabitants, walks along the banks and moments shared over tea are an integral part of the journey. Beyond the must-see temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, you will discover sites such as Gebel el-Silsileh, or El-Kab, one of the oldest cities of Upper Egypt.

The cruise then becomes a true immersive and cultural journey in Egypt, going far beyond a simple succession of visits.

Furthermore, the presence of an Egyptologist guide (French or English speaking) sharing their passion and knowledge throughout the journey is a real advantage of dahabiehs. Unlike mass cruises where the guide must manage groups of 40 to 50 people, here exchanges are privileged. Ask your questions, delve deeper into the topics that fascinate you and experience a true immersion in Egypt's thousand-year history.[1]

Environmentally friendly navigation

The vital artery of Egypt, the Nile is a fragile river. Unfortunately, it ranks among the 10 most polluted rivers in the world, victim particularly of discharges from the approximately 300 cruise ships that sail it every day. Fuel leaks, wastewater, plastic waste… the environmental impact of large vessels is considerable.

Propelled mainly by the wind, our traditional sailboats only use their tugboats in the complete absence of breeze or to respect the itinerary schedule. Many operators are actively committed to sustainable practices: elimination of single-use plastic (reusable water bottles provided to passengers, for example), composting, local sourcing from farmers and merchants in the villages visited…

Result: considerably reduced carbon emissions and virtually non-existent noise pollution.

A Nile cruise on a dahabeya means hearing the breath of wind in the sails, the lapping of water against the hull and birdsong at dawn: a natural symphony that the engines of large ships have long since silenced.

An example of a dahabieh itinerary

Day 1 & 2: Visit Cairo

You will begin your journey with a visit to the Egyptian capital. You will discover the Pyramids of Giza, an emblematic site and the last remaining wonder of the seven wonders of the ancient world, as well as the Saqqara plateau. Depending on the program, you may also discover the Grand Egyptian Museum before strolling through the historic districts of medieval Cairo.

Day 3: Cairo - Luxor - Esna - El Hegz

After a transfer to Luxor by domestic flight or train, you will reach Esna, the departure point for your cruise. You board your dahabieh to settle into your cabin. Lunch is served on board, followed by the first hours of navigation on the Nile, in a peaceful atmosphere. You spend the night on board.

Day 4: El Hegz - Edfu

The first hours of navigation take you to El Hegz. Navigation continues along the river, between farmland and traditional villages. You will stop at Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. After the visit, return on board for lunch and resume navigation southward, then another night on board. 

Day 5: Edfu - Bassaw 

This day is dedicated to discovery and encounters. After the morning navigation, you will stop at Bassaw Island, known for its Nubian village and the warm welcome of its inhabitants. A walk will allow you to observe daily life on the banks of the Nile. In the evening, dinner on board and night at anchor.

Day 6: Gebel Silsileh - Kom Ombo - Aswan

You will set off to discover the site of Gebel el-Silsileh, an ancient sandstone quarry of ancient Egypt, from which stones for many temples were extracted. Navigation then continues toward Kom Ombo, where you will visit the temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus. Return on board at the end of the day for a short navigation, then night on board.

Day 7: Aswan - Agilkia - Aswan

Last day along the Nile, dedicated to discovering Aswan and its surroundings. You will enjoy this morning to relax on board and admire the Nile landscapes one last time. Upon arrival, visit the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, located on an island south of Aswan. Disembarkation at the end of the day and night in Aswan.

Day 8: Aswan - Cairo

After breakfast, transfer to Aswan airport for your domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, end of the trip or continuation of your stay according to your program (international flight or additional night in Cairo).

Our practical tips

1. A visa is mandatory for all French nationals wishing to travel to Egypt. Two options are available to you:         
   The e-visa (recommended): online application on the official Egyptian government portal.          
   Cost: approximately $25 (single entry) or $60 (multiple entries).          
   Processing time: 3 to 7 business days.          
   Validity: 30 days from entry into the country.          
   The visa on arrival: available at major Egyptian airports.          
   Cost: $25 (payable in cash, dollars or euros).          
   Validity: 30 days from entry into the country.          
   Note: a passport valid for at least six months after the return date is mandatory to enter Egypt.
2. In Egypt, tipping ("bakchich") is an integral part of the culture and constitutes an essential income supplement for many workers. On a dahabieh, tips are generally not included in the cruise price.          
   For the crew, count approximately €5 per night per traveler, to be given collectively to the captain at the end of the cruise.          
   For the Egyptologist guide, a separate tip is appreciated (generally €10 to €15 per day for the entire group).          
   Bring small bills in Egyptian pounds for small services during visits.
3. Direction of navigation: an important feature of dahabiehs is that they travel mainly from north to south, due to the prevailing winds that blow from the north on the Nile.          
   In practice, plan your return to Luxor by another means of transport. Common options are the train (approximately 3h30 journey) or a private vehicle.
4. Ideal period: the best time to go on a cruise is from October to April. Temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C during the day) and sailing conditions are ideal.          
   For truly optimal weather and more affordable prices, favor October-November or March-April.

Source used for writing this article: 

• [1] https://universvoyage.com/en/egypt-the-nile-in-dahabieh/