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A Dahabiya is a traditional two-masted sailing boat with modern facilities, the perfect place to relax and watch the Nile landscape gliding by. It varies in size from 3 to 12 cabins which makes it ideal for small groups and family vacations.
One of the advantages of the dahabiya is that it can anchor at any location along the Nile banks. This gives more possibilities for site visits, activities, and experiences along the Nile compared to the regular Nile Cruises which are limited to only 2-3 stops along the same sailing route.
Use of boats not just for transporting goods but also for the pleasures of traveling along the Nile goes back to the time of the pharaohs. The wooden sailing boats known as a Dahabiya, from the Arabic word for gold, “dahab”, are the most beautiful boats sailing on the Nile and the most authentic way to experience the river and its sights.
We are delighted to introduce our new dahabiya “Safiya”. This dahabiya is equipped using both traditional and state of the art technologies and equipment.
“Safiya” includes solar panels to generate electricity, solar heaters to heat the water, and LED lights, all with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint. There is a fire alarm and fire fighting system, fan, air-conditioning, safe, laundry services, wifi, first aid kits, and lifeboat jackets, all designed to provide the optimal comfort and safety for our guests.
Dahabiya were rented for weeks or months and could travel from Cairo to Abu Simbel. They made their way from temple to temple, enjoying the river breeze and using only the power of the wind to drift from one place to another, making this the most leisurely way to explore and enjoy Egypt. Dahabiya in use then had four to six cabins and bathrooms, some were simple, others lavishly decorated. The popularity of dahabiya continued in the days of the monarchy (1920s – 1940s), when aristocrats and sophisticated travellers loved to cruise the Nile in style.
for many visitors to Egypt, travelling with dozens of guests isn’t their preferred style or their idea of a relaxed holiday. Dahabiya experienced a resurgence in popularity among those who wished to enjoy Egypt at a leisurely pace, to drink in the landscapes, and see the monuments and villages on the riverbanks along the Nile Valley.
Essential to your experience of the history and culture of the Nile is that the dahabiya can moor in shallow water and this provides opportunities to visit sites the large cruises cannot access. These stops unique to dahabiya sailing include the significant archeological sites of El Kab and Gebel El Silsila, and Bisaw and other communities which are your opportunity to meet local people and experience village life. The small number of guests on a dahabiya means more personalised visits to the ancient sites, and your guide is available to answer your questions throughout the tour.
Experience the life of typical villages in Egypt: see the farming, ride a donkey, fish with local fishermen, and bake fresh bread. Our guests say that what makes our tours memorable for them is not only exploring the ancient monuments and museums and the centuries old art and the incredibly beautiful and diverse landscapes and underwater life, but also meeting the people. This is an essential element of our tours, we believe cross-cultural connections contribute so much to our guests gaining the real feeling and understanding of any place we visit. You have a guide on board throughout the tour who speaks Arabic, which is essential for your experience as they are your translator in the villages.
Local food experiences include:
Bisaw Island farm tour and enjoying food in a local home, including sun bread. Going fishing on small boats with the locals, enjoying your catch cooked for dinner.
Cooking class on the boat, learn how to make some traditional Egyptian dishes.
Each day includes tea time before sunset, for open discussions with the guide about whatever guests are interested in.
Our tours include historic sites and visits to communities not included by other companies, and include desert and valley environments. Our guides have knowledge of local plants and animals. Bird watching is a tour option. This is your opportunity to see and experience authentic Egypt, not just tick off the places usually featured on social media.
Dahabiya Nile Sailing is working towards improved sustainability of our boats and tours. We minimize the use of plastic and diesel whenever possible.
There are solar panels to reduce diesel consumption on most of the boats.
Locally homemade products are featured in the interior design.
Activities are 100% operated by local people from the towns we visit on the tour, so income from the tours goes to the locals.
We are working towards accreditation with Travelife
A Dahabiya Nile Cruise is the most unique, authentic and exclusive way to experience the Nile in elegance and comfort. Dahabiyas are traditional wooden sailing boats with private cabins with ensuite, originally designed to take 19th Century travelers along the Nile in comfort. For those who want to experience culture, history, and relaxation as they pass along the Nile Valley, there is no better way than a Dahabiya cruise.
This tour covers the highlights of Egypt and some sites rarely visited by tourists. The highlight of this tour is sailing the Nile in comfort on board a traditional sailing boat called Dahabiya, as the Ancient Egyptians did thousands of years ago.
© Dahabiya Nile Sailing Egypt 2024
