Karnak Dahabiya

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The route

Where this ship sails

The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.

• Esna to Aswan4 nights on this shipRead the route guide

Bundled in

• ·Sun Deck
• ·Restaurant
• ·Wi-Fi

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Accessibility

Who can join this

This itinerary involves boarding a traditional dahabiya by gangplank, walking on soft sand and uneven ancient stone at shore sites, and climbing shipboard steps to access cabins and the deck. Many archaeological sites visited, such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, have uneven surfaces, low doorways, narrow tomb passages, and steep steps. Wheelchair access is limited: the vessel does not have an elevator, and most shore landings require steps or a small boarding ramp. Guests who use wheelchairs or have reduced mobility should contact us before booking so we can assess practicality, discuss alternate landing arrangements where possible, and arrange extra assistance. Mobility scooters and large powered wheelchairs are generally not practical for shore transfers or some temple approaches. We can provide a collapsible folding wheelchair on request subject to availability, but guests must confirm needs at least 21 days before departure.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

This is a sail-powered dahabiya that uses lateen sails as the primary means of propulsion, reducing engine fuel consumption compared with larger cruisers. The vessel we arrange is small, typically 8 to 12 cabins, which limits wake and reduces riverbank erosion compared with larger, heavier ships. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we contract local captains, Egyptian chefs and crew, and source fresh provisions from nearby markets in Luxor and Aswan to support local suppliers. Where shore visits include villages or community workshops we use vetted local guides and pay agreed local fees directly to community hosts. On board we encourage reduced single-use plastics, separate waste collection when port facilities permit, and sensible water use; however port disposal and recycling services vary along the Nile. If you have specific sustainability priorities, tell us when you enquire and we will outline measurable options we can provide for your booking.

• Licensed local Egyptologists

  ETAA-credentialed, on payroll

• Fair wages on the ground

  Drivers + guides paid above market

• Site preservation

  We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols

• Carbon-aware itineraries

  Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days

Full refund less a £50 admin fee

15–30 days

50% refund

Within 14 days

No refund – date changes considered case by case