Yakouta Dahabiya

The short answer

Yakouta Dahabiya is a one-day sailing cruise on the Nile, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation

Dahabiya

Destinations

Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan

Includes

Full Board, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Sailing on the Nile aboard Yakouta Dahabiya · Esna route stop · Edfu route stop · Kom Ombo route stop · Aswan route stop

Best for

Slow-paced travellers · Couples · Nile cruise enthusiasts

Guide languages

Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

What lingers

• 01Sail the Nile on a dahabiya, a smaller type of river boat.
• 02Listed as a 5-star cruise product.
• 03On-board amenities listed include air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.
• 04The supplied amenities also include a restaurant, bar, spa and laundry service.
• 05Full board is specified from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast.

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most larger Nile cruise ships rely on motor power and follow set routes between major ports. Yakouta Dahabiya is a sailing-vessel cruise, but its passenger capacity and route are not supplied, so specific claims about privacy or access to smaller sites cannot be verified.

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

On property

What's here

• Wi-Fi
• Non-smoking rooms
• Air conditioning
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Bar
• Spa
• Laundry

Bundled in

• ·Sun Deck
• ·Restaurant

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

1. 01

   Ask for the exact embarkation point and departure time before arranging transport to the river.

2. 02

   Confirm which shore visits, if any, are included in the dated sailing programme.

3. 03

   Check whether drinks (including water) are charged separately.

4. 04

   Ask the cruise provider what sun protection is available on deck during the sailing.

Accessibility

Who can join this

Boarding involves a river quay and a gangway, followed by narrow steps on the vessel. Quays and shore stops can have uneven stone, compacted sand and short stepped or uphill approaches. At places such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, expect uneven ancient surfaces and limited wheelchair access. Guests should be able to manage 3 to 6 steps and short walks over these surfaces; some visits may involve standing for 20 to 40 minutes. A standard wheelchair is unlikely to work independently on the gangway or at many sites. We can ask about a collapsible travel wheelchair or porter assistance, subject to local availability. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can discuss practical arrangements.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The dahabiya uses its lateen sail while sailing on the Nile, which can reduce reliance on fuel; onboard motor use may still be needed for safe manoeuvring. Short transfers between the quay and shore may use a small motorboat. Egyptian crew and a locally based captain serve on board, while the chef can source fresh produce from markets in Luxor and Aswan. Local Egyptologists and guides are arranged for visits in each region. Waste is separated on board where possible, and non-recyclable waste is handed to shore contractors at port calls. We do not claim carbon neutrality. Where available, visits to community-run projects can direct spending to local businesses and artisans.

• Licensed Egyptologist guides

  State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years

• Fair wages on the ground

  Drivers + guides paid above market

• Site preservation

  We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs

• Local teams, real help

  Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh

Before you go

What to pack & wear

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Karnak TempleRight here
• Luxor TempleRight here
• Valley of the KingsRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   A sail-powered dahabiya for a quieter Nile journey

2. 02

   Route includes Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan

3. 03

   Full Board covers lunch through breakfast

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How long is the Yakouta Dahabiya cruise?

   The listed Yakouta Dahabiya product duration is one day. Confirm the embarkation and disembarkation times before booking, as the Full Board meal window runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The source information also describes shore visits at sites including Gebel Silsila and El Kab, so check the final itinerary for the sailing and visit schedule.
2. 02How do I get to the Yakouta Dahabiya, and are transfers included?

   Private transfers to and from the boat are included. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges these transfers and selects and books the cruise, while the cruise line owns and operates the vessel. Confirm your meeting point and transfer times against your final travel documents, as they depend on the embarkation arrangements.
3. 03What is included on the Yakouta Dahabiya?

   The package includes accommodation aboard Yakouta Dahabiya, all meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, an Egyptologist for listed shore excursions and entrance fees to listed historical sites. Daily housekeeping and private transfers to and from the boat are also included. Sailing is subject to weather.
4. 04What is not included on the Yakouta Dahabiya?

   Flights, personal spending, souvenirs, crew and guide gratuities, alcoholic drinks and optional tours not listed in the itinerary are excluded. Drinks (including water) are not covered. Check the cancellation terms shown on the page before confirming, as the applicable conditions depend on your booking.
5. 05Is the Yakouta Dahabiya suitable for travellers with limited mobility?

   Accessibility depends on the vessel, gangway and landing conditions, so confirm your needs before booking. Boarding may involve steps or an uneven surface, and visits to ancient sites can include irregular stone paths, sand or limited shade. The final shore programme and available assistance should be checked for your dates.
6. 06Can children travel on the Yakouta Dahabiya?

   Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin); two or more children require their own cabin. The vessel’s cabin layout and availability should be confirmed when arranging the booking.
7. 07What should I wear and bring on the Yakouta Dahabiya?

   Bring sun protection, a hat, water and comfortable shoes with a firm grip for shore visits. Lightweight clothing is practical in warm weather, with a light layer for cooler mornings and evenings. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples or other religious sites, covering shoulders and knees.
8. 08Can I take photographs on the Yakouta Dahabiya and at the sites?

   Photography rules vary by site and exhibit, so check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs. Some interiors or objects may have restrictions, and flash may not be allowed. On board, ask the captain or crew before photographing staff or other guests.
9. 09When is the best time to sail on the Yakouta Dahabiya?

   October to April is generally the cooler period for Nile sightseeing. Conditions still vary, and sailing depends on the weather. Compared with larger Nile cruisers, a dahabiya travels at a slower pace under sail, so allow flexibility in the programme and confirm how weather could affect planned stops.
10. 10Which sites can I visit from the Yakouta Dahabiya?

    The listed shore visits include Gebel Silsila, a sandstone quarry, and the ancient remains at El Kab. The exact stops depend on the final itinerary and sailing conditions. These smaller landing points distinguish a dahabiya route from larger cruisers’ schedules, but no particular visit should be assumed unless it appears in your confirmed programme.