Dahabiya Zekrayaat

The short answer

Zekrayaat Dahabiya is a one-day Nile cruise in Egypt, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation

Dahabiya cabin

Destinations

Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan

Includes

Nile sailing aboard Zekrayaat Dahabiya · Full Board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Visits to Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan

Best for

Nile cruise travellers · Slow-paced holidays · Couples · Small private groups

Guide languages

Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

What lingers

• 01Sail-powered dahabiya cruising on the Nile
• 02A slower-paced alternative to larger motorised Nile cruisers
• 03Time to experience the river and its banks between stops
• 04Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most larger Nile cruisers rely on engines and follow established river itineraries. A dahabiya is a sailing-boat type associated with a slower pace, but the available details do not confirm this vessel’s propulsion, cabin count or stops.

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

• ·Wi-Fi
• ·Sun Deck
• ·Restaurant

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

1. 01

   Request the confirmed embarkation point and reporting time before arranging transport to the river.

2. 02

   Check which drinks are included; drinks (including water) are typically extra.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The available product details do not confirm private-charter options, meal upgrades, extra shore visits or itinerary extensions. Ask us whether any of these can be arranged for your date before booking.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This Nile dahabiya itinerary includes uneven archaeological ground, stone steps, soft sand at some riverbanks and low gangways when boarding. Onboard access is by a short ladder or fixed steps. The cabins and dining area are on the main deck, with one or two steps to some cabins. Transfers by coach or launch also involve stepping up and down. Wheelchair users may have limited independent access, and continuous ramp access cannot be guaranteed. Remote sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila may have no ramps or lifts. We can discuss additional assistance and airport meet-and-assist before booking, but local help cannot remove these access limitations.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The dahabiya uses a lateen sail and makes less use of its engine while sailing under wind power than an engine-only Nile cruiser. We arrange bookings with locally owned dahabiyas and Egyptian captains, crew and chefs. Provisions are often bought from markets in Luxor and Aswan, and local guides and small suppliers provide services during shore visits. The shallow-draft vessel can reach smaller sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, away from some of the busiest monument areas. Waste separation depends on available facilities. Refillable water containers are used to reduce reliance on single-use plastic; the extent of this provision can vary.

• 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

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   Sail between four named Nile destinations

2. 02

   Choose a dahabiya instead of a large cruise ship

3. 03

   We arrange the cruise with its vessel operator

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01What should I pack for a Zekrayaat Dahabiya sailing trip?

   Pack light, airy clothes, comfortable shoes for walks ashore and a broad-brimmed hat for your dahabiya journey. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and swimwear. A light jacket or shawl comes in handy on cooler evenings on deck, particularly from October to March.
2. 02Are special dietary requirements catered for on Zekrayaat Dahabiya?

   We can cater for special dietary requirements. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary needs well before departure, so the onboard chef can prepare suitable meals during your sailing. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through to breakfast on disembarkation day.
3. 03When is the ideal season for a Zekrayaat Dahabiya sailing?

   The ideal time to sail on Zekrayaat Dahabiya is from October to April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and comfortable for sightseeing. While the dahabiya operates year-round, the summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially during midday excursions.
4. 04Is Zekrayaat Dahabiya suitable for families with children?

   Yes, Zekrayaat Dahabiya welcomes families. Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, and those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin.
5. 05How many guests can Zekrayaat Dahabiya accommodate?

   Zekrayaat Dahabiya offers an intimate sailing experience, typically accommodating a small number of guests across its limited cabins. This ensures a personalised service, making it ideal for couples, small groups, or families seeking a more exclusive Nile journey than larger cruisers provide.
6. 06What is included in the Zekrayaat Dahabiya sailing package?

   Your Zekrayaat Dahabiya package includes full board accommodation, all listed sightseeing with a licensed Egyptologist, and entrance fees to attractions. All transfers by air-conditioned private vehicles are also covered, along with a felucca ride, if available.
7. 07What is not included in the Zekrayaat Dahabiya sailing package?

   The package does not include international flights, personal expenses, or gratuities for the crew and guide. Optional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary and drinks (including water) are also excluded. We can advise on typical tipping amounts.
8. 08What is the pace of a Zekrayaat Dahabiya sailing trip?

   The dahabiya offers a relaxed, unhurried pace, sailing gently along the Nile with its lateen sails. Unlike larger cruisers, it often stops at quieter, less-visited sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila. This allows for more time to absorb the scenery and enjoy the intimate atmosphere on board.
9. 09What kind of shore excursions are offered from Zekrayaat Dahabiya?

   Shore excursions from Zekrayaat Dahabiya focus on unique, less-frequented sites that larger boats cannot access. These include the ancient city of El Kab, the sandstone quarries of Gebel Silsila, and the Hagar Salsala quarry, all accompanied by one of our expert Egyptologists.
10. 10Is Zekrayaat Dahabiya accessible for travellers with mobility concerns?

    Access to Zekrayaat Dahabiya involves gangplanks, and cabins have steps. Shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient terrain, sand, or steps at archaeological sites. While the crew can assist, travellers with significant mobility concerns may find some aspects challenging.