Malouka Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Five-star dahabiya with a sun deck, lounge bar and dining salon, panoramic-window or Nile-view balcony cabins, weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan
At a glance
- Length
- 6 days · 5 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Malouka Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
02 Overview
A first look
By first light the lateen sails whisper and the Nile's soft light reveals temple façades and village quays, the pace slow enough to hear water lapping at the hull. Onboard the Malouka Dahabiya you spend mornings ashore at antiquities, afternoons reading on the sun deck, and evenings under stars while the captain trims sail; cabins have panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies for the passing scenes.
Our Egyptologists lead the shore visits and explain the monuments ashore; we select and book this dahabiya for you as a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We favour dahabiyas because they reach shallow quays and quieter sites larger cruisers cannot, and we handle the practical arrangements for your stay aboard.
Background
The facts
Malouka Dahabiya is a five-star Nile cruise vessel designed in the traditional dahabiya style, with low-slung lines, a sun deck, a lounge bar, and a dining salon. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, with features that may include panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies depending on the cabin type.
The cruise program links the Luxor and Aswan corridor, with embarkation and disembarkation in either city. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. These sites represent some of the most important Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and Ptolemaic monuments on the Upper Nile.
Karnak Temple on the East Bank of Luxor was developed over many centuries, mainly from the Middle Kingdom through the New Kingdom, while Luxor Temple dates largely to the reigns of Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. On the West Bank, the Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs cut into the limestone hills; the best-known burial is that of Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. In Aswan, Philae Temple was relocated to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO Nubia campaign to save it from rising waters after the Aswan High Dam project.
Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and was built in the Ptolemaic period, beginning in 237 BCE. Kom Ombo is a double temple associated with the gods Sobek and Horus the Elder, and it stands directly on the Nile’s east bank north of Aswan. The cruise format allows structured sightseeing between sailing days, with time ashore focused on monument visits rather than long road transfers.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise is best suited to travelers who want a comfortable Nile itinerary with guided visits to major temples and tombs, especially couples, adult friends, and first-time visitors. It also suits travelers who prefer a slower pace than a large cruise ship and value smaller-boat atmosphere over heavy entertainment programming.
What lingers
- 01 Five-star dahabiya with a sun deck, lounge bar and dining salon
- 02 Cabin classes: Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies
- 03 Shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 04 Calls at Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae as part of the excursion programme
- 05 Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor and Aswan
- 06 The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
The route
Esna and Aswan
Choose your direction
- Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
Per Person Pricing
| Cabin | May–September | October–April |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveler | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 2-4 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 5-8 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 9-16 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Malouka Dahabiya.
- Full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Guided shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae.
Not included
- International or domestic flights.
- Visas and travel insurance.
- Drinks beyond water with meals, unless stated otherwise.
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists unless requested.
- Premium entrance fees such as pyramid interiors or special-ticket tombs, unless requested.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
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.
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What is the duration of the Malouka Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The Malouka Dahabiya Nile cruise is a 7-day journey, sailing between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a more relaxed pace and visits to several significant ancient sites along the Nile River. -
02 What is included in the Malouka Dahabiya cruise fare?
Your cruise fare includes accommodation aboard the Malouka Dahabiya, full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and guided shore excursions to sites like Karnak, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. -
03 What is not included in the Malouka Dahabiya cruise fare?
Exclusions typically cover international or domestic flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities for crew and Egyptologists, and premium entrance fees for certain tombs or pyramid interiors. -
04 What is the accessibility like on the Malouka Dahabiya?
Dahabiyas offer a more intimate experience, but access involves gangplanks to board and stairs between decks. Shore excursions may include walking on uneven ancient stone or sandy paths. Travellers with mobility concerns should discuss specific needs with us. -
05 What is the policy for children on the Malouka Dahabiya cruise?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while 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. -
06 What should I wear and bring for the Malouka Dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, breathable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and any personal medications. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket is advisable. -
07 What kind of meals are served on board the Malouka Dahabiya?
The Malouka Dahabiya offers full board meals, which typically include a mix of Egyptian and international cuisine, prepared by the onboard chef. Meals are served in the dining salon, with fresh ingredients sourced locally. -
08 What is the difference between a dahabiya and a larger Nile cruiser?
A dahabiya like the Malouka is a smaller, sail-powered vessel, offering a more intimate and slower-paced experience. It can access unique sites larger cruisers cannot reach, such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, providing a more exclusive journey. -
09 Can I arrange a private charter of the Malouka Dahabiya?
Yes, the Malouka Dahabiya can be arranged for exclusive private charters, offering a personalised itinerary for families or groups. This allows for greater flexibility in shore excursions and sailing schedules, subject to availability. -
10 What is the best time of year to take a Malouka Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.
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
Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-175389
You Might Also Like
Nile5 Nights
Adelaide Dahabiya Nile Cruise
This is a 7-day dahabiya cruise on the Nile operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We sail at a reduced-engine pace and moor at village landings rather than large cruise piers. Unlike larger motorized riverliners, the dahabiya prioritizes quiet transit and closer village access, which changes timing and walk-off logistics compared with standard Nile cruises. We arrange Egyptologist-guided shore visits and all ground transfers; standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise. Trade-offs: smaller cabins, fewer public spaces, and occasional schedule variation when wind conditions affect progress – we plan itineraries to manage those variables.
Nile5 Nights
Meroe Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Meroe Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya style Nile cruise vessel offering full board accommodation and a paced shore-excursion programme. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are arranged in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, many with Nile views or private balconies. Shore excursions visit Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, accompanied by Egyptologist-guided land visits. Drinks beyond water with meals, premium tombs and personal gratuities are typically extra.
0
Nile5 Nights
Nour El Nil Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Nour El Nil Dahabiya is a 5-star traditional dahabiya offering intimate sailing on the Nile, with full board and an on-board shore excursion programme. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, each with en-suite bathrooms and Nile-facing windows or balconies where the layout allows. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and alternates sailing days with excursions to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Unlike larger motor ships, a dahabiya offers fewer cabins, quieter sailing and more daylight time on deck for shore visits.
0