Dahabiya Zekrayaat
An intimate sail-powered dahabiya with lateen sails, chef-prepared full-board dining, and quiet access to Nile sites beyond larger cruisers.
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
02Overview
A first look
The lateen sail catches the morning air as Zekrayaat Dahabiya leaves the busy Nile channel, and the sound of water against the hull replaces traffic. From the shaded deck, you watch villages, palms, and limestone banks pass at river pace, with time to notice details that larger cruisers often miss.
Our Egyptologists bring the landscape into focus at El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and the Hagar Salsala quarry, while the captain chooses quieter stretches for sailing. Meals are prepared on board, and the intimate setting leaves room for conversation, reading, and unhurried views. We select and arrange the vessel, shore visits, and ground services through our licensed Egyptian tour operator team, so your Egyptologist is ready when you step ashore.
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EsnaThe temple & the river lock
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Bundled in
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on Dahabiya Zekrayaat (full board)
- All sightseeing with a licensed Egyptologist
- Entrance fees to listed attractions
- All transfers by air-conditioned private vehicles
- Felucca ride (when available)
- Service charges and taxes
Not included
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Tipping for crew and guide
- Optional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya itinerary involves uneven surfaces, stone steps at archaeological sites, soft sand on some riverbanks and low gangways when boarding. Onboard access is via a short ladder or fixed steps; cabins and the dining area are on one main deck with some cabins reached by one or two steps. Wheelchair users will find full independent access limited, and travelers who need continuous ramp access should contact us before booking. Transfers use coach and smaller launches, which require stepping up and down. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can arrange additional assistance, meet-and-assist at the airport and local helpers where possible, but we cannot guarantee site ramps or lifts at remote sites such as El Kab or Gebel Silsila.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses traditional lateen sails and minimal engine use while under sail, reducing fuel consumption compared with engine-only Nile cruisers. We book locally owned dahabiyas and employ Egyptian captains, crews and chefs, with most provisions purchased from markets in Luxor and Aswan. Shore excursions favour smaller sites reachable by the shallow-draft vessel, which spreads visitor pressure away from crowded monuments. Waste is separated onboard where facilities exist. We work with local guides and small suppliers so tourism revenue stays in the communities visited.
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
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF30+
- Lightweight daypack for shore excursions
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip for uneven stone
- Reusable water bottle for refills onboard
- Light rain layer or windproof for evenings on deck
- Any personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in natural fibers
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- A light scarf or wrap for sun and modesty
- Evening smart-casual outfit for the dining area
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. Strollers are practical onboard only if folded and stored, as cabins are compact. Child meals follow the vessel menu, and high chairs are not guaranteed, so please request these at booking.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
We don't have current published rates for this ship. Send us your dates and we'll come back with a live price for the cabin you want.
Add before or after your cruise
The ship sails between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights home, are in Cairo. These short add-ons join the two.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
Product ID: CRU-NIL-861249
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