Sail the Nile as Victorian explorers did — aboard elegant wooden sailing boats with billowing white sails. Just 8-16 guests, hidden temples, authentic villages, and the peaceful rhythm of the river. This is the most exclusive way to experience Egypt.
A Dahabiya (from the Arabic word "dahab" meaning gold) is a traditional Egyptian wooden sailing boat. These elegant two-masted vessels were the choice of Victorian aristocrats, explorers, and artists who sought to experience the Nile in comfort and style.
Today's dahabiyas retain their timeless charm — polished wooden decks, billowing white sails, and intimate cabins — while offering modern amenities like air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and gourmet dining. With just 8-16 guests, the experience is deeply personal and wonderfully peaceful.
Why discerning travellers choose the intimate dahabiya experience
Intimate sailing experiences with gourmet dining, expert guides, and hidden treasures
Best Seller
The perfect introduction to dahabiya sailing. Esna to Aswan with hidden temples, village visits, and sunset sailing.
Ultra Luxury
Premium sailing on our finest boats. Suite cabins, sommelier wines, private Egyptologist, and exclusive experiences.
Most Complete
The complete Egypt experience. Pyramids, GEM Museum, then 5 nights sailing the Nile aboard a traditional dahabiya.
Romantic
Perfect for honeymoons and anniversaries. Sunset champagne, private dinners, couples massage, and starlit evenings.
Private Charter
The entire boat exclusively for your group. Customise itinerary, menus, and activities. Perfect for celebrations.
Family Friendly
Perfect for families seeking authentic experiences. Fishing, bread-making, swimming stops, and educational temple visits.
Handpicked traditional sailing boats combining heritage charm with modern comfort
Elegant luxury with spacious cabins, private balconies, and gourmet dining. The epitome of Nile sailing sophistication.
Intimate boutique experience with beautifully appointed cabins, sundeck lounge, and exceptional personalized service.
Award-winning boutique sailing with eco-conscious design, organic cuisine, and a focus on authentic cultural immersion.
Exclusive activities and hidden treasures only accessible by traditional sailing boat
Glide peacefully under full sail — no engine noise, just the sound of wind and water. Pure tranquility.
Visit El Kab and Gebel Silsila — ancient sites inaccessible to large cruise ships. Crowd-free exploration.
Meet local families, bake bread in traditional ovens, fish with local fishermen. Authentic Egypt.
Fresh meals prepared by onboard chefs. Dine under the stars on the sundeck or riverside.
Anchor at secluded spots along the Nile for refreshing swims. A luxury unavailable on large ships.
Far from city lights, watch millions of stars emerge. Sometimes traditional Nubian music around campfire.
Your expert guide travels with you. Ask questions anytime and receive tailored insights.
Solar panels, minimal plastic, supporting local communities. Travel that treads lightly.
Real experiences from UK travellers who've sailed the Nile aboard our dahabiyas
"This was the highlight of our Egypt trip — perhaps the highlight of any trip we've ever taken. The peace of sailing with no engine noise, watching life unfold on the riverbanks, visiting temples without crowds... It's a completely different experience from those massive cruise ships."
"We chose the dahabiya for our 25th anniversary and it exceeded every expectation. The candlelit dinners under the stars, the sunrise over the temples, the attentive crew who remembered every preference... Pure magic. We're already planning to return."
"Our kids (10 and 13) absolutely loved it! Fishing with the locals, making bread in a village, swimming in the Nile... Our guide Mahmoud made history come alive for them. This was authentic travel, not just ticking off tourist sites. Can't recommend it highly enough!"
Everything you need to know about sailing the Nile on a traditional dahabiya
A Dahabiya (from the Arabic word "dahab" meaning gold) is a traditional Egyptian wooden sailing boat. These elegant two-masted vessels were originally designed in the 19th century to carry aristocrats and explorers along the Nile in comfort. Modern dahabiyas retain their traditional charm with polished wooden decks, billowing white sails, and intimate cabins, while offering contemporary amenities like air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.
Dahabiyas are smaller (8-16 guests vs 100-200 on large ships), sail-powered (no engine noise), and can dock at smaller ports inaccessible to big ships. This means exclusive access to hidden temples like El Kab and Gebel Silsila, authentic village visits, and a peaceful, intimate atmosphere. Large cruise ships rush between major sites; dahabiyas embrace slow travel and deeper cultural immersion.
Most dahabiya cruises are 4-5 nights, sailing between Esna (near Luxor) and Aswan. Some itineraries offer 6-7 nights for a more leisurely pace with additional stops. The route covers approximately 200km and includes visits to temples, villages, and secluded islands that larger vessels cannot reach.
Dahabiya cruises typically include: cabin accommodation with en-suite bathroom, all meals (gourmet breakfast, lunch, dinner), soft drinks and water, guided excursions with Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to temples and sites, cultural experiences (village visits, cooking classes, fishing), and transfers between Luxor/Aswan and the boat. International flights, alcoholic drinks, and tips are usually NOT included.
Yes! Dahabiyas are excellent for families seeking a peaceful, educational experience. Children love the sailing, swimming stops, fishing with local fishermen, and bread-making in villages. The intimate setting means the guide can tailor explanations to children's ages. However, the relaxed pace suits families with children who enjoy slower travel rather than constant activities. Ages 6+ recommended.
October to April offers the best weather for dahabiya sailing, with comfortable temperatures (20-30°C) and reliable winds. Peak season is November to February. Summer (May-September) is very hot (35-45°C) and not recommended. Dahabiyas rely on wind, so sailing is more pleasant when breezes are consistent. Full moon periods are magical for evening ambiance.
Absolutely! Private dahabiya charters are perfect for special occasions like honeymoons, anniversaries, family reunions, or groups of friends. You'll have the entire boat (typically 8-16 guests maximum) exclusively for your party, with customizable itineraries, menus, and departure dates. Private charters start from around £10,000 for the whole boat.
Yes! Dahabiyas are among the most sustainable ways to cruise the Nile. They primarily use wind power (sails) rather than diesel engines, minimizing noise and emissions. Many modern dahabiyas feature solar panels, LED lighting, and water recycling systems. The small group size means lower environmental impact, and supporting local villages creates sustainable tourism benefits.
Join 847 discerning travellers who've discovered the magic of dahabiya sailing. Your unforgettable journey awaits.