A Dahabiya is a traditional two-masted sailing boat with modern facilities, the perfect place to relax and watch the Nile landscape gliding by. It varies in size from 3 to 12 cabins which makes it ideal for small groups and family vacations.
One of the advantages of the dahabiya is that it can anchor at any location along the Nile banks. This gives more possibilities for site visits, activities, and experiences along the Nile compared to the regular Nile Cruises which are limited to only 2-3 stops along the same sailing route.
Use of boats not just for transporting goods but also for the pleasures of traveling along the Nile goes back to the time of the pharaohs. The wooden sailing boats known as a Dahabiya, from the Arabic word for gold, “dahab”, are the most beautiful boats sailing on the Nile and the most authentic way to experience the river and its sights.
OUR DAHABIYA
We are delighted to introduce our new dahabiya “Safiya”.
“Safiya” includes solar panels to generate electricity, solar heaters to heat the water, and LED lights, all with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint. There is a fire alarm and fire fighting system, fan, air-conditioning, safe, laundry services, wifi, first aid kits, and lifeboat jackets, all designed to provide optimal comfort and safety for our guests.
HISTORY & MONUMENTS
Dahabiya experienced a resurgence in popularity among those who wished to enjoy Egypt at a leisurely pace, to drink in the landscapes, and see the monuments and villages on the riverbanks along the Nile Valley. These stops unique to dahabiya sailing include the significant archeological sites of El Kab and Gebel El Silsila, and Bisaw and other communities which are your opportunity to meet local people and experience village life. The small number of guests on a dahabiya means more personalised visits to the ancient sites, and your guide is available to answer your questions throughout the tour.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Experience the life of typical villages in Egypt: see the farming, ride a donkey, fish with local fishermen, and bake fresh bread. Our guests say that what makes our tours memorable for them is not only exploring the ancient monuments and museums and the centuries-old art but also meeting the people.
Local food experiences include:
Bisaw Island farm tour and enjoying food in a local home, including sunbread. Going fishing on small boats with the locals.
Cooking class on the boat.
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE
Our tours include historic sites and visits to communities not included by other companies, and include desert and valley environments. Our guides have knowledge of local plants and animals. Bird watching is a tour option. This is your opportunity to see and experience authentic Egypt, not just tick off the places usually featured on social media.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENTS
Dahabiya Nile Sailing is working towards improved sustainability of our boats and tours. We minimize the use of plastic and diesel whenever possible.There are solar panels to reduce diesel consumption on most of the boats.Locally homemade products are featured in the interior design. Activities are 100% operated by local people from the towns we visit on the tour, so income from the tours goes to the locals.We are working towards accreditation with Travelife
