The Orient, Zekrayaat and Loulia
Our boats were built by local craftsmen in Esna following the design of an original Dahabiya used in the past.
A Dahabiya, in Arabic literally ‘the golden one’ is a large comfortable sailing boat of a simple but elegant form with two lateen sails. This river-going sailboat was common in Egypt in the days of the monarchy when sophisticated travellers loved to cruise the Nile in style.
Sailing the Nile by Dahabiya offers the romance of a long-gone era combined with the comfort and convenience of today. Powered by the wind and relying on the river currents and a gentle breeze, this is the traditional way to cruise the Nile. As there are only five or six cabins on board, no more than ten or twelve people can travel at a time.
Dahabiya The Orient
4 Cabins & 1 Terrace Suite
Every Saturday – 4 Nights
Upriver from Esna to Aswan
Every Wednesday – 3 Nights
Downriver from Aswan to Esna
Dahabiya Zekrayaat
4 Cabins & 2 Terrace Suites
Every Monday – 4 Nights
Upriver from Esna to Aswan
Every Friday – 3 Nights
Downriver from Aswan to Esna
Dahabiya Loulia
4 Cabins & 2 Terrace Suites
Every Thursday – 4 Nights
Upriver from Esna to Aswan
Every Monday – 3 Nights
Downriver from Aswan to Esna