Malouka Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An intimate five-star dahabiya with a lateen sail, panoramic cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar, and chef-prepared full-board dining.
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
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile is quiet except for water against the hull and the lateen sail lifting above the riverbank. From the deck of the Malouka Dahabiya Nile Cruise, you watch villages, palms, and desert edges pass at river level, with time to read, linger over a chef-prepared meal, or listen as the captain adjusts the sail.
Our Egyptologists give the ancient sites context without rushing you between them, while the intimate dahabiya creates a calmer rhythm than a large river cruiser. We arrange the cabin, meals, shore visits, and transfers around your sailing, with the practical details confirmed before departure.
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 program 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
- 01Five-star dahabiya with a sun deck, lounge bar and dining salon
- 02Cabin classes: Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies
- 03Shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Calls at Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae as part of the excursion program
- 05Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor and Aswan
- 06The 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
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
6 Days / 5 Nights · Esna to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,985 | $1,985 | $1,985 |
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.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Malouka dahabiya itinerary involves boarding a small sail-powered dahabiya, repeated short transfers between dock and shore by gangway or tender, and visits to archaeological sites with uneven stone, high steps and gravel. Cabins are accessed by steps and narrow corridors; there is no lift. At the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Edfu expect cobbles, stairs inside temples and occasional steep ramps. Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility should notify us at booking so we can advise whether specific landings and tomb visits are possible; some sites can only be experienced from the river or the temple forecourts. We arrange a meet-and-assist on arrival at the airport, but full step-free independent access for the complete itinerary cannot be guaranteed.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brim hat
- Reusable water bottle (refills available on board)
- Lightweight daypack for excursions
- A small torch or headlamp for temple interiors
- Any personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot days
- Long sleeves and long trousers for sun and mosques
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light fleece or layer for cooler evenings on the deck
- Non-slip closed shoes for boarding and walking on ruins
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children 12 years and older pay the full adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are practical ashore when paved, but narrow gangways and steps make them awkward for boarding; please request assistance at booking. Child meals follow the vessel’s menu; special dietary needs should be advised in advance.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
This is a traditional dahabiya sailing program, using lateen sails for much of the transit and very limited engine power, which reduces fuel consumption compared with larger motor cruise ships. On shore excursions we use modern minibuses with Euro 5/6 compliant engines where available, driven by local drivers we have contracted directly. We source fresh food locally, and the vessel’s crew are recruited from nearby Nile towns. Where visits include small rural sites, entrance fees and guide services contribute directly to site maintenance and to local guides and boatmen. We do not claim carbon neutrality; instead we prioritize lower-impact sail transit, smaller group sizes, and tangible local supplier relationships to reduce per-guest footprint.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What 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.02What 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.03What 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.04What 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. Travelers with mobility concerns should discuss specific needs with us.05What 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.06What 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.07What 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.08What 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.09Can 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.10What 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
Product ID: CRU-NIL-175389
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