Kelany runs a high crew-to-guest ratio
The Kelany is a traditional two-masted sailing boat with a small dedicated crew per cabin. On a boat carrying a handful of guests that produces a level of attention impossible on a 70-cabin ship, where one crew member covers a whole deck.
At $1,240 per person it sits a little under the $1,350 dahabiya average, so the service density is not being charged as a premium. Facilities are a restaurant, open-air deck, lounge and reception.
It sails Luxor to Aswan via Edfu and Kom Ombo over four to seven nights. This suits travellers who like being looked after and would find it intrusive rather than pleasant to be one of 140 guests; if you would rather be left alone entirely, a larger boat is the easier choice.
Helpful Resources
Dahabiya Nile Cruise Guide | Luxor Travel Guide | Nile Cruise Prices | Compare Nile Cruise Ships | What's Included | Best Time to Cruise
Cruise Highlights
- a high crew-to-guest ratio for personalized service
- Luxor to Aswan route
- Edfu and Kom Ombo
- Real, currently operating vessel
- Quote-friendly package
4 to 7 Nights
- 1Day 1Board at Esna after transfer from Luxor, settle into your cabin, sail south with the current and moor on a quiet bank for the night.
- 2Day 2Morning sailing, stop at El Kab to see the rock-cut tombs, afternoon swimming stop and lunch on deck, moor near a sandbank.
- 3Day 3Visit Edfu Temple early before the larger ships arrive, sail on and stop at a riverside village and a camel market when scheduled.
- 4Day 4Visit the quarries at Gebel el-Silsila, a site most motorships pass by, afternoon sailing and a barbecue dinner on shore.
- 5Day 5Kom Ombo Temple at first light, continue sailing toward Aswan past Nubian villages.
- 6Day 6Arrive in Aswan, disembark after breakfast, optional Philae Temple and Abu Simbel extensions.
Cabins and Facilities
A traditional two-masted sailing boat with a small dedicated crew per cabin.
- Restaurant
- Sun deck
- Lounge
- Reception
- Open-air deck
What is included?
- Full board meals
- Guided shore excursions
- Entrance fees to scheduled temples
- Port taxes
Not usually included
- Drinks beyond water
- Personal spending
- Tips and gratuities
- Cairo portion of the trip
| Season | 4 nights5 days / 4 nights | 7 nights8 days / 7 nights |
|---|---|---|
| Low seasonJun to Aug | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| ShoulderMay and Sep | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| High seasonOct to Apr | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| EasterPeak dates | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| ChristmasPeak dates | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
Indicative per person rates in a double cabin. Final price depends on cabin category, exact dates, and group size, and is confirmed at quote stage.
Cruise Photo Gallery
Photos for this cruise are being added. Ask us for current ship photos when you request a quote.
Cruise FAQ
How much does Kelany Dahabiya cost?
Starting prices are around $1,240 per person in a double cabin. The exact figure depends on cabin category, your dates and group size, and is confirmed at quote stage.
When is the cheapest time to sail?
Low season, roughly June to August, is the cheapest time to sail, with the May and September shoulder months a step below the October to April high season. The trade-off is heat: Upper Egypt regularly passes 40C in midsummer and excursions shift to early morning. Send us your dates and we will confirm the exact rate.
What do peak dates cost?
Easter, Christmas and New Year are the peak sailings and carry the highest rates of the year. Both sell out months ahead, so book early if your dates are fixed. Send us your dates and we will confirm the exact figure.
Which route does Kelany Dahabiya sail?
Luxor to Aswan, over 4 to 7 Nights. The itinerary covers the classic temple route between Luxor and Aswan.
What are the cabins like?
A traditional two-masted sailing boat with a small dedicated crew per cabin. It suits travelers who want highly personal service on a small boat.
What is included in the price?
The rate covers full board meals, guided shore excursions, entrance fees to scheduled temples and port taxes. Not included: drinks beyond water, personal spending, tips and gratuities and cairo portion of the trip.
