Zekrayaat stops where the big ships cannot
At $1,020 per person this is one of the two cheapest dahabiyas we list, well below the $1,350 category average. Its stated draw is access: it moors at Nubian villages and riverbank spots that full-size cruise ships cannot reach, because they are too large to stop there and run to a fixed lock schedule.
That is the strongest practical argument for a dahabiya over a ship. You get the same temples as everybody else, plus the parts of the river most visitors only watch from a sun deck at 15 kilometres an hour.
It sails Luxor to Aswan via Edfu and Kom Ombo over four to seven nights, with a restaurant, open-air deck, lounge and reception. The right pick if everyday river life interests you as much as the monuments do.
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
- access to Nubian villages off the standard cruise circuit
- 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 sailing boat that stops at villages larger ships cannot reach.
- 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
Cruise FAQ
How much does Zekrayaat Dahabiya cost?
Starting prices are around $1,020 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 Zekrayaat 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 sailing boat that stops at villages larger ships cannot reach. It suits travelers who want to see everyday river life, not just temples.
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.
