Private Dahabiya Charter Nile Cruise

The short answer

This private dahabiya charter is an intimate sail-powered Nile cruise for up to 23 guests, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise supplier.

• ★Editor’s Pick

• Luxury
• Adventure
• Cultural
• Archaeology & history
• Photography

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation

Sail-powered dahabiya with eight cabins, for your exclusive use

Destinations

Nile River · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings

Includes

Whole-boat private charter · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Professional captain and onboard crew · Reserved riverbank mooring for the eclipse totality window · Sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon · Arranged excursions to major Nile monuments

Best for

Solar eclipse travellers · Private groups of up to 23 guests · History enthusiasts · Families and friends travelling together · Travellers seeking an intimate sailing experience

Guide languages

English

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01Exclusive use of a sail-powered dahabiya for up to 23 guests
• 02A riverbank mooring reserved for the 2027 total solar eclipse
• 03Watch the eclipse aboard the vessel or from the shore, depending on local conditions and arrangements
• 04Excursions ashore to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
• 05Full-board dining, from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
• 06Use of the dining saloon, lounge bar and sun deck

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a standard group Nile cruise, this exclusive charter gives one private party use of an eight-cabin dahabiya and allows sailing and shore-excursion timings to be arranged more flexibly. A dahabiya is smaller and sail-powered, offering a quieter river experience than a larger motorised Nile cruiser, but it has fewer cabins and fewer onboard facilities.

The route

Where this ship sails

The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.

• Esna to Aswan4 nights on this shipRead the route guide

Bundled in

• 🍽Full board
• 🚖Airport transfer
• 🚖Private transfer
• ◈Group Egyptologist
• 🎟All entry tickets

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

1. 01

   Ask for the confirmed eclipse mooring location and whether shore access is planned before finalising your viewing expectations.

2. 02

   Use certified solar viewing glasses when looking directly at the Sun during partial eclipse phases.

3. 03

   Check which premium tombs are included before choosing the Valley of the Kings visit.

4. 04

   Agree excursion timing with the charter team early, as private scheduling remains subject to local conditions and arrangements.

Tailor it

Make it yours

• The charter provides exclusive use of the dahabiya, allowing sailing and excursion timings to be arranged more flexibly for the private party than on a standard group cruise. Private transfer arrangements, additional sightseeing, premium tomb entries and tailored pre- or post-cruise stays can be requested subject to availability and quotation. Meal arrangements follow full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
• drinks beyond water with meals and bar charges are extra.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This private dahabiya charter requires boarding from a Nile riverbank, where surfaces may be sandy, uneven or affected by changing water levels. Reaching the vessel can involve a narrow gangway, steps and assistance from the crew. Cabins and shared areas are linked by steps, and the sun deck may have uneven flooring. Shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings include walking over sand, stone surfaces and archaeological paths, with steps at some sites. Standard wheelchair use is not suitable without advance assessment. Please share mobility requirements before booking so we can check the vessel, embarkation point and excursion arrangements.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Karnak Temple0.0 km
• Luxor Temple0.0 km
• Explore the Valley of the Kings0.0 km
• Edfu Temple0.0 km
• Visit to Kom Ombo Temple0.0 km
• Philae Temple0.0 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   Private use of an eight-cabin dahabiya for up to 23

2. 02

   Eclipse-window riverbank mooring reserved for the charter

3. 03

   Flexible sailing and excursion timings for your party

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The dahabiya uses a lateen sail and normally travels more slowly than larger Nile cruisers. An auxiliary motor may be used when wind, river traffic or safety conditions require it. Meals are prepared onboard, with food and supplies sourced through Egyptian suppliers arranged for the charter where available. Shore visits support local Egyptologists, drivers, site staff and community businesses in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt coordinates transport and excursions with local partners, while the vessel owner and crew remain responsible for boat operations. Please use refillable bottles where possible, avoid single-use plastics and follow crew instructions for waste disposal along the Nile.

• 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

·In summary

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How long is the Private Dahabiya Charter Solar Eclipse 2027?

   The charter lasts five days and is timed around the solar eclipse on 2 August 2027. The sailing and shore programme is arranged for your private party, with a reserved riverbank mooring for the period of totality. Exact sailing and excursion times depend on local conditions and the final arrangements.
2. 02How does getting on and off the dahabiya work?

   Boarding and shore access use the vessel’s gangway, with transfer arrangements confirmed for your charter. The exact embarkation and disembarkation points and times depend on the final plan. Tell us before booking about mobility needs or luggage concerns so we can check the access arrangements with the vessel’s operator.
3. 03What is included in the charter?

   The charter includes exclusive use of the eight-cabin dahabiya for the booked period, a captain and crew, full board and use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon. The shore programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, as arranged for the charter.
4. 04What is not included in the dahabiya charter?

   International and domestic flights, drinks beyond water with meals, bar charges, insurance, visas, medical costs and gratuities are not included. Port or local authority fees may also apply. Certain premium tombs or other premium site entries are excluded when they are not listed in the charter contract, so check the final inclusions before travel.
5. 05Is this dahabiya charter accessible for guests with limited mobility?

   Access may be difficult because boarding uses a gangway and ancient sites can have uneven ground, steps and sandy paths. The vessel also has stairs between areas. Accessibility varies by site and river conditions; share your specific requirements with us before booking so we can check what can be arranged.
6. 06What is the child policy for the Private Dahabiya Charter Solar Eclipse 2027?

   Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 or older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin.
7. 07What should I wear and bring on the Nile charter?

   Pack light clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and comfortable shoes for uneven ground at archaeological sites. Bring a light layer for cooler evenings on deck and any personal medicines. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and wear sturdy footwear for the Valley of the Kings.
8. 08Can I take photographs during the solar eclipse and at the sites?

   Photography rules vary between the dahabiya and individual archaeological sites, and some areas may restrict cameras or charge an extra fee. Follow signs and instructions from site staff. For the eclipse, use proper certified solar-viewing glasses; an ordinary camera viewfinder or sunglasses do not protect your eyes.
9. 09When is the best time to take this eclipse charter?

   This charter is scheduled around the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027, so its date is fixed rather than seasonal. August is hot in southern Egypt, including Luxor and Aswan. Expect strong sun during shore visits and ask us about the planned timing of outdoor activities and the eclipse mooring.
10. 10Which places does the dahabiya visit, and where can I watch the eclipse?

    The shore programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. A riverbank mooring is reserved for the eclipse totality window. Viewing from the vessel or shore depends on local conditions and the final arrangements; the exact location is not guaranteed.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days

75% back, or 100% kept as credit towards a future holiday

15–30 days

50% back, or 75% kept as credit

7–14 days

25% back, or 50% kept as credit

2–6 days

Nothing back; 25% kept as credit

Under 48 hours, or if you don't turn up

No refund and no credit

Notice is counted from the day you arrive in Egypt. A few vessels have their own terms; where that's so, we'll let you know before any payment is taken.Read our full cancellation and refund policy