Nile Cruise · Esna → Aswan · 5 days · 4 nights
Private Dahabiya Charter Nile Cruise – Solar Eclipse 2027
An intimate, sail-powered dahabiya for exclusive use by up to 23 guests, with eight cabins and full-board dining.
The short answer
This private dahabiya charter is an exclusive sail-powered Nile voyage for up to 23 guests during the 2027 solar eclipse, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party supplier.
- Editor’s Pick
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Exclusive-use eight-cabin sail-powered dahabiya
- Destinations
- Nile River · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Whole-boat private charter · Full board from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Professional captain and onboard crew · Riverbank mooring reserved for eclipse totality · Sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon · Shore excursions to listed Nile sites · Arrangement services by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Best for
- Private groups of up to 23 guests · Solar eclipse travelers · Astronomy enthusiasts · Families and multigenerational groups · Travelers seeking an intimate Nile sailing experience
- Guide languages
- English
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and coordinates the third-party vessel and related travel services
- Professional captain and onboard crew included
- Site visits, transfers and charter arrangements coordinated locally
- Travelers receive confirmed inclusions and applicable exclusions before booking
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon on 2 August 2027, the Nile’s palms and pale banks will be held in a stillness that feels quite different from ordinary sailing. From the sun deck or a nearby riverbank, subject to local conditions and arrangements, your party can watch daylight fade during the eclipse totality window while the captain and crew keep the setting quiet and orderly.
The rest of the charter has a gentler rhythm: lateen sail, chef-prepared meals and shore visits with our Egyptologists at Luxor’s temples, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a larger group cruiser, an exclusive charter allows timings to be adjusted around your party where practical. We arrange the dahabiya, mooring and local programme through Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Background
The facts
This private dahabiya charter is arranged for the 2 August 2027 total solar eclipse in Egypt. It provides exclusive use of an eight-cabin, sail-powered Nile boat for groups of up to 23 guests, with a riverbank mooring reserved for the eclipse totality window. Viewing may take place from the vessel or from shore, subject to local conditions and the arrangements confirmed for the charter.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu Temple·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·2 August 2027 total solar eclipse·Upper Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This charter is designed for private groups, families, astronomy enthusiasts and multigenerational parties of up to 23 guests who want exclusive use of a small Nile sailing boat. It suits travelers who prefer a slower, more intimate experience and can manage shore excursions involving walking over uneven temple and archaeological surfaces.
What lingers
- 01Exclusive use of an eight-cabin, sail-powered dahabiya for up to 23 guests
- 02Riverbank mooring reserved for the 2027 solar eclipse totality window
- 03Possible eclipse viewing from the vessel or shore, subject to local conditions and arrangements
- 04Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 06Flexible sailing and excursion timings for a private charter rather than a standard group cruise
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a standard group Nile cruise, this charter provides exclusive use of an eight-cabin dahabiya and allows sailing and excursion timings to be coordinated more flexibly for the private party. A dahabiya is smaller and slower-paced than a large Nile cruiser, with a sail-powered design, captain and crew, and access to a more intimate river experience; exact navigation and mooring remain subject to local conditions and authorities.
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
Aboard
Meet the Private Dahabiya Charter Nile Cruise – Solar Eclipse 2027
This dahabiya carrying up to 23 guests, across 12 cabins.
- Guests
- Up to 23
Cabin breakdown
- 019 · Standard Cabin
- 022 · Veranda Cabin
- 031 · Single Cabin
Bundled in
- Full board
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Exclusive use of the dahabiya for the booked charter period
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- Professional captain and onboard crew
- Reserved riverbank mooring during the eclipse totality window
- Access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon
- Shore excursion programme covering Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, as arranged for the charter
- Trip arrangements by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Drinks other than water served with meals, plus bar charges
- Port and local authority fees, where applicable
- Personal travel insurance, visas and medical expenses
- Gratuities for the crew, guides and drivers
- Premium site entrance fees not covered by the charter contract, including certain premium tombs
Tailor it
Make it yours
The charter allows private-group coordination of sailing and shore-excursion timings, subject to navigation, site-opening and local-authority requirements. Discovery Tours Egypt can discuss private transfers, additional guiding or pre- and post-cruise accommodation, while premium tomb entries, drinks beyond water with meals and gratuities remain separate unless added to the confirmed arrangements.
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
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Travel insurance details
- Comfortable walking shoes with a firm grip
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag for shore visits
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples
- Modest clothing for religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for onboard use
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full 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. Strollers are difficult to use on riverbanks, gangways, steps and uneven archaeological sites. Request a high chair before booking, as availability must be confirmed.
Location
On the map
– 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
This private dahabiya charter includes exclusive use of an eight-cabin, sail-powered Nile boat for up to 23 guests, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, a captain and crew, and a reserved riverbank mooring for the 2 August 2027 total solar eclipse. The arranged shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings; eclipse viewing from the vessel or shore depends on local conditions and confirmed arrangements.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is a dahabiya and how does it differ from larger Nile cruise ships?
A dahabiya is a traditional, sail-powered Nile boat, offering a more intimate and personalised experience than the larger, engine-driven cruise ships. It typically features 8 to 12 cabins, allowing it to access quieter riverbanks and unique sites that bigger vessels cannot reach.02What is the duration of this Private Dahabiya Charter for the Solar Eclipse?
This private dahabiya charter is for five days, specifically timed to position your party on the Nile during the 2027 solar eclipse. The itinerary includes sailing between Luxor and Aswan, alongside a programme of shore excursions.03What meals are included during the dahabiya charter?
Full board is included, covering lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This encompasses all chef-prepared meals served in the dining saloon, ensuring your party is well catered for throughout the journey.04What shore excursions are part of this private charter?
The charter includes a comprehensive shore excursion programme to key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Excursion timings can be arranged flexibly to suit your private group's preferences.05How many guests can this private dahabiya charter accommodate?
This private dahabiya charter offers exclusive use of an eight-cabin, sail-powered boat, which can accommodate up to 23 guests. It is well-suited for larger families or groups travelling together who seek a private experience.06What is the policy for children on this dahabiya charter?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 and older pay the full adult price. Each child must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin.07What is excluded from the Private Dahabiya Charter price?
Exclusions typically include international and domestic flights, drinks beyond water with meals, bar charges, any applicable port or local authority fees, personal travel insurance, visas, medical costs, and gratuities for crew, guides, and drivers. Premium site entry fees for specific tombs are also extra.08What should we wear and bring for a dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and layers for cooler evenings on deck. Essential items include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal medications.09How is the solar eclipse viewing arranged for this charter?
A riverbank mooring is reserved specifically for the eclipse totality window, allowing for viewing from the dahabiya's deck or the shore. Specific arrangements are subject to local conditions and will be coordinated by our team on the ground.10Is this dahabiya charter suitable for travellers with mobility concerns?
While dahabiyas offer an intimate setting, accessibility can be limited due to gangways, uneven terrain at ancient sites, and stairs onboard the vessel. Please discuss any specific mobility needs with us so we can provide tailored advice on suitability.
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-318994
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