The Malouka Dahabiya Cruise is a serene and intimate journey along the Nile, categorized under Dahabiya Nile Cruises. Perfect for travelers seeking a slow-paced, immersive experience, this cruise glides gracefully from Esna to Kom Ombo Temple, offering a rare opportunity to explore Egypt’s treasures away from the crowds. Onboard, guests enjoy a relaxed and elegant atmosphere, with comfortable cabins, shaded sundecks, and attentive service that makes every moment seamless. Dining features freshly prepared local and international dishes, while panoramic river views provide a perfect backdrop for reading, relaxing, or soaking in the sunset.
The itinerary highlights include visits to the ancient Temple of Khnum in Esna, with its unique underground chambers, and the remarkable Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Combining cultural discovery, intimate encounters with the river, and the charm of a traditional Dahabiya, the Malouka Dahabiya Cruise offers an unforgettable, off-the-beaten-path Nile experience.
Dahabiya Highlights
Esna, located some 33 miles south of Luxor, is where you will board your Dahabiya and meet the crew. Esna is best known as a thriving merchant town for the small ancient Temple of Khnum, which sits 9 meters below street level.
Your trip will begin with a brief walk to the temple and a stroll through streets filled with beautiful textiles and other exotic goods.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Dahabiya Bout
El Kab, on the East bank of the Nile, was once the capital of Upper Egypt and is still home to the temple of Nekhbet, as well as a row of fascinating decorated tombs carved into the slope of the mountains. Upon docking, you will embark on a beautiful walk through a small fishing village to visit the necropolis.
In the afternoon, the boat will arrive at Edfu, home to the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to the god Horus. This is among the best preserved of all Egyptian temples.
Horse and carriage will take you to the temple through the busy city streets.
After returning to the boat, you will set sail for a beautiful island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Dahabiya Bout
This is a day devoted to the river: immediately after an optional morning walk and breakfast, you will set sail. In the afternoon, you will stop at an island for a stroll or to swim in the Nile.
As dusk begins, there may be an opportunity to walk into the desert along a valley with boulders covered in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and stone-age inscriptions.
These images mark the beginning of the shortest trail through the desert to Libya (28 days in ancient times).
At night, the boat will tie up the foot of the floodlit temple of Gebel Silsileh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Dahabiya Bout
The Nile, flowing between two mountain ranges, is at its narrowest. You will usually be the only visitor at this fascinating site, as large Nile cruisers are not allowed to stop here.
After visiting the small temple of Horemheb and walking through the sandstone quarries, where ancient Egyptians cut stone for many of their most famous temples, you will see a picturesque café to enjoy tea and shisha (waterpipe).
You will sail to a picturesque riverbank, stopping for lunch and swimming.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Dahabiya Boat
After a night on the water and beneath the stars, the morning trip will take you to the town and temple of Kom Ombo.
The temple was built during the Ptolemaic period on the site of an older temple and at one of the most beautiful locations, on a bend in the river.
The temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god. After enjoying the temple, you will visit the new Crocodile Museum, which contains many mummified crocodiles, attesting to the importance the creature played in this region in ancient times.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Dahabiya Bout
Awake to the beautiful sight of the desert closing in on the river at Aswan Bridge.
Here your cruise comes to an end. You will leave us relaxed and refreshed in the morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Additional information
The tip is about $3-5 USD per person per night. For example, if you are 2 people staying 4 nights on a Nile cruise, the tip amount is $4 x 4 nights x 2 people = $32. So you leave $32 in an envelope at the front desk at the end of your Nile cruise.
Extra personal expenses on the trip may include a food tour, alcoholic beverages, tipping, visa fees, recreational expenses, and other services not listed.
Following are the items with extra costs during the trek:
All our packages and tours of Egypt do not include entrance fees to special archaeological sites such as entering the pyramids from inside, the mummies’ room in Museum, or entering the Tutankhamun tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.
The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking.
We are offering a low down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on tour, including hotel rooms, cruise cabins, domestic flight tickets, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days before your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination to your tour manager, making you’re booking a risk-free investment.
Notes:
Malouka Dahabiya Cruise is a luxurious, small-scale Nile sailing experience that combines classic Egyptian charm with modern comfort. Unlike large river cruise ships, it offers an intimate atmosphere, personalized service, and a slow, scenic journey along the Nile, making every moment feel exclusive and authentic.
The cruise typically lasts about six days and sails between Esna and Aswan. Along the way, it glides past historic temples, picturesque riverbanks, and hidden gems of Upper Egypt, including Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Gebel Silsileh, offering a perfect balance of cultural discovery and relaxing river views.
Guests enjoy air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms, cozy lounges, panoramic sun decks, a refined dining area, and Wi-Fi. The ship blends traditional elegance with modern amenities, creating a serene space to unwind while watching the Nile flow by.
The price usually covers full-board meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—guided tours to all key archaeological sites, entrance fees, transfers to and from the cruise, and the expertise of a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide. Optional extras such as personal expenses or tipping are not included.
Malouka Dahabiya departs weekly, mostly on Mondays, running year-round to accommodate travelers seeking a calm, intimate, and culturally rich Nile journey.
Exceptional group experience. The crew, guides, and ambiance of the cruise were top-notch.
Ideal family cruise with comfortable cabins, engaging excursions, and delicious food. Highly recommended.
A quiet and intimate Nile journey for couples. The staff and views made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Perfect for a solo traveler seeking calm, luxury, and cultural enrichment along the Nile.
Our group had an amazing time exploring the Nile in comfort and style. The guides were excellent.
Limited-time offer on Ultra Deluxe & Luxury Nile Cruises — book now and claim FREE extras (Hot Air Balloon or Abu Simbel Tour).
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