Dahabiya comparison
Lazuli vs Loulia: which dahabiya?
Both sail between Esna and Aswan all year. Choose Lazuli Karnak for a newer boat of 20 guests with a jacuzzi, a private Egyptologist included, three departures a week and free travel for children under six; it usually costs a little less. Choose Loulia for a smaller boat of 12 guests furnished with antiques, cabins with baths, and two terrace suites with private balconies, with guaranteed weekly sailings on Thursdays from Esna and Mondays from Aswan.
The facts
Lazuli Karnak and Loulia side by side
| Lazuli Karnak | Loulia | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 10 cabins, up to 20 guests, 45 m | 6 cabins, up to 12 guests, 38.5 m |
| Built | 2022 | A classic dahabiya furnished with local antiques |
| Cabins | 8 standard cabins of about 9.5 m² and 2 panoramic suites of about 12.6 m² | 4 Nile-facing luxury cabins with a bath and 2 terrace suites with a private balcony |
| Departures | Sundays and Mondays from Esna; Fridays from Aswan | Thursdays from Esna (4 nights); Mondays from Aswan (3 nights) |
| On deck | Jacuzzi on the upper deck | Large sun deck with a shaded area |
| Guide | Private Egyptologist included | Guided visits arranged with the sailing |
| Drinks | Water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and hibiscus included; alcohol extra | Soft drinks, tea, coffee and water included; alcohol extra |
| Children | Under six free, six to eleven at a child rate | Cabins take a cot or an extra child bed |
| Season | All year | All year; best October to April |
Our view
Which to choose
| If you want | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The lowest price for a fine dahabiya | Lazuli | Lazuli usually costs a little less per night. |
| The most intimate trip | Loulia | Twelve guests at most, and a private charter for six cabins is within reach of two families. |
| A private balcony | Loulia | Its two terrace suites have their own balcony; Lazuli Karnak's cabins do not. |
| A hot tub | Lazuli | A jacuzzi on the upper deck. |
| Children under six | Lazuli | They travel free on Lazuli dahabiyas. |
| More departure days | Lazuli | Three departures a week from Esna and Aswan. |
Dahabiyas run about US$140 to US$1,500 per person per night, depending on the boat, cabin and season. See also Lazuli Karnak vs Lazuli Abydos, Loulia vs Nora vs The Orient and Iris vs Akhnaton.
Asked often
Lazuli and Loulia, answered
- Is Lazuli or Loulia better?
- Lazuli Karnak is newer, larger and usually a little cheaper, with a jacuzzi, an included Egyptologist and more departure days. Loulia is smaller and more intimate, with antique furnishings, baths and two terrace suites with balconies.
- When do Lazuli Karnak and Loulia sail?
- Lazuli Karnak leaves Esna on Sundays and Mondays and Aswan on Fridays. Loulia leaves Esna on Thursdays for four nights and Aswan on Mondays for three nights.
- How many guests do they carry?
- Lazuli Karnak carries up to 20 guests in 10 cabins. Loulia carries up to 12 in 6 cabins and suites.
- Which is better for a family?
- Lazuli for young children, who travel free under six. Loulia for a family taking the whole boat, with cabins that take a cot or extra bed.
