Two ways to sail the Nile
Felucca vs dahabiya
Both sail the Nile under canvas, but they are very different trips. An overnight felucca is a small open boat: you sleep on mattresses on deck under the stars, there is no bathroom on board, and the crew cooks simple meals, which makes it a cheap adventure for one to three nights from Aswan. A dahabiya is a sailing houseboat with private cabins, bathrooms, a chef and an Egyptologist guide, for three to five nights between Esna and Aswan. Choose the felucca for adventure on a budget; choose the dahabiya for comfort with the same slow pace.
The facts
Felucca and dahabiya side by side
| Felucca | Dahabiya | |
|---|---|---|
| The boat | A small open sailing boat with one sail, a few metres long | A large two-masted houseboat with cabins, a salon and a sun deck |
| Sleeping | On mattresses on the open deck, under a canvas cover | In a private cabin with a bed, air conditioning and a window |
| Bathroom | None on board; the riverbank | Private bathroom with shower in every cabin |
| Food | Simple meals cooked on board by the crew | Full board from the boat's chef, often with afternoon tea |
| Guide | Usually none; the crew are sailors | An Egyptologist for the temple visits on most boats |
| Length | Usually one to three nights, sailing north from Aswan | Usually three to five nights between Esna and Aswan |
| Temples | Kom Ombo or Edfu by road at the end, if arranged | Edfu, Kom Ombo, Gebel el-Silsila, El Kab and quiet island stops |
| Suits | Young, adventurous travellers on a budget | Couples, families and small groups who want comfort and pace |
Our view
Which to choose
If you want the river at its simplest and do not mind roughing it, a felucca night is unforgettable. If you want to sleep well, shower every day and have the temples explained, a dahabiya gives you the same quiet sailing with hotel comfort. Many travellers do both: a dahabiya for the trip, and a one-hour felucca sail at sunset in Aswan.
Dahabiyas run about US$140 to US$1,500 per person per night. See felucca rides in Egypt, the overnight felucca trip from Aswan and the best dahabiyas.
Asked often
Felucca or dahabiya, answered
- What is the difference between a felucca and a dahabiya?
- A felucca is a small open sailing boat where you sleep on deck with no bathroom on board. A dahabiya is a large sailing houseboat with private cabins, bathrooms, a chef and usually a guide.
- Can you sleep on a felucca?
- Yes, on overnight trips you sleep on mattresses on the open deck under a canvas cover, usually moored by the bank. Bring warm layers in winter, as nights are cold.
- Is a felucca or a dahabiya better for families?
- A dahabiya, with private cabins and bathrooms. For children, a short daytime felucca sail in Aswan gives the experience without the night on deck.
- Does a felucca trip include the temples?
- Not usually on board. Overnight felucca trips end near Kom Ombo or Edfu, and the temples are visited by road if arranged. A dahabiya includes guided temple visits.
