Lake Nasser cruiseDeluxe fleet shipsAswan → Abu Simbel

SAÏ

Handmade six-cabin Lake Nasser safari boat

SAÏ is a Nile cruise ship operated by Egitalloyd Travel. It has 6 cabins and sails 3 · 4 nights itineraries on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.

Good to know

Handmade six-cabin Lake Nasser safari boat. SAI is a small handmade six-cabin safari boat sailing Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel, built around unhurried temple visits.

Class Deluxe fleet shipsCabins 6Route Aswan → Abu Simbel

Operator: Egitalloyd Travel
Accommodation: 6 cabins
Decks: 2
Route: Aswan to Abu Simbel: Kalabsha, Ghazal, Wadi El Seboua, Dakka, Meharraqa, Amada, Pennout, El Derr, Kasr Ibrim. Abu Simbel to Aswan: Kasr Ibrim, Amada, Pennout, Wadi el Arab, Dakka, Wadi El Seboua, Kalabsha, Beit El Wali.
Length: 3 · 4 nights

About SAÏ

SAI is a small safari boat sailing Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel, handmade from beach pine at the Lake Nasser Yard over roughly five years and decorated in Nubian and Egyptian style. With just six cabins over two decks, the journey is quiet and off the beaten path, built around walks, trekking and unhurried visits to the temples along the shore.

Four main-deck cabins of around 12 square metres each have a private bathroom; the two upper-deck cabins add their own private sundeck of around 10 square metres. Meals are Nubian, oriental and international, all prepared on board and served in the main-deck lounge restaurant or on the 35-square-metre sundeck.

The route runs past Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Dakka, Amada, El Derr and Kasr Ibrim, reaching the temples of Abu Simbel, with the operator's aim being to promote ecotourism in southern Egypt.

Highlights

Just six cabins for a quiet trip
Handmade in Nubian and Egyptian style
Upper cabins with private sundecks
Meals prepared fresh on board
Walks and unhurried temple visits

At sail

Day by day

The Lake Nasser rhythm between the High Dam and Abu Simbel; SAÏ sails 3 · 4 nights itineraries. The lake temples were rescued stone by stone in the 1960s, and most have no practical road access at all.

Day 1
Embark at Aswan
Board on the lake side of the High Dam and sail for Kalabsha, the great relocated temple above the water.
Lunch · Dinner
Day 2
Wadi el Seboua
The avenue of sphinxes and the rescued temples of the middle lake, reached by no road worth the name.
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Day 3
Amada and Kasr Ibrim
The lake's oldest temple and the island fortress, viewed from the water as the ship moors for the night.
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Day 4
Abu Simbel
Wake below Ramses II's great temples and visit before the road convoys arrive, then disembark.
Breakfast

The fine print

What's included and what isn't

Many ship fares bundle guided shore excursions with an Egyptologist; it varies by package, and your quote states exactly what applies.

Included

Accommodation aboard SAÏ in the cabin booked
Meals aboard per the boat's published programme
Sun deck and lounge throughout

Not included

Drinks beyond water, tea and coffee served with meals
Gratuities for the crew
Temple entrance fees and Egyptologist guiding, unless your package states them
Transfers and extensions such as Abu Simbel, unless quoted

The boat in detail

Cabin categories: Main deck: 4 cabins of around 12 sqm (3 twin-bedded, 1 with a large bed), each with private bathroom
Upper deck: 2 special cabins, each with a private sundeck of around 10 sqm
Dining: Lounge restaurant and bar serving oriental, Nubian and international cuisine, all meals prepared on board
Facilities: Lounge/restaurant of around 20 sqm on the main deck
Bar
Main sundeck of 35 sqm
Private sundecks of around 10 sqm on the two upper-deck cabins
Water filtration system (shower use, non-potable)
250 HP engine with 17KV 220V generator; 12V current at night
Itineraries: 4 nights / 5 days Aswan to Abu Simbel
3 nights / 4 days Abu Simbel to Aswan

Keep planning

Plan your Nile cruise

Nile River Cruise: the complete guide Budget Nile cruises Nile cruise vs land tour

Good to know

SAÏ questions, answered

How much does SAÏ cost?

Advertised rates start from US$270 per person; prices vary by season and cabin.

How many cabins does SAÏ have?

6 cabins.

What route does SAÏ sail?

Aswan to Abu Simbel: Kalabsha, Ghazal, Wadi El Seboua, Dakka, Meharraqa, Amada, Pennout, El Derr, Kasr Ibrim. Abu Simbel to Aswan: Kasr Ibrim, Amada, Pennout, Wadi el Arab, Dakka, Wadi El Seboua, Kalabsha, Beit El Wali..

What's included on SAÏ?

Not itemised on the page