Nile Dahabiya · Esna & Aswan
Malouka Dahabiya Nile Cruise
- 4.9 on Tripadvisor · 88 reviews
- Licence No. 121
Tour Overview
The Malouka Dahabiya Nile cruise takes no more than 20 guests in 10 cabins on a five-night sailing from Esna to Aswan, leaving every Monday. Fares are $3,500 per person in a double cabin and $6,500 for single use, with full board, private sightseeing and entrance fees included.
Ten Cabins, Twenty Guests
Those two numbers explain the experience. With 20 people on board at most, meals feel like a shared table rather than a dining room, landings are quick, and the guide knows everyone by the second day. Malouka was built in 2008 as a deluxe traditional dahabiya, and its cabins are described as spacious, giving more room than you might expect on a sailing boat of this type.
Who Malouka Suits
- Couples who want a quiet week on the river rather than a busy ship.
- Small groups of friends or family who can book several of the ten cabins together; ask us about availability.
- Repeat visitors who have already seen Egypt from a large cruise ship and want a slower look at the river.
If you need a pool, a gym or evening entertainment, a larger ship from our Nile cruise range will suit you better.
Pace and Route
Starting in Esna rather than Luxor shortens the distance and stretches the time, so the boat can sail when the wind allows and moor at quieter banks. The river between Esna and Aswan passes Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo, and the trip ends in Aswan, close to Philae Temple. Exact stops are confirmed with your sailing.
Fares and Inclusions
Two sharing pay $3,500 each; a solo traveler in a single cabin pays $6,500. Both fares include meals on board, an airport meet-and-greet, private air-conditioned transfers, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees to the sites on the itinerary, and service charges and taxes. You pay separately for international flights, your visa, tips and any optional tours.
Before and After the Cruise
Most guests spend time in Luxor before a Monday boarding in Esna and add Cairo at the end. To see how Malouka compares with the other boats we offer, browse our dahabiya Nile cruises, or read when to cruise the Nile to pick your month. For extra nights or a full Egypt route around the sailing, our tailor-made tours team will plan it.
Tour Highlights
English-Speaking tour guide/leader
All transfers by air-conditioning vehicle
Meet at the airport upon arrival
6/5 Nights Nile cruise
Meals mentioned in the itinerary
Tour Packages
06 Days / 05 Night From Esna
Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be met and assisted by your tour manager before continuing with your private Egyptologist to the charming riverside town of Esna.
Explore the Temple of Khnum, uniquely situated below modern street level and dedicated to the ram-headed creator god. Stroll through Esna’s lively streets, known for their traditional textiles and local craftsmanship, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life along the Nile.
Later, continue to your Nile boat for embarkation.
Accommodation: Overnight onboard
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Nile boat sails gently toward El Kab, once the capital of Upper Egypt. On arrival, enjoy a guided visit to this lesser-explored site, home to the ancient Temple of Nekhbet and a series of beautifully decorated tombs set into the surrounding cliffs. A walk through a traditional riverside village offers a glimpse into local life along the Nile.
Later, continue sailing to Edfu, where you will visit the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus, one of the finest surviving temples of the Greco-Roman period. Travel by horse-drawn carriage through the lively town to reach the temple, adding a charming local touch to the experience.
Return to your boat and continue sailing along the Nile, arriving at a tranquil island where the evening is spent at leisure.
Accommodation: Overnight onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Today is devoted to the timeless rhythm of the Nile. After breakfast, continue sailing through serene landscapes of palm groves and desert hills, with time to relax on deck and take in the ever-changing scenery.
In the afternoon, pause at a quiet island for a gentle walk or the opportunity to swim in the Nile. As the light softens, there may be the chance to explore a desert valley scattered with ancient inscriptions and early hieroglyphs—marking one of the oldest routes once used to cross toward Libya.
By evening, the boat moors beside the softly illuminated Temple of Gebel Silsileh, creating a striking and atmospheric setting.
Accommodation: Overnight onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
At this point, the Nile narrows dramatically, flowing between two striking mountain ranges, creating one of the river’s most atmospheric settings. This is a quiet and rarely visited stretch, accessible only to smaller boats, offering a sense of exclusivity and discovery.
Visit the intimate Temple of Horemheb and explore the ancient sandstone quarries, where stone was once cut for some of Egypt’s most iconic monuments. Continue with a gentle walk through the surrounding landscape before pausing at a local riverside café to enjoy tea and shisha.
Later, sail onward to a secluded riverbank, where you will stop for lunch on board and the opportunity to swim in the Nile.
Accommodation: Overnight onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
After a peaceful night on the Nile, continue sailing toward Kom Ombo, beautifully set on a curve of the river.
Visit the distinctive Temple of Kom Ombo, dating to the Ptolemaic period and uniquely dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Its elevated position offers sweeping views over the Nile, adding to the sense of place.
Continue to the nearby Crocodile Museum, home to a fascinating collection of mummified crocodiles, reflecting the significance of Sobek and the role of these creatures in ancient Egyptian belief.
Return to your boat and continue your journey along the Nile.
Accommodation: Overnight onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
After breakfast, disembark from your Dahabiya Nile boat. You will then be transferred to Aswan Airport or the train station for your onward journey
Meals: Breakfast
Hint: Your journey should be as unique as you are. Share your ideas, and we'll craft a bespoke itinerary around your preferences.
Inclusions
- Meet and greet service by our representatives upon your airport arrival
- All transfers via private air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation on the Nile Dahabiya ship full board
- Private sightseeing tours in Esna & Aswan (listed on itinerary)
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned on the itinerary
- All meals mentioned on the itinerary
- All service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- Entry visa to Egypt
- Any optional tours
- Any extras not mentioned in the program
- Tipping.
Tour Prices
06 Nights / 05 Days from Esna
Double Cabin - Per Person
$3500
Single Cabin - Per Person
$6500
Important Notes
👨👩👧 Delta Tours Child Policy:
- 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge (except for flight tickets where airline rules apply).
- 2 – 5.99 years: Pay 25% of adult price (if there is a flight tickets).
- 6 – 11.99 years: Pay 50% of adult price (sharing parents’ room/cabin).
- 12 years and above: Considered an adult and pay full price.
Notes:
- Child discounts apply when sharing a room/cabin with two full-paying adults.
- If a child requires a separate room, the full adult rate applies.
- Some tours, cruises, or hotels may have different rules; in that case, the stricter policy applies.
Ready to Discover Egypt Your Way?
Let our local travel specialists create a private journey shaped around your interests, pace, and preferred travel style.
Malouka Dahabiya: Your Questions
Malouka takes up to 20 guests in 10 cabins, so the group on board stays small throughout the cruise.
The dahabiya was built in 2008 and sails as a deluxe traditional boat between Esna and Aswan.
A single cabin costs $6,500 per person for the 5-night sailing. Two people sharing a double cabin pay $3,500 each.
No. Departures are every Monday from Esna, south of Luxor, and the cruise ends in Aswan.
Yes. The cruise is full board, and the fare also covers transfers, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees to sites on the itinerary, and taxes.
International flights, the Egypt entry visa, tips, optional tours and personal extras are not included.
Our Clients Feedback
Offers valuable insights straight from the source, capturing the voices and experiences of those who matter most – our cherished clients
DebbieMel
“Our Egypt trip was perfectly organized with excellent guides, smooth transfers, and constant support from arrival until departure.”
Luciano M
“Professional service, knowledgeable guides, and excellent communication made our experience smooth, enjoyable, and completely stress-free throughout."”
Deepam L
“The customized itinerary matched exactly what we wanted, with attentive staff and outstanding service during every part of our trip.”
Isadora R
“Every detail was handled professionally, from airport assistance to transportation, making us feel comfortable and cared for every day.”
Maria S.
“Excellent organization, punctual drivers, and friendly staff created an unforgettable experience across Cairo, Luxor, and the Nile Valley”
Peter D.
“Knowledgeable Egyptologists and carefully planned sightseeing tours made every destination fascinating, educational, and easy to explore comfortably”
Laura C
“Private transportation, responsive support, and flexible arrangements helped create a relaxing journey that exceeded all our expectations completely.”
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