Zekrayaat Dahabiya

Zekrayaat, Arabic for memories, has the original features of a 19th-century dahabiya: two large lateen sails, one on the bow and one at the stern, and is decorated in an attractive traditional Egyptian style.

The dahabiya’s beautiful wooden sundeck with its comfy chairs, awnings, and daybeds is the perfect vantage point from which to view the riverside villages, ancient sites, and exotic palm-lined banks of the River Nile. Below deck, at the front of the Zekrayaat, is the cozy salon with sofas, a large dining table, and a small library.

Behind this are the simple yet charming air-conditioned cabins (four twin-bedded – 17 sqm) and suites (two double bedded with terrace – 26 sqm). The cabins and suites are full of character and are furnished with fine antique furniture, Egyptian rugs, and handmade tapestries. All guest accommodation on board has a beautifully tiled private bathroom equipped with a shower, loo, and washbasin.

At the end of the central corridor are the two suites, both of which have a large double brass bed, but their standout feature is the private terraces from which you can enjoy panoramic Nile views without ever leaving the privacy of your room.

The Zekrayaat dahabiya offers four-night cruises between Esna and Aswan (Mondays) and three-night cruises between Aswan and Esna (Fridays).