The Dahabeya at a glance

The 49-metre-long Dahabeya Escaleeh was built in 2023 and has been sailing between Luxor and Aswan since autumn 2024. It has only eight double cabins and two suites, all of which are located on the main deck and can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests. The space available is therefore particularly generous, as Dahabeyas of this size typically have more cabins. In contrast to numerous "pseudo" Dahabeyas, which are motorized (with corresponding noise pollution), the Dahabeya Escaleeh has no engines. It moves forward under sail, drifts downstream or is discreetly towed by an escort boat in calm conditions. The boat is operated by the Artika Wadi Kiki Hotel in Aswan, one of the first typical Nubian hotel complexes built on the banks of the Nile south of Aswan in recent years.

The Dahabeya Escaleeh has some features that are not particularly common on Dahabeyas. For example, the air-conditioned, enclosed dining room is located at the rear of the upper deck, whereas on most Dahabeyas it is located on the main deck together with the cabins and the salon. This gives guests a great view of the Nile and the riverside landscape through the large windows. As a rule, however, guests dine al fresco on the large, shaded upper deck, where there are also comfortable seating areas for relaxing. The restaurant serves mainly Nubian-Egyptian dishes, which are prepared daily using fresh ingredients from the villages along the Nile. At the bar, guests will find water dispensers, tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge. Local beer and wine are also available for a fee. Another special feature is the sun deck above the closed dining room, which is equipped with loungers. From there, guests have a wonderful, unrestricted panoramic view. Finally, the ship also has a cozy, air-conditioned salon on the main deck. The power supply on board is provided by solar panels and a generator as a backup. Wifi is available on board free of charge.

The cabins

The cabins of the Dahabeya Escaleeh are equipped with large windows, are simply but comfortably furnished and are larger than average. The beds are made with Egyptian cotton bed linen. All cabins have individually adjustable air-conditioning, a spacious en-suite bathroom with shower/WC and high-quality towels, and there is enough space for a closet in each cabin. The two suites are located at the stern of the ship and have large panoramic windows overlooking the river. In addition, the suites each have a private balcony directly over the water. The suites are equipped with double beds, while four of the eight standard cabins are equipped with two single beds and four with one double bed each.

Date, route & solar eclipse

Embarkation: on 27.07.2027 in Aswan.

Disembarkation: on 03.08.2027 in Luxor.

Route & solar eclipse: We have planned a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor (the itinerary can be found under "Nile cruises"). On August 2nd 2027, the day of the solar eclipse of the century, the ship will anchor approx. 15 kilometers northeast of Luxor, at Gabr Island on the Nile. The spot is located directly along the central line of the totality zone, where the length of the total phase is an extraordinary 6 minutes & 22 seconds. This is only one second less than the maximum of the eclipse in the desert southeast of Luxor. The event will last approximately 2 hours & 45 minutes from the start of the partial eclipse.

Experience this astronomical phenomenon of the century on the upper deck and sun deck of the Dahabeya or on the small Nile island at the ship's anchorage, where we will provide a suitable spot exclusively for our guests.

Eye protection: Observing a solar eclipse without protective filters (solar eclipse glasses) can lead to serious and permanent damage to the eyes, including blindness. HERE you will find expert tips on how to protect your eyes.

Services & Prices

Services included in the price: Transfer from the airport or a hotel in Aswan to the ship & from the ship to the airport or a hotel in Luxor, 7 nights on board in a double cabin, meals: full board, afternoon tea with cake, water, tea, coffee (Turkish coffee, freshly squeezed juices and local alcoholic drinks not included), sightseeing and excursions as described in the program, all entrance fees, English or German-speaking tour guide*, re-usable drinking bottle, Eclipse T-shirt or Eclipse cap, solar eclipse glasses, individual support by Beluga staff on site, insolvency insurance.

*Typically, an English-speaking tour guide will accompany the guests. If a ship is exclusively occupied by guests speaking a specific other language, a tour guide speaking this other language may also be used.

Price per person: from € 2,999.

On site, plus tips.

Minimum number of participants: 16.

Single occupancy on request.

An extension of your trip to the Red Sea is possible on request.

We are also happy to offer you a flight to Egypt & back (flight schedules are expected to be published in September 2026).