The Sandal at a glance

A sandal is basically a small dahabeya. This traditional type of ship has fewer cabins (typically four to six) than a dahabeya and has only one mast instead of two.

The 23-metre Sandal El Gourna has six double cabins, all arranged on the main deck, and can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests. The ship moves forward under sail, drifts downstream, or is discreetly towed by a small tugboat if the wind is too weak or blows from unsuitable directions. The Sandal is operated by an Upper Egyptian family who is among the pioneers in the construction of Dahabeyas. The father launched his first Dahabeya 30 years ago, at a time when there were almost only large, motorized cruise ships on the Nile. Today, the respected family operates a number of Dahabeyas and Sandals, which are designed and constructed with a great deal of experience.

There is also a small, cozy air-conditioned saloon on the main deck, where meals can also be served. However, meals are usually served on the shaded upper deck, where there are also comfortable seating areas for relaxing. Most of the dishes served are Egyptian and are prepared daily using fresh ingredients from the villages along the Nile. The power supply on board is provided by generators located on the accompanying boat. Wifi is available on board free of charge.

The cabins

The cabins on the Sandal El Gourna are simply but comfortably furnished. The beds are covered with Egyptian cotton linen. All cabins have air-conditioning and a fan, a private bathroom with shower/WC and towels and there is plenty of storage space in each cabin. Four cabins are furnished with two single beds each, and two cabins have a double bed. All cabins have a window.

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 of the Sandal 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 € 2,995.

On site, plus tips.

Minimum number of participants: 10.

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).