Indulge in the epitome of luxury cruising between Esna and Aswan aboard the exquisite Malouka Dahbaiya. Elevate your journey by reserving a spot on this opulent vessel, allowing you to unwind and rejuvenate while soaking in the mesmerizing Nile panoramas. Admire Egypt’s iconic landmarks as you glide along the river’s tranquil waters. Since its inaugural voyage in 2008, Malouka has hosted its esteemed guests in ten spacious cabins, accommodating up to twenty individuals. Even before the introduction of the grand Marawi in 2017, Malouka stood as our premier vessel, offering an abundance of room to relish a Nile cruise without compromising comfort. Your voyage with Malouka Dahbaiya ensures a lavish and expansive retreat.
Built in 2008, the Malouka is a 45-meter traditional dahabiya that marks a clear step up in space from Nour El Nil’s smaller boats, Assouan and El Nil. She carries up to 20 guests across ten cabins: eight luxury rooms configurable with a king or twin bed, each with large sliding windows, an en-suite bathroom (shower, toilet, hairdryer, wall-to-wall mirror), individual climate control, and a minibar — plus two panoramic suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and a king-size bed, modest by suite standards but bright and calm, ideal for slow mornings watching the riverbank drift past.
Life on board centers on the sun deck and the lounge bar for daytime reading and afternoon tea, with a small library tucked away on the lower deck near the cabins for guests who want a quieter corner. Meals are taken in the dining salon, full-board and freshly prepared. As with every Nour El Nil dahabiya, there’s no pool or spa — the trade-off for wind-powered sailing and shallow-draft access to villages and temple moorings the larger cruise ships can’t reach. Safety provisions include onboard fire systems, a doctor on call, and a backup motorboat for windless days.
Malouka sails the classic Esna–Aswan stretch as a 6-night itinerary, with weekly departures. (Different listings give different departure days — confirm the current one against your booking system before publishing.) The route covers Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, with the same off-the-beaten-path stops that define the smaller Nour El Nil boats.
Where Assouan suits budget-conscious travelers happy with compact cabins, Malouka is the better fit for guests who want genuine breathing room — couples or small groups who’d rather not compromise on cabin size, but aren’t chasing the top-tier luxury (or price) of the fleet’s flagship, Meroe.
Malouka is a dahabiya with room for a group. Ten cabins and space for 20 guests make it one of the larger sailing boats in our collection – big enough for a family reunion or a group of friends to take over most of the boat, yet still far more personal than a cruise ship.
Unlike many dahabiyas, Malouka has a lounge bar, so evenings have a natural gathering point after a day of sailing. The sun deck is where you will spend most of your time, watching the river banks slide by. Each cabin has a private bathroom and mini bar, and WiFi is available. The boat dates from 2008 and sails every Monday from Esna to Aswan.
| Ship | Category | Cabins | Cabin size | From price | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malouka Dahabiya Nile Cruise | Dahabiya | 10 | On request | On request | On request |
| Meroe Dahabiya Nile Cruise | Dahabiya | 10 | On request | On request | On request |
| Sacred Lotus Dahabiya | Dahabiya | 6 | 13-21 sq m | On request | On request |
| Sacred Lotus Dahabiya Nile Cruise | Dahabiya | On request | On request | On request | Pool |
Malouka and Meroe are the two 10-cabin dahabiyas; Malouka adds a lounge bar, while Sacred Lotus suits smaller parties who want a six-cabin boat.
How many guests fit on Malouka?
Up to 20 guests in 10 cabins.
Is there a bar on board?
Yes, Malouka has a lounge bar as well as a sun deck.
Where and when does it depart?
Every Monday from Esna, finishing in Aswan.
When was Malouka built?
It dates from 2008.
Prices are in US dollars per person, and you receive a confirmation voucher by email within 24 hours of booking. Payment terms, cancellation fees and children’s rates are set out in full on our Booking Policies & FAQ page.
Answers to common questions about refunds, changing your travel date, visas, payment and gratuities are on our Booking Policies & FAQ page.
