"Felucca cruise" between Aswan and Luxor

Hi there,

I’m heading back to Egypt for the first time in 30 years this July. Last time, I was 20, and we spent two weeks traveling on a shoestring as backpackers.

I’m wondering about a "cruise" on a felucca from Aswan—mainly to avoid being stuck in an air-conditioned tourist bubble (we’re already spending our first week in that setting with our diving club). We’d like to explore the most interesting stretch of the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Do you have any thoughts on this option, tips, or maybe some contacts?

Thanks in advance!

Mathieu

You're right—doing Luxor/Aswan by dahabiya or felucca is a guarantee of tranquility. We've done it twice (2018 and 2023), and what a joy to be able to stop in places those "floating hotels" can't reach. Just keep in mind that feluccas don’t have bathrooms or cabins, while dahabiyas are equipped with en-suite cabins and bathrooms. We always go with the same guide (5 times now), who’s become a friend. Under these conditions, you’ll have a wonderful trip.

Thanks for your reply! Could you share your contact info and the prices you charge? How much time should I allow for which routes?

Hello everyone, It's also important to note that the price isn't the same for a felucca (spartan, even with a toilet) as it is for a Dahabiya or Sandal. Also, you don’t arrive directly in Luxor, and depending on the number of nights, you might be dropped off either in Edfu and continue the rest of the way by car, or in Esna, with the transfer to Luxor done by car. So make sure to check carefully, including the time of year, because even for feluccas, there are periods when they don’t operate. Look into "Gréements du Nil" or "Les Voiles du Nil". And for the sites that big boats can’t visit—aside from the Silsileh quarries and Horemheb’s speos—the rest are pretty much the same. Plus, the navigation is *very* slow ;). Thoutmosis

Hi Thoutmosis,

Thanks for your reply. We’ll be traveling in July and will sort things out directly on-site.

Hi there, I don’t know how much time you have in Egypt? Trying to arrange things on the spot can risk wasting a lot of time—the best solution is to get in touch with the two companies mentioned in the other post. Now, I’ll privately send you the contact details of someone whose job is personal services: accommodations, transport, cruises (felucca dhahabiya, sandal, large boats). We’ve known this person personally since 2007. Ask them if the felucca goes as far as Esna (usually not, but check with them) and if they can arrange the transfer to Luxor even if the felucca stops in Edfu (that’s generally the case). So, make sure to discuss the felucca route between the two of you and the transfer to Luxor. Thoutmosis

Thanks so much! !

Hi Thoutmosis,

I’m heading to Egypt in mid-November and I’m actually looking for a way back by felucca or other from Aswan to Luxor. We’ve got 4 short days, so could you share your contact info in case we want to shorten the trip and finish by bus or taxi? Thanks in advance

Hello everyone, What exactly are you looking for? You mentioned, "We have 4 short days, so could you share your contact info in case we need to shorten the return trip and finish by bus or taxi." Do you want a 4-day felucca cruise (which is already quite basic, so if you're not mentally prepared, I’d recommend avoiding it)? If that’s the case, you’ll likely be dropped off after Edfu. Usually, the felucca owner arranges someone to transfer you to Luxor.

Or do you want to spend your 4 days in Luxor instead? Thoutmosis