Dahabiyas
River Nile, Egypt
Sail in serenity
Dahabiyas are river-going sailboats which were common in Egypt during the 1920s-40s, when aristocrats and sophisticated travellers used them to cruise the Nile in style. Today, sailing aboard a dahabiya boat remains one of the most exclusive and relaxing ways to experience the Nile.
A journey aboard either Merit I Dahabiya, or Merit II Dahabiya, invites you to slow down and experience the Nile as travellers once did — drifting quietly between ancient sites and riverside villages with the warm Egyptian sun overhead. With only a small number of cabins, you will enjoy an intimate atmosphere, attentive crew and the unhurried pleasure of watching daily life unfold along the riverbanks. Meals are prepared fresh on board, afternoons are spent sailing past farmland and palm groves, and evenings bring sunsets, starlight and stories shared on deck.
The Merit Dahabiyas sail between Luxor and Aswan in both directions, giving you complete flexibility when designing your journey. Along the way, you will stop at remarkable temples, remote islands and historic quarries, exploring landscapes and landmarks rarely visited by larger vessels. It is a beautifully balanced experience — immersive yet peaceful, curated yet relaxed — and a truly memorable way to encounter the Nile.
You will love
- Small & intimate
- Authentic dahabiya charm
- Peaceful sailing
- Boutique cabins
- Off the beaten path stops
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
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Judith & Roger Williams
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
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The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
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Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
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If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
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Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros Wheeler
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma Jeffcoat
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
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Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
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Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree family
We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
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Elizabeth Mackintosh
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