DAHABIYA 1899

1 of the last 6 original Dahabiyas

THE 1899 DAHABIYA KINGFISHER

Experience the 1899 Dahabiya Kingfisher, this authentic Dahabiya takes you on a journey along the Nile River, giving you the unique opportunity to explore ancient Egyptian sites in a traditional way. The boat boasts four en-suite cabins and can accommodate up to 7 guests, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. Take in the stunning views of the Nile as you relax on the Kingfisher's impressive sundeck, where a private chef will prepare and serve you the most delicious meals and snacks. This is the perfect experience for the high-end traveler looking to immerse themselves in Egypt's rich history.

A picture of a traditional sailing boat on the Nile river, with a blue sky and green palm trees in the background. The boat is called the Dahabiya Kingfisher and it provides private cruises between Luxor and Aswan in Egypt, following the route of the original 1899 vessel.
A picture of a spacious and comfortable lounge area on the upper deck of a historic boat that sails along the scenic Nile river between two ancient cities, Luxor and Aswan, in Egypt. The boat is the Dahabiya Kingfisher, a restored vessel from 1899 that offers private and luxurious cruises on the Nile.
A picture of a spacious and comfortable lounge area on the upper deck of a historic boat that sails along the scenic Nile river between two ancient cities, Luxor and Aswan, in Egypt. The boat is the Dahabiya Kingfisher, a restored vessel from 1899 that offers private and luxurious cruises on the Nile.

Dahabiya details

  • Name: Kingfisher
  • Type: Dahabiya
  • Year of manufacture: 1899
  • Built for: Thomas Cook company
  • Length: 26.3 meters
  • Width: 4.60 meters
  • Draft: 1.4 meters
  • Hull: iron
  • Sails and masts: Two sails - 1x mast of 30 meters and a mast of 20 meters
  • Tugboat: if sailing is not possible, there is a tugboat on a line of 40 meters

Facilities

  • Suitable for 7 people
  • 4 cabins (3 double cabins + 1 single cabin)
  • large sundeck with sitting area, sun loungers and dining table
  • free WIFI
  • safety deposit box in each cabin
  • your own staff - boat crew, private chef and expert Egyptologist guide


Safety

Safety is our priority and we have taken several measures to ensure the well-being of our guests and crew. On board, you will find:

  • life jackets for every passenger and crew member, stored in accessible locations
  • lifebuoys attached to the railings
  • smoke detectors installed in every cabin
  • fire extinguishers of different types
  • sprinkler system activated by heat sensors, covering the entire boat
  • escape route lighting 
    first aid kit 


Inclusions & exclusions

  • Included
    • Full board - breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea time, all  prepared by an excellent private chef
    • Water, tea, coffee, soft drinks
    • Free WIFI
    • All tours as described in the itinerary
    • All standard entrance tickets
    • All tours are private
    • An expert Egyptologist guide who accompanies you to all the sights

  • Excluded

    • Tips
    • Optional additional tours

Payments & cancellations

  • Payments

    After receiving the booking confirmation, a deposit of 25% is required within 14 days of receiving the confirmation.


    The balance must be paid 45 days before the start of the cruise.


    Please note that all payments are non-refundable under all circumstances (except border closures due to geopolitical or health restrictions).


    You can make payments to our PayPal, EURO or USD bank account.



  • Cancellation policy


    25% if canceled 45 days or more in advance


    100% If canceled less than 45 days before start



The History of the 1899 Dahabiya Kingfisher

The Kingfisher dahabiya is a historic boat built in 1899 for the Thomas Cook Company and is one of the few surviving original dahabiyas, traditional sailing vessels used for luxury Nile cruises. The Kingfisher was restored in 2000 by Dr. Kent Weeks, a famous Egyptologist who discovered the tomb of the sons of Ramesses II. The boat has now 4 cabins and an upper deck lounge and can accommodate up to 7 guests. Featured in the New York Times Great Homes, the Kingfisher is full of history and charm. A cruise on the Kingfisher dahabiya is a rare opportunity to experience a piece of Egypt's past

and present.


The original dahabiyas were built between 1860 and 1905 specifically for first-class sailing cruises on the Nile. The leading supplier of such vessels was the Thomas Cook Company. Kingfisher, built for the Thomas Cook Company circa 1899, is one of only six original dahabiyas. She was one of the few to have her hull made of iron, not wood.


The kingfisher is 26.3 meters long and 4.6 meters wide with a draft of 1.4 m. She is built to be a fast and comfortable boat, able to navigate the shallow waters of the Nile and dock at off the beaten track archaeological sites and traditional villages. Two sails, a mast of 30 meters and a mast of 20 meters forward, provide wind power.


The front deck is large and open; originally it offered space for six oarsmen to row the dahabiya when there was no wind. The crew quarters are below deck


A historical photo of a Dahabiya Kingfisher sailing on the Nile in Egypt in 1899. The photo is in black and white and shows the boat from a side view. The Dahabiya Kingfisher is a traditional wooden boat that can be rented for private cruises between Luxor and Aswan.
A historical photo of a Dahabiya Kingfisher sailing on the Nile in Egypt in 1899. The photo is in black and white and shows the boat from a side view. The Dahabiya Kingfisher is a traditional wooden boat that can be rented for private cruises between Luxor and Aswan.
Dr. Kent Weeks and his wife pose on the original Dahabiya Kingfisher, a historic boat that dates back to 1899, on the Nile in Luxor Egypt