Najafa | Nour El Nil

Overview

A Refined Retreat on the Nile

Najafa is one of the brightest stars of our fleet, a boat where comfort and beauty are felt in every detail. Spacious cabins and generous deck space make it easy to lose track of time, whether resting in quiet privacy or sharing stories under the night sky. Newly crafted, Najafa blends the authenticity of dahabiya sailing with a sense of effortless refinement. It’s perfect for travelers who want their Nile experience to feel both soulful and elevated.

Panoramic Suite

1 King Bed

1-2 guests

28.00 m²

Najafa’s Panoramic Suite offers one of the most indulgent river experiences, with broad floor-to-ceiling windows and a large, elegant interior. It is a space designed for unhurried mornings and long evenings gazing out at the timeless Nile.

Deluxe Suite

2 Twin Bed

/ 1 King Bed (configurable)

1-4 guests

34.70 m²

Najafa’s Deluxe Suite redefines comfort on the Nile, offering an expansive space that feels both elegant and inviting. Designed with flexibility in mind, it can be arranged as a one-bedroom suite with a refined salon or a two-bedroom suite for families seeking both space and privacy. With two beautifully finished bathrooms and sweeping river views, it is a sanctuary where couples and families alike can savor the serenity of the Nile in perfect harmony.

Luxury Room

2 Twin Bed

or 1 King Bed

1-2 guests

17.35 m²

Najafa’s Luxury Rooms are generous in size, beautifully finished, and thoughtfully arranged to maximize comfort. They provide a sense of ease and refinement that makes every night onboard restful and romantic.

Day 1: Esna

Esna, located some 33 miles south of Luxor, is where you will board your dahabiya and meet the crew. A thriving merchant town, Esna is best known for the small ancient Temple of Khnum, which sits 9 meters below street level. Your trip will begin with a brief walk to the temple and a stroll through streets filled with beautiful textiles and other exotic goods.

Day 2: El Kab & Edfu

El Kab, on the East bank of the Nile, was once the capital of Upper Egypt and is still home to the temple of Nekhbet, as well as a row of fascinating decorated tombs carved into the slope of the mountains. Upon docking, you will embark on a beautiful walk through a small fishermen village to visit the necropolis.

In the afternoon, the boat will arrive at Edfu, home to the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to the god Horus. This is among the best preserved of all Egyptian temples. Horse and carriage will take you to the temple through the busy city streets. After returning to the boat, you will set sail for a beautiful island.

Day 3: Sail & Swim

This is a day devoted to the river: immediately after an optional morning walk and breakfast, you will set sail. In the afternoon, you will stop at an island for a stroll or to swim in the Nile. As dusk begins, there may be an opportunity to walk into the desert along a valley lined with boulders covered in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and stone-age inscriptions. These images mark the beginning of the shortest trail through the desert to Libya (28 days in ancient times). At night, the boat will tie up the foot of floodlit temple of Gebel Silsileh.

Day 4: Gebel Silsileh

Day 4: Gebel Silsileh

Here, the Nile, flowing between two mountains ranges, is at its narrowest. You will often be the only visitors at this fascinating site, as large Nile cruisers are not allowed to stop here. After visiting the small temple of Horemheb and walking through the sandstone quarries, where ancient Egyptians cut stone for many of their most famous temples, you will sail for the remainder of the day. We then sail to a picturesque riverbank where you will stop for lunch and swimming.

Day 5: Kom Ombo

Day 5: Kom Ombo

After a night on the water and beneath the stars, the morning trip will take you to the town and temple of Kom Ombo. The temple was built during the Ptolemaic period on the site of an older temple and at one of the most beautiful locations, on a bend on the river. The temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god. After enjoying the temple, you will visit the new Crocodile Museum, which contains many mummified crocodiles, attesting to the importance the creature played in this region in ancient times.

Day 6: Aswan

Day 6: Aswan

Awake to the beautiful sight of the desert closing in on the river at Aswan Bridge. Here your cruise comes to an end. You will leave us relaxed and refreshed in the morning.

Please note: The government requires all dahabiyas to overnight in a dock beside the Aswan bridge. Unfortunately this location is less idyllic than our other stops, but it is a legal requirement.

Day 1: Esna

LUXOR / ASWAN

5 Nights
6 Days
250 KM

"You can walk in the desert, swim in the river, sunbathe on the deck or kick back in your chic room with its super-comfortable bed. As for the crew, they're as good as their boat, a highlight of your cruise."
The Guardian | 2010

"Thank you for the fabulous memories. Of all the places I’ve been lucky enough to visit, your Nile cruise remains at the top of my list!"
Melanie B. | Testimonial

"When we landed in Aswan, every passenger waxed ecstatically about the trip, from the Hong Kong bankers on the other dahabiya to the little boy Sacha from Switzerland."
Hufftingon Post | 2009