Stories & Insights from the Nile Journey

Flaubert and Du Camp, 1850: The First Photographs of the Nile

Table of Contents Introduction Who were Gustave Flaubert and Maxime Du Camp? When did they explore Egypt? What were they exploring in Egypt? Why were Du Camp’s Nile photographs important? How were the first Nile photographs made? Why was photographing the Nile difficult? What did Du Camp photograph along the Nile? How were the photographs […]

Birds of the Nile: What will you see from the deck between Aswan and Luxor?

Table of Contents Introduction Why does the Nile Valley attract so many birds? 18 Birds to Look for Between Aswan and Luxor Where to watch birds on the Aswan-Luxor route? Is December a good time for birdwatching on the Dahabiya cruising journey? How to birdwatch from a Dahabiya deck? Can you see birds during the […]

Flying to Luxor and Aswan: Routes, Seasons, and Connecting Through Cairo

Whether you are planning a cruise from Luxor or Aswan, the process often starts with the same questions. i.e., how should you get to Luxor or Aswan? There are several available options for British travelers. If you are planning to travel in peak season, a direct flight to Luxor from the UK may be a […]

Sailing Solo on a Twelve-Cabin Boat: The Single Cabin, the Supplement, and the Dinner Table

Many solo travelers love to take a dahabiya cruise on the Nile; it allows them to enjoy the journey without feeling like the odd one out. On a twelve-cabin dahabiya, you can’t disappear in the crowd. You may arrive knowing nobody, and the next morning sit down to dinner, surrounded by a small group of […]

Packing for a Dahabiya, Not a Cruise Ship

Packing for a dahabiya on the Nile seems to be easy until you start wondering what you will actually wear once you are on the Nile. Do you need a different outfit for every dinner? Should you bring a jacket to Egypt? What should you wear when visiting temples, and how much luggage is too […]

Sustainable Travel on Swan Dahabiya: Our Commitment to the Nile and Local Communities

Table of Contents Introduction A Glimpse of Our Practical Steps Towards Responsible Tourism Solar Energy on Our Boat 100% Egyptian Cotton Linen Onboard Natural Latex Mattresses Supporting Local Communities in Luxor and Aswan Supporting Hospitality Training During the Low Season How does a Nile journey feel on Swan Dahabiya? How is Dahabiya a quieter way […]

Cash, Cards, and the Egyptian Pound: How Much to Carry on the River

Planning a trip to Egypt and wondering how much cash to bring to Egypt? If you are sailing on a cruise, then your cash needs may be lower than you expected, as the major cruise expenses are already included in your package. That doesn’t mean that there is no need to carry cash, because you […]

Children on a Dahabiya: What Works, What Does Not, and the Ages to Wait For

Planning a Nile cruise with children sounds amazing: waking up beside the Nile, watching temples, and traveling between Aswan and Luxor without packing and unpacking every morning. But remember that a dahabiya is different from a large Nile cruise ship. It is smaller, quieter, and offers a more intimate atmosphere. It has fewer conventional children’s […]

How to Book and Pay: Deposit, Methods, and What Happens Next

Planning a Nile River cruise is exciting, but booking one comes with a lot of practical questions. Asking these questions before confirming the booking helps to avoid unexpected costs and last-minute confusion. Even booking a dahabiya cruise may become difficult if you are not aware of the pricing, payment terms, cancellation policy, inclusions, and exclusions. […]

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