DAHABIYA 1899
Sail the Nile in Private
Experience the Nile aboard Kingfisher, an original dahabiya built in 1899 and privately chartered for up to seven guests.
A Different Way to Experience the Nile
Kingfisher is an original sailing dahabiya with four en-suite cabins, a spacious sundeck and a private crew. Designed for intimate private journeys, she offers a slower and more personal way to explore the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.
WHY SAIL WITH US
A Journey Unlike Any Other
Private Charter
Kingfisher is reserved exclusively for your party, with space for up to seven guests.
Original 1899 Dahabiya
Sail aboard a genuine historic vessel built for the Thomas Cook Company at the end of the 19th century.
Private Chef & Crew
Your own crew, private chef and Egyptologist guide accompany you throughout the journey.
Made to Sail
Thanks to her shallow draft and traditional design, Kingfisher can genuinely sail for much of the journey. Kingfisher was built for the river and can continue under sail whenever conditions allow.
THE STORY OF KINGFISHER
Sailing Since 1899
Kingfisher was built in 1899 for the Thomas Cook Company, during the golden age of Nile travel. At the time, dahabiyas were created specifically for first-class journeys along the river, offering travellers a slower and more elegant alternative to steam-powered boats.
Unlike most dahabiyas of her era, Kingfisher was constructed with an iron hull. Measuring 26.3 metres long and 4.6 metres wide, she was designed to travel comfortably through the Nile’s shallow waters and to reach smaller archaeological sites and riverside villages.
In 2000, Kingfisher was restored by Egyptologist Dr. Kent Weeks. Today, she continues to sail the Nile as an intimate private vessel with four cabins and accommodation for a maximum of seven guests.
1899
Year Built
26.3 M
Length
4 CABINS
Private Accommodation
7 GUESTS
Maximum Capacity
THE DAHABIYA
Life on Board Kingfisher
Kingfisher is designed for private Nile journeys in complete comfort. With four cabins, inviting outdoor spaces and a sundeck, life on board is relaxed, intimate and shaped by the rhythm of the river.
On Board
Kingfisher combines the character of a historic Nile vessel with the comfort of a private floating retreat, designed for slow travel and open-air living.
- 4 en-suite cabins
- Spacious sundeck
- Outdoor dining
- Private crew & chef
KINGFISHER AT A GLANCE
Type
Traditional Dahabiya
Built
1899, for the Thomas Cook Company
Length
26.3 metres
Width
4.6 metres
Draft
1.4 metres
Hull
Iron
Sailing Rig
Two sails with masts of approximately 30 and 20 metres
Support Tug
If sailing conditions do not allow progress under sail, Kingfisher can be assisted by a tugboat connected on a 40-metre line.
COMFORT ON BOARD
Thoughtful Comfort Along the Nile
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available on board, subject to mobile network coverage along the Nile.
En-suite Cabins
Each of Kingfisher’s four cabins has its own private bathroom with shower.
In-Room Safe
A private safety deposit box is available in each cabin.
Air Conditioning
All cabins are individually air-conditioned for a comfortable stay throughout the journey.
DINING ON BOARD
Freshly Prepared, Served on the Nile
Kingfisher is designed for private Nile journeys in complete comfort. With four cabins, inviting outdoor spaces and a sundeck, life on board is relaxed, intimate and shaped by the rhythm of the river.
Private Chef
Your dedicated chef prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the journey.
Freshly Prepared Meals
Menus are prepared on board using fresh ingredients, with dietary preferences taken into account where possible.
Dining with a View
Enjoy meals while sailing or moored along the Nile, surrounded by the changing river landscape.
THE JOURNEY
Choose Your Nile Journey
The itineraries below are examples of Kingfisher’s most popular private journeys. As each charter is private, the route, duration and daily rhythm can be adapted where possible according to your interests, timing, wind and river conditions.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Included
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Tea, coffee, water and soft drinks
- Private chef on board
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- All sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- Standard entrance tickets
- Private Egyptologist guide
- All tours are private
- Crew and on-board service throughout the journey
Excluded
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional additional tours
- Personal expenses
- Any services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
PAYMENTS & CANCELLATIONS
Payments
- A 25% deposit is required within 14 days of receiving the booking confirmation.
- The remaining balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the start of the journey.
- Payments can be made by bank transfer or PayPal.
Cancellation Policy
- 25% cancellation charge when cancelled 45 days or more before departure
- 100% cancellation charge when cancelled less than 45 days before departure
- All payments are non-refundable once the applicable cancellation period has been reached.
GOOD TO KNOW
Kingfisher is a traditional sailing dahabiya and each journey follows the natural rhythm of the Nile.
Sailing times, mooring places and daily activities may vary depending on wind, river conditions and local circumstances.
As every journey is a private charter, the itinerary can be adapted where possible to suit your group’s interests and timing.
Exact embarkation and disembarkation arrangements depend on the itinerary selected.
Optional tours and additional services can be arranged on request.
SAFETY ON BOARD
Safety is a priority on board Kingfisher. The dahabiya is equipped with the required safety equipment and emergency provisions for both guests and crew.
On board you will find:
- Life jackets for all guests and crew
- Lifebuoys attached to the railings
- Smoke detectors in all cabins
- Fire extinguishers of different types
- Heat-activated sprinkler system
- Emergency route lighting
- First-aid kit
PRIVATE CHARTER
Your Dahabiya, Your Journey
Kingfisher is available exclusively as a private charter. With no other guests on board, the journey is entirely your own, from the pace of the days to the atmosphere on deck.
Exclusively Yours
Kingfisher is reserved only for your party, with accommodation for up to seven guests.
Flexible by Nature
The route, duration and daily rhythm can be adapted where possible to suit your interests, timing and sailing conditions.
Personal Service
A dedicated crew, private chef and Egyptologist guide accompany you throughout the journey.
GALLERY
Moments Along the Nile
Discover life aboard Kingfisher through its cabins, sundeck, dining spaces and the changing landscapes of the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.
Guest Reviews
What Guests Remember Most
Read what guests appreciate about sailing aboard Kingfisher, from the private atmosphere and attentive crew to the quiet rhythm of the Nile.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Sail the Nile Your Way
Whether you choose one of our suggested itineraries or prefer a journey tailored to your own plans, Kingfisher offers a private way to experience the Nile at a slower pace.
Private charter only · Up to 7 guests