Sailing On The Nile.
Sailing On The Nile: People have been sailing on the Nile since historical times: This activity existed thousands of years ago. Obviously ships have improved since the days of the Pharaohs and today we have many different ways of sailing the river; from Felikken to large cruise ships.
Recently, the reintroduction of “Dahabiyas” was a major innovation. These motorless boats silently sail the Nile, propelled only by the wind and river current (with the occasional assistance of a tug should the wind die down too much). Without engines, dahabiyas can have a much shallower draft, giving them the ability to sail much closer to the islands in the Nile. This means they can reach some places that the larger, conventional cruise ships cannot, and also allow their passengers to bathe in the river’s waters.
The history of the Dahabiya dates back to the time of the Pharaohs: inscriptions of very similar boats can be found in the tombs of ancient ones Egyptian kings and nobles. Famous Egyptian leaders such as King Farouk and President Sadat had their own dahabiyas, and the English writer, journalist, traveler and Egyptologist Emilia Edwards even had a piano installed on it. Aristocrats loved them, especially as the journey could last up to two or three months, stopping at all the sights between Cairo and Abu Simbel (no Aswan High Dam in those days), the whole journey being one of sheer decadence and style.
Sailing Down The Nile: Unfortunately, the end of the monarchy also signaled the end of the Dahabiya, which was soon to be replaced by petrol and/or diesel engines have been overhauled. However, the Dahabiya was not forgotten, and very soon, among all the big cruise ships sailing up and down the Nile, the both masts of the Dahabiya to slowly reappear. Visitors began to realize that the peace and quiet they were looking for could be found. In addition, the shallower draft meant these boats could go closer to the many islands along the river, allowing access to places like Gebel El Silsila; outside the limits for the heavier cruise ships.
