Feluccas are traditional broad-wooden-sailing boats that have been used on the Nile since the days of antiquity. With thousands of boats congesting the waterways today, Feluccas are just one way to travel the Nile.
However, Felucca sailing is not for everyone and while many visitors to Egypt vow this is the only proper way to see the highlights of the river valley, travelers should know what they are getting themselves into before setting out on this type of cruise.
What to Expect on a Felucca Boat
While it is certainly one of the least expensive forms of river travel, a felucca cruise is akin to camping, so any fantasies about sailing down the Nile on a small luxury vessel would be a mistake, leading to significant disappointment.
The boats have no engines and more importantly, no toilets. Travelers must use the shores and banks of the river to do their personal business, often being forced to outwit cattle, and other animals grazing, for the use of their bushes. The most useful supply to remember to bring on the cruise, next to insect repellent, is toilet paper. The environmentally-friendly may even consider carrying matches to burn the toilet paper after use.
Each evening the boats are pulled up onto the shore, as it is dangerous to cruise in the dark without lights. There are no cabins, just a single deck covered with thick mattresses and shaded by an awning, which travelers relax and stretch out on by day and sleep under at night. Bringing along a sleeping bag is a good idea, for the pillows and blankets provided on the boat are not regularly washed, if at all.
Depending on the boat and arrangements made, food and beverages can be provided at an additional cost. The meals prepared by the crew tend to be simple, but are surprisingly good. The food should be brought in fresh everyday and usually includes chicken, vegetables and rice in some combination, and local flat breads.
It is a very relaxing way to travel down the river, but it is slow, so it is best to come equipped with a book, magazine, card game, or mp3 player.
Swimming in the Nile
Do not expect to bathe for the length of the felucca journey. While the captain and crew will simply jump into the river for a swim, and encourage passengers to join them, travelers are advised not to swim in the Nile. The Nile is known to be full of bilharzia, otherwise known as schistosomiasis, which is a parasite contracted through the skin from water contaminated with human urine and feces.
Highlights of the Nile Valley
When you are not lying back enjoying the waters of the river move smoothly by or watching scenes of local life along the shores, there are a few interesting stops depending on the length of the cruise.
Most felucca cruises operate between Aswan and Esna (south of Luxor) and make stops along the Nile at the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Temple of Horus at Edfu (the most completely preserved Egyptian Temple), the Temple of Kom Ombo, and the Temple of Philae (Isis) in Aswan. These are all great temples and well worth a visit.
Many of the felucca captains and crew are Nubian, so if the opportunity arises to take a trip to one of their villages for a dinner, jump on it, it is a memorable experience.
Above all else, safety should be the primary concern before embarking on a felucca river cruise. None of the boats have life-jackets or safety equipment, so keep this in mind especially when traveling with children or for those who cannot swim.
It is a good idea to meet the captain before agreeing to sail and ensure that the boat is in fact river-worthy. A good captain and crew can make all the difference, not just in terms of skill at navigating the boat, but for women traveling alone or in groups.
If either the captain or the boat is changed at the last-minute and is different from the one originally agreed upon, other arrangements should be considered.
Felucca boats, generally, should not carry more than eight passengers at once, but it would be smart to settle with the captain on the number of passengers before sailing, or additional passengers may be picked up later downriver. Also, make sure there is a place on board to lock up valuables and travel documents.
The Cost of Feluccas
The length of the cruise, time of year, and availability, all determine the cost. Like most things in Egypt, the price is negotiable. While no traveler wants to be exploited or taken advantage of, negotiating the cheapest cruise is not always in the passengers’ best interest. Happy crews are more likely to feed their passengers better, and less likely to scrimp on food. Notifying the captain of a tip for the end of the cruise, may be the best way to ensure the trip goes smoothly.
For travelers who are less adventuresome, but still want to experience the Nile by felucca, boats can be hired by the hour out of Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, and are an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or an evening watching the sunset, without the discomfort of a longer cruise.
Source:
- Lonely Planet Egypt, 8th Edition
Want to Read More Articles on Travel in Egypt? See
Philae is a Must See in Egypt: The Temple of Isis
Must See Places in Egypt: The Two Temples of Abu Simbel
A Look at Everyday Life along the Nile
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Landscape along the Nile
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The Nile can be Congested with Boats
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A Felucca Boat
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Temple Complex of Philae
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