A Dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing vessel with no motor. Originally built to carry celebrities and royal families, the Dahabiya was a luxury pleasure boat for the Nile. Until the 1870s the Dahabiya was the common cruise boat for tourists to travel up and down the river Nile. The name means "golden one" alluding to the gold and Dongola decoration.
The Voyage onboard Kemet explores the southern part of the Egyptian Nile Valley called the ’Thebaid’ or ‘Thebais’ (Greek: Θηβαΐς, Thēbaïs), which was a region in ancient Egypt, comprising the 13 southernmost names of Upper Egypt. Our 5-nights cruise starts at the legendary city of Luxor, the ancient capital city of “Thebes”, today a breathtaking open-air museum, all the way south to Aswan.
Along the way you would visit ancient sites and temples like Esna, Edfu, Silsila Stone Quarry, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Activities while sailing include morning treks, swimming, picnics, a donkey stroll through the sugar cane fields, BBQ’s and live music performances by local artists.
'Kemet' means "Black Land". This is what the Pharaohs called Egypt, due to the fertility of the soil around the Nile, which was very dark and rich.
Our Dahabiya Sailboat 'Kemet' endeavors to be an authentic unique signature of Egypt today, combining old shipbuilding, maintaining the classic Dahabiya (sailing boat) look adding marine features, authentic Egyptian furniture and décor elements with an infusion of modern style art, colors and utilitarian function. An infusion of old and new, modern artists, craftsmen, craftswomen & ship builders coming together collaboratively to create a unique take on Egypt.
The rooms represent the ways in which these three elements arose from the Nile River. The Nile throughout Egypt’s history is used as a water provider, a soil enricher and a trade facilitator.
Rooms: Kemet’s rooms are inspired by the three cornerstones of the Nile;
1- Aur - The water of the Nile:
Inspired by the flowing Nile, the majestic “Aur” is a space of tranquility and repose. It is a key room to our boat, it is the source of existence, essence and fertility. There are 2 suites of this type, each with a Queen Bed and a private balcony. (25 Square meters, 269 square feet.
Doum - The soil of the Nile:-
A chamber of luxury, rest and splendor. This suite symbolizes the richness of ancient soil, the earth, which gifted the land lushness and growth. There are 3 suites of this type, which consist of the main room with its Queen bed and the attached entrance foyer with a daybed that can be used for 3rd guest. (27 square meters, 291 square feet)
Lazuli - The trade of the Nile:
Our gem ‘Lazuli’, is bustling with life. The suite embodies the buzzing of trade in Ancient Egypt. The various goods, gems and wealth fuse into the room design. There are 3 suites of this type, each sleeps 2 persons on 2 twin beds. (22 square meters, 237 square feet).