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sailing by feluccaFelucca's are simple sailboats based on a simple and traditional design and have plied the mighty Nile since ancient times. Our feluccas are proudly owned and crewed by friendly local sailors and they have been adapted to comfortably carry our travellers.
They are a wind-powered craft with no motor, so are dependent upon the wind factor to propel forth. The itinerary is not rigidly defined, for this reason. However, during our cruise, we make plenty of stops to visit points of interest, areas for swimming and for the purpose of performing our ablutions. The felucca sails during the day, and prior to sundown, the anchor is dropped and we moor at the riverside for the night.
The craft carries between 5-10 passengers comfortably and the deck is strewn with soft colourful cushions and rugs and equipped with a canopy that offers shade and protection from the elements. Accommodation is on the deck itself. Nothing beats the experience of sleeping under a blanket of stars, though you'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sleeping sheet and also a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals, though they welcome would-be helpers! The food is simple but there is plenty of it.
Water, soft drinks and beer can be purchased aboard at a very reasonable cost, a tally for which is kept. On the last day, everybody pays his or her drinks bill!
There are no ablution facilities on board; however, the captain makes regular en route stops for sightseeing, ablutions and swimming (in the safer areas of the Nile, where water is fast flowing, minimising the risk of bilharzia).
Taking in the colourful sights of the Nile village life en-route with various stops, planned or impromptu, the peaceful routine of life aboard allows us to escape the stress of everyday life! We dock at shoreline and later sleep under the stars.
Preserving the natural state and beauty of the Nile basin and in support of reducing environmental damage on board our felucca cruises, we operate a simple yet effective and hygienic waste disposal system. Please ensure that you abide with our request that all toilet paper and sanitary items are deposited in the bags we provide. We will then dispose of the bags. All other organic waste should be buried. Drink cans should be compacted and cigarette ends disposed of responsibly. That means - not in the Nile! Help us to help the River Nile.
If you don't fancy this ancient mode of transport, why not treat yourself and cruise the Nile in style? You have the option of upgrading to a 3 night, 5  Nile Cruise, see The Pharoahs Pass or Nile Cruiser for details. Please note, if you are a single traveller, you will have to pay a single supplement for the cruise. If you have any questions, please contact us.
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