4 independent reviews for Nile felucca cruise for families
Reviews for Nile felucca cruise for families
George Mills review 2 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our 2 days and 2 nights on the Nile with Karim and Omar were definitely the highlight of our 2 weeks in Egypt. It was the three of us, my wife and I and our 9- year-old son. We only booked a short trip because we were worried our son would get bored. But he loved it, and we could have easily done 2 more days. It's an amazing way to experience life on the Nile, stopping on little islands for lunch and sleeping on the banks. The complete opposite of an organised tour. Full credit to Karim and Omar for making it so much fun and looking after us.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We took fleece (light) sleeping bags, which we combined with the blankets provided. There were sleeping bags on the boat too, so we probably didn't need to bring anything.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Travelling by felucca is definitely better for the environment than the big cruise boats that churn up the sand and eat away at the islands. I also think that this particular tour made us a better (although still limited insight) into the problems of people living along the Nile.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had an incredible time on the felucca and in Egypt in general. We did everything independently and don't regret it at all. The people were so friendly and the country is amazing.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you George! For sure 2 days is really too short but we are very glad you enjoyed your time on board Nile freedom.
Tamora Langley review 28 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Stunning sailing on the Nile, escaping the crowds of the cities. Kom Ombo temple and visiting the animal market at Daraw were both amazing experiences. The team sailing the boat and the cook on the boat too were just fantastic and made us feel very relaxed and looked after.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely this was much better than the noisy tugs and motorised ships. It's so peaceful sailing and you see lots of birds. Also it's great to get to visit Egyptian towns and villages off the beaten track.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.Jennifer Marchand review 21 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The part we carry with us the most is simply how peaceful and relaxing it was to be together as a family, on the boat with an incredible crew, enjoying the lush scenery and feeling the movement of the boat. We completely disconnected from technology and were well prepared with books, games, binoculars, etc. It was the most relaxed I felt after 2 years of the pandemic. I think my youngest son, age 8, loved the feeling that he could help with the sailing! He felt realy involved and our captain Basam was so friendly and patient! He loved the feeling of helping out and was fascinated by the boat itself. Our 15 year old loved the evenings on the beaches, sleeping under the stars and having bonfires. We ALL loved the food, literally every single meal was fresh, healthy, and delicious. We were concerned that the meals wouldn't be kid friendly as our kids don't love sea food, but it was honestly perfect! And truthfully the best food we had during our whole 2 weeks in Egypt!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would recommend really clearing the time from work and having no pressure or need to check emails, etc, but at the same time, I recommend getting a local sim card so that you can make calls or check messages, etc., if need be! I also recommend bringing cloth sheets or cocoon bags. I am really picky about fabric texture and the balnkets were warm and clean, but a bit of a rougher texture so I was glad I brought cotton sheets and camping pilows!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
One thing that we loved was getting food from the local market and visiting towns where tourists don't typically go. We got a glimpse into another world and purchasing food, drinks, tea, milk, etc. supports the local economy. Also, compared to the huge cruise ships and the dahabia boats (that often use a tug boat rather than sails, we discovered) we were so happy to be with a skilled team of sailors who knew how to use the wind and current to move us along without polluting the Nile at all. To support such a traditional method of sailing was important to us and so rewarding to be a part of!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Truly excellent! Thank you to Basam, Ramadan, Hisham, and Islam from all of us!!!Jessica Page review 7 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We thoroughly enjoyed building a relationship with the people we met along the way.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring a sleeping bag, toilet paper, and snacks if you need more food. There was plenty on board, but if you are concerned at all, bring extra. Suncreen and a hat!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most definitely! However, we did see that our trash was added to the big piles along the banks of the Nile. While this was the way it is done in that area of the world, it was sad that ours was dealt with that way. Eventually it would be in the Nile.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
My family and I have only wonderful memories from our trip. Karim and his team took care of all five of us from my older parents to my 18 month old son. We were not sure what the trip would be like, and considered taking other boats down the Nile which may have had a cabin to sleep In. However, upon reaching the Nile and seeing the other boats we were all certain we had made the right choice. Camping on the boat was peaceful, Karim and his team were always looking out for my son and the day-trips to various places was enough for us. We got to go to some special places the larger boats can’t get to. We were not interested in the crowds and token smiles from locals that we would have had with other boat trips. This trip was much more genuine. Our footprint was smaller as well and we could tell all the money went to the right people. The connections we made with the team as people we met along the way were authentic. If you are looking for a memorable trip that is responsible and respectful, this is the one. Cannot recommend it higher. Thanks for the memories!Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for your feedback .We are very glad you enjoyed your trip with the crew
I would like to respond to your remark about environmental impact. When trash is piled up along the banks of the Nile , it is because they are picked up afterwards by special trash -boats and taken to waste disposal sites. In Egypt, unfortunatly, the recycling process is not well organized if at all yet and most of the waste is burnt or burried . We do feel very concerned about that issue and manage to avoid waste go to the Nile!
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