Top Ten Felucca Tips

Although you don’t want to be weighed down with goods, there are a few essentials that you should take on the felucca. My personal advice is to take plenty of hand sanitizer and wet wipes. These will keep you feeling fresh. It’s advisable to take a torch with you, a head torch if possible; this will help guide you to the toilet tent. If you are a light sleeper then you should take ear plugs or headphones with you. You will also need a sleeping bag.

The felucca will have its own chef on-board. Our chef was a guy called “Magic” and it really was magic what he could cook in such a small space.  Falafels, pancakes, fish curry, pasta, and rice were only a few of the things he served up for us.  Tea and coffee is served regularly throughout the day. Water and alcoholic drinks can be purchased as well. You just keep a tab of what you got and pay when you get off the boat.

You sleep, eat, sit, sunbathe, chat and admire the view from the same place on the felucca – on deck. Sleeping mats and pillows are provided and are on deck 24/7. On a night time you get out your sleeping bags and this is where you spend the night. The crew cover up the sides of the felucca on a night with thick sheets to keep the breeze off. It can get quite chilly though so take warm clothing.

During the felucca journey, the main baggage is stowed away beneath deck, but is accessible twice a day. Usually the bags are available first thing on a morning and then later on in the evening. Make sure you get everything you need and keep it in a small day sack.  Small bags can be stored at the front of the felucca and are accessible any time.

The only way to get on and off the felucca is by walking the plank (arrr). The crew will make this as safe as possible, adding additional safety precautions such as something to hold onto whilst you walk across. On my trip, the sand bank was quite steep so the tour guide actually made a pathway for us to get up.

As well as your tour guide, the felucca will have its own crew. Don’t be afraid of talking to them. They will definitely keep you entertained with their stories and jokes. Challenge them to one of the games on-board or ask the chef how he prepares his food. The crew go above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your days on the felucca.

Don’t forget your swim wear. You are given the option of swimming in the Nile. Remember that it is cold and the current is extremely strong. Don’t let this stop you going in for a dip though. It’s not every day you get the chance to do it. The crew will be more than happy to take a photo of you splashing around.

Depending on how tired you and your group are, the crew will ask you if you want a beach bonfire. Make sure you go for it. It was one of the highlights of the trip for me. Everyone joined in with the singing and dancing. The crew started with some Nubian music then carried on with some more familiar tunes.

The question on everyone’s lips – what if I need to go to the toilet! The felucca will stop a couple of times a day at different spots and it’s up to you to go off and find yourself a private little spot. On the night time, the crew will set up a toilet tent wherever you are staying. Toilet roll is provided. Take hand sanitizer with you.

There are games on-board for you and the crew to play, but you are free to spend your time how you like. Some people read, chat or sleep and some people choose to just sit with their feet dangling over the side of the boat taking in the spectacular views. Most importantly, just relax and enjoy it.