Dabuka

Safari Boat Egypt: Hiking Where Roads Don’t Go

Safari Boat Egypt: A new day begins – and I’m curious where it will take me. Before I even fully wake up, the engine of the Dabuka Blue hums to life beneath me. It’s 6 a.m., still dark outside. As I sip my first coffee on deck, the sun rises in a blood-red blaze.

Of Fishermen and unexpected moments

As we glide past a small island, a man waves frantically. It turns out not to be an emergency, but a quick pickup of insulin for our captain, Yasser. Resourcefulness on Lake Nasser comes with the territory.

Vast lakeside landscape with sand, grass, trees, hills, and Lake Nasser – ideal for hiking.

Safari Boat Egypt: Disembarking into Nowhere

Soon after, we land at a seemingly random spot on the western shore. The Dabuka Blue continues on, leaving us with one option—to walk. We set off toward the temples of Wadi Seboua, our boat waiting on the other side.

Stillness, Space and Encounters

A vast sandy plain opens up. Cool morning air, dragonflies, distant hills—and then, unexpectedly, lush greenery, grazing cows and goats, and Bedouin herders under a tree. We sit, drink strong Gabbana coffee with ginger, share glances and smiles. For a moment, strangers feel like friends.

Grazing goat herd on green grass with a lake and mirrored mountains in the background.

The Living Desert

The living desert

Farag, one of our Bedouin guides, stops to inspect fresh tracks—a sand viper passed recently. A reminder: the desert is alive, and not always tame.

Dorothee and Tarek walking with traditionally dressed Bedouins through a vast sandy desert with blue sky, green bushes, and black rocks.

Safariboat Egypt – Fields and Temples in Sight

As we near cultivated land, my feet find rhythm in the furrows—one, two, three, hop! I feel energized, alive. The silent silhouette of Maharaqa’s temple greets us, long before any other visitors arrive.

Bow of Dabuka Blue with extended gangway at a rocky, green shoreline; flag at the tip, water in the background.

Safari Boat Egypt: Back to our floating home

The Dabuka Blue awaits, flags waving. A fresh juice in hand, I reflect on last night: the sunset on the lake, spontaneous drumming and singing by our crew, tea brewing on open fire. Magic that can’t be planned—but often happens on this boat.

Three Bedouins preparing Gabbana over an open fire; a donkey stands in the background, with greenery and Lake Nasser beyond.

Our Floating Fortress

As the ladder was pulled up, I felt protected, safe, embraced like a chick under its mother’s wing. That night, under the endless stars, I found no wish unfulfilled—even without a falling star.

— Dorothee, Lake Nasser, May 7, 2025