Saray El Nil is an original and rare dahabiya built in 1882 and restored in 2019. She is thirty-three metres from stem to stern and six metres across the beam. She is five metres from the keel to the sun deck. As with all traditional dahabiyas, Saray el Nil is a two-master and she also has a small stern sail. She has an original iron hull built in Scotland in 1882 and a hardwood sun deck, quarter deck and stern. Saray el Nil is towed by her tugboat, Saieed, when the wind is low but otherwise sails upstream with the northerly winds.

Below the spacious wooden sun deck, there are three double cabins en suite and a large en-suite grand cabin with a private stern balcony. Guests also have a spacious salon with a large private library, comfortable lounge sofas and a dining table with room for eight guests. Beyond the service entrance to the salon are the captain’s quarters, and a modern fitted stainless steel kitchen. There is also a well-equipped laundry service available to guests on request.

All guest cabins are fully furnished with luxury linens and covers. En-suite bathrooms have traditional showers and baths, mirrors and bespoke soaps, shampoos, towels etc. The construction of the interior is in keeping with the original heritage of the boat dating back to the late nineteenth century, and furnishings, artwork, and decorations (including restored hand-painted panelled rooms) wood and brass fittings have been restored to respect the heritage of the boat. Cabin windows are also original with glass, fly screens and louvred shutters.

The sun deck is about twenty metres in length and six metres wide and has a variety of furnished areas including hand-made rattan tables and lounge chairs in the style of the 1920s. There is a bar area where guests can find fridges with cold soft drinks and where the chef can provide buffets and snacks as requested by guests. There is also a large dining table and seating for eight guests for fine dining, morning breakfasts and lunches with an original buffet lantern. There are traditional hanging lamps in the canopy for evening/ night dining and entertainment.