30 independent reviews for Nile felucca cruise in Egypt
Reviews for Nile felucca cruise in Egypt
Jeffrey Moore review 23 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beauty and history of the Nile experienced up close from the boat and on the shore.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?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a fantastic trip in all ways. The boat was comfortable and the crew was experienced and hospitable. I saw ancient temples and sites, visited present-day communities, and enjoyed the beauty of the Nile. The food was delicious. The crew tended to every detail, and were always ready to respond to questions or engage in discussions. Swimming in the Nile was refreshing and fun. The natural beauty was great. I have travelled in dozens of countries on five continents, and this was one of the best trips I’ve taken. I highly recommend this experience!mitch rose review 18 Apr 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I have been to Egypt four times (including a year of living in Cairo) and this is one of the most memorable experiences I have had in the country. It is utterly unique and a chance to see the rural lifeblood of Egypt. While it may seem like 'roughing it' - it is more glamping than camping. On the one hand, you are on the river, travelling through rural areas, seeing amazing landscapes and wildlife. As avid birders, we brought our binoculars (and an Egyptian field guide) and saw a wide variety of new species. On the other hand, the boat is very comfortable, the food is fresh and hot and the crew are very attentive. I would recommend this for anyone who appreciates slow authentic travel and a love of local wildlife. Also, do not be put off by the 'cash' nature of the payment (its just the way things are done in Egypt) nor by the agent and his lack of engagement with detailed questioning. The best source of info is the reviews so I try to answer some of the questions I had before going below.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
There are few details on the website so I will fill them in here: Toilet: there is no toilet on the boat but they set one up when you dock for the evening - usually around 4-5pm. It is a small portable commode which they put within a blue tent-like shelter. My girlfriend brilliantly dubbed the structure 'the Turdis' (this joke may only carry for those from the UK). The crew empty the commode regularly by digging a whole and burying the contents (NOT dumping into the river) and burning the paper (which you put into a small bag) - usually while you are away visiting a temple. The whole process is very clean and I would say better than camping. During the day you can usually go during a temple stop though the crew will happily dock and setup the commode along the way. We brought wipes but they have a pail on the boat which makes it easy to wash hands. Bugs: midges and mosquitoes are pretty bad in the evening and bug spray is recommended. They are worse early evening than at night. Luckily it was cool in the evenings and we slept under blankets which kept most our body covered. This was even true in April when day-time temps got up to 36 degrees. Do not neglect to bring long trousers and a jumper. I have suggested to the crew to perhaps invest in mosquito netting. Food: I have to confess that we were expecting something akin to camping food but this was not the case at all. Each day Kareem goes to the market and buys fresh fruit, vegetables and meat and cooks delicious local Egyptian meals. Freshly made Baba Ghanoush, Fuul, Okra in tomato sauce, fried aubergine and sugar cane syrup and other dishes. Most the food was vegetarian but there were also a few meat dishes. I am pretty sure Kareem could adapt his menu for most diets. Water comes from a bottle and tea was served regularly. We did not experience any problems digestively speaking. Privacy: it’s a small boat run by three dudes. But there is a place to change in the hold and they are familiar with foreign tourists and the need to give space. They sleep in the hold at night and wrap material around the main deck to give a sense of privacy (this is your bedroom essentially). They are also easy going so if you need to stop frequently (say due to having your period or experiencing digestive issues), they would accommodate no problem. Swimming in the Nile: the river down south is absolutely beautiful and we swam every day. That said, schistosomiasis does exist in Egypt and you should be aware of the risks. To be on the safe side, I will probably take Praziquantel sometime in the next few weeks (just to in case). Kareem and the crew have said they have never had the disease and there is no mention of it in the other reviews (though I know this is not dependable). You also see local people throughout the day swimming and using the river as a matter of course. Egyptian life is built around the river and it is impossible to live in this area without using the water to farm, wash and just cool down. Crew and competence: the crew are extremely skilled at their work. Kareem is the cook and the one that takes care of you. Oosam is the captain and Hisham is the boatswain/deckhand. The three of them go back a long way and have good chemistry. They are also just lovely people and judge well when it is time to hang out together (they are fun company) and when it is good to leave you alone. One day the wind was particularly strong and the mast broke. I thought we would be stuck but they managed to source the materials they needed in the local village and had the job repaired in 1-2 hours. It was pretty impressive and I never felt worried or anxious about the situation. Four vs six days: personally I think four days is right. My girlfriend and I were ready for a shower and a proper bed and there is not much (sightseeing wise) between Edfu and Esna. It is also four FULL days - i.e., we left Monday morning and disembarked Friday morning (we arrived at Edfu temple by 830am).3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
At each stop along the way we interacted with locals who had various roles in the operation. One farmer gave us some vegetables from his farm, another brought fresh fish he caught that morning. Its that kind of trip. The crew are also very environmentally aware and highly attentive to the river and keeping it clean.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall I cannot recommend this trip highly enough and hope my review provides some detail. There are so many ‘cookie-cutter’ tours in Egypt and there are few opportunities to get outside the conveyer belt without having to navigate everything on your own. That is where this trip hits a sweet-spot. You are definitely taken care of by the crew – they organise your meals, sort out your tickets, provide some structure and generally manage your needs. And yet it does not feel ‘touristy’ and is very different from other package experiences in Egypt. I recognise that it will only appeal to a certain kind of tourist, but it is more thought-through than it might at first appear.Andrew Beardmore review 15 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The felucca trip was very memorable. Karim set a great pace for the holiday and we still managed to visit plenty of ancient sites including some that are not accessible to the many large cruise boats that frequent the Nile. Karim produced excellent simple local food 3 times a day and it was always delicious. The visits to the Camel market and the ancient quarry were particularly interesting. We were more or less the only tourists which made these experiences stand out from the visits to the big sites which are clearly much busier.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for a very gentle pace of life. The bathroom arrangements are adequate and I would describe the sleeping / bathroom arrangements are equivalent to glamping rather than camping. Be prepared for several hours of reading and watching the world go by. One extra tip is that you are better off with an older iPhone as almost all the signals available are 3G. My new iPhone 15 hardly worked at all whereas my son's much older iPhone SE was at home!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Travelling by felucca is by far the most environmentally friendly of experiencing the Nile. The big cruise ships, particularly as they are mostly empty at the moment are definitely not very environmentally friendly. Also as we were paying Karim and his crew directly we felt were demonstrably benefiting local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very satisfied with the holiday. It allowed me to tick off something from my bucket list and provided a very interesting adventure at the same time.Julia P review 24 Feb 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Arriving at our "parking spots" for the night, sunsets, sunrises, the tranquillity, the locals (they knew everybody) and the way the crew made us feel like one big family.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring an open mind, and go with the flow.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely. We loved that we shopped and ate local. The people we met were super hospitable.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our amazing crew Eadil, Karim and Hesham were very kind and solicitous. Being 2 ladies travelling solo, we could not have had better care. They made us feel safe, anticipating all of our needs and made sure we felt it was completely our trip. We cannot recommend this trip highly enough. Thanks team!David Santos review 23 Nov 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Slowly going down the nile at the speed of wind, allowing you to truly relax, witness the daily livelihood of farmers and fisherman and stop in its many islands to meet the people and experience the local culture.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?
Indeed, this was a distinctive feature in our journey that we felt ever present. Seeing the big cruises passing buy with their noise and black smoke made us feel like we did the correct choice. We engaged with the crew of three and they presented us to some of the people living along the shore, which were their friends. Also, sleeping in the islands surrounded by cattle and birds, and having the amazing meals that were cooked in the boat made for an unforgettable experience.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing experience, made possible by a dedicated and humble crew which made us feel at home from the first moment, and ever more as the countless teas were served and we all chatted along and acquired a sense of calm. Watching the sunrise early in the morning and docking the boat as the sun went down and the waters became tranquil, while the crew dedicatedly set down the sails and got ready to spend the night is an experience that you can only have in these small, motorless boats. We highly recommend this experience to anyone wanting to experience the Nile.Luca Wright review 2 Nov 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The huge variety of things seen and done! The food is exceptional, the weather (in late October) was a perfect high 30 celcius every day, the days are planned out perfectly! Just as you're starting to get a bit restless on the felucca, you find you're pulling off for a swim, or some site seeing. Being the only boat on the river that is actually sailing is spectacular, all the bigger ones you see are being towed.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Whilst the food is stunning and you get waited on hand and foot, this is still a "wild" trip. There are no toilet facilities other than a chemical toilet set up at night. You wash in the river. You sleep on the deck of the felucca. For us this made the trip even more special, but it definitely is not for everyone. Bring some bug cream/spray. Getting onto the felucca requires walking along a narrow plank - whilst the crew will help you and hold your hand if required, a certain level of balance and stability is definitely required! You will spend most of the day sat on the floor/lying around, eating on the deck etc. A good level of flexibility would make your trip much more comfortable.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely! Being actually under sail unlike all the other boats around you really noticed the pollution caused by the motor boats, which will directly impact all the locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely fantastic trip! Karim, and all the guys were amazing. We made memories we will cherish for life.Gabrielle Chou review 28 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The 4 day cruise was an amazing human, cultural and aesthetical experience. Human, because the crew is fantastic. The sailors, the cook are such a good team: good humored the whole time, joking between them and with us. Super attentive to make every hour special. Cultural because the villages we visited on the way and especially the animal market in Daraw was an incredible experience we would never have approached alone. The temples we visited on the way were also worth it. Aesthetical because the Nile ecosystem is a wonder. Between Aswan and Edfu, the portion we sailed, the water is crystal clear and we would swim several times a day. To be sailing down the river between its corridors of lush green embedded in the desert is magical.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We made the trip early June: it was already hot, but with the constant wind, being always in the shade of the boat's canopy and the frequent swims in the Nile's deliciously fresh waters (22°C) ensured we didn't suffer from the heat. The good thing planning you trip in May-June or September-October is that you avoid the crowds of cruisers on the Nile (although we saw a few every day). We were many hours absolutely alone on the water. The crew does every thing to make you comfortable. The food is spectacular given the rusticity of the kitchen on board, and it is very generously served. A great cook like Karim makes everything taste great! This being said, at night you'll be camping. We found it very comfortable and quite magical - but you have to be prepared for camping :-) My wife does not enjoy camping and was a bit apprehensive about the level of comfort on board. But she absolutely loved it: It was magical bathing in the Nile, playing with the village kids at sunset in the water.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Feluccas are the most environmental friendly boats on the Nile, since all the other options have motors. The crew lives off this activity and are very talented: be it the captain and sailor - you will see how they maneuver in the wind and current with much grace and calm, the cook is amazing and prepares local dishes so that by going on this trip you help them preserve their culture. If you go down the Nile on a cruise ship or even a Dahabiya (which barely ever open their sales and are towed by a motor boat) you will never stop at a village, never go to the amazing animal market in Daraw, never meet the local population.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We have traveled a lot, but this trip is memorable. We are going to come back with friends, advertise it to them so that more people can have the experience and the privilege of discovering the jewel that is the Nile river, in the company of the wonderful Karim, Assam and Bassam who you will carry in your heart after the trip is over.Jeremy Balsdon review 2 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the small farming villages along the river2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
In March the temperatures are warm during the day but drop to mid teens during the night. Bring some warm clothing for evening and for sleeping. It is like camping on a sailboat. Bring a battery charger.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes as it was a sail boat.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good. Food made on board was fresh as it was purchased daily. No one got sick in our party of 4. Saw the river life of the Nile.Hilary Shaw review 11 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everyday on the Nile was wonderful. We are so glad we sailed in the felucca instead of taking one of the larger cruise boats. Camping every night and exploring more of the local culture was amazing. The food and our crew on the boat were fantastic and made us feel right at home. In general we just loved getting off the beaten path!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely bring lots of layers in the wintertime as it can get chilly sailing and in the evenings. But there were plenty of blankets on the boat so we were always cozy at night.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we think so. Our crew was all locals and when we bought food it was all from local markets and villages. By sailing the Nile instead of taking a giant cruise ship we felt very eco-friendly and low environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We were in Egypt for two weeks and this was by far our favorite part! We were sad for our felucca trip to end!Paige Schmidt review 9 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We spent 3 nights on this sailboat with a private chef, captain, and tour guide. We were well taken care of thanks to Abdu, Osam, and Hesham. Each day was very peaceful on the Nile with stops at small temples. They were all very accommodating and friendly to talk with. We had breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the boat which was exceptional with beautiful views. We felt very safe and most importantly relaxed on vacation.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is a must-do if you're looking for a more private and slow pace on the Nile. We wanted to have our own schedule and didn't want to be on a huge boat being shuffled around from place to place. But keep in mind it does feel like you are paying a premium (compared to other costs in Egypt) for a quite rustic experience. Not sure I would consider it high value for the money, but it is a special experience we will always remember. I wonder what other felucca trips cost that we saw people on. My father has bad knees so crawling around on the deck pads, sitting cross legged for meals, etc was difficult. Just something to consider if you have similar issues.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Reduced environmental impact4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, local Egyptian experience!Read the operator's response here:
Hello Paige, Thanks for your kind review . Just a point about what you call "high value for the money" This is a private and tailored trip ( the felucca was chartered for your ) with a crew of 3 people attending you upon during all your stay and who deserve fair wages.
naomi selig review 11 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sailing slowly on the Nile, watching the life on the Nile and our wonderful crew.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It feels a bit unusual when you have to send a load of cash by pay pal to Marc in France and then take a load of cash for the crew. But actually it worked out fine. Take a head torch and disposable wipes. Take comfortable warm clothes. And a solar battery.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local people in that apart from the deposit you pay them directly in hard currency. Plus they are reliant on tourists. You are not spoiling the environment - there is no electricity on the Felluca and they put up a portable toilet at night.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing. The crew were completely kind and thoughtful. The food was great. Our captain Karim was really interesting , kind and hospitable. We played domino’s with the crew and made music at night. But not much privacy so be prepared for that.Tracy Bach review 8 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The pace of life on the felucca: the subtle rocking of the boat, hearing the sail unfurl, watching the changing scenes on each side of the Nile, listening to the crew talk with each other/laugh/call out to others working on the Nile - and smelling Karim's cooking, which always made me ready for the next meal. Karim is so attentive: We were well cared for, yet didn't feel like someone was hovering or directing us. (My husband and I don't do package tours.) Loved visiting the camel market but even more so, the market and town it's in. While Karim shopped for food, we wondered, met kids, enjoyed hanging out and playing strong games with them. Also enjoyed the island village visit a couple days later. Finally, making our way to Luxor's panoply of temples and tombs by first visiting Kom Umbu and Edfu en route was just the ticker. I liked learning about pylons and peristyle halls in the smaller complexes before the wow factor of Karnak!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to move slowly. Enjoy napping, cards, reading, chatting - and drinking lots of tea (and pee-ing along the banks of the Nile.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, although wasn't my objective. I just didn't like the other dirty, noisy, or too expensive options for sailing the Nile.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10.Carrie Lederer review 6 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sailing on traditional felucca from Aswan to Luxor was the perfect peaceful pace for me coming from the COP27 (climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh). As we zig zagged back and forth on the mighty Nile propelled by prevailing winds, I caught glimpses of village life, fishermen collecting their netted catch, transporting goods and life on the Nile banks. We stopped at the important sights, temples, quarry and villages including Daraw to witness a camel market. Lonely Planet aptly described these camel markets as "not for the squeamish" because sadly camels are not treated humanely. Though I appreciated seeing the wheeling and dealing happening live and learning abut what buyers look for in a camel. I loved seeing the amazing diversity of birdlife including herons, egrets, stilts, ibis, and falcons who we know represent the God Horus. It gave time to appreciate ancient life by slowing the pace down, reading and celebrating being part of the climate solution, unlike the loud, unfilled riverboats that left trails noxious black diesel pollution and do very little to support or engage with the communities they pass. The crew were as nice as can be and catered to our every need, which were few. Traveling slow is a luxury that allows one to appreciate the scenery and gains one a sense of where you are going and why.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Traveling by traditional felucca is a little like glamping. I opted to cruise late in November and the temperatures were a comfortable breezy 70-75 degrees F. Nights cooled off and I only needed a sweatshirt to keep warm. I'd recommend bringing flip flops to easily slip on and off for bathroom stops, a headlamp and a cocoon sheet (basically a sleeping bag made of sheet material, a hygienic way to sleep under the provided blankets). You may also want a deflatable pillow and pillow case as they did not have very cushy pillows. We were able to plug in during some stops but not long enough to fully charge up camera batteries or phones. I'd recommend bringing a fully charged portable battery for charging needs. Mosquitos were only a nuisance one evening and if they like your blood type bring some insect repellent.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Clearly sailing is a more eco/climate friendly way to travel vs diesel powered riverboat. We all need to play a role to reduce our carbon footprint, of course flying to Egypt is a huge carbon footprint, but once you arrive you can slow your pace down by sailing. I promise you'll regal your friends and family with highlight stories from your sailing adventure. It both benefits locals and the local environment. If river boats were mandated to be EV (electric) or dahabiya with functioning sails, the air, the water, and the locals would benefit even more!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I am thrilled I found this option to sail the Nile! It was a 5 star adventure. I traveled through Egypt alone and ended up on a felucca with a couple who will be life long friends, along with the stellar crew. Kareem was the only one who spoke English and provided alot of insight to what we were seeing and doing. Despite we communicated in a such a way that we all felt close! The food was good and there was plenty of it. I would have liked more activity off the boat on a couple days, but given we were on a four day schedule to arrive and winds were not strong on some days, stopping for too long would have delayed our arrival. I'd recommend this trip for families, or friends who want to share a unique travel experience. I also think this a great way for research students to conduct surveys along the Nile, whether on the biology on the river, or socio-economic, history, etc. I will always look back on this felucca sail as a perfect way to appreciate how the Nile allows/ed civilization to thrive!Penny Kay review 15 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The crew that looked after us - Usam, Karim and Hesham were great company, and saw to everything that we needed. Usam was an excellent captain, we felt completely safe, and relaxed on the felucca. He has a brilliant sense of humour, but at the same time captained the boat in an organised, unhurried manner. The skill shown when navigating under bridges and judging the winds was incredible. The food that Karim prepared in his tiny kitchen was delicious(especially his aubergines), and eating together in the evenings was good fun. A constant flow of chai kept us all hydrated. Hesham was always around seeing that we were comfy, and doubled up as a guide very well. Visiting sites along the way was good, however the best times we had were popping into the villages with Karim to do the shopping or visiting a friend, in this way seeing the real Egypt away from the tourists. We read plenty of books, saw some amazing bird life along the river, and spent many hours chatting to the crew and showing each other photos of our families and lives. The sunsets, and sunrises were just spectacular.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take books to read and binoculars, take a wrap like a kikoi or sarong, and some mosquito repellent. We wished we had a guide book to identify the birds. The first four days are the best from a scenic point of view. Be open to a different way of life, and enjoy the simplicity of sailing down the Nile knowing you are not burning fuel as you go.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we visitied local markets and supported them. Seeing the other options made us realise just how nice it was that the felucca does not harm the environment in any way.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. I would definitely recommend this holiday to people looking for something unusual and relaxing.Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks Penny
We will bring and leave a guide book to identify wild life on board!
Molly Herwehe review 12 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The felucca tour was the highlight of our groups trip to Egypt! Who would imagine that the best meals in the country were made in a tiny kitchen by the most incredible chef?! We saw every sight and even some we didn’t know we needed to see… they take you off the beaten path very seriously. From swimming in the Nile to visiting a tiny market to buy guava and infinite tea breaks to the most clever crew, this was an overwhelmingly exquisite experience.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring plenty of bug spray and an incredibly open mind!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Taking a wind-powered felucca over a mega cruise boat helped limit the amount of food waste and also better than the carbon emissions of a dahabiya boat pulled by a tug boat!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
12/10! It was memorable, fun, wild, unexpected, and so incredibly unique!Jack Christopher review 8 Jan 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The night we moored on our own private beach with a campfire was a personal highlight. However, the entire experience was memorable as everyday was completely different.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To do some research ahead of your trip to know what sites you want to see along the way so the skipper can plan the route around your itinerary.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Meeting the friends of the crew as we sailed along the Nile was a great experience, we were treated less like tourists and more like guests. The crew were also all locals to the area so it felt that our tourism was benefitting the local economy. The fact the Felucca has no engine also made us a lot more comfortable with the idea of cruising in comparison to the emissions of the conventional larger cruise ships.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had an incredible once in a lifetime experience and I couldn't recommend the trip highly enough.Richard Fuller review 22 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Physically sailing ourselves down the Nile with no engine and mooring up on a beach for the night and listening to the fantastic bird sounds on waking.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Beware there is no cabin or loo so not much privacy if this is an issue for you. Try and sail the boat!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so. Food bought locally. No engine so environment friendly. Felt slightly uncomfortable being waited on and not sharing crews' duties - sailing and domestic.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great and mostly as expected. Crew very caring and proficient. Website itinerary over optimistic, but main sites visited. Started north of Aswan and finished south of Edfu so taxi ride to temple. A great way to see the Nile and experience river life.Clark Vandeventer review 7 Dec 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I've traveled in 22 countries, been to the Great Wall of China, riden my bike up France's iconic Mount Ventoux, watched the sunrise from the top of a volcano in Guatemala while watching another volcano erupt. And having done those things, I can tell you that our four days sailing the Nile on a felucca was one of the most special experiences of my life. It was such an incredible time for our family.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring extra batteries and charging devises, but in general, it's a good opportunity to unplug!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Incredible.Catriona Stewart review 22 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our trip a week ago was absolutely wonderful. We sailed up the Nile on a felucca from Aswan nearly to Luxor, and part of the way back. The felucca was so beautiful,and sailed so well, and the Nile full of fascination,the water,the birds,the islands, villages, temples,fishermen in their rowing boats, the lovely reedy banks with the occasional camel and donkey, and the many stops for lunch or 'bathroom' or a swim along the way, temple trips, and the great camel market. Marc in France, in league with Karim and Hesham, assembled a wonderful team who looked after us beautifully; Hesham taking great care of us, and Esam with Mohammed sailing the boat brilliantly, and gracefully, even in the worst storm that Egypt had seen for 10 years! Ren cooked us absolutely delicious meals. I can't speak too highly of this holiday, it was one of the best I have ever had.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a torch and something warm, and perhaps a sheet? and wine if its important... the egyptian wine is delicious.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, very much so.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10. thank you.Charlotte Carleton review 13 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery and the complete and utter peace we were surrounded by were by far the highlights. We were happy to sit and watch the world go by, wave at other boats, marvel at sunsets and munch on tangerines. On land, we met cows and donkeys as well as visited some temples, a quarry and the very memorable crocodile museum. On a couple of nights were were able to sit by a campfire and watch the starry sky in the company of the crew and local villagers. The villagers we met were always friendly and happy for us to join them for a cup of tea, which was not to be said of Luxor where the number of tourists means horse-drawn carriage drivers and vendors can be very pushy. We enjoyed being off the beaten track and got to see Egypt in the early morning- when it is at its quietest. We got to swim in the Nile and eat the most delicious food, prepared by the wonderful crew (Karim, Ramadan and Bassem). Although we shared a relatively small space with the crew (three of us, three crew members), we never felt cramped. They were friendly without being overbearing and got on with each other, which made it a pleasant experience. They were happy to answer all of our questions, however mundane and were always professional.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If traveling in December/ January, wrap up warm! We're used to 35 degree temperatures so we were cold, especially as the wind was vicious and unrelenting while on the river and at night. Would recommend taking thermals, a jacket that will effectively cut out the wind and a sleeping bag meant for the mountains. I would gladly have accepted a hot water bottle in the evenings. We had one powerful battery powered lamp which easily lasted the entire trip. We were asleep by about 8 or 9pm every night so didn't need it on for very long. We had some power packs with us which didn't last for the entire trip but this also meant we got quality screen-free time which was very welcome. If you're happy to switch your phone off for the better part of four days, a basic powerpack with a couple of charges will be sufficient. Otherwise, Karim was happy to find sockets on land. Note-- make sure your cameras are fully charged before you embark and that you have what you need to keep them going the whole trip, you'll be happy you did! Take hand sanitiser with you. They will provide water, blankets and toilet paper. A head torch is useful, especially for trips to the bathroom once it is dark. If you're as messy as we were, a little basket or bag where you keep the things you used most often would be practical and save you scrambling around in the dark looking for your glasses..3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Short answer: yes. We paid some of the fee to Marc and the rest we gave the crew directly. We ate food that they cooked with fresh food purchased at the different villages we stopped at. When we were on land, we were able to buy things for ourselves to take back. The boat is entirely wind-powered, so there were no exhaust fumes, contrary to the awful amount of petrol burned powering the massive cruise ships or Dahabiya boats on the river.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10 and would heartily recommend to others! It was the perfect way to start the new year, reset our sleep cycles and feel rested for the rest of January. We'd like to thank Marc for being so patient with us, despite our last minute booking and Karim, Ramadan and Bassem for their kindness and terrific cooking!Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks Charlotte ! I am very happy you enjoyed your trip with us . You should have asked the crew for extra blankets and hot water bottle .
Maureen Magee review 8 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Besides needing someone to hold the door of the toilet tent closed as the zip was broken; the experience of sailing on the Nile.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Realize that Egypt is a very different experience to most holiday countries they may have visited. Be prepared for any staff at the temples to follow them round pointing out aspects of the temple & then demanding quite vocifericily that you pay them. Be constantly accosted by people at tourist sites wanting you to take trips, camel, horse carriage etc3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It probably gave some financial benefits to the crew & their families but little else. No benefits whatsoever to the environment. No benefits to conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A very exciting adventure sailing on the Nile in a small sailing vessel, it helped us experience what life was like at basic village life for many poor Egyptians & see parts of the country that we would not normally have seen.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your comments. We’ve taken your feedback onboard and will look into the issues that you have raised, especially about the zip of the toilet tent. About question 3/ A felucca is powered by wind only (no carbon emission) It preserves the quality of water and does not erode the banks of the Nile. A felucca cruise does also help conservation by keeping this traditional and ecological way of sailing from disappearing.
All services, food and supplies are bought locally and thus directly benefit the crew and the local community.
Erik Rempt review 4 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The peace and calmness of our felluca trip which we made was tremendous we rented two fellucas just for the two of us ( paid extra to remain on this trip without other travellers) ,- one cook-ship and one felluca just for us to sleep on our four crew members: Karim , Bassam , Ramadan and Ahmed were wonderful attending 24 / / to all our needs and cooking fabulous food the excursions to the temples and quarries and even the daily outings to the village markets made this trip a total dream the cristal clear Nile water was great to bath and swim in and we did not miss anything in the order of toilets or showers nor electrical light we slept an average of 10 hours per night going to sleep at 7.30 pm and waking up at 6 with the sounds of the distant minarets2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
bring a torch and lots of books3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely our 4 headed crew actually told us we sustained their 4 families a lot they had never done it in this way with two boats just for one party of people and enjoyed it a lot too.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of my best trips ever made the only way to travel the Nile for me !!Sheri Brown review 7 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We wanted an experience of the Nile River that put us close to the water, close to the land, and close to the people. The felucca cruise did all that and more! Every meal, every sleep, every island and village and temple, every call to prayer and every call across the water to other small boats, every market and every conversation facilitated by Karim (our tour guide and cook) gave us a glimpse into the rich life of the river, the diverse bounty of the land, and the generous hospitality of the people who depend on both for survival. I'd like to say it was a particular temple site or specific river bend that was most memorable for its archaeological wonder or geological magnificence, but honestly, I still dream about Karim's breakfast crepes with fig jam!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Leave your conventions and pretensions at home. When you step aboard, you leave behind many conveniences provided by electricity and running water such as charging your phone and using a flush toilet. Toileting options are quite primitive BUT a small inconvenience to endure in exchange for the overall experience (take disposable, biodegradable wipes with you). Also, Karim went above and beyond to find places in the villages where we could charge our devices (tho I'd take extra battery packs next time, just to reduce time and focus searching for electrical outlets). Also, you sleep on board the felucca. The pads and blankets provided were more than adequate, even on a couple of cold January nights, but some may want to bring their own bedding.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We feel that our holiday benefited local people, from the employment of our boat crew to the purchase of local market items for our meals, plus the various treats and mementos we purchased from vendors along our stretch of the river. A felucca cruise can't be matched for reducing environmental impact and supporting conservation. A felucca moves by wind power and wind power alone. No engine, no exhaust, no large wake eroding the shoreline, no loud noise disrupting all the lives in and on and along the river.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Of the many places we visited and wonders we saw during our trip to Egypt, the 5 day felucca cruise was without question the most educational and enjoyable of all.Amandip Uppal review 18 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our 5 days on the felucca will forever be remembered as a truly unique and therapeautic experience. Slowly sailing downstream from Aswan we watched the Nile pass by, stopping to see a temple one day or a trip into town to see a camel market on another - this was a beautiful way to experience Egypt away from the larger cruise ships. Our felucca was crewed by brothers Karim and Hesham and their cousin, the cook, Adam and they were all amazing. Always attentive but never over bearing. The food was great and Karim was a pleasure to be with when we ventured away from the felucca - we cannot praise them enough.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We travelled in the Summer, which we worried would be too hot, however the Nile and the breeze over the water sweeps through the open sided felucca and this kept us cool. We sailed until sunset each day and moored up for the night in a peaceful place on the banks of the river. Sleeping beneath the stars and washing each morning in the clear waters of the Nile was another beautiful experience. Going off-season meant there were a lot less people at the temples - maybe 10-30 people rather than the hundreds in high season.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We got to know Karim, Hesham and Adam and we realised how important the tourist trade is to Egypt and how reliant they were on this. By going on a felucca you get to really appreciate the Egyptian people and the simple pleasures that sailing along such a beautiful river brings with it. No noisy engines, just the wind and the flow of the river to take you from one place to another.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing. One of the best holidays we have experienced. A truly unique experience and a chance to unwind, slow down, talk, read and play board games. P.S. our mobile phones ran out of charge after 2 days which was great, but remember to bring another camera!Ines Martins review 6 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Chilling in the felucca while it sailed up the beautiful Nile and also getting to know our crew (Karim, Moustafa and Assan). Every day was different and exciting. The best day for us was probably the one where not much was planned. We spent the night in a tiny river beach and then we swam in the Nile the morning after... The beauty and serenity of this place were just unbelievable!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't think twice about booking this holiday, you won't regret it! At first we weren't sure what to expect, but we soon fell in love with our felucca and the lazy sailing up the Nile that made those 4 days incredible!!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
One of the reasons we chose a felucca was (apart from being super cool!) the fact that is a motor-free boat, which creates no noise or pollution. We wanted a very special and responsible way of sailing the Nile and we knew that we probably wouldn't get the experience we had in a big cruise... We realised during the trip that big cruises don't really stop in some of the places that only tiny boats can stop, and that made it very magical as well. We got to know local people when we randomly stopped for whatever reason, and that was great! This is definitely THE way to see the Nile and its nature and people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was probably the best thing I've EVER done while travelling. It was the highlight of our trip and I'd do it over and over again! I miss Egypt :)Rich Read review 27 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Folks, look no further: Book this trip. It is the journey of a lifetime, absolutely the most special and authentic way to travel down the Nile. Take it from a seasoned traveler, this felucca voyage rates right up there with the world's grand adventures -- riding the Trans Siberian Railroad, driving across Mongolia, attending the Pushkar Camel Fair, cruising Antarctica, trekking in Nepal, exploring Bhutan. This journey in a traditional sailboat gets you to villages, tombs and quarries off-limits to cruise-ship passengers. The three licensed captains who made up our crew -- brothers Karim and Hesham, and their friend, Assem -- sailed us seven days down the mighty river, tackling expertly against the wind, cooking delicious meals, sharing songs and stories, explaining Egyptian customs, mooring at night by remote islands, admiring sunsets and a full moon, and caring for us as thoughtfully and carefully as they did their beautiful boat. This is your chance to dally like Huckleberry Finn along the world's longest river, to watch birds and fishermen, to sleep on deck beneath glittering stars, to experience Egypt close-up. Most memorable? That would be difficult to say. Perhaps visiting the camel auction, or clambering around the deserted quarry that produced rock for the Pyramids, or feeling the river's power when we stopped to swim. Ultimately though, it was the friendships we made with Karim, Hesham and Assem, whose hard work, generosity and humor we will always remember.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
There are three ways to travel the Nile. 1) On a big stinking cruise ship, which has advantages of speed and comfort but dumps out crowds at every touristed stop. 2) On a "dahabiya," a glorified houseboat with ornamental sails; promotional photos omit the tugboats that tow these admittedly charming barges, which feature cabins and hot showers. 3) On a felucca (pronounced "fell-oo-ka"), a broad, stable wooden sailboat fitted with mattresses for lounging during the day and sleeping in an enclosed tent-like space at night. The felucca is not for everyone -- you need to be able to walk the plank between ship and shore, holding a carefully tied railing, and you won't have creature comforts beyond a portable toilet in a tent pitched each evening for privacy. But this is glamping, not camping, with catered meals, hot tea upon request, campfires on beaches and guided walks along the way. Good to bring sunscreen, hand sanitizer, binoculars, headlamps, books not Kindles, sleeping-bag liners (they provide warm blankets), and perhaps a few bottles of wine.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, booking this excursion directly supports the crew and their families, village economies and the way of life that it takes to sail and maintain a traditional sailing vessel. We passed scores of big cruise ships, many only partially filled, spewing black diesel fumes. Our boat relied solely on the wind and current, and at one point a set of oars to propel us under a bridge that required lowering the sail. The boat is owned by Marc, in France, who is helpful with logistics by email and phone. I can't imagine that he does it to make money. He's supporting purists who believe in traditional sailing and hospitality, and will be grateful for your business.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Five stars, for sure. For us, this was a special father-daughter trip. We flew to Cairo from Spain, where my daughter had completed a semester abroad in Sevilla. We caught an early flight the next day to Aswan. We sailed for a week -- longer than most people. Along the way, my daughter turned 21, serenaded by the candle-bearing crew. The boatmen thoughtfully strung up balloons and plastic garlands for Christmas, asking us to explain Santa Claus and whether he is real. With my daughter, they teased me for taking so many photos -- but I couldn't help it, the views are so dramatic and locals so friendly. It was just the two of us passengers aboard, with the crew -- the boat could easily have accommodated more. My daughter, an athlete, loved the trip, although she missed running and working out. We chuckled at the sight of a lady in full Nike gear, running on a treadmill high above us, beneath a parasol on the top deck of a cruise ship. We stayed healthy throughout, encountered no mosquitoes (in December), and enjoyed the crepes, omelettes, fresh bread, cheese, chicken, fish, vegetables and hummus that Karim prepared in his tiny kitchen with a gas stove. The water is calm, no worries about seasickness. Bring bathing bathing suits, travel towels, sunglasses and a first-aid kit (Hashem stubbed his toe during one of his evening climbs way up the mast to gather and lash the sail).Asma Hussain review 3 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My friend and I were in Egypt for 13 days and in the middle of it went on this felucca cruise, which turned out to be the highlight of the entire holiday, easily beating the pyramids, sphinx, temples and tombs! Being on the Nile for four days was exciting in itself, but the title for most memorable must go to our wonderful crew: Hesham our tour guide, Bassam the captain, Ramadan the captain's mate and Ahmed who was cook (every meal was cooked from scratch (and vegetarian to cater for me and my friend) and was better than anything in a restaurant!).2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't hesitate, just book! This was the part of the holiday I was most nervous about: having never been camping, I had no idea how I would manage with having no facilities to wash nor did I have any experience of sleeping on a boat. Be sure to stock up on wet wipes and dry shampoo! But the best advice is to keep an open mind and relax. The pace of life on the felucca is entirely different to the city. You are at the mercy of the winds so enjoy the scenery, bring a book, a battery pack to charge your phone/tablet, a pack of playing cards, a torch for the night and a curiosity about the world around you. Also, the crew take great pride in their boat so be respectful of this; take your shoes off when on the boat and be sure to clean up after yourself . Finally, I'm glad we opted for the four-day cruise instead of the six-day option. This is entirely down to personal preference but I really needed a hot shower after four days on the Nile - I'm not sure I would have managed six days!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. The crew were local and knew people in the towns and villages we stopped at. Anything we spent in these places directly benefited local vendors and businesses. Every where we stopped, the crew made sure we cleaned up after ourselves. The felucca has no motor and so is the most environmentally friendly cruise you can take. We did not envy any of the passengers on the dahabiya and bigger cruise ships that were trailing black fumes along the beautiful river.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Thanks to the cruise, this turned out to be the holiday of a lifetime! Thank you to Marc for being so responsive in the planning stages when we were emailing back and forth about what to expect and how to prepare; to the brothers Hesham and Karim for making sure the felucca was fully stocked and the route expertly mapped out for our journey; and to the wonderful crew who took such good care of us. It's worth mentioning I was the only woman on board and felt completely safe and well looked after.Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks Asma for your kind commentary . Just one thing / it looks like you did not experience bathing and swimming in the Nile. Or just ask the crew to warm some water for you.
Jost Stollmann review 22 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sailing the Nile with your own Felucca. Late morning on Saturday 5 May 2018 our driver drops us, father and daughter, off on the banks of the river Nile somewhere north of Aswan. There is our Felucca, the traditional wooden sailing boat that Egyptians have used for thousands of years to transport people and goods up and down the river Nile. We meet our crew: Hesham, the young captain, and Karim, the guide, cook and co-captain. The first sentences are “Welcome to the boat. This is now your boat.” Wow, I am a passionate world sailor and traveller. What a feeling not to be a tourist, but the adventurer that now will explore on this new Felucca the secrets of the river Nile with that smiling and experienced crew.In no time, Hesham and Karim have stowed away our baggage, served the tea and off go the lines and we are underway. The breeze is light and most of the work is done by the current. The water level is high, but not at its peak. I estimate the current at 3 knots. The feeling is amazing, from bewilderment settling into our new home to the total deceleration from our modern loud and busy life. It is so calm, so quiet. Occasionally the donkey screams, the muezzin calls and the kids splash into the Nile. We beach the Felucca on an island in the middle of the Nile. There are gazing cows, birds, the night falls and we have candle light dinner. It is amazing what Karim produces on his little stove. All local produces, Egyptian delicacies. The crew tailors to our needs as far as our hygiene is concerned. There is the mobile toilet, the fresh water and the cleanliness on the boat. We sleep under the stars. The voyage continues with us stopping from time to time to visit the temples, the villages, the markets … And our advantage is that we can stop at places off the beaten track and we can play it by ears. We are free. When the wind typically picks up in the afternoon, we tack up the Nile northbound. There is only the sound of the gargling water and the tenderness of the soft breeze. We pass the green fields, the palm trees all with the desert mountains in the background, the reed, the fishermen harassing the fish into their nets, the cows, donkeys, villages. All is passing by like in a slow movie. It is our boat, so I take the rudder. What an exhilarating feeling it is to see the Felucca working its way upwind thanks to its one big lateen sail. That Egyptian invention changed the trade routes, built fortunes and changed the world. Midterm, a strong storm is forecast. We dig the Felucca in at a safe place on the river bank. I arrange a private transport. We fight our way on the desert road through the wall of the sand storm. In Luxor the weather clears up and we experience the overwhelming art and artistry decorating the Pharaohs’ tombs in the Valley of the Kings. How elegant, what finesse! When we return the next day, our Felucca is ready again, spot clean and that after the sand storm. We have the sail of the century. There is a fresh breeze and the Felucca starts flying. We spent in total five nights on our Felucca and we made it from Aswan to Esna, where we were picked up again for the drive back to the airport. We were quite impressed to have made it that far. You never know as you are dependent on the currents and winds, but that is part of the experience. Our sail with the Felucca was a special experience. When I dig into why, it has to do with that the boat became ours, the trip was ours and we had Hesham and Karim as new friends who helped us to make the best out of it. We sailed when we could, I was amazed by their skills in navigating the current. Hesham and Karim spoiled us with amazing food, magnificent hidden spots, for ever tea, laughters and stories.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you want an authentic Nile experience off the beaten track, charter your private Felucca! They call their Felucca “Freedom Nile”. Very adequate.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Chartering the Felucca "Freedom Nile" supports an Egyptian family directly. We used the river current and wind, supplies from local markets, local drivers on our visits. We behaved respectfully when visiting the villages and meeting the locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Spectacular. Probably it is not for everyone. You need to want an authentic experience that will take you into a different world, out of your routine and comfort zone. It is well worth it.Jo Scott review 10 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Egypt was beautifully chaotic, dusty and dirty and a treasure to behold. The most amazing part of this was the relaxing, quiet 2 days spent on the Felucca sailing the magnificent Nile. We felt completely looked after, all our needs met and especially great food from cook Ramadon and expert guidance from guide Hesham. Want to thank Captain Hesain for his expert sailing and the special trip to his home. Much appreciated.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that it is not 5 star comfort - which is exactly what we wanted and what we loved about it. Wash in the Nile, bathroom set up on the side of the river and sleeping in your clothes. The experience was amazing and exactly what we wanted, quiet, peaceful, reflective beauty.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I do feel it did and I hope it did, this is why I booked here. I felt comfortable that we were less of a tourist venture (as so much of Egypt is) and more of a local experience.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would use this company again, I loved the experience as did my kids - really was the highlight. Thank you team you did a great job.Dominic Kelly review 29 Mar 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Waking up as the sun rose over the milky waters of the Nile was pretty incredible. Walking on the sandy banks and washing as the fishermen and farmers arrived for their work was truly magical.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring some mosquito repellent and a sheet or sleeping bag liner. The blankets provider are warm but you'd want something between you and them. Wake up for sunrise. Be prepared for plans to change slightly as wind and currents are your masters.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
You only need to watch the huge cruisers pass you by to realise how lucky you are to be sailing with no engine, no other tourists and local sailors/guides. Food is fresh and bought at markets as you travel. The money is going straight to the staff.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The felucca part of our Egypt trip was a definite highlight. I could have camped on the Nile for many more days, aimlessly drifting and relaxing.Holiday Reviews
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