Houseboat Hotel and Nile Cruises Zainoba
Mini nile curise
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Why people book this hotel
“The owner was super helpfull and has two kayaks to use”
“Great place to relax and friendly staff highly recommend”
“The room on the boat was simple but comfortable, there is an upstairs (top deck”
“The location is perfect, quiet lappping of water againsy the side of the boat, t…”
“Location of the boat was perfect for us, great spot to explore Aswan and the isl…”
“Our host Abdel was so lovely - excellent communication before and during our sta…”
“We loved waking up having a perfect view, lovely breakfast a beiing away from al…”
“We were up early both mornings to see the sites and he kindly let us take some f…”
“A bit uncomfortable getting back and forth to the house boat which made us a bit…”
“Finally, spending the end of the day sitting on the deck, overlooking the sunset…”
“The rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable, and the upper deck offers a nice s…”
Overview
Boasting river views, Houseboat Hotel and Nile Cruises Zainoba features accommodation with pool with a view, massage services and a bar, around 23 km from Aga Khan Mausoleum. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace and free WiFi. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and free shuttle service for guests. At the boat, all units come with a wardrobe. A balcony with an outdoor dining area and mountain views is offered in every unit. At the boat, each unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests are welcome to unwind in the in-house lounge, while a minimarket is also available. Popular points of interest near the boat include Nubian Museum, Kitchener's Island and Unfinished Obelisk. The nearest airport is Aswan International, 17 km from Houseboat Hotel and Nile Cruises Zainoba, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Traveller reviews
Boudewijn
couple
May 26, 2026
“Truly magical experience”
If you are looking for something different, this is the perfect place. Staying at this boat is an experience itself. We loved waking up having a perfect view, lovely breakfast a beiing away from all chaos. Location of the boat was perfect for us, great spot to explore Aswan and the island itself. The owner was super helpfull and has two kayaks to use. Offers good tours too if you like but if you make your own plans that's all fine too. Experience was relaxed and authentic
انس
solo_traveller
April 29, 2026
Great place to relax and friendly staff highly recommend
Laura
couple
February 15, 2026
Our host Abdel was so lovely - excellent communication before and during our stay and when we first arrived he kindly came and met us to help us to our houseboat location. We were up early both mornings to see the sites and he kindly let us take some fruit in the morning and on the second day prepared a full breakfast for us when we returned even though we were checking out. The room on the boat was simple but comfortable, there is an upstairs (top deck?) area that you could use to relax. We definitely would recommend staying on Elephantine Island as compared to the city it was so green and quite. We also found the restaurants / food was nicer on the island and it wasn't an issue getting ferries across to the city when we needed them.
Hafsa
couple
February 12, 2026
“Magical and mystical”
The view is outstandingly stunning .. breathtaking and magical. I originally was meant to stay 2 nights but I extended. And if it weren’t I had work I would’ve extended to the rest of the month. Very strong shower and good hot water. Amazing WiFi. The host was one the best hosts I’ve ever stayed with. Kind and very hospitable. The food in the area is made by local women in the village, mainly organic produce and extraordinarily delicious. The host has a smaller boat that he can take you adventures (with an extra fee) but it feels easy because he’s around and he’ll be available when you need. He took me to the Nubian village and a place where you can swim in the river Nile.
Roger
couple
February 11, 2026
“Super-relaxing houseboat om tje nile”
The location is perfect, quiet lappping of water againsy the side of the boat, the sounds of village life. The owner Abdo, will pick you up from aswan in his boat, so you immediately get a nile cruisde! He is very helpful, happy gto suggest river excursions - ddont miss the nubian village - and to introduce you to elephantine life, incl excellent meals in the houses of local cooks. Trreat yourself to a few super-relaxing dayys at Abdo's houseboat hotel
Laurence
solo_traveller
January 26, 2026
“Try something different!!”
The boat owner Abdul is a gentleman.Nothing is too much trouble and I look forward to returning in the future assuming he's there.After all it is a boat, and he takes guests to Edfu Temple etc !! ..bear in mind it is a boat and therefore don't expect it to be like a hotel room.The access can be a little tricky , but I'm 76 and had no trouble ! ..its nice to do something different for a change and you won't get closer to the Nile.The daily life and scenery are wonderful and the High Street on the island must be unique!!
Albin
couple
January 24, 2026
“Great stay with great host!”
Super good stay with Abdul and the house boat. He did an amazing job sorting everything out for me and even sewed my sling bag back together when it broke! A bit uncomfortable getting back and forth to the house boat which made us a bit lazy a couple of times, but definitely worth it! Abdul is the best and especially do the Nubian village with him, it was a great experience!
Triin
extended_group
November 22, 2025
“An authentic experience right on the Nile.”
A great choice if you want an authentic stay on the Nile in Aswan This boat is an excellent option for anyone looking for something different from a standard hotel in Aswan. It is moored near Elephantine Island, in a quiet and pleasant area with easy access by small boat. The rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable, and the upper deck offers a nice seating area with a great view of the Nile. The host is friendly, helpful, and very reliable. All arrangements are handled quickly and smoothly. He assists with transport between the boat and the riverbank and is always available when needed. In addition to accommodation, he also offers smaller boat trips on the Nile, which are perfect for exploring the nearby islands, riverbanks, and surroundings. For those who want to see more, he can arrange a longer cruise all the way to Edfu Temple, giving guests a chance to experience local villages and river life along the way. The location is ideal for anyone who enjoys peace, beautiful views, and being slightly away from the busy city center, while still staying close enough to reach everything easily.
Mario
family_with_children
May 21, 2025
“An interesting and unique experience, as long as one understands that's a boat not a regular hotel.”
First thing one must consider before judging anything is that you'll be staying in a boat, not a hotel, so expectations should be adjusted accordingly. If you're looking for spacious room and easy access then you should not look into Abdul's place. When you calibrate things accordingly though, you realize it is a good place to stay. Abdul (the host) was always very responsive, patient and attentive. For instance, we arrived very hungry and the island may be challenging to walk through. He then took us to a good restaurant *and* waited for us to have dinner in order to walk us back to the boat (when it was darker). He also woke up at 3am to take us to the dock where the car that would take us to the airport would be. Also, I told him I was worried about the heat (it got to 40c+ one day) and he made sure there was a portable AC in the room for us before we got there. Finally, spending the end of the day sitting on the deck, overlooking the sunset on the Nile, I realized that it was a worthwhile choice.
Richard
couple
May 17, 2025
“A natural Egyptian experience!”
Abdo took care of us like family. Arriving late, he waited to pick us up on his boat and we began a glittery quiet ride to the houseboat. The location was scenic with views from the boat to the botanical gardens. Egyptian nutritional breakfasts were served top-side. All excursions that the host arranged exceeded our expectations. One evening we floated down the Nile with him to the Nubian Village for a sunset view. Amazing.
Tatiana3012
couple
March 31, 2025
Abdo is the best host ever! We had a great experience! Aswan is an amazing city, 1000% we will return. You can write Abdo in advance and ask for boat transfer to Botanical garden, Nubian village. And car transfer to Aswan dam and other places. To plan your comfortable stay. One night in Aswan is not enough, I recommend minimum 2 - 3. Best wishes Abdo! We hope to see you again❤️
Ferdinand
couple
March 10, 2025
“Special Hideout on Elephantine Island”
Very unique experience, Abdo is amazing and we had the whole boat to ourselves. The view overlooking the Botanical Garden Island and the West Bank is mesmerising. Also, there was no noise from boats (as described in previous reviews).
Katrien
family_with_children
February 1, 2025
Stunning view. Very original accommodation. Manager very nice and helpful.
Pratik
couple
December 6, 2024
“Amazing View and Real Nubian life !”
The location of the boat is nice. The view is also nice from the boat. Host is very helpful. He arranged Nubian village tour for us and also felluca ride. The food was really tasty.
Freddie
couple
November 20, 2024
“Relaxing boat”
The boat is a really peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Aswan. Abdo is really friendly and helpful in getting anything you need!
Firdaus
family_with_children
November 16, 2024
“Our host Abdul was fantastic with a great sense of humour. He is the owner and captain of the house boat. He is also a m”
Excellent location on the Nile river. A private boat perfect for a family. Had two rooms and two bathrooms on the lower deck. Upper deck had a relaxation area and breakfast. Excellent views.
Maria
couple
October 14, 2024
“Amazing real nubian nile experience”
We had an incredible experience staying here. Abdo, the owner, was unbelievably helpful, organizing everything and connecting us with reliable people. The boat was spacious, comfortable, with great facilities, and its quiet location right on the Nile made for a priceless, peaceful stay.
Lieneke
couple
October 1, 2024
“Great stay!”
Comfortable, quiet location on the Nile, good service. Abdul is very friendly and helpful. The sunset tour is highly recommended, as well as the Aswan Museum on the island, which is an UNESCO archaeological site. Botanical gardens are also lovely and quiet. It's also possible to swim near the boat, which is great!
Marleigh
couple
September 25, 2024
“Cozy 2-night houseboat stay in Aswan”
Abdulah was an amazing host. He picked us up direct from the pier and drove us to the houseboat. We drank a tea together and he showed us around the island a bit. I had a 4am tour to Abu Simbal the next day and Abdulah helped to organize the pickup for me to make the tour on time. On the second day, Abdulah took us and the other guests on a boat ride to a Nubian Village, to the botanical gardens across from the boat, and to a beautiful viewpoint to watch the sunset. Abdulah was always available for us and whatever we needed. Thanks for everything Abdulah! We had an amazing time!
Bojan
couple
April 18, 2024
“We have fun all the time.”
Owner of the property Abdulah was very friendly and helpfull. He helped to explore the city, organised the driver and teke us with his boat to places on right nak of the river.
Facilities
Activities
Massage, Beachfront, Full body massage, Beach
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning, Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Food & Drink
Breakfast options, Breakfast in the room, Bar
Food & drink safety
Physical distancing in dining areas, Food can be delivered to guest accommodation, All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
General
Minimarket on site, Non-smoking rooms, Air conditioning
Internet
Free WiFi, Internet services, WiFi
Kitchen
Shared kitchen
Outdoors
Sun terrace, Outdoor pool (all year), Outdoor pool, Terrace
Physical distancing
Contactless check-in/check-out
Pool and wellness
Swimming Pool, Swimming pool, Pool with view
Safety & security
24-hour security, Fire extinguishers
Safety features
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
Self check-in
Passport/ID information collected online before you arrive, Lockbox key collection at the property
Services
Shuttle service, Airport shuttle, Shuttle service (free), Shuttle service (additional charge), Airport shuttle (additional charge), Shared lounge/TV area, Room service
Transport
Airport pick up, Airport drop off
Double Room with Private Bathroom
The double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Double Room with Private Bathroom
The double room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Hotel Policies
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