Temples of Abu Simbel, Aswan, Egypt

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel, in Nubia near Egypt’s southern border, is among the most awe-inspiring monuments of Egypt. It was cut into the living rock by King Ramesses II (the Great) of the Nineteenth Dynasty, around 1264 BC. The temple is most well known for the four imposing seated colossal statues that dominate its façade. One of these collapsed because of an ancient earthquake, and its fragments can still be seen on the ground.

Colossal standing statues of the king line the main hall, leading to the sanctuary where four deities are sat: Amun Ra, Ra Horakhty, Ptah, and a deified version of Ramesses II. The temple was built with such precision that on two days a year, the 22nd of February and 22nd of October, the sun’s rays enter the temple, cross the main hall, and illuminate the innermost statues.  

How to get to Abu Simbel

While the town of Abu Simbel does have accommodation options, the majority of visitors tend to make a day trip to the temples from Aswan. There are a few different ways to travel to Abu Simbel: by road, river or air:

Travelling by boat is probably the most luxury option, and it certainly gets you close to the temples, as ships dock close to the complex. Cruises on Lake Nasser sail from Aswan to Abu Simbel, and vice versa, stopping at the ancient Nubian monuments along the way.

Travelling by plane is technically the quickest option, with the journey between Aswan and Abu Simbel airports taking only 45 minutes. However, flights do not depart every day, and once you factor in the time taken to arrive at the airport and go through security, and generally high prices, this isn't the most convenient way to get to Abu Simbel.

Travelling by bus is the cheapest and most popular way to reach Abu Simbel, and it's about a 3 hour drive. There's one public bus a day which charges around LE 50, but it doesn't arrive until 11:30 am, meaning you'll miss the sunrise. Chartered tourist buses cost about LE 160 per person if you book directly with the bus company; hotels usually charge extra to book them for you. Hiring your own car with a driver is more expensive but a lot more comfortable. Buses have to leave Abu Simbel by 4 pm, so make the most of the time you have there!

Abu Simbel excursions from Aswan

As one of the must-see excursions in Egypt, travel agencies often include it as a key feature in their organized packages.

If you make your reservation online, you can save up to 40% when booking in advance and travel hassle-free knowing your booking has already been made. If you opt to make your reservation later, you'll pay a fee when boarding the boat. Both cases include pickup and drop–off, transportation, an English-speaking guide, and admission to the sites mentioned.