Visit Abu Simbel on a Guided Day Trip from Aswan

A day tour to Abu Simbel from Aswan by car is a journey that immerses you in the ancient grandeur of Egypt’s Nubian heritage. As you venture south through the stunning desert landscape, you will explore one of the most iconic and majestic temples of ancient Egypt: the twin temples of Ramses II and his queen Nefertari. Abu Simbel is not only a masterpiece of ancient architecture but also a symbol of Egypt’s rich history and its efforts to preserve that history in modern times.

Early Morning: Departure from Aswan

Departure from Hotel

Your journey begins early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Most tours to Abu Simbel depart from Aswan between 4:00 and 5:00 AM, as it’s a three-hour drive to reach the temples. A private car or bus will pick you up from your hotel in Aswan. While it may seem early, the cooler morning hours provide a comfortable start to the day, and the sunrise over the desert is a sight to behold.

Make sure to bring essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. The desert heat can become intense later in the day, so staying hydrated and protected is key.

Drive Through the Desert

The drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel is approximately 280 kilometers (174 miles) and takes about three hours. As you leave Aswan behind and travel south, the scenery transitions from the lush greenery along the Nile to the barren yet striking landscape of the Sahara Desert. This route provides an opportunity to appreciate the vastness and tranquility of the Egyptian desert, punctuated by occasional sights of desert wildlife and nomadic Bedouin camps.

Your Egyptologist guide, if included in the tour, will provide background information about Abu Simbel and its importance in Egyptian history during the drive. You’ll learn about the reasons behind its construction, the significance of Ramses II, and the incredible relocation of the temples in the 1960s to prevent their submersion by Lake Nasser.

Arrival at Abu Simbel

Upon arrival at Abu Simbel, you’ll immediately be struck by the sheer size of the twin temples carved directly into the mountainside. These temples were built by Ramses II in the 13th century BC to honor himself and his queen, Nefertari, and to assert his power and divinity to the Nubians. The temples also served as a demonstration of Egypt’s might, situated close to the southern border of Egypt’s empire during Ramses II’s reign.

The area around Abu Simbel is serene, with the temples standing dramatically against the backdrop of Lake Nasser, a vast reservoir created by the Aswan High Dam.

Exploring the Great Temple of Ramses II

Key Highlights:

The Colossal Statues of Ramses II:

• First Impressions: The first thing you’ll notice as you approach the Great Temple is the four colossal statues of Ramses II, each standing at an impressive 20 meters (66 feet) tall. These statues are an incredible feat of engineering and artistry, symbolizing the power and divinity of Ramses II.
• Symbolism: Your guide will explain the significance of these statues, which represent Ramses II as a god-king, seated on his throne and gazing towards the east. Despite the passage of thousands of years, the level of detail in the carvings is remarkable.

Temple Façade and Entrance:

• Carvings and Reliefs: Above the entrance to the Great Temple, you’ll see intricate carvings of Ramses II making offerings to the gods, including Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. The façade is also adorned with smaller statues of Ramses II’s family members, including his queen, daughters, and sons.
• Astronomical Alignment: Twice a year, in February and October, the temple’s design allows sunlight to penetrate the inner sanctum and illuminate statues of Ramses II and the gods Amun and Ra-Horakhty. Your guide will explain this astronomical phenomenon, known as the Sun Festival, which was a marvel of ancient engineering.

Exploring the Interior of the Great Temple:

• Hypostyle Hall: As you step inside the Great Temple, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent Hypostyle Hall, where eight massive Osiride statues of Ramses II line the walls, each standing 10 meters (33 feet) tall. These statues represent Ramses as Osiris, the god of the afterlife, emphasizing his eternal reign.
• Detailed Reliefs: The walls of the temple are covered with intricate carvings depicting Ramses II’s military victories, including the famous Battle of Kadesh, where he claimed a strategic victory over the Hittites. Your guide will narrate the significance of these scenes and the ways they served to immortalize Ramses II’s power.
• Sanctuary of the Gods: At the very heart of the temple lies the sanctuary, which houses the statues of Ramses II and the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. This sacred chamber was the focal point of religious ceremonies, and during the Sun Festival, the rays of the sun would illuminate all but the statue of Ptah, the god of the underworld.

Exploring the Temple of Nefertari

Key Highlights:

Dedicated to Hathor and Nefertari:

• Nefertari’s Importance: The smaller of the two temples at Abu Simbel is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, Ramses II’s beloved wife, and Hathor, the goddess of love and beauty. The façade features six statues, four of Ramses II and two of Nefertari, all standing at 10 meters (33 feet) tall. This temple is a rare example of a structure dedicated to a queen in ancient Egypt, highlighting Nefertari’s significant role in Ramses II’s life.
• Carvings and Art: Your guide will explain the unique features of this temple, including the delicate carvings of Nefertari that showcase her beauty and power. The fact that she is depicted at the same size as Ramses II is unusual in Egyptian art, where queens were typically shown much smaller than their husbands.

Interior Exploration:

• Beautiful Artwork: Inside the temple, you’ll find stunning reliefs depicting Nefertari’s role in religious ceremonies, offering flowers and incense to the gods. Hathor, often portrayed as a cow, is depicted throughout the temple, symbolizing fertility, music, and joy.
• Goddess Hathor: The interior pillars are decorated with the face of Hathor, and the scenes within the temple show Nefertari and Ramses II making offerings to various gods. The artwork in this temple is more intimate and personal, emphasizing Nefertari’s divine status and her role as the earthly embodiment of Hathor.

Late Morning: Free Time at Abu Simbel

Free Time to Explore

After your guided tour, you’ll have some free time to explore Abu Simbel on your own. This is the perfect opportunity to take photos, reflect on the incredible history of the site, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this remote location. Be sure to take in the views of Lake Nasser, which provides a stunning backdrop to the temples.

You can also visit the visitor center, where you’ll find displays and exhibits about the history of Abu Simbel, the relocation project, and the temples’ significance. The visitor center provides a deeper understanding of the UNESCO-led project that saved Abu Simbel from submersion when the Aswan High Dam was built in the 1960s. Learning about the engineering feat of relocating the entire temple complex to higher ground is as awe-inspiring as the temples themselves.

Departure from Abu Simbel

After an unforgettable morning exploring the temples, you’ll begin your journey back to Aswan. Many tours offer a packed lunch, which you can enjoy on the way, or you might stop at a local café for a quick meal. This is an opportunity to relax and reflect on the wonders you’ve experienced.

Arrival in Aswan

You’ll arrive back in Aswan in the early afternoon, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or cruise ship. The day tour to Abu Simbel, though long, is immensely rewarding, and you’ll return with a deeper appreciation for Egypt’s ancient history and the ingenuity of its people, both ancient and modern.

Optional Afternoon Activities

After returning to Aswan, you may choose to relax or explore the city further. Aswan itself offers plenty of attractions, including Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Nubian Museum. You might also consider taking a felucca ride on the Nile, a perfect way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.

Additional Tips for Your Tour

• Comfortable Clothing: Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking around the temple complex in hot desert conditions.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the desert can be very dry and there are limited refreshment options near the site.
• Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential for protection against the desert sun.
• Cash for Tipping: If you have a guide or driver, consider carrying some local currency (Egyptian Pounds) for tipping at the end of the tour.

Conclusion

A day tour to Abu Simbel from Aswan by car is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to explore two of Egypt’s most iconic and well-preserved ancient temples. From the colossal statues of Ramses II to the intimate temple of Nefertari, the sheer scale and beauty of Abu Simbel are awe-inspiring.

This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and cultural exploration. Whether you are fascinated by ancient Egypt’s religious practices, military conquests, or architectural achievements, Abu Simbel is a testament to the ingenuity and artistic mastery of the ancient Egyptians. As you journey back to Aswan, you’ll carry with you memories of one of the most magnificent sites in Egypt, forever etched into your travel experiences.

Price Inclusions:

• Assistance of our guest relations during your stay
• All transfers to/from hotel by a private air-conditioned vehicle:
• All sightseeing tours (Private Tours)
• All Sightseeing tours as in the itinerary.
• English speaking Tour guide during your trips
• Bottled water during the trip
• All service charges and taxes

Price Exclusions:

• International airfare
• Entry visa to Egypt(your visa stamp at the bank desk before you queue for passport control and you need $25 cash for it!).
• Accommodation in Cairo
• All Entrance fees : Tickets to all sites as indicated in the itinerary.
• All Extra entrance fees
• Drinks and any personal expenses.
• Meals during the Tours
• Optional tours
• Tipping