Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan by Flight with a Private Guide
Aswan · Abu Simbel
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Egypt travel guide
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is famous for two massive temples carved directly into a sandstone cliff during the 13th century BC.
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Abu Simbel in brief
Abu Simbel is famous for two massive temples carved directly into a sandstone cliff during the 13th century BC. It is a highlight of Egypt for both its ancient scale and the engineering feat of moving the entire complex to higher ground in the 1960s.
Why visit Abu Simbel
You will find Abu Simbel far south of Aswan, standing on the banks of Lake Nasser. The site features the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Hathor and Nefertari. Most people visit by taking a short flight or a three-hour drive through the desert. When you arrive, you can see the massive stone figures at the entrances and walk through the inner chambers to see the detailed carvings.
These temples are famous not just for their size, but for the way engineers moved them piece by piece to save them from rising dam waters. You should view both temples together to get the full story of the relocation. If you stay late, there is often an optional sound and light show, though you should check the current schedule locally before you plan on it.
History, tips, best time to go and what to see.
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Plan your visit
Useful travel information for Abu Simbel
Best time to visit
The best months to visit are October, November, December, January, February, and March. Travelers interested in the solar alignment phenomenon typically visit in February and October.
How many days?
Most visitors see the site as a day trip from Aswan, which takes about eight to 10 hours including travel time. If you stay overnight, you can see the temples at sunrise or attend the evening show.
Getting around
Most people reach the site by a three-hour drive across the desert in a private car or group bus. There are also occasional domestic flights from Aswan and Cairo to the local airport nearby.
FAQs
Abu Simbel FAQs
Is Abu Simbel a day trip from Aswan?
Yes, the drive from Aswan takes approximately three hours each way. Most tours depart early in the morning, around 4:00 AM, to arrive at the temples before the midday heat.
Can you go inside the Abu Simbel temples?
You can walk through the interior chambers of both the Great Temple and the Small Temple. The walls are covered in preserved carvings and hieroglyphics that tell the story of the king and queen.
How long do you need at the actual site?
Two hours is usually enough time to explore both temples and take photos. If you are interested in reading every relief or visiting the visitor center, allow for three hours.
Is it better to fly or drive to Abu Simbel?
Driving is the most common and reliable method, as flight schedules can be inconsistent. Flying is faster, but the drive allows you to see the desert landscape and is generally more budget-friendly.
Why were the temples moved?
The temples were moved in the 1960s to save them from being submerged by Lake Nasser. An international team dismantled them into blocks and rebuilt them 65 meters higher up the cliff.
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