The temples of Abu Simbel are a symbol of Egypt. Although less iconic than the pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel is a must-see when visiting the region of Ancient Egypt to discover its treasures.
I traveled to Abu Simbel to visit these temples, and in this article, I return to what you need to know to get there, on your own or an excursion. Due to its isolation, Abu Simbel is indeed a relatively difficult site to access, and it is important to prepare well for your visit.
First of all, some information about these temples, to fully understand what we are talking about. I would like to point out right away that we are talking about the temples of Abu Simbel, in the plural, because there are two of them:
the Great Temple is the most emblematic and the one that most illustrates this site. It is dedicated to several gods including Amon, but also the Ramses dynasty. This temple was completed under Ramses II, still called Ramses the Great.
The Small Temple is a hundred meters from the Grand Temple. This is dedicated to the main wife of Pharaoh Ramses II: Nefertari, as well as to the goddess Hathor (goddess of love and beauty).
These temples are located on the mountainside and date from the 13th BC. Their construction took about twenty years.
Legs of one of the statues of the temple of Abu Simbel
Legs of one of the statues of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel
They aimed to impress Egypt's southern neighbors to strengthen the status of the Egyptian religion in the region. Hence the installation of the enormous statues in front of the "Great Temple", some twenty meters high, is particularly well preserved.
Another peculiarity of this temple of Abu Simbel, and invisible if we do not know it, is that it has been moved. Indeed, in the 1960s, during the construction of the Aswan Dam on the Nile, this temple as well as that of Philae, were moved so as not to be buried by the rising waters. It was thus dismantled piece by piece to be rebuilt identically on the shores of Lake Nasser, and in the same alignment with the stars. These temples have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and are part of the Nubian Monuments.
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There are several alternatives for getting to Abu Simbel, the most common being by road. The other two are by plane (there is a small airport a few kilometers from the site), or by boat (as part of a Lake Nasser cruise). I mention these alternatives to get to Abu Simbel.
Abu Simbel is about a 3-hour drive from Aswan. This site is 300 km, in the direction of southern Egypt, on the border with Sudan.
For a long time, this road could not be taken as you wanted, let alone in his car. The journeys were in fact under military escort, with two departures per day from Aswan, at a fixed time (4 am or 11 am). Having made my trip to Egypt in 2009, I experienced this rather restrictive convoy system.
Since the end of 2016, the authorities have still carried out the necessary checks but are more tolerant. You have to go through the checkpoint at the exit of Aswan, on the road to Abu Simbel, to obtain the necessary permission. So there is no longer any notion of a convoy, and even less a departure at a fixed time!
Visiting the Little Temple of Abu Simbel
Small Temple of Abu Simbel
Nevertheless, the system of buses, minibusses, or at least a car with a private driver, is still very widespread. To find a means of transport of this type, two alternatives:
The situation of the temples of Abu Simbel in Egypt
On the tourist side, there is an airport which is located not far from the Abu Simbel site. This is served in particular by the company EgyptAir, from Aswan. The flight lasts 45 minutes, and it is, therefore, possible to make the round trip during the day.
To get to the Abu Simbel temple site, you just need to take a taxi.
Once there, if you have not gone through a tour operator, you must obtain a ticket to access the temples.
The ticket allows access to the 2 temples, but be careful, photos are prohibited inside. And whether with or without flash!
Also, you can attend a sound and light show in Abu Simbel. We are far enough from the historic site of the site, but it allows those who spend a night nearby to enjoy this moment.
If you are planning to visit Abu Simbel during your Egypt tour, I wish you a good visit. This site is really beautiful!
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Egypt has many historical sites that you can visit and enjoy. Each tour is different and unique. If you go on a Nile cruise, you can visit Abu Simbel, Aswan, and Luxor in the South and enjoy the temples, tombs, and the treasures of the Nile. In the North, enjoy the Pyramids of Giza, The Egyptian Museum, Sakkara. Mosques, churches in Cairo, and many landmarks located in the city of Alexandria. On the East, Enjoy a beach tour for diving, snorkeling, and swimming in the Red sea. Every city has its charm, history, and flavor where you can do many tours and activities.
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The average cost of a one-week trip in Egypt is around 1600 USD, including visits to tombs, temples, and a Nile cruise. Prices vary depending on the Egypt tours and the level of luxury you choose.
It’s not recommended to drink tap water in Egypt, as it’s highly chlorinated and may cause stomach issues for travelers. During your Egypt tours, it’s best to drink bottled water and use tap water only for washing or brushing your teeth.
The best time to enjoy Egypt tours is from September to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these months, temperatures are ideal for sightseeing and Nile cruises. Summer (May to September) can be very hot, but it’s also a good time for budget travelers.
Egypt is generally hot and sunny most of the year, with winter falling between November and January, and summer peaking from June to August. Winters are mild, while summers can get very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan. The pleasant weather from September to March makes it the best time to enjoy Egypt tours and explore the country's top attractions comfortably.
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Egypt offers adventures for every traveler. Explore the majestic Pyramids of Giza, sail along the Nile on a Luxury cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and discover ancient temples and tombs that tell the story of the Pharaohs. Dive or snorkel in the Red Sea at Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, or enjoy a relaxing beach escape. Book one of our Egypt tours to experience the perfect mix of history, culture in one unforgettable journey.
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Egypt has a modest dress code, especially for women, since it’s a Muslim country. Light, comfortable clothing is fine, but avoid short shorts or skirts. When visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. During Egypt tours, you can dress casually and comfortably; formal wear is optional unless you want to make your Nile cruise dinner extra special.
You can easily obtain a visa upon arrival at Cairo Airport, the process is simple for USA, UK, Canadian, Australian, and European citizens. The visa costs $25 USD and can be purchased at the visa office before immigration. You can also apply for an E-Visa through the official portal: www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. During your Egypt tours, our team can assist you with all visa-related inquiries to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Your Egypt Tours travel agency recommends two weeks so that you can enjoy the temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan, explore the sights of Cairo, and relax in the Red Sea islands and nature reserves.
The best Egypt Nile River cruise depends on your preferences, budget, and how many nights you wish to spend on board. For a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend a 5-star luxury Nile cruise that offers exceptional comfort and service. If you prefer a more private and intimate journey, choose a Dahabiya Nile cruise, ideal for small groups of around 15 people. For adventurous travelers, the traditional Felucca boats provide a simple and authentic way to sail the Nile during your Egypt tours, though they offer fewer amenities.
The best time to visit Egypt is generally from October to April where it is suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Egypt travel usually have guided tours to archaeological sites, museums, and historical landmarks. Also have optional activities may include hot air balloon rides over Luxor, snorkeling in the Red Sea, or desert safaris.
