Aswan & Abu Simbel
The calmest stretch of the Nile: granite islands, feluccas, Nubian villages and the great temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel.
Aswan is Egypt’s southern gateway. The Temple of Isis at Philae, moved to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO rescue campaign, is reached by boat; feluccas sail between Elephantine and Kitchener’s Island in the late afternoon. Across the river, Nubian villages welcome visitors with colourful houses and local food.
Abu Simbel, about 280 km south near the Sudanese border, holds the two rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari. Around 22 February and 22 October each year the rising sun reaches the inner sanctuary. Most visitors go by road early in the morning or by a short flight. Northbound, Kom Ombo and Edfu lie on the way to Luxor by road or by cruise.
- Best time
- October to April; the Abu Simbel sun alignment around 22 February and 22 October.
- Getting there
- About 1 hour 20 minutes by air from Cairo; Abu Simbel is about 3 hours by road from Aswan or a short flight.
- Where to stay
- Nile-view hotels and island resorts; or start a cruise to Luxor.
Top sights
- 1
Abu Simbel
The temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, relocated in the 1960s above Lake Nasser.
- 2
Philae Temple
The Temple of Isis on its island, reached by a short motorboat ride.
- 3
Felucca and Nubian village
An afternoon sail and a visit to a Nubian community on the West Bank.
- 4
Kom Ombo and Edfu
The double temple of Sobek and Haroeris and the best-preserved temple of Horus.
Places in this region
Philae Temple · Felucca on the Nile · Nubian village · Aswan High Dam · Abu Simbel · Kom Ombo · Edfu
Gallery
Programs that visit Aswan & Abu Simbel
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Other destinations
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Questions travellers ask
How do I get from Aswan to Abu Simbel?
Most trips go by road, leaving before dawn (about three hours each way), or by a short flight when schedules allow.
When does the sun festival at Abu Simbel happen?
Around 22 February and 22 October each year, at sunrise. Crowds are large, so we plan transport and timing in advance.
Should I start a Nile cruise in Aswan or Luxor?
Both work. Sailings from Aswan to Luxor are usually shorter (3 nights); from Luxor to Aswan usually 4 nights.
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