Abu Simbel Tours

Abu Simbel is the most dramatic ancient site in Egypt: two temples carved into a cliff by Ramesses II, moved block by block in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. It sits far south of Aswan, so almost everyone visits on an organised tour. The options below cover road day trips, flights and Lake Nasser cruises.

How to visit

Most travellers take a day trip by road from Aswan — an early start (around 4am) for the roughly three-hour drive each way, a few hours at the temples, and back by afternoon. Flights from Aswan cut the travel time to a short hop and suit those short on time or energy. A Lake Nasser cruise reaches Abu Simbel by water and includes other rescued temples along the way.

Private or group

Group road trips are the budget standard. Private tours cost more but let you set the pace, leave when you like, and have a guide to yourself at the temples. Flights and cruises sit at the premium end.

The Sun Festival

Twice a year, around 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun shines straight into the Great Temple and lights the statues in the inner sanctuary. Those dates draw crowds, so book early if you want to be there.

Practical tips

Bring water, sun protection and your passport (there are checkpoints on the road). Mornings are cooler and the light on the facades is best early. Give yourself time to see both the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the smaller temple of Nefertari.

For the full story of the rescue and what to see, read our Abu Simbel guide.