St Simeon Monastery & Camel Ride — Aswan

Overview

One of Aswan's most atmospheric half-days pairs a boat crossing of the Nile with a camel ride through the desert to a great ruined monastery few visitors reach. You start with a short river crossing by boat to the west bank, where camels wait to carry you up and over the sandy hills — a genuine desert ride, with the Nile glinting behind you and empty golden dunes ahead. Your destination is the Monastery of St Simeon (Anba Hatre), one of the largest and best-preserved Coptic monasteries in Egypt, founded around the 7th century and abandoned centuries later. Its thick mudbrick and stone walls still rise two storeys in places, and you can wander the basilica, the monks' cells, kitchens and keep, imagining the community of hundreds who once lived cut off out here in the desert. The setting is the real magic — the fortress-like ruin standing alone in the sand against the blue sky, with wide views back toward the river. A local guide explains the monastery's Coptic history, and the boat and camels make getting there part of the adventure. Wear closed shoes and a hat, bring sun protection and water, and time the visit for the softer light of the afternoon if you can.

Highlights

• ✦Boat crossing of the Nile
• ✦Camel ride through the desert
• ✦Monastery of St Simeon (Anba Hatre)
• ✦One of Egypt's largest Coptic ruins
• ✦Desert setting & river views
• ✦Local guide throughout

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1
   Hotel pickup & Nile crossing

   Collected from your Aswan hotel, you transfer to the river and cross to the west bank by boat, with views of Elephantine Island along the way.

2. 2
   Camel ride across the desert

   Mount up on the far bank for a camel ride over the sandy hills toward the monastery, the Nile behind you and open desert ahead.

3. 3
   Monastery of St Simeon

   Explore the sprawling ruined monastery — its towering walls, basilica, cells and keep — while your guide tells the story of the monks who lived here.

4. 4
   Return to Aswan

   Ride back across the desert, recross the Nile by boat and transfer to your hotel.

Meeting point

📍 Hotel pickup included, or meet at the operator's downtown office.

Frequently asked questions

How long is this experience?

Half day

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes — you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before it starts.

Where does it start?

Hotel pickup included, or meet at the operator's downtown office.

Will I get instant confirmation?

Yes — your confirmation arrives on your phone right after booking.

What's included?

Local guide · Hotel pickup & drop-off · Nile boat crossing · Camel ride · Monastery entrance fee · Bottled water