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Temple dedicated to Egyptian gods Ra-Harakhty, Amun, Ptah and Ramses himself.
Beside the awe-inspiring sight of the four colossal statues of Ramses, this temple was painstakingly rescued from 1964 to 1968 as it was going to be flooded by the building of the high dam, which aimed to control the Nile's flooding. It was raised 60m by experts.
Written Aug 29, 2006
Address: Abu Simbel
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On the shores of Lake Nasser this magnificent tempel was rebuilt. Only to be reached by cruise or by road. But the road trip can be tricky! You need to organize it on your own and organize the needed police guidance as well.
But it is a unique tempel. The tempel was used as a Christian church, but in stead of demolishing the decoration they chose to cover it with chalk and, thus, did us a great favour. The chalk preserved the magnificent works of art. Now it is removed and clear to be seen in all its beauty.
Written Jan 14, 2005
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My daughter is a dancer. She used to dance in a semi professional group. They did some touring in the USA and produced 2 CD's.
She loved Egypt! She captured the dance in an instance!
Here she is dancing with one of the employees of the ship. Very obvious they both liked it.
Dress Code: Galabeya!!
Written Jan 14, 2005
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When cruising in Egypt it is hard to escape the Galabeya Parties... You either like or hate them.
I like them as long as I dont have to participate and just can watch.
Dress Code: "Traditional" clothing. The ships shop will sell the dresses. Nothing traditional about it!! I like to buy my own in Cairo on the Khan el Khalili. Maybe not very traditional either, but more cheap!
Written Jan 14, 2005
For my coming trip Feb'10, I have been quoted $213US for the flight. The bonus is potentially getting there earlier than the bus/mini-bus convoys and seeing the site with less tourists and as the sun rises (better colours etc).
I was quoted $83USD for the bus tour. And YES, this is some distance by bus!
Written Jan 16, 2010
Located as it is on the southern shores of Lake Nasser near the border with Sudan, Abu Simbel is 320km from Aswan. At the time I visited Egypt, the only way to get to Abu Simbel from Aswan was by air, although there are buses & some hotels organise minibus trips. For those on a tight budget, the bus is considerably cheaper but takes 3-4 hours while the flight is only about 45 minutes. If the bus option is not available, I would highly recommend splashing out on the flight! You won't be disappointed. In 2000, the flight was about US$ 75.00. Obviously prices will have increased over the years. Check with your hotel in Aswan for options / fares. Word of warning... if you do want to go, be sure to book early as seats are taken up rapidly.
Written Jan 13, 2007
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There is another way to sail across Lake Nasser outside the big cruiseships.
That is going by safari boat. It is a small motor boat mainly used for fishing.
In Aswan there is a Nubian boatman who adapted his ship to host 8 to 10 guests. You can compare it with the fellukah sails between Aswan and Edfu. The ship is like a camping site. You will sleep on deck and the captain will prepare your food on board.
If you like you can do some fishing, seems to be great on Lake Nasser. The ship can dock on any site you like. Not just the historical sites, but also the tiny fishermen settlements on the shores of Lake Nasser.
One big advantage, to my idea, is that the ship can dock at Qasr Ibrim, where you can get ashore to explore the site (see my Off the Beaten Path tip).
The name of the boatsman is Negrashi. Ask around when you are in Aswan if you want to take this trip. The trip will take about 6 days.
Written Apr 4, 2005
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After being in Abu Simbel by bus in convoy, this time I wanted to get there more relaxed. So we booked the cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel.
It takes 4 days, 3 nights and it is wonderful!! Not only you will stop at various sites on the shores of lake Nasser to see Temples and tombs you otherwise will not see. But the majestic view of seeing the two big temples appear in the distance while sailing the lake is priceless!! Not to be compared with anything.
You can choose when you visit the temples. We were there when the place was practically abandoned and spend hours over there.
Also the Sound and Light show is the best I ever saw in Egypt! Only to be seen when you come by boat or plane and stay overnight!
Written Sep 16, 2004
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Miscellaneous: Most people usually visit Abu Simbel as a day trip from Aswan. Both flights & buses leave early in the morning, when it can be cold. However, on arrival in Abu Simbel it can warm up pretty quickly. I would recommend that you wear some head gear, comfortable clothes / shoes, take sun block if you're prone to burning & a bottle of water and a snack or two wouldn't go amiss either. Liquid & food are even more essential if you're going by bus.
Written Jan 13, 2007
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Qasr Ibrim is one of the most interesting historical sites in Upper Egypt. That is because it hosts the remains of many periods. The first written memory of people who had an interest in this place is a commemorative stone plaque of Pharao Amenhotep the first. But there are signs of inhabitance dating back to the Old Kingdom. There is a small Tempel of Taharqa, a Nubian Pharao of the 25th Dynasty. During Ptolemaic times it became an important place and as many as 6 tempels were build here.
Later it became the most important Christian city in Nubia and the remains of the cathedral are still there. It was the last Christian stronghold to fell for the Islamic expansion drift. It hold on until the 16th century. In 1811 the original inhabitants were driven away by the Mammeluks, who fled the opression of Mohamed Ali.
This place can only be explored if you take the trip on the fishing boat of NEGRASHI (see my Transportation tip). The place is to delicate to welcome big loads of tourists. The big cruise can only give you a sight from the ship. But small groups of 8 to 10 persons are welcome.
Written Apr 4, 2005
Since the daring conquest in 1967 (?) to save these tempels from the rising waters of Lake Aswan this place is world famous. To a lot of people they haven't been to Egypt when they haven't visited Abu...
1 of the most spectacular sights in Egypt. 4 colossal statues of Ramses II. Entrance fee was 36 Egyptian pound/pax.
Awe inspiring, magnificent, wonderous are a few words you could use to describe Abu Simbel! An amazing feat of architecture, artwork and construction. This fantastic archealogical site comprises two...
Abu Simbel lies at Egypt's border in Nubia about 280 kilometers south of Aswan and 40 kilometers north of Sudan known to its two famous temples close to Lake Nasser . It was built by Ramses II in...
Build your own Abu Simbel page
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