Abu Simbel Temples are a UNESCO world heritage site that has captivated visitors from all around the world.
The Abu Simbel Temples are considered some of the most iconic and impressive monuments in Egypt. They are located about 190 miles south of Aswan, close to the Sudanese border.
Ramses II (Ramses the Great) built the temples around 1260 BC, and construction spanned nearly 26 years. The temples were carved directly into the cliff face, demonstrating the incredible engineering, architecture, and artistic power of ancient Egyptian civilization.
The Great Temple of Abu Simbel is dedicated to four gods: Amun, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Ramses II (elevated to a divine figure). The interior of the temple is exquisitely decorated with scenes showing Ramses’ victories in battle and demonstrating his strength, bravery and piety. One mural depicts the Battle of Kadesh, which resulted in the Egyptian-Hittite peace treaty - the world’s second-oldest recorded peace treaty.
Next to the Great Temple is the Small Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari, the wife of Ramses II. Very few temples honor a queen at the same level as a king, and the Small Temple demonstrates the depth of the love and respect Ramses II had for his beloved Queen.
The famous colossal statues of Ramses the Great stand in front of Abu Simbel. Each statue is more than 60 feet (20 meters) high. Like the temple, the statues are carved directly from the mountain face - an awe-inspiring feat of craftsmanship.
The Aswan High Dam was built between 1960 and 1970 to control flooding, irrigation, and generate hydroelectricity from the Nile. Abu Simbel, laying upstream of the High Dam, was in the flood plain of the new reservoir and at risk of disappearing. With the efforts of a multinational team of architects and engineers, the entire temple was carefully cut apart, transported and reconstructed on higher ground. The new location of Abu Simbel included a manmade mountain to support the temples, and is specifically aligned to maintain the solar alignment phenomenon that occurs twice a year.
Abu Simbel is world-renowned for its solar alignment phenomenon, which occurs twice a year on February 22nd and October 22nd. On these two days, the rising sun enters the sanctuary at the back of the Great Temple and illuminates the faces of Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ramses II. Ptah - the god of darkness - remains in shadow. This astronomical precision makes Abu Simbel one of the most extraordinary temples ever constructed.
Visitors can reach Abu Simbel by bus (a 3.5 hour drive from Aswan), or a short flight. For travelers staying overnight, there is a nightly Sound and Light show, widely considered one of the best light shows in Egypt. The show tells the story of Ramses II and Abu Simbel Temples, including exquisite projections that bring the history of the site to life.
Visiting Abu Simbel is an unforgettable experience for visitors, with its magnificent architecture and fascinating history.
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Licensed tour guides must maintain a certification from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, along with membership in the Egyptian General Tourist Guide Syndicate. These certifications ensure that our guides are fully approved and registered as professionals with the Egyptian government authorities.
The busiest tourist season is from September to April. The weather in Egypt is generally sunny and dry, with lower temperatures in the winter months that make for pleasant travel through Upper Egypt.
Tipping is greatly appreciated, based on the quality of the service you receive. We suggest around $5-$8 per day for your driver, and $10-$15 per day for guides. Tipping can be done in cash, either as Egyptian pounds, US dollars or Euros. For non-Egyptian currency, bills in good condition (no rips or tears) are preferred.
You can get a 30-day tourist visa upon arriving at Cairo Airport. Please bring $25 in USD cash with you; you will get the visa documentation before the immigration desk at the airport, and the immigration officials will review and stamp your passport. Our staff will meet you after you disembark the plane to facilitate this process and ensure you are able to get through security smoothly.
Most tours can be walking-intensive, primarily on flat ground. Visiting the Pyramids and the Sphinx requires some walking over flat but uneven ground and sand. Entry into many of the tombs and Pyramids can be physically demanding, with low ceilings, steep staircases and narrow passageways.
Each day’s tour is a full day, estimating 8 to 10 hours - though we have built in plenty of time to rest, enjoy a coffee or a meal, or explore on your own.
Comfortable, closed-toe walking or athletic shoes are recommended as there may be areas with uneven pavement. Locals in Egypt often dress modestly, so visitors often feel more comfortable in clothes that cover their shoulders and knees (t-shirts or long sleeved shirts, capris, pants). You may wish to bring a hat for sun protection, as well as a scarf or light jacket for evening.
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