Abu Simbel - Discovering Egypt

Travelling to Abu Simbel

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Abu Simbel, a pretty good destination in Egypt (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Abu Simbel and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Abu Simbel, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Egypt, here's everything to know about Abu Simbel for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a small village located in southern Egypt near the border with Sudan. The village is known for the two massive rock temples, built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. These temples, dedicated to the gods Amun-Ra, Ptah, and Re-Horakhte, are considered to be among the most impressive in Egypt, and are a popular tourist attraction. Interestingly, the temples were moved from their original location in the 1960s due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, which threatened to submerge them under water. Today, Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history and culture.

What to visit in Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a small village located in southern Egypt, famous for its ancient temples that are a popular tourist attraction for visitors to the country. Here are the main tourist attractions in Abu Simbel: 1. Great Temple of Ramses II: Also known as the Temple of Abu Simbel, it was built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th Century BC. The temple is dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. The most impressive feature of the temple is the four 20-meter-high seated statues at the entrance which represent Ramses II.
2. Small Temple of Queen Nefertari: Built by Pharaoh Ramses II for his beloved Queen Nefertari, this temple is located near the Great Temple. The temple is also dedicated to the goddess Hathor and is smaller and less ornate than the Great Temple.
3. Sound and Light Show: One of the popular attractions in Abu Simbel is the Sound and Light Show which takes place every evening at the temples. The show tells the story of the temples and their history and is accompanied by stunning lighting effects.
4. Lake Nasser: Lake Nasser is a vast man-made lake created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and there are several tour operators in Abu Simbel that offer boat trips around the lake.
5. Nubian village: The Nubian village is located near Abu Simbel and is home to the ethnic Nubian people. Visitors can take a tour of the village and learn about the Nubian culture, traditions, and way of life.
6. Aswan High Dam: The Aswan High Dam is a large dam on the Nile River that was built in the 1960s to control the annual flooding of the river and provide hydroelectric power to the region. The dam is one of the largest in the world and is a popular tourist attraction in the area.
Overall, Abu Simbel is a magical place to visit with its impressive temples and rich history. Visitors can learn about ancient Egyptian culture while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Egypt, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Abu Simbel.

When to go on holiday to Abu Simbel

The best time to visit Abu Simbel is during the winter months (November to February), as the weather is cooler with warm temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night. This makes it more comfortable for exploring the temples and for taking in the stunning views of Lake Nasser. It is also a popular time to visit, so it's best to book accommodation well in advance. From March to October, temperatures in Abu Simbel can be extremely hot, so it's important to take precautions such as staying hydrated, wearing light clothing and using sun protection. Additionally, it is worth noting that during the summer months, there are fewer crowds and lower prices, which can make it a good option for budget travelers.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Abu Simbel

To get to Abu Simbel in Egypt, you can take a flight from either Cairo or Aswan. There are daily flights operated by EgyptAir and other airlines to Abu Simbel Airport. Alternatively, you can also take a bus from Aswan to Abu Simbel, which takes approximately 3-4 hours. It's important to note that the road from Aswan to Abu Simbel may contain military checkpoints as it's located near the border with Sudan. It's recommended to travel during the day, and to check with your hotel or tour operator for any updates on security measures before planning your trip.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Abu Simbel, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a small town in Egypt and the food options here are mostly influenced by traditional Egyptian cuisine. Here are some typical foods of Abu Simbel: 1. Koshari - A popular Egyptian street food, consisting of a mix of rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions, served with a tomato-based sauce.
2. Fiteer - A flaky pastry made with layers of dough and butter, often filled with cheese or honey, and served as a sweet or savory dish.
3. Kushari - A stewed dish made with beef or lamb, whole chickpeas, and a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes. It is typically served with Egyptian rice.
4. Ful medames - A traditional Egyptian breakfast dish made with mashed fava beans, seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, and served with bread.
5. Shawarma - A popular Middle Eastern sandwich made with grilled meat, such as chicken or lamb, vegetables, and a variety of sauces, wrapped in a pita bread.
6. Baklava - A sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup, often served as a dessert.
7. Ta'ameya - Also known as falafel, a fried or baked patty made with ground fava beans or chickpeas, mixed with spices and herbs, and served with bread or as a sandwich.
You can find general info about typical foods in Egypt here.

Is Abu Simbel an expensive destination for tourists?

Abu Simbel is not necessarily an expensive destination for tourists, but it can be more costly than some other sites in Egypt due to its remote location and the need to typically hire a guide or take a tour from Aswan to visit. Entrance fees to the temples themselves are not particularly expensive, but transportation costs can add up, particularly if you choose to fly to Abu Simbel instead of taking a road trip. Additionally, if you choose to stay overnight in the village near the temples, accommodations and food can be more expensive than in other parts of Egypt due to the limited options available. Overall, while Abu Simbel may be more costly than other sites in Egypt, it is still a worthwhile and unforgettable destination that can be included in a well-planned trip without breaking the bank.

Where to find accomodation in Abu Simbel

The best area to find accommodation to visit Abu Simbel in Egypt is within the town of Abu Simbel itself. There are a few hotels and guesthouses located near the temples which offer convenient access to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Another popular option is to stay in Aswan, which is about a 3-4 hour drive away from Abu Simbel. Aswan is a larger city with more accommodation options and amenities, as well as easy access to other attractions like the Nile River and Philae Temple. However, staying in Aswan will require taking a day trip or organized tour to visit Abu Simbel.
You can check hotel prices at Abu Simbel here:
Booking.com

Is Abu Simbel a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Abu Simbel is generally considered to be a safe place for tourists. It is a popular destination in Egypt and is heavily guarded by security forces. However, it is always advisable to remain aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions while traveling, such as avoiding traveling alone at night and not displaying expensive belongings in public. It is also recommended to check the latest travel advisories and guidance from your embassy or consulate before planning a trip to Egypt.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Egypt here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Abu Simbel.

What type of travelers will enjoy Abu Simbel the most?

Abu Simbel in Egypt is a historically significant destination that is perfect for travelers who are interested in ancient history and world heritage. It is a great travel spot for couples who are looking for a cultural experience as well as families who are interested in educational travel. Younger travelers who are seeking fun and excitement may not find it here, as the main attraction is the ancient temples, tombs and ruins. I would recommend Abu Simbel to travelers who are interested in exploring and learning about ancient Egyptian civilization.

How to get around Abu Simbel

In Abu Simbel, the main way to move around is by foot, as most of the popular attractions are in close proximity to each other. Taxis and private cars are available for hire at the airport and hotels. Many hotels also offer shuttle services to the temples. There are also buses that run between Abu Simbel and Aswan, which is 280km away.

What to see around Abu Simbel

Here are some great places to visit on a day trip from Abu Simbel, Egypt: 1. Temple of Dakka: This temple was built during the reign of Ptolemy II and is located in a small village called El-Dakka. It is about 25 kilometers from Abu Simbel.
2. Temple of Maharraqa: Located about 50 kilometers from Abu Simbel, this temple is dedicated to the god Amun-Ra and was built during the reign of Ptolemy IV.
3. Temple of Wadi es-Sebua: This beautiful temple is located on the east bank of the Nile about 130 kilometers from Abu Simbel. It was built during the reign of Ramses II.
4. Aswan: Aswan is a great destination for a day trip from Abu Simbel. It is known for its beautiful scenery, including the Nile river and the Aswan Dam, and its unique Nubian culture.
5. Kalabsha Temple: Located on the east bank of the Nile, this temple was built during the reign of Augustus and is about 95 kilometers from Abu Simbel.
I hope this helps!
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