Abu Simbel, Egypt

How to get there and Transportation

By Plane:

Egypt air from Aswan, Luxor or Cairo - this is the quickest way but you only get a few hours at the temples, it was enough for us.

By Private Car with driver/Minivan:

One daily convoy each way takes 3 hours and it leaves at 4 am. Arrange with hotel or travel agents - Memphis Tours offer both options.

By Bus:

Public Bus leaves 4 am and 11 am, takes 3 hours each way. Return journey is at 4 pm latest. You can get a guide outside the complex if required but they cannot go inside the temples with you.

By boat:

Cruise from Aswan - this would be my choice if time permits and you get to see other sights along the way plus seeing Abu Simbel as it should be seen from the water. These are not round trip cruises unless you want to pay twice!

SAI Dahabiya - every Monday from Aswan and Friday from Abu Simbel - 5 and 4 day cruises

MS Steigenberger Omar El Khayam - every Monday from Aswan and Friday from Abu Simbel - 5 and 4 day cruises

Movenpick Prince Abbas - every Monday from Aswan and Friday from Abu Simbel - 5 and 4 day cruises

MS Nubian Sea - every Monday from Aswan and Friday from Abu Simbel - 5 and 4 day cruises

Where to stay

It is possible to stay and see the Sound and Light show or to get a less crowded view. The hotels on offer are not luxury.

Nefertari Hotel - 10 minutes from the site

Set Abu Simbel - 20 minute walk from the site, overlooks Lake Nasser

Tuna Hotel - basic

large and well fitted luggage storage and wardrobes at the four seasons first residence with well stocked mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities — Plenty of room for Mr Bump and his friends!

Lovely power shower for removing Cairo's dust and grime

toilet and bidet facilities at the four seasons first residence — Well, what can I say - the toilet and bidet

small balcony overlooking Giza Zoo, the city and pyramids beyond — small, unfurnished balcony with great views (the inset pyramids are courtesy of a very powerful zoom!)

What to See

Stunning setting for breakfast and afternoon tea- plus you can smoke INDOORS!

near perfect eggs benedict with smoked salmon at the four seasons first residence, cairo, beautiful dining area with amazing stained glass windows — When it comes to our favourite - eggs benedict with smoked salmon, the First Residence rated highly!

The temples were first discovered in 1813 and explored in 1817. After the temple was reconstructed on higher ground the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site along with Philae and other nearby monuments.

Two 20 metre seated figures of Ramesses are set either side of the entrance along with smaller figures of his Queen Nefertari, his mother Queen Ti and his children. The temple is dedicated to Amon-Re and Re-Horakte. To be the north of the main temple is a smaller one dedicated to Nefertari worshipping the goddess Hathor decorated with 10 metre statues of the king and queen.

An very very impressive temple complex and well worth visiting.

Cost 215 EGP Photo permit 300 EGP

30 minute Sound and Light Show Cost 250 EGP Oct to Apr 6 pm and 7 pm/May to Sept 7.30 pm (headphones provided in different languages)

Shopping

A number of stalls are located outside the temple, some have interesting tourist items.

Shops leading to the entrance of the grand bazaar, cairo — Nearby Grand Bazaar

Tips

The guides cannot go into the temples with you so be prepared to take in a lot of info in a few minutes.

The walk back is tiring in the heat and could be a problem for less able people.

They do have golf buggies but they were not working when we were there.

Security is strict at the airport on departure, shoes, belts, watches, jewellery have to be removed.

Four Seasons First Residence Hotel, Cairo

I have no hesitation in recommending the First Residence Cairo. A perfect an luxurious escape from the grime and madness that is the amazing city of Cairo. Click the logo to visit their website