Overview
An Abu Simbel tour from Aswan is a full-day private trip of about 280 km each way by road, through the Nubian Desert to two rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II. Your private Egyptologist and driver collect you from your Aswan hotel around 5:00 AM, and the start time is flexible. From 140 USD per person. We reply within 24 hours.
Why Book an Abu Simbel Tour from Aswan
The temples sit close to the border with Sudan, far from any major town. The easiest way to visit is on an organised tour with transport, a driver and a licensed guide arranged for you, so you do not have to plan the long desert road yourself. El Sultan Travel runs this as a private tour: your own air-conditioned vehicle, a private Egyptologist and a pace that suits you.
Getting There by Road
The drive from Aswan takes about 3 to 3.5 hours each way. Pickup is around 5:00 AM from your Aswan hotel, and the start time is flexible. A flight from Aswan can be arranged on request and is priced separately.
Lake Nasser near Abu Simbel.
What You Will See at Abu Simbel
Two temples are carved into the sandstone cliff. They are part of the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments, which were relocated in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
The Great Temple of Ramesses II
Four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II guard the facade. Inside, halls with carved pillars and reliefs tell of the pharaoh’s reign and his campaigns, including the Battle of Kadesh.
The facade of the Great Temple of Ramesses II.
Twice a year, on 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun reaches into the sanctuary and lights three of the four seated statues, while Ptah stays in shadow. Conditions on the day are not guaranteed.
The four seated statues in the inner sanctuary.
The Temple of Nefertari
The smaller temple is dedicated to Hathor and to Queen Nefertari. Its facade shows colossal statues of Ramesses II and Nefertari.
The Temple of Nefertari at Abu Simbel.
The Move to Higher Ground
According to UNESCO, the temples were cut into more than a thousand blocks and rebuilt about 64 metres higher and 180 metres back from the river. Work began in November 1963, and the site reopened on 22 September 1968.
Planning Your Abu Simbel Tour from Aswan
Bring water, sun protection and comfortable shoes, and carry your passport, as there are checkpoints on the desert road. Photography rules inside the temples can change, so follow your guide’s advice. A separate option is our Abu Simbel Overnight Tour. Many travelers combine Aswan with the Philae Temple Tour, the Kalabsha Temple Tour or a 7-day Egypt itinerary covering Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. Abu Simbel is also offered as an optional tour from our 4 Night Nile Cruise. For official information, see the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Book Your Abu Simbel Tour from Aswan
With El Sultan Travel you get door-to-door transport, a private licensed Egyptologist and the freedom to explore both temples at your own pace. From 140 USD per person. We reply within 24 hours.
Why Book Private with El Sultan?
Abu Simbel is a long desert day, about 280 km each way. A private tour keeps it comfortable.
- Your own air-conditioned vehicle — no shared coach, with about 3 to 3.5 hours on the road each way.
- A private Egyptologist all day — the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the temple of Nefertari explained at your pace.
- A flexible start — pickup from your Aswan hotel is around 5:00 AM, and the time can be adjusted.
- Time at the temples — typically 2 to 3 hours, without a group clock. Price from 140 USD per person.
- One WhatsApp message away — before, during and after your trip. We reply within 24 hours.
Itinerary
Your private Egyptologist and driver collect you from your Aswan hotel at around 5:00 AM, and the start time is flexible. Abu Simbel is about 280 km south of Aswan, near the Sudanese border, and the drive takes 3 to 3.5 hours each way in an air-conditioned vehicle. The road crosses the open Nubian desert near Lake Nasser. Bring water, sun protection and your passport, as there are checkpoints on the road. You arrive at Abu Simbel in the morning.
The first view of the Great Temple is four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II carved into the sandstone cliff. Ramesses II had the temple built in the 13th century BC. Inside, halls lined with carved pillars and painted reliefs show his reign and his campaigns, including the Battle of Kadesh. In the inner sanctuary sit four statues: Ramesses II and the gods Ptah, Amun-Re and Re-Horakhty. Twice a year, on 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun reaches into the sanctuary and lights three of them, while Ptah stays in shadow. Conditions on the day are not guaranteed.
Beside the Great Temple stands the smaller Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to Hathor and to Queen Nefertari. Its facade shows colossal statues of Ramesses II and Nefertari. Your Egyptologist also tells the story of the relocation. When the High Dam raised the waters of Lake Nasser, the temples were cut into more than a thousand blocks and rebuilt about 64 metres higher and 180 metres back from the river. Work began in November 1963, and the site reopened on 22 September 1968.
You have flexible time at the site, typically 2 to 3 hours on a private tour, so you can explore both temples at your own pace and take photographs. Your Egyptologist is with you for the full day. After the visit you drive back north to Aswan and arrive in the afternoon. Travel Note: the drive is long, so plan for about 3 to 3.5 hours each way. Main Visits: the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari.
Included & Excluded
Included
- Private air-conditioned transport from your Aswan hotel
- Licensed private Egyptologist guide for the full day
- Abu Simbel temple entrance fees
Excluded
- Meals and drinks
- Optional domestic flight from Aswan (priced separately)
- Personal purchases
- Gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Abu Simbel from Aswan?
About 280 km (174 miles) south of Aswan by road, near the Sudanese border. The drive takes 3 to 3.5 hours each way in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Is it better to go to Abu Simbel by road or by plane?
We run the tour by road. A flight from Aswan can be arranged on request and is priced separately. Ask our team for the flight details.
What time does the Abu Simbel tour depart from Aswan?
Pickup from your Aswan hotel is around 5:00 AM, and the start time is flexible. We confirm the exact time when you book.
How long do you spend at Abu Simbel?
You typically spend 2 to 3 hours at the temples on a private tour, so you can explore both temples at a comfortable pace.
Can I visit other Aswan sites on the same day?
Yes, it is possible to combine them in one day, for example the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk or Philae Temple on the way back, but it is a very long day. If you have the time, it is better to split Abu Simbel and the Aswan sites over two days.
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