280 km south of Aswan · We choose the departure time, not the convoy
Abu Simbel sits 280 km south of Aswan, close to the Sudanese border. Almost everyone arrives the same way: a bus that leaves Aswan at four in the morning, in a convoy with all the others, reaching the temples at eight — when the light has gone flat and the Facade is three deep in people. This trip is private, so the time is yours. We can set off early enough for the low sun on Ramses' four colossi, or late enough that the convoys have started for home. Your own vehicle, your own licensed Egyptologist, and as long as you want at each temple. About ten hours door to door — a long day, and the one most of our guests say they would do again. Upon arrival, explore the Great Temple of Ramses II, famous for its four monumental seated statues carved into the rock façade. Inside, your Egyptologist will explain the temple's history, religious significance and remarkable reliefs, including scenes connected with Ramses II and the Battle of Kadesh.
Continue to the Temple of Queen Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor. The temple is particularly notable for the exceptional representations of Nefertari alongside Ramses II and its beautifully preserved interior decoration. Your guide will give you time to explore both temples at a comfortable pace and take photographs before beginning the return journey to Aswan. The temples of Abu Simbel were relocated in the 1960s in one of the world's most remarkable archaeological preservation projects, following the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Your Egyptologist can explain this extraordinary story during your visit. After the visit, enjoy a comfortable private drive back to Aswan with drop-off at your hotel, Nile cruise or agreed location. This is a completely private experience — there are no other guests in your vehicle, and the itinerary can be adjusted around your travel arrangements where possible.
Your private driver collects you from your hotel, Nile cruise or agreed point in Aswan, usually between 4:00 and 5:00 am. The exact time is set with you in advance — this is the part of the day a group tour cannot give you. The drive south is about three to three and a half hours through the Nubian desert. We stop on the way for a break, tea or coffee and a toilet. Bottled water is in the vehicle, and most people sleep part of the way.
Arrive at the Abu Simbel archaeological site and begin your private visit with your licensed Egyptologist. Your guide will accompany you through the temple complex and explain the history, architecture and religious significance of the monuments. You have two to three hours at the site, which covers both temples properly and leaves time to walk round the back of the artificial hill.
Explore the magnificent Great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most recognizable monuments of ancient Egypt. Admire the four colossal statues of Ramses II at the entrance before entering the temple to see its monumental halls, columns and ancient reliefs. Your Egyptologist will explain the temple's connection with Ramses II, the gods of ancient Egypt and the famous Battle of Kadesh scenes.
Continue to the Temple of Queen Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Explore the beautifully decorated interior and learn about Queen Nefertari and her role in the royal family of ancient Egypt. Your guide will allow time for photographs and independent exploration before leaving the archaeological area.
Before or during your visit, your Egyptologist will explain the remarkable relocation of the Abu Simbel temples during the 1960s. The temples were carefully dismantled and reconstructed at a higher location to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
After completing your visit, meet your private driver and begin the journey back to Aswan. Enjoy the comfortable return journey through the Nubian desert before arriving back at your hotel, Nile cruise or agreed drop-off location. Estimated total experience: approximately 10 hours door to door, back in Aswan by mid-afternoon.
Children under 3 years: Free of charge Children from 3 to 5 years: 25% of the selected adult price Children from 6 to 11 years: 50% of the selected adult price Children aged 12 years and above: Adult price
Pay on the day of your tour. Cash and credit card accepted. No advance payment required — reserve now and pay on your tour date.
All prices are shown in USD. Prices may vary during peak travel periods including Christmas, New Year and Easter Holidays.
Everything you need to know before booking Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan by Road.
Usually between 4:00 and 5:00 am, back in Aswan by mid-afternoon — about ten hours door to door, and we agree the exact time with you beforehand. The group tours all leave at four in one convoy and reach the temples together at eight. Because your trip is private we can go earlier for the low light on the facade, or later once the convoy has turned for home.
By road takes about ten hours; by air it is about six. Choose the road if you have the day to give it — the desert crossing is part of the experience, and there is a stop for tea on the way. Choose the flight if you only have one day in Aswan, if you are travelling with older parents or young children, or if you are here between May and September, when the road day is genuinely hard.
Yes. The entrance fees to the Abu Simbel archaeological site are included in the tour price. Any optional ticket or service requiring a separate official fee will be explained to you in advance.
Yes. A private air-conditioned vehicle, your own driver and your own licensed Egyptologist, for your party only. No other guests join you, and nothing on the day runs to anyone else's schedule.
Yes, from your hotel or your cruise. Give us the name when you book so we can confirm the exact pickup time — docking positions move, and it saves a phone call at half past four in the morning.
No advance payment is required. Pay on the day of your tour.
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel
Add this tour to a longer private itinerary — combine it with Nile cruises, other cities and transfers, all designed around you.
