How to Visit and What to See at Abu Simbel Temple

Egypt is a remarkable country full of awesome archaeological sites, including the world-famous Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and each never fails to impress. Abu Simbel is unique for its colossal sculptures and intricately delicate carvings, which make it one of the top attractions for tourists worldwide who are attracted to Egypt. If you're planning to visit Abu Simbel, please read our complete guide to Abu Simbel below. We will explore the backstory, highlights, and best time to visit Abu Simbel. We hope you can learn a lot and have a smooth trip from this guide.

Basic Information

Location: Abu Simbel, a small village in Aswan Governorate in Upper Egypt near the border with Sudan on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 230 km southwest of the Egyptian capital, Aswan.
Time: from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (5 p.m. in the summer)
Entrance ticket: 240 EGP (around 8 dollars or 7 pounds).

A Brief Backstory of Abu Simbel

The temples of Abu Simbel started around 1264 BC and were completed around 1244 BC. During the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II, Egypt controlled Nubia, which was economically important to Egypt. The complex, composed of the Great Temple and the Small Temple, was built by Pharaoh Ramesses II and dedicated to a number of ancient Egyptian gods. It was also used to intensify Ramses II's place at the very heart of the people of Nubia and bring them to the king's authority. The grand temples were a permanent reminder of Ramesses II's dominance and achievements. After the tenth century BC, the temples gradually fell out of use and were covered by a sand dune. Until the early 19th century, they were rediscovered by European researchers. In the 1960s, the entire site was meticulously divided into huge sections and then put back together in a new location about 60 meters higher so as not to be submerged by the rising waters of the Nile River and Lake Nasser. Now Abu Simbel is concluded as part of the "Nubian Monuments", a UNESCO World Heritage Site also comprising some Nubian temples such as Philae, Amada, and Wadi es-Sebua.

Admire the Abu Simbel Temple

What to See

The Great Temple

The Great Temple is a considerable part of Abu Simbel and has attracted a large number of visitors since its rediscovery. The temple, carved out of solid rock, is sitting on the west bank of the Nile River and almost opposite Lake Nasser, which enjoys an incredible overlooking view. The structure is famous for the four majestic colossal statues of the pharaoh Ramses II in front of the temple. All of these huge figures are about 20 meters high and adorned with a double crown, which is a symbol of Upper and Lower Egypt. Looking closely, you will find there are quite small figures, which are thought to be Ramses II's wives and children, on the bottom and around the knees of the colossal statues. Right above the entrance is the figure of the god Ra-Harakhty, to whom the temple was dedicated. Inside the entrance is Hypostyle Hall, on both sides of which stand eight grave and dignified figures of guards. Another highlight of the Great Temple is that it was built along the axis of the sun. The temple holds a surprisingly periodic illumination on February 22 and October 22 every year. By this time, three of the four seated sculptures-the sculptures of Ra, Amun, and Rameses II-will be illuminated for around 10 minutes by the sunlight, 55 meters into the innermost room of the temple. It is a remarkable sight to behold.

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel

The Small Temple

The Small Temple is another must-see attraction at Abu Simbel. It is situated next to the Great Temple of Ramses II, just about 100 meters away. The temple was built to commemorate Ramses II's wife, Nefertari, and was dedicated to the god Hathor. The façade of the Small Temple is flanked by six rocky statues of small size, each 10 meters tall. Four statues are modeled after Ramses II, and two are of his wife, Nefertari. Unlike the statues of the Great Temple, the figures of Queen Nefertari are the same size as Ramesses II himself and are dressed in the goddess Hathor's attire. Around either side of the couple's legs stand some smaller figures of their children. Inside the temple, one of the most spectacular features is a collection of six pillars that prop up a large hypostyle hall. Each of them is carved into the image of the goddess Hathor on the upper part. On the body of each pillar and the walls are painted mysterious symbols and scenes of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari offering sacrifices to various Egyptian gods.

The Small Temple of Abu Simbel

Sound and Light Show

It is nice for you to spend the night capturing a magnificent spectacle of the rising sun illuminating three of the four faces of enthroned statues in the Great Temple's Sanctuary every year on February 22 and October 22. In addition to this, the vibrant and enchanting Sound and Light Show can be a fabulous part of your nightlife at Abu Simbel. It is displayed daily at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. The inspiring music and dramatic lights make the temple complex more beautiful and attractive by day. During the show, the colossus of the façade of the site is illuminated. There are spectacular projections on the facades of the great and small temples, which, accompanied by lighting, music, and narration, show you significant history about how Ramesses II ruled Egypt and some colorful frescoes from thousands of years ago. A wide range of languages, like English, French, Italian, Spanish, and German, are provided so that you can enjoy the show in the language that is right for you. The show is full of charm and character. Remember to book tickets online in advance and just enjoy it to the fullest.

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The Best Time to Visit Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel belongs to a hot desert climate and enjoys year-round hot weather so you needn't worry about high chances of rainfall interrupting planned outings or spoiling the sights. The best months to go to Abu Simbel are January, February, and December. During this time, Abu Simbel experiences a mildly warm winter, with maximum temperatures reaching around 23°C and minimum temperatures falling to around 10°C. The pleasantly cool weather makes the three months the busiest season for tourism in Abu Simbel. What's more, the day of February 22 comes with the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, when the three statues in the Great Temple's Sanctuary are lit by the rising sun. Every year, thousands of tourists are attracted by the impressive spectacle. So be mindful of the large crowds. These months will see the highest hotel and airfare prices, so make your reservations several months in advance as early as you can.

The months between June and August have scorching hot and dry weather, with an average temperature ranging between 25°C and 40°C, but the temperature varies between the day and the night. You can enjoy a moderately warm temperature, averaging 22°C at night. Taking advantage of the hot weather in these months, you can enjoy the very quiet and few tourist crowds and all types of cheaper accommodation and lodging costs. With fewer tourists, you can take unspoiled panoramic photos of the sites and spend tranquil nights. If you don't mind the summer heat, these months can be a favorable time to go to Abu Simbel and the city of Aswan, while you can make big savings on hotel rooms and Nile cruises.

How to Get to Abu Simbel from Aswan

Abu Simbel is located about 280 km south of Aswan, and it can be reached by many means of transportation.

By Air

The more comfortable and less stressful way to get to Abu Simbel is by air. There are daily flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel operated by Egypt Air. You need to take a 45-minute flight, which comes to around $130–$200 each. The flying journey may be a good buy if you travel alone or with another person. Flying to the temple will save much of your time and offer stunning views of the Nile River and the surrounding desert from the perspective of the sky.

By Bus

Bus services are operated and easily accessible in Aswan. You can take the tour bus or a public bus. For the tour bus, an early catch in the morning between 4 am and 5 am would be helpful. Be mindful that the temple site will be crowded with Aswan tour buses from about 7 am until 11 am. The public bus to Abu Simbel runs once daily from the Aswan bus station and departs at 8:00. The bus journey always takes around four hours.

Driving

If you are inclined to take a road trip, driving from Aswan is a great option to reach Abu Simbel. It will be a special experience at the start of your trip if you don't worry about running short on time. You can hire a private taxi driver through a local or accompanying travel agent or your hotel. The trip by car usually takes about four hours. The cost varies by the number of people in your tour group and will generally be between $500 and $600. While traveling this way allows you to start your journey and visit the site according to your own designated time and offers the opportunity to see some of the rural landscapes of southern Egypt.

Cruising

If you're after a luxurious and relaxing way to get from Aswan to Abu Simbel, taking a cruise along the Nile River and Lake Nasser may be a stunning option. This breathtaking journey will set you back about four or five days. You can book such a cruise through a specialized travel company. You will navigate your way along the Nile on a large cruise ship and Lake Nasser on a small boat. The journey gives a wonderful view of historical temples like Abu Simbel and the many other landscapes along the rivers and lake's banks.

After reading our guide to Abu Simbel, we believe you have a preliminary idea of how to visit the imposing archaeological site. Abu Simbel will bring a special experience different from Karnak Temple-like sites. Its temples are extraordinary pieces of ancient Egyptian architecture and art, providing an unparalleled window into the religious and cultural beliefs of ancient Egypt. If you're looking forward to the history and culture of Egypt, Abu Simbel is well worth a visit. For a better Egypt tour including Abu Simbel, you will enjoy yourself following a personalized itinerary we organize based on your needs and preferences. We hope you have a most agreeable trip with Odynovo.