The Tailor-Made Guide to the Temple of Abu Simbel in Egypt
- Mar 6
- 11 min read
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to show, through my own adventures, how you can have an incredible travel experience as an independent traveller, giving you the information to navigate the world with confidence.
Contents
Have you ever stood before something so colossal that you feel the ground shift beneath you? The morning I arrived at Abu Simbel, the air was utterly still — not a whisper of wind across Lake Nasser — and the only sounds were the soft crunch of gravel underfoot and the low murmur of voices as travellers emerged from their coaches. Then I turned the corner, and there they were: four monumental figures of Ramses II, each one towering 20 metres high, carved directly into the rose-coloured rock face. The early sun cast them in warm amber light, and the sheer scale made me pause mid-step. This wasn't just another temple — this was the temple of Abu Simbel in Egypt, and it demanded your full attention.
I'm Barry, the founder of Tailor-Made Itineraries, and I've spent over a decade designing self-guided tours and exploring some of the world's most incredible historical sites. But even with all that experience, Abu Simbel left me genuinely awestruck. If you've been searching for a practical, honest guide to visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site — one that tells you exactly what to expect, how to get there, when to go, and whether it's truly worth the journey — you're in the right place.This isn't a glossy overview written from a desk. Everything in this post comes from my own visit: the 3am alarm, the long desert drive, the moment I walked into the inner sanctuary, and the quiet reflections on the journey back. I've also included tips I wish I'd known beforehand, from navigating the crowds to staying comfortable in the heat. Whether you're planning your first trip to Egypt or you're a seasoned independent traveller trying to decide if Abu Simbel deserves a spot on your itinerary, this guide will give you the clarity and confidence you need to make the most of your visit.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting the Temple of Abu Simbel in Egypt appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the amazing temple, or indeed, a general tour of Egypt itself.
Temple of Abu Simbel in Egypt
The Journey to Abu Simbel
The journey to Abu Simbel is an adventure in its own right, and for many travellers it becomes a surprisingly memorable part of the experience. Leaving Aswan before sunrise, the drive takes you deep into the quiet expanse of the Nubian desert, following long, straight roads that stretch endlessly into the horizon. About halfway through the journey, the convoy makes a welcome stop at a large roadside cafeteria, giving you a chance to stretch your legs, grab a drink, and use the facilities before continuing on. As the morning light strengthens, the vast desert scenery becomes almost meditative — a calming, reflective contrast to the busy temple‑hopping days along the Nile. The anticipation builds during the final stretch, and arriving early means cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Stepping off the coach to see the colossal façade of Ramses II emerging from the rock face feels like the perfect reward for the long but rewarding journey.
Coach vs Flight: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between travelling by coach or by air is one of the biggest decisions when planning a trip to Abu Simbel. The coach option is the most common, both for its affordability and the sense of occasion it creates. It’s a long journey — around four hours each way — but it’s comfortable, straightforward, and gives you a unique glimpse into the quiet, remote stretches of southern Egypt. Most coaches leave early in the morning so you arrive at Abu Simbel before the midday heat sets in, and there’s a certain camaraderie among passengers that adds to the experience. In contrast, flying is undeniably quicker and more convenient, cutting the travel time down dramatically and freeing up much of your day. However, it comes at a significantly higher cost, and some travellers feel the journey itself is part of what makes Abu Simbel so special. If budget and time allow, flying is the most comfortable option; but for those who don’t mind the early alarm and a long day, the coach journey is not only economical but unexpectedly rewarding.
A Brief History of Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is one of the greatest testaments to the ambition and architectural mastery of Ramses II, who built these temples to celebrate his power, honour the gods, and immortalise his legacy. Carved directly into the mountainside, the Great Abu Simbel Temple features four colossal statues of Ramses seated at its entrance, facing east so that twice a year the sun would illuminate the inner sanctuary — a remarkable feat of ancient engineering. Beside it stands the smaller but equally beautiful Temple of Hathor and Nefertari, dedicated to his beloved queen. These temples were designed not only to impress visiting dignitaries but also to assert Egyptian presence and authority in the Nubian region. Today, the temples of Abu Simbel remain among the most iconic and photogenic ancient sites in the world, and walking through their cool interior chambers gives a palpable sense of stepping back into the era of Egypt’s most celebrated pharaoh.
The UNESCO Abu Simbel Relocation Story
One of the most extraordinary aspects of Abu Simbel temples is that the temples you see today are not standing in their original position. In the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge them beneath the waters of Lake Nasser. What followed was one of the most ambitious archaeological rescue operations in history: an international UNESCO‑led effort that saw the temples cut into massive blocks — some weighing up to 30 tonnes — and painstakingly reassembled 65 metres higher and 200 metres back from their original site. The entire project took four years and required unparalleled precision to ensure the temples’ alignment and solar phenomena were preserved. Standing in front of these monuments, knowing they were not only carved but also saved by human ingenuity, adds a profound layer of appreciation. The temple of Abu Simbel isn’t just an ancient wonder — it’s a modern engineering marvel as well.
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Exploring the Temples: What to Expect
Exploring Abu Simbel temple Egypt is a deeply immersive experience that begins even before you enter the temples. As you walk down the curved pathway towards the façade, the colossal figures of Ramses II come slowly into view, creating a dramatic sense of scale that photos can never fully convey. Inside Abu Simbel, towering pillars carved with images of the king and the gods lead you deeper into the sanctuary, where detailed reliefs depict military victories and ceremonial scenes. The smaller Nefertari temple, with its elegant pillars and delicate artwork honouring the goddess Hathor, offers a beautifully contrasting atmosphere — more intimate yet equally striking. Most visitors spend between 1.5 and 2 hours exploring the site, which allows plenty of time to soak up the artistry, enjoy the lake views, and take in both temples without rushing.
Timing Your Visit & Avoiding the Crowds
Timing is everything when visiting the temple at Abu Simbel, especially as most tours — both coach and flight — tend to arrive in similar morning windows. Arriving early, ideally before the big groups converge, gives you a quieter and much more atmospheric experience. If you’re travelling in shoulder or hotter months (I visited during September), the early hours are also far more comfortable temperature‑wise, making it easier to explore without overheating. The crowds are also smaller during these months. As the sun rises, the façade glows beautifully in warm tones, offering some of the best photography opportunities of the day. Crowds tend to peak mid‑morning before thinning again as coaches begin their return to Aswan. Allowing time to wander the site at your own pace, stepping back to enjoy the setting against Lake Nasser, is one of the best ways to appreciate its grandeur beyond the busy moments.
Practical Tips for Visiting Abu Simbel
A successful trip to Abu Simbel comes down to preparation, especially given the remote location and the length of the excursion. Bring plenty of water, a wide‑brimmed hat, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing — the sun feels especially intense here, even early in the day. Comfortable footwear is essential, as there’s a moderate amount of walking along exposed pathways. Shade is limited, so take breaks whenever you can, and don’t be afraid to step back from the crowds to find quieter viewpoints. Photography inside the inner chambers may be restricted depending on current regulations, so always check with your guide. Also bring flushable wet wipes or tissue for the toilets, both for the coach stop and the site itself. And finally, make sure to carry small cash for snacks, drinks, or tips, as card payments aren’t widely accepted at the site.
Accessibility & Comfort
Abu Simbel is relatively accessible, but travellers should be prepared for a 15‑minute walk from the visitor centre down to the temples, following a gently sloping pathway that can feel long and exposed in the heat. For those who would prefer to save energy or avoid the walk, there is a paid transport option: a small fleet of electric golf‑cart–style shuttle carts that ferry visitors between the entrance area and the temples. Seating is limited and queues can form during busy periods, but they are a very helpful option for travellers with mobility considerations or anyone trying to conserve energy in high temperatures. The terrain around the temples includes some uneven ground, and shade is limited across the site, so taking breaks and pacing yourself is important. The interiors of the temples are on one level but can feel narrow for those needing extra space or time. Whether you choose to walk or take the electric carts, visiting early in the day ensures a more comfortable and rewarding experience overall.
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The Feel of Abu Simbel (Personal Reflection)
What struck me most about Abu Simbel was not just the grandeur of the temples, but the atmosphere surrounding them — an almost reverent stillness that hangs in the desert air. After hours of travelling through empty landscape, arriving at the site feels like discovering a monumental secret carved into the earth. Standing beneath the towering statues, with the deep blue of Lake Nasser shimmering behind you, there’s a palpable sense of awe that no photograph ever fully captures. The intricacy inside the temples contrasts beautifully with the stark desert outside, and the long journey suddenly feels like a natural prelude to something truly remarkable. For me, Abu Simbel wasn’t just another stop in Egypt — it was one of the absolute highlights, a moment where history, engineering, and emotion come together in a way that stays with you long after you’ve returned to the boat.
Quick Questions Answered
What is the best time to visit Abu Simbel? The best time to visit Abu Simbel is generally during the cool winter months from November to February, when temperatures are at their most comfortable and outdoor exploration is pleasant. You should also plan to visit early morning, to avoid the sun and the crowds. If you visit on February 22nd or October 22nd, the rising sun illuminates the inner sanctum of Ramses II's temple.
Is it safe to go to Abu Simbel? Abu Simbel is viewed as a low‑risk destination by Egyptian authorities and is heavily secured with checkpoints and on‑site security personnel. It is remote and isolated, which naturally reduces exposure to unrest occasionally seen in other parts of Egypt.
Can you take a boat to Abu Simbel? Several companies operate multi‑day cruises across Lake Nasser, stopping at Abu Simbel at the end (or beginning) of the journey.
How long does it take to tour Abu Simbel? A typical tour of the Abu Simbel temples takes about 2–3 hours on-site, depending on your pace and interest level.
Can you go inside Abu Simbel? Yes — you can go inside both temples at Abu Simbel, and exploring their interiors is one of the highlights of visiting the site. The Great Temple’s interiors include the Osirid Hall, side chambers, and the inner sanctuary where statues of the gods (and Ramses II) sit. The interior of the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari is smaller, but the wall reliefs are arguably more eye-catching.
Is Abu Simbel a tomb or a temple? Abu Simbel is a temple complex, not a tomb. The Great Temple is dedicated to the gods Amun‑Ra, Ra‑Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as the deified Ramses II himself. While the smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.
Conclusion
Abu Simbel is more than just a box to tick on your Egypt itinerary — it's an experience that stays with you long after you've left. From the anticipation of the pre-dawn journey through the Nubian desert to that first breathtaking glimpse of Ramses II's colossal statues emerging from the rock face, every moment feels earned. Yes, the journey is long, and yes, it requires an early start, but the reward is one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites on earth. Whether you choose the budget-friendly coach or the convenience of a flight, whether you visit during the cooler months or brave the September heat like I did, the temple of Abu Simbel in Egypt will leave you humbled by both its ancient grandeur and its modern-day preservation. For independent travellers seeking authenticity, history, and a genuine sense of wonder, this is a journey absolutely worth making.
Abu Simbel Hotels
While most visitors experience Abu Simbel as a long day trip from Aswan, spending the night opens up a completely different side of this remarkable site. Staying overnight means you can explore the temples in the golden light of late afternoon when the tour groups have departed, and you'll have the rare opportunity to witness the site at sunrise before the coaches arrive — an experience that feels almost meditative in its quietness. The small town of Abu Simbel has a handful of hotels ranging from simple budget options like the Eskaleh Eco-Lodge to more comfortable mid-range properties such as the Kabara Nubian House. Luxury options are more limited, but the Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort would make an excellent stop over for your temple adventures. An overnight stay also gives you the freedom to visit the temples twice on a single ticket, allowing you to appreciate the changing light and atmosphere at different times of day. If you're not in a rush and you want a more immersive, less hurried experience of Abu Simbel, staying overnight is well worth considering.
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If you would like more information on Egypt and how to visit this historic country, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Have you visited Abu Simbel, or are you planning to go? I'd love to hear about your experience or answer any questions you might have — drop a comment below and let's chat about this incredible journey!
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting the Temple of Abu Simbel in Egypt appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the amazing temple, or indeed, a general tour of Egypt itself.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries create one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
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