Abu Simbel Private Excursion
The mountain temples of Ramesses II above Lake Nasser — a dawn desert road, two rock-cut sanctuaries, and back in Aswan for lunch.
Overview
Abu Simbel is the far south's non-negotiable: two temples cut directly into a sandstone mountain by Ramesses II around 1264 BCE, fronted by four seated colossi twenty metres tall. When Lake Nasser rose behind the High Dam in the 1960s, UNESCO's rescue sawed the entire complex into a thousand blocks and rebuilt it sixty-five metres higher — an engineering feat nearly as remarkable as the original. This private excursion runs the classic way: a pre-dawn departure from Aswan across open desert, arrival as the first light hits the colossi, unhurried time inside both the Great Temple and Nefertari's smaller sanctuary with your Egyptologist, and return to Aswan by early afternoon. Twice a year, on 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun reaches the innermost sanctuary — ask us about aligning your dates.
Itinerary
The dawn desert road
Depart Aswan around 4 a.m. by private vehicle, crossing 280 km of open desert as the sky lightens — a journey with its own austere beauty, coffee provided.
The Great Temple of Ramesses II
Stand before the four seated colossi, then pass inside through halls of Osiride pillars to the sanctuary where four gods sit — aligned so the sun reaches them just two mornings a year.
The Temple of Nefertari
The smaller temple Ramesses dedicated to his queen and the goddess Hathor — one of the very few Egyptian temples where a queen's statues stand equal in scale to the king's.
Return to Aswan
Back across the desert to reach Aswan by early afternoon, in time for lunch, your cruise departure or a felucca at golden hour.
Included & not included
Included
- Private Egyptologist guide throughout
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for the desert road, both ways
- All entrance fees to both temples
- Breakfast box and bottled water
- Hotel or cruise-ship pickup & drop-off in Aswan
Not included
- Flight option Aswan–Abu Simbel (available on request, limited schedule)
- Lunch (returned to Aswan by early afternoon)
- Tipping (gratuities)
- Personal expenses
Good to know
Why does the day start at 4 a.m.?
Three reasons: the desert road runs in organised windows, the temples are at their emptiest and coolest at opening, and returning by early afternoon keeps your Aswan day — or cruise schedule — intact.
Is flying an option instead of the road?
Yes — EgyptAir operates a short 45-minute hop on a limited schedule, cutting the round trip to about five hours. Seats sell out early; tell us at booking and we will quote both ways.
What is the Sun Festival?
On 22 February and 22 October the rising sun penetrates 60 metres into the Great Temple and lights the seated gods of the sanctuary — the alignment Ramesses' architects built in three thousand years ago. Visiting on those dates needs planning months ahead; we arrange it on request.
Is this journey right for you?
- Travellers who prefer a private, guided experience
- Those with a deep interest in ancient history and culture
- Visitors who want a curated itinerary rather than self-guided travel
- Anyone seeking high-quality, professionally managed logistics
- Travellers seeking large group or coach tours
- Budget-focused independent backpackers
- Visitors looking primarily for nightlife or beach holidays
Preparation reading
Guides to help you prepare for this journey.
Egypt Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan a trip to Egypt — visa requirements, the best time to go, getting around, top destinations, culture and practical essentials.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Egypt's best travel season is October to April, when Nile Valley temperatures are mild and monuments are comfortable to explore. Here is what to expect season by season and destination by destination.
Getting Around Egypt
How to travel between Egypt's cities and sites — domestic flights, high-speed trains, Nile cruises, the Cairo Metro, taxis and private transfers explained.
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Talk to a local expert
Our team lives and breathes Egypt travel. Share what draws you here — we'll help you design the journey that fits.