Best Things to Do in Abu Simbel!

Are you planning a trip to Egypt and looking for the best things to do in Abu Simbel?

Look no further! Abu Simbel is a small village located in the southern part of Egypt, near the border of Sudan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to two impressive temples built by the great Pharaoh Ramses II.

Your tour of Abu Simbel will take you back in time to ancient Egypt, where you can marvel at the intricate carvings and hieroglyphics that adorn the walls of the temples. The Great Temple of Ramses II is the main attraction, with four colossal statues of the Pharaoh sitting at the entrance. The smaller Temple of Hathor is dedicated to Ramses’ favorite wife, Nefertari, and is equally impressive.

In addition to the temples, there are plenty of other things to do in Abu Simbel, such as taking a boat ride on Lake Nasser or exploring the nearby Nubian villages. Egypt is a country rich in history, and Abu Simbel is one of the most impressive examples of that history. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure that will leave you in awe of the ancient world.

Best Things to Do in Abu Simbel

You’ve decided to visit the incredible Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive ancient sites in Egypt. But how do you get there? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

First things first, let’s talk about transportation. There are three main ways to get to Abu Simbel:

by air, by land, or on a day trip from Aswan. If you’re coming from Cairo, the easiest option is to take a flight to Aswan and then either take a roundtrip flight or drive to Abu Simbel.

If you’re flying into Cairo International Airport, you can take a connecting flight to Aswan with EgyptAir or Nile Air.

From Aswan, you can take a roundtrip flight to Abu Simbel or hire a taxi driver to take you there by land. The drive takes about 3 hours each way, but it’s a great opportunity to see more of the Egyptian landscape.

If you’re already in Aswan, you can take a day trip to Abu Simbel. There are plenty of tour companies that offer this option, and it’s a great way to see the site without having to worry about transportation or accommodations.

But what if you’re coming from Luxor?

Well, the easiest way to get to Abu Simbel from Luxor is to fly to Aswan and then either take a roundtrip flight or drive to Abu Simbel. There are no direct flights from Luxor to Abu Simbel, so you’ll need to make a stopover in Aswan.

When it comes to transportation, we recommend taking a flight to Abu Simbel. It’s the quickest and most convenient way to get there, and you’ll get to see some stunning views of the desert along the way.

And don’t worry about safety – Abu Simbel is a well-traveled tourist destination, and you’ll be in good hands with your tour company or taxi driver. Just be sure to choose a reputable company and take the usual precautions when traveling in a foreign country.

So there you have it – everything you need to know about getting to Abu Simbel. Whether you’re coming from Cairo or Luxor, there are plenty of options for getting to this incredible ancient site. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!

Abu Simbel Temples – Best Things to Do in Abu Simbel

As you explore Abu Simbel, you’ll find that the temples are the main attraction. These magnificent structures are a testament to the ancient Egyptian civilization and are a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The temples are made up of two structures: the Great Temple and the Small Temple.

The Great Temple

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel is undoubtedly the most impressive of the two temples. It was built by Ramesses II and is dedicated to the gods Ptah, Ra-Horakhty, and Amun. The temple features four massive statues of Ramesses II, each standing 20 meters tall. At the feet of the statues, you’ll find smaller statues of his wife, Nefertari, and their children.

Inside the temple, you’ll find a series of rooms and halls that lead to an inner sanctum. The walls of the temple are adorned with carvings and hieroglyphics that depict the pharaoh’s victories in battle and his devotion to the gods. The temple is also famous for its alignment with the sun, which illuminates the inner sanctum twice a year on the pharaoh’s birthday and coronation day.

The Small Temple

The Small Temple of Abu Simbel is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and features statues of Ramesses II and his wife, Nefertari. The temple is much smaller than the Great Temple but is still an impressive structure. The walls of the temple are decorated with scenes of the pharaoh and his wife making offerings to the gods.

One of the most interesting features of the Small Temple is the fact that it was built in such a way that the sun illuminates the statues of Ramesses II and Nefertari twice a year on their birthdays. This is a testament to the ancient Egyptians’ knowledge of astronomy and their ability to align their structures with the movements of the sun and stars.

As you explore the Abu Simbel temples, you’ll be transported back in time to the ancient Egyptian civilization. The temples are an awe-inspiring sight and are a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

History and Culture

As you step into the Abu Simbel Temple Complex, you’ll be transported back in time to the 13th century BC, during the reign of Ramesses II. The temple complex was built on the banks of the Nile River, near the border of Nubia. The temples were dedicated to the gods Amon-Ra, Ra-Harakhti, and Ptah, and were built to commemorate Ramesses II’s victory in the Battle of Kadesh.

The Abu Simbel Temple Complex is an important part of Egypt’s history and culture. The temples were built during the New Kingdom period, and they are considered to be some of the most impressive ancient ruins in the world. The complex was also an important site for the Nubian people, who lived in what is now Sudan.

The temples were originally located at a different site, but they were moved to their current location in the 1960s to prevent them from being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser. The relocation of the temples was a massive undertaking, and it was led by the Italian archaeologist Giovanni Belzoni.

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel is particularly impressive, with its four colossal statues of Ramesses II standing at the entrance. Inside, you’ll find a hypostyle hall with 134 columns, each adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics. The Small Temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, Ramesses II’s beloved wife, and it features beautiful sculptures and reliefs.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of Abu Simbel and the Nubian people, be sure to visit the Nubian Museum in Aswan. The museum features a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich history and traditions of the Nubian people.

Overall, the Abu Simbel Temple Complex is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history, sculpture, and historic sites. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique and fascinating travel experience, you won’t be disappointed by the incredible beauty and cultural significance of this amazing site.

Things to Do

Abu Simbel is a fascinating tourist destination that offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing tours, multi-day tours, private tours, or fun water-based activities, there’s something for everyone in Abu Simbel.

Sightseeing Tours

One of the best ways to explore Abu Simbel is by taking a sightseeing tour. You can visit the famous temples of Abu Simbel, which were constructed during the reign of Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. You can also explore the Nubian village, which is known for its vibrant culture and colorful houses.

Multi-Day Tours

If you have more time, you can opt for a multi-day tour of Abu Simbel and the surrounding areas. You can visit other popular tourist destinations such as Luxor, the Pyramids of Giza, and the West Bank of Luxor. You can also take a Nile cruise and explore the beautiful scenery of southern Egypt.

Private Tours

For a more personalized experience, you can opt for a private tour of Abu Simbel. You can customize your itinerary and visit the places that interest you the most. You can also hire a local guide who can provide you with valuable insights into the history and culture of the region.

Felucca Ride – Best Things to Do in Abu Simbel

A felucca ride on the River Nile is a must-do activity in Abu Simbel. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and watch the sunset over the river. You can also take a dip in the river and cool off on a hot day.

Submarine Tours

If you’re interested in underwater exploration, you can take a submarine tour of the Lake Nasser. You can see the beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish that inhabit the lake.

Duck Tours

A duck tour is a unique way to explore Abu Simbel. You can take a ride on an amphibious vehicle that can travel on both land and water. You can explore the town and the surrounding areas in a fun and exciting way.

Snorkeling

If you’re a water enthusiast, you can go snorkeling in Lake Nasser. You can see the beautiful underwater world and swim with the fish.

Nubian Village

The Nubian village is a must-visit destination in Abu Simbel. You can explore the colorful houses and learn about the vibrant culture of the Nubian people. You can also enjoy traditional Nubian food and music.

In conclusion, Abu Simbel offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing tours, multi-day tours, private tours, or fun water-based activities, there’s something for everyone in Abu Simbel. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Tips and Advice

You’ve made it to Abu Simbel, Egypt, and now you’re ready to explore all that this amazing destination has to offer. But before you set out on your adventure, here are some tips and advice that will help you make the most of your time here.

First things first, be prepared for police checkpoints. As you travel around Abu Simbel and the surrounding areas, you may encounter police checkpoints. This is a normal part of life in Egypt, and it’s important to remain calm and respectful when interacting with the police. Keep your passport and other important documents with you at all times, and be prepared to answer questions about your itinerary and travel plans.

If you’re coming from Aswan Governorate, there are several ways to get to Abu Simbel. You can take a roundtrip flight from Aswan, travel by land from Aswan, or fly between Cairo and Aswan. Depending on your Egypt itinerary, one option may be more convenient than the others. If you’re unsure about which option to choose, consider consulting with an Egyptologist or travel agent who specializes in Egypt tailor-made trips.

Once you arrive in Abu Simbel, be sure to take your time exploring the incredible temples and historical sites. The temples of Abu Simbel were carved out of solid rock, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian history and culture. If you’re traveling with a guide, be sure to ask plenty of questions and take advantage of their expertise.

Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Unfinished Obelisk. This massive, unfinished monument is located in a nearby quarry, and it offers a unique perspective on ancient Egyptian stoneworking techniques. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the site can be quite hot and dusty.

With these tips and advice in mind, you’re ready to make the most of your time in Abu Simbel, Egypt. So go ahead and explore this incredible destination, and enjoy all that it has to offer!