Abu Simbel Tour from Cairo via Aswan: A Detailed Review

Planning a visit to Abu Simbel, and traveling all the way from Cairo? So, too, that sounds like a big trip, but one that is totally worth it. Many travelers opt for a route that goes through Aswan, and that’s something which makes sense. It gives you a chance to see more of what Egypt has to offer, yet it can be quite an adventure, too. I’m going to get into the details regarding what you might expect, the cool things you’ll get to see, and, more or less, the little, helpful tips that can definitely assist in making your experience seriously amazing. Think of this, very, as your guide to really get the most out of your trip.

Why Choose the Cairo-Aswan-Abu Simbel Route?

You are maybe asking yourself, that is, “Why go all the way to Aswan first when I only want to see Abu Simbel?”. Well, a few pretty awesome reasons come to mind. Is that right? The drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel is significantly shorter, that, than going straight from Cairo. This, of course, will help you avoid an incredibly lengthy single car or bus ride. Plus, you get a chance to see Aswan. This destination tends to be such a fantastic city known, by the way, for its calmer vibe when compared to Cairo, with some unique Nubian culture, and with remarkable spots to visit like the Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk, actually. Getting there really becomes such a two-for-one adventure, really, instead of only seeing Abu Simbel.

Speaking of the Philae Temple, it’s certainly quite a site, appearing to be moved to Agilkia Island to, perhaps, prevent its submersion by the rising waters of Lake Nasser, by the way. It’s actually devoted to the goddess Isis and just brims with incredible carvings, definitely. Then there’s the Unfinished Obelisk. It gives you, by the way, some fascinating glimpses into the ancient Egyptian stone-working methods, very. Think of standing there, and gazing upon something the ancient Egyptians were in the middle of creating. It, you know, brings history to life, totally.

Planning Your Trip: Key Considerations

Before you pack your bags and hop, perhaps, on a plane, a bit of prep can make or, on the other hand, break your trip, obviously. First, you will want to book your tour. Many tour operators, actually, provide packages from Cairo which, you know, include flights or train tickets to Aswan, that, plus the trip to Abu Simbel. Checking reviews and also making sure they’re using trustworthy services is a great idea. Now, here are the things which you really want to mull over:

Duration: Tours vary, that is. Some are day trips from Aswan, so, too, which means a seriously early wake-up. Others include overnight stays either in Aswan or even Abu Simbel to provide you with a more, pretty, relaxed pace.
Transportation: So, too, find out how you’ll be traveling between destinations. This, actually, could be by plane, train, or tour bus. Determine which option gives you both a good value and really fits your personal comfort level.
Accommodation: If the package comes with accommodation, find out about the hotel’s reputation. Check those reviews so you know what others thought, still.
Included activities: See what sites are actually included. This could mean entrance fees, guides at the temples, and sometimes even meals. Is that all the main thing you want?

Don’t neglect the seasons, literally. Egypt really gets really hot, seriously, mostly during the summer months, so it’s almost better to plan your trip during the cooler months that, usually from October to April. That being said, it is more pleasant for exploring those sites.

What to Expect on the Road

Okay, so now you are on your way. What can you count on? As I was saying, if you travel by road, the trip between Aswan and Abu Simbel typically lasts somewhere around three hours. Those convoys are common for safety reasons, or, arguably, were in the past. You should prepare for an early start, literally; tour buses usually depart before dawn, literally, so they can get you to Abu Simbel for sunrise. It will be extremely worth it, trust me.

The landscape changes quite a bit, typically. You are going to go from the greener areas around Aswan, literally, to the very stark desert landscapes. Bring something, though, to read, by the way, or download a few audio books to help you enjoy that part. Most importantly, of course, there will be restroom stops, so don’t feel scared about that, too.

Experiencing Abu Simbel: A Sensory Overload

You’re, actually, arriving at Abu Simbel. The first view will surely be nothing short of jaw-dropping. These gigantic temples, still, which were built by Ramesses II, still, literally stand as an enduring testament to ancient Egypt’s, virtually, creativity and definitely power. It feels very impressive when you are seeing them for the very first time. Seriously.

The outside has these four massive statues which show Ramesses II, honestly, while the main temple actually features hallways and some chambers filled with engravings. Spend some time looking over these very intricate hieroglyphs. A guide is more than, arguably, useful here, seeing as they actually can show you the history and significance in far better depth than you may experience on your own, anyway. I want you to listen, though, for stories about how this entire temple had to get moved to dodge being submerged by Lake Nasser, totally.

The smaller temple which is dedicated to Nefertari, Ramesses’ main wife, is not something, seriously, to skip, seeing as the depictions of both Ramesses and Nefertari is something which illustrates the significance he gave to her, you know. Taking photos can be fine. Is that right? Only you will need to make sure about whether flash photography gets permitted in certain parts, anyway. You really want to save all of your moments, truly.

Maximizing Your Visit: Tips and Tricks

So you can have the very best visit, and here are some useful tips for traveling, or, just maybe, using your visit better:

Stay hydrated: You will need to bring plenty, arguably, of water. Especially during the warm months, even though the desert sun feels fairly intense.
Dress appropriately: Wear looser clothing, really, made out of breathable fabrics and throw on a hat with those sunglasses for a tad of sun protection.
Arrive early: Sunrise, you know, really is spectacular, yet arriving early actually means dodging some midday heat and a few tour groups, literally.
Engage with your guide: Don’t hesitate when you are asking about history, you know, or, of course, taking their guidance. It could be quite, too, helpful in adding value.
Respect the site: Please stick to the marked paths, though, you know, and absolutely don’t touch, you know, the carvings. This can go without saying, but yet you will see some disrespect and I personally ask that you lead, seriously, with honor.
Budget for extras: Small shops surround some area, truly, but bringing cash may certainly let you purchase souvenirs and also other things.

These tiny considerations usually make your time memorable. Have I mentioned, that, being ready and completely respectful to where you go might greatly improve what you might get from everything. I hope so, and I would definitely love hearing back from you and any anecdotes you had when you went.

This particular tour towards Abu Simbel, honestly from Cairo through Aswan gives much, you know, beyond only viewing historic sites; it truly becomes completely immersed into some of Egypt’s very most interesting places, and of course, of those, a great piece shows in old history of which I enjoy the most, anyway.

Don’t just rush to look into its stones from really past years without feeling for it; use this time to literally hear their accounts in one way which is something that is probably remembered after a long period following our presence there also!

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