Abu Simbel (Egypt)

Abu Simbel is an unusual cruise stop rather than a conventional port town. Lake Nasser cruise vessels call primarily so passengers can visit the Abu Simbel temple complex, and shore arrangements are commonly coordinated by the cruise operator. There is no large cruise terminal with a predictable walk-off route, and the exact mooring or passenger landing point can vary by vessel and itinerary.

At a Glance

• Best for: Abu Simbel's Great Temple of Ramesses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor and Nefertari.
• Independent sightseeing:Organized excursion recommended. Shore access and transfers are normally closely linked to the Lake Nasser cruise itinerary.
• Time needed: Allow about 1.5-2 hours at the temple complex, excluding transfer time from the vessel.
• Walking: Moderate amounts of walking at the archaeological site, mostly on exposed paths with very little shade.
• Do not plan: An independent day trip to Aswan during a normal port call. Aswan is roughly 280-300 km (174-186 mi) away by road and normally requires several hours of driving each way.

Getting from the Cruise Ship

Lake Nasser cruise ships operate between Aswan and Abu Simbel, but Abu Simbel does not function like a conventional ocean-cruise terminal. Operators may use different docking or landing arrangements, so passengers should follow the transfer instructions provided aboard their particular vessel rather than assuming they can simply walk from the ship.

The temples stand directly beside Lake Nasser, and some cruise itineraries approach them from the water before passengers go ashore. Guided visits to the complex are commonly incorporated into Lake Nasser cruise programs.

If you intend to separate from the organized group, first confirm where and when you must meet the ship again. Local transport is much less extensive than in Aswan or Luxor, making an improvised return to the vessel a poor option.

Best Ways to Spend Your Time

Visit the Great Temple of Ramesses II

This is the essential Abu Simbel experience. The monumental façade is dominated by four colossal seated figures of Ramesses II. Inside, a sequence of halls leads toward the sanctuary, with reliefs and statues throughout the temple.

Allow roughly 45-60 minutes if you want time for both the exterior and interior rather than rushing through with a group.

See the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari

The smaller temple stands close to the Great Temple and should be included in the same visit. It is dedicated to Hathor and Queen Nefertari and is particularly notable for the prominent representation of the queen on its façade.

Allow another 20-30 minutes, depending on queues and how much time you spend examining the interior reliefs.

Allow Time for the Lake Nasser Setting

Do not use the entire shore visit inside the temples. The approach paths and lakeside side of the complex provide useful views of the monuments in their present setting above Lake Nasser. The temples were relocated to higher ground during the 1960s to protect them from the rising reservoir.

A complete temple visit with photographs, both interiors and some time beside the lake normally fits comfortably into about 1.5-2 hours.

Abu Simbel Village

The modern settlement is separate from the archaeological visit and is not a major sightseeing destination during a short cruise call. Consider it only if your vessel has a long stay and transport has been arranged. The temples should take priority.

Walking at Abu Simbel

A conventional self-guided walk from the cruise landing through town is not recommended because the exact passenger landing arrangements vary and cruise operators generally coordinate access to the archaeological site.

Once delivered to the temple entrance, however, the complex itself is straightforward to explore on foot. The approach from the visitor entrance to the temples is several hundred meters, followed by short walks between the Great Temple, the smaller Temple of Nefertari and the lakeside viewpoints. Expect roughly 1-1.5 km (0.6-0.9 mi) of walking during an unhurried visit.

The main difficulty is the climate rather than distance. Paths are exposed to the sun, and temperatures can be severe, particularly around midday. There can also be steps and uneven surfaces around entrances and within the monuments.

When an Organized Visit Makes Sense

For most Lake Nasser cruise passengers, staying with the ship's arranged visit is the most practical choice. It removes uncertainty about the landing point, local transport, admission logistics and the time at which passengers must return.

A guide is also particularly useful here because much of the interest lies in the temple reliefs, their relationship to Ramesses II and Nefertari, and the extraordinary relocation of the entire complex before the creation of Lake Nasser.

Practical Tips

• Take water, sun protection and a hat; much of the visit is outdoors with limited shade.
• Comfortable walking shoes are preferable even though the distances are relatively short.
• Visit both temples before spending extra time on photography or viewpoints if your shore time is limited.
• Follow current posted rules for photography and access inside the temples.
• Do not assume taxis or other transport will be waiting at the cruise landing. Arrange any independent transport in advance.
• Return to the vessel or ship-designated meeting point with a generous margin, particularly when a boat transfer forms part of the shore operation.