Why Abu Simbel Is Worth the Trip: A Guide to Egypt’s Most Dramatic Temple

Why Abu Simbel Is Worth the Trip: A Guide to Egypt’s Most Dramatic Temple. (Updated April 2025).

Deep in southern Egypt, near the Sudanese border, lies one of the most awe-inspiring monuments of the ancient world: the Abu Simbel temples. Carved into a sandstone cliff over 3,000 years ago, these colossal structures stand as a testament to the grandeur of Pharaoh Rameses II and the architectural prowess of ancient Egypt.

Despite their remote location, the temples of Abu Simbel draw travellers from around the globe, eager to witness their monumental beauty and historical significance. Visit Abu Simbel and I guarantee you will be in absolute awe at what you find there. The sight of the imposing temple rising out of the desert is just as incredible today as it must have been when it was built over 3000 years ago. So go on, add Abu Simbel to your Egypt itinerary! Read on for my guide to this historical wonder, Abu Simbel.

Remember to buy travel insurance for your trip. Call of the World readers receive a 5% discount on Heymondo travel insurance.

Read: What to Wear in Egypt as a Female Traveller

What is Abu Simbel?

Abu Simbel is an ancient Egyptian temple complex, with two temples side-by-side: the Great Temple and the Small Temple.

But instead of being built to worship only the gods (in this case Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah), the Pharaoh Rameses II (who commissioned the temples in the 13th century BCE) also designed Abu Simbel to celebrate himself as king. In fact, the front of the Great Temple has four colossal statues of Rameses II, two on either side of the entrance. (Just in case anyone didn’t realise he’s kind of a big deal).

The Small Temple honours the goddess Hathor and also Queen Nefertari. You can go inside both temples, where you can see beautiful hieroglyphs.

The History Behind Abu Simbel

Over time, the temples were lost to the sands of the desert until their rediscovery in 1813 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.

In the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge the temples under the rising waters of Lake Nasser. In an unprecedented international effort led by UNESCO, the temples were meticulously dismantled and relocated to higher ground, preserving them for future generations.

Continue reading below for my guide to visiting Abu Simbel.

What to Expect at the Site

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the imposing façade of the Great Temple, with its four seated statues of Rameses II. Inside, the temple’s walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting the pharaoh’s military victories and religious rituals. The adjacent Small Temple features statues of Queen Nefertari and is equally rich in artistic detail.

While photography is permitted outside, restrictions may apply within the temples. Flash photography is typically prohibited. It’s advisable to check current guidelines before your visit.

Entrance Fees and How to Purchase Tickets for Abu Simbel

As of 2025, the entrance fee for the Abu Simbel Temples is 750 EGP per adult. Students with a valid ID get a discounted rate of 375 EGP. (During the biannual Sun Festival events on February 22 and October 22, when the sun illuminates the temple’s inner sanctum, ticket prices increase to 1,200 EGP for adults and 600 EGP for students.)

Tickets can be purchased at the on-site ticket booth, which accepts cards only; cash payments are not accepted. 👉 Get a WISE card to save on overseas FX charges and hidden fees.

For convenience and to avoid queues, many visitors opt to pre-book tickets online through reputable platforms such as Viator. You’ll get a QR-coded e-ticket, which are typically sent via email a day before your visit.

Additionally, if you plan to use a professional camera or shoot videos, a separate camera ticket is required. This can be purchased at the site and is necessary for any photography beyond standard mobile phone use.

Guided Tours to Abu Simbel

To enhance your experience and ensure a seamless visit, consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation, entrance fees, and expert commentary. Many tours depart from Aswan and offer comprehensive packages that cover all logistical aspects of the trip.

👉 Private Day Tour to Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan

👉 Abu Simbel Private Full-Day Tour from Aswan

🌿 Egypt 8 nights:Cairo,Luxor,Aswan,Abu Simbel,Nile cruise,Balloon

Where is Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a temple built in the very south of Egypt, near the border with Sudan. The nearest city is Aswan, on the Nile River. Abu Simbel is located approximately 280 kilometres south-west of Aswan. Aswan has quite a few luxury hotels with views over the Nile.

👉 Aswan is a popular stopping point for Nile cruises such as 4-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon which includes a beautiful hot air balloon ride over the desert!

How to get to Abu Simbel

Travellers have several options to reach the Abu Simbel site:

• By Air from Aswan: The fastest method is a short flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel Airport, followed by a brief transfer to the temple complex.
• By Air from Cairo: There are daily flights to Aswan from Cairo. The flight time is 1 hour and 25 minutes. Continue to Abu Simbel by road (see below).
• By Road: Many opt for a guided tour bus or private car journey from Aswan, which takes about 3 to 4 hours each way. These tours often depart early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

The best way to find the cheapest flights is to use a dedicated flight search engine like Skyscanner.

N.B. You cannot self-drive to Abu Simbel as there are security checkpoints and you need to be a licensed tour operator to get through.

👉 Find cheap flights in Egypt here.

Guide on when to visit Abu Simbel / Best time of year

It’s best to visit Abu Simbel during the cooler months between October and April, avoiding the heat of the high summer.

I recommend getting there early in the morning so that you can enjoy exploring before it gets baking hot in the middle of the day. Early morning visits are nice for photos of the temples in the soft light of dawn.

Top tip: BUT – If you want photos without the crowds, hang around for a while for the early morning tour buses to leave. It will be hot, but the place empties almost completely, so it’s fab for pics!

Note that the road to Abu Simbel is only open from 5am to 5pm. If you really want the place to yourselves, you could stay overnight in the nearby village (also called Abu Simbel)

A particularly special time to visit is during the biannual Sun Festival, occurring around February 22 and October 22. On these dates, sunlight penetrates the temple’s inner sanctuary, illuminating the statues of Rameses II and the gods, a phenomenon that showcases the ancient Egyptians’ astronomical knowledge.  

Tips for a Memorable Visit

• Hire a Knowledgeable Guide: Although guides cannot accompany you inside the temples, they provide valuable context and historical background that enrich the experience. 
• Stay Hydrated: The desert climate can be intense, so bring water and wear appropriate sun protection.
• Combine with Other Sites: Consider pairing your visit to Abu Simbel with other nearby attractions, such as the temples of Philae or a Nile cruise departing from Aswan.

Guide to Abu Simbel: Summary

• Located in the south of Egypt
• 1hr25 flight from Cairo followed by transfer or 3-4 hour guided drive
• Self-driving is not allowed
• Best to visit October – April (cooler months)
• Adult entrance fee is 750 EGP per person

Final thoughts

Abu Simbel is more than just an archaeological site. It’s a symbol of ancient ingenuity and international cooperation. Its remote location only adds to the allure, offering a unique glimpse into Egypt’s storied past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a curious traveller, a visit to Abu Simbel is an unforgettable journey into the heart of ancient Egypt. I hope you’ve found this guide to Abu Simbel useful.

Read my other posts about Egypt linked in the pictures below:

Practical Information for Visiting Egypt

As well as the above on Why Abu Simbel Is Worth the Trip: A Guide to Egypt’s Most Dramatic Temple, I’ve also included some practical guidance for visiting this beautiful country below:

How do I get a visa for Egypt?

Most countries need a visa to enter Egypt (check your own country’s official guidance), but the process is generally easy. You can apply for either a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa that allow 30 days in Egypt. You can apply for an E-Visa online here. It’s also possible to apply for your Egypt visa on arrival at the airport.

Money in Egypt: (EGP)

If you’re visiting Egypt you’ll need Egyptian Pounds (EGP). To get EGP at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into Egyptian Pounds (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then spend on your Wise card as though it were a local bank card or withdraw cash in Egypt without hidden fees. Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).

👉 Get your WISE card here.

Best Travel Insurance Providers for Egypt

Here are two excellent travel insurance providers that I highly recommend for solo travellers or families visiting Egypt:

1. Heymondo Travel Insurance

I personally use Heymondo for all my trips, and it’s one of the easiest and most reliable travel insurance options I’ve found. Their app is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to access your policy, make claims, and contact support directly from your phone. Heymondo offers excellent coverage, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. I highly recommend it for anyone planning to visit Egypt.

Why choose Heymondo?

• Comprehensive coverage: Offers medical, cancellation, and baggage coverage.
• User-friendly app: Manage your policy easily from anywhere.
• Global assistance: 24/7 emergency assistance available.

👉 Purchase Heymondo travel insurance here.

2. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

For digital nomads, long-term travellers, or those planning an extended stay in Egypt, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is an excellent choice. It’s specifically designed for globally mobile individuals, and their flexible plans can be tailored to suit your travel style. SafetyWing covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip interruptions, and even COVID-19-related issues—making it ideal for travellers who need long-term protection.

Why choose SafetyWing?

• Flexible plans: Ideal for long-term travellers or digital nomads.
• COVID-19 coverage: Includes coverage for COVID-19-related disruptions.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive rates for extended travel coverage.

👉 Find Out More About SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

Plan Your Trip to Egypt: Useful Travel Resource Links

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