Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan: Private Car & Egyptologist Guide

Summary

Private drive through the Sahara to Abu Simbel’s carved temples

You’ll cross quiet desert roads from Aswan with your own driver and Egyptologist guide, stopping at a Saharan camp for tea before reaching Abu Simbel’s ancient temples. Hear stories of Ramesses II and Nefertari as you explore their mountain-carved monuments, then return with new memories of both history and wide-open silence.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is how empty the road felt—just our car humming along, sand stretching out in every direction. We left Aswan when it was still dark, and honestly, I was half-asleep until the sun started to show up behind those low desert hills. Our driver handed me bottled water and pointed out a group of camels in the distance—he said something in Arabic that made our guide laugh. The air smelled dry, almost metallic. We stopped at this little camp halfway through for tea; I’m not sure what herbs they used but it tasted sharp and earthy, and my fingers got sticky from the sweet biscuits they passed around.

When we finally reached Abu Simbel, I wasn’t prepared for how massive those statues looked up close. Our Egyptologist guide—her name was Salma—had this way of telling stories that made everything feel alive. She talked about Ramesses II and his wife Nefertari like she’d just seen them yesterday. At one point she pointed to a spot above the entrance where you could still see faint paint from 3,000 years ago. I tried to imagine carving all that straight into the mountain with only hand tools—it’s wild. The air inside the temple felt cool against my skin after the heat outside.

I kept thinking about how these temples were moved stone by stone so they wouldn’t drown under Lake Nasser back in the ‘60s. There’s something strange about standing somewhere so old but also so… rescued? Salma told us about the international effort, and I could tell she was proud—she smiled every time someone asked her a question. On the way back to Aswan, everyone got quiet for a while—maybe just tired or maybe letting it all sink in. Anyway, I still think about that first glimpse of Abu Simbel rising out of nowhere.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Simbel tour from Aswan

• Pickup between 4:00 and 11:00 a.m.
• Drive 3 hours through Sahara desert
• Break at desert camp
• Arrive at Abu Simbel temples
• Join Egyptologist tour guide
• Listen to stories about Ramesses II
• Visit temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari
• Learn about temple relocation in 1964

Top questions

How long is the drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel?

The drive takes about 3 hours each way through the Sahara desert.

Is hotel pickup included on this Abu Simbel day trip?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup can be arranged between 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., depending on your preference.

Is there an Egyptologist guide during the tour?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by a professional Egyptologist tour guide at Abu Simbel.

Are snacks or drinks provided?

Bottled water and snacks are included during your journey.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join this trip?

Infants are welcome; specialized infant seats can be provided if requested.

Do we stop anywhere on the way to Abu Simbel?

You’ll have a break at a camp in the middle of the desert for refreshments before continuing to Abu Simbel.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in Aswan by modern air-conditioned car with a professional driver, bottled water and snacks along the way (plus an optional baby seat if needed), all entry fees and taxes covered, plus your own expert Egyptologist guide waiting at Abu Simbel to bring its history to life before heading back together in comfort.