Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan: Shared Tour with Hotel Pickup

Summary

Explore Ancient Temples on a Guided Abu Simbel Excursion

If you want to see ancient Egypt up close without any hassle, this shared Abu Simbel tour from Aswan is worth it. Early start means cooler temps and fewer crowds—and having someone else handle all the driving lets you focus on soaking up every moment at these incredible temples.

What’s the experience like?

The alarm went off before sunrise—4am comes early in Aswan, but the city’s still quiet and cool at that hour. Our driver was right on time, waiting outside the hotel lobby with a minibus that smelled faintly of lemon-scented cleaner. I grabbed a quick coffee from the night porter (he always has some ready for these early starts) and we set off, headlights slicing through the sleepy streets.

The drive south toward Abu Simbel is long but oddly peaceful. You’ll see stretches of desert broken up by tiny villages—kids waving as we passed, goats wandering near the road. Our guide, Mahmoud, pointed out Lake Nasser shimmering in the distance just as the sun started to rise. It’s a good idea to bring a light jacket; even in Egypt, mornings can be chilly out here.

Arriving at Abu Simbel feels like stepping into another world. The temples are massive—honestly, photos don’t do them justice. We had about two hours to wander around, and I spent most of it just staring up at those huge statues of Ramses II. Inside, you’ll notice how cool it stays compared to outside (a relief once the sun gets going). Mahmoud shared stories about how they moved the whole site in the 1960s to save it from flooding—there’s even old black-and-white photos on display if you look near the entrance.

On the way back, everyone was pretty quiet—some folks napped, others scrolled through their photos or chatted softly about what they’d seen. By noon we were back in Aswan, just as the city started to heat up again. Honestly? It’s one of those trips where you feel like you’ve really seen something special.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Simbel Temple Visit

• Explore Abu Simbel Temple

Top questions

How early does pickup start?

Pickups usually begin around 4am so we can reach Abu Simbel before it gets too hot or crowded.

Is there enough time at Abu Simbel?

You’ll have about two hours to explore both temples at your own pace—plenty for photos and a good look inside.

Can I bring my stroller or wheelchair?

Yes! The vehicle and site access are both suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

What should I bring for the trip?

I recommend comfy shoes, a light jacket for early morning, water, snacks, and your camera or phone charger.

What’s included

Your spot includes hotel or Nile cruise pickup and drop-off in Aswan, an air-conditioned ride both ways (trust me—it matters), plus two full hours to explore Abu Simbel’s temples at your own pace. Wheelchair access and infant seats are available if you need them—just let us know ahead of time so we can make sure everything’s set up for you.