Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple, Luxor: 2 hours

The temple tells its own story when the lights come up at night.

The Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple in Luxor is a 2-hour evening activity where you walk the Avenue of Sphinx and sit overlooking the sacred lake while the complex is illuminated and a narrator recounts the achievements of ancient Egypt's pharaohs. Hotel pickup and transport by air-conditioned minivan are included, along with entry fees and a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French and other languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Attend Karnak Sound and Light Show

• Pickup from hotel or Nile cruise
• Walk along Avenue of Sphinx
• Pass through towering facade into Great Court
• Listen to Pharaohs’ narration of history
• See illuminated temple additions
• Be seated overlooking sacred lake
• Watch illuminated complex and story continue

The Experience

Two hours after sunset, a guide picks you up from your Luxor hotel and drives you to Karnak Temple. The show opens as you walk the Avenue of Sphinx toward the towering facade and into the Great Court. While you move through the complex, a narrator's voice—booming across the stone—tells the history of Upper Egypt and the New Kingdom. The various temples and additions left by King Tutankhamen, Ramses II, and Queen Hatshepsut light up against the night sky as the story unfolds.

The second half seats you overlooking the sacred lake. From there, the entire illuminated complex becomes the stage for the rest of the narration. The ground in and around Karnak is uneven and sandy, so wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. The show is suitable for all ages, though the darkness and volume of the commentary can be intense for younger children. Transport is by air-conditioned minivan, and your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and additional languages.

What’s included

• Entry to Karnak Temple.
• hotel pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned minivan.
• live guide in your choice of language.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Dahab Safari Day Tours

Is this one for you?Two hours is short enough to fit into an evening without disrupting the rest of your day in Luxor, but long enough to walk the temple grounds and sit through the full narration at the sacred lake.

Top questions

What happens during the Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple?

The show has two parts: first you walk the Avenue of Sphinx through the Great Court while a narrator recounts the history of ancient Egypt's pharaohs and the temple's additions are illuminated; then you sit overlooking the sacred lake as the complex continues to light up and the story concludes.

Does the tour include transportation from my hotel?

Yes, pickup and return transport from your Luxor hotel are included, along with entry fees to Karnak Temple and an air-conditioned minivan for the journey.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide offers commentary in English, Spanish, Italian, French and several other languages.

Is the Sound and Light Show suitable for children?

The show is suitable for all ages, but the complex is very dark and the narration is loud, which may be frightening for younger children.

What should I wear to the show?

Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes because the ground in and around Karnak is uneven and sandy, and you'll be walking the Avenue of Sphinx and through the temple complex.