Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is one of Egypt's most impressive ancient sites, featuring two massive rock temples carved out of a mountainside back in the 13th century BC. These temples were built by Pharaoh Ramses II, partly to show off his power to neighboring kingdoms and intimidate the Nubians. The main temple has four colossal statues of Ramses II himself, each standing about 20 meters tall, with serious expressions that have stared down visitors for over 3,000 years.
What many people don't know is that the entire complex was actually moved in the 1960s! When the Aswan High Dam was built, the temples would have been submerged under Lake Nasser. In a massive UNESCO-led rescue operation, the temples were cut into blocks, moved to higher ground, and reassembled piece by piece. It's considered one of the greatest archaeological rescue missions ever.
The temples are also known for a fascinating solar phenomenon that happens twice a year. On February 22 and October 22, the sun's rays align perfectly to illuminate the inner sanctuary statues - except for Ptah, the god of darkness. The ancient Egyptians planned this alignment deliberately, showing just how advanced their astronomical knowledge was. Abu Simbel sits near Egypt's southern border with Sudan, making it a bit of a journey to reach, but absolutely worth the trip for anyone interested in ancient history.
ratings
| Category | Rating | Your Rating |
|---|---|---|
| atmosphere |
|
|
| culture |
|
|
| food |
|
|
| scenery |
|
|
| tourism |
|
|
Things to do in Abu Simbel
Top things to do in Abu Simbel by www.planetware.com
Where to stay in Abu Simbel
Best hotels in Abu Simbel:
-
Hllol Hotel (budget hotel)
Hllol Hotel Abu Simbel is a cozy spot just a mile from the famous temples. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with air conditioning to beat the desert heat. What really makes this place special is the colorful Nubian-style decor - the hand-painted designs and artwork everywhere give it tons of character.
The garden areas are perfect for relaxing with a book or chatting with other travelers. The staff are super friendly and go out of their way to help. Don't miss trying the fish tagine at the on-site restaurant - it's delicious.
While not luxurious, Hllol Hotel has a warm, welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home. It's a great base for exploring Abu Simbel without breaking the bank. Just be sure to book early, as it tends to fill up fast.
-
Nabra (homestay)
Nabra is a cozy guesthouse in Abu Simbel that offers a comfortable home base for exploring the famous temples. Located just over a mile from the Abu Simbel archaeological site, it's an easy walk or quick drive to see the impressive monuments.
The guesthouse has clean, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. There's a shared kitchen where guests can prepare meals, as well as a lounge area to relax. The friendly owner, Hamza, goes above and beyond to help guests, arranging tours and transportation.
What really stands out about Nabra is its great location and value. It's close to the town center and market, but still quiet. For the price, you get a lot - comfy rooms, helpful service, and a convenient spot for sightseeing. It's an ideal choice for budget travelers wanting a pleasant stay near Abu Simbel's main attraction.
-
Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort (luxury hotel)
Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort offers a stunning escape on the shores of Lake Nasser. The resort blends beautifully into the surrounding landscape, with lush gardens and amazing views of the lake and mountains.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, many with private balconies overlooking the water. There are three inviting pools to cool off in, including a kids' pool. The restaurant serves up tasty international cuisine, and you can enjoy drinks by the pool or on the terrace as the sun sets.
One of the best things about this place is how close it is to the famous Abu Simbel temples - just a 15 minute walk or quick drive away. The staff are super friendly and helpful too. While it's not cheap, the serene setting and proximity to the temples make it worth splurging on for a night or two when visiting this incredible ancient site.
-
Tuya Hotel (medium range hotel)
Tuya Hotel in Abu Simbel offers a convenient and comfortable stay just a short walk from the famous temples. The hotel's bright red exterior makes it easy to spot, and inside you'll find clean, simple rooms with comfortable beds and air conditioning.
The friendly staff are happy to help arrange temple visits or tickets for the sound and light show. After a day of sightseeing, you can relax in the hotel restaurant and enjoy some tasty local dishes. The free breakfast gets good reviews from guests too.
Location is definitely one of Tuya's biggest selling points. Being so close to the temples means you can easily pop over for sunrise or the evening light show. The hotel also provides free airport shuttle service, making it easy to get to and from your flight. Overall, Tuya Hotel gives you a great base for exploring Abu Simbel without breaking the bank.
book now on booking.com