What to see and do in Abu Simbel and Nubia

What to visit in Abu Simbel and Nubia

• Abu Simbel Temples
• New Kalabsha · Mandulis temple
• Temples of Wadi es-Sebua

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Abu Simbel and Nubia

heritage

Abu Simbel Temples

The Great Temple of Ramses II and the temple dedicated to Nefertari and Hathor form a monumental complex next to Lake Nasser, moved during the international rescue campaign.

Activities for your visit

• Contemplate the facades and their colossal sculptures.
• Explore the open spaces of the two temples.

Tips for this place

• Abu Simbel is about 300 km south of Aswan - requires arranging a long-distance transfer.
• Confirm transportation, visit time and return before choosing the date.

Book tickets ↗

Official reserve of the Abu Simbel complex. Entrance to the monument does not include transportation from Aswan or flights; review the specific conditions of dates with solar alignment.

Reference sources and location

• Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities · Abu Simbel

Orientative reference of the place; it does not indicate a gate, ticket office, pier or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 22.336944, 31.625556.

Wikidata · Abu Simbel

heritage

New Kalabsha · Mandulis temple

The Kalabsha temple, dedicated mainly to Mandulis, is one of the monuments moved to preserve Nubian heritage. It is located near the High Dam, far from Abu Simbel.

Activities for your visit

• Get to know the temple and the authorized sectors of New Kalabsha.
• Observe the architecture and inscriptions of the site.

Tips for this place

• Plan access to the island and return boat with a confirmed service.
• Kalabsha and Abu Simbel are not nearby stops for a walking tour.

Book tickets ↗

Official entrance to the Kalabsha temple. Separately confirm transfer to the island, pier and return; Does not include transportation or an excursion to Abu Simbel.

Reference sources and location

• Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities · Kalabsha Temple

Orientative reference of the place; it does not indicate a gate, ticket office, pier or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 23.9609, 32.86734.

Wikidata Temple of Kalabsha

heritage

Temples of Wadi es-Sebua

Wadi es-Sebua is part of the Nubian heritage saved from the flood. Its location next to Lake Nasser requires a specific visit and transfer, different from those in Aswan or Abu Simbel.

Activities for your visit

• Know the set of temples relocated according to the open sectors.
• Observe the relationship of the Nubian heritage with the lake landscape.

Tips for this place

• Confirm a stopover or transfer service that actually includes Wadi es-Sebua.
• Don't add it as an impromptu stop on the road trip to Abu Simbel.

Book tickets ↗

Official entrance to the Wadi es-Sebua site. Does not include cruise, boat or transportation; First agree on a service that confirms access to the place and the visit.

Reference sources and location

• Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities · Temples of New Wadi es-Sebua

Orientative reference of the place; it does not indicate a gate, ticket office, pier or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 22.79319, 32.54528.

Wikidata · Wadi es-Sebua

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

3-Day Abu Simbel and Nubia Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Abu Simbel with confirmed transfer

   Dedicate the day or stay that requires your transportation to the two temples of Abu Simbel, with agreed return or accommodation.

2. Day 2

   Kalabsha from Aswan area

   On another day, visit New Kalabsha with the confirmed boat and pier. It is not proposed as a continuation on foot from Abu Simbel.

3. Day 3

   Wadi es-Sebua with organized access

   Choose this visit only with a stopover or confirmed service to reach the venue. The total duration of the trip across the lake depends on the transportation contracted.

Tips for visiting Abu Simbel and Nubia

• The three days are separate ideas: confirm transfers before purchasing tickets.
• A monument ticket does not include a cruise, boat, plane or road transportation.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Abu Simbel and Nubia

Beans, rice, herbs and layered doughs: six preparations to discover Egyptian cuisine during your trip. The photographs show reference versions of each dish.

Egypt · Popular cuisine

Koshari

Rice, pasta, lentils and chickpeas together with garlic tomato sauce and fried onion. A strong combination of everyday Egyptian cuisine.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture

Egypt · Breakfast with baladi bread

Ful medames

Slowly cooked and seasoned broad beans, served with baladi bread. A traditional breakfast that allows different accompaniments.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture

Egypt · Fried beans

Taameya · Egyptian falafel

Fried discs of ground beans with aromatic herbs. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are part of the Egyptian breakfast repertoire.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture

Egypt · Green leaf soup

Molokhia

Soup of finely chopped molokhia leaves, flavored with garlic and coriander. It can be served over rice or accompanied by bread.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture

Egypt · Rolls to share

Stuffed grape leaves · Wara enab

Grape leaves rolled around herbed rice; some versions add meat. They are cooked in broth and are usually prepared to share.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture

Egypt Dough in thin layers

Feteer meshaltet

Laminated dough with butter between its layers, which can be accompanied with sweet or savory ingredients. A specialty of Egyptian rural tradition.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture