Private Tour: Abu Simbel by Minibus from Aswan

So its three hours each way to drive - but seriously it is worth it! My original departure was 4am but after talking to the company it isn't necessary to leave that early unless you have something planned for the afternoon. I got to sleep in a little, we left at 8:45am which meant we missed the crowds - I literally had the temple to myself for 30 minutes before anyone else showed up! My guide was Magdelena - very knowledgeable and friendly.

Our guide was not very knowledgeable and was unable to answer our questions clearly, always giving blurry answers. Guide and driver were not very welcoming either. I’d recommend choosing another tour agency to go to Abu Simbel. And make sure to leave Aswan at 3:45am and not later (they’ll try to push the time many many times) because the earlier you get there the least tourists.

Before heading to Egypt, I was unable to secure a flight to Abu Simbel for the time I would be in Aswan. However, I was determined to not miss visiting the iconic temples in Abu Simbel! Once in Egypt, I was able to arrange a private tour which included a ride in a minibus from Aswan to Abu Simbel as well as a tour outside of the temples. At $120.00, the cost for the minibus tour was less than one half of the cost for the tour with flight to Abu Simbel. The tour included five people and we had an early start from our hotel. The minibus was comfortable and the tour guide provided a nice overview of what we would be experiencing at Abu Simbel. The minibus ride also allowed me to enjoy the scenery along the way including desert areas and Nubian communities. Once we arrived the tour guide provided a great summary of the history of the temples and also helped us run the “gauntlet” of the bazaar once we were leaving the temple area. Note that tour guides are not allowed inside of the temples; visitors are able to explore the interiors on their own. Both the drive to and from Abu Simbel was smooth and I felt safe throughout the tour. For those visitors who don’t mind an approximately three hour road trip, this is a great option that allows for a lovely scenic journey and even a little nap, if necessary!

+6

<p>The place itself is amazing and a must do however it was horribly expensive with this company. We had done other tours in egypt that were amazing and less than half the price with guides that were out going and extremely educated on diverse topics. On this tour I felt like we go there, we looked around and went back. On the other tours at least they gave us water, food, and pleasant conversation. I would book once getting there unless you want to throw away a lot of money! The worst thing is after paying all that money, Then they asked for a tip after. I would not go with this company, but I would definitely go to Abu Simbel.</p>

<p>We were met up at the train station at Aswan and immediately felt well taken care of. We then travelled in a mini bus in a convoy to Abu Simbel, which took three hours one way. The guide spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable and gave us the historical background on the Aswan Dam and Abu Simbel. The ride thorough the Sahara desert was an experience in it self. The Abu Simbel temple was magnificent! We had a tight schedule and needed to catch our train to go back to Cairo and the guide and the driver made every effort to make sure we made it on time. The tour was all in all very well organised and we highly recommend it!</p>

<p>Fascinating place! Even if a long trip to get there, well worth it!</p>

<p>Long journey but worth it, amazing to see<br/> Guide was great</p>

<p>My son characterized this exhibit as the Mount Rushmore of Egypt. He is correct. This is a amazing tour and the statues are along the back of a breathtaking lake. The whole scene is quite picturesque. <br/> ** It is a long commute from Aswan to Abu Simbel. 3 hours + / - You drive through the desert with a caravan of other tour vehicles for safety. Bring water and borrow the pillow from your hotel room :-)</p>

<p>My guide (Michael) and driver (Peter) were both professional and on time. The drive is roughly 3 hours (I left with the early 4 a.m. convoy). Michael spoke fluent English, and upon arrival at the site we walked to the front of the massive mountain monuments. Michael explained both momuments and their interiors (Guides are not permitted inside) for perhaps 20 minutes before giving me a full 2 hours and 15 minutes to explore by myself. This is an amazing place and a must see. Just make sure you grab a drink as soon as you step out of the car because after about 10 minutes alone I walked backed to the parking lot to buy a drink.</p>

<p>The local agency met us at our boat when we arrived in Aswan and made arrangements to met us the next day at 3:45 am. The boat provided a box breakfast and coffee/tea. My son and I were the only participants, so we basically had a private tour. We went in a car with driver and guide. Abu Simbel is well worth the long drive and early morning departure. Afterwards they took us to our hotel in Aswan and arranged for transportation to the airport the next morning. Very impressed with the service and highly recommend the tour.</p>