Abu Simbel Excursion Day Trip From Aswan (Sharing Bus Without Guide)

The Abu Simbel Excursion Day Trip from Aswan offers travelers a budget-friendly way to explore one of Egypt’s most iconic historical sites. Departing early, visitors enjoy a scenic drive to the temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, where they’re free to wander at their own pace. While guided options are available, many appreciate the flexibility of experiencing this UNESCO World Heritage site independently. With comfortable transportation and ample time to admire the colossal monuments, this excursion provides an immersive glimpse into ancient Egyptian culture. The only question is, what will you discover during your visit to Abu Simbel?

Good To Know

• Budget-friendly day trip from Aswan to explore the impressive Abu Simbel temples in a shared air-conditioned bus without a guide.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but admission tickets need to be purchased separately.
• Journey takes approximately 2.45 hours each way, with 2 hours allocated for on-site temple exploration.
• Mixed feedback on communication and driver safety, but flexible cancellation policy and competitive pricing.
• Additional fees apply for pickups from the Nubian village of Gharb Sohel and private motorboat transfers.

Overview of the Excursion

This Abu Simbel day trip is a budget-friendly, full-day shared excursion from Aswan.

Travelers can experience the iconic temples of Abu Simbel on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus with up to 15 passengers. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and admission tickets are purchased separately. An optional private guide is available at an additional cost.

The excursion has a rating of 4.1 out of 20 reviews, with mixed feedback on the communication and safety of the drivers. Travelers are advised to bring passport photos and read about the temples beforehand to make the most of their visit.

With a flexible cancellation policy and competitive pricing, this day trip offers a convenient way to explore the ancient wonders of Abu Simbel.

Itinerary and Schedule Details

The Abu Simbel day trip departs early in the morning, with pickups starting at 4:00 AM from hotels on the east bank of Aswan.

Additional fees may apply for hotels in the Nubian village of Gharb Sohel. Travelers can also opt for a private motorboat pickup from Gharb Aswan or Elephantine Island, at an extra cost.

The drive to Abu Simbel takes approximately 2.45 hours. Once at the site, visitors will have around 2 hours to explore the temples.

The total duration of the excursion is determined by the travel time and the allocated time at Abu Simbel.

Costs and Inclusions Breakdown

The Abu Simbel day trip comes with a few additional costs that travelers should be aware of. The entrance fees to the temples are 255 EGP per person.

Visitors can also opt for a private guide at an extra cost of 200 EGP per group. The tour package includes air-conditioned vehicle transport, fuel surcharge, parking fees, and gratuities.

Travelers should note that there are no additional charges for hotel pickup and drop-off within Aswan. However, an additional fee may apply for hotels located in the Nubian village of Gharb Sohel.

Lastly, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, subject to availability.

Traveler Experiences and Reviews

Mixing both positive and negative feedback, reviews of the Abu Simbel day trip highlight travelers’ varied experiences. While some praised the comfortable transportation and punctuality, others reported issues with communication and driving safety. Many travelers enjoyed the opportunity to explore the temples without a guide, though a few noted concerns about missed pickups and lack of timely information from the operator. Regarding safety, some travelers expressed discomfort with the fast driving and aggressive maneuvers by the drivers.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Comfortable transport	Communication problems
Punctual schedule	Driving safety issues
Temples exploration without guide	Missed pickups
–	Lack of timely information
–	Aggressive driving

Transportation and Pickup Options

Offering convenient pickup options, the Abu Simbel day trip provides travelers with the choice of hotel pickup from locations across Aswan’s east bank.

For those staying in the Nubian village of Gharb Sohel, there’s an additional fee for pickup. Alternatively, travelers can opt for private motorboat transfers from Gharb Aswan or Elephantine Island, though this comes at an extra cost.

The bus journey to Abu Simbel takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with around 2 hours allocated for exploring the temples.

Regardless of the pickup location, the air-conditioned bus transports up to 15 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout the day trip.

Exploring Abu Simbel Temples

Upon arrival at the Abu Simbel temples, travelers are granted ample time to explore these ancient marvels.

The towering statues of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari stand guard over the two temples, which are renowned for their impressive scale and intricate carvings.

Visitors can wander through the temples, admiring the detailed hieroglyphics and learning about the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The experience offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and take in the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization.

With no guide, travelers can explore at their own pace, taking in the sights and soaking up the serene atmosphere of this remarkable archaeological wonder.

Additional Considerations and Tips

While the Abu Simbel excursion offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture, there are a few additional considerations travelers should keep in mind. The trip may not be wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available. Most travelers can participate, with a maximum group size of 15. Travelers are advised to provide passport photos for booking due to security checks. Exploring the temples without a guide can be fulfilling, but reading about them beforehand is suggested to enhance the experience. Lastly, travelers should be prepared for higher prices for restrooms and refreshments at Abu Simbel compared to Aswan.

Additional Considerations
Not Wheelchair Accessible	Infant Seats Available	Maximum Group Size of 15
Passport Photos Needed	Exploring Without Guide	Read About Temples Beforehand
Higher Prices at Abu Simbel

Booking and Confirmation Process

Travelers can book the Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan through an online platform. The booking process is straightforward, allowing customers to select their preferred pickup location in Aswan.

Once the reservation is made, travelers will receive a confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability. It’s important to note that the operator requires passport photos for booking due to security checks at the site.

Travelers should ensure they provide this information promptly to avoid any delays. The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility for the customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alcoholic Beverages Served During the Trip?

Based on the information provided, there’s no indication that alcoholic beverages are served during this day trip. The excursion seems to focus on visiting the Abu Simbel temples, without any mention of alcohol being offered or included.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks for the excursion. However, they’re advised to consider the extreme heat and limited facilities at Abu Simbel when packing. Purchasing refreshments on-site is an option, though they may be more expensive.

What if I Need to Change the Pickup Location?

If you need to change the pickup location, you’ll need to contact the tour operator directly. They may be able to accommodate your request, but it’ll likely come with an additional fee. It’s best to confirm the details with them ahead of time.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Excursion?

There are no age restrictions for this excursion. Travelers of all ages can participate, as long as they’re able to board and disembark the air-conditioned bus. Infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.

Is There a Designated Place to Store Luggage During the Trip?

The shared excursion doesn’t mention a designated luggage storage area. However, passengers can likely store small bags on the bus during the trip. Large luggage may need to be left at the hotel or arranged separately.

The Sum Up

The Abu Simbel Excursion Day Trip from Aswan offers a budget-friendly way to explore the iconic temples of Ramses II and Nefertari. With a comfortable air-conditioned bus and the flexibility to experience the UNESCO World Heritage site independently, this full-day adventure provides travelers an opportunity to discover the magnificent ancient structures at their own pace. This excursion is a convenient and affordable option for those seeking to visit the renowned Abu Simbel temples.