I was here when the dawn light ran down the temple hall to illuminate three statues as it does each October and February -- said to be Ramses birthday and coronation date. The crowding is incredible so in addition to being there on that date, I was also there a day early when the visitors were fewer. (On the big day I got up at 0100 to get in line to be about the fifth person in line.)

Definitely the highlight of a tour in Egypt. The pyramids are amazing but everyone should see Abu simbel. We suggest a more private tour if you can do it, as tour operators just herd crowds of people in. You are on the road for AT LEAST 6 hours and will only have max 2 hours onsite.

An incredible experience that will take your breath away. Definitely worth the 6 hr round trip. We went on a Tuesday when the cruise had left Aswan and arrived 10.30am. We near had the luxury of the temples to ourselves compared to those on the main tours off cruises. BEWARE the cafe st exit. He tried to charge us 400EGP for 1 x coffee, 1 x tea and 1 x crisps. Said we should have asked price before buying!

Abu Simbel is a massive and collosol temple complex built by Rameses II. There is another temple there devoted to his beloved wife Nefertari. The sheer size of the structure takes your breath away...from the four massive imposing statues of Pharoah Ramses II at the entrance to the collosal statues lining the passage on either side as you step foot into this behemoth architectural structure, to the heiroglypics and murals etched on the walls of its numerous inner chambers. It is simply stunning and a must see. A true marvel of the ancient Egyptian civilization. About 4 hours drive by road from Aswan though I felt it could have been done a bit quicker as our driver didn't go over 100kmph. The roads are excellent. Abu Simbel was moved from its original location and reconstructed stone by stone like a jigsaw puzzle besides the Al Nasser Dam. The location is very scenic with the blue waters of the dam. I think some of the Nile cruises stop there as well if you prefer to sail as I spied many river boats there. Guides are not allowed inside the temple complex so they explain what you can expect to see outside and then you can go in and explore on your own and take photographs to your hearts content. It is advisable to go as early in the morning as possible because the sun does get very hot.wear a hat and sunscreen. The smaller temple of Nefertari too is quite impressive. I liked the Abu Simbel temple complex the most in my entire tour of Egypt.

Abu Simbel is comprised of two temples carved into the mountainside. The largest temple is dedicated to Ramses II and contains four colossal statues at the entrance . Each 69 ft tall . Built in 1301-1213 BC to intimidate his enemies and place him amongst the Gods. There is so much history here it is recommended that you have an Egyptologist as a tour guide . The entire complex had to be moved to higher ground when a dam was built and formed Lake Nasser in the 1960’s . The project took 4 years to complete. The smaller temple is the temple of Hathor and Nefertari (Ramses II favorite wife ) . This site is a must when visiting Egypt , it’s importance and significance makes it a World Heritage Site . You will be amazed at the breadth of this amazing place .

What an incredible experience. To know that this complex has been moved made the trip even better. And the site, while small, is definitely worth the time to visit. The complex nd the status are incredible to see, and the fact that even the inside has been re-created to be at the exact angles as the original was beyond spectacular.

i have been to this wonderful place several times . i do really love it its a magnificent temple and very well preserved paintings on the walls ! i can't imagine that the temple was built 3 thousands years ago ! i really recommend every visitor of Egypt to visit Abu Simbel it's a great experience !

Abu simbel is exactly what you think from seeing it used in many movies and shows. The amazing part is that they actually moved it and recarved it into the stone hundreds of yards to protect it from the rising tide. It is very well preserved and worth the visit. We had to take a private flight and a bus just to get there.

Abu Simbel Temple is a must-see when in Egypt, though it takes about a 3.5h drive from Aswan. The Ramesses II statues on the exterior and interior are huge and nicely carved. The temple is quite small and can easily explore within 20 min. The Temple of Nefertari beside Abu Simbel Temple is equally impressive. The interior is also quite small. A cafe and gift shop are available beside the viewing platform where you can sit down and enjoy Ramesses II's masterpiece dating back to the 13th Century BC. The price for 2023 has increased to 275 LE but it is totally worth it. If you don't like haggling, try to avoid buying any souvenirs from the stretch of gift shops along the exit. They are overcharging all the items.

We flew from Aswan to Abu Simbel to avoid making the long journey by road (3.5hrs minimum each way). This meant we arrived later and so missed the worst of the crowds, but close to midday it was extremely hot (36c that day, and really not much shade at all). There is a short downhill walk of maybe 200m, which takes you to the temples, and there’s a golf buggy option if you don’t fancy the return uphill hime to the car park.