2 days trip to Aswan and Abu Simbel from Safaga City

Trip Itinerary

A two-day trip from Safaga to Aswan offers a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Upper Egypt. While two days may not be enough to explore all that Aswan has to offer in depth, it’s still possible to visit some of its key attractions and immerse yourself in its unique ambiance. Here’s a itinerary for a two-day excursion from Safaga to Aswan:

Day 1:

Morning:

Departure from Safaga  : Start your journey early in the morning from Safaga . travel to Aswan by private transportation . The journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours by road.

Kom Ombo Temple: in route to Aswan, make a stop at the Kom Ombo Temple, located on the banks of the Nile River. This unique temple is dedicated to two gods, Sobek (the crocodile god) and Horus (the falcon-headed god). Explore the temple’s well-preserved reliefs and learn about its fascinating history.

Aswan High Dam: Visit the Aswan High Dam, one of the most important engineering projects in Egypt. Learn about the dam’s construction and its significance in controlling the flow of the Nile River and generating hydroelectric power. Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Nasser from the dam’s observation point.

Aswan Souk:  explore the lively Aswan Souk, where you can shop for souvenirs, spices, textiles, and more. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and haggle with local vendors for unique treasures to take home. 

Philae Temple: In the afternoon, visit the Philae Temple, located on Agilkia Island in the Nile River. This beautiful temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Isis and is renowned for its stunning architecture and picturesque setting. Take a boat ride to the island and explore the temple’s colonnades, courtyards, and sanctuaries.

Day 2 :

Early in the Morning

Abu Simbel Temples: Rise early for a day trip to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, located about 280 kilometers southwest of Aswan. These colossal temples, built by Ramses II, are UNESCO World Heritage sites and are renowned for their impressive architecture and monumental statues. The journey to Abu Simbel takes approximately 3 to 4 hours each way by road.

Return to in route : Depart Aswan in the evening and make the journey back to Safaga , where you can reminisce about your two days of adventure in Upper Egypt.

 ( Day 1 )

Kom Ombo Temple

The Kom Ombo Temple is a unique ancient Egyptian temple located in the town of Kom Ombo, about 45 kilometers north of Aswan. What sets this temple apart is its dual dedication, being dedicated to two gods simultaneously: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god.

High Dam

The Aswan Dam, or more specifically since the 1980s, the Aswan High Dam, is one of the world’s largest embankment dams, which was built across the Nile in Aswan, Egypt, between 1960 and 1970. When it was completed, it was the tallest earthen dam in the world, eclipsing the United States’ Chatuge Dam.[2] Its significance largely upstaged the previous Aswan Low Dam initially completed in 1902 downstream. Based on the success of the Low Dam, then at its maximum utilization, construction of the High Dam became a key objective of the new regime the Free Officers movement of 1952; With its ability to better control flooding, provide increased water storage for irrigation and generate hydroelectricity, the dam was seen as pivotal to Egypt’s planned industrialization. Like the earlier implementation, the High Dam has had a significant impact on the economy and culture of Egypt.

Temple of Isis on Philae Island

Philae Island, is an island in the middle of the Nile River and is one of the strongest fortresses along Egypt’s southern borders. It separates the Nile into two opposite channels in Aswan. It had an Philae Temple and was moved from its original place on Philae Island and was assembled on Agelica Island, following the construction of the High Dam .The name Philae or Philae goes back to the Greek language, which means (the beloved) or (the granules). As for the Arabic name for it, it is Anas Al-Wujud , in reference to the legend of Anas found in the stories of One Thousand and One Nights. As for the ancient Egyptian and Coptic name, it is Belak or Belach, which means the limit or the end because it was the last border. Egypt in the south. The cult group was dedicated to the worship of the goddess Isis, but the island contained temples to Hathor, Amenhotep and other temples.

Lunch time 

After this exciting experience in Aswan, it is time to have lunch in the best restaurants in Aswan

The unfinished Obelisk

The unfinished Obelisk is a pink granite obelisk in Aswan, Egypt. It is located in the northern part of a quarry there, located near Aswan on the eastern shore of the Nile and about 1 km east of the Nile River. The height of the obelisk would have reached about 7.41 meters, its cross-section at its base would have reached 2.4 meters by 2.4 metres, and its weight when completed would have reached about 1,168 tons. The Aswan quarry from the era of the Pharaohs has today become an open museum that visitors can see. At the same time, it is a place where scientific research is conducted and maintained by the Egyptian government. In 1979, UNESCO declared the quarry a World Heritage Site and included it on the African World Heritage List.

Return to the hotel in Aswan

After all these visits, your driver will take you to the hotel in Aswan to sleep and rest. The next day at four in the morning, you will begin your trip to visit Abu Simbel Temple.

(Day 2)

Abu Simbel Temple

Abu Simbel is an archaeological site located on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 290 km southwest of Aswan. It is one of the “Nubian Monuments” sites included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Which starts from the direction of the river’s flow from Abu Simbel to Philae (near Aswan). The double temples were originally carved out of the mountains during the reign of King Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, as a permanent monument to him and Queen Nefertari, to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. However, in 1960 the complex of facilities was moved entirely to another location, on an artificial hill made of a dome structure, above the reservoir of the Aswan High Dam.

Return to Aswan city and Have Lunch 

After visiting Abu Simbel Temple, our driver will take you to Aswan for lunch and then return to your hotel in Safaga .

What will you love about this trip?

Overall, a trip to Aswan promises a blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and hospitality that will leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, cruising the Nile, or interacting with locals, there’s something for everyone to love about Aswan.