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Egypt · Upper Egypt

Aswan and Abu Simbel travel guide

Feluccas, Nubian villages and the temples of Abu Simbel

Feluccas on the Nile at Aswan. Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5h 30mflight from London
ASWnearest main airport
34° in Augwarmest month
15° in Jancoolest month

Aswan is Egypt's most relaxed city, where the Nile is at its prettiest among granite boulders and islands. Feluccas sail past Nubian villages painted in bright colours.

It's the base for the temple of Philae and for Abu Simbel, Ramesses II's giant temple near the Sudanese border.

Good forHistoryCultureRelaxingNile cruises

What Aswan is known for

  • Abu Simbel

    Four giant statues of Ramesses II.

  • Philae

    A temple on an island.

  • Feluccas

    Traditional sailing boats.

  • Nubian culture

    Colourful villages on the river.

Top things to do in Aswan and Abu Simbel

  1. 1

    Abu Simbel

    A day trip by road or a short flight.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Philae Temple

    Reached by boat, with an evening sound and light show.

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  3. 3

    A felucca sail

    Sail around Elephantine and Kitchener's islands.

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  4. 4

    A Nubian village

    Visit Gharb Soheil's colourful houses.

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See all tours and tickets in Aswan

Where to stay in Aswan and Abu Simbel

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Best time to visit Aswan and Abu Simbel

Best value: Apr, Oct. November to March: warm and sunny. Summer is extremely hot.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
15.1 C15°J17.8 C18°F22 C22°M26.7 C27°A31 C31°M33.4 C33°J34 C34°J34.2 C34°A31.9 C32°S28.4 C28°O21.8 C22°N16.8 C17°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Aswan and Abu Simbel, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 5h 30m from London to ASW, and flights from most UK airports.

Taxis, boats and tours.

Find flights to Aswan (ASW)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Abu Simbel trips start very early in the morning.
  • Agree prices for felucca rides first.
  • Carry water and sun protection.
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Aswan and Abu Simbel FAQ

Can I visit Abu Simbel from Aswan?

Yes, a day trip by road takes about 3.5 hours each way.

How long in Aswan?

Two nights.

More places in Egypt

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