Cruises from Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a major tourist attraction in Egypt, situated along the river Nile. It has a fascinating history which tourists can learn about by taking a guided tour. Along with other attractions along the Nile, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Abu Simbel is made up of two temples, with one being dedicated to the three major Egyptian Gods at the time and the Pharaoh, and the second temple being dedicated to the Goddess Hathor and subsequently his favourite wife Nefertari. In the larger temple there are four statues of Ramesses II, measuring twenty metres high. There are also stone statues of his wife, Nefertari, his two sons and his six daughters.

It is believed that Abu Simbel was built over a twenty year long period. Although it was dedicated to Ramesses II, the name of the temples and of the pharaoh to whom they were dedicated, Abu Simbel is still a mystery. Many people say that it is named after a local boy who helped foreigners find the location of the temple after it had been long covered by sand. In 1817, Abu Simbel was rediscovered and years later it became a great tourist destination for foreign travellers from all over the world.

However, before it was able to be seen by the public it had to be rescued once again. The position of the city in relation to the river Nile threatened its existence, and so the temple was cut into pieces to later be reconstructed at a new sight. Luckily even parts of the temple that had been submerged by the lake were salvaged.

Along the walls are wall hangings of different Egyptian battles which tell stories. For example one depicts the Pharaoh on a chariot launching arrows and taking prisoners. The most impressive part of this temple is that twice a year through an opening the light will shine directly onto the sculptures that were made against the back wall of the temple to commemorate two important dates during that time in history.

Abu Simbel is so important to the touristic world that an airport was created specifically for tourists to land in order to see the temples from the air. Other ways of getting to the site include two shuttle buses which are highly secure and guarded. However, there are only two that leave per day to go to the site.

In conjunction with Abu Simbel, you can visit other natural wonders and world heritage sites along the way. Some interesting places to stop and see are the river Nile, Lake Nasser and the other Nubian Monuments.

When visiting Abu Simbel remember that you are going to be in the desert and under the blaring rays of the sun, so do dress appropriately and drink lots of water.

A trip to Egypt is not complete without a visit to Abu Simbel which is one of the most elegant and beautiful monuments ever built in Egypt, with fascinating stories involving each statue. Book your next holiday to Egypt and you will experience these wonders for yourself.