Before sunset, early in the morning, we pick you up from your accommodation in Cairo to take one of the Abu Simbel flights. This Cairo excursion starts with the way from Cairo Airport to Abu Simbel by plane. Our destination is one of the most famous temples Egypt with its impressive history.
The Abu Simbel Airport was specially built for tourists to cover the long distance to Abu Simbel for a day trip. After arrival, you will be welcomed by our experienced archaeologist, who will lead you to one of the most spectacular temples, the Abu Simbel temples.
Abu Simbel Discovery
Due to its location in the deep south, the Abu Simbel Temples were not even discovered by Napoleons Expedition to Egypt (1789 to 1799). The temples in Nubia, covered by dunes, were only discovered in 1813 by a Swiss adventure traveller dressed in traditional clothes. It was not until 1817 that amateur archaeologists succeeded in penetrating the interior of the temple. Many archaeologists and artists then toured Abu Simbel Temples and brought the temple to the world through paintings and records.
Abu Simbel Rock Temple
The Abu Simbel Rock Temple, which consists of two parts, dates from the reign of Ramses II in the 13th century. His history is special, like the one of the Philae Temple in Aswan.
With the construction of the Aswan Dam in 1960, the Abu Simbel Temples would have been submerged in the water masses at its original location. With the support of UNESCO and an international team of archaeologists, the temples were dismantled in a risky undertaking to move them 65 m above their original location to 210 m. Here they were rebuilt in the same direction on a rock plateau.
In preparation, a protective wall was first built around the Abu Simbel Temples to protect them from the rising tides, while the two temples were sawn into blocks, each numbered, to rebuild them in place with a mixture of desert sand and cement. This has been done so perfectly that it is hard to see where the individual blocks have been put together.
Abu Simbel Sun Festival
One of the peculiarities they had to pay attention to when erecting the Abu Simbel Temples in its new location is to be meticulous in the direction. Twice a year, on February 21st and October 21st, the rays of the sun should penetrate to the sanctuary in the temple to light up the statues of Ramses and Amun in the sunlight. Only one statue is not light up by the sun, the one of Ptah God of Darkness (god of the underworld). He stays in the darkness of the temple.
The Abu Simbel Rock Temple, lined with four 20 meter high seated statues of Ramses, is one of the most impressive temples in Egypt and its world-famous facade represents Abu Simbel.
After visiting Abu Simbel Rock Temple with its impressive history, we make our way back to the Abu Simbel Airport for our return flight to Cairo Airport. After arriving in Cairo, we take you back to your accommodation in Cairo.
