Things to do in Aswan
Aswan is a beautiful and historic city in Egypt, a lot of things to do in Aswan.
Aswan is known for its stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some things to do in Aswan:
Abu Simbel Temple
Abu Simbel Temples are located in the Nubian region in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan, about 280 km south of Aswan. These ancient temples were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, and they are considered one of the most impressive and famous historical sites in Egypt.
To visit the Abu Simbel Temples, you can take a tour from Aswan or Abu Simbel, or you can arrange for private transportation. The journey takes about 3-4 hours by car or bus, and it’s recommended to leave early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
The Abu Simbel Temples consist
of two temples: the Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses II’s wife, Queen Nefertari. The temples are carved into solid rock and are decorated with intricate carvings, hieroglyphs, and statues.
The Great Temple of Ramses II is the larger of the two temples, and it features four colossal statues of Ramses II at the entrance, each measuring 20 meters in height. Inside, there are several halls and chambers with more statues and reliefs depicting scenes from the life of the pharaoh.
The Temple of Hathor is smaller but equally impressive, with beautiful carvings and statues of the goddess Hathor, as well as Queen Nefertari.
Visiting the Abu Simbel Temples is an unforgettable experience and a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history and architecture. It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and to follow the rules and regulations of the site.
Philae Temple
The Philae Temple is a beautiful and historic temple complex located on an island in the Nile River near Aswan, Egypt. The temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Isis and was built during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The Philae Temple is considered one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
To explore the Philae Temple, you can take a boat ride from Aswan to the island where the temple is located. The boat ride is short and offers beautiful views of the Nile River and the surrounding landscapes. Once you arrive on the island, you can explore the temple complex at your own pace.
The Philae Temple is comprised of several buildings and structures, including the main temple, the Kiosk of Trajan, the Temple of Hathor, and the Temple of Augustus. The main temple is the most impressive structure, with beautiful columns, hieroglyphs, and carvings depicting the goddess Isis and other deities.
The Kiosk of Trajan is a small but elegant structure with 14 columns, while the Temple of Hathor is dedicated to the goddess of music, dance, and joy. The Temple of Augustus is a small temple built by the Romans, dedicated to the emperor Augustus and his wife Livia.
Exploring the Philae Temple is an amazing experience, and it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and to follow the rules and regulations of the site. You can hire a guide to learn more about the history and significance of the temple complex or explore on your own. Don’t miss the sound and light show in the evenings, which brings the temple’s history to life through colorful lights and music.
Nile Cruise
Taking a Nile River Cruise is an amazing way to explore the beauty and history of Egypt. The Nile River is the longest river in the world and has been the lifeblood of Egypt for thousands of years. A Nile River Cruise typically starts in Luxor or Aswan and takes you on a journey along the river, stopping at various historic sites along the way.
The cruise ships are equipped with all modern amenities and offer comfortable accommodation, dining, and entertainment options. Some of the most popular stops along a Nile River Cruise include:
Luxor: Luxor is known as the world’s largest open-air museum and is home to some of the most impressive ancient sites in Egypt, including the Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
Edfu: Edfu is home to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt.
Kom Ombo: Kom Ombo is home to the Temple of Kom Ombo, which is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus.
Aswan: Aswan is a beautiful city located on the Nile River and is known for its stunning scenery, including the Elephantine Island, the Aswan High Dam, and the Philae Temple.
A Nile River Cruise typically lasts between 3 to 7 days, depending on the itinerary and the cruise line. It’s recommended to book your cruise in advance and to choose a reputable company with a good safety record. A Nile River Cruise is an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of the Nile River with the history and culture of Egypt.Felucca Ride: A felucca is a traditional Egyptian sailboat, and taking a ride on one is a great way to experience the Nile River. You can take a short ride or a longer one and enjoy the scenic views.
4 days 3 nights Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
the Aswan Botanical Garden
The Aswan Botanical Garden, also known as Kitchener’s Island, is a beautiful and tranquil garden located on an island in the Nile River, near Aswan. The garden was founded by Lord Horatio Kitchener in the early 20th century and is home to a wide variety of plants and trees from around the world.
To visit the Aswan Botanical Garden, you can take a boat ride from Aswan, which usually takes around 30 minutes. The island is small, but it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Once you arrive, you can explore the garden at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The Aswan Botanical Garden is home to more than 400 species of plants and trees, including palm trees, mango trees, and acacia trees. The garden also has a large collection of exotic plants, including the African sausage tree and the Brazilian grape tree.
The garden is beautifully landscaped and offers plenty of shaded areas to relax and enjoy the view. There are also several small pavilions and a traditional Nubian house that you can visit.
Visiting the Aswan Botanical Garden is a great way to spend a few hours and to learn more about the plant life in the region. It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and to follow the rules and regulations of the garden.
Nubian Village
Nubian Village: This is a traditional Nubian village located on the west bank of the Nile River, near Aswan. It’s a great place to learn more about the Nubian culture and to see traditional Nubian houses and handicrafts.
Aswan High Dam
The Aswan High Dam is a large dam located on the Nile River, near the city of Aswan in southern Egypt. It was built between 1960 and 1970 to control flooding and to generate hydroelectric power for Egypt. The dam is one of the largest in the world, with a height of 111 meters (364 feet) and a length of 3,830 meters (12,570 feet).
The construction of the Aswan High Dam was a major engineering feat, involving the relocation of many villages and archaeological sites. The dam has also had a significant impact on the environment and the local economy. The reservoir created by the dam, Lake Nasser, is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world and has become a popular tourist attraction, offering fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.
Explore the Aswan Souk
Exploring the Aswan Souk is a must-do activity when visiting Aswan, Egypt. The souk, or market, is a bustling and colorful place where locals and tourists come to shop, eat, and socialize. The souk is located in the heart of Aswan and is easily accessible by foot or taxi.
The Aswan Souk
is a great place to buy traditional Egyptian souvenirs, such as jewelry, scarves, and spices. You can also find traditional Nubian handicrafts, such as pottery, textiles, and baskets. Bargaining is expected in the souk, so be prepared to haggle with the vendors to get the best price.
The souk is also a great place to try local street food, such as falafel, koshari, and ful medames. You can find small food stands and restaurants throughout the souk, offering delicious and affordable meals.
