Aswan and Abu Simbel Private 2-Day Trip from Makadi

Description

Our private Aswan and Abu Simbel 2-day trip from Makadi takes you to Upper Egypt by comfortable private car, with time for Aswan's main sights and the great temples near the Sudanese border. The road journey is long, but spreading the visits over two days is easier than trying to fit everything into one rushed excursion. A guide joins you at the archaeological sites, explains the stories behind the monuments and keeps the route on track.

You begin to discover Aswan beside the Nile, among the granite islands that shape the city. At the High Dam, your guide explains how the structure changed the river, created Lake Nasser and affected communities and ancient sites across Nubia. You also see the old Dam, an earlier engineering project farther along the river. Seeing both dams gives you useful context before the temple visits.

The boat crossing to Philae Island is a memorable part of the day. Philae Temple, also sometimes written as Phiala temple, was moved to higher ground to protect it from rising water and is dedicated mainly to the goddess Isis. Columns, reliefs and gateways come into view as you approach by boat. The setting feels different from a roadside monument, and you have time to walk through the complex with your guide rather than stop only for photographs.

At the Unfinished Obelisk, you see the marks left by ancient stoneworkers in the granite quarry. The huge monument is still attached to the bedrock, showing how cracks could bring a project to a halt before the stone was raised. After the site visits, you can sail with Felucca on the Nile. These traditional open-sailed boats move with the wind, giving you a quiet break from the road and a view of the riverbanks from the water. Sailing time depends on wind and local conditions.

• Private road transport between Makadi, Aswan and Abu Simbel
• The High Dam, the old Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple
• A felucca sail on the Nile in Aswan
• A guided visit to the Abu Simbel temples
• A route that can be planned around your preferred pace and practical needs

The visit to Abu Simbel is the main reason many travellers choose two days. Ramesses II built the temples, which were moved to their present location during the Lake Nasser rescue project. The larger temple has four seated royal figures on its facade, while the nearby temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Inside, the halls and chambers contain carved scenes and painted details. The site is remote, so an organised transfer means you do not have to manage the long drive, directions and entrance arrangements yourself.

Kom Ombo temple and Edfu temple lie on the Nile Valley route between Aswan and Luxor and are not standard visits on this Makadi-to-Aswan and Abu Simbel programme. If you want to add either temple, ask our team before confirming so we can check the route, available daylight and the extra driving involved. Keeping the planned visits focused suits travellers who want Aswan and Abu Simbel without extending the itinerary into a longer Nile Valley tour.

This excursion suits couples, families with older children and private groups who prefer a dedicated vehicle and a flexible pace. It is less suitable for travellers who want a short transfer or find long road journeys difficult. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection and carry water for the open archaeological areas. We can discuss mobility needs in advance; Philae includes a boat crossing, and several temple sites have uneven ground and steps. Meals and overnight arrangements follow the option selected for your booking, so our team confirms those details before departure.