Two colossal temples hewn from living rock by Ramesses II — then lifted, stone by stone, out of rising waters. A feat of ancient ambition matched only by a modern rescue mission that cut the temples into thousands of blocks and lifted them to higher ground.
Lake Nasser cruise ships typically moor at the Abu Simbel quay, a short walk from the temple complex entrance.
💡 Pro move: Abu Simbel has no town center — everything is centred on the temples. There is a small visitor café and restroom block near the ticket booth.
Abu Simbel's quay serves the handful of Lake Nasser cruise ships that sail this remote reach of southern Egypt.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Nasser cruise ships (MS Eugenie, MS Nubian Sea, etc.) | Abu Simbel quay, west bank of Lake Nasser📍 | Docked |
| Occasional overflow / expedition vessels | Anchor off quay📍 | Tendered |
There is essentially one reason to come to Abu Simbel — and it is spectacular.
Four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II (20 m tall) guard a temple that plunges 60 m into the cliff. The inner sanctuary holds four seated statues; on February 22 and October 22 the rising sun pierces the entire length of the temple and lights three of them — Ramesses II, Ra-Horakhty, and Amun-Ra — while Ptah, god of the underworld, stays in shadow.
Find Abu Simbel temple tours →Dedicated to Ramesses II's chief queen and the goddess Hathor, this temple features six standing colossi — four of Ramesses II and two of Nefertari — a remarkable honour for a consort in ancient Egypt.
Find guided Nefertari temple tours →After dark, the temples are illuminated and a narrated light show recounts the story of Ramesses II and the UNESCO relocation project. Only available to overnight Lake Nasser cruise passengers.
Find Abu Simbel sound and light show →Multi-day Lake Nasser cruises stop at additional relocated Nubian temples — Wadi El Seboua (avenue of sphinxes), Amada (oldest surviving Nubian temple), Derr, Kalabsha, and fortress island Qasr Ibrim (viewed from the water — entry restricted).
Find Lake Nasser cruise itineraries →There is only one walk at Abu Simbel — the path between the two temples along the lakeshore cliff face.
From the quay, follow the paved path past the ticket booth to the Great Temple of Ramesses II, then continue 150 m along the cliff to the Small Temple of Nefertari. Return the same way or loop back via the upper viewing terrace for a panorama over Lake Nasser.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Abu Simbel, Nubia, Egypt (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 71°F / 22°C | 50°F / 10°C | 0 |
| Feb | 75°F / 24°C | 54°F / 12°C | 0 |
| Mar | 85°F / 29°C | 61°F / 16°C | 0 |
| Apr | 93°F / 34°C | 69°F / 21°C | 0 |
| May | 100°F / 38°C | 77°F / 25°C | 0 |
| Jun | 104°F / 40°C | 81°F / 27°C | 0 |
| Jul | 104°F / 40°C | 81°F / 27°C | 0 |
| Aug | 105°F / 41°C | 83°F / 28°C | 0 |
| Sep | 101°F / 38°C | 79°F / 26°C | 0 |
| Oct | 95°F / 35°C | 73°F / 23°C | 0 |
| Nov | 83°F / 28°C | 63°F / 17°C | 0 |
| Dec | 75°F / 24°C | 55°F / 13°C | 0 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Abu Simbel, Nubia, Egypt. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.