The very small village of Abu-Simbel lies 280 km south of Aswan, and only 40 km north of the Sudanese border. Even though it is home to several hotels, the small town is usually overlooked by tourists as a holiday destination. Most of them prefer to visit the Nubian town on a daytrip from Cairo or Aswan or as an extension to a Nile cruise or a Lake Nasser Cruise. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Nile, the majestic Abu-Simbel Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Ramses II & Nefertari, the world-famed temples will take your breath away. After a visit to this inspiring site, you can walk around the colourful touristic market, go bird watching on the Lake Nasser, and get back to the temples again in the evening for the amazingly inspiring sound & light show. Staying in Abu-Simbel for a night or two will allow you to enjoy the peace and magic of this Nubian town at your own pace and discover the true spirit of Abu-Simbel, gaze at the magnificent statues for hours and avoid the hordes of tourists arriving usually in the early morning. You also get a glimpse of the hearty Nubian culture by listening to Nubian music, meeting with the locals, and maybe even escaping to the nearby desert for some more inspiring experiences.
