Abu Simbel and the other temples of Lake Nasser

Our expert Egypt

Abu Simbel and the other temples of Lake Nasser

The Temple of Ramses II The four seated figures guarding the entrance to the temple. C.Rossignol ©

The two temples of Abu Simbel are, with Karnak, the most impressive Pharaoh vestiges of Egypt. They were rescued from the waters of Lake Nasser by UNESCO who, within three years, moved these two giant temples of 1,042 stone blocks to lakeside position, 100m higher. Dug in the mountain, the great temple honours Ramesses II, with four colossal statues representing him guarding the entry. The smaller second temple honours his wife Nefertari. You can only recommend this visit whilst cruising on the Nile or Lake Nasser. That way, when your boat is moored at the statues' base, you will appreciate even more the magical sunsets and sunrises to be seen here.

The temple of Philae is also on Lake Nasser, on an island. It is part of the programmed visits of a classical cruise on the Nile. However, the temples are found on the other shore of the lake. Kalabsha, Wadi es-Saboua, Maharraqa, Derr or Amada and Graeco-Roman vestiges can only be visited during a Lake Nasser cruise.