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Abu Simbel
We have some free time in the morning before
boarding the bus that will take us - as part of a convoy - 260
km across the desert to Abu Simbel. The unrelenting sand and rockscape
is unforgettable.
Once at the site, with the breeze blowing
from Lake Nasser, you will be overwhelmed by your first glimpse
of the colossal statues of Ramesses. The beautiful and recently
refurbished temples of Ramesses II and Hathor-Nefertari will haunt
your dreams for the rest of your stay, and long beyond. The facade
of the Great Temple is decorated with four colossal seated statues
of Ramesses II, each over 20 metres tall. Explore the spectacular
halls, courts and storerooms of the mighty temple. Beside the
Great Temple is that which Ramesses built to the goddess Hathor,
and his wife Nefertari. While not as large as the Great Temple,
the Hathor Temple is nevertheless breathtaking, both architecturally
and artistically. Inside you will marvel at the beauty of the
reliefs. Both the temples at Abu Simbel were moved to safety from
the rising waters of Lake Nasser by UNESCO in the 1960's. They
now stand surrounded by man-made hills, 65 metres higher than
their original location.
After our visit to Abu Simbel it's a long
return journey north to Aswan across the Sahara, with a snack
on board our bus. Having chatted or snoozed away the kilometres
of sandy views it's back to Aswan and the Nile - a welcome sight!
Join us for dinner by the Nile.
Temples at Abu Simbel
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Click on the image left to see a short
video of the interior of the Great Temple
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