Next to the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel is perhaps the most recognized monument of ancient Egypt. The two temples built for the pharaoh Ramesses II have been attracting visitors since Victorian times. Constructed in the 13th century BC, Abu Simbel is one of antiquity’s most spectacular sites, built to convey the might of the Pharaohs to Egypt’s southern neighbours, its four colossal figures face east to greet the morning sun.
Almost as impressive as the monument itself is the story of its restoration in the 1960′s. When the Aswan Dam caused the Nasser Lake to rise, the area became inundated and for this reason the sun now strikes a day later than Ramses had originally planned. The temples had to be dismantled and physically moved 65 meters up a cliff where they were reassembled in the exact same relation to each other and the sun, as part of an $80 million project, in association with UNESCO and the Egyptian Government.
Each year, in February and October, sees the crowds gather as the strategically angled temple by Ramses II, lights up – once on the anniversary of his rise to the throne and again on his birthday. As the inner sanctum lights up, the statues of Ramses, Ra and Amun, the statue as Ptah, the God of Darkness meanwhile remains in darkness.
When they have recovered their breath, visitors can join celebrations outside, including a fair and music demonstrations. However, nothing can really impress you immediately after witnessing such a sight.
Discover Abu Simbel as Bales Worldwide invites you to cruise the Nile. Sail on one of our exclusive dahabiyyas, and enjoy the Abu Simbel by air. Fly to the historical site and explore the remains of this magical temple, before returning back to join the cruise. With 12 and 8 day itineraries, the traditional boats welcome you onboard to see Egypt at its finest.
Find out more about Egypt tours and Nile cruises on our website or call our Egypt specialists now on 08452 703 862.
About Richard Wende
Other articles by Richard Wende
I have pretty much spent the last 14 years travelling. In 1995 I felt it was time to explore the world and so I packed my brand new rucksack and headed off out the door. I started independently in New Zealand and Australia heading up towards Thailand and then via Cambodia to Vietnam before Laos and China, Tibet, Nepal and finally on to India. An incredible journey taking 5 years and me to sites such as Mount Everest, The home of the Dali Lama, The Killing Fields of Cambodia and the Great Wall Of China to name but a few.
This wasn’t enough I needed more. After returning home to see what reality was doing I was fortunate enough to be asked to join an Overland company where after being taught how to use a spanner and a hammer I headed back out in a large 18 tonne truck with some eager passengers ready to explore some more.
2000 – 2002 East and South Africa
I spent the next two years leading/driving expeditions through Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and South Africa (east side via coast to Cape Town). These itineraries would include activities such as tracking the Gorillas in Uganda, leading, driving and coordinating game drives through all national parks (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Chobe, etc), and handling inter-relationships between clients and the indigenous people as well as the various tribes (Masai, Samburu etc).
2002 – 2004 Europe, Turkey Middle East and Central Asia
This time it was the UK departures fast tracking through Europe via Sicily to Tunisia and on by way of Libya to Cairo where I led a ten day programme of the pyramids, Valley of the Kings, down too Abu Simbel.
UK to Cairo via Turkey
Ten days through Europe to Istanbul. Crossing from Dover to France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Macedonia and Greece. Before picking up main group and journeying through Turkey via Goreme and the coast heading south into Syria and Jordan, taking in all the famous land marks en-route and finally to Egypt.
UK to Kyrgyzstan via Iran
An exploratory expedition with ten days in Iran before heading north to Georgia and on through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and finishing with a tour of Kyrgyzstan before heading back to the UK with a new group.
2004 – 2005 South America
Ten months traversing throughout Venezuela and Brazil from Caracas to Rio de Janeiro and vice versa including all major land marks and activities such as camping in the Amazon rain Forest, hiking to Angel Falls, dancing in Salvador and carnival in Rio. Rio to Quito three months co-leading through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. Again organizing, booking and participating in all activities such as the Inca trail, the Salt Flats of Bolivia and crossing the Altiplano.
I still have and use that rucksack!
