Lake Nasser Cruise (Aswan to Abu Simbel)

A quiet three or four night voyage across the vast reservoir behind the High Dam, visiting rescued Nubian temples and ending at Abu Simbel.

Lake Nasser stretches for more than 450 km south of the Aswan High Dam, a desert lake created in the 1960s. When the waters rose, UNESCO led an international campaign to move ancient Nubian monuments to higher ground, Today a small fleet of cruise ships links these temples on one of the quietest journeys in Egypt.

The route

Cruises run between Aswan and Abu Simbel in both directions, typically 3 nights southbound and 4 nights northbound. Stops usually include:

• Kalabsha: the Temple of Mandulis and the Kiosk of Kertassi, near the High Dam.
• Wadi El Seboua: the Avenue of Sphinxes and the temples of Dakka and Maharraqa.
• Amada: the oldest temple on the lake, with fine painted reliefs, and the Temple of Derr and Tomb of Pennut nearby.
• Qasr Ibrim: a fortress hill seen from the deck, as landing is not permitted.
• Abu Simbel: the great temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, often visited at night for the sound and light show and again at sunrise.

On board

Only a handful of ships operate, so the lake feels empty compared with the busy Luxor to Aswan route. Ships are generally of a high standard, with spacious cabins, a pool and full board. Golden dunes and rocky headlands rise from the blue water, and the lake is home to Nile crocodiles, fish eagles and many waterbirds.

Tips

Sailings are less frequent than on the Nile, so book well ahead in winter. October to April is the best season; summer heat on the shore excursions can be intense. A Lake Nasser cruise and a classic Nile cruise together fill a week in Upper Egypt well.

Last checked October 2026. Prices are rough guides and change by season and operator; book with a licensed operator. Sources: tourradar.com, semelegantvoyage.com.