Small Boat Cruise to Abu Simbel

Visiting one of the world’s most famous ancient monuments

Six cruise ships transport thousands of tourists across Lake Nasser to visit the world-famous Temples at Abu Simbel. They cruise down the middle of the lake only stopping at ancient temple sites. Our small boat safaris offer a much more worthwhile adventure than travelling down the middle of the lake in a stereotypical cruise ship….

On a small boat safari there is a lot to see and do; in many ways, it’s like visiting a game park which you explore from your own live aboard boat.  For meals join the social atmosphere of a well-appointed mother ship where you can have sundowners as you watch spectacular desert sunsets followed by a night sky full of brilliantly bright stars; then sleep peacefully in your liveaboard boat with no crowed cabins next door.

Explore this amazing desert lake and visit the spectacular Temples of Abu Simbel; carved out of solid rock four immense statues of Ramses II address the lake, designed as a show of strength, an awesome sentinel watching over any boats sailing into the Pharaoh’s lands. Millions of people visit these temples every year and are awestruck by their grandeur and alignment with the constellations.

Click for an interesting 3 minute video Temples of Abu Simbel

"The kind of hospitality shown by Tim and his guides is seldom seen these days and the atmosphere was incredibly friendly". Steve Pitts.

Abu Simbel Cruise

During the day there are plenty of opportunities to explore the desert lake’s shore line; water has washed away the top soil to reveal fossils of bygone eras. Also, Stone Age drawings and more recent hieroglyphics, carved by ancient Egyptians during their trading expeditions can be found.

The lake is blessed with vast areas of natural beauty, shorelines with a diversity of desert landscapes, from hilly and rugged to sandy with dunes cascading into the lake forming beautiful freshwater beaches.

There are an impressive variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded and the area is an important staging point for migrant and over-wintering birds. The predators are crocodiles, monitor lizards, jackals, Hyena and desert fox. Other species of wildlife include Dorcas gazelle, and many other smaller desert mammals inhabit the shoreline and islands.

Transient peasant fishermen fish the lake using traditional rowing boats; there is no modern commercial fishing. The residents are Desert Bedouin camel and sheep herdsmen who graze their flocks on the sparse vegetation growing on the shoreline.

You will meet the desert Bedouin and the fishermen who are remarkably hospitable; they are just as interested in meeting you as you will be to meet them.  An unforgettable and rewarding holiday experience.

Request a PDF brochure called Lake Nasser Experience with info about the Abu Simbel Cruise, send an email to tim@lake-nasser.com  Tell us how many of you are travelling together and your currency preference costs are in US$ - GB£ or Euro€

Live Aboard Boats

For your live aboard boat you can charter either a House Boat or a Safari Boat which you have for your own exclusive use. Each boat is skippered by an English speaking Nubian guide with local knowledge of the wildlife, places of interest. Your live aboard boat is supported by a well-appointed mother ship for night stops, your meals and resting up with a cold beer.

More information Safari Boats & Crew

House Boats are a perfect choice for families or a group of friends, the more people who share a house boat the less expensive it becomes for each person. House boats have two spacious cabins sleeping four people comfortably. They are fitted with a toilet & shower and a small galley with amenities for making tea or coffee; there is also an ice box filled with cold drinks. The sun deck has a comfortable shaded area which is ideal for relaxing and sun bathing. A house boat is perfect for exploring the lake, big enough to be comfortable but also small enough to reach shallow areas, where you are more likely to see wild life and get close enough for that memorable photograph.

Safari Boats are smaller than the house boats and were originally designed for fishing. Ideal for those who would like to try their luck for Nile perch or Tiger fish while on safari. Safari boats have a cabin with two large single bunks which sleep two people comfortably. Safari boats can accommodate three people with an extra mattress on the top deck under the desert stars which is a unique and peaceful experience; it never rains in the desert. Unlike the house boats, safari boats do not have an on board toilet and shower, these facilities are provided for on the mother ship.

Solo Travellers are welcome:    Pay for one place from the price band for 2 sharing a fishing boat plus the single anglers supplement. You then have the option of using the fishing boat for your own personal use, or we can advertise to find a suitable partner for you to fish with; if we find someone then neither of you will pay for the fishing boat single supplement.
Family Discount:    The best way for families to come on a safari is to charter a house boat for their own private use. Adults pay the full amount under the price band of the number of family members travelling together and each child who is 18 years old or younger gets a 20% discount off the same price band.
Organizer:    If you have a group of six or more friends coming on the same safari with you take advantage of our organizer discount. For six or more adults who book a safari together we will give the organizer (or the sixth person) a 20% discount off the cost of their safari.