- DurationApprox. 3 hours
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsPickup from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise
- PriceFrom $45 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
The Tombs of the Nobles Aswan visitors see from the Corniche are the dark doorways cut into the west bank hill, below the small domed shrine of Qubbet el-Hawa, the ‘Dome of the Wind’. They belong to the governors of Elephantine, the officials who guarded Egypt’s southern frontier and led expeditions deep into Africa during the Old and Middle Kingdoms.
This private tour takes you across the Nile by motorboat and up the ancient stairway to the tombs. Inside you find autobiographies carved in stone, painted pillars and statues, and from the terrace one of the best views in Aswan, over the islands, the river and the desert. Your guide, the boat and the entrance ticket are included.
Highlights
- Motorboat across the Nile to the west bank cliffs
- Rock tombs of the governors of Elephantine, over 4,000 years old
- Harkhuf’s tomb and the letter from the boy king Pepi II
- Painted pillared tomb of Sarenput II
- Panoramic view over Aswan from the hilltop shrine of Qubbet el-Hawa
- Private guide, boat and entrance ticket included
Itinerary
08:30 – Pickup and boat across the Nile
Your guide meets you at your hotel or Nile cruise and takes you to the landing on the Corniche. A private motorboat crosses to the west bank in about ten minutes, passing the northern tip of Elephantine Island. Late afternoon tours are also possible in winter.
08:45 – Climb to the tombs
From the landing, a long stairway and sloping path climb the hillside to the terrace of tombs. It is steep but short, around ten minutes at an easy pace, and your guide stops on the way to explain how the tombs were laid out to face the rising sun and the river.
09:00 – Tombs of Harkhuf, Mekhu and Sabni
Harkhuf’s façade carries the oldest travel account from Africa, including a letter from the boy king Pepi II, excited about a dancing pygmy being brought to court. Nearby, the joint tomb of Mekhu and Sabni tells how a son travelled south to recover his father’s body.
09:45 – Tomb of Sarenput II
The finest tomb on the hill belongs to Sarenput II, a governor of the 12th Dynasty, around 1900 BC. A pillared hall leads to a corridor lined with statues of the governor shown as Osiris, and a shrine with paintings of Sarenput, his family and offerings, the colours still bright.
10:30 – Qubbet el-Hawa and return
If you have the energy, walk up to the domed shrine of Qubbet el-Hawa at the summit for the widest view of Aswan, or simply enjoy the panorama from the tomb terrace. Then walk down to the boat and return across the Nile to your hotel or cruise by about 11:30.
What’s Included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Return motorboat to the west bank
- Entrance ticket to the Tombs of the Nobles (Qubbet el-Hawa)
- Bottled water and all taxes
Not included
- Camel ride to St Simeon’s Monastery (optional add-on)
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide and boatman
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $119 |
| 2 travellers | $75 |
| 3–5 travellers | $59 |
| 6+ travellers | $45 |
Per person in USD. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these the same as the Tombs of the Nobles in Luxor?
No. Luxor’s Tombs of the Nobles are New Kingdom tombs on the Theban west bank. Aswan’s tombs at Qubbet el-Hawa are older, mostly from the Old and Middle Kingdoms, and belong to the governors of Egypt’s southern frontier. They are quieter and fewer, with superb views.
How difficult is the climb?
The stairway from the boat landing is steep and in full sun, but it takes only around ten minutes at an easy pace. The climb to the summit shrine is sandier and harder and is optional. If you have knee or heart problems, let us know and your guide will plan accordingly.
Can we combine this with other sights?
Yes. The tombs combine well with a felucca sail, the Botanical Garden on Kitchener’s Island or a camel ride to St Simeon’s Monastery, all on the west side of the river. Ask for a combined quote and we will plan a half or full day.
What is the best time to go?
Early morning is best for most of the year, as the hillside faces east and gets hot by late morning. In winter, late afternoon is lovely too, with golden light over the river from the terrace. The tombs close in the late afternoon.
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Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
