- DurationApprox. 8 hours
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsPickup from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise
- PriceFrom $66 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
This private Kom Ombo and Edfu day trip from Aswan follows the Nile north to two of the great temples of the Ptolemaic period, built when Greek-speaking kings ruled Egypt but worshipped its ancient gods. You travel in your own air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed Egyptologist, through sugar-cane fields and riverside villages, and you choose how long to spend at each site.
Kom Ombo is unique: a temple split down the middle, with twin gateways and sanctuaries for the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. Edfu, an hour further on, is the most complete temple in Egypt, with its 36-metre pylon, roofed halls and dark sanctuary still standing. Entrance tickets to both temples, including the Crocodile Museum, are included.
Highlights
- Kom Ombo, the double temple of Sobek and Horus the Elder on a bend of the Nile
- Reliefs often described as ancient surgical instruments
- The Crocodile Museum and its mummified crocodiles
- Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt
- Private Egyptologist guide, air-conditioned vehicle and tickets included
- Optional one-way finish in Luxor instead of returning to Aswan
Itinerary
08:00 – Pickup in Aswan
Your guide and driver meet you at your hotel or Nile cruise. The drive to Kom Ombo takes about an hour along the east bank of the Nile, past date palms, sugar-cane fields and small farming villages. On the way your guide introduces the Ptolemaic kings who built both temples.
09:00 – Kom Ombo Temple
The temple stands on a low hill above the river. Its left half is dedicated to Haroeris (Horus the Elder) and its right half to Sobek, each with its own gateway, halls and sanctuary. Look for the relief of instruments that many interpret as surgical tools, the calendar of festivals and the Nilometer well.
10:15 – Crocodile Museum
Beside the temple, the small Crocodile Museum displays mummified crocodiles found in a nearby cemetery, along with crocodile eggs, coffins and statues of Sobek. It explains why the animal was both feared and worshipped along this stretch of the Nile. The museum is covered by the Kom Ombo ticket.
10:45 – Drive to Edfu
Continue north for about an hour to the town of Edfu. There is time for a coffee or snack stop on the way; lunch is not included, but your guide can recommend a simple local restaurant near the temple if you would like one.
11:45 – Temple of Horus at Edfu
Built between 237 and 57 BC, Edfu is the most complete temple in Egypt. Pass the granite falcon statues at the gateway, cross the great courtyard and enter the hypostyle halls, which still have their roofs. In the sanctuary stands a replica of the sacred boat of Horus, and the walls tell his battle with Seth.
13:30 – Return to Aswan
Drive back to Aswan, about two hours, arriving at your hotel or cruise around 15:30 to 16:00. If you are heading on to Luxor, we can drop you there instead, about an hour and a half from Edfu, for a supplement agreed when you book.
What’s Included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Private licensed Egyptologist guide
- Entrance tickets to Kom Ombo Temple (with Crocodile Museum) and Edfu Temple
- Bottled water and all taxes
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- One-way drop-off in Luxor (supplement on request)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide and driver
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $195 |
| 2 travellers | $115 |
| 3–5 travellers | $85 |
| 6+ travellers | $66 |
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
How long is the drive?
Aswan to Kom Ombo is about an hour, Kom Ombo to Edfu another hour, and Edfu back to Aswan about two hours. With around three hours at the temples, the whole day takes about eight hours. A private vehicle means you can stop for photos or coffee whenever you like.
Can we finish in Luxor instead of returning to Aswan?
Yes. Many travellers use this tour as a sightseeing transfer from Aswan to Luxor, with luggage in the vehicle. Edfu to Luxor is about an hour and a half. Tell us your Luxor hotel when booking and we will quote the one-way supplement.
I am on a Nile cruise. Is this worth doing?
Most Aswan–Luxor cruises already stop at Kom Ombo and Edfu, so check your cruise programme first. This tour suits travellers staying in Aswan hotels, cruising on Lake Nasser, or wanting a deeper private visit than a cruise excursion allows.
Is it suitable for children and older travellers?
Yes. The walking is on mostly flat stone paving with a few steps and uneven patches. Edfu’s halls are shaded, but Kom Ombo is open to the sun, so hats and water are essential from April to October. Your guide can shorten the visits or add breaks.
You May Also Like
Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
