Lake Nasser/Abu Simbel – Experience extraordinary boat tours
The future depends on what we do in the present!
The future depends on what we do in the present!
Let your dreams set sail!
“See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream.” (Ray Bradbury)
We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now. …
“Being on a boat that’s moving through the water, it’s so clear. Everything falls into place in terms of what’s important and what’s not.” ~ James Taylor
“May your journey be as joyous as the destination is promising.”
Abu Simbel is a masterpiece of Egyptian architecture and consists of two rock temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II. Four colossal statues of Ramses adorn the façade of the main temple complex of Egypt’s impressive archaeological site.
Inside the temple, ornate reliefs tell of the military successes of Ramesses II, including the famous Battle of Kadesh. A special highlight is the miracle of the sun: twice a year, the sunlight penetrates the sanctuary and illuminates the statues of three gods – only Ptah, the god of the underworld, remains in the dark.
A Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel usually takes 4 to 5 days. Typical stops include the Kalabsha complex with Beit el-Wali, Wadi es-Sebua, Amada/Ed-Deir and Kasr Ibrim before reaching Abu Simbel, where the optional Sound & Light Show can be experienced. At Dabuka the itinerary is designed to avoid heat and large crowds. Transfers, entrance fees and licensed guides are included. Sequence and duration may vary due to weather; the crew will inform guests on site. In addition to the standard routes, extended Nile and Lake Nasser combinations up to 13 nights are offered, which include further temples and natural passages.
The temples of Abu Simbel are the highlight of every Lake Nasser cruise. Additional stops typically include the relocated Kalabsha Temple with Beit el-Wali, Wadi es-Sebua with its statues of Ramses II, and the temples of Amada and Ed-Deir with reliefs from the 18th Dynasty. Dabuka arranges the order of visits to take climate conditions and visitor numbers into account. Entrance fees are included; optional extras such as the Sound & Light Show in Abu Simbel can be booked individually.
A Lake Nasser cruise between Aswan and Abu Simbel is currently considered safe. The region is far from conflict zones and crews are experienced in handling local conditions. Travelers should follow crew instructions, use sun protection, carry sufficient water and observe basic safety rules. Dabuka only runs tours when local conditions and safety can be guaranteed.
The best time for a Lake Nasser cruise is between October and April. During these months temperatures are comfortable for visiting sites such as Wadi es-Sebua or Amada, and the light is well suited for outdoor photography. Demand is high during holiday periods, so early booking is recommended. Cruises in summer are possible but require tolerance for heat and sometimes program adjustments such as early morning or night transits.
The safari boat Dabuka Blue is designed for small groups and offers comfortable cabins with private bathrooms. On board you will find amenities such as an espresso machine, ice maker, games, reading materials and evening information films. The kitchen provides above-average quality and caters for special requests such as vegetarian dishes or allergies. Depending on season and trip duration, facilities are adapted to ensure a relaxed Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel.
Registration for a Lake Nasser cruise must be made at least one month in advance because authorities issue special permits for the route from Aswan to Abu Simbel. A clear copy of the passport is required. Departures are guaranteed from four participants; the maximum group size is ten people. Early booking secures participation, preferred cabins and dates, especially during the popular travel months from October to April.
In addition to temple visits, a Lake Nasser cruise offers many possibilities: short walks at landing sites, encounters with local people, and swimming in sheltered bays. On the sun deck hobby astronomers can enjoy a clear starry sky. Upon request activities such as yoga, fishing, dancing or even an overnight stay on a beach can be organized. These experiences turn the journey from Aswan to Abu Simbel into a varied combination of culture and nature.
Experienced guides in all common languages accompany the Lake Nasser cruises. In mixed groups up to two languages can be accommodated in parallel. This ensures that explanations at Abu Simbel, Kalabsha or Wadi es-Sebua are understandable for everyone.
For a multi-day Lake Nasser cruise a tip of about €45 per participant for the crew is recommended, plus around €15 for the guide. Amounts may vary depending on trip duration and services booked. Tips are usually collected at the end and distributed evenly.