Here’s a detailed review of doing a boat / cruise trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel. It examines what the experience is like, the pros and cons, what you need to know, tips, and whether it’s worth doing. If you want, I can also compare with travelling by road or air.
Overview: Boat / Lake Nasser Cruises to Abu Simbel
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“Boat from Aswan to Abu Simbel” usually means a Lake Nasser cruise. Annees de pelerinage+2Nile Holiday+2
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These cruises last 3–5 nights and visit remote temples along Lake Nasser before arriving at Abu Simbel. Nile Holiday+2Dabuka+2
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They include stops at temples like Kalabsha, Beit el-Wali, Wadi es-Sebuah, Amada / Derr, Kertassi, and others. Nile Holiday+2Dabuka+2
What People Say: Experiences & Reviews
From traveler reviews, both positive and negative, here’s what comes up:
What They Like
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Scenic and tranquil setting
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The lake routes are peaceful, less crowded than those along the Nile. Corinthian Travel+3Dabuka+3Annees de pelerinage+3
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Beautiful deserts, wildlife, shorelines, sunsets/sunrises. lake-nasser.com+1
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Remote temple visits
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Seeing smaller or less-visited temples that are only accessible by boat. Nile Holiday+2Dabuka+2
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Having more time to explore places without the mass-tourism pressure. Tripadvisor+1
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Comfort & luxury (on better ships)
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Some cruises are quite nice: good cabins, clean, well-serviced. Corinthian Travel+3Tripadvisor+3Nile Holiday+3
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Good guides that know Egyptology and local history. Viator+2Tripadvisor+2
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Full experience
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It’s more than just transport: it’s an immersive journey combining nature, history, relaxation. Annees de pelerinage+2lake-nasser.com+2
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What’s Less Good / Challenges
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Time & scheduling are demanding
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Early mornings (sometimes 3:30-5:30AM) for excursions. Tripadvisor+1
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Some days are very full, moving from site to site. Tripadvisor+1
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Quality variance
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Boats advertised as “5 stars” sometimes are older, not up to what some expect. Tripadvisor+2Tripadvisor+2
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Facilities like WiFi, air-conditioning, modern bathrooms may be less than what the ad shows. Tripadvisor+1
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Crowds at famous sites
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Abu Simbel especially gets busy. Even if the cruise gets you there early, other tours arrive too. It’s not always peaceful. Tripadvisor+2Tripadvisor+2
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Cost
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These cruises are more expensive than just going by road or flying. Because of the length, the boat, guide, meals, stops etc. Tripadvisor+3Nile Holiday+3Third Eye Traveller+3
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Expectation vs Reality
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Sometimes what’s promised (luxury, brand new boat, excellent service) doesn’t match what’s delivered. Reviews mention peeling paint, old furnishings, etc. Tripadvisor+1
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Practical Considerations Before Booking
If you decide to do a Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel, here are things to check:
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Boat quality / star rating | Determines comfort, amenities, cleanliness. Ask for recent photos or reviews. |
| Itinerary details | How many temples, how much time at each, how many early starts. |
| Included vs extra costs | Entrance fees, tips, drinks, wifi might not be included. |
| Guide credibility | A good Egyptologist guide adds much to experience. |
| Permits & logistics | Lake Nasser requires permits and special authorisations. Book well ahead. Dabuka+1 |
| Group size | Smaller groups offer more intimate, flexible experiences. |
| Travel season / climate | Weather on Lake Nasser can be very hot; water levels and conditions may vary. |
Overall: Is It Worth It?
Yes — for many travelers it is worth doing. If you have the time (3-5 days), you enjoy cultural/historical sites, like quieter travel and being off the beaten path, then you’ll likely value the cruise experience deeply.
However, if you are short on time, want lower cost, or expect “hotel-level luxury” everywhere, you may find other options (road trip, flying) more suitable.
Suggested Tips to Get the Best from It
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Read recent reviews to see if the boat you book is still good. Photos plus latest travellers’ comments.
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Expect early mornings. Pack accordingly (flashlight, warm clothes maybe early, sun protection).
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Bring your own water in case onboard prices are high or water isn’t provided freely.
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Clarify what’s included (meals, drinks, entrance fees, tips). Demand transparency.
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Choose a group with smaller size if you value peace, slower pace.
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Try to pick cruises that time arrival at Abu Simbel for early in the morning when crowds are lighter.
Summary
A cruise / boat journey from Aswan to Abu Simbel via Lake Nasser is a memorable, scenic, historic trip. If done with the right company and expectations, it excels at combining adventure + culture + relaxation. The downsides are cost, variability in quality, and the need to plan and prepare.
If you like, I can pull together a recommendation of specific cruise operators that score well in reviews, with prices and itineraries. Would you prefer that?