Edfu and Kom Ombo Day Trip from Marsa Alam

Duration: 12–13 hours
Style: Private Tour
From, per person: $220

Marsa Alam is known for its reefs, but just across the desert lies the Nile Valley and two of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. This private day trip takes you inland to the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the double temple of Kom Ombo beside the river, with a local lunch between them.

Edfu is the largest and best-preserved Ptolemaic temple in Egypt. Its massive gateway, courtyard and sanctuary still stand almost complete, and its walls are covered in carved scenes that tell the myth of the falcon god Horus. Kom Ombo is unusual because it is divided down the middle and dedicated to two gods, with twin entrances and sanctuaries, and it stands in a beautiful spot on the bank of the Nile.

The route crosses the eastern desert before dropping into farmland, so you see a different Egypt from the coast. The day starts early and is long, but you travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an Egyptologist guide, and you return to your hotel in the evening.

Your itinerary

01

Desert drive to Edfu Temple, lunch and Kom Ombo Temple

Your guide and driver collect you early from your Marsa Alam hotel for the drive across the eastern desert to the Nile Valley. Allow a few hours on the road, with a short break on the way.

At Edfu you visit the Temple of Horus, entering through its giant pylon into the open court and walking through the halls to the sanctuary. Your guide explains the reliefs, which tell the myth of Horus and the rituals of the temple.

Lunch at a local restaurant follows. Then you continue to Kom Ombo Temple, which stands on a bend of the Nile and is shared by two gods, with twin gateways and sanctuaries. The surrounding area is known for its sugar cane fields.

In the afternoon you begin the long drive back across the desert, arriving at your hotel in the evening.
Lunch

Tourists in front of Edfu Temple on an excursion

Included

Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Marsa Alam
All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle
Private Egyptologist guide in your language
Entrance fees to Edfu and Kom Ombo temples
Lunch at a local restaurant
Bottled water during the visits
All service charges and taxes

Not included

Drinks with meals
Tipping (recommended)
Optional extras not mentioned in the itinerary
Egypt entry visa

Good to know

We confirm your pick-up time on WhatsApp the evening before the trip.
Pick-up areas: Marsa Alam, Port Ghalib, Wadi El Gemal and El Quseir. Farther areas may carry an extra charge.
Private trip: the day is for your group only. Vehicle: a car for up to 3 to 4 guests, a minivan for up to 7 to 8, and two vehicles for larger groups.
A long day on the road. Not recommended for young children or guests who find long drives tiring.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes and modest clothing for temples and religious sites. A light jacket helps in the air-conditioned car.
October to April is more comfortable; summer days in Upper Egypt are very hot.
The price shown is the starting price per person. The final price depends on your dates, group size and hotel area, and we confirm it on WhatsApp before you book.
Children: under 6 travel free, ages 6 to 11 pay half the adult price, and ages 12 and over pay the full price.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up, because the trip books a driver for the whole day. After that it is not refundable.

Questions

How long is the drive each way?

It takes a few hours each way across the desert to the Nile Valley. The road is good, and your private vehicle is air-conditioned, so many guests rest on the way. There are short breaks along the route.

What is special about Edfu Temple?

It is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, built in the Ptolemaic period and dedicated to Horus. You can walk through nearly all of its halls and see the carved reliefs close up.

Why is Kom Ombo called a double temple?

It was built with two parallel sides, dedicated to two gods, so it has twin entrances, halls and sanctuaries. It is a rare plan and it stands right on the Nile, which makes it a great stop for photos.

What should I bring?

Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a light layer for the drive, since the vehicle is cool. Bring your camera and some small cash for tips, drinks or souvenirs.