Elephantine Travel Guide: Top Sights in Egypt, Tours & Travel Advice

⁰

Elephantine- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Egypt; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 8 hours

Elephantine Island, located in Aswan, Upper Egypt, holds a rich historical legacy, with its strategic position at the First Cataract of the Nile serving as both a trade hub and defensive site. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae," it showcases a blend of ancient Egyptian and Greek influences. The island features ancient temples dedicated to gods like Khnum and Satet, some dating back to 3000 BC, and two nilometers used to measure the Nile’s water levels. Excavations have uncovered Aramaic papyri that highlight a Jewish community that thrived here in the 5th century BC, offering insight into the cultural and religious dynamics of this once-vibrant settlement.

Operators offering tours in Egypt

Attractions in Aswan

Abu Simbel

4.8

Philae

4.8

Aswan Dam

Nubian Museum

4.6

Kalabsha Temple

4.8

Tombs of the Nobles in Aswan

4.4

Qubbet el-Hawa

4.4

Unfinished Obelisk

4.4

Reviews of Elephantine

Seokjin Ham

5
Reviewed: 2024-08-19

In ancient Egypt, it was a place where ivory, a valuable commodity, was transported. Currently it is a peaceful island in the Nile River. You can see Nubian-style buildings and Nubian people living in peace with animals. There are the Aswan Museum and the ruined Temple of Khnum.
Robin Peagler

1
Reviewed: 2024-07-05

Filthy island with nothing to do but pay for boat excursions so you don't have to be there.
An S

1
Reviewed: 2024-02-29

BE CAREFUL FOR SCAMMERS!!! Don't go with children who want to show you the island! Their families are scammers. Even when you think its a friendly way! We even played football with them
Ahmed Rashad

5
Reviewed: 2024-02-13

The perfect place to stay in, historic adventure. It's taking you back to B.C.E Visit the island when you have a vacation
D.A.

5
Reviewed: 2018-04-14

We were lucky enough to have been able to visit a Nubian Village in the Elephantine Island and was a great visit.