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Tour Details

Duration	3 Hours
Tour Location	Elephantine Island / St.Simon's Monastery
Tour Type	Daily Tour
Pickup	Your Hotel in Aswan

Overview

St. Simeon Monastery & Camel Ride Tour

This half-day tour departs Aswan hotels for a camel ride across Elephantine Island to St. Simeon Monastery, a 7th-century fortress monastery on the Nile’s west bank. It is the only Aswan day tour that reaches the monastery exclusively by camel. The excursion runs 3 hours round trip with private hotel pickup and drop-off. For more ways to explore Aswan’s desert and Nile side, browse our Aswan day Trips.

A private vehicle collects you from your Aswan hotel and transfers you to the camel station on the west bank. From there, a camel carries you across the desert terrain of Elephantine Island to St. Simeon Monastery, a fortified structure built into the hillside in the 7th century. After the guided visit, the same vehicle returns you to your hotel.

No other half-day tour from Aswan pairs a camel crossing with a Christian monastery visit in a single 3-hour excursion. For more ideas and practical details, explore our Egypt Day Tours Guide to discover other ways to experience Egypt beyond the main highlights.

Why Book This Tour

One Ride, Two Experiences, Three Hours

Experienced private tour guides who are knowledgeable about Egyptian history.
Explore a 7th-century Christian heritage site.
Private Egyptologist guide included
Private, customizable experience.
Camel ride across the desert to St. Simeon Monastery.
Affordable prices without compromising on quality or service.
24/7 customer support to assist with any concerns or inquiries.

Only on this route

The only half-day tour from Aswan that reaches St. Simeon Monastery exclusively by camel combining a 7th-century Christian heritage site with a desert crossing by camel.

What You Get

Inclusion & Exclusion

Included

Pick up from your hotel in Aswan by a Tripidays representative.
All transfers in Aswan are made by modern private vehicles.
Private licensed Egyptologist guide
Camel ride: Across Elephantine Island to St. Simeon Monastery
Entrance fees to Aswan trip attractions are mentioned in the itinerary.
One bottle of water during the tours.
Our assistance during your stay.
All Taxes and Charges.

Excluded

Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra meals, etc.).
Tips for guides and drivers.
Any site not listed above.

What You See

Highlights

Aswan Attractions

Elephantine Island
St.Simon's Monastery

Your Day at a Glance

Itinerary

A private vehicle picks you up from your Aswan hotel and drives you to the camel station on the Nile's west bank, the starting point of this St. Simeon Monastery camel ride Aswan excursion.
Camel Ride to Elephantine Island
Your camel crosses packed desert sand along the west bank, passing granite outcrops and Nubian settlements in the distance. The ride covers roughly 4 kilometers of open terrain, making this one of the only Aswan desert camel tour monastery routes in the portfolio.
St. Simon's Monastery
Your guide leads you through the mudbrick fortress walls of this 7th-century monastery, once home to as many as 300 monks before it was abandoned in the 13th century. Faded frescoes and vaulted chambers remain visible across the two-story structure. After an enriching day of exploration and cultural discovery, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel, ensuring a relaxing and hassle-free end to your unforgettable day tour.

Note: You can let us know if you'd like to customize your tour itinerary to meet your needs. We value your input and aim to accommodate your requirements.

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this St. Simeon Monastery & Camel Ride tour include?

The tour includes private hotel pickup, a camel ride across Elephantine Island, a guided visit to St. Simeon Monastery, and the monastery's entrance fee. A licensed Egyptologist guide and bottled water are also included.

What sites or experiences does this tour cover?

The tour covers a camel ride across Elephantine Island followed by a guided visit to St. Simeon Monastery, a 7th-century fortress monastery on Aswan's west bank. If you'd rather focus on ancient temples, browse our Aswan temple tours.

What makes this different from other half-day tours from Aswan?

This is the only Aswan tour that reaches St. Simeon Monastery exclusively by camel rather than by boat or vehicle, pairing a desert crossing with a 7th-century Christian heritage site. Travelers wanting a longer full-day option can also consider our Aswan to Abu Simbel private car tour.

How long is this tour and when does it start?

The tour lasts 3 hours, with morning pickup from your Aswan hotel and return to your hotel the same day.

Is transport and a guide included?

Yes. A private air-conditioned vehicle handles hotel transfers, and a private licensed Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout. The tour is private, not shared with other groups.

What to Pack

Hat Backpack Comfy Shoes Powerbank Medical Kit Comfy Clothes Sunglasses & Sunscreen Personal Hygiene Products Valid Passport For 6 Months

Where You'll Go

Day Tour's Location

Tour Prices

Solo $140 / person
2 - 4 Pax $90 / person
5 - 8 Pax $70 / person
9 - 16 Pax $65 / person

Solo $130 / person
2 - 4 Pax $80 / person
5 - 8 Pax $60 / person
9 - 16 Pax $55 / person

Solo $140 / person
2 - 4 Pax $90 / person
5 - 8 Pax $70 / person
9 - 16 Pax $65 / person

Xmas window: 21 Dec – 7 Jan / Easter window: 29 Mar – 11 Apr

Solo $140 / person
2 - 4 Pax $90 / person
5 - 8 Pax $70 / person
9 - 16 Pax $65 / person

From:

$55

5.0 800+ travelers

Total: $0

What Our Customers Say

Hear from our satisfied customers about their travel experiences with us.

5.0

A really enjoyable experience and a nice change from typical sightseeing. The camel ride made the visit feel much more adventurous, while our guide gave us a great understanding of the monastery.

Sophie Martin

France

We wanted something active but still cultural, and this tour was a great fit. Everything was well organized, and having a private guide made the experience feel relaxed and personal.

Daniel Brooks

United Kingdom

The combination of the desert ride and the old monastery was fantastic. It was short enough to fit easily into our day, but still felt like a memorable experience.

Laura Bianchi

Italy

This was one of the more unusual experiences of our trip. The camel ride was fun, the monastery was fascinating, and the private transportation made everything very easy.

Michael Turner

United States

A lovely half-day adventure with a good balance of history and outdoor activity. Our guide was friendly and informative, and the whole experience felt comfortable from start to finish.

Anna Kowalska

Poland