Temple of Kom Ombo: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting
What do you need to know before visiting the Temple of Kom Ombo?
The Temple of Kom Ombo is one of Egypt’s most fascinating ancient sites, known for its unique design dedicated to two gods—Sobek and Horus.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit, including the temple’s history, its location, how to get there, and the best places to stay nearby.
Visiting Temple of Kom Ombo: Overview
The Temple of Kom Ombo is an ancient Egyptian site known for its unique dual design. It stands as a tribute to the architectural skill of the ancient Egyptians.
This temple is dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility and protection, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god of healing and wisdom.
The temple has a rectangular shape with a symmetrical layout, with each side dedicated to one of these gods. Visiting the Temple of Kom Ombo offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Where is the Temple of Kom Ombo?
The Temple of Kom Ombo is located on the east bank of the Nile River in the small town of Kom Ombo, about 45 kilometers north of Aswan, Egypt.
Kom Ombo was once a desert with sandy hills but is now an agricultural town with sugar cane plantations, schools, hospitals, and sugar refineries.
Thanks to its location on a hill overlooking the Nile, many Nile cruises stop here, making it a convenient destination for tourists.
Why is the Temple of Kom Ombo important?
The Temple of Kom Ombo is unique because it is dedicated to two gods, which is rare in ancient Egyptian temples.
The name “Kom Ombo” means “hill of gold,” derived from the Arabic word Kom (hill) and the ancient Egyptian word Ombo (gold). This name likely refers to the sandy hills that once surrounded the area.
The temple was built during the Ptolemaic dynasty (180–47 BCE) with additions from the Roman era. Its design includes two identical sections: two entrances, two courts, two hypostyle halls, and two sanctuaries, each dedicated to one god.
The temple’s walls feature detailed carvings. The facade shows Ptolemaic kings defeating enemies and making offerings to the gods. Inside the first hall, you’ll see carvings of Sobek and Horus purifying the Ptolemies, a scene also found in other temples like Edfu and Philae.
On one of the walls, you can also see a representation of the first surgical instruments. The columns in the inner hall are shaped like lotus flowers, a sacred plant in ancient Egypt symbolizing spirituality.
In ancient times, the Nile’s banks were home to many crocodiles, making locals fearful. To protect themselves, they worshipped crocodiles and even raised them in a pool inside the temple. Today, you can see mummified crocodiles on-site in the museum.
Is the Temple of Kom Ombo Worth Visiting?
The Temple of Kom Ombo is a must-visit for anyone exploring Egypt’s ancient sites. Here’s why:
- Unique Design: It’s the only temple in Egypt dedicated to two gods.
- Beautiful Carvings: The detailed artwork on the walls and facades is remarkable.
- Stunning Views: The temple offers breathtaking views of the Nile River from its hilltop location.
- Crocodile Museum: You can visit the museum to see mummified crocodiles.
- Accessibility: The temple is easy to reach by Nile cruise or car.
Although parts of the temple have been damaged by floods, earthquakes, and builders, it remains an incredible site worth exploring.
How to get to the Temple of Kom Ombo
You can reach the Temple of Kom Ombo from various locations, including Aswan, Luxor, Cairo, or Hurghada. There are several travel options to suit different preferences.
The three easiest ways to visit the temple are by joining a guided tour, driving yourself, or using public transportation. Here’s a closer look at each option.
Option 1: Visit By Tour
Taking a tour to visit temples and any other sights in Egypt is the best way. Everything is organized for you, you get a pickup and drop off and usually entrance fees are included. Here are the top three recommended tours.
➡️Private Sightseeing Tour To Kom Ombo And Edfu Temples From Aswan – This tour is for those staying in Aswan. You will be picked up from your hotel or any other place in Aswan by air-conditioned vehicle and accompanied by a guide will visit Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples.
What is included: All transfers, pick up and drop off by AC vehicle, private tour, professional guide, entrance fees, and a bottle of water.
Not included: Lunch (optional), optional tours, and personal items.
➡️Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples Tour from Luxor – This tour is for those staying in Luxor. You will be picked up from your hotel or any place in Luxor by air-conditioned vehicle and accompanied by a guide will visit Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples.
What is included: All transfers, pick up and drop off by AC vehicle, professional guide, entrance fees, a bottle of water, and all taxes and service charges.
Not included: Any extras not mentioned above, such as tipping.
➡️5 Days Nile River Cruise from Luxor to Aswan with Private Tour Guide – This option is for someone who would like to experience the Nile River cruise and see more temples on the way, like Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, and more. You can get a similar tour even if you are staying in Hurghada.
What is included: 4 nights accommodation on board 5* standard Nile cruise, meet and assist by English speaking representative, private Egyptology English speaking tour guide, complimentary 1 bottle of water per day per person, all transfers by AC vehicle, all local taxes and services, bottled water, breakfast (4) lunch (4), dinner (4).
Not included: any extra not mentioned above, all personal expenses, tipping.
Option 2: Drive To The Temple
If you are staying in Aswan or Luxor, you can also drive to the Temple as it is not that far away, especially from Aswan. However, you must be a very confident and patient driver. Driving in Egypt is one big chaos and adrenalin.
Egypt’s roads can be unpredictable, with cars driving wherever they want, overtaking without caution, and ignoring speed limits.
On some parts of the journey, there are tractors, motorbikes, and even donkey pull carts on the road, and people cross the roads wherever they want.
If you’re not comfortable with driving in these conditions, you can hire a driver through your hotel or take a taxi. Just be sure to negotiate the price before you go.
Option 3: Go By Public Transportation
Public transportation is the cheapest way to get to the Temple of Kom Ombo, but it may not be the fastest or most comfortable. Buses and trains run between Aswan and Luxor, stopping at Kom Ombo station.
You can take a bus or train from Luxor or Aswan to Kom Ombo station for about $1 USD. From there, you’ll need a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the temple, which is about 2 km away. Make sure to negotiate the price.
Trains are usually a better and more comfortable option, especially air-conditioned sleeper trains. I would avoid the regular trains, as they are less comfortable.
The AC Sleeper train also operates from Cairo to Aswan or Luxor. If you’re traveling from Cairo, the journey to Kom Ombo takes about 12 hours and costs between $80 and $120 USD.
Where To Stay Near Temple Of Kom Ombo
Unfortunately, there are no hotels in the town of Kom Ombo as it is a small town, so you will need to stay in Aswan. The closest hotels or guest houses are about 1-hour drive from the temple of Kom Ombo.
Here are three recommended places to stay based on your budget.
➡️Budget Option: The Mango Guest House – absolutely lovely colorful guest house with a private bathroom and balcony, close to the river. The host is extra helpful with arranging tours or transportation.
Prices are around 30- 50 USD depending on the season. Breakfast is not included, but it can be arranged for an extra cost.
➡️Mid-Range Hotel Option: Artika Wadi Kiki Hotel – Authentic hotel located in a Nubian village on the bank of the Nile with a beautiful view. There is a restaurant and a bar and you can enjoy your food and drinks in the garden.
In the village, you can find souqs with souvenirs, and there is a possibility of cycling or sandboarding close by the hotel. The hotel staff is very friendly and helpful. Prices are around 80-160 USD depending on the season.
➡️Luxury Resort Option: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan – This luxury hotel located on the bank of the River Nile is full of history. There are four restaurants and four bars, one with a terrace providing a stunning view of the Nile.
There is an inside and outside pool for you to relax, as well as a spa, sauna, and gym. The prices go from 300 to 1k USD depending on the season. Breakfast is included and you can also include dinner if you wish.
More Things To Do In Izbat Al Bayyarah
While there isn’t much directly around the Kom Ombo Temple, Aswan offers plenty of activities to enhance your visit. If you’ve already included the nearby Edfu Temple in your itinerary, consider exploring other attractions like the Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the High Dam.
A tour of Nubian Village is another great option. Here, you can experience the Nubian culture, meet locals, and learn about their traditions from a guide.
For a relaxing experience, take a traditional felucca boat tour to enjoy views of Aswan from the Nile. Some tours include stops at a botanical garden or a traditional lunch.
Other points of interest in Aswan include the Aswan Museum, the Nubian Museum, and the Aswan Old Souq.
Here are some recommended tours for you.
➡️Book a Guided Tour to High Dam, The Obelisk & Philae Temple by Motorboat HERE
➡️Book Nubian Village by Motorboat In Aswan HERE
➡️Book Sunset Felucca Ride in Aswan
Best Time to Visit Temple Of Kom Ombo
The best time to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo is in spring or autumn. These seasons offer milder temperatures and lower prices compared to the peak winter season.
Winter is also a good time to visit, but it’s the busiest season, with higher prices and more tourists. If you visit in winter, pack a jumper and jacket, as temperatures can be cooler.
Avoid visiting in summer, as temperatures often exceed 40°C/104 degrees Fahrenheit making sightseeing uncomfortable despite lower prices.
In any case, visiting Kom Ombo is more beautiful during sunrise and sunset. If you can make it at this time, you will be gifted with a stunning view.
The Wrap-up: The Ultimate Guide To Temple Of Kom Ombo
The Temple of Kom Ombo is a unique and fascinating site that offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptian history and culture. Its dual dedication to Sobek and Horus, stunning carvings, and beautiful location by the Nile make it a must-visit destination.
Whether you’re exploring Egypt on a Nile cruise or traveling by car, the temple is easy to reach and worth adding to your itinerary. Don’t forget to plan your visit during sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable experience!
