Camel Ride to St Simeon's Monastery on Elephantine Island

Embark on a camel journey to the southernmost point of Elephantine Island where St Simeon’s Monastery resides, a deserted ancient fortress monastery mainly constructed in the 7th century, near Aswan.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Elephantine Island -
  • Monastery of St. Simeon - Named by archaeologists and travelers, the Monastery of St. Simeon was originally known as Anba Hatre (Hidra, Hadri, Hadra) in earlier Arabic and Coptic texts. This name honors an anchorite who was appointed as the bishop of Syene (modern-day Aswan) by Patriarch Theophilus (385-412 AD).
    Anba…
What's Included
  • Sailing by motor boat around the island
  • Private and expert Qualified Egyptologist guide
  • Camel ride for one hour
  • Visit the sixth century Monastery
  • Private transportation by air-conditioned minivans; hotel pick up and drop off
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Location
Elephantine Island
Across the Nile from Aswan, Two parts to this Island
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.0
(5 Ratings)
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1 star
Paul
Mar 13, 2016
While visiting Aswan by way of... - <p>While visiting Aswan by way of Uniworld River Cruises. We decided to take a break from the normal<br/> schedule and hired a Viator Guide for a private tour to St. Simeons Monastery.</p> <p>This turned out to be a very great decision! Ramez Saber and a representative of Viator met us at the<br/> ships front desk, we walked a short 50 yards to another small boat and set out to cross the Nile. During the short sail we got to know our guide Ramez. He had deep knowledge of the area, articulate and delightful charm. Once docked, we were met by 3 guys and 3 camels. For about 40 minutes we rode<br/> camels, led by the young guys to St Simeon Monastery. It was a beautiful, 85 degree, low humidity day. The sun was definitely intense so I was grateful to have worn long sleeves and a scarf Early February.<br/> If you have ever watched Queen of the Desert with Nicole Kidman, you will have a sense of what this <br/> short journey was like. It is a landscape that takes your breath away!</p> <p>We stopped at The Monastery and Ramez began with exciting stories of how the Monastery came to be<br/> and why it was used. We spent an hour weaving in and out of its many rooms, thankful for Ramez as I would have surely been lost. The fortress-like 7th-century Monastery of St Simeon was first dedicated to the local saint Anba Hedra, who renounced the world on his wedding day. It was rebuilt in the 10th century and dedicated to St Simeon. From here the monks travelled into Nubia.</p> <p>Afterward, we saddled up once more for a short trip to another docking area. A boat was waiting to take us back to the ship via a longer scenic ride through the Nile. Ramez took great care to make certain we were entertained and at ease the entire 3.5 hour trip. </p> <p>I enthusiastically recommend this private excursion to The Saint Simeon Monastery with Viator Tours and Ramez Saber!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Sean
May 26, 2010
it's a short ride to the monastery and... - it's a short ride to the monastery and back - which is good when it's hot hot hot. an experience to be had.
Review provided by Viator
Janet
Oct 31, 2009
Hard to forget your first camel ride... - Hard to forget your first camel ride! Interesting look at Christianity in Egypt.
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Joanne
Dec 26, 2006
Guide was excellent and very... - Guide was excellent and very knowledgeable &amp; friendly.
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Fang
Jun 13, 2012
Camel ride was fresh experience for... - <p>Camel ride was fresh experience for us but the whole tour was not so special and a bit boring to be honest. The tour guide was wonderful though, with very good English knowledge and very friendly.</p>
Review provided by Viator
From $66
up to 9 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).