Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples: Ancient Wonders of Egypt

Make a visit to Edfu and Kom Ombo, two stunning ancient temples found on the Nile River. Thanks to their good condition, the Ptolemaic-era temples are beautiful, carvings are intricate and their religious value is clear. By touring the temples, you can understand ancient Egyptian culture, mythology and how people lived each day. Anytime you stop on a Nile cruise tour, these locations will be enjoyable.

Discovering Edfu and Kom Ombo temples

Overview of Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples from Aswan to Luxor

Many people visit the Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples along their cruise on the Nile because they lie between Aswan and Luxor.

• The temple at Kom Ombo is 47 km north of Aswan and is distinctive because it features two equal parts to worship the gods Sobek and Haroeris.
• Built in the city of Edfu, Edfu Temple is considered one of the best-preserved sites in Egypt. It is designed to honor Horus, the god with a falcon head and the carvings and scenes here are very detailed.

The temples were built during the Ptolemaic era and give a clear picture of ancient Egyptian religion, architecture and art.

Interesting facts about Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples

Discover the highlights, history, and unique features you can expect when visiting Egypt’s most iconic temples along the Nile.

Temple of Kom Ombo

With only 47 km separating it from Aswan, the Temple of Kom Ombo is reached easily within an hour and is included on many Nile river cruises. Sobek the crocodile-headed god, who represents fertility and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed, are the main deities worshiped at this double temple which was constructed during the Ptolemaic Period.

Many find the temple to be important because all the courts, halls and sacred areas are the same for both statues. Certain carvings in the temple are believed to show the earliest versions of surgical tools.

In spite of being damaged by disasters and stone theft, most of the temple’s beauty is still intact. Next to the temple, you can find the Crocodile Museum with mummified crocodiles, representing the sacred position of Sobek for ancient Egypt. More than 300 mummies of crocodiles have been found in the nearby area.

Key facts about the Temple of Kom Ombo

Temple of Horus at Edfu

The Temple of Horus at Edfu is well-preserved and is the biggest temple built to honor Horus, the falcon-headed god. Egyptologists refer to Edfu as being 70 kilometers north of Kom Ombo and it takes 1.75 hours to get there by car or cruise.

During the Ptolemaic Period from 237–57 BC, the Ptolemaic temple was constructed and represents one of the finest examples of original ancient Egyptian temple architecture. A visitor can clearly see the temple’s original grandeur in the first intact pylon.

Inside, you’ll find:

• A large open courtyard.
• A striking black granite statue of Horus.
• A hypostyle hall with towering columns.
• Several antechambers.

The Sanctuary, where a golden statue of Horus once stood on a granite shrine

Despite being over 2,000 years old, the temple’s exceptional condition makes it a must-visit site along the Nile.

The Great Temple of Horus in Edfu

Temple of Khnum in Esna

The Temple of Khnum in Esna is not very well-known, yet it is fascinating and takes about an hour and a half’s drive to reach from the Temple of Horus at Edfu which is around 85 - 90km. The temple is dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed creator god, along with deities such as Menhit, Nebtu, Heka, and Neith.

According to ancient beliefs, Khnum created human beings on a potter’s wheel using clay from the Nile, symbolizing the divine origin of life.

The temple is found below the street by nearly 9 meters, as over time the Nile kept flooding and people built over it. Climbing down into the underground site, visitors see its well-preserved columns and interesting carvings.

Traveling from Esna to Luxor is only about 64 km (which takes about 1.5 hours), so your trip to Upper Egypt can easily include a stop there.

Interesting about Temple of Khnum in Esna

All you need know before visit

Get essential tips, travel info, and practical advice to help you make the most of your temple visits in Egypt.

Entrances fees

Here are the current entrance fees for the main temples between Aswan and Luxor. Prices are in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) and may vary slightly over time, so it’s good to double-check before your visit.

Kom Ombo Temple

• Adult: 450 EGP.
• Student (with valid ID): 225 EGP.

Temple of Horus at Edfu

• Adult: 550 EGP.
• Student (with valid ID): 275 EGP.

Temple of Khnum at Esna

• Adult: 200 EGP.
• Student: 100 EGP.

Ticket booth location: Along the Nile River, near the cruise dock. From there, it’s a short walk through a shopping street to the temple entrance.

Hours open

Usually, temples in Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna are open each day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These hours remain the same every day but could change very slightly on holidays or special occasions. You should try to visit the complex in the morning, as this helps you miss the crowds and unpleasant midday weather, if you come by Nile cruise. Always verify the new opening times at the place itself before going.

How to get there

Most visitors choose to see Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna Temples by booking a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. During these cruises, you will usually stop at the three temples with guides. You can choose to visit the places by private car or taxi, as there are well-constructed roads between each site. Some temples are accessible after you travel from the closest cities by additional transport.

What to know before visiting

What to expect when driving from Aswan to Luxor?

On the way from Aswan to Luxor, you’ll find yourself on a narrow road on the east bank of the Nile if you decide to visit Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna. Here, you will see green fields of sugarcane and date palms beside dry desert lands.

Small towns, many police checkpoints, and roads full of different vehicles such as tuk-tuks, tractors, motorbikes, tourist vans, and donkey carts hauling all kinds of produce await travelers in Egypt.

There are many speed bumps along the road which slows vehicles to a safer speed. While the road may be hectic and not smooth all the time, it gives a true picture of rural Egypt. This road trip gives adventure-seeking travelers a chance to explore the Nile and experience what life is like in its villages.

Road trip from Aswan to Luxor

Best time to visit Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples

You should try to visit Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples from October to April, when it is cooler in Egypt. The days are easier to explore because it is not as hot during this time.

To avoid packed places and hot summer days, cruise travelers should visit in the morning. Summer temperatures (from May to September) are often over 40°C (104°F) and this makes it less pleasant to explore. Go in the morning to get the most out of your photography and the experience.

FAQs about Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples

Find answers to the most common questions about visiting Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples, including tips, history, and travel details.

Who were the Kom Ombo temples built for?

These temples were constructed for two ancient deities: Sobek, who had a human body and a head of a crocodile and Haroeris (Horus the Elder), portrayed with a head of a falcon. Both gods are features a symmetrical layout with twin sanctuaries—one for Sobek and one for Haroeris—reflecting the duality of worship

Why was the temple of Kom Ombo built?

In the Ptolemaic period, the Temple of Kom Ombo was built to celebrate the powerful gods Sobek and Haroeris. Activities there included worshipping, seeking healing and performing sacrifices. The temple’s unique double design symbolized harmony and the coexistence of both cults in ancient Egyptian belief.

How old are Kom Ombo temples?

Completed between 108 and 47 BC during the Ptolemaic era, the Temple of Kom Ombo is over 2,000 years old. While many other Egyptian temples are older, it is significant for its two designs and for its well-maintained depictions of gods, rituals and medical objects.

How old are Edfu Temples?

It was between 237 and 57 BC during the Ptolemaic period that the Ptolemaic rulers built the Temple of Edfu for Horus. As a result, it is construction began in 237 BCE and was completed in 57 BCE, making it approximately 2,100 years old. Because of its good preservation, it still reflects how ancient temples and cults were built and how they functioned in Egypt.

In conclusion

Touring the Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples helps people understand how ancient Egypt’s religious beliefs, creative arts and architecture evolved in Ptolemaic times. Everyone should take the chance to see these historical temples found along the Nile. To guarantee no problems when entering Egypt, apply for your Egypt e-visa using the website of the official immigration service before you travel.