Excursion To St Simeon's Monastery With Camel Ride
What your day looks like
Ride a camel to the southern tip of Elephantine Island where you will find St Simeon's Monastery, an ancient, abandoned fortress-monastery mostly built during the 7th century and located near Aswan. The monastery was given the name St Simeon by archaeologists and travelers, but earlier Arabic and Coptic sources called it Anba Hatred (Hydra, Hadri, Hadra), after an anchorite who was consecrated a bishop of Syene (now Aswan) by Patriarch Theophilus (385-412 AD). Anba Hatred married at the age of eighteen. Tradition says that just after the wedding, he encountered a funeral procession which inspired him to preserve his chastity and later become a disciple of Saint Baiman. After eight years of ascetic practices under the supervision of his teacher, he retired to the desert and applied himself to the study of the life of Saint Antony. He died during the time of Theodosius I.
The experience, in brief
- Visit Elephantine Island where find St Simeon's Monastery
- Study the life of Saint Antony
- Enjoy a camel ride
The journey, in full
Enjoy a unique half-day excursion in Aswan that combines history, scenery, and a traditional desert experience. This tour begins with a pleasant camel ride across the golden sands on the west bank of the Nile, offering a peaceful and authentic way to reach one of Aswan’s most fascinating historical sites. Accompanied by a professional guide, you will enjoy guided site seeing inside St. Simeon’s Monastery, learning about its history, architecture, and the monastic life that once flourished here. The tour is ideal for travelers looking to experience something different from the usual city tours, blending culture with a touch of adventure. With private transportation, personal guidance, and flexible timing, this excursion offers a relaxed yet enriching experience, perfect for photography lovers and history enthusiasts alike. St. Simeon’s Monastery dates back to the 7th century and is one of the best-preserved monasteries in southern Egypt. Surrounded by desert landscapes, it offers stunning views and insight into early Christian monastic life in Aswan.
Your day, step by step
Aswan
Sightseeing at Elephantine.
Aswan
Camel Ride.
What to know before booking
Included
Qualified Egyptologist guide Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Not Included
Tip or Gratuity Food and drinks
What to Bring
Passport required
Meeting & Pickup
7:00 am (Earlier or later departures are available from centrally located Aswan hotels).
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Minimum age: 1 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business