Egypt Discovery
ExcursionAswan

Aswan High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk, Half-Day Tour

Visit the northern granite quarry and High Dam viewpoint by private air-conditioned vehicle, with Aswan hotel pickup and an Egyptologist available on request.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

The High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk Half Day Tour is a private Aswan excursion to the dam viewpoint and Northern Quarry, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Cultural
  • Archaeology & history
Best for
  • Solo traveller·
  • Couples·
  • Groups·
  • Seniors

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Half-day visit (3–4 hours)
Time of day
Morning departure
Travel style
Private Guided Tour
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Tours to Discover Egypt
Destinations
Aswan High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk · Northern Quarry · Central Aswan
Includes
Air-conditioned private vehicle · Driver · Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or Nile cruise within Aswan city limits · Entrance fees to the Aswan High Dam viewpoint and Unfinished Obelisk · Bottled water on transfers · Local taxes · Licensed Egyptologist available on request at booking
Best for
History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Aswan · Travellers with limited time · Families with older children · Private shore-excursion guests
Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are typically October to April, when daytime temperatures in Aswan are lower and site visits are easier. In summer, especially June to August, temperatures can be very high, so early morning or late-afternoon departures are usually preferable. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and visitor flow may vary, so advance planning is advisable.

  • Licensed Egyptian tour operator
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with dedicated driver
  • Optional licensed Egyptologist on request
  • Hotel and Nile-cruise pickup within Aswan city limits
  • Standard site entrance fees included
  • Local taxes and operational costs included
  • 24/7 on-the-ground coordination for travel logistics

02Overview

A first look

Morning light on Aswan skims the granite faces and the air carries a dry river smell as you stand at the High Dam viewpoint listening to the Nile’s broad current and the hum of distant pumps. At the northern quarry the stone underfoot is warm and granular, ancient tool marks rise beside the vertical cut where the Unfinished Obelisk still rests in situ, its intended size visible by the surrounding quarry scars.

We keep this as a short, private outing rather than a hurried coach stop, which reduces waits and lets you move at a steady pace. We arrange hotel or Nile-cruise pickup within Aswan city limits, and our Egyptologists can join the visit if requested at booking.

Background

The facts

The High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk half-day tour in Aswan focuses on two sites that illustrate different periods of Egyptian history: the modern Aswan High Dam and the ancient granite quarry at the Unfinished Obelisk. The Aswan High Dam was constructed between 1960 and 1970 and inaugurated in 1970. It impounds Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, and the viewpoint is typically reached by a short drive of about 3–4 km south of central Aswan.

The Unfinished Obelisk lies in the northern granite quarry in Aswan, where a pharaonic obelisk was being carved directly from the bedrock. If completed, it would have measured about 42 metres. The quarry site is roughly 2 km north of central Aswan, which keeps road transfers between the two stops relatively short and makes the excursion practical as a half-day outing.

Because the visit is short, it is usually scheduled with either a morning or late-afternoon departure to reduce exposure to the hottest part of the day. Standard site entrance fees are normally included, and the route is suitable for travellers staying in central Aswan hotels or on Nile cruises within Aswan city limits. A licensed Egyptologist can be added on request at booking for guests who want historical interpretation during the visit.

Named in this entry

The Aswan High Dam·Lake Nasser·Unfinished Obelisk·Northern Quarry, Aswan·Ancient Egyptian granite quarry·Aswan·Egypt·1950s Aswan Dam project·1970 inauguration

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits first-time visitors to Aswan, history enthusiasts, and travellers who want a compact sightseeing programme rather than a longer day out. It is also suitable for adults and older children who are comfortable with short walks and brief stops at archaeological and engineering sites.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another outing if you need step-free access throughout or want a full day of sightseeing. The quarry has uneven surfaces and little shade, and summer visits can be very hot.

What lingers

  • 01Visit Aswan High Dam, completed 1970; our Egyptologist explains hydroelectric impact and Nile flood control.
  • 02See the Unfinished Obelisk in the northern quarry; visible tool marks show ancient granite-working techniques.
  • 03Includes private car transfer, our Egyptologist and site entrance fees; gratuities and special permits excluded.
  • 04Short walk over uneven stone and low shade at the quarry; bring sun protection and sturdy shoes.
  • 05We avoid large coach groups; we schedule morning departures to beat midday heat and cruise-boat crowds.
  • 06Typical duration three to four hours with hotel pickup in central Aswan; flexible timings on request.

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • See the High Dam viewpoint and the Unfinished Obelisk in one short outing.
  • The planned obelisk would have measured about 42 metres.
  • Private transport allows a flexible morning or late-afternoon departure.
  • Standard entrance fees and bottled water during transfers are included.
  • An Egyptologist can be added when booking.

Things to Consider

  • Uneven stone surfaces at the northern quarry.
  • Little shade at the quarry in strong sun.
  • Summer heat makes midday visits uncomfortable.
  • The Egyptologist is extra unless booked in advance.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a full-day Aswan sightseeing programme, this excursion is designed to cover just two key sites in about 3 to 4 hours. That makes it a practical option for travellers with limited time, shore-excursion schedules, or those who prefer a shorter outing in hot weather. Compared with group coach tours, the private format gives more control over departure time and pace at each stop.

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

08:00 to 10:00 AM

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

Bundled in

  • Private transfer
  • Hotel pickup
  • All entry tickets

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver throughout the excursion
  • Pick-up and drop-off at hotels or Nile cruise boats within Aswan city limits
  • Standard admission to the Aswan High Dam viewpoint and the Unfinished Obelisk
  • Bottled water provided during vehicle transfers
  • Local taxes and Discovery Tours Egypt operating costs
  • A licensed Egyptologist can be added if requested when booking

Not included

  • Egyptologist guide, unless requested and booked in advance
  • Tips for the driver or guide
  • Food and personal spending
  • Transfers from hotels or Nile cruise boats beyond Aswan city limits may cost extra

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Choose a morning or late-afternoon departure to limit exposure to the midday heat.

  2. 02

    Request the Egyptologist when booking, as the guide is not included by default.

  3. 03

    Confirm that your hotel or Nile-cruise pickup point is within Aswan city limits.

  4. 04

    Allow time at the quarry to look closely at the obelisk’s tool marks and breakage point.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The tour can be arranged as a private excursion with hotel or Nile-cruise pickup within Aswan city limits, or adapted for a specific departure time depending on temperature and schedule. A licensed Egyptologist may be added on request at booking, and transfers from outside Aswan city limits can usually be arranged for an extra charge. Some travellers also request extra time for photography or a simple add-on stop in central Aswan if timing allows.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

This half-day excursion fits between other Aswan visits, such as Philae Temple or the Nubian Museum. It can also sit before or after a Nile cruise stop in Aswan.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Minimum age is 5 years because of uneven rock and quarry terrain. Child pricing applies for ages 5 to 11, with proof of age required; children aged 12 and over pay the adult rate. Strollers are not practical at the Unfinished Obelisk due to loose gravel and exposed stone; a baby carrier is more suitable. We can provide booster seats in vehicles if requested at booking; high chairs are not available at sites. Please advise ages and any special requirements when you book so we can confirm safety arrangements.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Pickup from your hotel or Nile cruise within Aswan city limitsMap

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Viewpoint at Aswan High Dam4 km
  • Northern Quarry: Unfinished Obelisk2 km
  • Philae TempleRight here
  • Nubian MuseumRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Visit two contrasting Aswan sites in one half-day

  2. 02

    Choose a morning or late-afternoon departure

  3. 03

    Add an Egyptologist when booking your excursion

·In summary

This half-day tour includes private air-conditioned transport, hotel or Nile-cruise pickup and drop-off within Aswan city limits, and entrance fees to the Aswan High Dam viewpoint and the Unfinished Obelisk. Bottled water, local taxes, and Discovery Tours Egypt operational costs are included. A licensed Egyptologist can be added on request at booking.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What is the duration of the Aswan tour of the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk?
    The private excursion usually takes three to four hours, including travel between the two sites. The visit focuses on the Aswan High Dam viewpoint and the Unfinished Obelisk in the northern granite quarry, rather than adding a longer route. Morning and late-afternoon departures can help limit time in the strongest heat.
  2. 02Can you pick me up from my hotel or Nile cruise in Aswan?
    Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels and Nile cruises within Aswan city limits. We confirm the meeting point and departure time when you book. If you are staying or berthed outside the city limits, tell us your location first; an additional transfer charge may apply.
  3. 03What is included in the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk tour?
    The booking includes a private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver, standard entrance fees for the Aswan High Dam viewpoint and Unfinished Obelisk, and bottled water during transfers. A licensed Egyptologist is optional and must be requested and booked in advance. Meals, personal expenses and gratuities are not included.
  4. 04Is the tour accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
    The Unfinished Obelisk site has uneven stone surfaces and walking is needed around the quarry, so it may be difficult for visitors who use mobility aids. The High Dam viewpoint is generally more straightforward, but access conditions can vary. Please share your mobility requirements before booking so we can discuss what is manageable.
  5. 05Is this Aswan tour suitable for children?
    The three-to-four-hour duration can be manageable for families, but children will need to walk at the Unfinished Obelisk quarry. Stone surfaces are uneven, and adults should supervise children throughout the visit, particularly at viewpoints. Consider a morning or late-afternoon departure to avoid the hottest part of the day.
  6. 06What should I wear and bring for the Aswan High Dam tour?
    Wear comfortable walking shoes with a firm sole, as the quarry has uneven stone underfoot. Bring sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus water for time outside the vehicle. Modest dress is not specifically required at these sites, though lightweight clothing that covers the shoulders can help in the sun.
  7. 07Can I take photographs at the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk?
    Photography is part of the visit at the High Dam viewpoint and the Unfinished Obelisk quarry, but rules may differ by area or change on the day. Follow any signs and instructions from site staff, particularly around restricted or security-sensitive areas. Ask before photographing workers or other visitors.
  8. 08When is the best time to take this tour in Aswan?
    Morning or late afternoon is usually preferable because Aswan can be very hot around midday. These departure windows also offer softer light across Lake Nasser and the quarry. Conditions vary by season, so bring sun protection even on a cooler day and confirm your departure time when booking.
  9. 09Is a licensed Egyptologist included in the tour?
    A licensed Egyptologist is not provided as standard, though we can organise one if you ask and book this option ahead of time. If you travel without an Egyptologist, your driver will provide transport, not historical commentary at the sites. Any gratuity for the driver or guide is optional and not included.
  10. 10What can I see at the Unfinished Obelisk?
    The Unfinished Obelisk remains attached to the bedrock in Aswan’s northern granite quarry, showing where work stopped during its carving. Had it been completed, it would have measured about 42 metres. The quarry also gives a direct view of ancient stone-working traces; the site includes uneven ground and exposed areas.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

Editorial review

Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: EXC-ASW-096300

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