High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk, Half Day (Aswan)
Private half-day visit to the High Dam viewpoint and Unfinished Obelisk, four hours, hotel pickup in Aswan, optional Egyptologist, from a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk Half Day Tour is a 1-day private excursion covering the Aswan High Dam viewpoint and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- Half Day (3–4 hours)
- Time of day
- Morning departure
- Travel style
- Private Guided Excursion
- Accommodation
- N/A
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Aswan High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk · Northern Quarry · Central Aswan
- Includes
- Private air-conditioned vehicle · Driver · Hotel or Nile-cruise pickup and drop-off within Aswan city limits · Entrance fees to listed sites · Bottled water · Local taxes · Optional licensed Egyptologist on request
- Best for
- Short-stay visitors in Aswan · History and archaeology enthusiasts · Families with children · Cruise passengers with limited time · Travelers seeking a private excursion
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are generally October to April, when daytime temperatures in Aswan are milder and easier for outdoor sightseeing. From May to September, midday heat can be intense, so early morning or late-afternoon departures are preferable. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and traffic conditions can vary, so timing should be confirmed in advance.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
- Hotel or Nile-cruise pickup and drop-off within Aswan city limits
- Entrance fees included for the listed sites
- Optional licensed Egyptologist available on request at booking
- Local taxes and operational costs included
- On-the-ground coordination for a short, time-efficient excursion
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
This Aswan half day excursion visits two of the city’s best-known archaeological and engineering sites: the Aswan High Dam viewpoint and the Unfinished Obelisk in the northern granite quarry. The High Dam was constructed between 1960 and 1970 and inaugurated in 1970; it controls the Nile and impounds Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes.
The first stop is typically the High Dam viewpoint, located roughly 3–4 km south of central Aswan. From there, visitors can see the dam structure and understand its role in flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation in modern Egypt. The second stop is the Unfinished Obelisk, about 2 km north of central Aswan in the ancient granite quarry area.
The Unfinished Obelisk is usually dated to the New Kingdom period and is believed to have been intended for the goddess or temple complexes associated with royal monumental building. It remains attached to bedrock, showing tool marks and breakage points that illustrate ancient stone-working methods. If completed, it would have measured about 42 meters, making it one of the largest obelisks ever attempted.
Because the sites are close together, the driving time between them is short and the full excursion is often completed in about 3 to 4 hours, depending on pickup location and time spent at each stop. Hotel or Nile-cruise pickup is generally arranged within Aswan city limits, and the visit is commonly scheduled in the morning or late afternoon to reduce exposure to high temperatures.
Named in this entry
Aswan High Dam·Lake Nasser·Unfinished Obelisk·Northern Quarry·Aswan·Nile River·New Kingdom·Ancient Egyptian granite quarry
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This tour is suited to travelers who want a short, focused sightseeing outing in Aswan rather than a longer day program. It works well for adults and older children interested in engineering, ancient quarrying, and brief historical visits, especially those with moderate walking tolerance.
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.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a longer Nile itinerary, this excursion focuses on two sites that are close to central Aswan and can be visited in a few hours. Compared with independent taxi visits, it includes arranged pickup, drop-off, entrance fees, and private vehicle transport, with an Egyptologist available on request. It is also shorter and less physically demanding than a full-day Aswan sightseeing program.
Stop by stop
Detailed itinerary
08:00 to 10:00 AM
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Bundled in
- Private transfer
- Hotel pickup
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver for the duration of the tour
- Hotel or Nile-cruise pick-up and drop-off within Aswan city limits
- Standard site entrance fees for the Aswan High Dam viewpoint and the Unfinished Obelisk
- Bottled water provided during transfers
- Local taxes and Discovery Tours Egypt operational costs
- Option to add a licensed Egyptologist to the tour if requested at time of booking
Not included
- Licensed Egyptologist, unless requested and booked in advance
- Gratuities for driver or guide
- Meals and personal expenses
- Transfers from hotels or Nile cruises outside Aswan city limits may incur an extra charge
Tailor it
Make it yours
The tour can be booked as a private excursion or adjusted for small travel groups, with pickup from hotels or Nile cruises within Aswan city limits. A licensed Egyptologist can be added on request at booking, and the itinerary may sometimes be timed for cooler morning or late-afternoon conditions. Extra stops, meal arrangements, or extended sightseeing in Aswan can also be added for travelers who want a longer itinerary.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
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
- Hotel or Nile-cruise pickup within Aswan city limitsMap
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
·In summary
This tour includes private air-conditioned transport, hotel or Nile-cruise pickup and drop-off within Aswan city limits, entrance fees to the Aswan High Dam viewpoint and the Unfinished Obelisk, bottled water, and local taxes. A licensed Egyptologist can be added on request at booking. The excursion usually takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Half Day Tour?
This private excursion typically lasts between 3 to 4 hours, including travel time between sites. It is designed as a focused outing for those wishing to see these two key Aswan landmarks without a full-day commitment.02What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver, hotel or Nile-cruise pickup and drop-off within Aswan city limits, standard entrance fees to both sites, bottled water, and local taxes. An Egyptologist is optional.03Is an Egyptologist guide included with this tour?
A licensed Egyptologist guide is not automatically included but can be added to your booking upon request. We recommend this option for deeper historical context and insights into the sites you visit.04What should I wear for this tour?
We recommend comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as there is some walking on uneven surfaces at the Unfinished Obelisk site. Light, breathable fabrics are advisable, especially during warmer months, for comfort in the sun.05What is the best time of day to take this tour?
We recommend morning or late-afternoon departures to avoid the midday heat, which can be intense in Aswan. These times also often provide better light for photography at both the High Dam and the quarry.06Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, this half-day tour is generally suitable for children. The sites involve moderate walking, and the shorter duration makes it manageable for younger travellers. Children should be supervised, especially near the dam viewpoint.07What are the accessibility considerations for this tour?
The tour involves some walking on uneven ancient stone at the Unfinished Obelisk quarry. The Aswan High Dam viewpoint is generally accessible. Please inform us of any specific mobility needs when booking so we can advise accordingly.08Can you pick me up from my hotel outside Aswan city limits?
Our standard pickup and drop-off service covers hotels and Nile cruises within Aswan city limits. Transfers from locations outside this area may incur an additional charge, which we will confirm at the time of booking.09What is the significance of the Unfinished Obelisk?
The Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan's northern granite quarry provides a unique insight into ancient Egyptian stone-cutting techniques. Had it been completed, it would have been the largest ancient obelisk, measuring approximately 42 metres.10Are gratuities for the driver or guide included?
No, gratuities for your driver or any optional Egyptologist guide are not included in the tour price. Tipping is customary in Egypt for good service, and we can provide guidance on appropriate amounts.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: EXC-ASW-096300
You Might Also Like
AswanAbu Simbel by Plane from Aswan – Day Tour
We arrange a private return flight from Aswan International Airport (ASW) to Abu Simbel Airport (ABS) for a day visit to the temples at Abu Simbel. Flight time is approximately 40–50 minutes each way. On arrival our English-speaking Egyptologist will guide you at the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari. The site forms part of the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae (UNESCO, 1979). We include standard site entrance fees, airport handling and domestic flight taxes, and private transfers to and from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise. Practical notes and trade-offs: the tour requires an early start and is tightly scheduled according to domestic flight timetables; the on-site visit is usually brief (typically 1–2 hours) so you should expect a short, focused walk around the façades and interiors. There is limited shade at the site and much walking is on uneven ancient stone. Photography opportunities are best outside the temples; the solar alignment that illuminates the inner sanctuary of Ramesses II occurs around 22 February and 22 October each year. Flights use regional aircraft and luggage/weight limits set by the carrier apply. The tour is operated by our Egyptologists and ground team, licensed by the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETAA).
From £374
Aswan1 Days
Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan Day Tour
A full-day road transfer from Aswan to the twin rock-cut temples at Abu Simbel, returning the same day. Walk among the four seated colossi of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and cross to the adjacent Temple of Nefertari, both moved above the original Nile shore during the 1960s resettlement. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can confirm local entrance arrangements and Egyptologist-guided visits. The road option lets you see Lake Nasser and the desert landscape between Aswan and Abu Simbel, rather than traveling by air.
From £72
CairoAlexandria 2 Nights from Cairo – Wad Natrun & Pompey's Pillar
Two-night private itinerary from Cairo to Alexandria, visiting Wad Natrun monasteries, Pompey's Pillar, the Kom el-Shoqafa catacombs, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Roman Museum. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange private transfers and an Egyptologist to accompany key visits. Cairo to Alexandria is about 220 km (roughly 2.5–3 hours by car). Unlike rushed one-day coach excursions, this itinerary gives you two nights and a full day in Alexandria to see the main sites at a steady pace. Trade-offs: expect early starts, a long road transfer each way and limited shade at several outdoor sites.
From £179