How long does the High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk half-day tour take?

The tour is a half-day outing, typically three to four hours door-to-door. Pickup within Aswan city depends on your hotel location and local traffic. Visits at each site are brief: you will see the quarry face, visible tool marks, and the dam crest viewpoints, with time for photos and questions.

What is included in this Aswan half-day tour?

Site entrance fees, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking guide are included unless stated otherwise. Pyramid interiors and premium tomb entries are excluded under our standard policy; gratuities and personal expenses are not included. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we handle local logistics and can request additional access if it is available.

How much walking and what physical demands are there on this tour?

Expect moderate walking on flat and uneven surfaces, with some steps and exposed rock at the quarry. The High Dam has paved viewpoints; the Unfinished Obelisk site requires walking on ancient bedrock and short climbs. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are essential; wheelchair access at the quarry is limited and staffing of ramps can vary.

Can I combine this half-day tour with Philae Temple or a Nubian village visit?

Yes – you can combine it with Philae Temple or a short Nubian village visit, subject to timing and boat schedules. Adding Philae requires a boat crossing and typically turns the half-day into a longer morning or full morning. Book in advance so we can reserve boat seats and avoid peak cruise-ship times.

Is photography allowed at the Unfinished Obelisk and the High Dam?

Photography for personal use is generally permitted at both the Unfinished Obelisk quarry and the High Dam. Drones are prohibited near the High Dam for security reasons and some conservation zones restrict flash or tripods. Our guide will explain on-site restrictions before you start photographing.

Are there special considerations during Ramadan or Egyptian public holidays?

Yes – opening hours, on-site services, and transport can change during Ramadan and on national holidays. During Ramadan some vendors and cafes open later and boat services may observe prayer-time pauses; ticket-office staffing can be reduced. We monitor local calendars and will adjust pickup times and plans accordingly; modest dress is advised at all times.

Day Tour Aswan

Aswan High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk – Half-Day Tour

At a glance

Departs: Daily

The short answer

High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk Half Day Tour is a 1-day excursion covering the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Best for

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations: Aswan High Dam – constructed 1960–1970 and inaugurated 1970; the dam impounds Lake Nasser. The official viewpoint is approximately 3–4 kilometres south of central Aswan (roughly a 10–15 minute drive depending on your hotel or cruise berth). · Unfinished Obelisk (Northern Quarry, Aswan) – in the ancient granite quarries on the east bank of the Nile in Aswan. The obelisk remains in situ and was planned at c. 42 metres height (c. 1,090 tonnes if finished). The quarry is approximately 2 kilometres north of central Aswan (about a 7–10 minute drive).

Best time to go

The best time is usually morning or late afternoon, especially from May to September when midday temperatures in Aswan can be very high. From October to April, conditions are milder, but sites can still be bright and warm, so sun protection is recommended. During Ramadan and major holidays, opening hours and road conditions may be less predictable, so earlier departures are often preferable.

02 Overview

A first look

Private half-day visiting the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Total duration about four hours including hotel or Nile cruise terminal pickup and return.

Background

The facts

The Aswan High Dam is located about 6 km south of central Aswan on the Nile and was constructed between 1960 and 1970; it was inaugurated in 1970 and created Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest man-made reservoirs. The viewpoint visits the dam from outside, allowing travelers to understand its role in flood control, irrigation, and electricity generation in modern Egypt.

The Unfinished Obelisk is in the northern granite quarry in Aswan, where ancient stoneworking can still be seen in place. It is the largest known ancient obelisk left in situ; according to archaeologists, it was abandoned after a crack appeared during cutting, offering a clear example of how obelisks were extracted from bedrock in antiquity.

The drive between the two sites is short, and a half-day visit normally takes 3 to 4 hours including hotel or Nile-cruise pickup and drop-off within Aswan city limits. The quarry area has uneven ground, exposed rock, and limited shade, so walking shoes, sun protection, and water are appropriate, especially in warmer months.

Entrance fees for the standard sites are included in this excursion, and bottled water is provided during transfers. A licensed Egyptologist can be added on request if travelers want interpretation of the sites’ history and engineering details.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

This excursion suits travelers who want a short, low-physical-demand sightseeing program in Aswan, especially adults and older children interested in archaeology, engineering, and modern Egyptian infrastructure. It is also suitable for first-time visitors who prefer private transport and a concise itinerary rather than a longer full-day outing.

What lingers

01 Visit the Aswan High Dam (completed 1970); 20 to 30-minute stop with panoramic Nile views.
02 Explore the Unfinished Obelisk at the northern granite quarries; see ancient tool marks and the stalled 1,200-ton stone.
03 Private transfers from Aswan hotels; our driver (English-speaking) included; half-day schedule flexible on request.
04 Licensed Egyptian tour operator: our Egyptologist briefing explains High Dam's role in Nile control and resettlement impacts.
05 Unlike large coach tours, we run this privately – shorter queues, more time at quarries, flexible pacing.

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
Entrance fees to the Aswan High Dam viewpoint and the Unfinished Obelisk (standard site fees included)
Bottled water during transfers
Local taxes and Discovery Tours Egypt operational costs
Option to include a licensed Egyptologist on the tour if requested at booking

Not included

Licensed Egyptologist, unless requested and booked in advance
Gratuities for driver or guide
Meals and personal expenses
Transfers from hotels or cruises outside Aswan city limits, which may incur an extra charge

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

01 How long does the High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk half-day tour take?

The tour is a half-day outing, typically three to four hours door-to-door. Pickup within Aswan city depends on your hotel location and local traffic. Visits at each site are brief: you will see the quarry face, visible tool marks, and the dam crest viewpoints, with time for photos and questions.
02 What is included in this Aswan half-day tour?

Site entrance fees, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking guide are included unless stated otherwise. Pyramid interiors and premium tomb entries are excluded under our standard policy; gratuities and personal expenses are not included. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we handle local logistics and can request additional access if it is available.
03 How much walking and what physical demands are there on this tour?

Expect moderate walking on flat and uneven surfaces, with some steps and exposed rock at the quarry. The High Dam has paved viewpoints; the Unfinished Obelisk site requires walking on ancient bedrock and short climbs. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are essential; wheelchair access at the quarry is limited and staffing of ramps can vary.
04 Can I combine this half-day tour with Philae Temple or a Nubian village visit?

Yes – you can combine it with Philae Temple or a short Nubian village visit, subject to timing and boat schedules. Adding Philae requires a boat crossing and typically turns the half-day into a longer morning or full morning. Book in advance so we can reserve boat seats and avoid peak cruise-ship times.
05 Is photography allowed at the Unfinished Obelisk and the High Dam?

Photography for personal use is generally permitted at both the Unfinished Obelisk quarry and the High Dam. Drones are prohibited near the High Dam for security reasons and some conservation zones restrict flash or tripods. Our guide will explain on-site restrictions before you start photographing.
06 Are there special considerations during Ramadan or Egyptian public holidays?

Yes – opening hours, on-site services, and transport can change during Ramadan and on national holidays. During Ramadan some vendors and cafes open later and boat services may observe prayer-time pauses; ticket-office staffing can be reduced. We monitor local calendars and will adjust pickup times and plans accordingly; modest dress is advised at all times.

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

Last updated 17 May 2026 Product ID: EXC-ASW-096300

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