Between Aswan and Luxor, there are several incredible temples worth visiting, and we decided to see three of the most unique stops: Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Khnum. While many travellers take a Nile boat cruise, we opted for a private driver, which allowed us to explore each site at our own pace and make the day manageable for our kids. Each temple has its own story, history, and surprises, making it a full day of discovery and adventure.
Kom Ombo
Kom Ombo is one of Egypt’s most unusual temples because it honours two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Each side of the temple mirrors the other, with separate sanctuaries, statues, and carvings dedicated to each deity.
Archeologists are still uncovering new artifacts and even entire settlements near Kom Ombo. The temple itself was at risk of collapse from rising groundwater, but a joint project with the American government installed a pipe system to protect its foundation. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just something frozen in time — it needs care to survive.
The Crocodile Museum
A highlight for our boys was the Crocodile Museum on site. They loved seeing real crocodile mummies and learning about the role crocodiles played in Egyptian culture, as both protectors and symbols of fertility.
Edfu Temple
Edfu is massive, with a towering gate leading to an expansive courtyard. Behind it, the temple opens into a maze of rooms, hallways, and staircases, with walls and columns adorned with intricate, well-preserved hieroglyphics and carvings. Like our boys, kids will love exploring every inch, imagining secret passages and hidden corners as they wander through the complex. Fortunately, much of the main path was covered, offering shade for most of the visit. Without it, the heat would have limited how long we could stay.
Temple of Khnum
Khnum is a smaller, off-the-beaten-path temple that we likely wouldn’t have found without our driver. At first glance, it seems underwhelming, resting in an excavation site 40 feet below the city and full of scaffolding—it felt almost like we were trespassing in a construction zone.
Once inside, however, it’s clear why the Temple of Khnum is admired. One side features vibrant columns in yellows, reds, and blues, while the other remains covered in black dust. The restoration work offers a rare glimpse of what the temple might have looked like in its original state. We had seen splashes of colour at other sites, but nothing like this—it was easy to imagine the temple in all its original glory.
Road Tripping With Kids
• Driver & car: Our driver from My Day Trip made the day smooth. The car was air-conditioned, comfortable, and reliable, and he escorted us to all ticket booths, making the day stress-free.
• Prepare for a long day: The full trip with stops took around 8 hours, so bring books, cards, or activities for kids between temples.
• Timing: We had about 1.5–2 hours in the car between sites, giving kids time to cool off, hydrate, and grab snacks.
• Water & sun protection: During our visit, temperatures soared into the mid-40s °C. Hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential, and a break for ice cream goes a long way!
• Amenities: Kom Ombo and Edfu have cafeterias with snacks, drinks, ice cream, and toilets. Khnum has neither, so plan accordingly.
• Entrance fees: Bring Egyptian pounds for fees and tips; cash is preferred at many sites. ATMs in Egypt can be unreliable—machines often run out of cash or reject cards—so it’s best to have local currency on hand before you go.
Where We Stayed in Luxor
We stayed at the Steigenberger Nile Palace, a 5-star resort overlooking the Nile. This property features a large pool, sundeck, three restaurants, spa, and gym facilities. Breakfast and dinner were included, making the logistics easy. Our first night, we tried the hotel’s Italian restaurant and weren’t disappointed: pasta, pizza, fresh fish, garlic bread, and pannacotta rounded out a perfect evening.
Looking Back on the Day
Each temple on our journey from Aswan to Luxor offered something unique: Kom Ombo with its crocodiles, Edfu with its massive spaces, and Khnum with its vibrant, colorful carvings. With a private driver, the day felt comfortable and flexible for the kids, allowing us to move at our own pace and fully enjoy each stop. It was a full day of history, architecture, and adventure—an experience that will stay with you long after you return home.
Ready to Explore Egypt?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• Discovering Egypt’s Pyramids with Kids
• 3 Days in Cairo with Kids
• Exploring Egypt’s White Desert and Whale Valley
• Karnak Temple in Luxor: Tips for visiting with Kids
• Visiting Aswan’s Philae Temple with Kids
