The temple of Kom Ombo is one of the most unusual temples in Egypt, as it was built to worship two rival gods; Sobek the crocodile-headed god and Horus the falcon-headed god.
Sobek was Seth’s ally during his conflict with Horus, and according to the legend when Seth was defeated, Sobek and his people transformed into crocodiles in order to escape from Horus.
The temple’s twin dedication is clearly reflected in its perfectly symmetrical layout, divided into two separate parts, with two entrances, two hypostyle halls, and two sanctuaries.
The facade of the Temple is decorated with wonderful carvings depicting offerings to gods and battles against the enemies.
Years back, a large number of crocodiles resided in the surrounding area. Nowadays, you still have the chance to see some of their mummified bodies in the nearby Crocodile Museum.
How to Get To Kom Ombo Temple - A DIY (Do It Yourself) Guide
As mentioned in a previous post, you can visit both Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples as part of your Nile Cruise, or by hiring a private driver from Aswan or Luxor.
However, there is always the “do it yourself” way and I am going to explain to you how easy and enjoyable of a process this is!
If you are based in Aswan and want to do both temples in one day (it’s absolutely doable), I recommend you start from Edfu temple as it is located much further than Kom Ombo.
I have already described how you can get to Edfu temple on a dedicated post, here!
Once you are done with your visit in Edfu Temple, head back to the bus station and ask for a microbus going to the town of Kom Ombo. Microbuses will only leave once they are full, but believe me it does not take that long! The duration of the trip is about 1,5 hour and will cost you 10 EGP.
Do keep in mind that some microbuses, especially outside the big cities, have nothing to do with normal buses! They are actually trucks with their backs covered, and two rows of seating spaces fitted the one opposite the other. When all seats are full, then extra passengers (that still wanna take the ride) will hold themselves from a rail at the back of the vehicle, and literally hang outside as the microbus is setting off! No need to get that adventurous yourself! Just wait for the next microbus and get a normal seat!
The journey is very enjoyable, and it’s the best way to see first-hand the wonderful countryside of Egypt, while you are passing by many small villages!
From the microbus station of Kom Ombo you will need to use a tuk-tuk to reach the temple. I would not recommend walking as it takes 10-15’ to just drive there, so it’s pretty much a waste of your time. Expect to be quoted high for this ride, as you stand out as a tourist! Try to negotiate a price of 12-15 EGP for a one-way ride (believe me this is the lowest you can get). Remember you will need another tuk tuk to bring you back the same way.
If people do not speak or understand English, do use the magic words “mahata microbus” (microbus station) as this is the place where it all starts and ends!
You can get back to Aswan bus station with a minibus for 7 EGP. From there any local bus will take you downtown for another 0,50 EGP.
If you do the math, you will see that your transportation between all these sites will cost no more than 5€, while you will most probably be quoted 10 times more for a private tour.
[Note: Usually private tours DO NOT include the price of the entrance ticket which you pay on your own at the site].
The call is yours!
Entrance Ticket for Kom Ombo Temple & Crocodile Museum – 100 EGP
Train from Aswan to Edfu: 34
Microbus from bus station to Edfu town: 1,5
Microbus from Edfu town to bus station: 3
Microbus from Edfu to Kom Ombo: 10
Tuk tuk to/from Kom Ombo Temple: 25
Microbus from Kom Ombo to Aswan: 7
Minibus from Aswan Bus station to Downtown: 0,5
All Given Prices as of March 2019
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