Kom Ombo is a small town located on the west bank of the Nile River and lies approximately 48 km north of Aswan, so if you’re enroute to Luxor which is another 203 km north of Kom Ombo it’s ideal to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo.
Temple of Kom Ombo
A visit to the Temple of Kom Ombo in Egypt offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian religious practices and architectural innovation. This unique dual temple, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility and the Nile, and Horus, the falcon-headed god of protection, stands along the Nile River, creating a fabulous backdrop for exploration.
The temple’s symmetrical design reflects its dual dedication, with mirror-image sections for each deity. As you approach, the grand façade showcases well-preserved reliefs and carvings that depict Sobek, Horus, and pharaohs making offerings to the gods. Inside, you’ll find a series of halls and hypostyle chambers adorned with hieroglyphics that narrate ancient stories, rituals, and scenes of healing.
One highlight is the small on-site Crocodile Museum, which displays mummified crocodiles, a sacred animal linked to Sobek. These artifacts shed light on the Egyptians’ reverence for crocodiles and their symbolic importance in ancient rituals.
Visitors also encounter intriguing carvings thought to depict ancient medical tools, offering insight into early Egyptian knowledge of medicine. Visiting Kom Ombo is an immersive experience that reveals the depth of Egypt’s religious beliefs, architectural grandeur, and its blend of mythology with everyday life.
A further interesting aspect is that the Temple of Kom Ombo was not only intended for the worship of the gods and as a place for prayer, it was also used to teach the art of mummification and various medical techniques.
In 2023 the general entrance fee to the Temple of Kom Ombo for adults is 80 EGP and for students 40 EGP. Also, the temple is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Best Time to Visit Kom Ombo?
Aswan and the surrounding area including Kom Ombo has been described as one of the sunniest places on earth and from May to September the temperatures reach over 40° C. Best time to visit is between October to April.
Is Kom Ombo worth visiting?
If you’re visiting Aswan and Luxor, including the temples in Kom Ombo and Edfu are absolutely worth it. However, if you’re on a boat cruse many include stopping at Kom Ombo as part of their route.
How much time do you need to visit Kom Ombo?
Depending on your interests, you would only need to spend about two hours at the temple.
Getting to and Around Kom Ombo
Aswan is small enough to navigate some of it on foot, but to access many of the sites, you need to take a taxi or a horse-drawn carriage. One thing to keep in mind is that taxis in Aswan are not metered, so you should agree on a price before the taxi starts moving to avoid uncomfortable situations. The same advice goes for water taxis.