High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk – Half Day (Aswan)

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.

• Cultural
• Archaeology & history

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).

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01 Visit Aswan High Dam, completed 1970; our Egyptologist explains hydroelectric impact and Nile flood control.
• 02 See the Unfinished Obelisk in the northern quarry; visible tool marks show ancient granite-working techniques.
• 03 Includes private car transfer, our Egyptologist and site entrance fees; gratuities and special permits excluded.
• 04 Short walk over uneven stone and low shade at the quarry; bring sun protection and sturdy shoes.
• 05 We avoid large coach groups; we schedule morning departures to beat midday heat and cruise-boat crowds.
• 06 Typical duration three to four hours with hotel pickup in central Aswan; flexible timings on request.

Bundled in

• 🚖 Private transfer
• 🛎 Hotel pickup
• 🎟 All entry tickets

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01 How long is the High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk half day tour?

   It runs as a half-day outing of around three to four hours. We typically allow 30–45 minutes at the High Dam viewpoint and 45–60 minutes at the Unfinished Obelisk quarry; transfer times depend on traffic. We keep this focused and private – we do not try to add Philae into the same half-day because that rushes both sites.
2. 02 Are entrance fees included?

   Standard site entrance fees are included unless your confirmation states otherwise. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we list any optional extras (for example special permits or private-boat crossings) on your itinerary. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included.
3. 03 Do we go inside the Aswan High Dam?

   Visitors do not tour the internal machinery; the visit is to the dam's observation areas and viewpoints. From the terrace you can see the sluices, the reservoir (Lake Nasser) and the hydroelectric installations. Access inside the dam is restricted and requires official permission which we do not routinely obtain.
4. 04 Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

   The Unfinished Obelisk site involves uneven granite, low steps and short uphill sections; it can be challenging for wheelchair users. The High Dam viewpoint is generally reachable by vehicle with only a few steps. We can arrange vehicle drops, close transfers and assistance, but continuous wheelchair ramps are not available at the quarry.
5. 05 What should I wear and bring for the half-day in Aswan?

   Bring sun protection, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and sturdy closed shoes for the rocky quarry. Light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders is sensible during temple or mosque visits and temperatures can be high at midday. A small daypack, camera, spare batteries and a refillable water bottle are useful.
6. 06 Can I combine the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk with Philae Temple or a felucca ride?

   Yes – you can combine these sites, but adding Philae or a felucca usually turns it into a full-day plan. Philae requires a short boat crossing and typically 1–2 hours on site; a felucca adds roughly 45–90 minutes depending on the chosen route. Tell us your priorities and we will propose a private itinerary timed to avoid the busiest periods.

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