Visiting Philae Temple with a Baby: Aswan Family Travel

Julie

2025-04-22

Visiting Philae Temple with a Baby: Aswan Family Travel

Explore Egypt’s Philae Temple with a baby. Family travel tips, baby health scares, boat rides, and magical moments in Aswan’s ancient ruins.

Main Journey

By the time we arrived at the Philae Temple dock, the sun was directly overhead and the heat was almost unbearable—well over 44°C. We bought our tickets (60 EGP per adult, Sweetie free) and started walking toward the boat pier when something unexpected happened: Sweetie got a nosebleed.

It was her first ever. The sudden jump from the cool weather in Africa’s earlier stops to the dry Egyptian heat must’ve shocked her little body. A few locals nearby saw our panic and kindly advised us to gently wash her face with cool water. We quickly found shade, dabbed her face with wet tissues, and thankfully the bleeding stopped soon.

That moment shook us.

But still, we pressed on—because that’s what world travel with a baby sometimes looks like. We adjusted, took extra care, and moved forward.

After some quick negotiations, we boarded a small 4-seater motorboat (125 EGP round-trip including an optional tip) and crossed the Nile. As the boat turned around a rock island, the temple slowly appeared on the horizon—floating above the water like something out of a dream.

Arriving at the Temple Island

Philae Temple sits on Agilkia Island, where it was relocated after the construction of the Low and High Aswan Dams threatened to submerge it completely. Just like Abu Simbel, this temple was carefully moved block by block by UNESCO.

The boat ride was short—only 3–4 minutes—but full of anticipation. We used umbrellas even on the boat to shield ourselves from the sun.

Stepping onto the island, we were immediately struck by how peaceful and well-organized the site was. Unlike other tourist spots, there were fewer crowds, more shade, and—thankfully—no pushy guides chasing tips.

Sweetie at Philae Temple

Miraculously, Sweetie bounced back fast. After her little scare, she was eager to explore. Even when we offered to carry her in the heat, she waved us off and proudly walked on her own through the temple corridors.

She mimicked me by holding her little hands up, pretending to take photos with an imaginary camera. Then she ran over, showed us her pretend shots, and asked, “Isn’t it pretty?”

That moment—right there—was magic.

Events

Sweetie had her first nosebleed due to the heat
We ferried across the Nile to reach Philae Temple on Agilkia Island
Explored the peaceful temple grounds, including shady columns and carvings
Visited Trajan’s Kiosk, a roofless Roman-era structure
Ended the tour at the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan’s stone quarry
Skipped climbing the hill due to the heat and Sweetie’s condition

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Traveling in Egypt with a baby during the summer takes serious planning. Here’s what we learned:

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: Sweetie’s nosebleed was a wake-up call. Take frequent breaks, hydrate constantly, and stay in the shade.
Let your baby set the pace: Don’t rush a tight itinerary. Sweetie walked on her own and explored at her rhythm, and we followed her lead.
Use umbrellas and lightweight sun protection: Umbrellas were lifesavers, even while riding the boat.
Always ask if transportation is round-trip: Ferry scams are real. Confirm both ways to avoid unexpected fare doubling.
Be ready to drop the plan: At the Unfinished Obelisk, we skipped the climb. Prioritize safety over “must-see” checklists.

“In the middle of ancient ruins, with Sweetie pretending to take pictures and proudly showing them to us—those were the real treasures of this trip.”

Local Travel Tips

Ticket prices can vary slightly: We paid 60 EGP per adult at Philae Temple and 125 EGP for the boat ride. Tip is optional, but often expected.
Always confirm round-trip transport: Some boat drivers pretend it’s one-way and demand more later.
Agilkia Island has plenty of shade: Unlike Abu Simbel, it’s manageable even at midday (though still very hot).
Philae Temple has less foot traffic: You can really take your time and enjoy the architecture without being rushed.
Bring exact change: Tipping disputes are common. Carry small bills.

Travel Reflections

There’s something deeply moving about exploring ancient temples with your child. Sweetie might not remember all these places, but she’ll grow up knowing she was there. She’ll grow up with stories, photos, and parents who showed her the world wasn’t just maps and books—it was real.

The nosebleed scared us. But the way Sweetie recovered, walked under that brutal sun, and played photographer by our side—it reminded us why we travel this way.

Trajan’s Kiosk stood silently on its lonely spot. A Roman ruin, awkwardly placed by history and floodwaters, but still standing—still beautiful. Just like us, navigating new places and old stories.

And finally, at the Unfinished Obelisk, we chose not to climb the rocks. Sweetie needed rest. I looked at the massive stone from behind a fence, and for a second, I regretted not going closer.

But then I thought—no moment is worth more than the health of my family.

Maybe that’s what the obelisk is: a monument to unfinished dreams. But that’s okay. Because our dream continues, every step we take together.