Hungersnotstele - Famine stela
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Famine Stela

4.4
·59 reviews·, Egypt

Discover the Famine Stela on Sehel Island, an ancient inscription detailing a historic famine and offering breathtaking Nile views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or Late Afternoon

Avoid midday heat

CrowdLow
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Hungersnotstele - Famine stela

Famine Stela

Best Time

Morning or Late Afternoon

Avoid midday heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the Famine Stela on Sehel Island, an ancient inscription detailing a historic famine and offering breathtaking Nile views.

4.4
(59 reviews)

"A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path gem with stunning views and fascinating ancient carvings."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Plenty of Water 💧

The hike can be strenuous; stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

The path is rocky and moderately steep. Good footwear is essential for the climb.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Famine Stela Itself

The Famine Stela Itself

Sehel Island

An ancient inscription detailing a seven-year famine and Pharaoh Djoser's efforts to end it.

Panoramic Nile Views

Panoramic Nile Views

Top of Sehel Island

Breathtaking vistas of the Nile River and surrounding desert landscape from the summit.

Ancient Rock Carvings

Ancient Rock Carvings

Path to the Stela

Discover New Kingdom inscriptions and carvings on rocks along the trail, including those by Ramses II.

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Planning Your Visit

Getting to Sehel Island

Access the Famine Stela on Sehel Island via a local boat from Aswan. Wear comfortable shoes for the rocky 1.5km walk up to the site. Consider hiring a felucca for a scenic journey.

Best Time to Visit

Visit during cooler morning or late afternoon hours to avoid the midday sun. The site is less crowded outside of peak tourist times, offering a more peaceful experience.

Best Times

When
Morning or Late Afternoon
Why
Avoid midday heat
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Egyptians are throwing water bottles filled with food into the sea, hoping that the current will carry them to starving Palestinians in Gaza. #Gaza #Palestine #Aid #Egypt #Palestinian #Israel #Starvation #Famine #GazaAid
@ajplus
1.2M likes • 18.4M views

Bring Plenty of Water 💧

The hike can be strenuous; stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Instagram

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

The path is rocky and moderately steep. Good footwear is essential for the climb. Instagram

To punish the cruel pharaoh, the gods sent the terrifying ten plagues upon Egypt.#fyp #film #movie #foryou #tiktok #viraltiktok#TikTokSceneStealerContest #fypシ
@nadiamovies3
24.5K likes • 522.6K views
Famine Stela: Aswan-Egypt | Stele della carestia | virtual Tour #ilfaraonetours
ilfaraonetours
223 likes • 2.7K views

Explore Beyond the Stela

Look for New Kingdom carvings on rocks along the path, not just at the stela. Reddit

Consider a Felucca Ride

Enjoy a scenic journey to Sehel Island on a traditional felucca boat. Reddit

Famine Stela In Ancient Egypt #ancient #ancienthistory #ancientworld #ancientartifacts #history #artifacts #archeology #история #артифакты #древниймир #древние #egypt #egyptology #ancientegypt
thisisancient
449 likes • 30.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Plenty of Water 💧

The hike can be strenuous; stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Instagram

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

The path is rocky and moderately steep. Good footwear is essential for the climb. Instagram

Explore Beyond the Stela

Look for New Kingdom carvings on rocks along the path, not just at the stela. Reddit

Consider a Felucca Ride

Enjoy a scenic journey to Sehel Island on a traditional felucca boat. Reddit

Entry Fee & Tips

There's an entry fee (around 60 EGP) and guides may expect a tip. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(59 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Famine Stela as a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path gem with stunning Nile views and fascinating ancient carvings. The hike is considered moderately challenging but rewarding. Some note the entry fee and potential for guides to expect tips.

"If you're an archaeology need like me, take plenty of water, hire a falluca boat and make your way up to this hidden gem. It's peaceful, off the main tourist trail, and has stunning views when you clamber up to the top of the island where the stele is located.
The first km or so is paved road; an easy walk, which I'd recommend over hiring a tuk tuk, as if you look left and right you'll see new kingdom carvings on the rocks behind the fences.
The entry fee is now 60 pounds (and the guide will want a tip of course!) and the climb is moderately steep in places.
There are plenty of new kingdom inscriptions on the rock opposite the ticket hut and all the way up to the famine stele. I noticed Ramses II and Merenptah, but there were plenty of others. (There are none on the way back.)
The stele itself is a fascinating piece; it tells a story about Djoser (3rd dynasty king who built the step pyramid in Saqqara) ending a seven year famine by fixing up the neglected temple to the god who controlled the flooding of the river. It was written in about 200 bc, so 2,400 years or so later. That would be like us dedicating a mural to ancient Athens."

Michael Power

"Located on Sehel or Sohail Island.
Walk is 1.5km up on rocky trail.
40 Egyptian pounds to enter.
The Stela is impressive.
The view is amazing."

S Hetherington

"Rocky area full of ancient egyptian carvings on the rocks, located in the rarely visited Sehel Island. To reach the island, you need to walk awhile, then you get a local boat to the island dock, then 5 minutes walk to the archeological site "Famine Stela."
The Famine Stela is an inscription written in Egyptian hieroglyphs located on Sehel Island in the Nile near Aswan in Egypt, which tells of a seven-year period of drought and famine during the reign of pharaoh Djoser of the Third Dynasty. It is thought that the stele was inscribed during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, which ruled from 332 to 31 BC.
The Famine Stela was inscribed into a natural granite block whose surface was cut into the rectangular shape of a stela. The inscription is written in hieroglyphs and contains 32 columns. The top part of the stele depicts three Egyptian deities: Khnum, Satis, and Anuket. In front of them, Djoser faces them, carrying offerings in his outstretched hands. A broad fissure, which already existed at the time of creating the stela, runs horizontally through the middle of the rock. Some sections of the stela are damaged, making a few passages of the text unreadable."

Ismael Khalifa

What People Like

Peaceful, hidden gem
Stunning Nile views
Ancient rock carvings

What People Dislike

Rocky, steep hike
Entry fee and tips

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Famine Stela is located on Sehel Island, southwest of Aswan. You'll need to take a local boat or felucca from Aswan to reach the island. InstagramReddit

Parking is not directly available at the archaeological site. You'll arrive by boat and then walk. Reddit

Many visitors opt for a felucca ride for a more scenic and traditional experience. Reddit

While possible, a walk is recommended as you can see New Kingdom carvings along the paved road. Reddit

The boat ride from Aswan to Sehel Island is relatively short, but the overall journey time depends on your departure point and boat type. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee is approximately 60 Egyptian Pounds. Reddit

Tickets can typically be purchased on-site. It's advisable to check for any updates closer to your visit. Reddit

Yes, guides are often available at the site, and they may expect a tip for their services. Reddit

While specific hours aren't always listed, it's generally accessible during daylight hours when boat services are available. Instagram

The path is rocky and involves a climb, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Allow about 30 minutes to an hour for the hike and exploration, depending on your pace and interest in the carvings. Instagram

It's an inscription from the Ptolemaic period detailing a seven-year famine during Pharaoh Djoser's reign and his efforts to end it. InstagramReddit

Sehel Island also features ancient Egyptian carvings on rocks and offers beautiful views of the Nile. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are a must due to the rocky terrain. Light clothing is recommended for the Egyptian climate. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and the historical significance of the site. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The top of the island offers panoramic views of the Nile. The stela itself and the ancient rock carvings are also prime subjects. Instagram

Yes, the hieroglyphs are well-preserved on the stela and surrounding rocks, offering great opportunities for detailed shots. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow for your photos. Instagram

Drone usage is often restricted at historical sites in Egypt. It's best to check local regulations before flying. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the landscape, while a zoom lens can help get closer shots of the inscriptions. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Famine Stela can be an engaging outing for families, offering a blend of history and a bit of an adventure. The boat ride to Sehel Island is usually a hit with children. Instagram The hike up to the stela, while rocky, is manageable for most kids who enjoy exploring. Encourage them to look for the ancient carvings on the rocks along the path – it’s like a treasure hunt! Reddit Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears sturdy shoes. Instagram The panoramic views from the top are also a great reward for the little explorers.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

For solo travelers and those who enjoy a moderate hike, the Famine Stela offers a rewarding experience. It's a chance to step off the main tourist trail and enjoy a more peaceful exploration. Reddit The hike up Sehel Island provides a good workout with beautiful scenery, and the opportunity to discover ancient rock carvings adds an element of discovery. Reddit Consider joining a small group tour or hiring a felucca to enhance the experience and ensure safety.

🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeologists

The Famine Stela is a must-visit for anyone passionate about ancient Egyptian history and archaeology. This Ptolemaic-era inscription provides a rare textual insight into the Old Kingdom and the pharaoh's role in managing national crises. InstagramReddit Take your time to examine the hieroglyphs and the depictions of deities. Don't miss the New Kingdom carvings on the rocks along the path, which offer further historical context. Reddit Hiring a knowledgeable guide can significantly enrich your understanding of the stela's significance. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historical Significance of the Famine Stela

The Famine Stela, inscribed on a natural granite block on Sehel Island near Aswan, offers a unique glimpse into ancient Egyptian beliefs and governance. Dating back to the Ptolemaic period (around 200 BC), it recounts a severe seven-year famine during the reign of Pharaoh Djoser of the Third Dynasty (circa 2600 BC). The inscription details how the famine was attributed to the neglect of the temple of the god Khnum, who controlled the Nile's inundation. The stela describes Djoser's efforts to appease Khnum and end the drought, highlighting the crucial role of the Nile's flood in Egyptian agriculture and society. InstagramReddit

This stela is particularly fascinating because it was created centuries after the events it describes, serving as a form of historical legitimization for the priests of Khnum. It demonstrates how ancient Egyptians used monumental inscriptions to reinforce their religious and political authority. The text also reveals the deep-seated fear of famine and the reliance on divine favor for prosperity. The presence of deities like Khnum, Satis, and Anuket, who were associated with the Nile and its fertility, further underscores the stela's religious context. Reddit

Despite some damage and a prominent fissure running through the rock, the Famine Stela remains a significant archaeological find. It provides invaluable insights into the Old Kingdom's understanding of natural disasters and the pharaoh's responsibility to his people. The stela's location on Sehel Island, away from major urban centers, also suggests it was a site of particular religious importance. InstagramReddit

Experiencing Sehel Island and the Hike

Visiting the Famine Stela involves more than just viewing the inscription; it's an experience that includes a scenic boat ride and a moderate hike. Travelers often arrive at Sehel Island via a local boat or a traditional felucca from Aswan, enjoying the picturesque views of the Nile. InstagramReddit The journey itself is part of the adventure, offering a chance to see local life along the riverbanks. Instagram

Upon arrival, a walk of about 1.5 kilometers leads to the stela. This path is described as rocky and moderately steep in places, making comfortable walking shoes essential. Instagram Along the way, visitors can discover numerous ancient Egyptian carvings and inscriptions on the rocks, some dating back to the New Kingdom, including those attributed to Ramses II. Reddit These carvings, often found behind fences, add another layer of historical discovery to the visit. Reddit

The climb to the top of the island, where the stela is situated, is rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Nile and the surrounding desert. Instagram This combination of historical exploration, physical activity, and natural beauty makes the visit to the Famine Stela a memorable experience for those seeking off-the-beaten-path attractions. Reddit

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