Tombs of the Nobles

Cut high into the sandstone cliffs of Aswan's west bank, the Tombs of the Nobles hold the burial chambers of the governors and dignitaries who ran Egypt's southern frontier some 4,000 years ago. A steep climb up the hillside rewards you with painted walls and hieroglyphic biographies of men like Sarenput and Harkhuf, the caravan leader who wrote of bringing a dancing pygmy back to the boy-king Pepi II.

Fewer visitors come here than to the great temples, so you often have the tombs to yourself. From the terrace outside, the view over the Nile, Elephantine Island and the honey-coloured city is one of the finest in Aswan, especially at sunset when the felucca sails catch the last light.