Soleb Temple

Soleb was built by Amenhotep III in the fourteenth century BC and is the finest surviving Egyptian temple in Sudan: a sandstone building with columns still standing, reliefs including scenes of the king's jubilee, and a plan that recalls the great temples of Thebes. Its sister temple at Sedeinga was built for his wife Tiye. Soleb stands close to the river with palms behind it and very few visitors.

What you actually see

• The standing columns - the sandstone shafts still upright in the hypostyle.
• The jubilee reliefs - the carved scenes of Amenhotep III's festival.
• The Theban plan - a temple built on the model of the great Egyptian sanctuaries.
• The river setting - the temple close to the Nile with palms behind.

When to go

November to February is the cool season. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light on the reliefs. March to May is extremely hot.

Honest expectations

There is no shade or interpretation at the site. Reliefs are weathered and need low light to read. Travel in Sudan requires arrangements made well in advance.

Nearby

Sedeinga is south, and Sai Island is north.