Start at the entrance to the Temple of Medinet Habu.
(S/E) Facing the temple entrance, walk along the wall to the left and then continue along a dirt track to the “Ticket Office”. Turn right and head towards the Colossi of Memnon. Be careful, as traffic is heavy and fast-moving. Pass the car park and take the farm track that follows on the left.
(1) Take this path and stay on the right-hand side of the irrigation ditch until you reach a small bridge, which you cross. Continue to the right along the edge of the ditch. At the next crossroads, about 20 metres further on, keep right along the same ditch until you reach the first farm track branching off to the left.
(2) Follow it straight on until you reach a quiet tarmac road.
(3) Turn right and continue until you reach a busy road ahead of you. Be careful, as the traffic is heavy and fast-moving.
(4) Turn right and keep close to the kerb until you see a bridge on your left. Cross very, very carefully and quickly. Once past the bridge, continue right onto the dirt track directly opposite, then follow it to the right. Walk alongside fields on one side and houses on the other; after about 300 metres, you’ll reach a fork.
(5) Turn left onto the road, ignoring the path that continues straight ahead. This road becomes tarmac and is very quiet. You will come to another irrigation ditch.
(6) Cross the bridge and, once again, follow the path to the right – which has become a dirt track again – between fields and houses. You’ll come to a pretty little mosque on your left on the corner.
(7) Turn left and continue along the road through the banana plantations until you come to a good tarmac road. A short right-left turn takes you to the banks of the Nile.
(8) On your right, a gap in the barriers allows you to reach the footpath running alongside the river. Pass the landing stage and continue as far as possible on or alongside the footpath on the dirt track. Leave the residential area behind.
(9) When the path in front of you goes downhill, do not follow it but turn right onto the dirt track, turning your back on the Nile, and continue to the village.
(10) Take the alley opposite, then turn left into the first slightly wider alley and follow it as it turns right until you reach a tarmac road running alongside a large irrigation canal. Be careful, as traffic is heavy and fast-moving. Follow this road to the left until you reach the bridge, which you should use to cross the canal. Cross very, very carefully and quickly. Be careful, the traffic is heavy and even faster.
(11) Take the tarmac road in front of you to find yourself in the countryside. Continue straight on until you reach a T-junction. You will find yourself facing a hill on which a small train runs.
(12) Turn right, follow the railway line and, as soon as possible, enter the village on the left. Follow the main road. The road surface is very poor, full of potholes.
(13) Cross the bridge over another irrigation canal and continue straight ahead until you reach a new, partially covered canal. You are now on the main street of Medinet Habu.
(14) Carry on straight ahead to the coach park and complete the circular route in front of the temple entrance (S/E).
