The high cliffs opposite Aswan, just north of Kitchener's Island, are honeycombed with the Tombs of the Nobles, tombs of the governors, the keepers of the Gate of the South, and other dignitaries of ancient Elephantine. Six are open to the public. The tombs date from the Old and Middle Kingdoms and most follow a simple plan, with an entrance hall, a pillared room and a corridor leading to the burial chamber.
Those tombs you can see are: the adjoining tombs of father and son Mekhu (Tomb No 25) and Sabni (Tomb No 26), both governors from the long reign of the 6th-dynasty Pharaoh Pepi II (2278-2184 BC); Sarenput the local governor and overseer of the priesthood of Satet and Khnum, under 12th-dynasty Pharaoh Amenemhat II (1922-1878 BC) (one of the most beautiful and best-preserved tombs, its colors are still vivid); the tomb of Harkhuf, governor of the south during the reign of Pharaoh Pepi II (hardly decorated, except for remarkable hieroglyphic texts); Hekaib, also known as Pepinakht, overseer of foreign soldiers during the reign of Pharaoh Pepi II (fine reliefs showing fighting bulls and hunting scenes); the court of the tomb of Sarenput I, grandfather of Sarenput II and governor during the 12th-dynasty reign of Pharaoh Sesostris I (1965-1920 BC).
Across the river from Aswan, the way to get there is by ferry. A set of stairs cutting diagonally across the hill takes you up to the tombs from the ferry landing.
