The Pyramids are the biggest reason people visit Cairo and its for good reason. They are the only one of the 7 original wonders of the world that can still be visited and are so grand and perfectly that it bewilders most as to how they were built to begin with. Despite this it is incredibly cheap to visit with general admission costing just 240 Egyptian pounds (~£6).
Do I need a Guide?
The pyramid complex is pretty easy to navigate with paths leading around all of the main pyramids. There are some areas which are fenced off by small chains but are actually okay to walk through which can be confusing but generally the main value of a guide will be decided by how much of the history of the pyramids you would like to learn about. Another benefit is that if you already have a guide none of the other guides, goods vendors or camel vendors will hassle you offering their services and so it can make for a more peaceful experience.
Should I go inside of the pyramids?
You can chose to go inside of Khufu’s Pyramid, the largest pyramid,for 900 EGP or inside Menkaure’s/Khafre’s pyramids for 220 EGP. When I heard this I imagined intricate hieroglyphics carved into corridors and grand burial chambers. Unfortunately this is not the case. I was hugely underwhelmed with my experience. You start by descending a steep, narrow ‘staircase’ (more like a slope with small footholds) until you reach the chambers which are neither grand nor ornate. In my opinion you can save your money on this one; especially if you’re at all claustrophobic. In addition, you can enter one of the smaller queen’s pyramids for free and a very similar experience.
My top tips
- Get there early – less crowds, less vendors and less heat make the experience far more relaxing
- Skip the photo spot for the sphinx near the entrance, you get a far better view from behind the queens pyramids and there no crowds in your way
- Walk up to the dunes behind the pyramids for the best view of all 9 pyramids at once
- Bring double the water and sun cream you think you need – there is absolutely no shade to save you in the desert
