Visiting the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza

How to Plan and Execute Your Trip to the Pyramids

Oct 7, 2009

Once you've made it to Cairo, here is the information you need to make a successful trip to the Egyptian Pyramids!

Be sure to bring; water, a camera, sunglasses, and a hat. The sun is very harsh out near the Pyramids, as there is hardly any shade. Of course, it is necessary to bring a camera to take pictures of the magnificent architecture! Be sure to dress modestly. Egyptians are more conservative than Westerners in their dress, and it is surprising the difference in respect they give to those who are more covered. For females, this is definitely a point of interest, as chances of harassment increase with more revealing clothing. Even though Egypt is hot, cover up!

Getting a Cab to the Pyramids

First, depending on the starting location in Cairo, travelers will need to get a cab ride to the Pyramids. For the frugal traveler, it will be important to not spend more money than necessary on this fare. Of course, the farther the starting point is from Giza, (the south end of the city on the west side of the Nile) the more the fare will cost. Since the Pyramids are such a popular site for internationals, cab drivers will frequently require Westerners to pay more.

Hailing a cab is easy, they are everywhere in the city and they all have white fenders. Lean into the passenger window of the cab and say; “Al-Haramat? fi Giza?” (el har-uh-MOT fee Gee-Zah?) This means, “The Pyramids? In Giza?” If the cab driver accepts, then it is important to work out the price right there. It is crucial to determine the price BEFORE getting into the cab, since details of prices can get messy if discussed en route or at the destination. Here are some helpful Egyptian Arabic numbers for starters:

Use good judgment here depending on how far geographically the starting location is from Giza. A 20 minute cab ride should be about ten to twenty pounds (1 Egyptian pound = about 20 US cents)

Arriving at the Pyramids

After what is certain to be an entertaining and possibly nerve-wracking cab ride, the driver will drop passengers at the entrance to the Pyramid area. Pay the driver through the passenger window AFTER exiting the vehicle. This is important so that the driver is not given the chance to ask for more than the bartered price.

The entrance to the Pyramid area will include a ticket counter and security. For students with a valid ID or something similar, a discount may be available. Pay the posted ticket price in Egyptian pounds, and do not worry if it seems too expensive, it is worth it. Do not pay for any “tours” or “camel rides” at the gate. These options are available inside the Pyramid area for much cheaper and there is no difference in quality or expertise of the guides.

Security for the Pyramids is quite relaxed. They may look through hand bags and require passage through a metal detector. As long as the tourists are not carrying any weapons or drugs, there should not be any problem.

Seeing the Great Pyramids

The area where the Great Pyramids are located is fairly small. Once past the ticket counter and security one can easily see the sites by walking around the desert area. If desired, there are camel owners who will charge a price for a ride around the area. Because most people who come to this area are tourists, the camel herders know they can charge more for whatever they offer. Use judgment based on the exchange rate.

It is a good idea to bring a map and some information! The actual site of the Pyramids is not equipped with stations or information about the architecture and history, so if these topics are of interest, be sure to bring a Pyramid guide book to follow along in.

If any Egyptians offer horse rides, avoid them. These horses are usually ill-trained and ill-treated, which makes them a perfect opportunity for an international hospital visit. If transportation in the Pyramid area is a necessity, use the camels, they are much calmer and more gentle.

There will be an opportunity to “go inside” one of the Pyramids for a price of 50 Egyptian pounds. If the experience of being inside the ancient structures is eagerly sought, go for it. Keep in mind they are basically large furnaces in the desert heat, so the tunnel overwhelmingly hot. The crawl-space is also very small and exceptionally smelly. The trek into the Pyramid is not for the weak-stomached. Do not expect to see mummies and wall carvings, as the tunnel is newly created by archeologists and was not made by the Ancient Egyptians.

It is recommended to visit the Sphinx last, as it is located closer to the roads of Cairo, and cabs are easily found to return to hotel accommodations from here. It is possible that it will be cheaper going away from the Pyramids, depending on the popularity of the area in which one stays.

The Egyptian Pyramids are a fantastic place to visit. Use common sense and research the trip ahead of time, and it will not be a disappointment!

The copyright of the article Visiting the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza in Egypt Travel is owned by Carl Dates. Permission to republish Visiting the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.