So you are thinking about going to Egypt but where to even begin? Cairo will be your main hub to fly into and can be used as a base to get to different locations within Egypt. So let’s start here! I stayed there at least 10+ days off and on throughout my 5 week trip. Since most will not have that much time, I have put together the top sites for you. I suggest allowing for a minimum of 1 full day but you can get a good feel for the city in 3 days.
Giza Necropolis
The camel safari was possibly our favorite thing. It was just my boyfriend and I and our crazy cowboy guide who also acted as our photographer. It was a childhood dream to see the pyramids, so being able to see them together was just magical! We hired the guide from one of the actual stable businesses outside of the Pyramid complex instead of inside the complex. Our guide let us drive our own camels instead of being tied in a long row of tourists like we saw everyone else do. So much more fun! We opted to go in the afternoon instead of the morning since that is when all the tour buses arrive. As far as photography, I also wanted to be there closer to sunset rather than during harsh morning light. I could have spent an entire day just in the Necropolis.
The first ever marathon around the pyramids took place when I first arrived in Cairo. My Egyptian friend was running in it so I decided to sign up for the 10k. Once I started running, the adrenaline pushed me and I ended up running the 21k. I mean how many people can say they ran a half marathon around the pyramids!?
Saqqara
Saqqara is about an hour drive south of Cairo. This is where the step pyramids can be seen which are the oldest style of pyramids.
DAhshur
15 minutes south of Saqqara is the Dahshur Necropolis. The Red Pyramid is possibly the most famous because of its reddish hue and is unique because you are able to go inside. This is not for the faint of heart or for someone who is claustrophobic. You need to climb the staircase halfway up the pyramid to reach the entrance to the narrow shaft that takes you deep into the pyramid. I am small so it wasn’t too difficult, but for Hervé it was quite a feat. Once inside the dank, dark, and eerie chambers you can’t help but be amazed at the architecture and design.
The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is located downtown and is a little chaotic and has so many items you would need weeks to see it all. I suggest choosing a few top things to see such as King Tutankhamen’s treasures, and Yuya and Tuya’s treasures from their tomb, and the royal mummies. Allow for at least 3 hours to even get a small glimpse of the entirety.
Hotel + Transportation
While traveling on my own, I stayed in a hostel downtown- Dahab Hostel it was a super cute rooftop garden, it also offered very affordable tours if you want to be with a group. Once my boyfriend arrived, we moved to a hotel overlooking the pyramids called the Pyramid View Hotel. We were able to step outside onto the terrace with an amazing view for breakfast, sunset, and during the sound and light show at night. While I can’t rave about the service, I will say that it was clean and that the view and price cannot be beat.
For getting around Cairo, Uber is the best mode of transportation. To see sites around Cairo, we arranged a driver through Dahab Hostel because I had previously used them but you can also ask your hotel to arrange for you.
I hope you fall in love with Egypt just as much as me!