Safaris to see the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt

The most famous of the structures at Giza, near Cairo, the Pyramid of King Cheops was built around 2650 BC from 2.5 million blocks of limestone. Its sides are oriented exactly to the north, south, east, and west.

The Chephren pyramid, built by Cheops’ son, is similar in size and incorporates the entrances to a burial chamber that still contains the large granite sarcophagus of King Chephren.

The pyramid of Mycerinus is smaller than both and all three are surrounded by other smaller pyramids and dozens of tombs.

The last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the great pyramids of Giza are perhaps the most famous and discussed structures in history. These massive monuments were unsurpassed in height for thousands of years after their construction and continue to amaze and enthrall us with their overwhelming mass and seemingly impossible perfection. Their exacting orientation and mind-boggling construction have elicited many theories about their origins, including unsupported suggestions that they had extra-terrestrial impetus. However, by examining the several hundred years prior to their emergence on the Giza plateau, it becomes clear that these incredible structures were the result of many experiments, some more successful than others, and represent an apogee in the development of the royal mortuary complex.

Many questions remain about the construction of these massive monuments, and theories abound as to the actual methods used. The workforce needed to build these structures is also still much discussed. The Discovery of a town for workers to the south of the plateau has offered some answers. It is likely that there was a permanent group of skilled craftsmen and builders who were supplemented by seasonal crews of approximately 2,000 conscripted peasants. These crews were divided into gangs of 200 men, with each group further divided into teams of 20. Experiments indicate that these groups of 20 men could haul the 2.5-ton blocks from the quarry to the pyramid in about 20 minutes, their path eased by a lubricated surface of wet silt. An estimated 340 stones could be moved daily from the quarry to the construction site, particularly when one considers that many of the blocks (such as those in the upper courses) were considerably smaller.

Top things to do at the pyramids of Giza in Egypt

Great Pyramid

The oldest and largest of the three Pyramids is the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops; 2589–2566BC). With its original limestone casing (sadly requisitioned for other buildings over the centuries), the pyramid towered 146.6m (480ft) high. Its height has now been reduced by 9m (30ft). Three chambers were found inside, but all were empty except for Khufu’s sarcophagus.

Take a Photo with the Sphinx

Though the face of the Sphinx appears to resemble that of Khafra, the monument is believed to pre-date the rest of the Khafra complex by over 2,600 years. The Sphinx has suffered over the ages: its nose was chiseled off sometime between the 10th and 15th centuries, and part of the fallen beard now resides in the British Museum in London. Named by the Greeks after the mythical half-woman, half-lion monster of ancient times, the origin, purpose, and date of the Sphinx remains unknown.

Lookout Point

In front of the great sphinx is one of the greatest places to have the best view of the pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Hang Out with a Camel

Camel rides are one of the best ways to have great views of the pyramids of the Giza while in Egypt make sure you sign up for the camel ride.

Visit at Sunset by Camel

One of the most extraordinary things to do in Cairo is the chance to enjoy the spectacular sunset on a camel and this is one of the must-do activities while visiting Egypt.

Watch the Light Show at Night

Enjoy a whole new experience of the Pyramids of Giza by watching the Sound and Light Show—one of the best evening activities around Cairo. Learn about the history of the pyramids during the entertaining show and get close to the Sphinx and other pyramids to take pictures. Included Cairo hotel pickup and drop-off make this a seamless experience.

See the Khufu Ship (Ancient Egyptian ship used to transport to the afterlife, it was once buried near the Great Pyramid and is now in a museum)

Lying behind the Great Pyramid of Khufu is the Solar Boat Museum, housing a cedar-wood boat that was discovered in a pit covered in limestone blocks and mortar near the Great Pyramid in 1954. The boat, which was painstakingly reassembled from 1,200 pieces of wood, is regarded as one of the most important finds of the 20th century and, at 4,600 years old, is one of the oldest boats in existence. Visitors must wear protective footwear to keep sand and other particles that might damage the vessel out of the museum.

When to visit the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt

Going during the winter will help you beat the crowds (and the summers can be seriously hot!). Whichever time of year you opt to go, start your day early. Head over to the Egyptian Museum first thing in the morning.

The tour buses arrive between 9:30 to 10:30 every morning. They head straight to the pyramids so you can explore the museum solo while they are seeing the Pyramids. Once you are done in the museum, the pyramids will have cleared out a bit and are prime for exploration.

The Giza Plateau is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily (stretched out to 5 pm during the summer). You will absolutely want the full day to explore so come early

How to get to the pyramids of Giza in Egypt

In fact, the pyramids of Giza are only about 15 miles outside of downtown Cairo.

We highly recommend getting a guide or driver to explore the pyramids. It’ll make your day so much better and you’ll get more insight. However, if you prefer to go it solo, you can easily find a wide range of bus and taxi options or you can take an Uber.