Imagine standing in front of the pyramids of Giza, the oldest and largest of the ancient wonders of the world. Imagine feeling the awe and mystery of these colossal structures that have stood the test of time for over 4,500 years. Imagine exploring them at your own pace, without the hassle and pressure of a tour or a guide.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s not. You can visit the pyramids of Giza on your own, and have the best experience possible. All you need is some planning, preparation, and tips from us.
In this article, we will show you how to visit the pyramids of Giza on your own, without a tour or a guide. We will cover everything you need to know, from the best time to visit, to the best way to get there, to the best things to do, and more. We will also share some interesting facts and insights that will make your visit more memorable and enjoyable.
Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, visiting the pyramids of Giza on your own is an adventure that you will never forget. So, let’s get started!
Why Visit the Pyramids of Giza on Your Own
You might be wondering why you should visit the pyramids of Giza on your own, instead of booking a tour or a guide. After all, isn’t it easier and safer to have someone else take care of everything for you?
Well, not necessarily. There are many benefits and advantages of visiting the pyramids independently, such as:
Freedom:
You can decide when, where, and how long to visit the pyramids, without being tied to a fixed schedule or itinerary. You can also choose which attractions and activities to see and do, and skip the ones that don’t interest you.
Flexibility:
You can adjust your plans according to your preferences, mood, and weather conditions. You can also change your mind and explore something new or different, without having to worry about missing your tour or guide.
Privacy:
You can enjoy the pyramids in peace and quiet, without being surrounded by a crowd of tourists or a noisy guide. You can also take your time to admire the beauty and details of the pyramids, without being rushed or interrupted.
Control:
You can manage your budget and expenses, without paying for unnecessary or overpriced services or fees. You can also negotiate and bargain with the vendors and touts, without being pressured or scammed.
Fun:
You can have more fun and excitement, without being bored or disappointed by a dull or misleading tour or guide. You can also discover and learn more about the pyramids, without being fed with inaccurate or biased information.
Of course, visiting the pyramids on your own is not without its challenges and risks. You will need to do some research and preparation before your visit, and be aware of the potential pitfalls and problems that you might encounter. But don’t worry, we will help you with that in the next sections.
When to Visit the Pyramids of Giza
One of the most important things to consider when visiting the pyramids of Giza on your own is the timing of your visit. The timing can make a huge difference in your experience, as it can affect the weather, the crowds, and the availability of the attractions and activities.
The best time to visit the pyramids of Giza is between October and April, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the tourist season is low or moderate. The average temperature during this period is between 15°C and 25°C, and the rainfall is minimal. The sky is clear and blue, and the sun is not too harsh.
The worst time to visit the pyramids of Giza is between May and September, when the weather is hot and humid, and the tourist season is high or peak. The average temperature during this period is between 25°C and 35°C, and the rainfall is rare. The sky is hazy and dusty, and the sun is scorching.
The best day of the week to visit the pyramids of Giza is Friday, when the local weekend starts, and the traffic and crowds are less. The worst day of the week to visit the pyramids of Giza is Sunday, when the local weekend ends, and the traffic and crowds are more.
The best time of the day to visit the pyramids of Giza is early in the morning, between 8 am and 10 am, when the pyramids open, and the temperature and crowds are low. The worst time of the day to visit the pyramids of Giza is late in the afternoon, between 2 pm and 4 pm, when the temperature and crowds are high.
By choosing the right timing for your visit, you can avoid the crowds, the heat, and the hassle, and have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
How to Get to the Pyramids of Giza
Another important thing to consider when visiting the pyramids of Giza on your own is the transportation to and from the pyramids. The pyramids are located about 20 km southwest of Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, and there are several ways to get there, such as:
Uber:
Uber is the best and easiest way to get to the pyramids from Cairo, as it is fast, convenient, comfortable, and safe. You can book an Uber from your smartphone, and the driver will pick you up and drop you off at your desired location. The average cost of an Uber from Cairo to the pyramids is about 100 EGP (6 USD), and the average duration of the ride is about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Taxi:
Taxi is another option to get to the pyramids from Cairo, but it is not as reliable or trustworthy as Uber. You will need to find a taxi on the street, and negotiate and agree on the price and destination with the driver before getting in. The average cost of a taxi from Cairo to the pyramids is about 150 EGP (9 USD), and the average duration of the ride is about 60 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Metro:
Metro is the cheapest way to get to the pyramids from Cairo, but it is not the most convenient or comfortable one. You will need to take the metro line 2 from Cairo to Giza station, and then take a minibus or a taxi from Giza station to the pyramids. The average cost of the metro from Cairo to Giza station is 5 EGP (0.3 USD), and the average duration of the ride is about 30 minutes. The average cost of the minibus or taxi from Giza station to the pyramids is about 10 EGP (0.6 USD), and the average duration of the ride is about 15 minutes.
Bus:
Bus is another cheap way to get to the pyramids from Cairo, but it is not the most efficient or comfortable one. You will need to take the bus number 355 or 357 from Tahrir Square in Cairo to the pyramids. The average cost of the bus from Cairo to the pyramids is 2 EGP (0.1 USD), and the average duration of the ride is about 90 minutes.
Car Rental:
Car rental is the most flexible and adventurous way to get to the pyramids from Cairo, but it is not the most recommended or safe one. You will need to rent a car from a reputable company, and drive yourself to the pyramids. The average cost of a car rental from Cairo to the pyramids is about 300 EGP (18 USD) per day, and the average duration of the ride is about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic.
As you can see, there are pros and cons of each option, and you will need to weigh them according to your preferences, budget, and comfort level. Our advice is to use Uber, as it is the best balance of cost, convenience, comfort, and safety.
What to Do at the Pyramids of Giza
Now that you know how to get to the pyramids of Giza, you might be wondering what to do there. Well, there are plenty of things to do and see at the pyramids, and you will need at least half a day to explore them all. Here are some of the main attractions and activities that you should not miss:
Seeing the Pyramids:
The first and most obvious thing to do at the pyramids is to see them. There are three main pyramids on the Giza Plateau: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. They are the oldest and largest of the ancient pyramids, and they are the only ones that still retain some of their original limestone casing. They are also aligned with the stars of Orion’s belt, and they reflect the golden ratio in their proportions. Seeing the pyramids up close is a breathtaking and awe-inspiring experience, and you will feel the power and mystery of these ancient wonders.
Going Inside the Pyramids:
The second thing to do at the pyramids is to go inside them. You can enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure, but you will need to buy a separate ticket for each one. The tickets are limited and sell out quickly, so you will need to arrive early and queue up at the ticket office. The tickets cost 400 EGP (24 USD) for the Great Pyramid and 100 EGP (6 USD) for the Pyramid of Menkaure. Going inside the pyramids is not for the faint-hearted, as you will need to climb steep and narrow passages, and cope with the heat and humidity. However, it is a unique and thrilling experience, as you will get to see the burial chambers and the sarcophagi of the ancient kings.
Visiting the Panoramic Point:
The third thing to do at the pyramids is to visit the panoramic point, where you can get a stunning view of the whole Giza Plateau. You can walk, take a camel ride, or a horse carriage to the panoramic point, which is located on a hill about 2 km from the pyramids. The cost of the camel ride or the horse carriage is about 50 EGP (3 USD) per person, and you will need to negotiate and bargain with the owners. Visiting the panoramic point is a great opportunity to take some amazing photos and videos of the pyramids, and to appreciate their size and shape from a different perspective.
Taking a Selfie with the Sphinx:
The fourth thing to do at the pyramids is to take a selfie with the sphinx, the mythical creature that has the body of a lion and the head of a human. The sphinx is located in front of the Pyramid of Khafre, and it is the oldest and largest statue in Egypt. It is also one of the most mysterious and enigmatic monuments, as its origin and purpose are still unknown. Taking a selfie with the sphinx is a fun and memorable way to capture your visit to the pyramids, and to show off your adventurous spirit.
Visiting the Valley Temple:
The fifth thing to do at the pyramids is to visit the valley temple, the ancient structure that was used for the mummification and preparation of the bodies of the kings. The valley temple is located next to the sphinx, and it is one of the best-preserved examples of the Old Kingdom architecture. It is made of huge blocks of granite and limestone, and it has a complex and elegant design. Visiting the valley temple is a fascinating way to learn more about the ancient rituals and ceremonies that were performed at the pyramids, and to see some of the original statues and reliefs that decorated the temple.
Watching the Sound and Light Show:
The sixth and final thing to do at the pyramids is to watch the sound and light show, the spectacular performance that illuminates the pyramids and the sphinx with colorful lasers and music. The show is held every night, and it lasts for about an hour. The show tells the story of the pyramids and the sphinx, and their significance and symbolism in the ancient Egyptian civilization. The show is available in different languages, such as English, French, Spanish, German, and Arabic. The cost of the show is 300 EGP (18 USD) per person, and you will need to buy the tickets in advance or online. Watching the sound and light show is a magical and enchanting way to end your visit to the pyramids, and to witness their beauty and glory in a different light.
How to Prepare for Your Visit to the Pyramids of Giza
Before you visit the pyramids of Giza on your own, you will need to do some preparation and planning to make sure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some of the things that you should do and know before your visit:
What to Pack:
You should pack light and smart for your visit to the pyramids, as you will need to walk a lot and carry your belongings with you. You should pack the following items:
1. A backpack or a crossbody bag that can fit your essentials and that is easy to carry and secure
2. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun and the dust
3. A water bottle and some snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized
4. A camera or a smartphone to capture your memories and share them with your friends and family
5. A power bank or a charger to keep your devices running
6. Some cash in Egyptian pounds to pay for the tickets, the transportation, and the souvenirs
7. A copy of your passport or ID card to show at the entrance and the security checkpoints
8. A VPN app to access the internet and online services in Egypt
What to Wear:
You should wear comfortable and appropriate clothes and shoes for your visit to the pyramids, as you will need to walk a lot and respect the local culture and customs. You should wear the following items:
1. A loose and light clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, such as a t-shirt, a long skirt, or a pair of pants
2. A scarf or a shawl that you can use to cover your head or your neck if needed
3. A comfortable and sturdy pair of shoes, such as sneakers, sandals, or boots
4. A jacket or a sweater that you can use to keep yourself warm in the evening or in the air-conditioned places
What to Bring:
You should bring some essential and useful items for your visit to the pyramids, as you will need to deal with some challenges and problems that you might encounter. You should bring the following items:
1. A map or a guidebook of the pyramids that you can use to navigate and learn more about the attractions and activities
2. A flashlight or a headlamp that you can use to see inside the dark and narrow passages of the pyramids
3. A tissue or a wet wipe that you can use to clean yourself and the surfaces that you touch
4. A mask or a bandana that you can use to cover your mouth and nose from the dust and the pollution
5. A first aid kit or a medicine that you can use to treat any minor injuries or illnesses that you might have
6. A toilet paper or a sanitary pad that you can use to deal with the lack of hygiene and facilities at the pyramids
What to Expect:
You should expect some surprises and difficulties for your visit to the pyramids, as you will need to cope with the reality and the complexity of the place. You should expect the following things:
1. A lot of vendors and touts who will try to sell you souvenirs, tours, rides, or services, and who will not take no for an answer
2. A lot of security and police who will check your tickets, your bags, and your documents, and who might ask you for tips or bribes
3. A lot of tourists and locals who will crowd the pyramids, the sphinx, and the panoramic point, and who might photobomb your pictures or ask you for selfies
4. A lot of heat and humidity that will make you sweat and thirsty, and that might cause you sunburn or heatstroke
5. A lot of dust and pollution that will make you cough and sneeze, and that might cause you allergies or infections
Visiting the pyramids of Giza on your own is an amazing and rewarding experience that you will never regret. You will get to see and explore one of the most incredible and mysterious wonders of the world, and you will have the freedom, flexibility, privacy, and control over your visit.
However, visiting the pyramids on your own is not a walk in the park. You will need to do some research and preparation before your visit, and be aware of the potential pitfalls and problems that you might face. You will also need to follow some tips and tricks that we have shared with you in this article, to make sure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
We hope that this article has helped you to plan and prepare for your visit to the pyramids of Giza on your own, and that you have learned something new and interesting about the pyramids and the sphinx. We also hope that you have fun and excitement, and that you create some unforgettable memories and stories to tell.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to visit the pyramids of Giza on your own, and have the best experience ever!
