The most stunning ancient monument(s) in the world
Disadvantages:
Lack of visitor facilities - Hawkers
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
No matter how much you think you know about the great pyramid at Giza or how impressive you imagine it to be, seeing it up close for the first time is an experience everyone should treat themselves to.
The Basics
The Giza site is located in the suburbs of Cairo, and if you're not arriving by coach on an organised tour, can easily be reached by Taxi from the centre of town (fare around £20E). For those who enjoy the true local experience, buses also run regularly to the site from the bus station near the Egyptian museum (fare - a couple of pence!).
Entry to the site requires a ticket (around £25E) which allows you access to the site; to wander around the pyramids and visit the Sphynx. The ticket price doesn't however allow you to enter any of the pyramids, for this you will need a seperate ticket.
The Pyramids
Khufu
The largest pyramid 'The great Pyramid of Khufu' is the first you will encounter and is a truly stunning sight. The coach park at the front of the pyramid is also one of the busiest areas and one where you are most likely to be hassled by traders and men offering camel rides I'll talk about these later). If you are on a tour and have limited time, walk around to the right hand side of the pyramid (as you look at it from the coach park) - It's much less busy around that side and a great place for taking photo's and enjoying the experience without being hassled.
If you have more time, take a walk around the entire perimiter to appreciate just how huge a structure it is and visit the queens pyramids, near which are a few other small tombs which are occasionally open.
Inside Khufu
For those who have a full day to spend at the site (highly recommended) and who don't mind paying the £100E entry charge, locate the small hut near the coach park and purchase a ticket to visit the interior of the great pyramid. Be aware that only a limited number of tickets are on sale each day, at opening time and then again at 1pm so arrive early, or get to the kiosk just before 1pm to make sure you get a ticket.
Visiting the interior of the great pyramid is another 'must do' experience and unlike all of the other pyramids in Egypt the interior is large and spacey. The ascending gallery is a marvel of engineering and the burial chamber is a fantastic place to sit and reflect on the achievement of the builders of this fantastic monument.
On the down side, when I visited last, the lower queens chamber and descending passageway were both closed, which was a major dissapointment after paying the hefty admission fee.
The Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure
If you are on a tour, you will now proceed to one of the other two pyramids, or to the viewing area on the plateau to take photo's. Which pyramid you visit will depend on which is open.
Only one of the interiors of the other two pyramids will be open at any one time (they rotate every few years) and you can purchase a ticket to go inside near the entrance.
Khafre's pyramid is the larger of the other two and is distinct by the fact that it has some of its original casing still intact near the top of the pyramid. The interior has always been closed when I have visited so I can't say how difficult the interior is to navigate, but Menkaure's is quite a challenge! The interior is hot and very cramped, The long small passage down seems to go on forever and the chambers below are small and unimpressive. You'll certainly remember your pyramid descent though, because unless you are super fit, you legs will be aching for a good few days afterwards.
For those with more time to spend, walking between the pyramids is the best way to see the site. The best location for taking photo's is not on the plateau where the tour buses stop but out in the desert behind Menkaure's pyramid where you can photograph all 3 pyramids side by side - this is the shot you will usually see in the travel brochures.
The Rest of the site
If you have a strong interest in Egyptology, the rest of the site contains many interesting tombs and temple remains. Next to the great pyramid (to the right over the road) is a large burial site with lots of tombs, most, if not all are usually locked but if you can find a guard and are prepared to pay a little 'baksheesh', they can be persuaded to open one or two up for viewing.
At the rear of the great pyramid is the boat house (seperate entrance fee) which is well worth a visit. The building contains a huge funerary boat discovered buried intact nearby. the fact that it has survived virtually intact is quite amazing considering that it made of wood and is the same age as the great pyramid (4,500 years old)
The sphynx
Sadly, access to the sphynx is limited to viewing it from a natural rock ledge which is always very busy. Be patient if you want a photograph from the best vantage point. If you want a different angle, try taking a photo from the main road or through the bars from the front.
Remember that your pyramid entry ticket is still valid here, so don't be conned into handing money over to locals who might try to pass themselves off as ticket inspectors.
Hawkers, Camels and Con Men!
Many people compalin bitterly about the amount of hassle they recieve when visiting Egypt and in particular, the major tourist sites like the pyramids and Sphinx. The worst areas on the site are at the front of the great pyramid, the front of whichever pyramid is open, the coach stop photo area and the sphynx.
Being approached is unavoidable but the way you deal with it can make the difference between you enjoying your visit to this wonderfull site or going away with not so fond memories of being hassled. My advice would be to be; confident, good humoured and polite but firm.
If you have a gift thrust in your hand, either politely smile and say 'No Shukran' and continue walking or if you fancy a little interaction take it, smile, say 'thank you' and continue walking - offer them a gift of a boiled sweet in return and if they ask you for money for their gift, ask them for money for your gift in return! The key is remaining lighthearted but if necessary being firm without being rude. If they ask you where you are from ask them the same in return, ask them what it's like living in Egypt, if they are young, do they go to school, what do they enjoy? - They'll either soon get bored of you or you'll find that they're actually quite friendly people. If you do decide you want to buy something agree on a price first and only if you are asked for more put on your stern face - a wag of the finger and a knowing smile is also equally effective.
If you're tempted to go for a camel or horse ride - the same rules apply - don't pay until you return and if you are dropped off in the desert and told your fare is 'one way' - call their bluff, thank them for the ride and start walking back. I can absolutely guarantee you that you won't get left stranded.
Food and Drink
There are very limited facilities on site so take plenty of drinks if you are staying for the entire day. Water is usually sold by locals onsite, but is of course grossly overpriced. Food and drink are available offsite oppisite the sphynx entrance (Pizza hut and KFC) - your ticket is valid all day and there are some nice restaurants along the road leading to sphynx if you fancy a break for lunch.
Summary
If at all possible try to visit the site independently, the tour buses rarely stay longer then a couple of hours, and as this is likely to be one of the highlights of your holiday to Egypt (or anywhere else in the world) it is worth making that extra bit of effort to ensure you are not rushed. Dress light, especially in summer and always wear a hat if you are wandering between pyramids. Finally splash out on that £100E ticket to visit the inside of the great pyramid, after all whats a tenner when you're on holiday!
£10E - Usually worth around £1 (one pound)
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