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The three pyramids of Giza from the panorama viewpoint
Cairo and Giza

Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx

The last of the seven wonders, 12 km from downtown Cairo.

Built
c. 2560–2510 BC, Fourth Dynasty
Great Pyramid
146.6 m originally, 138.5 m today, 2.3 million blocks
Sphinx
73 m long, 20 m high, carved from bedrock
Opening hours
07:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00), summer to 18:00

The Giza plateau holds the three pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure (c. 2560 to 2510 BC) and the Great Sphinx. A guided visit takes three to four hours; the plateau ticket is about 700 EGP and the Great Pyramid interior about 900 EGP extra. Our tours include the plateau ticket and pick you up from any Cairo hotel, or from Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh by bus or plane.

Visiting

The Great Pyramid of Khufu was the tallest building on earth for 3,800 years. Khafre's pyramid next to it keeps its limestone casing at the top and looks taller because it stands on higher ground; Menkaure's is a third of the size and can be entered on the VIP tour. The Sphinx, carved from a single outcrop left by the quarrying, guards the causeway of Khafre's valley temple.

The best order is Khufu first while it is cool, the panorama viewpoint south-west of the plateau for the photograph of all three pyramids in a row, then down to the Sphinx. Camel rides are offered at the panorama; your guide agrees a fair price. The Grand Egyptian Museum is two kilometres away and pairs with the plateau for a full day.

Crowds peak between 10:00 and 13:00 with the coaches from the Red Sea. Guests staying in Cairo should go at 08:00 or after 14:00; guests coming by bus from Hurghada or Sharm arrive around 09:00 and the guide moves quickly through the busiest points.

Tips from our guides

  • Buy the Great Pyramid interior ticket at the plateau office; the passage is low and steep
  • The panorama viewpoint is the photo; ask the guide to stop the car there
  • Hats and water: there is no shade on the plateau
  • Say a firm no to unofficial "guides" and horse touts; your guide handles them

Best time: October to April for the temperature; year-round at 08:00 or after 14:00 for the light and fewer coaches.

Questions

Three to four hours with a guide covers the Great Pyramid, the panorama point, the Valley Temple and the Sphinx. Add an hour for going inside a pyramid or a camel ride.
29.9773 N, 31.1325 EOpen in Google Maps

Tours that visit Giza Pyramids