I heard this line so many times that I had come to have some kind of doubts. In general, such responses, as well as those regarding the safety of a stay in Egypt (and not only), came from people who have never set foot there and probably never will.
Unfortunately, people tend to be quite superficial when it comes to more remote or controversial places.
As most of you know, I have been to Egypt 10 times so far. And it was only on the sixth lap that we reached the Pyramids. And believe me I was not in vain! Here I am now, on edition number 10, I've arrived at the Pyramids again, on my own this time, without an agency, without a group, without a guide. Exactly as I have wanted for many years!
There's no place for you to venture on your own through Cairo, through that constant chaos. But as I told you in the previous article, I spent 3 days in this fascinating city and of course I also ended up in Giza (or Giza). Everyone knows that the Pyramids are in Cairo.
Which is somehow wrong, because they and the Sphinx are found on the Giza Plateau, on the outskirts of the city of the same name. Giza, being an extension of Cairo. I used to imagine that you could only get here if you came in a group, accompanied by a guide. Equally erroneous is this thought.
Visit the Pyramids on your own
I had already gone through a not so pleasant experience. 4 years ago, I went on an organized trip, from which I returned not only as a runaway, but also somewhat disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it wouldn't be ok with the group.
We are different and we think and organize differently, which is why we see things completely differently. And it's very good that this is happening, because otherwise we would be driven like sheep.
Everyone does as they feel and as they can, there are variants for all tastes. For me, at the moment it is more convenient, from all points of view, to travel individually. And that's because I like to plan and organize my own route, look for information and decide for myself.
Not everyone is able to do this job, not everyone has the time and patience. And this is where the travel agency comes into play, where you go, you say what you want, you are offered options, you pay and choose what suits you. This way, you got rid of the hours of research and nerves sometimes that not everything turns out the way you want. But look, I like to do this too!
How do you get from Cairo to the Giza Plateau?
Most likely, you will stay somewhere around Cairo, for one-two-three nights... At least that's what I did, because this option seemed much more convenient.
Depending on the area where you are staying, you will have to find out which is the easiest/fastest/advantageous way to get to Giza. And back, of course!
I stayed exactly in the center of the city, in Tahrir Square, and from here I used two means of transport: the metro + Uber. Of course there are other methods, perhaps more acceptable, but in my case, this is what I chose. I left from Sadat station (Tahrir Square) and got off at El-Giza (not Giza Suburbs, which is next).
Tickets can be bought from the counters located in each metro station. The metro in Cairo is extremely crowded at some times of the day, so be careful not to miss your station! In addition, there are carriages for women only. I woke up at one point when I was the only woman in the whole train and everyone was laughing at me. When I got off, I understood why. 🙂
From El-Giza, I ordered an Uber. There were 5 of us, so it was more convenient for us than looking for another bus or haggling with a taxi driver. I did the same on the way back.
Access to the Giza Plateau
Access to the plateau where the 6 Pyramids and the Sphinx are, is through a single place, where there is the ticket office and the security control. Everywhere for the tourist attractions, you have to go through a scanner, just like at the airport.
Your bags will be checked both manually and through those special scanners. Just before entering, a group of Chinese had come, all with large trollers, as if they were staying at the Pyramids. I managed to fit in between them, because otherwise it would take a long time.
To be able to see the pyramids up close and inside one of them, you will have to pay an entrance fee. There are different tariff classes, depending on how you prefer. I chose the classic one, the cheapest of them. I had already visited the inside of a pyramid and to be honest, nothing impressed me. In addition, there is quite a long queue.
The entrance fee to the Giza Plateau is EGP 360.
To admire all 6 pyramids, you will have to move a little away from them, there is a place, a little further, where you can usually reach them by camel.
And I encourage you to do it, from there you will be able to leave with those iconic pictures that you have always seen on the covers of magazines. But be careful with those who are standing there ready to "help" you.
You will see a lot of traders, who often become hustlers, as well as camel owners or carriage tours. They will ask you for a high price so they can negotiate and they won't let up until they convince you. Try to politely and firmly refuse them if you don't want anything.
Don't forget the Sphinx! Somewhat further on the extremity of the plateau, with its back to the Pyramids, there is also the famous Sphinx. Don't miss the opportunity to take a photo with it, with a little imagination and skill, you'll end up with some nice, suggestive snapshots. The sphinx is so photogenic and obedient!
You have the opportunity to admire it from the paved path, or you can get a little closer to it, there is a platform specially created for those who come here to admire it. From my point of view, it can be seen much better from the alley.
It was a very interesting experience, I enjoyed every moment spent here.
If you have other curiosities, don't hesitate to leave them at the end of the article, in the comments.