Giza
Overview
Arriving to the Giza Plateau on the west banks of the River Nile to see arguably the finest of the original Seven Wonder of the World often comes as a shock to most. Following years of seeing magical images of The Great Pyramids of Giza rising out of the desert many visitors are baffled by the fact that they are in fact placed in the heart of the bustling city suburb of Giza, surrounded by residential developments and a growing amount of tourism influenced commercialisation. Yet, once this original surprise has subsided there is nothing in the world that can compare to the colossal structures that are shrouded in mystery and legend and a credit to the architectural talents of the Ancient Egyptians.
Aligned with the stars and built, by hand over many years, to house the tombs of Ancient Egypt’s great Pharaohs, the ancient monuments are believed to date back to 2560BC and have been baffling historians and archaeologist for centuries. There is no denying that the three main structures, the Sphinx and the collection of smaller Queen’s Pyramids are an absolute delight to see and provide an abundance of picture perfect photo opportunities. The one downside is that with increased tourism has arrived hoards of touts and vendors who line themselves up behind the Pyramid of Menkaure, offering souvenirs, camel rides and the chance to have a photo dressed as a Bedouin. Alike many tourist locations in Cairo and Luxor, if taken light-heartedly the locals should not spoil the enjoyment.
Giza City is located around 10km west of Cairo city centre with access to the pyramids via the village of Nazlet as-Samaan leading up to the Sphinx and Pyramid Road, the main entrance for tour buses and the site of the ticket office. The best times to visit are at sunrise and sunset when the light is remarkably mystical and late at night when all tours have vanished and the area is a sea of tranquillity and charm.
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Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Giza
The Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu) - Possessing an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks the Pyramid of Cheops is the oldest, biggest and most impressive of all of Giza’s pyramids and believed to have been built between 2589 and 2566BC. Dedicated to Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) of the IV Dynasty. the pyramid houses three chambers, which, unfortunately, were robbed long before the arrival of archaeologists. Entrance into the pyramid is limited to 300 visitors per day, with many of the tickets getting snapped up by organised tour groups. If travelling independently arrive early to avoid disappointment. Fee £E100.
The Pyramid of Chephren (Khafre) - With steeper sides than that of Cheops, the Pyramid of Chephren gives off an illusion of being the tallest, which owes to its setting on higher ground. The pyramid of Cheops’ son Chephren (Khafre), who reined from 2558 to 2533BC, it is thought to have been looted by Arabs around the 8thC. Inside the pyramid a corridor leads down and then up opening out in a long passageway ending in Chephren’s tomb. Fee £E20.
The Sphinx - Carved out of the Giza plateau bedrock the Sphinx sits as the guardian angel of the Great Pyramids with its lion body and human head, strongly believed to represent that of Chephren. With a body length of 60m, feet measuring 20m and a face width of 4m, the Sphinx is a colossal monument and the cause of great debate and legend, with the most agreed upon being that it is at least 4500-years-old. There are a number of tunnels leading inside to dead-ends that many believe were made by Ancient Egyptians searching for treasure.
The Pyramid of Menkaure - The smallest of the three main pyramids, and slightly out of line, is that of Pharaoh Menkaure, the successor to Chephren. At times looking as though it was rushed into completion the pyramid is unique in that the final burial tomb is in the underground parts. South of Menkaure’s Pyramid offers the best photo opportunities, especially for snaps of the three together.
Other than the main pyramids and Sphinx, there are a collection of smaller pyramids located close to that of Menkaure which were built for the queens of the dynasties. One contains the tomb of Khentkawes, the daughter of Menkaure, and another, the tomb of Cheops’ mother Hetepheres.
Sound & Light Show - Verging on a Disney attraction the sound and light show, although not doing any justice to the pyramids history and legend, is still an entertainmening display aimed at bringing the ancient monuments to life. During the show the Sphinx takes on the form of narrator retelling the myths and mystery behind the creation. Three hour-long shows take place each night with the bilingual Sphinx narrating in French, English and Arabic.
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Giza
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Giza
With the pyramids being so close to Cairo itself they are within easy reach of the city by bus, taxi or organised tour, therefore most stay at hotels in the centre. However, for those that want to be on the doorstep, a few international hotel groups have set up shop either overlooking or within walking distance of the ancient temples.
Armante Pyramids - 5-star resort a short walk from the Sphinx. Tel (20) 237 812 211.
Hotel Om Kolthoom - Spacious 4-star hotel with views of the Nile and Pyramids. Tel (20) 27 368 444.
Mena House Oberoi - Excellent hotel offering both sunrise and sunset views of the pyramids. Tel (20) 233 73 222
Mercure Le Sphinx - Luxury resort literally a stones throw from the entrance to the pyramids. Tel (20) 233 776 444.
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Giza
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