What to Expect When Visiting the Great Pyramids and Sphinx

Taking in the view at of The Great Pyramids of Giza

Preparing to Visit the Pyramids & Sphinx

My first full day in Egypt was spent visiting the the Great Pyramids of Giza and The Great Sphinx. They are both close to each other, so when making your itinerary, I highly suggest that you see these on the same day.

I was filled with excitement as this was my first time visiting one of the 7 Wonders of the World. We woke up early, grabbed breakfast, and got to the sites early to beat the crowd. Our tour guide said it was also to beat the heat, but that was not possible because the day started out super hot so be prepared if you are going during summer months.

When we arrived to Pyramids, I was speechless. The pictures in your history books do not do it justice. Each Pyramid is made with 2.3 million blocks of limestone, weighing approximately two and a half tons. It’s amazing knowing these were completed without all the machinery and tools that we have now.

After leaving the Pyramids, we took a 10-15 minute ride to the Great Sphinx. This is a statue that has the head of a Pharaoh but the body of a lion. Sphinx were built by Egyptians to guard tombs and temples; this one was built to protect the Pyramid of Khafre and is magnificent.

Transportation

There are a few ways to get the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx. We went with our tour guide that booked our whole Egypt experience with. Your options are:

Book a private or group tour: There are plenty of reputable sites that you can books private tours with. I would recommend you do it this way if it’s in your budget because they usually pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation.

Uber: This is the second best option in my opinion. The fares are already in place and there is not changing it, so you do not have to worry about haggling for the right place.

Taxis: You can also take a taxi to and from the pyramids and sphinx. This would be my last transportation choice because I don’t like going back and forth to make sure that I’m getting a fair deal on the fare. Some people get a thrill out of it though, so if that’s down your alley feel free!

If you are staying at a hotel, you can also ask them to book a tour for you on your behalf.

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The Best Time to Visit

We visited Egypt in September and it was beautiful, but extremely HOT. The only positives were it wasn’t high season so less crowds and the pyramids and Sphinx weren’t hazy from the fog in the mornings. If you go in December or January, there is a chance of fog, so plan to go later in the day.

The best time to visit is April – October in the morning. The weather is in the 70’s and 80’s (Fahrenheit) so it’s a much pleasant visit. But remember, you will spend more time waiting in line to climb the steps of the pyramid because it is going to be very crowded. It’s important to add extra time into your schedule.

I will say though that if you can stand the 90 F degree weather, but not the crowds, September is a good time to go. There were still a lot of people, but there wasn’t a long wait and you could get a picture without everyone else in the background.

What to bring on your visit:

Bring small money and toilet paper for the restrooms. The bathrooms are rarely free in the parts of Egypt that I visited, even if you pay admission prices.
Make sure to have plenty of water. I visited in September and it was piping hot with temperatures reaching up to 100 F.
Wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses and a hat. I’m reiterating that the sun was nothing to play with there.
Wear supportive shoes with a great grip on them. There are a lot of rocks you’ll be walking across. Also you can climb up the side of one of the Pyramids, so it’s important to wear good shoes.
Tip money for if you participate in any activities once you get there. This goes for anywhere in Egypt (They will be expecting it).

Dress Code:

There is not a dress code to either site. I would recommend comfortable and loose fitting clothes, especially if you are there in the summer months. There were a range of people wearing different outfits from casual to dressy to modest. Keep in mind that locals dress modestly, so if fitting in makes you more comfortable, wear long pants and long sleeves. This also helps when the heat is shining directly on your shoulders and back.

How much time do you need to visit?

We visited early in the morning and about 1 – 1.5 hours was plenty of time to visit, walk up and down the pyramid and take pictures. I would add 30-40 mins if you want to go into the pyramids and about an hour if you want to ride camels. If you go at a more busier time of the year or day, account for that as well.

Activities at the Pyramid

Many people don’t know that there are activities that you can do while visiting the Pyramids. If you’re looking for more of an adventure, consider doing one of these activities.

If you don’t want to venture out on your own in a foreign country. Viator has a list of reputable tours that combine seeing the great pyramids with other fun activities. I used Viator often because the tours are great and you are allowed to cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour.

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Inside the Great Pyramid

For an additional fee, you can go inside the Great Pyramid. There isn’t much to see inside so we did not go in, but it is a once in a lifetime opportunity if you want to visit! Even if you don’t go inside the pyramid, you can still climb the side of the Pyramid to the entrance and then climb about down. Being able to stand on history was an incredible experience.

Camel Rides

While visiting the pyramids, you can also ride camels around the Pyramids. I recommend booking the camel rides through a tour company before you arrive. If you randomly walk up to ride the camels, the cost can vary based on your negotiating skills.

In Egypt, you will realize that everything can be negotiated. To avoid overpaying, it is in your favor to have a tour guide on your side. Also, bring small bills to tip the camel tour guides. They will be looking for it at the end, trust me.

Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids

Although we did not come back for the sound and light show, I can’t write this article without mentioning it as an activity option. The show is available every evening and features storytelling, illuminating lights and visual effects. Seeing the Pyramid and Sphinx glowing at night is the perfect family outing. The kids and adults alike will love the lights and visual effects and can learn the history behind these wonders in a fun and exciting way.