5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting the Pyramids

Outfit Details:
Lace Dress, Women’s Surf Mocassin Shoes, Boater Hat, Retro Vintage Cateye Sunglasses
Photos take with:
Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF 24-70mm, Travel Tripod, Wireless Remote Control

Every time I think I’m just about finished writing about our trip to Egypt, I think of another post I want to share to help you as you plan your trip.

On our first full day in Egypt, we spent most of our time at the Cairo museum while adjusting to the time change.

Then, on our second day in Egypt, we spent the majority of the day exploring the pyramids.

Even though I had dreamed of traveling the world and visiting Egypt, never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would actually have the opportunity to explore Egypt.

And our day at the pyramids is one that I’ll never forget!

So today I thought I’d share with you 5 tips to help you as you plan your day of adventure at the Giza pyramids!

1. You Can Sleep Next to the Pyramids

There is a historic hotel right next to the pyramids with one-of-a-kind views of the pyramids that you will absolutely LOVE!

During our stay, we were upgraded to a room with a view of the pyramids and it was absolutely breathtaking.

If you plan to visit Egypt and have an opportunity to stay at the Marriott Mena House Cairo I highly recommend that you experience this resort and their amazing view.

There is absolutely nothing like waking up on your first day in Egypt, walking out onto your balcony, and having the pyramids right in front of you glistening in the morning sunlight!

2. You Can Book a Guide in Advance

I highly recommend hiring a guide while visiting the pyramids.

Even if you’ve spent a lifetime studying Egyptian history like my father-in-law, you will want a knowledgable guide by your side for many reasons. (My father-in-law will be the first to agree that you will definitely want a professional tour guide.)

The main reason is that this is their job, they are experts (click here to read more about finding an expert guide for your Egypt excursions) in knowing the history, the culture, and how to safely guide you in and around all of the pyramids.

Depending on the tour you book these guides may include transportation, sharing historical/cultural facts, escorting you to different historical sites you may otherwise pass right by and not realize are there, along with translating if a sticky situation occurs (this only happened once with us at the end of our camel ride next to the pyramids and he quickly whisked us away).

3. There are Tourist Traps

Just like in any big city in America or around the world, tourist traps exist.

I wrote more about this in 10 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Egypt in number 1 and you can click here if you want to read more on that.

But the main thing you need to know is that there are tourist traps and there are a variety of ways you can protect yourself from them.

The first is by hiring a professional guide to help you avoid such traps, another is by not looking anyone in the eye (made easier by wearing dark sunglasses), and the third is by being firm when saying no.

If someone comes up to you or follows you trying to sell you something simply look away, ignore them, keep walking (this really works best if you have dark sunglasses on to avoid accidentally making eye contact), if they persist simply say no or “la” (which is no in Arabic) repeatedly and keep walking.

I know this may feel rude, especially if you are from the south where everyone says “bless your heart,” I totally get it!

But every culture is different and we can’t expect people across the world to react the same way they do in our own neighborhood.

So it’s important to never stop or smile politely unless you plan to buy what they are selling because a smile can be seen as encouragement or even a “yes” that you plan to purchase something.

Again, I’m not saying you need to be rude, just walk like you are on a mission.

A mission to see the amazing pyramids!

4. You Can Ride a Camel Next to the Pyramids

This is a very touristy thing to do, so I totally understand if you have no desire to participate in this experience.

Honestly, 3 out of the 4 of us didn’t want to do it, but since it was included in our tour package we decided we may as well do it.

I mean we were already there, the camels were there, it had been paid for, and we would never have another opportunity to experience this again.

So why not?

And even though it was only about a 15-minute ride (they literally loaded us onto the camels, walked us a short distance away from the crowds of camels, took a few pictures, and then brought us back), the photos are an awesome way to remember the experiences of our day at the pyramids.