Giza Pyramids: Photoshoot, Camel & Horse Tour with Sphinx

Giza’s golden sands, camel rides, laughter and ancient stones

You’ll step into Egypt’s ancient world with a private Giza Pyramids tour: ride camels across golden sands, pose for playful photos with horses and pyramids behind you, touch timeworn stones near the Great Pyramid, then share laughs over koshary or falafel lunch. All guided by locals who make history feel alive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Giza Pyramids and photoshoot

• Pickup from hotel
• Visit Pyramids Visitor Center
• Learn history from private guide
• Use shuttle to Panorama Point
• Enjoy short camel ride
• Take jumping horse photoshoot
• Ride camels back
• Visit between Great and Second Pyramid
• Touch ancient stones and hear stories
• Visit Great Sphinx for photos
• Enjoy traditional Egyptian lunch

The experience

You hear it before you see it: the low, friendly grumble of camels somewhere behind the visitor center at the Giza Pyramids. Our guide, Ahmed, waved us over with a grin that made me feel like we were meeting an old friend instead of starting a day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco (wait, wrong country! But you get what I mean). The sun was already sharp on the stones but there was this dry breeze that kept everything moving. Ahmed handed out cold water bottles before we even asked. I remember thinking: okay, these guys know what they're doing.

The first real “wow” hit me at Panorama Point. Suddenly you’re just...there: three massive pyramids lined up against the sky and sand that goes on forever. The camel ride was bumpier than I expected (hold on tight!) but also kind of peaceful once you get used to their swaying rhythm. Our photographer kept making us laugh. He had us jump off a horse for that famous “jumping horse” photo with the pyramids behind us. I’m not sure my feet left the ground but he promised he’d work his magic later. There’s something about seeing your own awkward joy in front of 4,500-year-old stones. It makes you feel small and lucky at the same time.

Ahmed told stories as we walked between the Great Pyramid and its neighbor: little things about how locals still leave offerings sometimes or how each stone has its own scars if you look close enough. He let us touch the limestone. It felt rougher than I imagined, almost gritty under my palm. At one point a group of schoolkids ran past shouting in Arabic and laughing so hard one dropped his snack (it looked like falafel?). The Sphinx came last: smaller than I thought but somehow more mysterious up close. Our guide snapped more photos here, switching to his phone when security gave him a look. It’s all part of it.

Lunch was koshary in a local spot, not fancy, just loud and full of families eating together. I still think about that mix of lentils and spicy tomato sauce when I'm hungry back home. We talked about everything from soccer to Cairo traffic jams (don’t ask). By then my hair was full of sand and my face hurt from smiling, but honestly? That’s what I’ll remember most.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned car, all rides (including a camel ride for your desert photoshoot) a jumping horse photo session with professional camera shots at Panorama Point (and mobile snaps near the Sphinx if needed), bottled water along the way, guidance from a licensed local expert who shares stories as you go, plus a traditional Egyptian lunch featuring either koshary or falafel before heading back to your hotel.

Options for this experience

9 options

Photoshoot with smartphoneGuide in English · 22 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:30Exactly the same description and inclusions, except the photoshoot is done with a smartphone instead of a camera. Pickup is included

Without camel picturesGuide in English · 21 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Photos without the camel: you can add camel photos for an extra fee per person. Tickets: bought at the ticket office. Camel ride and photos: 25 USD. Duration: 3 hours. No tickets and no camel: this option covers only pickup and drop-off. Licensed tour guide. Photoshoot without a camel. Lunch (koshari or falafel). Pickup is included

Photoshoot at the Giza Pyramids with a jumping horse, a camel and the SphinxGuide in English · 12 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:30Pickup is included

See 6 more options

Tour + ticketGuide in English · 22 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:30Includes ticket: all-inclusive plus ticket (general admission). Entry inside the pyramids is not included. Pickup is included

Tour plus a Nile felucca rideGuide in English · 21 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Felucca ride on the Nile: Enjoy a peaceful felucca ride on the Nile, ideal for taking beautiful pictures of Cairo and its landmarks. Pickup is included

Tour plus the Grand Egyptian MuseumGuide in English · 22 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:30Grand Egyptian Museum: Guided visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum with a private tour guide, including the ticket. Duration: 5 hours. Pickup is included

Tour plus a quad bike (ATV) rideGuide in English · 21 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:001-hour quad bike ride: Explore the desert on an ATV with the Pyramids of Giza as the backdrop, a thrilling way to finish your tour! Pickup is included

Tour plus lunch at the 9 Pyramids LoungeGuide in English · 21 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge: Enjoy a unique lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge, with stunning views of all nine pyramids. Lunch (shish tawook or grilled kofta). Pickup is included

Tour plus flying dress photoshootGuide in English · 21 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Flying dress photoshoot: Spend an hour on a private rooftop with a view of the Pyramids and a long dress for a flying dress photoshoot. Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day, 22 start times, from US$ 125 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day22 departure times: 08:00, 08:15, 08:30, 08:45, 09:00, 09:15, 09:30, 09:45, 10:00, 10:15, 10:30, 10:45, 11:00, 11:15, 11:30, 11:45, 12:00, 12:15, 12:30, 12:45, 13:00 and 13:30

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (11 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Egypt Discovery Tours

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How long does the Giza Pyramids photoshoot & tour last?

The duration can vary due to camel availability or weather, but expect several hours including pickup, sightseeing, photoshoot, and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this Giza Pyramids tour?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Can I wear formal or wedding attire for the photoshoot?

No, special permits are required for bridal or tuxedo outfits. Casual modest clothing is best to avoid entry issues.

Are professional photos taken at all sites?

Professional camera photos are taken at Panorama Point. At the Sphinx area mobile phone photography may be used depending on regulations.

What’s included for lunch during this day trip?

You’ll have a traditional Egyptian lunch (either koshary or falafel) at a local restaurant.

How do I receive my photos after the tour?

Your edited JPEG images will be delivered via Google Drive link within 5 days after your tour.