Giza Pyramids, Sakkara & Memphis: Private Day Trip with Camel Ride

Summary

Walk the sands of Giza hear old stories taste Cairo’s rhythm

You’ll ride camels beside the Giza Pyramids, explore ancient tombs at Saqqara with an Egyptologist guide, and see colossal statues in Memphis before sharing lunch near Cairo’s edge. This private tour includes hotel pickup and entry fees—expect laughter, stories from locals, and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it really feels like to stand in front of the Giza Pyramids? I did too, until our driver picked us up from the hotel (air conditioning, thank god) and we rolled out past Cairo’s morning chaos. The city noise faded into this dusty gold light as we got closer. Our guide — Ahmed, who grew up nearby — pointed out little things I’d never have noticed: street cats sleeping on car roofs, kids waving at buses. When we finally stopped and stepped out, the heat had that dry bite but there was this faint smell of sweet tea from a vendor somewhere. The pyramids looked unreal. Bigger than I’d pictured. I probably stared too long.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much during a day trip to Giza Pyramids from Cairo, but trying to climb onto a camel for the first time is apparently hilarious (Ahmed’s advice: “Lean back or you’ll fall forward!”). Riding along the sand with those huge stones behind us felt like being in some old movie — except my knees were knocking together and sand kept getting in my shoes. We stopped for photos at this spot where you can see all nine pyramids lined up; honestly, it’s hard to describe how small you feel out there. Someone nearby was selling dates and nuts — wish I’d tried them now.

After that, we headed to Saqqara. The step pyramid there is older than anything at Giza, which Ahmed explained while tracing shapes in the dust with his shoe. Inside one tomb, he showed us carvings of bread-making and dancing girls — it hit me how normal life must’ve been here thousands of years ago. There was this cool stillness inside; even my phone felt quieter somehow. Lunch came next (included), and it was simple but good — grilled chicken, rice, something green I still can’t name but liked anyway.

Last stop was Memphis — not much left standing except for this massive statue of Ramses II lying on its back under a roof. You can walk right up close; his feet are bigger than my head (I checked). By then I was pretty wiped out, but Ahmed cracked a joke about ancient sandals and somehow made us all laugh again. It was a lot for one day — history everywhere you look — but I keep thinking about that first glimpse of the pyramids through the car window. Makes you want to come back just to see if they’re really real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Giza, Saqqara, and Memphis

• Pickup from hotel by private car
• Visit Great Pyramid of Khufu and others
• View all nine Giza pyramids
• See the Sphinx and valley temple
• Drive to Saqqara necropolis
• Explore Pyramid of Djoser and tombs
• Visit Memphis ancient capital museum
• Enjoy included lunch at restaurant
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Cairo to Giza Pyramids?

The tour lasts one full day including stops at Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, and Memphis before returning to your hotel.

Is lunch included on this private tour?

Yes, lunch in a quality restaurant is included during your day trip.

Does this tour include a camel ride at Giza?

Yes, a 30-minute camel ride near the pyramids is part of the experience.

Are entrance fees covered for all sites?

All entrance fees for Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, and Memphis are included in your booking.

Will there be an Egyptologist guide?

Your guide is a qualified Egyptologist who explains history and local culture throughout the tour.

Is hotel pickup & drop-off provided?

The tour includes air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairo hotels.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

How far is Saqqara from Giza?

The drive from Giza Pyramids to Saqqara takes about 30 minutes by car.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off in modern cars, all entrance fees for Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, and Memphis, bottled water throughout the journey, a 30-minute camel ride near the pyramids, guided visits led by an Egyptologist who shares local stories along the way, plus lunch served in a local restaurant before heading back into Cairo’s city buzz.