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

Summary

Step pyramids in saqqara camel ride at giza sphinx up close private tour with egyptologist

You’ll travel from Cairo through Sakkara’s ancient sands to Memphis’ statues and then ride a camel at Giza beside those legendary pyramids. Expect hands-on moments with history, local food for lunch, and stories from an Egyptologist who brings it all alive. The day feels both epic and strangely personal — you might find yourself thinking about it long after you’re back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

Handing me a bottle of water before we even left the hotel, Mahmoud grinned and said, “You’ll need this for Sakkara.” He was right — by the time we reached the Step Pyramid, dust had settled on my shoes and I could smell that dry earth you only get outside Cairo. Our guide knew everyone; he called out to a guard near Imhotep’s museum who waved us in with a nod. I didn’t expect to actually touch some of the carved stones — they’re cool and rough under your fingers, like you’re brushing against something way older than your own story.

Memphis felt quieter somehow. There’s this giant statue of Ramses II lying on its back in the open-air museum — honestly, it’s so big it almost looks fake until you see the toes. Mahmoud told us how Memphis used to be the beating heart of Egypt ages ago, but now chickens wander around the edges of the site. We stopped for lunch after that (the bread was warm and soft, and I’m still thinking about that tahini), chatting about football with our driver who seemed to know every team in Europe.

The Giza Pyramids came last. You hear about them all your life but seeing them up close is different — there’s grit in the air and camels snorting nearby. My camel was named Lulu; she kept turning her head to check if I was still there (I was). The ride circles around so you get these wild angles of Cheops and Chefren — not just postcard views. Our Egyptologist guide pointed out where each block was dragged from; I honestly can’t imagine doing that in this heat. The Sphinx looked smaller than I thought but more mysterious somehow. It’s hard to explain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Sakkara, Memphis, and Giza Pyramids

• Drive to Sakkara
• Visit Step Pyramid of Djoser
• Explore Imhotep Museum and tombs
• Drive to Memphis
• Visit Memphis Museum and Ramses II statue
• Drive to Giza
• Enjoy camel ride around Pyramids
• Visit Great Pyramids and Sphinx
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long does this Giza, Sakkara & Memphis day trip take?

The tour lasts 6-8 hours including travel time and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in downtown Cairo or central Giza.

Do I need to buy entrance tickets separately?

No, main entrance tickets for Giza area, Sakkara, and Memphis are included.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is part of the experience.

How long is the camel ride at Giza?

The camel ride lasts approximately 30 minutes around the pyramids.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water is provided during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking and uneven ground.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with air conditioning, hotel pickup and drop-off within central Cairo or Giza, all main entrance fees for Sakkara, Memphis, and Giza sites, a thirty-minute camel ride beside the pyramids, bottled water throughout, guidance from an English-speaking Egyptologist, plus a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before heading back in comfort.