Giza, Saqqara & Memphis: Private Pyramids Tour with Camel Ride

Summary

Walk the sands of Giza and Saqqara, meet Memphis giants, ride camels

You’ll travel from Cairo into Egypt’s ancient heartlands—walk where pharaohs once did at Saqqara and Memphis, eat lunch gazing at distant pyramids, then ride a camel across Giza’s golden sands with your local guide sharing stories along the way. Expect laughter, history up close, and moments that just stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Cairo when our guide, Youssef, started tossing out stories — not just facts, but little things about growing up near the pyramids. The drive to Saqqara was quick (maybe 40 minutes?), but I remember how the city noise faded and suddenly there were palm groves and that dry, almost chalky smell you get outside town. At the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Youssef pointed out graffiti from centuries ago. He laughed when I tried reading some old hieroglyphs — apparently I called myself a “fish.” It’s hard to describe standing in front of something built 4,600 years ago. The stone felt cool under my hand; I kept thinking about all the hands before mine.

Memphis was next — honestly, I didn’t expect much beyond statues. But seeing Ramses II lying there (he’s huge), with sunlight slanting through dusty windows, it hit different. There were kids on a school trip giggling by the Sphinx statue; their teacher gave us a shy wave. Our lunch spot after that had this wild view: pyramids in the distance through a haze of heat. The bread was still warm when it hit our table and tasted faintly nutty — maybe sesame? I’m not sure what everything was called but it was good.

By the time we reached the Giza Pyramid Complex, the light had shifted — kind of gold and sharp. Youssef told us which pyramid belonged to who (I kept mixing up Khufu and Khafre). Then came the camel ride. Mine was named Mona Lisa and she did not care for my attempts at steering. The view from up there… well, you see photos everywhere but being above the sand with those shapes right in front of you is something else entirely. Later we stood near the Great Sphinx; someone nearby was selling postcards and I almost bought one just for the absurdity.

I still think about that moment touching ancient stone at Saqqara — how quiet it felt for a second even with people around. If you’re looking for a day trip from Cairo that actually feels alive (and includes pickup so you don’t have to stress), this private tour of Giza, Saqqara & Memphis is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Saqqara, Memphis, and Giza Pyramids

• Hotel pick-up by Egyptologist guide
• Visit Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
• Explore Memphis ancient capital and statues
• Lunch at restaurant with pyramids view
• Tour Giza Pyramid Complex
• Take 30-minute camel ride near pyramids
• Visit Valley Temple of Khafre and Great Sphinx
• Return to hotel in Cairo

Top questions

How long does this private tour of Giza, Saqqara & Memphis take?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 8 hours including transfers from your Cairo hotel.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo are included in your booking.

Do I need to buy tickets for the pyramids separately?

No—entry fees for all main sites are included in your tour price.

Is lunch provided during this private pyramids tour?

Yes—a VIP lunch at a high-quality restaurant with pyramid views is included.

How long is the camel ride at Giza?

The camel ride lasts about 10 minutes and offers panoramic views of the pyramids.

Can children or people using wheelchairs join this tour?

Yes—the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages including infants.

What are some highlights at Memphis on this day trip?

You’ll see colossal statues like Ramses II and sphinxes representing Egyptian queens.

Who leads this private day trip—are guides knowledgeable?

An educated Egyptologist guide leads your group throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned pickup and drop-off from your Cairo hotel, all admission fees to Giza Pyramids, Saqqara’s Step Pyramid of Djoser and Memphis sites; a VIP lunch at a restaurant with pyramid views; bottled water; a 10-minute camel ride near Giza; plus guidance from an expert Egyptologist before returning comfortably back to your starting point.