Pyramids of Giza, Cairo
The Pyramids of Giza are a must see. Sound cliché? Hardly! The magnitude of the last remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is hard to grasp without experiencing it firsthand. And the opportunity isn't lost on the kids. They too will be left open mouthed and exclaiming 'They're so much bigger than I thought.' Yet as is typical with kids they will soon be on to something new. Do your research before you arrive and be prepared for their questions on how and why. Stand at the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) and measure your child against the first block or two. Tour the interior... Read More of a pyramid and explore the tomb of a pharaoh. Hire a camel near the slightly smaller but less touristy Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren) and take part in your child's delight. Follow the road beyond the Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus) and snap a photo of the trio from smallest to biggest. Pay a visit to the Great Sphinx of Giza and marvel at the one thing that is actually much smaller than you imagined. And don't forget to return for a second visit in the evening. The Sound and Light Show is great fun for the kids and will fill them in on all things you didn't know.
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Getting There
The best way for independent travelers to reach the pyramids at the Giza Plateau, roughly 25 km or 16 miles from downtown Cairo, is by taxi, bus or minibus. There are two entrances to this funerary complex and they are located on opposite ends of this extremely large site. The ticket booth at the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu is accessible from Pyramids Road (Sharia al-Haram). The ticket booth in the village of Nazlet as-Samaan is just in front of the Sphinx. Air-conditioned buses from downtown Cairo regularly depart Midan El Tahrir or Tahrir Square.
Getting Around
Unless you are partaking in a bus tour or have hired a car that will remain with you throughout your visit walking is the only way to get around this enormous funerary complex. Be sure to bring a well-marked map as the lesser tombs and valley temples are poorly labeled. Families traveling with young children take note; this is the one place in Cairo where a stroller may an asset rather than a liability.
Hours & Times
The Pyramids at Giza are open daily 7:00 - 19:00 from April through September and 7:00 - 17:00 from October through March. Show times for the Sound and Light vary seasonally; two to four foreign languages shows are offered daily and, on most days, English is the first showing.
Admission & Fees
Admission to the Giza Pyramids is not cheap by Egyptian standards. In addition to the fee charged to walk the grounds a separate ticket must be purchased to tour the interior of each pyramid as well as the solar barque. (Entrance to the Great Pyramid of Khufu is the most expensive of all.) Admission to the Sound and Light Show is charged separately as well. Hold onto your tickets, to enter the complex that is home to the Great Sphinx and Khafre's Valley Temple you may need to show them again. Of note, children are half price and only Egyptian pounds are accepted here.
Things to Keep in Mind
Climbing on the pyramids is both dangerous and prohibited. Negotiate the price of a camel ride before you get on. Don't take a close up of a camel unless you are prepared to tip the owner. Carry small bills; camel owners and taxi drivers are reluctant to provide change.
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