The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
I had been looking forward to this day for a very long time. The world famous 4,500 year old Pyramids of Giza are something that everyone studied at school and one of the subjects I enjoyed the most.
Pyramids of Giza
I wrote a post before we left for Egypt about my fears that Egypt and its amazing sights might not live up to the expectations I had floating around in the empty space I call my head.
So when Peter, our awesome Egyptologist and tour guide, said we were headed to the “Big 3” on the first day of our 10 day tour through Egypt, I was anxious to say the least. For 45 minutes we honked, bumped and zig-zagged our way through the madhouse traffic with the others passengers jabbering like excited howler monkeys.
I sat in stony silence.
My silent pondering was broken by a single word…
“Look!”
That first view is a little mind-boggling. Here I was thinking that we would be driving through a sandy wasteland desert. Instead we were on the main-highway in the middle of Cairo and there were the Pyramids of Giza towering above tower blocks and homes less than 100m from their backyard fences.
Built 4,500 years ago in the middle of the desert Cairo has expanded at an alarming rate as 22 million people cram into the City centre. Land is at a premium and thus the closeness of the Pyramids.
As we neared them we began to realise just how large they were. With approximately 2.3 million roughly hand-chipped and carved stone blocks, each weighing in around 2 – 3 tonnes, the Pyramids of Giza make an impressive sight. The orange stone reflects the bright sunlight in just the perfect way to create some amazing contrasts between the dazzling blue sky backdrop.
The three Pyramids were built in succession for the tombs of Cheops, his Son Khafre and his Grandson Menkaura.
The largest, the aptly named Great Pyramid built for Cheops, actually looks slightly smaller than Kharfre Pyramid. This is because King Khafre built his Pyramid at a much steeper angle creating the allusion that it is larger and thus dominates the dark blue skyline from all angles.
In fact, there are actually over 120 Pyramids in Egypt but these are definitely the most well known. Pyramids were actually built originally to show-off each Kings wealth and “God-like” statuses. Unfortunately, having 146.5m high pyramids is also a beacon for grave robbers. Very quickly they were stripped off their wealth and the Egyptians learned to bury their dead in tombs underground such as in the Valley of the Kings.
Walking towards their bases the sun is quickly obscured and shadows stretch across the sun scorched earth. The usual touts and souvenir sellers hound you even here but I only have eyes for the Pyramids of Giza.
Squinting into the sunlight as you look skywards each block reached at least chest to head high in size. Unfortunately they have now stopped letting tourists clamber all over them. Realistically this is actually a good thing so that we don’t ruin them forever and even being able to touch the smooth stones under your finger tips is incredible.
Wandering around the base of the Great Pyramid takes at least 15 minutes. While each pyramid is set several hundred metres apart. Near each pyramid there are also smaller pyramids, often referred to as the Queens Pyramids, that were built for the wives of each ruler. Contrary to popular belief they were not killed when each ruler died!
To get a better view we were all ushered onto the bus again and driven to the look-out point a short distance away. Here you also have the chance to jump on the back of a camel and ride back across the desert to the smallest of the three Pyramids of Giza.
Looking back across the desert towards the Pyramids staggered in a diagonal line with the city of Cairo spread out behind them is one sight that I will never forget.
And being up close and personal with such old history is a rare thing for a New Zealander as we only have a couple of hundred years of history compared to several thousands here in Egypt.
Category: Africa
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi slang for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We love all types of adventures that make us step outside our comfort zone, in comfort, including surfing, skiing, snowboarding, diving and cruising on our bikes. You can find out more 
SO AWESOME. I cannot wait until we finally make it to Egypt. Like you, the pyramids have been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Glad to see that they were just as incredible (if not more so) in person!
They were absolutely mind-blowing Tawny! Hope you guys get over there soon as would love to see the videos you could come up with
This is on my list!! I would love to be able to get that close to them.
If you go to Egypt then you will definitely be able to get this close. You can even touch them
Excellent photos! Visiting the pyramids was one of the highlights of all my travels.
It is definitely one of our favourite spots in the whole world as well!
I’ve seen the pyramids from 36,000 feet. They were smaller than I expected
That would be cool seeing them from so high!
I would love to go to Egypt and see the pyramids someday! Love the pictures!
Thanks Ali. Hope you get over there soon!
Great account. I too, was worried about being underwhelmed after hearing, reading and learning about the pyramids and Egyptian history all through school and having looked forward to visiting them for so long. I’m not sure why I worried, because the pyramids are pretty mind-blowing!
I am glad I was not the only one that was worried about it! They far exceeded my expectations in the end
Its a few years since I went to the Pyramids but I found them so much more impressive than in any photo I'd ever seen.
Totally get what you mean! They are definitely in the top 10 photos I have seen though
Wow! Like you, I had no idea that civilization had crept so close. I’ve always believed that the pyramids were in the middle of nowhere. My dream is to visit here with my father some day soon, and the political struggles in Egypt have kept us from planning a trip. What are your thoughts about heading there with a man in his seventies?
I think he would be fine! And in regards to political struggles, we had no problems when we were there in December/January. If you are with a tour company you will be well looked after as well. Just choose a time that is not too hot for him
Thanks Cole. I’m going to start looking into it again! -Veronica
No problem Veronica. Feel free to contact us any time if you want more information. We travelled with Expat Explore – http://www.fourjandals.com/reviews/expat-explore-review-10-day-egypt-explorer-tour/
Cole! I’m just like you – Egypt and the pyramids were my favorite topics in school. I’m a little envious of your trip. It’s up high on my list of places to visit – I’m hoping to make it there next summer.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I think I will be just as awe-struck when I get there!
Really hope you make it there Suzy and that it is all that you hope it can be! When I got home I realised I kind of just took so many photos that I didn’t stop and appreciate it. Plus we were rushed on the tour so make sure you stop and just enjoy them
It is nice to hear of a tourist hotspot that actually lives up to the picture that we paint of it in our minds. Can’t wait to see them myself!
Thanks Shanna! I still think that one day at the Pyramids will stick with us forever. I have been let down before and these far exceeded our expectations. Hope you visit one day soon and if you need tips just get in touch any time
It is my dream to visit the pyramids someday! I can only imagine how magical the whole experience must have been. Glad to know you enjoyed, you’ve certainly increased my desire to make a trip to Egypt.
Well we can definitely recommend going with Expat Explore
If you want any tips please let us know any time Cheryl!!
The pyramids of Egypt are such an utterly awesome sight, everyone in the world should visit them at least once. Where else in the world can you see such a sight? Nowhere! I’m happy you enjoyed your time there
It was a fantastic and beautiful country Joseph! Definitely keen to head back there for some diving and hanging out in Dahab!
Man it’s funny to thing that I have been living here (in Egypt) for 5 years and never have I been to the pyramid. But you were right though, I also thought that the pyramid would be far away at the desertland. Imagine my surprise at how busy and noisy Giza and Ramsis are!
Arham Md Ali recently posted..dublin 02: howth.
That is crazy that you have been there for 5 years and haven’t been to the Giza Pyramids!
Great Photos of The Great Plateau of Giza Pyramids
SharmTouring.com recently posted..Star Gazing, Camel Ride with jeep
Thanks guys
It is an amazing place to visit.
The Pyramids were really amazing & mysterious….
they are in my top list to visit……
I am feeling there beauty in your photos & now i cnt wait to go there……