In terms of ‘bucket list travel’ – 2017 has been a massively successful year for me.
I hiked through Greenlandic ice during the middle of winter. I slept in a hotel made entirely out of ice. I visited the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. I marvelled at the Pink Mosque in Shiraz. I hiked my butt off in Petra. I took a dip in the Dead Sea. I even snorkelled with humpback whales in Tonga.
In just a few short months I have ‘crossed’ so many things off of my bucket list – and amazingly, the list doesn’t end there.
In the 4th grade my class spent a full term learning about ancient Egyptian civilisation. We made (faux) papyrus, used paper maché to make mummies and watched a whole bunch of docos all about this most famous time in Egypt’s history.
These documentaries all had one common and prominent feature.
They all featured the Pyramids of Giza.
Ever since then, visiting the Great Pyramids has been something on my bucket list, and I was lucky enough to ‘cross it off’ in early March, and it was everything I hoped it would be.
There are numerous ways to reach the Pyramids, and some are easier than others. Public buses and the metro are by far the cheapest options, but these are crowded and often uncomfortable. Alternatively, you could hire a private taxi or join a small group tour.
A one way trip in a private taxi from downtown Cairo to the Pyramids should not cost you more than 40 EGP (approx $2-$3) – but you will need to bargain fairly hard.
Most hostels will offer half day or full day trips to the Pyramids – and these usually go for around $7 per person, not including entrance fees.
At the time of writing, the entrance fee for the Pyramids of Giza is 80 EGP – which is approximately $6 AUD.
I landed into Cairo late at night, and after a good nights sleep, I was up, my camera was charged and I was ready to see the last remaining one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
I rocked up to the Pyramids around late morning, and in hindsight, I probably would have done better if I had arrived earlier.
It may have been ‘winter’ but holy moly that Egyptian sun was no joke!
After slathering on sunscreen and my best RBF (resting bitch face) it was time to enter the grounds and get exploring.
Much like my time at Petra in Jordan, anyone who enters the area will be subject to a pretty ridonkulous amount of badgering and hassling by people who want you to ride their camels.
Seriously, if you even look at a camel for more than half a second you will be accosted by someone yelling “ride ride” or “very good price” – and if you go to take a photo of the camel, that only intensifies!
I fricking hate being hassled, so my RBF was the best way I had to protect myself a little – and luckily it ended up working pretty well!
Egypt has never really recovered from the revolution in 2011, and as such the overall tourist numbers are very low – but it doesn’t feel like it when you first enter the grounds of Giza! There were far too many people around for my liking, so despite the sun scorching my skin, I set off to get away from the crowds…
…and I am so glad that I did!
The ground that the pyramids cover is pretty big, and walking from one pyramid to another isn’t exactly a short stroll. It also means that you could walk around the perimeter of just one pyramid and have a different experience by each face!
This pyramid shown above is the same one as shown in this next photograph…
…and the same one as shown here!
This was one of the few unattended camels that I encountered, and he seemed to have a lot to say!
His presence also made for some absolutely stunning shots.
One of the most popular places within the entire area is a fair walk from the entrance point, so far in fact, that I saw many people driving to it!
As much as the concept of aircon did sound magical, the walk itself was so beautiful that I was glad I didn’t have the luxury of air conditioned transport.
The popular spot I was on a mission to get to is a particular lookout point where you can get four pyramids in the one shot, pretty gorgeous right?
It isn’t hard to see why this lookout point is so popular, but with popularity comes large crowds (my arch nemesis) so after getting a handful of shots, I made my way across a couple of roads and further towards the two largest pyramids.
For the first time all day, I felt like I had the Pyramids all to myself, and it was pretty damn special.
Eventually, the sun started to take its toll on me and I decided that it was time to say goodbye to the pyramids and make my way back to the hustle and bustle of Cairo…
…but not before seeing the Sphinx of course!
Visiting the Pyramids was something I had dreamed about doing for many years, and it was absolutely and undeniably worth waiting for.
Thanks for reading, and as always, happy solo travelling! xx
THE LOWDOWN
Getting to the Giza Pyramids: From downtown Cairo, bargain with a cabbie to take you their for 30 EGP
Giza Pyramids: A single entrance ticket costs 80 EGP
Meramees Hostel: A comfortable and well located hostel – dorms start at $7/night, click here for more info
Camera: Images captured with an Olympus OM-D E-M1 in conjunction with M.Zuiko 12-40mm f2/8 lens
Remember: Take at least 2L of water, you will need it!
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Great post!
Thank you! 🙂
You could use Uber also to avoid haggling and bargaining on taxis, there is another middle east taxi application called Careem, happy you came and enjoyed it.
Thanks for your tips!
This post brings back memories from a trip I took there about 25 years ago. Nice photos!
Wow! That is so lovely to hear. Thanks for reading <3
Haven’t done much travelling yet, but I’m glad I won’t be the only one struggling to avoid getting fried… awesome post!
It is a bloody constant struggle! Do you have any trips on the horizon?
I’m not gaining too much distance, but I have a trip in January to Chicago! Other than that, not much. But I’ll make it there eventually!
Great photos Ellen, it’s amazing that the blocks were hauled manually to build these pyramids – in that desert heat!
I know! Honestly, the sheer physical labour put into each of these structures is just mind blowing!
So jealous! They’re really high on my bucket list. I would love the opportunity. You are so lucky to have visited so many awesome places in 2017.
No kidding, this has been a pretty unreal year of travel! Hopefully you can get to the Pyramids soon 🙂
I know millions and millions of people have seen it, but it never stops being amazing!
Great post!
My bucketlist just got a bit bigger! Fantastic photos, the trip must’ve been such an amazing experience 😀
Those shots of the pyramids are something else (love the camel too). Incredible to think they’re still standing after all these years – the Egyptians were ahead of their time with their construction methods, that’s for sure!
I have to say, the pyramids were one of those attractions that I thought I had seen enough of from photos. Boy, was I wrong. Just being there in the presence of such massive, old structures is incredible!
Love the screaming camel photo!
Wonderful photos and getting away from the crowds helped in the composition. I hope you had a sun hat with your fair skin, I have kin that takes the sun well but I always wear a hat in sun like that. You have been busy this year, enjoy your adventures.
Awesome. Great pics.
The photos look amazing!
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Wow, you’ve fair got around this year. I look forward to your posts on Tonga. I love humpback whales and would love to go to Tonga one day so I’m jealous. With 2 months left of the year, where have you still to go?
Of course, the Pyramids and Sphinx are must-sees, for just about everyone. I would take the same tack as you did, walking across the grounds, rather than riding an innocent animal, in the heat.
That was quite a stunning shot of the camel with its mouth open. LOL!
Beautiful post as always, Ellen! That camel did make for some stunning shots. Looking forward to your Tonga posts 🙂
So inspiring! And gorgeous photos 😊💜✨
Wonderful! What an amazing dream come true!
I’m very impressed. Again, I have seen them in commercial pictures, but your perspective puts them into another class for me. Thanks for sharing with us all.
Mesmerizing post, very nicely described, it still remained my dream to visit the pyramids.
Enjoyed reading this post.
Oh Egypt just gives me goosebumps. It’s my dream destination (along with Petra). Which basically means I’ve been drooling over your recent travels. That camel really did make for stunning shots!! So jelly. One day!!
Great photos – I’m definitely adding Egypt to my wishlist x
Compliments. Very good shots. (Especially with Cairo in the background…)
I really enjoyed your photos, and especially the shots with the camel. For some reason, I hadn’t paid much attention to the actual dates on your trip. I thought you had just visited. So the heat is even intense in March? My gosh, what would the summer be like? Anyway, you made another great story. The pictures truly are amazing. I also really liked your profile photo. You are a looker. 😎 Keep up the great posts!