Memphis, Sakkara & Dahshur Tour Review: Is It Worth It?

A Genuine First Look: What This Half-Day Tour is Really About

Okay, so lots of people who come to Egypt have their eyes set on the big pyramids over at Giza, and you know, that makes complete sense. Those pyramids are, frankly, icons for a reason. But, to be honest, there’s a whole different kind of historical feeling you can find just a short drive away, and that’s pretty much what this specific half-day trip is all about. This private look into Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur is, in a way, like seeing the rough draft of Egypt’s pyramid-building story. We chose this option because, obviously, the promise of fewer crowds was a big pull. As a matter of fact, it’s about trading the big-ticket spectacle for something that feels a little more personal and, in some respects, more discovery-like. You really get picked up from your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, which, let me tell you, is practically a lifesaver in the Egyptian heat. The whole idea is that you get to see the starting point of these amazing structures, you know, without the literal busloads of people you’d find elsewhere.

Stepping Back in Time at Sakkara’s Step Pyramid

Frankly, arriving at Sakkara is kind of a surreal moment. You actually see the Step Pyramid of Djoser, and it just sort of hits you that this is where it all began. Our guide, who was just fantastic, explained that this isn’t just any old pyramid; it’s basically the world’s very first major stone building. It’s almost like looking at a blueprint for all the other pyramids that would follow. Unlike the smooth-sided pyramids you picture, this one has layers, almost like a big wedding cake made of stone, which is really unique. We were, you know, able to walk around the massive complex surrounding it, which is actually full of temples and courtyards. The hieroglyphics inside some of the accessible tombs here are just incredibly well-preserved, and it’s a bit mind-boggling to see the colors still so bright after thousands of years. The guide really brought the place to life, telling stories about Imhotep, the genius architect behind it all, and at the end of the day, that’s what makes a private tour special.

The Wonders of Dahshur: The Bent and Red Pyramids

Next up, we headed to Dahshur, which, honestly, felt like our own private discovery zone. There were so few people around it was almost shocking. This is where you find two really important and visually different pyramids: the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by King Sneferu. The Bent Pyramid is, well, just what it sounds like, and our guide had a great story about how the architects apparently changed the angle midway through construction, likely because they were afraid it might collapse. It’s a very cool, visual reminder of the trial-and-error process the ancient Egyptians went through. Then, you see the Red Pyramid nearby, which is actually the first successful true, smooth-sided pyramid. You can really see the evolution right there in one spot. We actually had the chance to go inside the Red Pyramid, which involves a slightly steep climb down a long passage. It’s a little tight and stuffy, you know, but coming out into the burial chamber inside is an experience that’s pretty hard to describe. Seriously, standing inside a 4,600-year-old structure is just a profound feeling.

Memphis: Walking Through an Ancient Capital

As I was saying, our final stop was Memphis, the one-time capital of ancient Egypt. To be honest, there isn’t a ton left of the original city itself; it’s now more or less an open-air museum. But what is there is absolutely worth your time. The main attraction is, of course, the massive fallen statue of Ramesses II. It’s gigantic, literally, even lying on its back inside a specially built structure. You can get really close and appreciate the unbelievable level of detail carved into the stone; the muscles, the fingernails, everything is just perfectly sculpted. It’s actually a pretty good example of how skilled these ancient artisans were. Outside in the garden, you’ll also find the Alabaster Sphinx, which is often called the second-largest sphinx in Egypt. It’s a beautiful, serene spot, and after the big scale of the pyramids, it’s a nice change of pace. Obviously, it’s a quicker stop than Sakkara or Dahshur, but it sort of provides a human-scale look at the pharaohs who commissioned all these giant projects.

Practical Tips and What You Should Know Before You Book

So, if you’re thinking about this tour, there are definitely a few things to keep in mind to make it a great time. At the end of the day, a private tour is the way to go for this specific trip because the sites are a little spread out, and having your own guide and vehicle makes things so much smoother. You don’t have to wait for a large group, and you can, you know, ask all the questions you want. The guides on these private tours tend to be actual Egyptologists, which means you get really high-quality information instead of just recited facts. This half-day structure is pretty much perfect if you’re short on time or want to avoid spending a full day out in the sun, which can be pretty intense.

“I honestly feel like we saw the ‘making of’ documentary for the Giza pyramids. It gave us a whole new appreciation for what we saw later. Having a guide who could connect the dots between all three sites was basically the best part.”

Here are a few takeaways and tips we picked up:

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Seriously, you’ll be walking on uneven ground, sand, and stone a lot. This isn’t the time for fancy footwear, you know.
• Bring Water and Sun Protection: Even on a half-day tour, the sun is no joke. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are, pretty much, non-negotiable. Your private tour will likely provide bottled water, but having extra is never a bad idea.
• Carry Some Small Cash: It’s always a good idea to have some small Egyptian pounds for things like tipping the tomb guards (if you want), using the restroom, or buying a small souvenir.
• Manage Your Time: It’s a half-day tour, so, you know, you’re covering three big sites. Talk to your guide at the beginning if you have a particular interest in one site over another. They are usually really flexible and can adjust the time spent at each location, which is a major perk.

Read our full review: [Memphis Sakkara Dahshur Tour Full Review and Details]

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