• By: RIYANKA
• Feb 10, 2025
• (0) Comments

Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara Day Trip from Cairo, Egypt

If you’re in Cairo, you’ll mostly visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, which are undoubtedly spectacular. But I’ll definitely recommend you opt for the Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara day trip from Cairo, to witness the beauty of some of the oldest historical sites, not only in Egypt but in the world.

I had not heard much about Dahshur or Memphis before I was actually there in Cairo. However, I had read about Saqqara and also watched a beautiful documentary called Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb on Netflix. Quite obviously, I was pretty excited to see the ‘Step Pyramid’ closely.

Why should you opt for the Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara day trip from Cairo?

Exploring the pyramids of Dahshur will be more like an adventure where you can crawl inside the pyramid (although I had to give up midway!). There are two well-preserved pyramids in Dahshur – one is the Bent Pyramid; and the second is the Red Pyramid, which was built by Pharaoh Snefru, around 2575 – 2130 BC. The Red Pyramid is now open for travelers, and to get inside the pyramid, you will descend through a steep tunnel, and then explore the ancient chambers inside of the pyramid.

Memphis was the first capital of Egypt, and today, it’s more like an open-air museum with ruins to explore.

And of course, the Saqqara Necropolis is there, where one can witness the Step Pyramid of Djoser – the oldest complete stone building complex in the world.

Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara Day Trip from Cairo: A Detailed Guide

It was our fourth day in Cairo, and we had already explored the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, along with several other popular sites in and around the city. Initially, I had planned to visit Dahshur and Saqqara on my own, but the more I read about these places, the more I realized that having an Egyptologist as a guide would make a huge difference.

So, I booked a private day trip to explore Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara – and it turned out to be the best decision ever!

We left Zamalek in Cairo around 8 AM for the road trip to Dahshur. The distance from Cairo to Dahshur is approximately 42 kilometers, which can be covered in about an hour, assuming there’s no traffic congestion. Our guide, Merna, gave us a quick introduction to the places we were about to visit, and we were instantly impressed by her knowledge.

But she didn’t just fill us in with facts, she made the journey enjoyable, playing lively Egyptian music that added to the experience. In no time, it felt like we were traveling with a friend who happened to be an expert in ancient Egypt. Along the way, we stopped to try Dahshur’s famous dates, which were incredibly fresh, sweet, and juicy.

Finally, we arrived at the Red Pyramid of Dahshur, standing tall amidst the rugged desert landscape.

The Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur

Merna explained that the ‘Red Pyramid’ is the tallest in Dahshur, named after the reddish hue of its stone blocks. Originally, however, it was covered in pure white limestone from Tura, south of modern Cairo. Most pyramids had a gleaming white casing, but much of it was removed during medieval times for construction purposes.

The Red Pyramid is the third-largest pyramid in Egypt, following those of Khufu and Khafre at Giza. It was built by King Snferu, who also constructed the nearby Bent Pyramid and the Meidum Pyramid.

Travelers are allowed inside the Red Pyramid, but entering requires descending a long, steep tunnel to reach the chambers. It’s more challenging than it looks and you’ll have to walk backward while hunched over to avoid hitting your head on the low ceiling. The tunnel stretches approximately 60 meters (200 feet), but it feels much longer once you’re inside. The taller you are, the tougher it gets!

A wooden ramp with slats prevents slipping, and railings on both sides offer some support. I was eager to see what lay hidden inside, but after about 30 seconds of crawling through the narrow passage, nausea and claustrophobia kicked in – so I turned back.

From the Red Pyramid, we went to see the Bent Pyramid, an architectural marvel with its distinct broken lines. The pyramid’s initial angle was 55 degrees, but due to structural instability caused by the weight of the blocks, the builders had to adjust it to 43 degrees midway through construction.

Walking around the Bent Pyramid is easy and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert. In the distance, we could spot the Red Pyramid and the crumbling Black Pyramid. Standing there, surrounded by these ancient wonders, I was literally in awe of the skills of ancient Egyptian builders.

Entrance Fee: 200 EGP adult, 100 EGP student with valid ID card
Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (You’ll need about an hour or so, to explore both the pyramids. In case you are entering the pyramids, you’ll require more time)

The ruins of Memphis, the first capital of Egypt

From Dahshur, it took us about 20 minutes to reach Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt – long before Thebes (modern-day Luxor) rose to power and centuries before Cairo even existed. Merna mentioned that some records suggest Memphis could date back as far as 6000 BC. Today, the city is home to some of the most significant archaeological discoveries made over the millennia.

Founded during the 1st dynasty by King Narmer, Memphis was the first capital after the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. Its original name, ‘Men-Nefer’, was later renamed by the Greeks as Memphis.

Not much remains of the city today, just the foundations, fragments of pillars, and a handful of statues – but you can still get a glimpse of its past at the open-air museum in the village of Mit-Rahineh.

One of the highlights of our visit was seeing the massive 34-foot-long statue of Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most legendary pharaohs. The sheer scale of it was breathtaking, but what struck me most was the intricate craftsmanship. The artists had paid remarkable attention to detail. Merna told us that there were originally two such statues of Ramses II; while one remains here in Memphis, the other now resides at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza.

Entrance Fee: 200 EGP adult, 100 EGP student with valid ID card

Exploring the Saqqara Necropolis

And finally, it was time to explore the Saqqara Necropolis, which appeared as raw and rugged as I had imagined it to be!

While the vast necropolis is home to countless tombs and ruins, the true crown jewel is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, standing tall as the first pyramid ever built. It was actually hard to grasp that this towering structure predates the Great Pyramids of Giza by a full century!

Designed by the visionary architect Imhotep, this six-tiered pyramid rose from the concept of mastabas – flat-roofed tombs – stacked atop one another, forming the iconic silhouette that still dominates the landscape. It is believed that the six-tier structure was supposed to be a stairway to the sky, and Djoser would climb it after being resurrected to join ‘Ra’ –  the Sun God.

Once again, we stood in awe, witnessing this incredible marvel. Even after 4,600 years, its limestone-clad structure stands as a testament to the brilliance of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.

But the necropolis has more than just the Step Pyramid, there’s one entire funerary complex wrapped in intrigue. Enclosed within a vast limestone wall, the site houses a maze of halls and courtyards, each echoing the rituals of a bygone era.

Walking through these remnants, I couldn’t help but imagine the grandeur that once was – priests offering prayers, processions honoring the dead, and the hum of life in this city of the departed.

Entrance Fee: 600 EGP adult, 300 EGP student with valid ID card

Ending the day with a sunset felucca ride on the Nile

By the time we finished exploring Saqqara, it was nearly 3 O’clock in the afternoon. Although I was feeling a little tired by now, my heart was seeking more. Also, it was Merna’s company that added to the whole experience.
It took us about an hour to reach Cairo, where she had arranged a sunset felucca ride—a perfect way to wrap up our day trip. We stepped aboard, letting the gentle Nile breeze wash over us as the sky came alive with breathtaking hues, painting a picture-perfect ending to our adventure.

Needless to say, if you’re planning to visit Egypt, you’ll have to take this Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara day trip from Cairo!

Planning a perfect Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara day trip from Cairo

If you are planning to do this trip by yourself, then here’s a quick guide to help you plan your day:

8:00 am: Start from Cairo, before the usual traffic hits
9:00 to 9:30 am: Reach Dahshur, and explore the Red and Bent Pyramids
11: 00 am: Arrive at Memphis, visit the open-air museum
12:00 pm: Take a quick lunch break and enjoy a hot meal of Koshari (a local Egyptian dish, made with rice, noodles, macaroni, and lentils)
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Arrive at Saqqara and explore the Necropolis
2: 30 pm: Drive back to Cairo

(You can easily take an Uber from Cairo to explore these places by yourself, but having a guide with you will surely make the experience more enjoyable.)

Frequently Asked Questions about Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara Day Trip from Cairo

1. What makes this Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara day trip special compared to visiting Giza?

   While Giza is iconic, this trip offers a deeper dive into Egypt’s ancient history without the crowds.

   Dahshur is home to the fascinating Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, where you can step inside and experience the evolution of pyramid construction.

   Memphis, Egypt’s first capital, gives you a glimpse into the grandeur of early civilization with its massive statue of Ramses II.

   Saqqara is a true archaeological wonder, featuring the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid ever built.

2. Do I need a guide for this trip?

   While you can visit independently, having an experienced Egyptologist guide will enhance your experience by providing historical insights.

3. Is it safe to visit these sites as a solo traveler?

   Yes, these sites are generally safe, with security at all the entrances. However, like anywhere, it’s best to stay alert. Avoid unofficial guides who may approach you inside the sites, and carry small notes for tipping (especially for restroom attendants or site workers).

   Since there aren’t many shaded areas, staying hydrated and wearing sun protection is important, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months.

4. What should I wear for the trip?

   Wear light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. A scarf or jacket may be useful in cooler months, as it gets breezy.

5. Can I combine this trip with other attractions?

   Absolutely! If you start early, you can easily add the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx to your itinerary. Another great option is a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, where you can see artifacts from the pyramids. If you want a relaxing end to your day, a felucca ride on the Nile at sunset is the perfect way to unwind.

From the architectural evolution seen in Dahshur’s pyramids to the grandeur of Memphis and the groundbreaking Step Pyramid of Saqqara, this day trip from Cairo is perfect for those who are keen to know about the stories of ancient Egypt. After all, there’s nothing quite like standing in the shadow of history, surrounded by the remnants of a civilization that still amazes the world today.

If you’ve been to Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara, let me know about your experience. I’d love to hear from you 🙂