Backpacking Egypt: Touring the Pyramids

The pyramids, one of the wonders of the world, are famous on every corner of the globe, known for their architectural wonder and mystery. Thousands of people travel to see the famed Egyptian Pyramids every year, making them a definite tourist spot. Backpackers in particular are drawn to this side of the world, where food and housing are cheap but exotic wonders are numerous.

If you're backpacking to Egypt for the first time, the Pyramids are definitely something you want to see when you go. One can't visit that side of the world and not take time to walk through at least one of the marvelous brick wonders. This article will detail everything someone visiting the pyramids for the first time should know before heading out.

Not All of Giza is Open

If your number one goal is to tour all the pyramids of Giza, you're in for a disappointment - not all of them are open for tourist to enter. One of the pyramids is currently closed from the general public in an effort to preserve it. The Tomb of Khufu, perhaps the most anticipated of all the pyramids, is limited to 300 individuals per day, split into halves with the first touring in the morning and the second in the afternoon.

You Need to Be Physically Fit

The pyramids are full of passages and entrance ways, some quite small. You will be doing climbing, as well as moving up steep passages and down others, and there will times when you'll be crawling on hands and knees. If you have have a bad back or knees, if you have blood pressure issues will standing and sitting rapidly, or anything similar, you should seriously reconsider entering the pyramids. The heat will have an effect on you, so you should stay hydrated.

No Claustrophobia

If you're claustrophobic, it would probably be best to skip the pyramids, touring only the more open tombs and rooms. There will times when you have to get on your hands and knees to work your way down a small entrances, and the passage ways will be thing, the ceilings often low in spots.

It's a Little Disappointing

There's not really all that much to see. You follow a huge line of people inside the pyramid, only to enter the burial chamber and discover that it is nothing more than an empty, stone room. All of the interesting things to see are at the museum in Cairo, so don't get your hopes up about any great adventures inside the pyramid. The trip inside the pyramid is mostly stale air, sweaty people, and dirt. Enjoy!

No Photography

You are no longer allowed to take pictures (or even cameras) inside the pyramids, so stock up on postcards while you're there.

Wear Sunscreen

You're in the desert. You will burn. Wear a lot of sunscreen, and take sun glasses.