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HomeRoad TripsAfricaNorth AfricaEgyptExplore Pyramids
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Explore Pyramids Scenic Drive

Cairo - Dahshur - Saqqara - Giza

Expect on your itinerary

Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Historical sites Historical sites
Culture Culture
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Explore Pyramids Scenic Drive ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km80 h/stage0.7

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Explore Pyramids Scenic Drive in Egypt?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 63EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 33EUR eat & more 24EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 70EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 133EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 36EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 126EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 216EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 171EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 48EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 194EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 365EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 24EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 104EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 329EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Explore Pyramids Itinerary

Explore Pyramids Scenic Drive is an exciting road trip that takes you through the rich history of Egypt. Starting from Cairo, the route leads through the towns of Dahshur, Saqqara, and Giza. This 79 km journey is best completed in one day and is best experienced in the cooler months of the year. Along the way, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the famous Pyramids of Giza, the Bent Pyramid in Dahshur, and the Step Pyramid in Saqqara. The roads are mostly in good condition, though some parts may be a bit narrow. Explore Pyramids Scenic Drive is a great way to experience the wonders of Egypt and create lasting memories. It is suitable for all drivers and can be done with a fair budget. Don't miss out on this unique experience!
number of days 1 number of days
route length 80 km route length
budget moderate budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level fair accident level

START Cairo

Distance 80 km Driving time 2.6 h Pace: slow 18.3 kWh Airports CAI , SPX
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Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a vibrant and bustling city situated on the banks of the Nile. It is teeming with history and culture, and is a great starting point for the epic road trip named "Explore Pyramids Scenic Drive". While in Cairo, visitors should be sure to explore the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Other must-see attractions include the Great Sphinx of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the Coptic Museum. For a more modern experience, take a stroll through the lively Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and explore the winding streets of Islamic Cairo. For those traveling by air, Cairo International Airport (IATA: CAI) is the closest international airport. Car rentals are available at Cairo International Airport for those looking to embark on the "Explore Pyramids Scenic Drive". From Cairo, travelers can easily journey south towards Luxor and Aswan or head west to Alexandria. With so much to explore, Cairo is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable road trip.

1 Cairo - Dahshur

Distance 37 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: modest 9.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting cultural site interesting  historic site UNESCO World Heritage Site accommodation options dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Cairo to Dahshur. This 36 km route takes you about an hour to complete and is a great way to explore the many sights and sounds of Egypt. Along the way, you'll be able to take in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and you'll be able to marvel at the stunning landscapes. Be aware that in some sections of the road, it may be quite narrow, so keep your eyes peeled for any potential obstacles. You can also take the time to explore some of the many historical sites that populate this region. With all the attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites available, you'll be sure to find the perfect places to suit your needs. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Cairo to Dahshur! Be sure to check out the "Itinerary" section of this stage for more detailed information about all the amazing places you can visit along the way.

2 Dahshur - Saqqara

Distance 10 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: slow 2.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road
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Get ready for an amazing road trip from Dahshur to Saqqara! This 9 km drive will take you less than an hour. You will be driving through the beautiful scenery of the countryside and the quaint villages. Be sure to keep an eye out for sections of the road that may be narrow. There are some fantastic sights to explore along the way, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara and the Red Pyramid in Dahshur. They are both remarkable monuments that you will not want to miss. As part of the larger tour, you can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

3 Saqqara - Giza

Distance 16 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: slow 3.6 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site UNESCO World Heritage Site accommodation options dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Saqqara to Giza! This 16km journey will take you less than an hour and you'll be greeted with some of Egypt's most incredible UNESCO Heritage sites. As you drive, you'll be taken aback by the stunning views of the desert and the majestic pyramids. Be sure to pay attention to the narrow road sections, but it's all worth it! Along the route, you'll find the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Bent Pyramid of Sneferu, and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Don't forget to make a stop at the Valley Temple of Khafre and the Great Sphinx! Make sure to check out the itinerary of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. Enjoy the journey!

4 Giza - Cairo

Distance 17 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: slow 4.0 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting cultural site interesting  historic site UNESCO World Heritage Site accommodation options EV charging station dining venues
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Giza to Cairo! This 18 km journey, which takes less than an hour to drive, is an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you will come across some of the most renowned historical sites, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and the Hanging Church. As you make your way through the city, you will also come across some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for these attractions, as they are not to be missed! Lastly, our Itinerary page holds even more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your car keys and hit the road!

  Cairo

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Cairo is the grand finale of the "Explore Pyramids Scenic Drive" road trip. It is the largest city in Egypt, and one of the most populous cities in Africa. It is located near the Nile Delta, bordered by the river's two branches, and is the capital of Egypt. It is a city of many contrasts, with modern high-rise buildings towering over ancient sites. Cairo is home to some of the world's most iconic ruins, including the iconic Great Pyramid of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings. The city is also home to some of the oldest churches in the world, including the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. George and the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Mark. For those with an interest in the ancient world, there are many museums and galleries to explore. For those not wanting to miss out on the modern side of Cairo, there is plenty to see and do. From bustling souks to chic restaurants and bars, there is something for everyone. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities, from local markets to upscale boutiques. The closest international airport to Cairo is the Cairo International Airport (CAI). It is a major hub for international flights and is the main gateway to Egypt. From the airport, it is possible to take a taxi or bus to the city center. Alternatively, there is a train service from the airport to the city center. Cairo is the perfect destination for travelers looking to explore the ancient world, as well as those who want to experience the buzz of modern-day Egypt. Whether it’s the iconic ruins, the bustling markets, or the chic restaurants, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Explore Pyramids at a glance

Before you set off

The Explore Pyramids Scenic Drive takes you on a captivating journey through Egypt's millennia-old history, stretching across 79 kilometers from the bustling city of Cairo to the awe-inspiring pyramids of Giza, Dahshur, and Saqqara. This route not only connects you to the ancient world but also offers a glimpse into the remarkable feats of engineering and architecture that have stood the test of time.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • The Pyramids of Giza: Witness the iconic trio that has captivated the world for centuries—the Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the majestic Pyramid of Khafre, still capped with its original limestone casing at the top; and the somewhat smaller Pyramid of Menkaure. The enigmatic Great Sphinx, with its lion's body and a human head, stands guard nearby, adding to the mystery of these ancient monuments.
  • Dahshur: Venture off the beaten path to see the Bent Pyramid, a unique example of early pyramid development that displays a change in angle partway up its sides, and the Red Pyramid, Egypt's first successful attempt at constructing a true smooth-sided pyramid.
  • Saqqara: The Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's earliest colossal stone building, is a testament to the architectural innovation of Imhotep, the pharaoh's architect. The surrounding Saqqara necropolis is a vast, ancient burial ground with tombs spanning different eras, offering insights into the evolution of Egyptian mortuary architecture.

Best Time to Go:

To avoid the scorching heat and enjoy pleasant weather, embark on the Explore Pyramids Scenic Drive from October to April. This period offers cooler temperatures, making outdoor exploration much more comfortable and allowing you to immerse yourself in the history without the distraction of the intense sun.

Potential Risks:

While Roads in good condition generally connect the key destinations, some stretches may be narrow, and drivers should be prepared for the unpredictability of local driving habits. Additionally, summer temperatures can soar, making sightseeing less enjoyable and potentially posing health risks.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • It's possible to complete the Scenic Drive in a single day, but taking your time will allow for a fuller experience.
  • The Roads along the route are well-maintained, contributing to a smooth journey.
  • This Trip is both economical and accessible, making it an excellent choice for travelers on various budgets.
  • Visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the Pyramid fields from Giza to Dahshur, is a major highlight that adds cultural and historical depth to the travel experience.

A good choice for:

Embarking on the Explore Pyramids Scenic Drive is an extraordinary way for Roadtrippers to connect with the grandeur of Egypt's ancient civilizations. This journey is a travel experience and a passage through time, offering an accessible and enriching adventure into the heart of one of the world's most remarkable historical landscapes.

Facts for safer driving in Egypt

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 90 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 100 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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