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Last updated: 20 August, 2023

Just 20 miles south of Cairo, the lesser-visited Dahshur and Saqqara (also spelt Sakkara) are home to some of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites. With far fewer crowds.

Dahshur is home to pyramids even older than those in Giza – the first ever pyramids built by the Egyptians. The most famous is the Bent Pyramid – so named because of its irregular pyramid shape – built between 2613 and 2589 BC by King Sneferu.

It was followed by a second pyramid, The Red Pyramid, named after the red limestone used in its construction. The Red Pyramid is the 3rd largest in Egypt. The two biggest – Khufu and Khafre – were built at Giza by King Sneferu successor, his son Khufu.

Saqqara was the necropolis for the ancient city of Memphis, the first capital city of Egypt. The area is home to multiple smaller pyramids and a number of tombs of nobles and generals. The highlight here is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built in around 2700 BC for Pharoah Djoser. It’s the oldest stone building in the world. Surrounding the Step Pyramid is an interesting funerary complex.

The city of Memphis itself is estimated to have been founded in 6000 BC. There’s not a lot left – just remnant ruins in an open-air museum – though the giant statue of Ramesses II makes this worth a stop.

There’s an excellent documentary on Netflix about one such tomb discovered in Saqqara. Worth a watch before you go (or even if you’re not).

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

This is definitely a place to visit on an organised tour, where informative guides will explain the history and significance of the buildings and bring the ancient sites to life. A half-day tour is usually sufficient to see all three sites.

You can climb steps up the Red and Bent Pyramids and then venture down into the inner chambers via cramped tunnels. Don’t attempt it if you’re even remotely claustrophobic. (There’s not a lot to see inside anyway).

When to do it

The sites are open all year round, seven days a week.

As will all sightseeing in Egypt, April is sandstorm season; July and August unbearably hot. Spring and autumn are best for weather and optimal light.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Half-Day Tour from Cairo: Dahshur Pyramids Sakkara and Memphis City

Cairo

Half-Day Tour from Cairo: Dahshur Pyramids Sakkara and Memphis City
Half-Day Tour from Cairo: Dahshur Pyramids Sakkara and Memphis City Immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Egypt with this enriching half-day tour from Cairo. The journey kicks off with a visit to Dahshur Pyramids, offering a fascinating glimpse into the architectural magnificence of the early dynastic period. This is followed by an exploratory trip to Sakkara, home to the world's first pyramid. The tour concludes with a venture into the magnificent Memphis City, a testament to the grandeur of Egypt's Old Kingdom. Enjoy expert commentary along the way, making for an engaging and unforgettable exploration of Egypt's rich heritage.

Price: $20

Min age: 6

Rating 4.80 / 5 [136 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private tour to GIZA PYRAMIDS MEMPHIS CITY AND SAKKARA PYRAMID

Cairo

Private tour to GIZA PYRAMIDS MEMPHIS CITY AND SAKKARA PYRAMID
Embark on a captivating private tour tailored to inspire and enrich. Our expert guides will take you on an exciting exploration of the iconic GIZA PYRAMIDS, where you can admire the grandeur of these ancient marvellous structures. The tour then unfolds the vibrant history of MEMPHIS CITY, the ancient capital of Egypt, revealing its precious archaeological gems. Finally, stand before the timeless majesty of the SAKKARA PYRAMID, a crucial testament to the evolution of pyramid construction. This private tour encapsulates Egypt's golden age while offering you the freedom and personalized attention only a private tour can provide.

Price: $20

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [447 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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6- Hours Half Day Tour To Sakkara & Memphis & Dahshur

Cairo

6- Hours Half Day Tour To Sakkara & Memphis & Dahshur
Unfold the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt with the 6-Hours Half Day Tour to Sakkara, Memphis, and Dahshur Step into the world of pharaohs, hieroglyphs, and ancient tombs with our specially curated 6-hours half-day tour to Sakkara, Memphis, and Dahshur. Discover the grandeur and intricate craftsmanship of these locations as our expert guides provide in-depth commentary and reveal lesser-known facts about these enduring landmarks. Make the most of your visit to Egypt with this enthralling journey that marries fun, learning, and adventure in equal measure.

Price: $25

Min age: 6

Rating 4.64 / 5 [105 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Giza Pyramids, Sakkara and Memphis with Lunch & Camels

Cairo

Giza Pyramids, Sakkara and Memphis with Lunch & Camels
Brace yourself to go back in time for about 5000 years ago, to pass by the site of the 1st capital of Upper & Lower Egypt “Memphis”. Then proceed to visit the 1st stone construction in Egypt ”The Step Pyramid of Sakkara”, where the idea of the pyramid came from. We also visit the site of the three Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren & Mycrenos, which is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. And to see the Sphinx , The steadfast guard of the land of Pharaohs, carved from one solid piece of limestone. Finally, we check the Khan Khalili market and wander around its different alleys

Price: $56

Min age: 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [90 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Half Day Tour To Memphis Sakkara And Dahshur Pyramids

Cairo

Half Day Tour To Memphis Sakkara And Dahshur Pyramids
Discover Ancient Egypt at Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur - Get ready to journey back in time to the ancient Egyptian civilizations of Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur. Our premium tour package offers the rare chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of these ancient capital cities, known for their historical structures and tombs. Among these, the Step Pyramid of Sakkara - the oldest pyramid, serves as a testament to the engineering marvels of the past. Memphis, known as the ancient capital of Egypt, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Pharaohs whereas Dahshur, with its renowned Red and Bent Pyramids, offers an unforgettable vision of ancient architectural expertise. Welcome aboard for a historical trip!

Price: $60

Min age: 0

Rating 4.72 / 5 [262 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full-Day Tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis, and Sakkara

Cairo

Full-Day Tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis, and Sakkara
Embark on a captivating tour to explore the wonders of ancient Egypt. Discover the iconic Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, marveling at their monumental presence and history. Visit the ancient city of Memphis, once a powerful capital, and witness its historic treasures, including the colossal statue of Ramses II. Continue to Sakkara, where the Step Pyramid stands as a testament to Egypt's architectural ingenuity. Explore the site and uncover the mysteries of early pyramid construction. This tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into Egypt's past, showcasing its grandeur and legacy that have endured for centuries.

Price: $60

Min age: 0

Rating 4.75 / 5 [350 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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All inclusive Private Tour to Pyramids of Giza Sakkara Memphis,camel ride.lunch

Cairo

All inclusive Private Tour to Pyramids of Giza Sakkara Memphis,camel ride.lunch
Private Tour Combine between all Giza pleateau which included the tour sites Qualifed tourguides Handling the Trip Entrance fees are included Friendly and family feeling

Price: $90

Min age: 1

Rating 4.55 / 5 [127 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Day Tour to Memphis Sakkara and Dahshur from Cairo

Cairo

Private Day Tour to Memphis Sakkara and Dahshur from Cairo
A great day to visit the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid of Dashsur, the Step Pyramid of Zoser in Saqqara, and the old capital of Egypt, Memphis. This tour will introduce you to the two ancient necropolises and the ancient capital of Egypt, Memphis - Sakarra and Dakhshur, which in historical terms are no less significant than other famous landmarks of Egypt. Saqqara is located 17 km. south of Giza and was founded as a necropolis in the capital of the Old Kingdom of Memphis.

Price: $95

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [236 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx, Sakkara ,Dahshur Pyramids,Lunch and Camel

Cairo

Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx, Sakkara ,Dahshur Pyramids,Lunch and Camel
A Special tour of the most famous pyramids in Egypt . Visit the Great pyramids at Giza as you can take a camel ride around the Panoramic area Marvel A great tour of the most famous pyramids in Egypt. Visit the Giza Pyramids  as you take a camel ride around iconic landmarks like the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx with an expert historian guide move to  Sakkara  where is the step Pyramids and the pyramids at Dahshur This is a great excursion to see the development of Ancient Egyptian building  all in one day.

Price: $132

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [134 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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All inclusive Tour Giza pyramids,Sphinx Sakkara,Dahshuh,Memphis,Camel Ride,Lunch

Cairo

All inclusive Tour Giza pyramids,Sphinx Sakkara,Dahshuh,Memphis,Camel Ride,Lunch
Full Experience to Enjoy Guided Tour Discover the four sites Giza sakkara Dashur and oldest capital of Egypt Private Tour with Qualified Guide Real prices for excellent service Qualified Team

Price: $148

Min age: 1

Rating 4.58 / 5 [94 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cairo

Upper Egypt, Egypt

Frontal view of the Great Pyramid with Sphinx infront

Unique ancient monuments, world-class museums, an impressive ancient core and a buzzing street scene. Home to the incredible Pyramids of Giza.

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