Giza, Sphinx & Sakkara Tour Review: Is It Worth It?

So, you are considering a day tour to the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and Sakkara? It’s almost a rite of passage when visiting Egypt. Very few places on Earth carry the weight of history like these, yet figuring out if a private tour is the option for you might be a bit confusing. That said, I had to experience it for myself, and I am here to share the lowdown. In this review, I’ll unpack what you might expect, what made the experience worthwhile, and what you should consider prior to booking.

Why Go Private? Unveiling the Benefits

One of the initial decisions you might make is whether to opt for a private tour or go with a group. We chose a private tour, and honestly, it did influence the day quite a bit. Having your very own guide has several benefits. First off, it is almost the level of flexibility you get. Want to spend longer at the Great Pyramid? Just tell them! A little weary and want to shorten the visit to Sakkara? That’s no problem, really! You’re calling the shots. Another awesome perk is the personalized experience. The guide could answer all our questions (and trust me, we had many!), giving us knowledge tailored specifically to our interests, you know? It is a far cry from just hearing a script repeated to a huge crowd.

A little privacy, as I said before, allows you to beat some of the crowds, or try to anyway. With a private car and guide, you’re not beholden to the schedule of a bigger group. Meaning, if you leave early you arrive early and so you can, a bit, dodge some of the tour bus throngs. Be warned, though: it is Egypt; there will be other tourists, I am saying! Though you will most certainly get more alone time than those who ride in bigger packs. Ultimately, for us, the extra money for a private tour paid off when measured by a higher-quality, much more pleasant experience.

Giza Pyramids: Touching Ancient Greatness

As the tour began, the Giza Pyramids were so prominent on the horizon, that’s for certain. No picture will prep you for the sheer size. Touching those great blocks, almost like a handshake across millennia, feels strangely intimate. Khufu’s Pyramid, being the biggest, is just astonishing. That they constructed that, by hand, such a long time ago is unbelievable. Now, you could pay extra to go inside the pyramids. Full disclosure, we didn’t, just because some travelers we met said that the tight tunnels can get extremely hot and claustrophobic, more or less. Though they said seeing the burial chamber is unique, that’s to be expected.

After wandering round the pyramids themselves, you’ll make a short trip over to a panoramic viewing point. It is over here you get the shot: all of the pyramids lined up against the skyline. Your guide probably knows all the perfect spots, very close to the place the postcard photos are shot. Be ready, there will be hawkers around here trying to sell you mementos, and as friendly as they can be, they might be somewhat insistent. Politeness coupled with a firm “no thank you” usually does the trick.

The Sphinx: Gazing into the Past

Moving onward from the pyramids, the Sphinx almost makes its entrance. With its lion’s body and a human head, it’s that iconic image that just resonates all through the cultures of the Earth. The stories the guide explained of its history and significance gave us something of a better grasp on just what this amazing statue meant to the ancient Egyptians, alright? The Sphinx has weathered untold seasons, baking sunshine, empire’s rise and fall, that, I believe is why so many connect to it so well.

Standing in the shadow of this gigantic, old guardian brings a sense of stillness. And there are chances aplenty for clicking those great photos, yet frankly, for a brief period I just sat on some rocks close by, taking everything in, is what happened. It is difficult to describe the sensation, only there are sites round the globe that give you that strange feeling of connecting to deep time.

Sakkara: Stepping Back Further

Sakkara, which is a little drive from Giza, usually gets fewer visitors, but actually has quite a bit to show, more or less. Here, you will see the Step Pyramid of Djoser, believed to be one of the oldest stone structures in all of Egypt. For sure it is a contrast to the smooth sided pyramids of Giza. It shows something about the evolution of pyramid construction.

Sakkara is crammed with tombs and monuments, and a well-versed guide makes a big impact. So, he pointed out intricate carvings and explained the background to some of the Old Kingdom’s key players. Just like in Giza, expect a few vendors; however, usually they’re less pushy here, it looks like. Sakkara grants a, bit, deeper immersion into old Egyptian society, one which definitely complemented our visit to Giza.

Lunch and “Experiences”: Be Aware

Many tours have lunch included, usually at a restaurant geared towards tourists. The food might just be ok; do not expect a culinary revelation, but this often tends to be a decent spot for a break in the heat. One thing you should look out for is that, on some tours, guides might take you to certain “experiences” — maybe a papyrus shop, perfume store, or carpet place. They are almost certainly getting a commission on anything you buy, therefore you may want to stand firm if you are not interested. It is alright to say you’d rather spend extra time exploring the sites; a reliable guide should understand that, that’s a certainty.

What to Wear and Bring

Egypt can be seriously hot, mostly during the daytime, therefore dress appropriately. Light, loose clothing is more or less best, and it’s just wise to respect local customs by making sure your shoulders and knees are covered. Sturdy shoes are essential, mostly for walking on uneven ground. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and copious sunscreen. And keep hydrating all through the day with quite a bit of water. You would like to bring some small bills for tipping people that might assist you or offer a service, and definitely for bathroom attendants.

Tipping: What is Appropriate?

Tipping, often called “baksheesh,” is built into Egyptian culture, more or less. While it’s not compulsory, it’s absolutely appreciated for great service. For the tour guide, a tip of 10-15% of the tour fee is often the norm, based upon how the service was. Think about tipping the driver too. Just small amounts to people offering minor services, such as watching your shoes while you enter a tomb, are fine.

Is the Giza, Sphinx, and Sakkara Private Tour Worth It? My Opinion

So, let’s return to that core question: Is this tour worth your while? For me, certainly. Getting to view the pyramids, the Sphinx, and Sakkara really is an extraordinary experience, one that transcends reading with reference to them in books or seeing them within a documentary. Choosing a private tour, though a more expensive route, adds a depth and customization level which greatly enhanced the day. It is the freedom to go at your speed, ask countless questions, and possibly dodge some of the crowds that I believe made it invaluable. So, go in with an awareness about the possible tourist traps, be prepared for the heat, and you will probably create lasting memories of one of our world’s most incredible ancient locations.

Quick summary of your Tour

Personalized attention: Benefit from the undivided attention of a knowledgeable guide.
Flexibility: Customize the schedule to accommodate your preferences.
Comfort: Delight in comfortable transportation and respite from crowds.
In-depth insight: Acquire exhaustive data about Egyptian history and culture.
Hassle-free Experience: Let professionals deal with the planning and logistics.