"The Giza Plateau" Pyramids of Giza by uglyscot

Pyramids of Giza Travel Guide: 415 reviews and 1,291 photos

The Pyramids

As the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the pyramids justifiably attract millions of tourists.
The sheer mass of the structures and the accuracy of the measurements and alignments seem impossible when we realise they were using primitive tools and equipment. Possibly because of this cranks and sceptics accept the beliefs of some writers who claim aliens or super human races from Atlantis must have built them.

Give credit where it is due. The Ancient Egyptians were intelligent and hard working. Their beliefs and social structure made them willing to erect these mountains in stone to the glory of their pharoahs whom they accepted as gods.

The Sphinx

The sphinx

The human headed sphinx with a lion's body has also attracted the attention of the pyramidiots , as Zahi Hawass calls them. Claims that the sphinx is thousands of years older than the pyramids, and that there are secret halls inside or underneath it, containing Records, abound. But those who have been inside say this is impossible, and the so called proof of it having been built when there was a heavier rainfall than now has been scorned by experts.

Again it is a marvellous structure, so why not just accept it as such.

Menkhare

Pyramid of Menkhare

All the pyramids were forced into and robbed of anything inside in ancient times. Arabs used cannons to try to find the entrance.
Nowadays all three pyramids are open to visitors in turn. Until recently that was the smallest of the three , the Pyramid of Mycerinus or Menkhare. It is not very spectacular, just going down and then up. No paintings or inscriptions. For these the nearest place is Saqqarah

Pros and Cons

Pros:fascinating place
Cons:the touts and camel owners
In a nutshell:a heritage to be proud of

Last visit to Pyramids of Giza: Dec 2003
Intro Updated Dec 16, 2009
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Reviews (8)

The Sphinx Things to Do (3)

The lion-bodied statue with the head of a man is an enigma. Nobody really knows when it was built or by whom. Most... more travel advice

aerial view of the plateau - Pyramids of Giza

Walk round the plateau Things to Do (3)

The Giza Plateay gives a view of the city of Cairo that is encroaching upon it rapidly. From the air the pyramids are... more travel advice

approaching the entrance - Pyramids of Giza

Climbing the Pyramids Warnings and Dangers (1)

It is strictly forbidden to climb the pyramids, though in the past it was permissable. The stones are huge and do not... more travel advice

Horse and cart Transportation (2)

In spite of all the warnings about the camel and horse owners hassling for customers, when I took my daughter and... more travel advice

Tourist Traps (1)
beware imitations

What to Pack (1)
Water water

Travelogues (1)

Written Sep 12, 2007

5 photos

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Comments (7)

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MikeBird Nov 15, 2009 at 10:09 AM

Hi Shane, When I first went to Cairo back in 1980 I climbed to the top of the smaller of the 3 pyramids. Then there were no Police around. Having returned to the pyramids last year I'd never dream of attempting it now. A good tip. Best wishes, Mike
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starship Jun 27, 2008 at 11:17 AM

To see the Pyramids would be like a dream come true!
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pattypoo May 27, 2008 at 8:45 AM

How many wonders of the world have you seen Shane?x
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gilabrand Dec 12, 2006 at 10:12 AM

So what makes it a "solar" boat?
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Diana75 Jun 1, 2006 at 11:46 PM

Egypt is an amazing country and I think you are lucky to live there. Thanks for visiting my Cairo page. Yours is wonderful and I've already put on my wish list some other places I should visit next time.
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evaanna Mar 5, 2006 at 12:26 PM

Never heard of the solar boat museum before. A friend of mine actually enjoyed a ride on a camel although it broke loose and wouldn't stop! Interesting information and useful advice.
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no1birdlady Aug 19, 2005 at 10:34 AM

I love your Egypt pages. How safe is Egypt for Americans? We are hearing negatives things over here about travel to Egypt. I have always wanted to go there but not if they hate Americans.