Half-Day private Tour to Dahshur Pyramids, Memphis & Saqqara

If you’re traveling to Cairo and want to go beyond the usual tourist spots, this half-day private tour offers an intriguing peek at some of Egypt’s lesser-known but equally impressive ancient sites. It promises a mix of iconic pyramids, historic cities, and archaeological wonders—all with the comfort of private transportation and flexible options.

What makes this experience appealing? First, it takes you to Dahshur, home to the Red and Bent Pyramids, which are often overshadowed by Giza but just as fascinating. Second, the tour includes Saqqara, featuring Djoser’s step pyramid, the oldest known pyramid. Lastly, you get to visit Memphis, Egypt’s first capital, standing beside the gigantic colossus of Ramses II and an open-air museum of statues.

That said, there are some considerations. Many reviews mention that the entry fees are optional and not included, so you’ll want to budget for those. Also, the overall tour relies heavily on the guide’s knowledge and communication—some travelers have been happy, others less so. Still, this tour suits those who prefer a private, flexible experience with the chance to see Egypt’s iconic and lesser-known pyramids without the chaos of group tours.

Key Points

• Private experience ensures personalized attention and flexible timing
• Upgradable options for guide, tickets, and lunch add value
• Authentic sites like Dahshur and Saqqara provide less crowded and more intimate encounters
• Cost-effective at around $8 per person, with optional extras
• Expert guides can enhance understanding, though quality varies
• Convenient door-to-door pickup from Cairo and Giza

This tour strikes a balance between affordability and authentic exploration. For travelers craving more than just the Giza pyramids, it offers a chance to see what sits behind those famous structures—the older, often less crowded sites that reveal the roots of Egyptian civilization.

We loved the personalized attention from the driver and optional guides, which makes the experience feel tailored to your pace and interests. You’ll appreciate the detailed explanations from guides such as Hosam or Amir—reviewers consistently praise their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge.

The stunning views at Dahshur, especially inside the Bent Pyramid, are a highlight. One reviewer called it a “tight and awkward” climb, but acknowledged that it was “a good experience” to go inside such a rare pyramid. Meanwhile, Saqqara’s mummies and hieroglyphs offer an almost cinematic glimpse into ancient Egypt’s burial customs.

A potential drawback, however, is that many reviews mention entry fees are optional and not included in the price, meaning you should plan for additional costs if you want access to certain tombs or areas. Also, the guide quality can vary, with some travelers noting that guides left them to explore on their own or spoke very little.

This tour is best suited for history lovers, curious explorers, and those wanting a hassle-free way to see Egypt’s lesser-known pyramids while enjoying all the comforts of private transport.

Stop 1: The Sphinx of Memphis

Your adventure kicks off with hotel pickup from Cairo or Giza, making logistics simple and stress-free. The first stop is the Alabaster Sphinx in Memphis, Egypt’s original capital founded by King Mena around 3100 BC. While the site is not as crowded as Giza, the massive statue of Ramses II here is a real showstopper.

Reviewers note that this site is an open-air museum of statues—you’ll get the chance to see a variety of artifacts and learn about Egypt’s early dynasties. One guest mentioned that seeing the colossus of Ramses II was a highlight, emphasizing how impressive the size and preservation are.

Stop 2: The Step Pyramid of Djoser

Next, you’ll visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, arguably Egypt’s most famous pyramid after Giza. Built during the 27th century BC for Pharaoh Djoser, it’s the world’s oldest complete stone pyramid. The structure is surrounded by a complex of tombs, courtyards, and hieroglyphs.

Travelers often comment on the atmosphere of antiquity here, with some describing it as a “walk through history.” The pyramid’s architectural innovation is evident in its stepped layers, which set the stage for later smooth-sided pyramids. Some reviewers appreciated the opportunity to explore the interior, although access depends on optional fees.

Stop 3: Pyramids of Dahshur

The next stop is Dahshur, home to Egypt’s Red and Bent Pyramids. These are often less crowded but just as impressive as Giza’s pyramids, and certainly more atmospheric. The Bent Pyramid, with its unusual shape caused by construction challenges, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of pyramid design.

Expect to spend about an hour here. Reviewers highlight the “tight and awkward” climb inside the Bent Pyramid, but most agree that exploring these areas is well worth the effort. Inside the Red Pyramid, you’ll find a more straightforward passage, with some saying it’s easier to navigate.

Stop 4: Memphis and Saqqara

The tour wraps up with a visit to Memphis, the ancient capital with its giant Ramses II statue and open-air museum of statues. You also get to see mummies and hieroglyphs in the surrounding tombs. Several reviews praise the large-scale sculptures and artifacts, emphasizing how accessible and less commercialized these sites are.

This stop offers a breathtaking view of Egypt’s early civilization and a chance to see artifacts that many travelers only read about in books.

Optional Stops: The Pyramids of Unas and Teti, Mastaba of Ti

Depending on your timing and interests, the tour can include visits to the Pyramid of Unas and Teti, both noted for beautiful hieroglyphic carvings. The Mastaba of Ti is another highlight, with scenes depicting daily life beautifully preserved. Reviewers mention that these sites offer a more personal and detailed look at tomb art and Egyptian customs.

Extras at Select Stops

The tour also includes short stops at local shops like Paradise Perfumes and handmade carpet stores, offering opportunities to purchase high-quality souvenirs. Travelers have enjoyed these authentic experiences, with some finding the Egyptian cotton and oils particularly memorable.

The tour features private, air-conditioned transportation, which travelers consistently report as a major plus—no sharing with strangers or confusing group pickups. Most reviews praise the driver’s punctuality and friendliness, with names like Hamed, Bilal, and Youssef frequently mentioned as attentive and courteous.

The duration of about 5 hours keeps the experience manageable, allowing plenty of time at each site without feeling rushed. The timing (typically around 7-8 am start) is perfect for avoiding the crowds and the daytime heat, although do note some reviewers found the early start a bit challenging.

The optional guide adds extra depth, with many reviewers describing guides like Karim, Amir, or Hosam as knowledgeable and engaging. Some, however, did mention that guide quality varies, so it’s worth choosing an upgrade if you want detailed commentary.

The cost at around $8 per person is exceptionally budget-friendly, especially considering the private transport and the depth of sites covered. Additional costs may include entry fees and souvenirs, so budget accordingly.

Based on reviews, many travelers appreciated the opportunity to go inside the pyramids—a rare chance that elevates this tour from typical sightseeing. One visitor loved “the inside journey in a pyramid,” noting that climbing down into the chambers was a highlight of their trip.

You’ll also get a taste of local culture through visits to shops selling Egyptian perfumes, papyrus, and carpets—not just tourist traps, but places where skilled artisans work, and you can pick up authentic souvenirs.

A notable tip from reviewers is to budget for optional entry fees if you want full access, as these are not included in the base price. Also, many appreciate the flexibility to skip certain stops or spend extra time exploring.

This half-day private tour is perfect for travelers who want an intimate, flexible experience exploring Egypt’s lesser-known pyramids and archaeological sites. It offers great value with the option to upgrade guides, tickets, and lunch, making it adaptable to different interests and budgets.

If you’re short on time but eager to see authentic sites beyond the crowds at Giza, this tour delivers the perfect blend of convenience and cultural richness. It’s especially suited for history buffs, curious travelers, and those who appreciate personalized service.

While the experience depends heavily on your guide and the additional costs of entry fees, the overall package promises a memorable journey into Egypt’s ancient world—without the hassle of large group tours or crowded sites.

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour offers private door-to-door pickup from Cairo or Giza hotels, making logistics simple and stress-free.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.

Do I need to pay for entry fees separately?
Entry fees are optional and not included in the base price. You may want to budget for these if you wish to access specific tombs or pyramids.

Can I upgrade the tour?
Absolutely. You can add a guide, entry tickets, and a local restaurant lunch to enhance your experience.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, including those with moderate mobility, but some sites involve tight spaces (like inside the pyramids) which could be challenging for some.

How do reviews describe the guides?
Guides like Hosam, Karim, and Amir are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, though experiences vary. Some reviewers felt guides could be more communicative or involved.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Early morning is recommended for cooler weather and fewer visitors, especially for the site of Dahshur and Saqqara.

This tour offers an authentic, affordable way to glimpse Egypt’s ancient corners, perfect for those seeking a private, flexible exploration with a focus on history and culture.