When people think of Egypt one of the first images that comes to mind is the world famous Great Pyramids of Giza. It is also on many peoples bucket list of things to see/do in their lifetime and I can understand why. I was able to visit them within a few days of arriving in Egypt and they didn’t disappoint. It had been a dream of mine to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza since childhood and it was an amazing experience to do so. I however also knew though that I wanted to visit Egypt’s “OTHER” pyramids.
What many people don’t know is that Egypt has over 100 pyramids that are known about. Yes that’s way more then the famous 3 at Giza and way more than you will probably ever see during your visit in Egypt. I however would like to tell you a bit about the “OTHER” lesser known pyramids that are open to tourist that not many people visit and why you should visit them while you are in Egypt.
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STEP PYRAMID of ZOSER
The Step Pyramid of Zoser is Egypt’s (and the world’s) earliest stone monument. It was built in the year 2650 BC.
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RED PYRAMID
The Red Pyramid is the world’s oldest true (successfully completed smooth-sided) pyramid. Named for the rusty reddish hue of its stones. The Red Pyramid was not always red, it used to be cased with white Tura limestone. This is my favorite Pyramid not because red is my favorite color, but because it really is just amazing sitting there all alone and huge (the 3rd largest in Egypt).
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BENT PYRAMID
After the Step Pyramid and before the Red Pyramid was the Bent Pyramid. This was the ancient Egyptians 1st attempt in creating a true pyramid. The architects began it with an angle that they thought would create smooth sides and half way through realized it didn’t so to salvage the project reduced the angle and created what today is known as the Bent Pyramid.
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BLACK PYRAMID
What you see way at the end of this photo is what is left of the Black Pyramid. Although it was encased in limestone, it was made of mud brick and clay instead of stone and has deteriorated much faster than the rest of the pyramids around it.
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OTHER PERKS ALONG THE WAY
When you visit the pyramids above you will pass by some of Egypt’s most beautiful scenery and along the way don’t forget to visit the open air Museum in Memphis. It is home to the colossal limestone statue of Ramses II.
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So pictured above are just 4 more of the pyramids you can visit in Egypt known as the “OTHER” pyramids of the over 100+ there. They are known as the “OTHER” pyramids because after the Great Pyramids of Giza these are some of the best preserved pyramids in Egypt that tourist can visit. What is sad though is that not many people visit them because they either don’t know about them or think they are inaccessible. Even though I love love LOVE the Great Pyramids of Giza and have visited them twice during my time in Egypt visiting this set of pyramids as a day trip from Cairo is a completely different experience and that is why you should visit them.
You will not be clobbered by the million touts like you are at the Great Pyramids of Giza or be surrounded by a million tourist and buses like you are the Great Pyramids of Giza. It’s just you and whoever you are with and the amazing Pyramids. You are able to marvel at them with out being bothered and just enjoy the endles desert surrounding you and the pyramids. What is even better is that with the admission ticket to the Red Pyramid you can even go inside with out paying the extra 100L.E. ($17) that you would have to pay to do so at the Great Pyramids of Giza.
To visit the “OTHER” pyramids you have two options. The 1st is to do it on an organized tour that can easily be organized through your accommodation and the 2nd is to hire a private taxi for the day. The 2nd option is what I did with 3 other people I had met in my hostel in Dahab and turned out to be amazing because you are free to do it all at your own pace with the peace of mind that you have the entire day to soak it all in.
If you want a break from the craziness that is Cairo this is the perfect break for you. You leave chaotic Cairo and enter an amazing bliss that is small villages of Egypt along with some of the best marvels in the world. I hope this taught you a bit more about the “OTHER” pyramids and makes you want to visit them. If you have any questions that may not have been answered here be sure to contact me and I will be more than happy to help you.
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So have you ever heard of the “OTHER” pyramids? When you visit Egypt will you visit the “OTHER” pyramids? If you have visited Egypt did you visit the “OTHER” pyramids?
Very cool! Loving all these photos, too!
I know I already said this but I really wish I’d have a couple more days to explore!
Well, 3 is better than none, right?
Thanks Erica, for some reason I really love all the photos on this post too. They just came out amazing. Well actually I know you will be doing the Pyramids of Giza when you arrive ask if you could do these as well. Some people visit them on combined tours. Won’t hurt to ask & yes 3 days is better than none.
Fewer touts and fewer tourists = 🙂
Kent @ No Vacation Required recently posted..What’s About to Go Down
Ahh yes Kent, it was amazing to have them all to our selves.
Egypt is so fascinating. Love the fact that you can go into the Red Pyramid. Very cool!
Elle recently posted..3 “Don’t Miss” Places in Antigua
Ahh yes Elle, Egypt is fascinating and I loved that we were able to go into the Red Pyramid at no extra charge. Of course you tip a man for doing nothing on your way out, but thats it.
Shhhh, don’t tell people about the other pyramids! Having studied Egyptology these are very much on my list. It must have been amazing to visit them! I’m utterly jealous and can’t wait until I can get there to explore 🙂
Lindsey recently posted..Five Months Until Travel!
Jaja I know right I shouldn’t give these away Lindsey. Oh how awesome that you studied Egyptology. You will really get a kick out of everything Egypt has to offer when you do visit. It’s an amazing country to get lost in it’s history. Hope you make it here soon!
This is one of the reasons I love to spend longer periods in the one place. You get to see so much more and in more depth than you would otherwise. I’d love to visit all of the pyramids in Egypt but so far I haven’t even seen one. I will soon though. 🙂
Andrea recently posted..The Cinquecento in Zagreb
Yes Andrea that is really one of the benefits of staying longer in one place you get to see much more and at a slower place and not get exhausted. I’m so happy I have spent a few months here in Egypt and have been able to see A LOT of the things I have always wanted to see here. I hope you make it out here one day and when you do… dont forget about these pyramids.
I’m glad you wrote this post. I think when people think of Egypt lately, they largely focus on the trouble it’s had the past year and a half rather than the historical and architectural wonders that it always has and always will be home to. Seeing the pyramids was one of the greatest travel experiences of my life, as I’d always dreamed of visiting them. Everyone who wants to see them should go for it!
Sabina recently posted..Out of the Way in New York City – DUMBO
Hey Sabina yes I love that I am able to write amazing things about Egypt in general because it is sas that lately all the focus has been on all the bad things going on when in reality it’s not affecting the tourist at all. This is one of the reasons I love Egypt though the architectural wonders that are dotted all over the country is amazing and I know I couldn’t possible fit it all in a few weeks but thanks to me spending months here I am able to dig deeper and see more. I hope more people come and see them all.
Great post. I loved the photos, especially that first one of the Bent Pyramid. Honestly I had no idea there were more than just the famous Pyramids at Giza until my parents went to Egypt a couple years ago. Getting to see some amazing pyramids pretty much alone would be amazing.
Alouise recently posted..Opening Thoughts on New Orleans
Thanks Alouise, yeah most people don’t know about the “OTHER” pyramids unless they are told by someone who has visited them. Glad you know about them and hope you visit them if you are ever in Egypt.
I am mesmerized by this post Jaime. Awesome and educational. Now I know there are more pyramids in Egypt that those I only knew on books haha, pity me. Your photos are superb, i love them.
🙂
Doc Wends of Journeys and Travels recently posted..The eyes on boats at Song Cuu Long
Thanks Doc, I’m glad I am able to share this with people because sadly the only ones we learn about growing up are the GREAT PYRAMIDS of GIZA and well with over 100 pyramids only knowing about 3 is kind of a shame. Thanks for the compliments on my photos.
Hi love!
I was so ecstatic to see all those pyramids respected again! I actually have seen them all during my trip with my family there many many years ago. It was so nice to remember that trip. I was only 9! Crazy! I used to live a hop over the Red Sea so it was a close trip for us… and our favorite as a family!
Love you!
HEYYYYY LISA, yes I had to show some respect for these amazing monuments!!! That is so cool that you were able to visit all these pyramids when you were young. Ah you were so lucky growing up so close to all this and doing all the traveling you did. Oh and don’t get me started about being a hop over the Red Sea because when I’m in Dahab I can SEE freaking SEE Saudi Arabia only imagine what beauty it holds. Love ya too~
This is silly but I had no idea there were other pyramids, very cool.
Ayngelina recently posted..Love notes from a graffiti artist
You are not alone… many people don’t know Ayngelina and is why I had to share it! When you make it out here you must visit!!!
I’ve never heard of the other pyramids before…although I’ve read that there are some pretty cool ones in Sudan though. Judging from the pics here however, the big 3 are the most famous ones for a reason!
Nice that you were able to get away and explore without the usual gaggle of touts that come with the big tourist sites – and thanks for sharing. For some reason, Bent Pyramid made me giggle. Tee hee hee!
Waegook Tom recently posted..Hot Springs & Romance
Yeah WT the big 3 are famous for a reason that is for sure. The though are just as amazing seriously and even better because like you mentioned it’s an even more amazing feeling when you are away from the touts that come with big tourist attractions. Oh & yeah I didn’t even wanna go there about the BENT pyramid because you know I could have…lol!!! So yeah it makes me giggle every time too.
wow never jknew they had so many pyramids… this post makes me wanna go to egypt!!! 🙂
flip recently posted..My Roomorama Experience in Bharatpur India
Yup Flip they have many. Hope you make it to Egypt one day. It’s a cheap destination filled with lots to do and see.
Most people have heard of Egypt’s Pyramids – However, when most people think of egyptian pyramids, they think of the Great Pyramids of Giza. These three giant monuments have stood as symbol of Egypt for as long as people have been traveling and they have attracted thousands upond thousands of tourists to the outskirts of Cairo for a camel ride through the small desert.
Exactly that is so true.
I didn’t really know about the other pyramids, but it totally makes sense that there are others. Sounds like a great way to see more of Egypt and avoid the crowds.
Ali recently posted..Weekly Photo – Ephesus, Turkey
I like what you said Ali, yup it totally makes sense how there are others…lol. Oh & yes this is the perfect way to see Egypt with out the crowds.
The Giza Plateau Situated west of the Nile, bordering the Sahara Desert, the Giza plateau rises up in its glory to present its full authority. It is here that an ancient King coordinated a mammoth undertaking exploiting the full value of the looming plateau. Eternal life would surely be granted with the precision and meticulous execution of King Khufu’s perfect pyramid. Other pyramids had been built before, but none would ever achieve the genius, grace and competence of this Great Pyramid. Still standing today, it stands a silent witness to the events that immediately followed the kings decision to build his pyramid on this site. Strangely, Khufu decided to build his pyramid just to one side of the highest ground on the plateau. Perhaps this section would require less work to lay the foundation, over 9 acres, of the pyramid. We can begin to surmise how the pyramid was built by the abundant evidence at the site. A project of this magnitude would require people, housing, food and tools. Traces of all of this have been found, and a small village has been excavated that would be sufficient to house the appropriate number of people necessary to build the largest pyramid. The graffiti of the original work gangs are scrawled across the upper most chambers, chambers that were never meant to be entered, which may have only been included to relieve the tremendous weight upon the main chamber.
Thanks for sharing this info. I didn’t know about all this.
Jaime, I travel with my service dog (anxiety issues and seizure alert) could you possibly send me a private note and tell me how (if at all) this would impact a trip to Egypt? We sail – and in 2015 we will be starting a sailing around the med trip (Maybe you can join us for a leg!) … I have some serious concerns regarding my little lifeline. I am well aware that there are some cultural issues here.
http://montecristotravels.com/sailing-the-mediterranean/
Oh wow, I honestly would have NO CLUE. I wouldn’t even know where to begin looking… I am so sorry. I think the best thing would be to turn to google or if you’d like I can get you in touch with a tour operator in Egypt and see if he knows anything.