by Emma McCrow
Deep in the Sahara during an archaeological dig outside Cairo, the discovery of an alien ring is uncovered. This ring, also known as a ‘Stargate’, is used as a transportation device to travel through a wormhole between worlds. The Stargate is powered up using a dialling pad and unbeknownst to us a signal is sent out. Suddenly, a Goa’uld mother ship appears from the ether and lands on top of one of the Pyramids of Giza. Thousands of Jaffa march out in our general direction shooting balls of fire – a shot is fired and hits me in the leg – the shock wakes me up and I realise it was only just a dream. Later that day, despaired that Goa’uld mother ships and Stargate rings may not exist, I search through the Egyptian crowds for anyone with glowing yellow eyes – but again there is no sign. I guess it was just a dream (sorry Stargate fans). But even though there is no sign of alien presence, there are still plenty of adventures to be had at the Pyramids of Giza.
A view of one of the Pyramids of Giza
Here’s the reality: It’s 43°C and the sun is burning deep into my skin. From the poverty stricken, dirt filled busy streets, and rundown architecture of Cairo city, I gaze across the bare sun kissed desert plains towards a group of familiar ancient structures. I stand in awe as I take in the picturesque wonder before me. The reflection off the sand into my eyes cannot tear me away from this extraordinary beauty, and it hits me that I may be in de-Nile of where I am.
The Pyramids of Giza were built by three successive generations in ancient Egypt during the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BC). Once adorned with solid gold and marble, the Pyramids were ‘resting places’ for the Pharaohs of Egypt to pass through the Afterlife, until the day they would awake and return to their immortal bodies. Each Pyramid has a myriad of tunnels, air shafts, chambers and deadly traps which have taken the lives of many a grave robber attempting to steal the Pharaoh’s treasures.
Wannabe Rick O’Connell treasure hunters will be sorely disappointed to find that all the treasure has been removed. There are no flesh eating scarab beetles or live mummifications. There are no boxes you may accidentally open submitting you to the curse of Imhotep’s wrath, or a working Book of the Dead to awaken his mummified priests. But don’t fret! There are still plenty of adventures to be had. Here are the top 5:
- Journey inside the Great Pyramid ~ Cost 50 L.E. (Ticket required)
After climbing up the hand cut stairs made easier for tourists hiking up the first few layers of bricks at the base of the Great Pyramid, you enter through a doorway which leads you up the main tunnel inside the Pyramid. It’s a steep climb up the stairs and you need to duck your head most of the way to avoid hitting it. It is rather dark and smells musty. Competing with large crowds of tourists trying to enjoy the same experience, you may have to climb over a few people to get to the main chamber. Although it probably sounds terrible, it is indeed enjoyable and something you cannot do anywhere else in the world, so why not have a crack at it?
- Sound and Light Show ~ Cost 217 L.E. > (Ticket required)
Showcasing the ‘Sound and Light’ show of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Sit back, relax and enjoy the history of Egypt vividly displayed through holographic images that are projected on ancient bricks and face of the Sphinx. The cost is dependent on how many people are in your party as the more friends you bring, the cheaper it is.
- Camel Ride ~ Cost is dependent on your bartering skills (No ticket)
Why not ride off into the sunset in style on your very own hairy spitting camel. There are a number of locations around the Pyramids that offer camel rides coupled with unique picture opportunities. Beware however that if any Egyptian offers to take a photo for you, he will expect you to pay him for his service and will most likely harass you until you do.
- The Sphinx ~ No Additional Cost (Cost covered in main entrance ticket)
The Sphinx
Getting up close and personal with this giant Lego looking cat is a must. Unfortunately you cannot walk straight up to it as it is sitting in a sort of pit that unless you’re prepared to be illegal and jump off knowing there’s a high chance you’ll break various bones in your body and possibly die – you will just have to settle with a view from the closest lookout 20 metres away.
- Pyramids Lookout ~ No Additional Cost (Cost covered in main entrance ticket)
If you want really good photos of all three Pyramids with unobstructed views I recommend travelling by car, bus, or camel to the ‘Pyramids Lookout’ located beyond the Pyramids further into the desert. Generally tourists are ignorant of its existence as it is not widely advertised, but you can ask for directions at the main entrance where you buy your ticket if you don’t already have a local tour guide.
So as not to confuse you, the currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), however the currency displayed on the tickets is L.E. (Livre Egyptiene), but don’t worry EGP and L.E. are the exact same currency. You will also undoubtedly be harassed at some point by local salesmen trying to sell you various souvenirs. Be prepared that if you touch it, you buy it. If you don’t wish to buy anything, do not instigate any conversation or they will stalk you until you pay up. Unfortunately they can get very pushy and abusive.
All that aside, the attractions Egypt has to offer rival any negatives. If you want to check out more of Cairo why not visit the Pharaonic Village or the Egyptian Papyrus Museum? Whatever your cup of tea, in the words of Teal’c, ‘indeed’ there is much adventure to be had!
Author’s Bio: Emma McCrow is an International Development, Photomedia and Journalism student from Brisbane, Queensland. As a travel junkie, Emma has been to over 19 countries travelling extensively through Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and parts of the Pacific. Emma loves exotic foods, unique travelling (go figure), and bundles of adventure.