Photos: Inside the Red Pyramid in Cairo

Going inside the Red Pyramid in Cairo is an experience worth doing. It might be hard for those who have fear of closed spaces but you’d never regret it. You’ll reach the bosom of the Pyramid in your own time and emerge victorious. For some people, there’s “nothing to see there” but for me, it answers the question: “What’s inside?” So, no matter what you see inside, you should be glad you found the answers yourself and not from Google, right? 😀

Don’t just see the Red Pyramid but also go inside it. The first time I saw the Great Pyramids of Egypt, I explored them on foot. It was a blistering morning but I survived the desert heat. I planned on going inside one of the three Pyramids but when I reached there, the queue was long. So, I decided to postpone it until I’d go back. I knew I’d go back.

A week ago, I found myself in Cairo again. Instead of going back to the Great Pyramids, I decided to explore the lesser-known pyramids in Saqqara and Dashur.

The Red Pyramid is the world’s oldest true pyramid. It’s 20 kilometers from the postcard-perfect trio of the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Outside, it doesn’t really look red.
Photos: Inside the Red Pyramid in Cairo (Egypt).
Photos: Inside the Red Pyramid in Cairo (Egypt).

It got its name from the red limestones that can be found inside.

Photos: Inside the Red Pyramid in Cairo (Egypt).
Photos: Inside the Red Pyramid in Cairo (Egypt).

You can reach the entrance of the Red Pyramid at the end of these 125 steep steps.

Photos: Inside the Red Pyramid in Cairo (Dahshur, Egypt).
Photos: Inside the Red Pyramid in Cairo (Dahshur, Egypt).

When you’re up there, you have to pass through a 63-m long tunnel. You have to stoop down while descending the tiny passage. It’s tiring and by the time you reach midway, your knees start to shake.

Things to do and see in Cairo (Egypt).
Photos: Inside the Red Pyramid in Cairo (Dahshur, Egypt).

At the end of the downward steps, you’ll come out into this tiny hole on the bottom right (see photo below). This is Chamber 1 with a 12-m high ceiling.

Things to do and see in Cairo (Egypt).
Things to do and see in Cairo (Egypt).

Look up and you’ll see the vandals that the British explorers left in the early 19th century.

Things to do and see in Cairo (Egypt).
Things to do and see in Cairo (Egypt).

Inside Chamber 1 are four flights of stairs that lead to Chamber 2.

Things to do and see in Cairo (Egypt).
Things to do and see in Cairo (Egypt).

At the top, you have to pass through another passage but quite short.

Things to do and see in Cairo (Egypt).
Things to do and see in Cairo (Egypt).

And here’s Burial Chamber 2 where fragmentary human remains were found. It’s thought to be from Sneferu, the 4th Dynasty King of Ancient Egypt.

Things to do and see in Cairo (Egypt).
Things to do and see in Cairo (Egypt).

On your way back, ascending is a lot more tiring than descending the same steps. For the next two days, you feel pain in your hamstrings.

Photos: Inside the Red Pyramid in Cairo (Dahshur, Egypt).
Photos: Inside the Red Pyramid in Cairo (Dahshur, Egypt).

Not far from the Red Pyramid is the Bent Pyramid, the second pyramid built by Sneferu.

Bent Pyramid in Cairo (Dahshur, Egypt).
Bent Pyramid in Cairo (Dahshur, Egypt).

How to get to Saqqara and Dahshur (Red Pyramid)

You can either join a tour from your hostel or take an Uber. It was very cheap. The visit should take around 3-4 hours.

How to Save Time and Money in Cairo

Cairo is still cheap. In fact, Egypt is the second cheapest country I’ve ever been to. However, taking public transport is a challenge – crowded and hot. If you’re a solo traveler and you’re up for it, then, I’d recommend you to do it. Taxi? Good luck! It’s either the driver will pretend to take the shorter route or fooling you with the meter. Both happened to me. And not to mention bad driving skills. 😂

On the other hand, if you have little time in Cairo and you want so much to explore – join a tour! It’s more informative and hassle-free from harassment in public transport and avoids the scorching heat.

Hostel with Views of the Pyramids in Giza

Well, if you are on a budget, there are two guest houses/accommodations I’d recommend: Giza Pyramids View Guest House, Giza Pyramids Inn, and Comfort Pyramids Inn. All these three guesthouses have views of the pyramids. If you can afford a bit more, Jimmy’s Pyramids Views and Marvel Stone Hotel will suit you.

KeepCalmAndWander

A wanderer. A frustrated photographer. Hiker. Lover. Half extrovert, half introvert. Solo traveler.

no comment

Leave a reply

KEEP CALM and WANDER