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 in one of the three Pyramids but when I reached there, the queue was long. 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 Saqarra and Dashur.
The Red Pyramid is the world’s oldest true pyramid. It’s 20 kilometres from the postcard perfect trio of the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Outside, it doesn’t really look red.
It got its name from the red limestones that can be found inside.
You can reach the entrance of the Red Pyramid at the end of these 125 steep steps.
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.
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.
Look up and you’ll see the vandals that the British explorers left in the early 19th century.
Inside Chamber 1 are four flights of stairs that lead to Chamber 2.
At the top, you have to pass through another passage but quite short.
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.
On your way back, ascending is a lot more tiring than descending the same steps. For the next two days, you feel the pain in your hamstrings.
Not far from the Red Pyramid is the Bent Pyramid, the second pyramid built by Sneferu.
How to get to Saqarra and Dahshur (Red Pyramid):
You can either join a tour from your hostel or take an Uber. It’s very cheap. The visit should take around 3-4 hours.
Hostel with a View of the Pyramids in Giza
Well, if you are on a budget, there are two guest houses / accommodation I’d recommend: Sphinx Guest House Giza and Guardian Guest House Giza. These two are right in front of the Three Great Pyramids and few steps from the gate where you can buy your ticket.
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