Visiting The Pyramids Of Giza: What It's Really Like In 2024
Intro
Egypt was one of the first locations that tourism expanded to outside of Europe, but it's certainly not what it used to be like in the golden days. Times have changed from the last time I visited the Pyramids, for better and for worse in certain areas. Here is my experience of what it is like visiting the Pyramids in 2024.
How I Booked
Well, this is an interesting one. My driver at the airport would be the same person who would take me to see the Pyramids. I enquired with his boss the day prior, and he let me know that for 50$, I could have a private driver for the whole day (keep in mind 50 USD). So the morning came, and we headed off on the 45-minute drive from Cairo over to the Pyramids Of Giza.
Once we arrived, outside of the entrance to the Pyramids, the driver escorted me into a local shop to have a coffee and offer me hashish (I don't smoke weed).
Now, it was time to bargain and be prepared to bring your big boys' shoes to Egypt. Originally, they wanted to charge me 250$ for a 3-hour tour, which was absurd. Eventually, after threatening to walk out multiple times and some arguments back and forth, we settled on 65$, including the camel ride, payable by Credit Card.
Alternatively, you can book online for around the same cost.
The Experience
Our camel for the day, nicknamed Michael Jackson, was elegant. Unfortunately, much like in other countries, the camels aren't treated the best. I also happened to find out that I am allergic to camels😂, so maybe bring some Benadryl if you plan on going.
From there, I was guided on my camel to head over to purchase the entrance ticket. The entrance ticket wasn't included in my guide cost, and it added an extra 200 Egyptian Pounds🤨. Now, seeing as I had already done the tombs when I was younger, I decided to solely purchase a ticket to go around the Pyramids. If you choose to go inside a tomb, it will cost extra (like everything in Egypt).
It took a matter of minutes, and we were off to go and explore the Pyramids!
Something to note: you will be traveling all around the Pyramids, meaning the guide will get on the camel with you. At first, I was slightly confused, but then it all made sense, as these camels go fast! My guide was an exceptional photographer and allowed for some amazing backdrops of the Pyramids.
He even allowed me to get on the Pyramid to take a picture 😳. Well, until the police came over to tell me to get down😅.
The Return
Before the tour, you need your bargaining shoes on. During the tour, you can relax and enjoy. However, when it comes time to head out of the Pyramids, be prepared for everything under the sun.
Here are my tips:
Speak with conviction and hold firm. For example, I gave my guide a 40$ tip, and he still jokingly asked for more.
People will try and sell you everything on the street; don't engage; it is not worth it
Once you get back to where you started, people will bring you into shops to get you to buy anything under the sun for exorbitant prices.
Hold strong with what you speak, and act as if you've done this before
BRING USD; it will take you infinitely further for cheaper due to the black market for the bills. Make sure these are clean bills as well.
Agree on a price before anything.
Look, I love Egypt and the people of Egypt. However, it's certainly become a country where you have to up your levels of awareness and be assertive.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Pyramids again at 22 was almost a full-circle experience. The views are unbelievable, riding on a camel was a lot of fun, and the people I met were very kind to me. However, if you are going, be aware that people are going to try to milk you for everything; it's just how it works. My recommendation is to be convicting when you speak, and make sure you agree on a price before doing or buying anything. Don't let this deter you from visiting, as as long as you follow these steps, it's very enjoyable!
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