The Egyptian Pyramids are the highlight of a visit to Egypt and is the major drawcard for visitors to this country. The pyramids are the landmark of Egypt as they represent the power, wealth and grandeur of the Egyptian kingdom at its zenith. To see these pyramids standing like a mirage in the middle of the desert is a dream come true but what if you could climb inside the pyramids? Well, you can, for an additional fee. The important question is – Which is the best pyramid to enter?

The Pyramids of Giza is the number one attraction in Egypt; however, these are not the only pyramids in Egypt. There are, also, pyramids in Saqqara of which the Step Pyramid of Djoser is the most popular and a predecessor to the Pyramids of Giza. In addition, a number of smaller mastabas or tombs lie scattered all over Egypt which are also worthy of inspection.

Inside the Pyramids of Giza

Most tourists enter inside the Pyramids of Giza more than any other pyramids in Egypt largely because the pyramids are the most visited site in Egypt. These are the most accessible pyramids as they are located close to Cairo and are included in every Egyptian tour. However, the Pyramids of Giza are not the best pyramids to visit in Egypt. Read on to find out why.

Inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu

While the Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest of all the pyramids in Egypt, it is not necessarily the best pyramid to visit. There isn’t much to see inside this pyramid, but the experience of climbing through the ancient structure is unforgettable.

If you suffer the tiniest degree of claustrophobia, don’t attempt to enter the Great Pyramid as the passages are narrow and the spaces are tight, and in the heat of the summer stuffed with tourists, the inside of the pyramid is guaranteed to set you off. The elderly and unfit should also not attempt the climb, as it is very steep.

Inside the Pyramid of Khafre

The chambers and passageways of the Pyramid of Khafre are less elaborate than those in the Great Pyramid, but are just as claustrophobic.

On entering the pyramid there are two descending passageways converging and leading to the single tomb chamber. Whereas Khufu’s tomb chamber sits high up inside the structure, Khafre’s is dug deep into the bedrock beneath his pyramid. There is little to see except the king’s large granite sarcophagus.

Inside the Pyramid of Menkaure

Visitors are no longer allowed inside the Pyramid of Menkaure, which is a good reason to skip this pyramid.

Inside the Pyramids of Saqqara

Compared to the Pyramids of Giza, the pyramids and mastabas of Saqqara are smaller but there is more to see inside the pyramids. However, these pyramids are seldom visited by tourists who make a beeline for the Pyramids of Giza before heading back to Cairo.

Inside the Mastaba of Ti

While the Step Pyramid of Djoser is the most visited pyramid in Saqqara, the Mastaba of Ti is a hidden gem in the necropolis of Saqqara. A visit to this tomb will leave you mesmerised and impressed. The wall paintings in the Mastaba of Ti are unrivalled for the wealth of information they provide about everyday life in Old Kingdom Egypt. The tomb walls are also adorned with detailed scenes of daily life including men and women working on the land, preparing food, fishing, building boats, dancing, trading and avoiding crocodiles.

While the pyramids and mastabas of Saqqara are more beautiful inside than the popular pyramids of Giza, a visit inside any pyramid is an experience like no other. At the end of the day, entering inside a pyramid is something you can only do in Egypt and will remain in your memory for years to come.

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