Most first-time visitors to Egypt see only Giza, but the pyramid fields of Saqqara and Dahshur, thirty minutes further south, are where the Egyptians actually learned how to build a pyramid. This guide covers the step pyramid of Djoser, the Bent and Red Pyramids of Dahshur, and why this detour is worth a full day for anyone who loved Giza.
Memphis: Egypt’s First Capital
Before Cairo existed, Memphis was the capital of a unified Egypt for nearly three thousand years. Today the open-air museum at Mit Rahina holds a colossal fallen statue of Ramses II and a large alabaster sphinx, giving a quieter, less crowded introduction to pharaonic Egypt than the busier Giza plateau.
Saqqara and the Step Pyramid of Djoser
Built around 2650 BC for the pharaoh Djoser, the Step Pyramid is widely considered the world’s oldest large-scale stone monument, designed by the architect Imhotep. Its six stacked layers mark the transition from flat mastaba tombs to true pyramids, and the surrounding funerary complex – including a colonnaded entrance hall and ceremonial courtyards – has been extensively restored in recent years. Saqqara also holds dozens of smaller tombs with vividly painted reliefs, several of which are open to visitors and far less crowded than anything at Giza.
Dahshur: The Bent and Red Pyramids
A short drive from Saqqara, Dahshur is home to two of Egypt’s most important transitional pyramids, built under Pharaoh Sneferu:
- The Bent Pyramid: its angle visibly changes partway up, evidence of an early engineering correction
- The Red Pyramid: Egypt’s first successful true smooth-sided pyramid, and one of the few pyramids visitors can enter without crowds or timed tickets
Dahshur receives a fraction of the visitors that Giza does, which makes it one of the best places in Egypt to explore a genuine ancient pyramid at your own pace.
Why Add Saqqara & Dahshur to Your Itinerary
- See the evolution of pyramid-building in a single day, from step pyramid to true pyramid
- Far smaller crowds than Giza, with more relaxed access to tomb interiors
- Easily combined with Memphis for a complete Old Kingdom day trip from Cairo
- Excellent for repeat visitors to Egypt who have already seen Giza
Our Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur Pyramids Day Tour covers all three sites in a single private, guided day from Cairo, with air-conditioned transport and an Egyptologist guide who can explain how each site fits into the story of the pyramids.
Frequently asked questions
Is Saqqara worth visiting if I’ve already seen Giza?
Yes – Saqqara tells the story of how pyramid-building began, and the Step Pyramid of Djoser is considered the world’s oldest major stone monument.
Can you go inside the pyramids at Dahshur?
Yes, the Red Pyramid is regularly open to visitors and is often far less crowded than the pyramids at Giza.
How far is Saqqara from Cairo?
Saqqara is roughly 30 to 45 minutes from central Cairo, depending on traffic, with Dahshur another 15 to 20 minutes beyond it.
Can I combine Giza with Saqqara and Dahshur in one day?
It is possible but rushed; most travellers prefer a dedicated day for Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur to explore each site properly.
Is Memphis worth the stop?
Yes, especially for the colossal statue of Ramses II, even though little remains of the ancient city itself.
