Saqqara delivers the wow. This private route takes you beyond Giza to the Saqqara Step Pyramid, then on to Memphis and Dahshur’s Bent and Red Pyramids—an Egyptian day packed into a tight 6 to 7 hours.

I like the fact that this is genuinely private for your group, so you can set the pace and spend extra time where your interest lands. I also love the way the day is designed for real-world viewing: the big monuments, the short photo breaks, and an experienced guide who’s there to explain what you’re seeing—not just move you along.

One thing to plan for: entry fees are not included (they’re listed per site), so your final cost won’t be just the $35 tour price. Also, there’s walking in sun and sand, so bring proper shoes and a hat.

Key things to know before you go

• A private, A/C vehicle keeps you comfortable between sites
• Early Saqqara timing is a highlight when your guide coordinates it
• Step, Bent, and Red Pyramids in one day is a smart use of time
• Memphis is short but photo-rich, with key statues still on site
• ATV and lunch are optional, so you control the pace and spending

Beyond Giza: why this Saqqara–Memphis–Dahshur day is a better use of time

If you’re already doing Giza, this tour is a clean next step. You get to see pyramids that many first-time visitors skip, and you do it in a way that feels less rushed than trying to stitch everything together on your own.

This isn’t just about collecting monuments. It’s about context. You start with Saqqara, where the Step Pyramid sits at the center of early pyramid building. Then you move to Memphis, Egypt’s ancient capital, and end at Dahshur for two pyramid styles tied to the Pharaoh Snefru. In other words: it’s a full arc, not a random pile of stops.

I also appreciate the practical setup: hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, bottled water, and an A/C vehicle. That matters in a day where you’ll be out in the sun, looking up a lot.

Pickup, pacing, and how you get to Saqqara early

Your day begins with the guide meeting you at your Cairo or Giza accommodation. From there, the schedule is built to get you to Saqqara and start seeing right away. The itinerary shows a short Cairo meet time, then you transition into the first real monument time.

One of the strongest details from the experience is timing control. A guide named Salib is specifically praised for coordinating the day so the group could reach Saqqara first and even go straight to the Tomb of Kagemni before the crowds built up. That’s exactly the kind of small timing tweak that makes a big difference. Fewer interruptions means better photos, calmer viewing, and more time to actually read what you’re looking at.

You’ll also have a clear rhythm:

• longer monument blocks where it counts
• shorter stops for the add-on sites
• drive time between the main areas

That pacing is helpful because your eyes—and feet—need a break.

Saqqara Step Pyramid: corridors, daily-life reliefs, and first-pyramid significance

Saqqara is the star of this itinerary. You’ll spend about 2 hours 10 minutes at the Step Pyramid area. Admission is not included here, so plan to pay the ticket fee on your side when you arrive.

What I like about this stop is how it’s framed. The Step Pyramid is described as the first pyramid built in Egypt, dating to around 2700 BC. You’re not just looking from outside. Your time includes walking corridors and moving between the walls of the first stone funerary complex built in Egypt.

Then there are the reliefs—daily life scenes—painted into the experience. You’ll see carvings over tomb walls showing what ancient Egyptians lived with day to day. Even if you don’t read Arabic or the fine print on-site, those scenes help you connect the monument to real people, not only rulers and stone.

Practical considerations:

• Wear comfortable shoes. The site involves uneven ground and stone surfaces.
• Bring a hat. The desert sun can be intense.
• Use the photo time strategically. Take wide shots early, then come back for details once you’ve found your footing.

And if you get a guide who likes to optimize the route, you may also see additional tomb stops within the Saqqara complex area, such as the Tomb of Kagemni—mentioned as a first stop in one successful early-arrival approach.

Memphis (Mit Rahina): a shorter stop with big on-site photo payoff

After Saqqara, you head to Memphis, at Mit Rahina. Your time here is around 35 minutes, so think of it as a focused hit rather than a slow museum-style visit.

This is where the tour earns its variety. Memphis is described as the first capital of Egypt, around 3150 BC, and you get to see that story through what’s still physically present. The stop includes key statues, including a great statue of Ramses II, plus an alabaster Sphinx that’s noted as the second biggest in Egypt.

I like this kind of stop because it’s concrete. You’re not only hearing about the past—you’re seeing major sculpture elements still standing where you can view them in person.

What to watch out for:

• With only 35 minutes, decide your photo priorities quickly. If you love statues, go for the big pieces first.
• Shade may be limited, so plan for sun breaks when you can.

Also, your budget should account for the fact that entry fees are not included at Memphis. And the ticket list also mentions Serapium (not part of the basic outline in the main itinerary, but included in the separate fees). If your route includes it, you’ll want that extra ticket fee ready.

Dahshur: Red and Bent Pyramids tied to Snefru

Dahshur is your final pyramid chapter, with about 1 hour 40 minutes at the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid area. Like the other main sites, entry fees are not included.

Here’s what makes this stop compelling. Both pyramids are connected to Snefru, a Pharaoh of Egypt’s 4th dynasty, around 2600 BC. That link gives your visit a storyline, rather than a comparison of two unrelated shapes.

The tour’s description highlights two contrasting details:

• The Red Pyramid is described as the first, perfect pyramid built in Egypt.
• The Bent Pyramid has a unique shape found nowhere else except Dahshur.

That uniqueness is why Dahshur is worth the extra effort. If you only know pyramids as one smooth-sided “type,” Dahshur gives you a visible lesson in how designs changed over time.

Because it’s outdoors, you’ll also get desert scenery around the area and more photo chances from the open viewpoints. Just remember: you’re walking in bright conditions. Keep your water plan simple, and don’t rush your photo stops—upright angles and changing light can make the same pyramid look totally different within minutes.

Price and value: what $35 really buys, plus the ticket reality

The listed price is $35.00 per person, and it’s described as commonly booked about 37 days in advance. That tells me there’s demand for this exact combination—pyramids plus Memphis—without needing to gamble on a self-made day.

What’s included in that base price is solid:

• cairo/giza hotel pickup and drop-off
• a private tour for your group
• an A/C vehicle
• an experienced guide
• all taxes and parking fees
• bottled water
• lunch if you select that option
• a 1-hour ATV ride around, outside of Giza Plateau if you select that option

Then there are the costs you should expect on top, because entry fees are not included. The provided fees are:

• Saqqara: 600 EGP
• Memphis: 200 EGP
• Dahshur: 200 EGP
• Serapium: 280 EGP (listed separately)

So the value math is simple: you’re paying $35 for the guided, private transportation package, and then you add monument tickets based on what you enter during the day.

A word on tips: tipping is listed as not included, so budget a little extra for that.

Is it good value? For me, yes—especially if you hate wasting vacation time. When you compare the cost of doing this privately with real on-site guide time versus cobbling together separate drivers for each site, this is a straightforward way to buy convenience.

The biggest “value unlock” here is the quality of timing. If your guide helps you get to Saqqara early—like Salib’s coordinated first-visitor approach—your day feels less like a checklist and more like you’re actually seeing the place.

What to expect from the guide (and why Salib’s name came up)

The tour is set up as a guided experience across multiple major sites. That matters because Saqqara and Memphis can feel confusing if you’re only relying on signage.

One guide name that stands out is Salib. In a reported experience, Salib coordinated the schedule tightly enough that the group could be among the first visitors at Saqqara and start at the Tomb of Kagemni. The same report says Salib went further by working with a request for Coptic Cairo and a sunset stop at the Giza Pyramid.

Now, you shouldn’t assume every change is possible. But the point is useful: this is the kind of tour where guide flexibility can matter, and you can ask. If you want a little extra variety, ask early, not last minute.

Who this private tour fits best

This tour suits you if:

• You want pyramids beyond the standard Giza run
• You like guided context at each site, not only photos
• You prefer a private setup where you can move at a comfortable pace
• You’re traveling with people who would benefit from a clear day plan (less decision fatigue)

It also fits solo travelers and couples who want privacy without joining a big group bus. Since it’s exclusive to your party, you avoid the situation where you’re constantly waiting for others.

One practical note: the tour guidance says most travelers can participate. Still, wear shoes built for walking and bring a hat, because the day is outdoors.

Should you book this Saqqara Memphis and Dahshur private tour?

Book it if you want a balanced day: pyramid designs in two different areas, plus Memphis to connect the monuments to Egypt’s early capital story. The price is reasonable for a private vehicle and guide, and the day’s pacing helps you see a lot without feeling totally scrambled.

Skip—or reconsider—if you’re trying to keep costs ultra-low. The base tour price is only part of the spending. You’ll need to budget the listed site entry fees, and you may also want to plan for optional add-ons like lunch or the ATV ride.

Also consider your tolerance for walking in sun. This is a “stand, look, walk, photograph” day. If that’s your style, you’ll enjoy it.

If you want one strong reason to go: this is one of the easier ways to turn “I saw pyramids” into “I understood how different pyramid eras look on the ground,” while still keeping the day comfortable with pickup, A/C, and bottled water.

FAQ

How long is the Private Tour Sakkara Memphis & Dahshur?

The tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The guide meets you at your Cairo or Giza accommodation.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup & drop-off in Cairo or Giza are included.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Which main sites are included?

You visit Saqqara (Sakkara) Step Pyramid, Memphis, and the Bent and Red Pyramids at Dahshur.

Are admission tickets included in the price?

No. Entry fees are not included. The listed fees are 600 EGP for Saqqara, 200 EGP for Memphis, 200 EGP for Dahshur, and 280 EGP for Serapium (per person).

What is included in the tour price besides the guide and vehicle?

Included are visits, private tour with A/C vehicle, experienced tour guide, all taxes and parking fees, bottled water, and optional inclusions like lunch or an ATV ride if selected.

Are lunch and ATV rides available as add-ons?

Yes. Lunch can be added as an option. An ATV ride for 1 hour around outside of the Giza Plateau is also available as an option.

What should I bring for the day?

The tour notes suggest comfortable walking shoes and a hat.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.