South-west of Cairo on the Nile’s west bank, Giza – if you haven’t already been – is likely on your bucket list. Home to Egypt’s famous sights such as the Sphinx and, of course, the Great Pyramid of Giza, there’s a lot to take in – and equally just as much to miss without the right tips or guidance. Mahmoud Gebril, Egyptologist and founder of Osiris Tours (osiristours.com), creates tailor-made itineraries for travellers and shares with us top tips to ensure you make the most out of Giza exploration.

1. Get all the right tickets. There’s a general ticket giving access to the pyramids complex, but that won’t get you everywhere – which not everyone is aware of. If you don’t want to miss out on anything, make sure to purchase the additional tickets that allow extra access, such as inside the pyramids and entry to the Solar Boat Museum.2. Hire the right guide. Being with a trained Egyptologist will enhance any visit to Giza with in-depth knowledge of the history of the pyramids and the Sphinx – and the ability to point out hidden gems that are easily overlooked, give detailed explanations and share stories to bring the history alive.

3. Choose your hotel wisely. Your Giza experience will start by choosing where to stay. Marriott Mena House Hotel, both luxurious and historic, is a hard-to-beat option when visiting – you might even have a view of the pyramids from your room. Just as good – staying at such close proximity means you’ll avoid Cairo’s infamous traffic.



MARRIOTT MENA HOUSE HOTEL

4. Set your alarm for an early arrival. Beat the crowds by arriving early in the morning – while also avoiding the hottest time of day in late morning and afternoon. Summer highs can reach 35ºC, which can be strenuous and potentially unhealthy to explore in.

5. Don’t forget to bring water. This is a desert, after all, and all the exploration will probably parch you. While you can buy H2O from on-site vendors, the mark-up is best avoided.6. Dress appropriately. Not just for the weather (light, breathable clothes in the summer, and something to keep you warm in the cooler winter, and sun protection all year), but also to respect the culture. Choose conservative pieces that aren’t too low-cut, short or tight.

7. Don’t underestimate a good pair of walking shoes. You will be spending most of the day on your feet so shoes that you know will keep you comfortable for long periods of time, not create discomfort and keep your feet feeling energised to keep going, are crucial.



THE SOLAR BOAT MUSEUM

8. Don’t climb the pyramids. This might sound obvious, but it’s a tip to keep you better safe than sorry. Not only is it dangerous, it’s absolutely illegal to climb any of the pyramids – one tourist who was caught in the act received a lifetime ban.

9. Watch out for scammers. While most people you come across in Egypt are nothing but friendly, it’s still a good idea to watch out for scammers around the pyramids. They’ll often start by making eye contact then approach to try to take advantage – so best to avoid eye contact in situations where there may be potential scammers around.