Cairo: Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered a 4400-year-old tomb near Cairo that contains rare wall paintings and is believed to belong to a high-ranking Egyptian priestess, government officials have said.

The tomb is thought to be that of a priestess named Hetpet, Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said at the archaeological site, near the Giza pyramids, according to a video recorded by Agence France-Presse.

Wall paintings inside a 4400-year-old tomb near the pyramids outside Cairo, Egypt. Credit:AP

Officials unveiled the discovery to reporters on Saturday. Egyptian authorities have hoped that a surge in discoveries will attract more tourists to the country.

"The tomb is in very good condition," Waziri said. "There are coloured depictions of traditional scenes: animals grazing, fishing, bird-catching, offerings, sacrifice, soldiers and fruit-gathering."