Egypt Transit Experience and Giza Pyramids Visit
During our return journey from South Africa, we had an 8-hour transit in Egypt. We decided to take advantage of this layover by obtaining a sticker visa to explore some local attractions.
Visa Process:
Upon arrival at the airport, we learned that a visa was required, costing USD 25 per person. Since we did not have USD in cash, we requested assistance from the currency exchange service. Although initially reluctant, they eventually agreed to process our card for the visa fee after a 20-minute wait. Following this, we obtained a declaration form from the counter, completed the visa application, and proceeded through immigration.
Transportation and Tour Booking:
As we were preparing to exit the airport, an official-looking person with an airport ID inquired about our transit status and offered his assistance. We initially thought he was an airport authority, but he turned out to be a travel agent authorized to operate within the airport. He directed us to a travel agency counter outside the airport, where we were informed that a car to our destination, including a pyramid entry ticket, would cost USD 100 for 3 person. After payment, the agent unexpectedly took us to an ancient painting shop before arranging a horse carriage for our tour inside the pyramid area, requiring an additional USD 20 per person for the carriage ride.
Giza Pyramids Visit:
Inside the airport, we booked transportation to the Giza Pyramids, ensuring a secure and scam-free experience. Alternatively, Uber is a cost-effective option for those confident in managing their own schedule.
Itinerary:
Ancient Painting Shop (30 minutes): Our driver first took us to a shop selling ancient paintings, where we negotiated a significant discount, purchasing a USD 50 painting for USD 5.
Horse Carriage Tour (1 hour): We then booked a horse carriage tour of the pyramids, with our guide doubling as a photographer. Note that exploring the pyramids on foot is recommended early in the morning, as it becomes very hot after 11 am.
Souvenir Shopping (30 minutes): We visited a silver shop to purchase souvenirs.
Nile River Stop (20 minutes): On our way to Giza, we briefly stopped by the Nile River for photographs. Due to time constraints, we could not book a cruise ride.
Breakfast Stop (1 hour): Our driver recommended a few shops for breakfast, and we stopped at a local restaurant. We had the opportunity to taste some amazing Egyptian cuisine, including dishes like ful medames (stewed fava beans), ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel), baladi bread (traditional Egyptian flatbread), and shakshuka (eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions).
Missed Attraction:
We regretfully missed visiting the Royal Mummies Hall, a significant site housing mummies removed from the pyramids.
Conclusion:
Overall, our short visit to Egypt was a mix of planned activities and unexpected detours. While we enjoyed the rich history and culture, the experience highlighted the importance of careful planning and cautious navigation of local services.