Top Things to do in Saqqara
The 10 Best Things to do in Saqqara, Giza Governorate
Discover the best top things to do in Saqqara, Egypt including North Pyramid (Piramide Roja), Step Pyramid of Djoser, Serapeum, Mastaba of Mereruka, Mastaba of Kagemni, Pyramid of Unas, Mastaba of Ti, Imhotep Museum, Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids, Memphis and Sakkara.
1. North Pyramid (Piramide Roja)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By kaziy - Dhaka City, Bangladesh
The Red Pyramid or the North Pyramid was the third pyramid built by Old Kingdom Pharaoh Sneferu, the father of Khufu, who built the Great Pyramid at Giza. It is the largest of the three major pyramids located at the Dahshur necropolis in Cairo, Egypt. Named for the rusty reddish hue of its red limestone stones, it is also the third largest Egyptian pyramid, after those of Khufu and Khafra at Giza. The Red Pyramid was to be first successful attempt to construct a true pyramid, Much less crowded than Giza and one more thing is that you can enter inside the pyramid. There are three Chambers inside the Pyramid. First two chambers are at ground level, while a third chamber is higher, built within the masonry of the pyramid itself.
2. Step Pyramid of Djoser
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 585 reviews
Reviewed By ukienomad - Fleming Island, United States
Step Pyramid of King Zoser was built in the 27th century BC. and the beginning of Dynasty 3, possibly the first pyramid Constructed in Egypt. It’s more than 200 feet tall, and the oldest stone structure of its size in the world. The inside of the tombs have murals that provide insights into every day life in ancient Egypt. Be sure to peer into the serdab, a stone structure in front of the pyramid with two eye-holes that invites you to look deeper inside. When you do, you will discover a remarkably life-like painted limestone statue of Zoser looking back at you. An amazing experience to walk through ancient history.
3. Serapeum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Located in Zoser’s funerary complex at Saqqara, this ancient burial chamber was for mummified bulls.
Reviewed By Addicted-to-trips - Cairo, Egypt
The Serapeum is a great tomb that contains so many coffins ⚰️ of animals that were used in ancient Egypt. Some of the coffins are made of granite and some of them are made of basalt. The coffins are so huge and one of them has the well known drawings of ancient Egypt along its wall.
4. Mastaba of Mereruka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Dating back to the 6th Dynasty (2323-2150 BC), this is the largeset tomb complex in Saqqara housing the remains of Mereruka (vizier to King Teti I), magnificent wall paintings, a stone ring for tethering sacrificial animals and a life-size statue of Mereruka walking forward from a false door.
Reviewed By DEK_29 - Brisbane, Australia
This mastaba is situated just outside and slightly down from the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Having 33 rooms, the painting on the walls feature everyday scenes that include, farming, harvesting, fishing and other common folk pursuits. Mereruka was an official in the Old Kingdom during the time of 6th Dynasty pharaoh Teti 1. He had numerous titles including vizier, hence why he mastaba is close to the Pyramid of Teti 1. Some of the original paint work has remained which provides a glimpse into the past of pharaonic Egypt.
5. Mastaba of Kagemni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By DEK_29 - Brisbane, Australia
As the son in law and vizier to the sixth dynasty pharaoh Teti, Kagemmi was entitled to a well appointed tomb. the tomb is situated close to the pyramid of Teti itself and displays the everyday life of non-royal ancient Egyptians. Instead of scenes of being the world into balance, war scenes and courting the gods; we see Kagemmi overseeing the planting and growing of grain, hunting animals such as crocodiles and wonderful fishing scenes. The scenes in the mastaba appear as either painted bas relief or two dimensional paintings. The fact that some of the scenes are in bas relief points to the high station that Kagemmi had in life. Free to enter and to take photographs; the Mastaba tomb of Kagemmi is well worthwhile exploring.
6. Pyramid of Unas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By KarenAzinger
Most people visit Saqqara to see the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, and rightfully so, but while you are there, don't miss out on the Pyramid of Unas. From the outside, this looks like a tumbledown eroded old pyramid, but don't let the outside fool you. This is a pyramid you need to see from the inside. So get your Indiana Jones on and descend the ramp into the heart of the pyramid. You've got to bend over and crouch your way down but it is worth it. The chambers at the bottom are the first to be covered in pyramid text, the earliest version of the Book of the Dead. And the burnished sandstone glows golden in the dim light. This pyramid was a delightful and fun surprise. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the inside of this pyramid!
7. Mastaba of Ti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By DEK_29 - Brisbane, Australia
Situated in the necropolis of Saqqara, the Mastaba of Ti is a finely decorated tomb that befits an Old Kingdom official. As an overseer, Ti was able to have a grand tomb that shows life during the Old Kingdom scenes including, daily life, fishing, harvesting of grain and trading. Well worth a visit.
8. Imhotep Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Faysordinarylife - Emirate of Ajman, United Arab Emirates
It a very neat and well organised museum. There is almost no crowd so everything can be seen in peace. They kept a mummy too and the sight of it gave us goosebumps. The outer area and washrooms are neat and clean.
9. Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids
This is one of the most extensive archaeological sites comprising many important monuments such as the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Pyramid of Unas, Pyramid of Sekhemket, Mastaba of Ti and the deep underground Persian Tombs.
Reviewed By I6609UFjuanr - Athens, Greece
again we consider our self's lucky to have and excellent tour guide "Abdul" he was very knowledgeable about the pyramids and all main attractions in Cairo,Giza and Alexandria, we have a private tour for my wife and I, we have a blast, Abdul makes us feel very safe and welcome everywhere we go, once in a life time trip!! thank you
10. Memphis and Sakkara
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
Our group visited Memphis and Sakkara with Gate 1 Travel as a half-day tour out of Cairo (about a 45 min drive each way). The pyramid fields that stretch from Giza to Dahshur are all part of the same UNESCO World Heritage site that was inscribed in 1979. The Memphis Historical site, an open-air museum consisting of mainly ruins and several interesting artifacts, provides a glimpse of ancient Memphis. Sakkara is more impressive. It is Egypt’s largest archaeological site and is divided into North and South areas. The main monuments, including the step pyramid, are in North Sakkara which is where most tours stop. Memphis and Sakkara are only about 20 minutes apart so these two sites can easily be visited on the same tour.
