Are you planning to visit Egypt soon and wondering which historical sites are an absolute must-see? Here’s why the Great Sphinx of Giza stands out as one of the most significant archaeological wonders you simply have to experience.

Regardless of the type of tour you choose within the Giza Pyramid and Great Sphinx complex, you’re guaranteed to enjoy and witness monumental historical relics.

In this article, you’ll find a collection of essential tips for visiting The Great Pyramid Tomb and Great Sphinx, as follows:

1. Why Should You Visit the Great Sphinx of Giza?
2. Visiting the Ancient Sphinx: When, How, and How Much?
3. Where Can You Find the Best Great Sphinx of Giza Photos?
4. Types of Tours in the Giza Pyramid and the Great Sphinx Area  
5. Tips Before Visiting The Great Pyramid Tomb and Great Sphinx

Get all the essential information you need for your next visit to Great Sphinx of Giza, from an experienced tour guide from Simsem app.

Why Should You Visit the Great Sphinx of Giza?

• The Great Sphinx of Giza stands as one of the world’s largest and most captivating statues, boasting an impressive length of 73 meters and a height of 20 meters. 
• Its unique appearance, combining the body of a lion with a human head adorned with a royal headdress, has long fired the imaginations of travelers drawn to Egypt to witness this extraordinary monument.
• Carved entirely from a single massive piece of limestone, the Great Sphinx of Giza is a testament to ancient engineering. 
• Some estimates suggest its construction took approximately three years, with a workforce of around 100 laborers utilizing only stone hammers and copper chisels.
• Archaeologists believe that sculptors carved the Great Sphinx of Giza during the reign of King Khafre (circa 2558–2532 BC), who also built the second pyramid of Giza.
• The statue and its accompanying temple are strategically located adjacent to Khafre’s Valley Temple and the lower portion of the causeway leading to his mortuary temple and pyramid.

Discover the greatness of the Great Sphinx of Giza now and start planning your tour with an experienced tour guide from Simsem website.

Visiting the Ancient Sphinx: When, How, and How Much?

In the following lines, you will discover everything you need to know about visiting the Ancient Sphinx, like the best time to visit, the tickets’ fees and how to get to and around the Pyramids area.

Best Time to Visit the Ancient Sphinx

The ideal time to visit the Ancient Sphinx and indeed, all of Egypt, is between October and April. These months are the peak of the tourist season due to the pleasantly warm and mild weather across most regions. However, if you’re able to tolerate slightly higher temperatures, visiting during the other months can be advantageous as you’ll encounter far fewer tourists. Once you arrive in Egypt, I highly recommend exploring the Giza Pyramid and the Great Sphinx area in the early morning, specifically between 8 AM and 10 AM. This timing helps you avoid both the direct sun and the largest crowds. 

Alternatively, visiting the Ancient Sphinx around sunset offers another excellent opportunity to explore freely without the intense heat. Also, Weekdays are generally less crowded than Fridays and Saturdays, which are popular for local visitors. The Giza Pyramids and Sphinx complex is open daily from 7 AM to 4 PM, except in Ramdan, the working hours are from 8 AM to 3:30 PM.

Tickets’ Details to Enter the Ancient Great Sphinx of Giza

Visiting the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx requires a general admission ticket that covers entry to the Ancient Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, and the Solar Boat Museum. 

• For foreign adult visitors, this ticket costs $15, while foreign students can gain entry for EGP $8. To visit the Workers’ Tombs, you’ll need a separate ticket: EGP 400 for foreign adults and EGP 200 for students.
• You have a few convenient options for purchasing your tickets. 
• You can get your tickets directly at the ticket counters  located at the entrance to the Giza Pyramids area. 
• Alternatively, for a more convenient experience, you can purchase tickets online through the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities website or via the “Tazkarti” platform. 
• Pre-booking your tickets through Tazkarti is also an option.

How To Get To and Around the Ancient Sphinx?

Reaching the Giza Pyramids complex, where the Ancient Sphinx is located, is generally quite easy. 

• Reaching the Ancient Sphinx takes about 45 minutes from downtown Cairo, depending on your starting point.
• You have several convenient transportation options. 
• Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber offer a simple and comfortable way to reach the site.
• For a more budget-friendly choice, local buses are also an option.
• Alternatively, many hotels offer organized tours to the Pyramids and Sphinx area. 
• If you choose this, your transportation will be handled as part of the hotel’s arrangements, providing a hassle-free experience.
• However, if you prefer to explore the Pyramids area independently and at your own pace, without being tied to a hotel’s schedule, consider hiring a tour guide from Simsem website. 
• This will give you the freedom to customize your visit.After entering the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx complex, you’ll find several easy ways to explore the ancient sites.
• You can engage yourself in the historical atmosphere by taking a ride on a horse or camel. 
• For those who prefer a more active approach, exploring on foot is always an option. 
• Additionally, the complex now features new electric buses, providing a modern and efficient way to move between the various archaeological sites.

To fully know how to get to and around the Ancient Sphinx, let tour guides from Simsem App help you design your tours.

Where Can You Find the Best Great Sphinx of Giza Photos?

Capture the best Great Sphinx photos from spots like the Panorama area, hotel rooftops, or inside the pyramids complex.

Here are some of the best spots to get your shots:

• Panorama Area: This elevated spot offers sweeping, comprehensive views of all the pyramids and the Sphinx in the distance.
• Gravity Rooftop Cafe: Known for providing some of the best angles for photographing the pyramids, offering a unique perspective.
• Inside the Pyramids: While you can take photos within the pyramids area, accessing the inside of a pyramid may require a separate ticket.

It’s important to note that photography is generally permitted in most outdoor areas of the pyramids. However, always be mindful of warning signs that indicate areas where photography is restricted. Additionally, using drones for photography over the pyramids area is strictly prohibited without obtaining official prior permission. This regulation is in place to ensure both security and safety.

Want to know what are the best Great Sphinx of Giza’s photos? Consider hiring one of the local guides from Simsem App.

Types of Tours in the Giza Pyramid and the Great Sphinx Area

When you are planning your visit to the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx, you’ll find various tour options, with prices varying based on the services and type of experience.

Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

1. Private Tours: Private tours will give you a personalized experience with a dedicated tour guide. The main benefit is the freedom to explore at your own pace without following a fixed schedule. Though pricier at \$35–\$60 per person, these tours offer a tailored and deeper exploration of the site.
2. Group Tours: Many tour companies offer group tours to the pyramids. The cost of these tours varies depending on the company and the duration of the excursion. A key disadvantage is the fixed schedule you’ll need to adhere to, which means less flexibility. However, group tours are generally more budget-friendly. You can book these through various tour operators or often directly through your hotel.

Both group and private tour prices can fluctuate based on the services included. Some tours, whether private or group, go beyond basic guided explanations and offer exciting additional activities like safari experiences around the pyramids area or camel and horse rides. These extra services will naturally impact the overall cost of the tour.

Still thinking, what is the perfect tour of Giza Pyramid and the Great Sphinx Area for you? Simsem app will guide you through the whole journey.

General Tips Before Visiting The Great Pyramid Tomb and Great Sphinx

Visiting the Great Pyramid Tomb and Great Sphinx is a bucket-list experience for many. 

To ensure your tour is a smooth and enjoyable one, here are some essential tips:

• Dress Appropriately: Wear light, breathable, and comfortable clothing. While there’s no strict dress code, modesty is always recommended out of respect for the cultural significance of the site.
• Footwear is Key: Expect sandy and uneven ground, so wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
  
• Sun Protection: The desert sun is intense, even in cooler months. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. There is very little shade within the complex.
• Hydration: Carry plenty of water with you. You’ll get dehydrated quickly under the sun. Snacks are also a good idea.

• Consider a Guide: While you can explore independently, a certified tour guide can significantly enhance your visit by providing historical context, managing vendors, and navigating the vast complex efficiently.
• Beware of Scams and Persistent Vendors: You will encounter some vendors offering souvenirs, camel/horse rides, or unofficial guiding services, so just a polite but firm “no thank you” will be sufficient.
• Have Small Egyptian cash: It helps with tips (baksheesh) and quick purchases from local vendors.
  
• It is strictly prohibited to climb the pyramids for preservation and safety reasons. Security guards are present and will stop anyone attempting to do so.

By keeping these tips in mind, your visit to the Great Pyramid Tomb and Great Sphinx will undoubtedly be a memorable and awe-inspiring journey into ancient history!

Do you think that these Great Pyramid Tomb and Great Sphinx tips aren’t enough ? If yes, then consider hiring a local guide from Simsem App.