Memphis, Sakkara & Dahshur (including Unas Pyramid)
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Memphis and Sakkara Sites Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering Memphis, Sakkara, the Unas Pyramid, selected tombs, and the Dahshur pyramid group in Cairo, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Archaeology & history
- Cultural
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Cairo
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are usually October to April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo and the desert outskirts are milder and walking conditions are easier. Midday heat can be intense from May to September, so early arrival is often the best option. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening schedules and visitor volume may change, so check hours in advance.
02Overview
A first look
This itinerary visits Mit Rahina (Memphis), the Sakkara necropolis including the Step and Unas pyramids, and Dahshur’s Bent and Red Pyramids. Transfers are typically 45–75 minutes each way from central Cairo, depending on traffic.
Background
The facts
Memphis was the capital of ancient Egypt during the Early Dynastic and Old Kingdom periods, traditionally linked with Pharaoh Menes. The archaeological area lies south of modern Cairo and is usually visited together with the Sakkara necropolis and the nearby Dahshur pyramid field, creating one of the most important concentrations of Old Kingdom monuments in Egypt.
At Sakkara, the key monument is the Step Pyramid complex of Djoser, built in the 27th century BCE and widely regarded as the earliest large-scale stone monument in Egypt. The site also includes funerary structures, mastaba tombs, and the Pyramid of Unas, whose burial chamber is known for its Pyramid Texts. Dahshur contains the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid, both associated with Pharaoh Sneferu and visible as major exterior monuments across the desert plateau.
This admission grants access to the Memphis and Sakkara archaeological sites as stated on the ticket, including the named monuments and selected tombs listed on the site plan. It does not include premium extras, private tomb surcharges, or any services not printed on the ticket. Opening hours vary by season, and last admission can change; visitors should check the official site information before arrival and keep the ticket ready at the entrance gate.
Practical visitor conditions are typical for open-air archaeological sites in Cairo: light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially in warmer months from May to September when daytime temperatures can be high. Photography rules vary by monument and can change without notice, so check at the entrance before taking images. A printed copy is advisable if the venue does not accept mobile display, and access arrangements for wheelchairs or strollers may be limited on uneven ground.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This ticket suits independent travelers, archaeology enthusiasts, and first-time visitors who want access to several adjacent Old Kingdom sites in one purchase. It is also suitable for adults and older children comfortable with outdoor walking, uneven paths, and periodic security checks.
What lingers
- 01Visit Memphis open-air museum: Colossus of Ramesses II and the Alabaster Sphinx; part of UNESCO pyramid fields.
- 02Unlike large coach tours, we allow 45–60 minutes at Saqqara's Djoser Step Pyramid for measured exploration.
- 03See Saqqara tombs of Mereruka and Ptahhotep with our Egyptologist; typical stops last 30–45 minutes each.
- 04Visit Dahshur Group: Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid; we schedule morning visits to avoid midday heat and crowds.
- 05Unas Pyramid interior contains Pyramid Texts; interior access may require a separate ticket and site permission.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Admission ticket to the Memphis and Sakkara archaeological sites as stated on the ticket
Not included
- Transport to/from the site
- Professional commentary services, bookable separately if required
- Meals and personal expenses
- Photography permit or tripod permit, if required by the venue; check at the entrance
- Tickets are delivered by email as a PDF after booking; some venues require a printed copy, so please print your ticket if in doubt
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What sites are included in the Memphis and Sakkara tour?
The tour visits Memphis, the Sakkara necropolis (including the Step Pyramid of Djoser), Dahshur's pyramids, and the Unas Pyramid. Unlike many packaged half-day tours, we include the Dahshur group (Bent and Red Pyramids) rather than skipping them. We can also request access to specific private tombs at Sakkara, such as Mereruka or Ti, subject to the site's opening status on the day.02Are entrance fees included?
We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise. Special-access items–pyramid interiors or limited tombs–often require separate tickets or permits and are excluded unless explicitly confirmed. We will list any excluded items in your booking confirmation so you can decide whether to add them.03Can I enter the Unas Pyramid or other tomb interiors?
Access to the Unas Pyramid interior and some tombs is limited and may require separate tickets or be temporarily closed. Opening policies change frequently and ticket numbers for interiors are small. We request interiors in advance on your behalf and advise early booking because availability cannot be guaranteed the day of the visit.04Is the site accessible for wheelchair users?
Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur have uneven stone, loose sand, and steps; accessibility is limited for wheelchair users. We can arrange transfer vehicles and assist with short-distance boarding, but many tombs and pyramid approaches lack permanent ramps. If you have specific mobility needs, tell us before booking so we can assess feasible alternatives and plan routes that avoid the most uneven areas.05What should I bring and wear for the visit?
Bring sun protection, water, a wide-brim hat, sturdy closed shoes, and clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Sakkara and Dahshur have limited shade and little on-site water; sunscreen SPF30+, sunglasses, and at least one spare bottle of water are practical. Modest dress is expected at burial chapels and any nearby mosques–avoid sleeveless tops and short shorts.06When is the best time of day to visit Memphis and Sakkara?
Early morning visits are cooler and generally less crowded than midday. Afternoon light can be favorable for photography at Sakkara, but heat and visitor numbers rise toward midday. During Ramadan, national holidays, or seasonal maintenance closures, site hours often change, so we confirm exact timings when you book.
Product ID: TKT-CAI-577068
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