Egypt Discovery
From per person£43
ExcursionCairo

Saqqara & Memphis Half-Day Tour

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Sakkara & Memphis Half Day Tour is a 1-day private guided excursion covering Saqqara and Memphis in Cairo, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are October through April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo are generally milder and visibility is good for outdoor sightseeing. From May to September, early morning or late-afternoon departures help avoid the hottest hours; during Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and traffic patterns may change, so scheduling should be confirmed in advance.

02Overview

A first look

Saqqara is home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the earliest monumental stone structure in Egypt. Mit Rahina (Memphis) displays the fallen colossus of Ramses II and an alabaster sphinx in an open-air museum.

Background

The facts

Saqqara lies about 30 km south of central Cairo and served as the principal necropolis for ancient Memphis, the Old Kingdom capital. The site is best known for the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built for King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty around the 27th century BCE and widely regarded as the earliest large-scale cut-stone monument in Egypt. Visitors typically combine Saqqara with Memphis because the two sites are geographically linked and can be visited in a single half-day circuit.

Memphis, located south of modern Cairo near Mit Rahina, was the political and administrative center of Egypt during much of the Old Kingdom and later periods. The open-air museum contains the colossal limestone statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx, both of which are among the site’s best-known surviving monuments. The museum layout is straightforward, with short walking distances between the main displayed pieces.

A private half-day excursion from Cairo usually takes about five hours, including transfer time, on-site guiding, and movement between the two archaeological areas. The drive time depends on traffic conditions in Greater Cairo, but Saqqara and Memphis are commonly paired because they are close enough to visit without a full-day schedule. Entrance fees are typically separate only if specifically excluded; pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and gratuities are generally not included unless stated otherwise.

For logistics, morning or late-afternoon departures are commonly used to reduce exposure to peak midday heat, especially from May through September. The visit involves light-to-moderate walking on uneven archaeological ground, with some shade available in limited areas and better access by private vehicle than by large coach.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits first-time visitors to Cairo, history enthusiasts, and travelers who want a focused introduction to Old Kingdom archaeology without spending a full day on the road. It is also suitable for adults and older children who are comfortable with short walks on uneven ground and a guided sightseeing pace.

What lingers

  • 01Visit Saqqara's Step Pyramid of Djoser with our Egyptologist; included entry and two-hour guided exploration.
  • 02See the open-air museum at Memphis (Mit Rahina): colossal Ramses II statue and alabaster sphinx included.
  • 03Depart central Cairo around 08:00 to avoid traffic; Saqqara is approximately 30 kilometres south of central Cairo.
  • 04Includes bottled water and private air-conditioned car; walking on uneven stone and short stairs expected.
  • 05Part of the UNESCO 'Memphis and its Necropolis' listing; we explain the 1979 inscription and archaeological significance.
  • 06We run the tour as a private half-day, not a large coach group, allowing flexible stops.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Approximately 5 hours guided excursion
  • Private Egyptologist guide
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

  • Site entrance fees (payable on arrival)
  • Pyramid interior tickets and premium tomb entrances where applicable
  • Meals and drinks
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
  • Any personal expenses or optional extras

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Sakkara & Memphis Half Day Tour?
    The tour is a half-day excursion, typically lasting three to four hours. Pickup and return from central Cairo usually add travel time; traffic can affect the total duration. We confirm exact timings when you book and can offer a morning or afternoon start where available.
  2. 02What sites will we visit on this tour?
    You visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Sakkara and the archaeological remains of ancient Memphis. At Sakkara you'll see Old Kingdom mastabas and funerary structures; at Memphis the site includes the Colossus of Ramesses II and the remains of the alabaster sphinx. Unlike full-day Cairo itineraries that try to include Giza, this half-day concentrates on Sakkara and Memphis only.
  3. 03Are entrance fees included?
    Standard site entrance fees for Sakkara and Memphis are included in the tour price. Extra charges–such as entry to pyramid interiors, premium tombs, or any optional museum exhibitions–are not included unless stated on your confirmation. We list any additional fees on your booking confirmation.
  4. 04Can we enter the Step Pyramid of Djoser?
    Interior access to the Step Pyramid of Djoser is possible but limited and not guaranteed. Entry often requires a separate ticket and can be closed for conservation or capacity reasons. The internal passages are narrow with uneven stone steps and may be unsuitable for guests with claustrophobia or significant mobility issues.
  5. 05Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
    The tour involves walking on uneven stone, steps and loose sand, which can challenge young children and those with limited mobility. We can adjust the pace and shorten time on site if you tell us at booking, but wheelchair access is limited around the ancient monuments. Expect some short uphill or stepped sections at Sakkara.
  6. 06What should I bring and wear for the Sakkara & Memphis Half Day Tour?
    Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable closed walking shoes, bottled water, and modest clothing for temple areas. Carry a light layer for cooler mornings or winter, your passport or a copy for ticketing, and small Egyptian pounds for tips or purchases. There is limited shade on site and strong sun in summer.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days
Full refund less a £50 admin fee
15–30 days
50% refund
Within 14 days
No refund – date changes considered case by case

Product ID: EXC-CAI-103027

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