While the pyramids of Giza often steal the spotlight, serious Egyptology enthusiasts know that the story began a little farther south. About 30 km (19 miles) from Cairo, the site of Saqqara and the ancient capital of Memphis offer a fascinating journey back to the origins of pharaonic civilization.
This is where the brilliant architect Imhotep invented the first pyramid in history. This is where the sacred bulls were buried in giant sarcophagi. To understand the architectural evolution that led to the Great Pyramid, you absolutely must visit Saqqara and Memphis. It is an excursion we systematically include in our cultural tours in Cairo.
Saqqara: Egypt's Largest Necropolis
Saqqara is an open-air history book, used as a royal cemetery for more than 3,000 years. The site is enormous (more than 7 km / 4.3 miles long) and continues to yield new treasures every year during archaeological digs.
1. The Step Pyramid of Djoser
This is the star of the site. Built around 2650 BC by Imhotep, it is considered the oldest monumental cut-stone building in the world. Its stepped shape (6 levels) symbolizes the ascent of the pharaoh's soul toward the sky. Recently restored, it is now possible to go inside to admire the underground corridors for an extra ticket (about 150 EGP on top of the site entrance ticket, which costs roughly 450-500 EGP in 2026).
2. The Pyramid of Unas and Its Texts
Do not be fooled by its rubble-like exterior. The interior of King Unas's small pyramid is a jewel. This is where the famous "Pyramid Texts" first appear, magical spells carved in blue hieroglyphs on the white walls to help the king in the afterlife. Access is generally included in the general ticket.
3. The Serapeum of Saqqara
A mysterious and impressive place, the Serapeum is an underground gallery where the sacred Apis bulls, incarnations of the god Ptah, were buried. There you will see immense granite sarcophagi weighing up to 70 tons, cut with a laser-like precision that still puzzles modern engineers.
4. The Mastabas of the Nobles
Saqqara is also home to the tombs of high officials (mastabas) decorated with extraordinary finesse. The tombs of Mereruka, Kagemni and Ti feature scenes of daily life (hunting, fishing, farming) in colors that are still vivid after 4,000 years.
Memphis: The First Capital
A few minutes from Saqqara lies the village of Mit Rahina, site of ancient Memphis. Founded by King Menes around 3100 BC, it was the first capital of unified Egypt. Today, there is no great city left, just a charming open-air museum that is well worth a stop.
The centerpiece is the Colossus of Ramesses II, a reclining limestone statue more than 10 meters (33 ft) long. The delicacy of the anatomical details and the expression on the face is astonishing. You will also see a magnificent alabaster sphinx and various colossal statues.
Practical Information 2026
- Hours: The site is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closing at 4:00 p.m. during Ramadan).
- Tickets (indicative 2026 prices):
- Saqqara (general site + Imhotep Museum): ~500 EGP
- Memphis (open-air museum): ~200 EGP
- Serapeum: A separate ticket is often required (~200 EGP)
- How to get there: There is no convenient direct public transport for tourists. The best option is to book a private vehicle with a driver for the day from Cairo or Giza.
Dahshur: To Round Out Your Visit
If you have the time, extend your excursion a few kilometers south to Dahshur. There you will see the Bent Pyramid (with its unique curved shape) and the Red Pyramid (the first successful true smooth-sided pyramid). These sites are far less crowded and sometimes let you find yourself alone in a royal burial chamber! It is an extension we offer in our Complete Cairo package.
How to Combine Memphis and Saqqara with Other Sites
One of the advantages of Memphis and Saqqara is their proximity to other major sites. As a local agency, we generally fold this visit into a full day that includes other stops. Here are the most popular combinations:
Saqqara + Giza (full day): this is the most classic combination. Start with Giza in the morning (7 a.m.-10 a.m.), then head to Saqqara and Memphis (10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.). Have lunch at a local restaurant on the road between the two sites, where the grilled meats and mezze are excellent and very affordable (150-300 EGP / ~$3-7 per person for a full meal). This day is included in our Smile of the Sphinx package.
Saqqara + Dahshur (half day): for lovers of pyramid architecture, this combination is ideal. You will see the full evolution of the pyramids: the first one (Djoser at Saqqara), the failed attempt (the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur) and the first success (the Red Pyramid at Dahshur). It is a history-of-architecture lesson in three stages. Plan on 4 to 5 hours.
Saqqara + Memphis + Coptic Cairo (full day): if you have a full day and have already seen Giza, combine the ancient sites in the morning with the Coptic quarter in the afternoon (the Hanging Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Coptic Museum). Two eras, two atmospheres, one rich day.
Recent Discoveries at Saqqara
Saqqara is probably the most active archaeological site in Egypt right now. The discoveries of recent years have made international headlines and add new reasons to visit this extraordinary place:
Honestly, every excavation season brings its share of surprises. Dozens of perfectly preserved painted-wood sarcophagi have been unearthed in burial shafts 10 to 12 meters (33 to 39 ft) deep. Some of these coffins still held intact mummies with their amulets and funerary papyri.
The Imhotep Museum, located at the entrance to the site, has been expanded with new rooms showcasing these recent discoveries. It is a small museum often overlooked by rushed visitors, but it deserves at least 30 to 45 minutes. The objects on display are remarkably presented and shed light on the site's history in an accessible way. Admission is included in the general Saqqara ticket.
Tips from Our Team on the Ground
After years of guiding groups around this site, here are a few practical recommendations our guides share without fail:
Wear closed-toe shoes. The terrain is sandy and uneven. Save the sandals for the hotel. At Saqqara, you will walk on sand, gravel and stone staircases. A good pair of walking shoes makes all the difference.
Bring plenty of water. There are practically no places to buy anything once you are inside the site (aside from a few street vendors with inflated prices). Plan on at least 1.5 liters per person, especially in summer.
Do not skip the mastabas. Many visitors focus solely on the Pyramid of Djoser and miss the mastabas of the nobles. That is a mistake. The tombs of Ti and Mereruka contain incredibly rich scenes of daily life: harpoon fishing, winemaking, dancing, music. They are, in a way, the "Instagram photos" of ancient Egypt.
Leave time for the panorama. From the Djoser complex, the view over the desert and toward the pyramids of Dahshur and Giza in the distance is spectacular. It is one of the best viewpoints in Egypt for understanding the geography of the Memphite necropolis as a whole. In short, take 5 minutes to enjoy the landscape before heading off.
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: How long do you need to visit Saqqara and Memphis?
A: Plan on half a day (about 4 to 5 hours) from Cairo to cover the essentials. A full day is ideal if you add Dahshur and a typical grilled-meat lunch on the road to Saqqara.
Q: Can you visit Saqqara and Giza on the same day?
A: Yes, it is possible but intense. We recommend starting with Giza in the morning (to avoid the crowds) and doing Saqqara in the afternoon, or the other way around. Our Smile of the Sphinx package is designed to optimize these visits.
Q: Is it suitable for children?
A: Yes, though the terrain is sandy. The Memphis museum is small and easy. Going inside the pyramids can be intimidating (and sometimes claustrophobic) for the youngest ones, but the exterior offers a vast playground for discovery.
Book Your Journey Back in Time
Walking in the footsteps of Imhotep and the first pharaohs is a moving experience. Far from the urban bustle, Saqqara offers a serenity that invites historical contemplation.
Our English-speaking Egyptologist guides are passionate about this Old Kingdom period and know how to "make the stones speak" for you. Contact Sem Elegant Voyage to plan your private excursion.