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Ride a Camel Through the Desert in Egypt
Published by Camilla Cheung, Writer
Country: Egypt 
The Experience
The Pyramids at Giza are an awesome sight, and the experience is made even more amazing when you see the Pyramids from camel-back in the desert. The tall Arabian camels sway gently to and fro under the blazing desert sun as you make your way through the dusty white buildings of town, finally breaking out into open sand dunes. The footsteps of these majestic animals are nearly soundless in the sand, the sky clear, and in the distance, the iconic silhouette of the Pyramids of Giza are outlined against the horizon. Time falls away, and you might almost be part of a caravan in the desert thousands of years ago.
Most camel rides at Giza start at the entrance to the Pyramids, but do not journey within the enclosure itself. Instead, you have a chance to gaze at the Pyramids from across a wide swath of desert, culminating in an amazing view from a sandy hilltop a few miles away. The view of the Pyramids at this distance is almost more impressive than viewing them from up close, especially minus the crowds of tourists.
The camel ride itself is quite an experience as you perch on top of the camel's humps, cushioned by layers of colorful blankets. The swaying of the camel as it walks on those long legs makes your muscles clench and release to compensate for the rocking motion. You're sure to experience sore muscles the next day, but it's all part of the fun. Be sure to snap a picture in front of the Pyramids with you and your camel. Your camel will kneel down to let you clamber off and on again, which is another exciting experience - just try not to tip over and fall off the front of the camel when he gets down on his knees.
Before starting out on your ride, however, be sure to agree on a price with the guide, and be clear on the expected duration of your ride. This area of Egypt is known for overcharging naïve tourists, so be prepared to haggle to get a reasonable price (it's a good idea to ask at your hotel what the expected price should be before heading out). After agreeing on a price, you may (if you're lucky) get a free ride on a horse or a horse-drawn buggy to the site where your camel ride begins. Be prepared to give your guide a hefty tip upon the conclusion of your ride, which again you will have to haggle over – this is expected if you want to have a happy and scowl-free end to your trip. In the best situations, both you and the guide end up satisfied with your camel trip to one of the greatest wonders of the world.
Most camel rides at Giza start at the entrance to the Pyramids, but do not journey within the enclosure itself. Instead, you have a chance to gaze at the Pyramids from across a wide swath of desert, culminating in an amazing view from a sandy hilltop a few miles away. The view of the Pyramids at this distance is almost more impressive than viewing them from up close, especially minus the crowds of tourists.
The camel ride itself is quite an experience as you perch on top of the camel's humps, cushioned by layers of colorful blankets. The swaying of the camel as it walks on those long legs makes your muscles clench and release to compensate for the rocking motion. You're sure to experience sore muscles the next day, but it's all part of the fun. Be sure to snap a picture in front of the Pyramids with you and your camel. Your camel will kneel down to let you clamber off and on again, which is another exciting experience - just try not to tip over and fall off the front of the camel when he gets down on his knees.
Before starting out on your ride, however, be sure to agree on a price with the guide, and be clear on the expected duration of your ride. This area of Egypt is known for overcharging naïve tourists, so be prepared to haggle to get a reasonable price (it's a good idea to ask at your hotel what the expected price should be before heading out). After agreeing on a price, you may (if you're lucky) get a free ride on a horse or a horse-drawn buggy to the site where your camel ride begins. Be prepared to give your guide a hefty tip upon the conclusion of your ride, which again you will have to haggle over – this is expected if you want to have a happy and scowl-free end to your trip. In the best situations, both you and the guide end up satisfied with your camel trip to one of the greatest wonders of the world.
When to Go to Giza Pyramid Camel
The Pyramids at Giza close early during some local holidays, such as the month of Ramadan. In such cases, if you arrive at the Pyramids during the late afternoon, the camel rides may be your only option to get a good view of the Pyramids. Don't feel that you're missing anything, however, as you will be one of the few tourists on camel-back viewing the Pyramids at this time, a truly special experience.
Even when the Pyramids are open for tourists on foot, it is worth it to take the camel ride to see the Pyramids limned by the golden sunset against the sky. You gain a perspective on the lonely majesty of these ancient edifices that is quite different from the experience up close, surrounded by crowds of tourists.
Even when the Pyramids are open for tourists on foot, it is worth it to take the camel ride to see the Pyramids limned by the golden sunset against the sky. You gain a perspective on the lonely majesty of these ancient edifices that is quite different from the experience up close, surrounded by crowds of tourists.
Odds n' Ends
Egypt holidays, and the desert in particular, are hot and sunny so be sure to bring along plenty of water, sunscreen and a good hat.
It's always best to get an idea of general prices at your hotel before you start out. Getting to the gate of the Pyramids is quite easy by taxi from anywhere in Cairo.
It's always best to get an idea of general prices at your hotel before you start out. Getting to the gate of the Pyramids is quite easy by taxi from anywhere in Cairo.
Places to Stay Nearby
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The hotel is situated at the end of the 'Pyramids Road' and within sight of the magnificent pyramids. This is an elegant property, located within ... 0 miles away
$953 EGP+
Discover all that Giza has to offer with Husa Pyramids Hotel as a base.All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in ... 0 miles away
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