The Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx in Egypt

By alantvuong on January 21, 2018

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. It is the oldest and largest of three pyramids and is located right by the Sphinx just out of Cairo, Egypt. Being over 4500 years old, it is believed that the pyramid was built as a tomb. After visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2014 (read more here and here), I was ready for another trip to the desert. After researching online to see how accessible this trip can be, we booked an accessible tour with Memphis Tours in April 2015.

in our accessible van with Memphis Tours

We decided to do a tour appropriately named Wheelchair Cairo and Nile Cruise Tour. It was 8 days and 7 nights long and we decided to to April 4th to the 12th in 2015. You can read about my full itinerary here. So on our 2nd day in Egypt, after a great breakfast, we get in our accessible van that has a ramp, and we are headed to see the Pyramids and Sphinx.

boardwalk for wheelchair users almost right up to the pyramids

When we arrived at the Pyramids, we noticed that there was a boardwalk paved walkway to get closer to see. Lucky I was travelling with a strong friend who actually wheeled me off the walkway and onto the sand to get right up close to touch the pyramid. There were open holes in the middle of the pyramid where people can actually climb up and go in to look and check out the chambers. This is not something a wheelchair user can do so I got my friend to take pictures for me. The 3 large pyramids are named: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Menkaure and the Pyramid of Khafre. There are even 3 mini pyramids that are smaller structures that belong to the Pyramid of Menkaure. We even decided to go on a horse and buggy to wander around the area of the pyramids to take some cool photos.

casual ride to take some photos

What really surprised me was that the Great Sphinx of Giza was just steps away from the Pyramid of Khafre. I always thought that it was larger but pales in comparison to the big pyramids. It is the oldest known monumental structure in Egypt being over 4500 years old too and is a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. The whole area to the Sphinx is blocked off so we can only take photos from a distance. Was still an amazing sight to see.

the Great Sphinx of Giza

There is also an option to come back in the evening to see an amazing sound and light show at the pyramids. Our hotel was close so this was not an issue for us. For an hour, the Sphinx tells us the history of Egypt and how the pyramids and Sphinx were created. Wheelchair spots were right at the front so it was easy for us to take in all the action. This was another great cheap activity for us to do as it gave us a chance to view the sights at night.

sound and light show

The day spent here at the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx of Giza was something that I will remember for the rest of my life. I just couldn’t believe that I actually made it to Egypt to visit one of the wonders of the world. I could never imagine that this something that I could do as a wheelchair user. I love to try new things and always make an effort in making my dream come true. This is something that I would definitely do again if I had the chance.