Exploring Memphis & Saqqarah
There’s something almost magical about walking where ancient pharaohs once ruled. Back in 2005, my family and I found ourselves in Egypt-land of mystery, pyramids, and the weather was terrific. Chilly at night and moderate during the day. Highly recommended at that time of the year. One of our favourite days was spent exploring Memphis and Saqqarah, two places that feel like open pages from an ancient history book (but way dustier).
Sitting in front of the statue
First Stop: Memphis Open-Air Museum
Located just south of Cairo, Memphis was once Egypt’s capital, the largest city in the country over 5000 years ago. Today, it’s an open-air museum full of incredible relics and statues. The star of the show? A colossal statue of Ramses II, lying down like he’s taking a well-earned nap after ruling Egypt for 66 years! The size of this statue blew my mind.
We wandered through ancient ruins, past broken columns and mysterious carvings. Even though time had worn the colors away, the details were still beautiful. You could almost feel the power and pride of a civilization that built pyramids without the aid of Google Maps or power tools.
Next Stop: Saqqarah-The Step Pyramid
A short drive away lies Saqqarah, home to Egypt’s oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. This beauty was built over 4700 years ago, long before the more famous Pyramids of Giza. Standing there, staring at those stacked limestone blocks, I couldn’t help thinking: “This is the granddaddy of all pyramids!”
My family and I walked around the complex, imagining the hustle and bustle of ancient workers, priests, and royalty. It’s easy to see why this site is called The World’s First Stone Monument. There’s history in every grain of sand (and plenty of that sand ended up in our shoes!).
Tips for Travelers
- Sunblock – My number one go-to friend for the heat
- Go Early – The morning light is perfect for photos, and you’ll beat the heat.
- Bring water and a hat – Egypt’s sun doesn’t play around.
- Hire a local guide – They’ll share stories and facts that bring the ruins to life.
- Combine Memphis, Saqqarah, and Dahshur in one day if you have time – it’s a fantastic ancient sites trio!
Food Break!
After our tour, we found a nearby cafe serving falafel, pita bread, and mint tea. Simple, fresh, and perfect after exploring dusty ruins. Egyptian falafel (made with fava beans instead of chickpeas) is lighter and crispier- I could’ve eaten a whole tray.
Final Thoughts
If you love history, adventure, or want to feel like Indiana Jones for a day, Memphis and Saqqarah are must-visit destinations. They may not be as crowded as the Pyramids of Giza, but they’re every bit as fascinating.
As I stood in front of that ancient step pyramid, with sand in my shoes and the wind whispering through the desert, I couldn’t help but feel humbled. Egypt has a way of making you realize how small you are- and how incredible human history really is
