🌍 Why Giza Should Be on Your Travel List
If there’s one place that makes you feel like you’ve just walked straight into a history book, it’s Giza, Egypt. Standing before the Pyramids of Giza feels like stepping back thousands of years — except now, there are camel selfies and Wi-Fi signals mixed in. However, if you turn around, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the city — surrounded by chaos, taxis, shops, food stalls, and everyday trade. Then, as soon as you face the pyramids again, you’re right back in ancient times.
Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply curious, the Pyramids of Giza deliver. After all, it’s a place that turns imagination into reality. It’s mysterious, majestic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Back in December 2005, my family and I — my husband, brother, mom, dad, and me — packed our bags for one of the most unforgettable trips of our lives. And yes, spoiler alert: the fuss is very real.
First Impressions: The Desert Doesn’t Do “Subtle.”
From the moment you arrive, landing in Cairo feels like stepping into another world. The air is hazy with desert dust, the streets are alive with car horns, and somewhere between the call to prayer and the scent of spices, you realize — you’re definitely not in South Africa anymore! Indeed, Cairo is not for the faint of heart. Driving is wild — six lanes on a four-lane map, horns hooting every two seconds.
As we drove to Giza, the first glimpse of the pyramids took our breath away. They rose from the golden sand like giants, glowing in the morning sun. Even though we’d seen them in books and movies, standing there in person was surreal. After all, no photo truly captures their size. It is enormous, massive, and simply wow.
🐪 Camel Rides and Laughter in the Sand
When it comes to adventure, if you visit Giza and skip the camel ride — did you even go? My husband climbed on first, smiling confidently; meanwhile, the camel gave him a look that said, “You’ll regret this.” Soon after, my brother followed, channeling his inner adventurer. Meanwhile, my mom watched the whole operation suspiciously, and my dad made friends with our guide — a cheerful man with stories as tall as the pyramids themselves.
💡 Travel Tip: Lean back when your camel stands up or sits down — otherwise, you’ll get an unexpected backflip!
Walking Beside Giants
The Great Pyramid of Khufu rises nearly 140 meters high. Each limestone block is taller than I am; in fact, standing beside them makes you feel tiny. Meanwhile, my dad and our guide discussed how ancient Egyptians built this miracle. My mom touched the stones, whispering, “Can you believe how old this is?” Eventually, I climbed only a few steps — it’s massive.
💡 Travel Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and that soft golden light photographers yearn for.
The Sphinx: The Silent Guardian
The Great Sphinx of Giza sits proudly nearby — part lion, part human, and full of mystery. My brother joked about its missing nose (“history’s first bad nose job”), and we all laughed.
There’s something almost spiritual about standing there — knowing it has watched over empires, tourists, and sandstorms for thousands of years.
💡 Travel Tip: Bring a hat or scarf. Even in December, the Egyptian sun doesn’t play around, and remember to use sunblock!
🍵 Tea, Taxis, and Tummy Rumbles
After exploring, we found a small café nearby. The mint tea was strong, sweet, and perfect — peace in a cup. Egyptians truly know tea that fixes everything: jet lag, sore feet, and camel drama.
We sat, sipped, and laughed, realizing Egypt wasn’t just about ancient wonders — it was about the moments in between—the warmth of locals, the smell of spices, the echo of history all around.
💡 Travel Tip: Try local street food like falafel, koshari, and fresh pita. Choose busy stalls — locals always know where the best bites are!
Final Thoughts: Timeless Wonder
Even after all these years, that December 2005 trip is still one of my most precious memories. We didn’t have social media or fancy cameras — just laughter, love, and a sense of awe. So, if you’re dreaming of Egypt, then don’t hesitate — go for it. Don’t rush. Let the desert’s silence hug you, take in the moment, and realize — you’re standing where kings once stood.
The pyramids don’t need your hurry — they need your wonder. Finally, go take that camel ride, sip that mint tea, and let Egypt carve its story into your heart. Once you’ve watched the sun dip behind those ancient stones, you’ll never be the same again.
We returned that night for the light show, which runs daily and includes dinner.
✍️ Author’s Note
Written by Enzelle from Eating Tourist
Globally inspired, made locally. A South African travel and food blogger sharing real stories, recipes, and adventures from around the world — one plate and one passport stamp at a time.
One Response