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Round the World Travel Guide

Photo Essay: Pyramids & Temples of Egypt

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I raced around Egypt in December 2008 as I only had 11 days before my onward flight to Brussels.

It was enough time to see all the major sites, and while I had tour guides for them all, I can't remember a single thing they said.  And I didn't think I would.

Instead, I focused on taking photos.

Exploring the Great Pyramids of Giza by camel
Exploring the Great Pyramids of Giza by camel

The Sphinx
The Sphinx

In comparison to the Great Pyramids, The Sphinx is quite small
In comparison to the Great Pyramids, The Sphinx is quite small

As the sun sets, dogs sleep amidst the oldest pyramids in Egypt
As the sun sets, dogs sleep amidst the oldest pyramids in Egypt

Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Queens
Luxor Temple at sunset
Luxor Temple at sunset
Hieroglyphics on temple facade
Hieroglyphics on temple facade

Having a little fun in a grand setting
Having a little fun in a grand setting

Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel

Early morning tourist rush at Abu Simbel
Early morning tourist rush at Abu Simbel

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Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking. For more of his adventures, follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

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  3. Adam says

    February 4, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    Great photos! I'm surprised to see so few people in most of them considering that everything I've heard about the touristy places in Egypt is how hard it is to get a photo without tourists. Pretty impressive.

  5. Dave says

    February 5, 2010 at 9:13 am

    Thanks Joanna – everything *was* really big! Definitely a must-see for travelers. And I couldn't take photos of the painted hieroglyphics in the tombs.

  7. Dave says

    February 5, 2010 at 9:15 am

    Adam, really? I figured the hordes of people you see in a few photos backs up how touristy it is. Egypt was the rare place where I was always with a tour guide, being shuffled around like a head of cattle. :)

  8. Dave says

    February 5, 2010 at 9:20 am

    Thanks Joya – I'd been wanting to go to Egypt since 2001. I had a trip booked back then, but the events of 9/11 got in the way, and I never made it.

  10. Dave says

    February 6, 2010 at 9:12 am

    Thanks Brooke – riding a camel to the Pyramids was awesome – I was away from the crowds, only encountering the other people on camels, meanwhile buses of tourists were on the opposite side, and they'd drive to specific lookout points (which were crowded with people).

  12. Adam says

    February 6, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    Yeah that's the impression I get about Egypt – you kinda need to be part of a tour at all the attractions. But some of these photos don't hint at that at all! Especially the first one and the one of the sleeping dog. Both are great shots uncluttered by tourists!

  13. mathew8487 says

    February 9, 2010 at 4:59 am

    Wow, amazing pics. Abu Simbel is located at Nubia and it is made up of the two huge rock temples. Twin temple monument belonged to Pharaoh Ramesse II.temples were constructed to celebrate the king’s victory. Abu Simbel is attractive place in Egypt.Abu Simbel used to guide the tours of the buried temple monuments.Nearly thousands of tourists daily visit these temples. For more details refer http://www.theearthtraveler.com/abu-simbel-egyp…

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