Egypt Contiki: Kiss my Sphinx

The first day of our Egypt Contiki tour blew my mind.

Up early, dressed, hair done and ready to explore Cairo, our first stop was the Egyptian Museum. The museum neighbours the city square at the heart of the recent Egyptian revolution and protests, where tents, graffiti and burned buildings act as a constant reminder of the resent unrest. 

The Egyptian museum in Cairo with a building burned during protests

It was clear that the protests had affected tourism in Egypt. Our tour guide, Sherif, explained that only a little over a year ago millions of people would visit Egypt and the museum per year, compared with the fraction of tourists at present.

As a result, no lines or crowds allowed us to see every room inside the museum, showcasing ancient paintings, carvings, sculptures and treasures. A highlight was King Tut’s Golden Mask, preserved and displayed in the museum.

We had the option to view the Mummy Room; with the warning that people often get nightmares afterwards. Naturally, curiosity got the better of us.

It was cold in the room, and very quiet. Hard to imagine that the remains of mummified royals, as well as some animals, were so well preserved that some still had a full head of hair or set of teeth.

The ancient Egyptians believed in preparing those for the afterlife, mummifying the remains and enclosing them in tombs. The pyramids of Giza, only a short drive from the Museum in Cairo are an example of these tombs.

Built by Pharaoh Khufu, the Great Pyramid is the largest ever built and the oldest of the Wonders of the World. Our guide Sherif recounted many different reactions people have when faced with the pyramids, with some breaking down into tears. My reaction was a little closer to, “wooooooooooooo!”

A woohoo moment at the Pyramids

Since the revolution, security around the pyramid is lacking. However, this allowed us the opportunity to climb the Great Pyramid. Cool huh? It gets better.

Chillin' on the Great Pyramid of Giza

I thought going on my dad’s motorbike for the first time was exciting. I thought the Superman rollercoaster at Movie World was thrilling. I thought driving a jet ski independently for the first time was exhilarating.

But now I can say that I’ve ridden a camel through the Sahara Desert in awe of the pyramids.

Keen as a jelly bean, I was the first in the group up on a camel. We were led out into the desert to sneak a unique view of the pyramids. Linked together by a rope and led out by locals, I was initially shaky on this new mode of transport.

But after chatting with my handler, I was off racing camels through the sand. There were no reins like on a horse, only one rope to guide the camel. The handler gave my camel a little whip and I was “wooohooo-ing” and “ahhhhhhhh-ing” from the pyramids back to the bus.

Loving Life!

The wind and sand in my hair, with the pyramids in the background, I felt like one of Charlie’s Angels.

So. Much. Fun.

Still on a high from camel riding, we then had the opportunity to go inside a pyramid. The stairs down were steep, and the underground chambers were hot. It was exciting and eerie to climb underground and explore the tunnels.

Walking like Egyptians

Next up, kissing the Sphinx.

Sitting on the Great Pyramid, venturing inside a pyramid, kissing the Sphinx, and riding a camel through the desert. Pretty awesome day.

It was 4pm before we even thought about food. Lunch was a traditional Egyptian meal full of spiced dips and meats, delicious. Perfect end to a day I’ll never forget.

Charlie's Angel, Nikki x