Djedefre Pyramid Abu Rawash
Explore the intriguing ruins of the Djedefre Pyramid at Abu Rawash, a remote site offering panoramic views and a sense of ancient mystery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Djedefre Pyramid Abu Rawash
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the intriguing ruins of the Djedefre Pyramid at Abu Rawash, a remote site offering panoramic views and a sense of ancient mystery.
"It's awesome to see the pyramids with your eyes, even if they are in ruins. "
GPS is Your Friend
Finding this site can be tricky. Use GPS and look for the cell tower as a landmark. :world_map:
Adventure Awaits
This is for the adventurous traveler. Expect a rugged path and a less-developed site. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Views
Summit of the plateau
Enjoy breathtaking, unobstructed views of Greater Cairo and the Giza Necropolis from this elevated site.
Archaeological Remains
Pyramid base and surrounding area
Explore the base and entrance of the burial chamber, remnants of a once-great structure and a valid archaeological site.
The Granite Block
In front of the pyramid
Discover a mysterious granite block, its original purpose still debated by archaeologists.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Permits
What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
GPS is Your Friend
Finding this site can be tricky. Use GPS and look for the cell tower as a landmark. :world_map:
Adventure Awaits
This is for the adventurous traveler. Expect a rugged path and a less-developed site. :hiking_boot:
Check Permit Status
Access is often restricted. Inquire about necessary permits before your visit. :ticket:
Unfinished Mystery
Understand that this is an 'unfinished' or 'lost' pyramid, not a complete structure.
Tips
from all over the internet
GPS is Your Friend
Finding this site can be tricky. Use GPS and look for the cell tower as a landmark. :world_map:
Adventure Awaits
This is for the adventurous traveler. Expect a rugged path and a less-developed site. :hiking_boot:
Check Permit Status
Access is often restricted. Inquire about necessary permits before your visit. :ticket:
Unfinished Mystery
Understand that this is an 'unfinished' or 'lost' pyramid, not a complete structure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Djedefre Pyramid at Abu Rawash to be a challenging but rewarding adventure, offering stunning panoramic views and a unique glimpse into ancient history. While the site is in ruins and access can be difficult due to its military zone location, the sense of discovery and the expansive vistas make it a worthwhile destination for the intrepid traveler.
"The pyramid isn’t present in its original form and shape as it was subjected to destruction when Djedefra was displaced/ousted because of his mother not being of Egyptian origin. Furthermore, locals kept cutting and moving stones till the late 19th century.
The pyramid’s base and entrance of the burial chamber are still present and it is believed that the surrounding area is a valid archaeological site.
The pyramid ruins are located on a hill with a panoramic view of Greater Cairo and the Giza Necropolis."
Amr Mounir Saad
"Difficult to find without GPS because it is in the middle off nowhere. Access is through a road that looks like it leads to a dump off the Desert Road. Site is about a half kilometer east of a cell tower atop a mountain."
Ramon Tinio
"Good luck explaining how they used ropes to not only drag the blocks up a mountain but then once on top of it construct a pyramid with said blocks."
Jon Diebe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to the Djedefre Pyramid at Abu Rawash is challenging as it's located in a restricted military zone north of Giza. Travelers often report needing GPS and looking for a cell tower as a landmark. The road can resemble one leading to a dump off the Desert Road. Researching current access requirements and potential permit needs is crucial before attempting to visit.
While the site itself is an archaeological area, it's situated within a military zone. It's advisable to check for any specific safety advisories or access restrictions before your visit.
Yes, the Djedefre Pyramid ruins are situated on a hill offering a panoramic view that includes the Giza Necropolis.
Using a reliable GPS device or app is highly recommended, as the site is described as being 'in the middle of nowhere' and can be difficult to find without clear directions.
Public transport options are generally limited for this remote and restricted location. Hiring a private car or arranging a tour that includes this site is often the most practical approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Djedefre Pyramid site may require special permits due to its location within a military zone. It's essential to inquire about current permit requirements well in advance of your visit.
As the site is within a military zone and can be difficult to access, there are no standard published opening hours. Access is typically managed through permits or guided tours.
While there isn't a standard ticket booth like at the Giza Pyramids, there might be fees associated with obtaining the necessary permits for access.
Visiting independently can be challenging due to the restricted access. Many visitors opt for guided tours that handle the logistics and permits.
Yes, the primary restriction is its location within a military zone, which often necessitates permits. The site is also a quarry, so the ruins are not as intact as other pyramids.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Djedefre Pyramid at Abu Rawash is largely in ruins, having been used as a quarry by the Romans and subjected to stone removal over centuries. You'll see the base and entrance to the burial chamber, along with remnants of its construction.
For history enthusiasts and adventurous travelers, it's worth it for the unique experience of seeing an 'unfinished' or 'lost' pyramid and enjoying the expansive views. It offers a different perspective than the Giza pyramids.
The terrain is described as rugged and the access road can be rough, resembling a path to a dump. Wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven ground. :athletic_shoe:
Given its remote location and military zone status, there are typically no visitor facilities like restrooms or cafes at the Djedefre Pyramid site itself.
Theories suggest it was an unfinished project or perhaps served another purpose. Its granite casing stones and mysterious granite block are points of interest.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views of Cairo and the Giza Necropolis are prime photo opportunities. The rugged ruins and the mysterious granite block also make for interesting shots.
Due to its location within a military zone, drone usage is likely prohibited. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
The pyramid is largely in ruins and not accessible for interior exploration in the way the Giza pyramids are. Photography would be limited to the exterior remains.
Early morning or late afternoon, during the golden hours, will provide the best light for photography, enhancing the landscape and the ruins.
Look for the remnants of the pyramid's base, the entrance to the burial chamber, the surrounding quarry stones, and the unique granite block.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Adventurous Explorers
Key recommendations: Secure necessary permits in advance, use GPS for navigation, and wear sturdy footwear. Embrace the adventure and the opportunity to see a different facet of ancient Egyptian history.
History Buffs & Archaeologists
+1Focus on: Understanding the site's history as a quarry, exploring the theories surrounding its unfinished state, and appreciating the archaeological significance of the remaining structures. This is a site for those who enjoy piecing together history from remnants. :mag:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of the Lost Pyramid
This site offers a different perspective on pyramid construction and history. The remnants hint at a grander past, and its location within a military zone adds an element of intrigue. Travelers who venture here often speak of the adventure and the unique, less-crowded experience compared to the more famous Giza plateau.
Key features that spark curiosity include the mysterious granite block found in front of the pyramid and the remnants of granite casing stones. These elements fuel ongoing discussions and theories about the pyramid's original purpose and construction.
+1Navigating Access and Permits
Travelers who have successfully visited often emphasize the importance of thorough planning. This includes researching the most up-to-date permit requirements and potentially arranging access through a local tour operator who is familiar with the procedures. Relying on GPS is also a common recommendation, with a nearby cell tower often cited as a key landmark to help locate the site.
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the effort to gain access can be rewarding. The site offers a sense of discovery and a less commercialized experience. However, it's crucial to manage expectations regarding the site's condition and the logistical hurdles involved in reaching it.
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