Giza Pyramids - Cairo
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Meidum Pyramid Cairo

4.5
·795 reviews·, Egypt

Egypt's 'False Pyramid,' a unique transitional structure offering a glimpse into early pyramid construction and a challenging interior descent.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Avoid the midday sun

CrowdLow
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Giza Pyramids - Cairo

Meidum Pyramid Cairo

Best Time

Early morning

Avoid the midday sun

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Egypt's 'False Pyramid,' a unique transitional structure offering a glimpse into early pyramid construction and a challenging interior descent.

4.5
(795 reviews)

"A spectacular and quiet site, offering a unique experience to descend into the burial chamber."

Vertical photo
TIP

Go with a guide

A knowledgeable guide enhances the experience, providing historical context and helping navigate the site.

Wear sturdy shoes

The terrain can be uneven, and the pyramid descent requires good grip.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 795 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Collapsed True Pyramid

The Collapsed True Pyramid

Meidum

Witness the unique 'tower-like' appearance of the Meidum Pyramid, a testament to early pyramid construction challenges.

Descent into the Burial Chamber

Descent into the Burial Chamber

Inside Meidum Pyramid

Experience a steep but manageable descent into the pyramid's core, offering a direct connection to ancient history.

Mastaba 17

Mastaba 17

Meidum archaeological site

Explore the well-preserved tomb of Nefermaat and his wife Itet, featuring intricate reliefs and a unique architectural style.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit Meidum Pyramid early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense desert sun and potential crowds. While less visited than Giza, it can still get busy. Consider a guide for deeper historical context and to navigate the site efficiently. TikTok

Inside the Pyramid Experience

Entering the Meidum Pyramid involves a steep descent and ascent, with some narrow passages. It's not for the claustrophobic or those with mobility issues. The experience offers a unique glimpse into ancient construction, but be prepared for a physical challenge. TikTok+2

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Avoid the midday sun
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Rejecting Fake Gifts at the Egyptian Pyramids 🇪🇬 Tourists who visit the Pyramids of Giza are constantly approached by men acting friendly and then offering a gift. If you accept the gift then they will ask for money, and if you refuse they stop asking and start demanding. It's best just to refuse the gift politely and move on. #Egypt #Cairo #Travel #TravelVlog #TravelAdvice #SoloTravel #TravelSafe...
@dalephilipvlogs
404.4K likes • 10.2M views

Go with a guide

A knowledgeable guide enhances the experience, providing historical context and helping navigate the site. TikTokReddit

Wear sturdy shoes

The terrain can be uneven, and the pyramid descent requires good grip. TikTok+1

If Egypt is on your bucket list - go! In case you’re wondering I’ve used Inca Egypt Group on both trips and have had great guides and easy to customize. #egypt #cairo #travel #pyramids #valleyofthekings
@zacharyburrabel
333.5K likes • 3.5M views
View from the base of the causeway of the pyramid at Meidum. The identity of this pyramid's builder has not been confirmed. While some scholars attribute it to Huni, others believe it is the work of his successor Sneferu. The pyramid shows several stages of development, first being constructed as a seven tier step pyramid which was later adapted by the addition of an eighth tier. Finally it was co...
kemet_deshret
498 likes • 0 views

Bring water

The desert climate is dry; stay hydrated throughout your visit. TikTok

Prepare for the descent

The climb into the pyramid is steep and can be challenging. Not for the claustrophobic. TikTok+1

El día 2 de nuestro viaje, en la ciudad de Fayum en la frontera con Bari Suwaif visitamos la #pirámide de Medium. 🔹Es la primera pirámide verdadera que los egipcios intentaron construir. 🔹Comenzó como una estructura escalonada de 8 plantas donde después se incorporó un revestimiento para formar su armazón 🔹El faraón Hunir encargó la pirámide pero fue su hijo Snefru el responsable de su constr...
mferdeviaje
359 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Go with a guide

A knowledgeable guide enhances the experience, providing historical context and helping navigate the site. TikTokReddit

Wear sturdy shoes

The terrain can be uneven, and the pyramid descent requires good grip. TikTok+1

Bring water

The desert climate is dry; stay hydrated throughout your visit. TikTok

Prepare for the descent

The climb into the pyramid is steep and can be challenging. Not for the claustrophobic. TikTok+1

Respect the site

Be mindful of the ancient structures and any wildlife, like bats, inside. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(795 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Meidum Pyramid for its unique 'tower-like' appearance and the rewarding experience of descending into its burial chamber. It's noted as a less crowded alternative to Giza, offering a more peaceful and personal encounter with ancient history. Some find the descent physically challenging, and the site is considered somewhat neglected.

"Visited 14 October 2022.

This was the third site we stopped at on our day of visiting the lesser known pyramids of Egypt.

Located an hour south of Giza and 45km south-west of Lahun lies the Meidum Pyramid a rather curious structure which is sadly neglected by tourists.

Scolars believe that this was most likely a five step pyramid similar to that of Djosers step pyramid at Saqqara. However the design was changed to make it seven steps and finally to make it a true pyramid. However the construction to make it a true pyramid was flawed and likely gave way to a catastrophic collapse during building. This aligns with the fact that the mortuary temple is incomplete and no burial occurred here.

The structure was commenced by Huni ( a third Dynasty King ) and was taken over by the fourth dynasty king Sneferu. This failure led Sneferu to attempt twice more to build a true pyramid with the second attempt being the Bent Pyramid and the third successful attempt being the Red Pyramid both located at Dahshur.

It is a spectacular site and being able to descend into the burial chamber is amazing. Note there are occupants : bats which call the burial chamber home. Our driver had never been to this particular site so joined us for the journey inside the pyramid as well.
The descent into the burial chamber is quite easy and it definitely is not as humid as some of the other pyramids internal chambers. The entrance to the burial chamber gives you an overview of the site with Mastaba 17 to the right, the mysterious sarcophagus directly in front and the mastaba of Nefermaat further off to the north.

We were the only visitors at the site at the time apart from the dozen or so miltary/security forces there.

When we departed however, the security forces of the Beni Suef Governorate felt the need for us to have an escort to the Giza Governorate border despite that taking us in the wrong direction. This was the only instance in our five weeks in Egypt that we had this occur."

S Hetherington

"It's known as the Maydoum pyramid. It's located in Beni Suef city, about 50 south of Giza city in Egypt , about one from Giza. King Huni started building this pyramid at the end of the third dynasty. King Sneferu completed the building at the beginning of the fourth dynasty. The height now is 70 meters. The entrance is in the north, leading to passage about 57 meters, two small chambers, and the burial chamber ."

Mohamed Omar

"Fascinating part of the story of pyramid building. A quiet site so no rush and easier to get around inside the pyramid than at major sites. Be aware that the final steps up into the burial chamber are, effectively, ladders so take it slowly."

David

What People Like

Unique collapsed structure
Peaceful atmosphere
Interior descent experience

What People Dislike

Physically demanding descent
Site feels neglected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Meidum Pyramid is located about 100 km south of Cairo. The most common way to get there is by hiring a private car or joining a guided tour. It's roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, depending on traffic. Some travelers combine a visit to Meidum with other nearby sites like Saqqara or Dahshur. Reddit+1

Yes, it's definitely possible to visit the Meidum Pyramid as a day trip from Cairo. Many tours include it as part of a broader itinerary exploring lesser-known pyramids. Reddit

While private cars offer convenience, budget travelers might find it challenging. Public transport to Meidum is limited. Consider joining a group tour, which can be more cost-effective than a private hire. TikTok

While not as common as tours from central Cairo, some private drivers or tour operators can arrange transport directly from Giza. It's best to pre-book and confirm this option. Reddit

The drive from Cairo to the Meidum Pyramid typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and your starting point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry fees for the Meidum Pyramid can vary. While the site itself is generally accessible, there might be a separate ticket required to enter the pyramid's interior. It's advisable to check current prices upon arrival or with your tour operator. TikTok+1

Yes, typically there is an additional ticket required to descend into the burial chamber of the Meidum Pyramid. This is separate from the general site entry fee. TikTok+1

The Meidum Pyramid generally follows standard Egyptian archaeological site hours, usually from morning until late afternoon. It's best to confirm exact hours closer to your visit, as they can sometimes change. TikTok

Online ticket purchasing for smaller archaeological sites like Meidum can be limited. It's usually best to purchase tickets on-site or through your tour provider. TikTok

Compared to the Giza Pyramids, Meidum is significantly less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. However, it can still see visitors, especially during peak tourist seasons. TikTokReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Entering the Meidum Pyramid involves a steep, inclined passage. It's a physical descent, and while there are steps and a handrail, it can be challenging for some. The air inside is generally less humid than other pyramids. TikTokReddit+2

The pyramid is structurally sound for entry, but the descent is steep and requires caution. Be aware of your footing and take your time. Bats are known occupants of the burial chamber. TikTokReddit+2

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip for the descent and uneven terrain. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the desert climate. TikTok+1

While official guides might not always be readily available on-site, hiring a guide in Cairo beforehand is highly recommended for a richer understanding of the site's history. TikTokReddit

The Meidum site includes Mastaba 17, a significant tomb, and remnants of the pyramid's mortuary temple. The surrounding landscape also offers insights into ancient Egyptian settlement patterns. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior offers dramatic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. Inside, the unique architecture of the passage and burial chamber can make for striking, albeit challenging, shots. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed inside the pyramid, but be mindful of lighting conditions and the confined space. Using flash might be restricted in certain areas. TikTok+1

Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites in Egypt. It's best to check with local authorities or your tour operator before attempting to fly a drone. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, casting long shadows and creating a dramatic atmosphere around the pyramid. Instagram

It's always respectful to ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially security personnel. TikTok+1

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