Saqqara Necropolis is located south of Cairo. The most common ways to get there are by taxi, private car, or organized tour. Many tours include transportation from your hotel. If driving yourself, allow ample time for traffic.

Saqqara is about 30 kilometers south of Giza, making it a feasible addition to a day trip from Cairo or Giza. +1

Yes, Saqqara and Memphis are often visited together as they are geographically close and historically linked. Many tours combine both sites. +1

The site is vast, so consider hiring a local guide with a car or using a taxi to navigate between different areas. Some visitors enjoy exploring parts of the necropolis on horseback.

Public transport options to Saqqara are limited and can be time-consuming. It's generally recommended to arrange private transport or join a tour for a more convenient experience.

Saqqara Necropolis typically opens around 7 AM and closes around 5 PM. It's always a good idea to verify the current opening hours before your visit.

Ticket prices can vary, but an 'all-inclusive' ticket is often recommended to access multiple tombs and the museum. Entry into specific structures like the Step Pyramid may incur an additional fee.

Yes, it is often possible to enter the Step Pyramid, but this usually requires an additional ticket or fee. The experience inside can be tight, so it's not for the claustrophobic.

While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets in advance, especially as part of a tour, can save time and ensure access, particularly during peak seasons.

Look for an 'all-inclusive' ticket that covers entry to the main sites, tombs, and the museum. This often provides the best value for exploring the extensive complex.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Serapeum with its massive granite sarcophagi, and the beautifully decorated tombs of nobles like Mereruka and Teti are essential. +2

Saqqara is generally less crowded than the Giza pyramids, offering a more peaceful experience. However, it can get busy with tour groups, especially in the mid-morning and afternoon. Visiting early is best.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must due to the vastness and uneven terrain. Light, breathable clothing is recommended for the desert climate.

Photography rules can vary. Generally, photography is allowed in most outdoor areas and some tombs, but check for specific restrictions and potential fees for cameras or video.

The Serapeum is an ancient underground burial place for the sacred Apis bulls, believed to be incarnations of the god Ptah. It's known for its enormous, precisely cut granite sarcophagi. +1

There are very limited facilities within the Saqqara complex itself. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks, as there are no supermarkets on-site.

For dining options, you'll need to return towards Cairo or Memphis. Many tours include lunch, or you can find restaurants in nearby towns.

It is strongly recommended to drink only bottled water in Egypt, including at Saqqara, to avoid any potential stomach issues.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser, the vast desert landscape surrounding the complex, and the intricate details within the tombs offer excellent photographic opportunities. +1

Photography policies can change. While generally permitted in many areas, always check for signage or ask your guide. Some sites may charge an extra fee for cameras.

Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and flattering illumination for photographing the ancient structures and landscapes.

Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites in Egypt. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid issues.

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the pyramids and details within tombs. A wide-angle lens can be great for the Serapeum.