Cairo Mini Adventure

Cairo is a massive city with over 20 million people you wouldn't think that you'd get more than a sightseeing experience where you would only be able to take a taxi from place to place.

But Cairo has some amazing places to see and this trip we decided to take in the breathtaking Giza plateau by doing it a little differently.

Most people tend to take a taxi up to the area and just take in the great pyramid before going off to the next site on the list of places they have come to visit. It amazes me how many people come to this seventh wonder of the world just for their social media shots! not taking in the impressive structure before them at all!

We decided to come away from this area and take in the plateau from the great sphinx up to the middle pyramid walking up the original causeway passing by the ruins of the mortuary temples and colonial buildings that make up this amazing place.

When out on an adventure I love to try something new and something that is specific to the place I am visiting so this trip I decided I needed to get over my fear of camels and take a ride out around the plateau this would definitely give me a unique view of the area and it would be like being taken back in time riding on a ship of the desert.

Now when I say I have a fear I really have a fear! Not of the camel itself but of the height it's a long way to fall after all!

Our camel guide was great though and took into account my obvious nerves letting me get on in my own time and advising me the seated position to take as my camel got up. I have to say this part is the worst bit as you get thrown back and forward as this great beast gets to its feet!

Now I'm an avid horse rider but was amazed at the lack of stirrups my saddle had meaning I had to hold on with my thighs!! for 10 mins this may have been ok but for an hour I was less confident!

The camel's gait felt long and slow like I was riding a big draft horse, at one point mine decided that having a bit of a trot was a great idea! I was not keen seeming the only thing I had to hold on with was my inner thighs! Of course, the saddle has handholds but when I'm riding I prefer to be able to hold on with everything!!

As we took off over the plateau I was amazed by how much more you can see and how quickly a camel can move across the sand, they always look so slow and lolopy! boy, I was wrong!

Because of the distance, these incredible beasts can cover we were able to take in the whole area and even managed to get over to the panoramic viewpoint that we always get to see in the magazines it was stunning, and doing this trip early in the morning meant we felt like we had the place to ourselves.

Once down from the camel we walked to the great pyramid as in 23 years I had never been inside so it was a must-see this trip :-)

What can I say it was incredible the sheer size of this pyramid is enough to make you

question as you make your way inside the great chamber all you can think is how and why!

Now side note if you are short like me (5ft4in) then the narrow passageway inside the pyramid is not so bad but if you are tall be prepared for a bit of backache! not only that but it is a great workout!

After the great pyramid of Khufu we made our way back to the pyramid of Khafre the great thing about this pyramid is it isn't visited as much as the great pyramid so is quieter making your experience something special. Again this is a great workout with all the ups and downs within the pyramid itself.

Over the years I have seen massive changes in the Giza area the animal welfare is a lot better though there is still a lot of improvement needed but if you're going to do a trip out there I would stay away from the horses and stick with the camels as they are better suited for the area.

Is it my favorite place to visit that's a hard one as it is amazing in its own right, is it the best place in Egypt to visit in my opinion no I prefer the temples and tombs of the south.

Is it a good starting place for all your Egyptian adventures? Most definitely

Am I over my fear of camels not 100% I'll be sticking with horses more, I have to say I have a newfound respect for them and if I was ever stuck out in the desert I wouldn't say no to a camel ride!

What did I take away from this adventure, camels aren't evil! and are great as an inner thigh workout

That the Giza plateau is best seen either first thing in the morning ie, as soon as the gates open, or last thing in the afternoon.

That Hiking away from the main tourist areas will give you a much better experience and you will get to see so much more.

Wearing clothes that cover up and having a hat is the best idea as the plateau is a suntrap and you can burn very easily!

Take water with you as there are places to buy but they are expensive.

Will I be going back again most definitely as I haven't seen all the nooks and carnnies.

Now I'm off for a rest from my adventures

Until Next Time

Happy Mini Adventurering

L x