Saqqara (Sakkara)

Besides pharaoh Djoser, another 16 kings built their tombs at Saqqara, and the area was used for burial until well into Roman times. Other important monuments on the UNESCO-listed site include the Pyramid of Unas, the Pyramid of Sekhemkhet, the Mastaba of Ti, and the underground Persian Tombs. Guided day trips from Cairo typically stop at Saqqara along with the Giza pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza.

• There’s very little shade at Saqqara—don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, and water.

• Wear shoes adequate for navigating desert terrain.

• Some guided tours offer wheelchair-accessible transport, but expect uneven surfaces on the site.

There’s no public transit from Cairo to Saqqara, so either hire a car or book a tour that includes round-trip transportation. In addition, the attractions are spread out, so you’ll need a driver to help you explore the entire site.

If you’re there in summer, visit Saqqara in the morning to beat the worst of the heat and crowds. Also, traffic between Cairo and Saqqara is usually less congested on Friday and Saturday, as most Egyptians work Sunday through Thursday.

As part of their belief in the afterlife, the ancient Egyptians thought that part of a king’s spirit remained with his body. So in addition to mummification, the king’s corpse and possessions were preserved in a pyramid or tomb. Throughout King Djoser’s reign, builders assembled his pyramid’s six layers of stone, as well as the surrounding complex.

The most popular attraction at Saqqara is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which dates back to 2650 BC and is believed to be the oldest pyramid in the world. Other attractions include the Pyramid of Unas, the Pyramid of Sekhemkhet, and the Mastaba of Ti.

The best time of year to visit Saqqara is during the winter, when temperatures are cooler and the sun feels less intense. If you're visiting during the summer, try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the hotter parts of the day.

There is no public transportation to get you between Cairo and Saqqara, so you'll need to either hire a taxi or book a tour that includes round-trip travel to the site. You'll need a vehicle to explore the whole site, as the attractions are spread out.

Yes, it is worth visiting Saqqara—it's one the most important archaeological sites in Egypt, as it originally served as the burial place for the regal habitants of Egypt’s ancient capital Memphis. Saqqara is also the site of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, believed to be the oldest stone building in Egypt.

Yes, guided tours of Saqqara are available. Tours typically include transportation from hotels in Cairo or Giza. Many tours also incorporate visits to Memphis, the Giza Pyramids, and the Sphinx.

Dress comfortably when you visit Saqqara, with loose-fitting clothes that cover your arms and legs, plus a hat. Close-toed shoes are recommended for navigating uneven terrain, but sandals are fine if you don’t mind getting dusty feet.