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Sphinx

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most iconic monuments of ancient Egypt, located on the Giza Plateau, near the Pyramids of Giza. This massive limestone statue, with the body of a lion and the head of a Pharaoh (commonly believed to be Pharaoh Khafre), stands as a testament to the grandeur and mystery of ancient Egyptian civilization. It measures 73 meters in length and 20 meters in height, making it one of the largest and oldest monumental statues in the world. The Sphinx is a symbol of strength and wisdom, guarding the tombs of the Pharaohs.

Sphinx Tours & Excursions

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Cairo - Egypt

From Cairo: Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis Tour

4.8/5 (33 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Walking Tours

€78
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Cairo - Egypt

From Cairo: Half-Day Tour to Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

4.7/5 (15 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Other Experiences

€53
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Grand Egyptian Museum Pyramids Sphinx Tour & Lunch

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€62
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Female-Guided Pyramids Bazaar and Museum Tour

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€43
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Egyptian Museum Pyramids & Bazaar Tour

4.8/5 (8 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€48
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Pyramids Bazaar Citadel Tour with Photographer

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€69
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Pyramids Quad Bike Adventure & Optional Camel Ride

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Adventures
Guided Tours

€72
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Half Day Pyramids Tour by Camel or Horse Carriage

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€39
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Pyramids and Sphinx Tour with River Nile Felucca Ride

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Guided Tours
Water Activities

€52
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Customized Full-Day Private Tour

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
City Cards
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€42
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Sound and Light Show at Giza Pyramids

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips

€25
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Pyramids of Giza Plateau QR Ticket - Skip The Line

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Entry Tickets

€18
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Cairo - Egypt

Private All-Inclusive trip Giza Pyramids Memphis & Saqqara

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Private Tours

€60
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Cairo - Egypt

From Port Said: Pyramids and Egyptian Museum Full-Day Tour

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€150
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Cairo - Egypt

All-inclusive private Trip Pyramids Sphinx Camel VIP Lunch

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
City Cards
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Private Tours

€120
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Cairo - Egypt

VIP Cairo Experience: Pyramids ATV Adventure and Camel ride

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Adventures
Private Tours

€18
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Flight sightseeing Private Jet tour

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Adventures
Other Experiences
Private Tours

€88
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Egypt Tour Package: 15 Days All-Inclusive

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€2600
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Cairo - Egypt

Pyramids Nile Cruise & Lake Nasser Cruise

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
City Cards
Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips

€2500
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Cairo - Egypt

From Cairo: 8-Day Egypt Tour with Hotel Meals & Cruise

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips

€820
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: 4 Days 3 Nights Egypt Travel Package

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips

€500
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Sound And Light Show W/ Dinner And Pyramids View

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips

€95
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Private Tour Pyramids Egyptian Museum Bazaar

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€150
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Quad Bike Adventure at Giza Pyramids W Camel Ride

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€100
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Cairo - Egypt

From Cairo Giza: Pyramids Camel Ride Museum Day Trip

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Adventures
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€120
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Cairo - Egypt

From Cairo Giza: Pyramids Camel Ride Museum Day Trip

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€170
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Giza Pyramids sphinx and National Museum with Lunch

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Entry Tickets
Guided Tours

€90
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Cairo - Egypt

ElTahrir Museum Pyramids With Lunch Koshari Abu Tarek

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€140
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Private Day Tour to Pharaonic Village

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€59
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: 5Day Egypt Itinerary for Cairo and the Pyramids

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Entry Tickets
Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips
Walking Tours

€600
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Egypt Tour Package: 11 Days AllInclusive

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips

€2400
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Cairo - Egypt

From Giza/Cairo: Pyramids Sphinx And NMEC Tour With Lunch

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€75
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Helicopter Flight Sightseeing Tour Pyramids Landing

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Adventures
Other Experiences

€2750
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: 6-Day Egypt Experience Flights Nile Cruise Tour

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
City Cards
Multi-Day Trips
Private Tours

€700
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Private Pyramids Tour with Photographer and Transfer

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Private Tours

€80
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Giza Pyramids Tour & Grand Egyptian Museum

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€150
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Cairo - Egypt

Cairo: Egypt & Lake Nasser Tour Package: 12 Days

0.0/5 (0 reviews)
Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips

€5460
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The Basics

The Great Sphinx was carved from a single piece of limestone and is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre in the 4th Dynasty (around 2500 BCE). Over the centuries, the Sphinx has undergone numerous restorations, as natural erosion and human interference have taken their toll. While the exact purpose of the Sphinx is unknown, it is widely considered to be a guardian figure, protecting the burial sites of the Pharaohs. Visitors can enjoy a close-up view of the statue from the nearby observation area and explore the surrounding archaeological site.

Things to Know Before You Go

When visiting the Great Sphinx, expect to encounter large crowds, particularly in the late morning and afternoon. Tickets for the Sphinx area are often bundled with the ticket for the Pyramids of Giza. If you want to get closer to the Sphinx, be sure to check if photography is allowed, as some areas may restrict it. It’s a good idea to bring sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes since the site can get very hot and requires some walking. Be prepared for some hustle from local vendors around the site.

How to Get There

The Great Sphinx of Giza is easily accessible from downtown Cairo. It is a short drive (around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic) from the city center. The most convenient ways to reach the Sphinx are by taxi, Uber, or a private tour. Many organized tours to the Pyramids of Giza will include a stop at the Sphinx. You can also take the M1 Metro line to Giza Station, followed by a short taxi ride to the entrance of the plateau. Walking is not recommended, as the site is quite large.

When to Get There

The best time to visit the Great Sphinx is early in the morning, right when the site opens, as the temperatures are cooler and the crowds are lighter. The summer months (from June to August) can be extremely hot, so visiting early is ideal. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends. The site is open every day, including public holidays. Visiting during sunset can also offer stunning views, with the golden light casting a mystical glow on the Sphinx and nearby pyramids.

Day Trips from Cairo

Visiting the Great Sphinx can easily be part of a day trip from Cairo, as it is located just a short distance from the Pyramids of Giza. Many day tours combine a visit to the Sphinx with the Giza Pyramids, giving you the opportunity to explore the ancient wonders in one go. If you have more time, you can also add stops to the Egyptian Museum, the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, or Saqqara for a comprehensive Egyptian experience.