Plizio Visual Lab
Dahshur Pyramids
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Weather…
Water temperature…
Dahshur is a prominent royal necropolis located in the desert on the west bank of the Nile, approximately 40 kilometers south of Cairo. The site is best known for the pyramids of Pharaoh Sneferu, the founder of the Fourth Dynasty, who commissioned two massive structures here. The Bent Pyramid is unique for its change in slope, which shifts from 54 to 43 degrees, a modification likely made to ensure structural stability during construction. The Red Pyramid, located nearby, is recognized as the first successful smooth-sided pyramid ever built, marking a pivotal moment in Egyptian architecture. Additionally, Dahshur hosts the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III from the Middle Kingdom, which, despite its eroded state, features a sophisticated internal tunnel system. Having been a restricted military zone for decades, the site was opened to the public in 1996, preserving much of its historical integrity and quiet atmosphere.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Pyramid of the Two Angles · Northern Mazghuna pyramid · Dahshur
- Nearby: Al Hawamdeya (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Dahshur Pyramids sit in an open archaeological zone that welcomes visitors daily. You can enter the Red Pyramid via a steep, narrow passage, but the Bent Pyramid is usually closed for conservation work.
Typical hours
Like most Egyptian archaeological sites, it typically opens from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with shorter hours during Ramadan. Always verify current times locally, as last entry may be one hour before closing.
Photography
Photography is freely allowed in the outdoor areas, capturing the striking shapes of the Bent and Red Pyramids. Inside the Red Pyramid, flash photography is prohibited to protect the ancient reliefs and passages.
Time needed
A focused visit to just the two main pyramids takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you also want to explore the lesser-known tombs and the surrounding desert, plan for an additional hour.
Combine with
Combine Dahshur with Saqqara and Memphis for a comprehensive day trip south of Cairo. These sites lie within a 30-minute drive, making them easy to visit in sequence.
Getting there
Reach Dahshur by taxi or private car from Cairo, roughly a 40-minute drive via the desert road. Public transportation is sparse; hiring a driver for the day is the most practical option.
Insider tip
Go early in the morning to avoid the intense midday heat and large tour groups. Bring ample water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes, as the terrain is sandy and uneven.
Geography
Facts
- The Red Pyramid is the third tallest pyramid in Egypt at 104 meters.
- The slope of the Bent Pyramid changes at a height of 47 meters.
- Pharaoh Sneferu reigned from approximately 2613 to 2589 BC.
- The Red Pyramid is constructed from reddish local limestone blocks.
- The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III was built using mudbricks.
- Dahshur was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Dahshur Pyramids (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which pyramids are in Dahshur?
The Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
Can you go inside?
Yes, descending into the Red Pyramid is possible.
Is it crowded?
No, it is much quieter than Giza.
How far is it from Cairo?
About 40 kilometers south.
Is the descent tiring?
Yes, it is narrow and you must crouch.
Dahshur Pyramids: where is it located?
Dahshur Pyramids is located in Egypt.
Dahshur Pyramids: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pyramid of the Two Angles, Northern Mazghuna pyramid, Dahshur.
Dahshur Pyramids: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Dahshur Pyramids: why is it worth visiting?
Dahshur is a prominent royal necropolis located in the desert on the west bank of the Nile, approximately 40 kilometers south of Cairo.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Egypt →
Nearby cities
Giza
A major city on the west bank of the Nile, globally known for the Giza Plateau.
Al Hawamdeya
A growing industrial city south of Giza, known for sugar production.
Bawiti
The main settlement of the Bahariya Oasis, famous for the Valley of the Golden Mummies.
6th of October City
A modern industrial city, named after the date of the 1973 war.
Shubra El Kheima
A highly industrialized city north of Cairo.
New Cairo
One of Egypt's largest new cities, built to alleviate congestion in Cairo.
Qalyub
A rural yet industrialized city bordering Greater Cairo.
History & landmarks
Grand Egyptian Museum
A vast, modern archaeological museum complex near the Giza Pyramids, designed to be the largest in the world dedicated to a single civili…
Bahariya Oasis
The Bahariya Oasis is a lush depression in the Western Desert, famous for its hot springs and as the gateway to the White and Black Deserts.
Ras El Tin Palace
A historic royal palace on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria, one of the official residences of the President.
Stanley Bridge
A 400-meter-long bridge in Alexandria spanning the Mediterranean Sea, known for its elegant design and night lighting.
Hanging Church
One of the oldest churches in Egypt, located in Coptic Cairo, uniquely built suspended over the gatehouse of a Roman fortress.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
A modern museum in Fustat that showcases Egyptian history across all its eras, from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Manial Palace
A historic art and history museum situated in the El Manial district of southern Cairo, built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The oldest mosque in Cairo surviving in its original form, renowned for its massive size and unique spiral minaret.
Nature
More places
Saqqara Necropolis
A vast, ancient burial ground in Egypt, serving as the necropolis for the Ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis.
Step Pyramid of Djoser
The oldest colossal stone building in Egypt, initiating the development of pyramid architecture.
🗺️
Giza Organic Farms
Modern farming at the edge of the desert.
Giza City Park
Large recreation park for families.
Giza Zoo
One of the oldest and largest zoos in Africa.
6th of October Industrial City
A major industrial hub west of Cairo, featuring food and automotive industries.
Memphis Ancient City
The ancient capital of Aneb-Hetch, the first nome of Lower Egypt, and of the Old Kingdom of Egypt.
🗺️
El-Dakheila Port
A natural extension of the Port of Alexandria with deep water.