More than 14 million people visited the Pyramids of Giza in 2023, and it's easy to see why. Built over 4,500 years ago as royal tombs for ancient pharaohs, the complex includes three pyramids (the tallest at over 450 feet), as well as several smaller pyramids, temples, and the famous Great Sphinx.
But despite its global popularity, Egypt has struggled for years to manage the site. Air pollution and limited funding have made it difficult to preserve and protect the pyramids. At the same time, overcrowding and the aggressive sales tactics from merchants in the area have made visiting the site overwhelming for some tourists.
Now, the government has introduced a new entrance policy, permanently closing the access point that many tourists have used for decades. Here's what the new system aims to improve, and how visitors are reacting.
The Pyramids Of Giza Have A New Main Entrance After The Closure Of A Historic Access Point
In April, a new main entrance and visitor center, called the Great Gate, officially opened at the Pyramids of Giza. This new access point replaces the historic entrance near the Marriott Mena House, and is part of a broader initiative to make the Giza Plateau more organized, accessible, and environmentally friendly.
The project was announced in late 2024 on Ahram Online and was said to cost around $51.1 million. It's led by Orascom Pyramids Entertainment (OPE), a subsidiary of Orascom Investment Holding (OIH) - an Egyptian investment company founded by billionaire Naguib Sawiris.
A local man renting a camel to tourists in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt.
In addition to the new entrance, the project added free electric buses to help reduce traffic congestion and pollution. According to a YouTube video by Gventures, there are now six bus stations connecting visitors to 14 key landmarks, along with an equestrian district and a pyramids lounge station. The plan also responded to animal welfare concerns from tourists and animal welfare groups. Rather than removing the iconic tour guides who operate camels and horses at the site, OPE implemented new rules to improve conditions.
"We won't eliminate these people, as we understand this is their livelihood, but we will regulate them," said Amr Gazarin, chairman of Orascom Pyramids Entertainment (OPE).
The upgrades were launched in early April, but are they actually improving the visitor experience? So far, reactions have been mixed.
Tourists Are Divided Over The Giza Pyramids' New Entrance
Many commenters on the YouTube video by Gventures said that they were impressed with the new entrance, describing it as cleaner, better organized, and less stressful. Several also noted the absence of aggressive sales tactics near the gate.
They wrote:
"Really love what they did, it's much more streamlined and offers a great hassle-free experience. Long overdue."
"I was wondering how to get to each pyramid; they don't look that close together. I'm glad there are buses. Can't wait to see the new entrance."
"I'm extremely impressed with the new system. I was last there in November 2022, and it was very different."
However, not everyone was excited about the changes. One commenter pointed out that the introduction of free shuttle buses might have upset the horse and camel operators, whose livelihoods rely on offering rides. Gventures confirmed this was true, responding that vendors had even protested several days before the launch.
"Yes, they were upset....Actually, I mentioned in the video how they blocked the road and were protesting days before. But things had calmed down by the time I went to film," wrote Gventures.
Meanwhile, a Reddit user expressed disappointment over losing the flexibility that came with the old setup, which allowed visitors to drive their own cars around the site.
"Overall, I prefer the flexibility of the old way. I liked taking my car and being free to move as I wanted. Sadly, that's not an option anymore... You could enter via the Sphinx Gate or the Menna House one, you could take your own vehicle and drive yourself up to the viewing platform / leaving bags in your car," wrote user Fabulous_Cow_4550.
Although reactions are mixed, the new system represents the start of a major shift in how visitors experience the Giza Plateau. It's uncertain if these updates will win over more travelers in the long run, but it's clear that the Egyptian government is making an effort.