Of all the times to ride a quad at Giza, sunset is the one people remember. The heat drops, the sand turns gold and then orange, and the three pyramids stand in silhouette against the sky. Here is how a sunset ride works and how to time it.
When is sunset at Giza?
It changes a lot through the year, so we set the start time to match your date.
November to February: sunset around 5:00 pm, so rides start around 3:30–4:00 pm.
March and April: sunset around 6:00 pm.
May to September: sunset between about 7:00 and 8:00 pm with summer time.
Tell us your date when you book and we will suggest the right start time.
How the ride works
Pick-up from your hotel in Giza or Cairo, or meet us at our base in Nazlet El Semman, next to the plateau.
Helmet, scarf and a short safety briefing, then a practice lap on flat sand.
Your guide leads the group into the open desert to the viewpoints facing the pyramids.
Photo stops on the way, with the sun dropping behind you or beside the pyramids.
Back to base as the light fades.
One hour or two?
One hour is enough for the main viewpoint and plenty of photos. Two hours takes you deeper into the desert and gives you time to stop and simply watch the light change, which is the best part of a sunset ride.
Tips for the best photos
Book the start time so you reach the viewpoint 30 minutes before sunset. The light is warmest then.
Keep your phone in a zipped pocket while riding and take it out at the stops.
Ask your guide to take a photo of you on the quad with the pyramids behind. They know the angles.
What to bring
Closed shoes, long trousers, sunglasses and a light jacket in winter: the desert cools down fast once the sun has gone.
Book: ATV quad bike tour around the Giza pyramids – choose a late-afternoon start time for sunset.
