15 Best Things to Do in Saqqara, Egypt: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

When most travelers think about ancient Egypt, they imagine the majestic Pyramids of Giza rising above the desert. Yet just a short drive south of Cairo lies a destination that many historians consider even more significant—Saqqara.

Known as the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis, Saqqara is home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s first pyramid and the earliest monumental stone building ever constructed. But this extraordinary archaeological site offers much more than a single monument. Stretching across several kilometers of desert, Saqqara preserves royal pyramids, beautifully decorated tombs, underground galleries, museums, ceremonial courtyards, and archaeological discoveries that span more than three thousand years of Egyptian history.

Unlike many of Egypt’s more crowded attractions, Saqqara rewards visitors with space to explore, time to appreciate the details, and the opportunity to experience ancient history in a more relaxed atmosphere. Every corner of the site reveals another story—from the genius of Imhotep and the birth of pyramid architecture to sacred animal burials and colorful reliefs depicting everyday life in the Old Kingdom.

Whether you’re planning a day trip from Cairo or combining Saqqara with Memphis and Dahshur, this guide highlights the very best experiences the site has to offer.

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Why Visit Saqqara?

Saqqara is far more than a stop between Cairo and Dahshur.

It is the place where Egypt’s pyramid-building tradition began and where archaeologists continue to make discoveries that reshape our understanding of the ancient world.

A visit to Saqqara allows you to:

• Stand before the world’s first pyramid.
• Explore one of the oldest stone architectural complexes ever built.
• Descend into ancient underground galleries.
• Discover beautifully decorated tombs of nobles and officials.
• Learn about Imhotep, history’s first known architect.
• Experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fewer crowds than Giza.
• Combine several world-class archaeological sites in one unforgettable day.

If you’re passionate about history, architecture, or archaeology, Saqqara is one of the most rewarding destinations in Egypt.

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1. Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser

No attraction in Saqqara is more iconic than the Step Pyramid of Djoser.

Built around 2670 BC for King Djoser and designed by the legendary architect Imhotep, this revolutionary monument transformed the history of architecture. Rising approximately 60 meters above the desert floor, it introduced the concept of pyramid construction that later evolved into the smooth-sided pyramids of Dahshur and Giza.

Take time to walk around the pyramid, admire its six distinctive levels, and, when access is available, descend inside to experience one of the oldest monumental buildings ever created.

Recommended Time: 60–90 minutes

➡️ Read our complete guide: The Step Pyramid of Djoser

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2. Explore the Serapeum of Saqqara

Hidden beneath the desert lies one of Egypt’s most mysterious archaeological sites—the Serapeum.

This vast underground complex served as the burial place of the sacred Apis Bulls, animals revered as living manifestations of the god Ptah. Visitors can walk through long limestone galleries lined with enormous granite sarcophagi, each weighing up to 70 tons.

The engineering required to transport and position these massive stone coffins continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists today.

The atmosphere inside the Serapeum is unlike anywhere else in Egypt and offers one of the most memorable experiences at Saqqara.

Recommended Time: 45–60 minutes

➡️ Read our complete guide: The Serapeum of Saqqara

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3. Discover the Pyramid of Unas

Although modest in appearance, the Pyramid of Unas contains one of the greatest treasures of ancient Egypt.

Its burial chamber preserves the Pyramid Texts, the oldest known religious writings in the world. These hieroglyphic inscriptions were intended to guide the deceased king safely into the afterlife and later influenced the Coffin Texts and the famous Book of the Dead.

Stepping inside the pyramid allows visitors to stand among some of humanity’s earliest surviving sacred literature.

Recommended Time: 20–30 minutes

Discover More of Saqqara’s Hidden Treasures

While the Step Pyramid and the Serapeum attract most of the attention, Saqqara is much more than its most famous monuments. As you continue exploring the necropolis, you’ll discover richly decorated tombs, ceremonial courtyards, ancient museums, and architectural masterpieces that reveal what life was like over four thousand years ago.

If you have enough time, these attractions will transform your visit from a simple sightseeing trip into one of the most rewarding historical experiences in Egypt.

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4. Visit the Mastaba of Mereruka

Among the hundreds of tombs scattered across Saqqara, the Mastaba of Mereruka stands out as one of the finest examples of Old Kingdom funerary art.

Mereruka served as the vizier, the highest-ranking official after the pharaoh, during the reign of King Teti. His impressive tomb contains more than 30 chambers, each decorated with beautifully carved reliefs that provide a remarkable insight into everyday life in ancient Egypt.

As you walk through the tomb, you’ll see scenes of:

• Farmers harvesting crops.
• Fishermen casting their nets into the Nile.
• Craftsmen producing furniture and jewelry.
• Musicians entertaining guests.
• Hunting expeditions through the marshes.
• Religious ceremonies and offerings.

Unlike royal pyramids, which focus on kingship and the afterlife, Mereruka’s tomb offers a fascinating glimpse into how Egypt’s elite lived and worked more than four thousand years ago.

For many visitors, these detailed carvings become one of the highlights of Saqqara.

Recommended Time: 30–40 minutes

➡️ Read our complete guide: Mastaba of Mereruka

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5. Explore the Mastaba of Ti

Just a short distance away lies another remarkable masterpiece—the Mastaba of Ti.

Ti was an influential royal official during Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty, and his tomb is celebrated for some of the most beautifully preserved reliefs in all of Egypt.

The artwork is exceptionally detailed.

Visitors can admire scenes showing:

• Cattle crossing rivers.
• Boat builders at work.
• Bakers preparing bread.
• Sailors navigating the Nile.
• Families enjoying banquets.
• Farmers tending their livestock.

These carvings are more than artistic decorations—they are historical records that reveal how ordinary Egyptians worked, celebrated, and lived during the Old Kingdom.

Because of their exceptional preservation, many Egyptologists regard the Mastaba of Ti as one of Egypt’s most important private tombs.

Recommended Time: 25–30 minutes

➡️ Read our complete guide: Mastaba of Ti

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6. Visit the Imhotep Museum

Before leaving Saqqara, make time for the Imhotep Museum, one of the site’s most valuable yet often overlooked attractions.

Named after the legendary architect who designed the Step Pyramid, the museum introduces visitors to the remarkable discoveries made throughout the necropolis over the past century.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Ancient statues.
• Excavated reliefs.
• Stone vessels.
• Funerary equipment.
• Architectural fragments.
• Models of the Step Pyramid Complex.
• Archaeological discoveries from recent excavations.

Although relatively small, the museum provides excellent context for everything you’ve seen throughout Saqqara.

Many visitors find that understanding the history behind the monuments greatly enriches the rest of their visit.

Recommended Time: 30–45 minutes

➡️ Read our complete guide: Imhotep Museum

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7. Walk Through the Entrance Colonnade

Your journey into the Step Pyramid Complex begins with one of ancient Egypt’s earliest architectural masterpieces—the Entrance Colonnade.

This elegant limestone corridor consists of 40 fluted columns, carefully carved to resemble bundles of papyrus reeds.

What makes these columns so remarkable is that they imitate wooden construction while being carved entirely from stone.

It may seem like a small detail today, but over 4,600 years ago this represented a revolutionary leap in architectural thinking.

Walking through the colonnade, it’s easy to imagine priests, nobles, and members of the royal court entering the sacred complex during ceremonies honoring King Djoser.

The repeating columns also create one of the most photogenic locations in Saqqara.

Recommended Time: 15–20 minutes

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8. Explore the Heb-Sed Court

Beyond the Entrance Colonnade lies the vast Heb-Sed Court, one of the most important ceremonial spaces within the Step Pyramid Complex.

The Heb-Sed Festival was a royal jubilee celebrated after a pharaoh had ruled for thirty years. During the festival, the king performed symbolic rituals that renewed his strength and reaffirmed his divine right to rule.

Although historians cannot confirm whether Djoser celebrated this festival during his lifetime, the court was designed so he could continue performing these ceremonies forever in the afterlife.

Today, the open courtyard provides one of the best panoramic views of the Step Pyramid and allows visitors to appreciate the scale of the entire complex.

It is also an excellent place to pause and imagine the grandeur of ancient religious celebrations that once took place here.

Recommended Time: 15–20 minutes

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Why These Attractions Matter

Many visitors spend less than an hour at Saqqara before moving on to another destination.

That would be a mistake.

The true magic of Saqqara lies in exploring beyond the Step Pyramid.

Every tomb, museum, courtyard, and monument adds another chapter to the story of ancient Egypt. Together, they reveal not only how kings prepared for eternity but also how artists, architects, priests, officials, and ordinary people shaped one of history’s greatest civilizations.

By slowing down and exploring these lesser-known attractions, you’ll gain a far richer understanding of Saqqara than most visitors ever experience.

Complete Your Journey Through Saqqara

By now, you’ve explored the most famous monuments within Saqqara, but several lesser-known sites complete the story of Egypt’s oldest royal necropolis. These attractions reveal the continued importance of Saqqara long after the construction of the Step Pyramid and showcase why archaeologists continue making world-famous discoveries here today.

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9. Visit the Pyramid of Teti

Although its exterior appears modest today, the Pyramid of Teti is one of the most rewarding monuments to explore in Saqqara.

Built for King Teti, the founder of Egypt’s Sixth Dynasty, this pyramid contains beautifully preserved Pyramid Texts, the oldest known religious inscriptions in history.

Unlike many pyramids that can only be admired from outside, visitors are often able to descend through a narrow passage into the burial chamber, where hieroglyphic inscriptions still cover the walls after more than four thousand years.

Standing beneath the pyramid while reading these ancient texts creates one of the most memorable experiences in Saqqara.

Recommended Time: 20–30 minutes

➡️ Future Guide: The Pyramid of Teti

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10. Discover the South Tomb

Located inside Djoser’s pyramid complex, the South Tomb remains one of Saqqara’s greatest mysteries.

Although Djoser’s actual burial chamber lies beneath the Step Pyramid, archaeologists believe this separate monument played an important symbolic role in royal funerary rituals.

The underground chambers contain beautiful blue faience tiles, carefully arranged to imitate woven reed mats found inside royal palaces.

Even today, historians continue debating the tomb’s exact purpose.

Some believe it represented the king’s connection with Upper Egypt.

Others think it served as a symbolic royal burial or ceremonial shrine.

Whatever its original function, the South Tomb provides another fascinating glimpse into the complexity of Old Kingdom beliefs.

Recommended Time: 15–20 minutes

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11. Explore the Sacred Animal Necropolis

Religion played an essential role in ancient Egyptian life, and nowhere is this more evident than the Sacred Animal Necropolis.

For centuries, animals associated with Egyptian gods were carefully mummified and buried within underground galleries at Saqqara.

Among them were:

• Sacred ibises dedicated to Thoth.
• Baboons associated with wisdom.
• Falcons representing Horus.
• Cats connected with Bastet.
• Sacred Apis Bulls linked to Ptah.

These burials demonstrate the deep spiritual relationship between religion and everyday life in ancient Egypt.

Recent excavations continue to uncover thousands of beautifully preserved animal mummies, making this one of the most active archaeological areas within the necropolis.

Recommended Time: 20–30 minutes

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12. See the Latest Archaeological Discoveries

Unlike many ancient monuments, Saqqara is far from fully excavated.

Almost every year, international headlines announce remarkable new discoveries from beneath its desert sands.

Recent finds include:

• Hundreds of sealed coffins.
• Colorfully painted sarcophagi.
• Bronze statues.
• Wooden funerary masks.
• Ancient workshops used for mummification.
• Previously unknown tombs.
• Jewelry and ceremonial objects.
• Burial shafts untouched for thousands of years.

These discoveries continue to reshape historians’ understanding of ancient Egyptian religion, burial customs, and society.

For visitors, this means Saqqara is not simply a historical site—it is a living archaeological landscape where history continues to unfold.

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13. Enjoy the Best Photography Locations

Saqqara offers some of the finest photography opportunities in Egypt.

Unlike the busy Giza Plateau, visitors usually have more space to compose unique images without large crowds.

Some of the best photography spots include:

Step Pyramid Panorama

Capture the pyramid from the western side for an unobstructed view of all six levels.

Entrance Colonnade

The repeating limestone columns create beautiful symmetrical compositions.

Heb-Sed Court

One of the best locations for wide-angle photographs with the pyramid rising behind the ceremonial courtyard.

Desert Viewpoints

Several elevated locations reveal the vast scale of the Saqqara Necropolis stretching toward Dahshur and the fertile Nile Valley.

Ancient Reliefs

The tombs of Mereruka and Ti provide exceptional opportunities for close-up photography of remarkably preserved carvings.

Photography Tip: Early morning provides softer light, cooler temperatures, and fewer visitors.

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14. Combine Saqqara with Memphis

Only a few minutes from Saqqara lies Memphis, the first capital of unified Egypt.

Although little remains of the ancient city itself, its open-air museum contains several impressive monuments, including:

• The colossal statue of Ramses II.
• The Alabaster Sphinx.
• Temple remains.
• Ancient sculptures.

Visiting Memphis helps place Saqqara in its historical context, showing how the royal necropolis served Egypt’s political and religious capital for thousands of years.

Most travelers visit both sites on the same day.

Recommended Time: 45–60 minutes

➡️ Future Guide: Memphis Travel Guide

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15. Continue to Dahshur

No visit to Saqqara is complete without exploring nearby Dahshur, located just 15 minutes away by car.

Dahshur is home to two of Egypt’s most important pyramids:

Bent Pyramid

Built for Pharaoh Sneferu, the Bent Pyramid represents Egypt’s first attempt at constructing a smooth-sided pyramid. Its distinctive change in angle makes it one of the country’s most recognizable monuments.

Red Pyramid

Often considered the first successful true pyramid, the Red Pyramid served as the direct architectural predecessor of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Visitors can descend into its impressive interior and appreciate how Egyptian engineers refined the lessons first learned at Saqqara.

Together, Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur tell the complete story of pyramid evolution—from the earliest experiments to the foundations of Egypt’s greatest architectural achievements.

➡️ Future Guides:

• Bent Pyramid
• Red Pyramid
• Dahshur Travel Guide

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Suggested Route Through Saqqara

To make the most of your visit, follow this route:

Total Recommended Time: 4–5 hours

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Why Saqqara Is More Than a Day Trip

Many travelers arrive expecting to see a single pyramid.

Instead, they discover an archaeological landscape that spans more than 3,000 years of Egyptian history.

From the revolutionary Step Pyramid and beautifully decorated tombs to underground galleries and ongoing archaeological excavations, Saqqara offers one of the richest historical experiences anywhere in Egypt.

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending a full day exploring its monuments, Saqqara rewards curiosity with stories, discoveries, and architectural achievements found nowhere else in the world.

Planning Your Visit to Saqqara

After discovering the incredible monuments scattered throughout Saqqara, the next step is planning your visit to make the most of your time. Whether you’re spending a few hours exploring the Step Pyramid or dedicating an entire day to the necropolis, careful planning will ensure a much more enjoyable experience.

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Best Time to Visit Saqqara

Saqqara can be visited throughout the year, but the experience varies significantly depending on the season.

October to April (Recommended)

These cooler months offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the vast archaeological site. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, making long walks between monuments much more enjoyable.

Advantages include:

• Comfortable weather
• Excellent photography conditions
• Clear blue skies
• Ideal for full-day tours

This is also Egypt’s busiest tourist season, so arriving early is highly recommended.

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May to September

Summer temperatures frequently exceed 38°C (100°F).

If visiting during these months:

• Arrive before 9:00 AM.
• Wear light clothing.
• Carry plenty of water.
• Use sunscreen.
• Plan indoor museum visits during the hottest hours.

Although temperatures are higher, you’ll often enjoy fewer crowds.

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Opening Hours

Saqqara is generally open every day.

Hours may change during public holidays or special events.

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Tickets

Entry tickets typically include access to the main archaeological area, while some monuments may require separate tickets depending on current regulations.

Because ticket prices are occasionally updated, it’s best to check the latest official information before your visit or book through a licensed tour operator who can arrange everything in advance.

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How to Get to Saqqara

Saqqara is located approximately 30 km (19 miles) south of central Cairo.

Private Tour (Recommended)

The easiest and most comfortable option.

Benefits include:

• Hotel pickup
• Private vehicle
• Egyptologist guide
• Flexible itinerary
• Easy combination with Memphis and Dahshur

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Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps

Uber and local taxis can reach Saqqara, but returning later in the day may be more difficult.

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Rental Car

Possible, although Cairo traffic can be challenging for visitors unfamiliar with local driving conditions.

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Suggested One-Day Itinerary

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What Should You Bring?

✔ Comfortable walking shoes

✔ Hat

✔ Sunglasses

✔ Sunscreen

✔ Camera

✔ Water bottle

✔ Portable charger

✔ Light backpack

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Is Saqqara Suitable for Children?

Absolutely.

Children who enjoy history, adventure, or exploring ancient monuments usually find Saqqara fascinating.

The wide-open spaces, underground galleries, and impressive pyramids create an engaging experience for families.

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Accessibility

Visitors should note that Saqqara includes uneven desert terrain and some monuments require climbing steps or descending narrow passages.

However, many highlights can still be enjoyed by visitors with limited mobility, especially when traveling by private vehicle.

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Nearby Attractions

Saqqara is perfectly positioned to combine with several world-famous sites.

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Best Photography Spots

• Step Pyramid Panorama
• Entrance Colonnade
• Heb-Sed Court
• Desert Plateau
• Serapeum Entrance
• Mastaba Reliefs

For the best lighting, visit between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Frequently Asked Questions & Plan Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saqqara worth visiting?

Yes. Saqqara is one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites and offers a unique opportunity to explore the birthplace of pyramid architecture, remarkable tombs, and ongoing archaeological discoveries.

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How many hours do you need in Saqqara?

Most visitors spend 4–5 hours exploring the main attractions. If you’re combining Saqqara with Memphis and Dahshur, plan for a full-day excursion.

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Can you enter the Step Pyramid?

Yes, when access is permitted. Entry depends on conservation work and current regulations from the Egyptian authorities.

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Is Saqqara older than the Giza Pyramids?

Yes. The Step Pyramid of Djoser predates the Great Pyramid of Giza by several decades and represents the first stage in the evolution of pyramid construction.

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Can I visit Saqqara without a guide?

Yes, but a licensed Egyptologist will help you understand the significance of the monuments, hieroglyphs, and ancient rituals, making the experience much more rewarding.

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Is Saqqara included in Egypt tour packages?

Many comprehensive Egypt itineraries include Saqqara, especially those focusing on archaeology and history. It is often combined with Memphis and Dahshur as a full-day excursion from Cairo.

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Why Explore Saqqara with Delta Tours Egypt?

Saqqara is much more than a collection of ancient monuments—it’s where one of humanity’s greatest architectural achievements began.

At Delta Tours Egypt, we believe every visitor deserves more than a standard sightseeing experience. Our private tours are led by licensed Egyptologists who bring the stories of Saqqara to life, helping you understand the people, innovations, and beliefs that shaped ancient Egypt.

Our Saqqara experiences include:

• Private hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Modern air-conditioned transportation.
• Flexible itineraries tailored to your interests.
• Licensed Egyptologist guides.
• Optional visits to Memphis and Dahshur.
• Plenty of time for photography and exploration.

Whether you’re visiting Egypt for the first time or returning to discover more of its incredible history, we’ll help you experience Saqqara in comfort and at your own pace.

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Continue Exploring Egypt

To deepen your understanding of ancient Egypt, continue with these guides:

Saqqara

• Saqqara Egypt Travel Guide
• Step Pyramid of Djoser
• Serapeum of Saqqara
• Pyramid of Unas
• Pyramid of Teti
• Mastaba of Mereruka
• Mastaba of Ti
• Imhotep Museum

Nearby Destinations

• Memphis Travel Guide
• Dahshur Travel Guide
• Bent Pyramid
• Red Pyramid
• Giza Plateau Guide

Cairo

• Cairo Travel Guide
• Best Things to Do in Cairo
• Grand Egyptian Museum Guide
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
• Khan El Khalili Guide

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Final Thoughts

Saqqara is one of the most extraordinary archaeological destinations in the world. While many travelers focus on the famous pyramids of Giza, those who visit Saqqara discover where the story of pyramid building truly began.

From the revolutionary Step Pyramid of Djoser and the mysterious Serapeum to beautifully decorated tombs and remarkable archaeological discoveries, every corner of the necropolis offers a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Whether you’re fascinated by history, architecture, photography, or simply looking for one of the most rewarding day trips from Cairo, Saqqara deserves a place on your itinerary.

Take your time, explore beyond the main attractions, and you’ll quickly understand why Saqqara continues to captivate archaeologists and travelers from around the world.