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Dahshur
Overview
Dahshur (Arabic دهشور Dahšūr, often rendered in English as Dashur) is an Egyptian archaeological locality some 10 km to the south of Saqqara and therefore 35 km south of the Egyptian capital Cairo.
Travellers from Cairo
Facts
Rank
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Coordinates
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Source
WBP almanac
External sources
Media
From Wikipedia1,040 words
WBP editorial3
Beyond the crowds: timing a visit
Most travellers aim for the iconic Giza plateau, leaving Dahshur largely to early‑morning or late‑afternoon slots. By arriving before sunrise, you catch the pyramids bathed in a cool, blue‑tinged light that brings out subtle colour variations in the limestone. The heat of midday discourages local traffic, so the site feels almost private, allowing you to linger beside the Bent Pyramid and hear the desert wind echoing off its angles. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, plan your visit for the sandstorm season (December to February); storms often clear the sky for dramatic, cloud‑streaked panoramas that photographs rarely capture.
A field guide for the keen explorer
Dahshur’s layout lends itself to a walking itinerary that mirrors an ancient procession route. Start at the visitor centre, then follow the modest track that leads past the small necropolis of mastaba tombs—these often‑overlooked structures reveal how elite families lived alongside the royal burials. Continue eastward to the Red Pyramid, noting the slight rise in the ground that hints at the original quarry pit. Carry a small, reusable water bottle and a sun‑hat; the open desert offers little shade, but the occasional palm grove by the nearby irrigation canals provides a brief respite and an opportunity to observe local farmers at work.