Sad reality behind Egypt’s Giza Pyramids

It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World that attracts millions of tourists each year – but there’s a sad truth plaguing the Egyptian site.

Egypt’s tourism sector is booming but just like in some parts of Europe and Asia – it’s starting to feel the pinch of overcrowding.

In 2024 alone, it welcomed nearly 17.5 million tourists and with the ambitious goal of reaching 30 million by 2030, the country has decided to act.

While the economy is thriving, the influx of visitors has led to overcrowding, especially at popular sites like the Giza Plateau, with tour guides, street vendors, aggressive resellers and tourist vehicles tarnishing the experiences of many.

A view of the Great Pyramid of Khufu (also spelled Cheops) on the Giza Plateau on the southwestern outskirts of the capital Cairo. Picture: AFP/ Mohamed El-Shahed

Some tourists have taken to social media to express their concerns and share their experiences of the Giza Plateau – home to several pyramids and the Great Sphinx.

“When you come to see the pyramids, avoid all these scammers,” South Africa travel influencer Kurt Caz said in a clip.

“Alright, we made it to the other side and these guys are still following me.

“I told you I am looking, I told you I will come back later … see when it doesn’t go their way they start getting a little cheeky.”

YouTuber and travel influencer Kurt Caz shared a clip advising fellow tourists ‘to avoid all the scammers’. Picture: TikTok/kurtcaz

Tourists have been complaining about aggressive vendors. Picture: TikTok/kurtcaz

His clip from 2023 has been liked almost 1 million times with tens of thousands of people still weighing in on the issue.

“Ppl are now filming more ‘avoid the scammers’ than they are pyramids,” one person wrote.

“Every tourist destination in the world has the same thing,” said another.

Others complained the pyramids are beautiful, but the scammers ruin the experience.

As such, Egypt is taking steps to clean up the UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been plagued by poor management and unregulated and aggressive vendors for years.

Last week, a new access point to the complex on the Fayoum Highway was tested, replacing the historic entrance near Marriott Mena House, which frequently suffers from traffic jams and congestion.

Egypt’s Giza Pyramids is experiencing overtourism and has been plagued by poor management, unregulated and aggressive vendors, and reports of animal cruelty. Picture: TikTok

The project, led by Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company, is reportedly set to cost $A80 million, according to Euro News.

However, it has got off to a rocky start with the trial run copping pushback from horse and camel tour operators, who blocked vehicles from entering in a protest against their relocation to new designated parking areas.

They say these are too far from the entrance and will damage business, Euro News reported. The vendors have long been accused of harassment and alleged extortion by visitors.

Businessman Naguib Sawiris, the founder of Orascom Telecom Holding and Orascom Investment Holding, wrote on X that sellers who refuse to move to the new zone area would be banned.

As a result, it is taking steps to clean up the Pyramids of Giza. Picture: TikTok

“The wellbeing of the public and preservation of this treasure is far more important than catering to the interests of 2,000 individuals who have caused harm to the country for years,” he posted.

Meanwhile, reports of animal cruelty such as the alleged treatment of animals used for tourist rides from horses, to donkeys and camels has also drawn harsh criticism.

Organisations like PETA have been denouncing it for years.

“As detailed in a previous PETA Asia investigation, many camels purchased at the Birqash market end up at Egypt’s top historical sites, such as the Great Pyramid of Giza and Saqqara’s ancient burial site, to provide tourists with rides,” PETA said in a statement in 2023.

Through the new project it hopes to curb congestion and aggressive vendors. Pictured is the Sphinx by the Pyramids of Giza. Picture: istock

“And there’s no retirement for these animals after a lifetime of servitude. Once they’re too worn out to continue giving rides, they’re returned to the market to be sent to slaughter.”

PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker also claimed the organisation has as documented the routine punching, kicking, whipping, and starving of horses and camels at the pyramids.

Reports of animal cruelty such as the alleged treatment of animals used for tourist rides from horses, to donkeys and camels has also drawn harsh criticism. Picture: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

“Animals are literally ridden to death and then dumped like rubbish outside the gate. The Pyramids of Giza should symbolise Egypt’s beauty and history – not unchecked animal abuse. The Egyptian government must act to remove these suffering animals from Giza.”

However, the government has acted, launching a specific animal welfare program in the main tourist spots, including Giza that will see eco-friendly transport.

@funnyoldeworld Big changes to accessing pyramids causing massive issues! #egypt #giza #overcrowding #sacredsites ♬ original sound - JahannahJames

It is now betting on electric buses inside the necropolis to offer a more comfortable and sustainable alternative to animal rides – while also ensuring it does not pollute or cause discomfort to locals.

While the transition aims to improve the sustainability of the complex, according to Euro News, some visitors have complained on social media about the availability of the vehicles, saying they’ve been forced to wait or walk in the heat.

In a statement responding to the backlash, Orascom, the construction company leading the project, said 45 electric buses had been made available on the site and are scheduled to run every five minutes.

The revamp will also see several tombs restored, the introduction of online ticketing and a new visitor centre.

According to Statistica, travel and tourism added around $US31 billion – $A48b – to Egypt’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023. Compared to 2020, this was an increase from $US17.2 billion – $A27b.