Pharaonic Village Tours

Set on Jacob’s Island on the River Nile in Cairo, the Pharaonic Village is an outdoor leisure park themed around ancient Egypt and its pharaohs. Visitors wanting a relaxing and educational break from Cairo’s commotion come here to enjoy the re-enactments of ancient Egyptian life, mini-museums, replica buildings, and fun activities.

The Basics
A favorite with families, the Pharaonic Village is located just south of downtown Cairo, in the Giza district. Screened by trees and reed beds that help create the feeling of old-time Egypt, the park offers everything from scale models of ancient temples and pyramids to museums filled with replica pharaonic treasures—including a model of Tutankhamun’s tomb—and a playground, shops, and restaurants, all laid out in gardens. A key attraction is a boat ride along Jacob Island’s canals, which carry visitors past living re-creations of ancient Egyptian life, with costumed actors performing activities such as papyrus- and pottery-making, fishing, and weaving.
 
Various private tours from Cairo transport visitors to the Pharaonic Village and provide either guided walks around the attractions to showcase the highlights or free time to explore independently. All tours include admission, and some also include lunch at the park.
 
Things to Know Before You Go

• Cairo’s Pharaonic Village is ideal for families with kids wanting an introduction to ancient Egypt.
• Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat: The park is mostly outdoors.
• For a hassle-free visit, book a tour with admission and return transfers so you don’t have to arrange your own transport.
• Wear comfy shoes, as you can expect a fair amount of walking.

 
How to Get There
The Pharaonic Village gate is located on the Nile’s west bank on Giza’s Al-Bahr Al-Azam Street, about 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) from central Cairo. The nearest bus stops are a distance away, so taking a cab or an organized tour is your best option.

When to Get There
The Pharaonic Village is open from 9am to 5pm year-round, with hours extended to 7pm in July and August. Most tour groups arrive in the morning, and the park is at its busiest on Fridays. To visit when it’s quiet, aim for a late weekday morning or early afternoon.
 
Must-Do Activities at the Pharaonic Village
Most tours of the Pharaonic Village start with a guided exploration before giving you free time to explore as you wish. Take the kids to the art center to try papyrus painting, browse the shops for gifts, and, for an additional cost, dress in pharaonic costume for souvenir photos at the Cleopatra Studio.