KARNAK
The parking lot was filled with dozens of full-sized buses, and the crowd of brightly dressed tourists—many revealing a bit too much skin—was rapidly growing. As I entered, I was immediately surrounded by towering, clearly inscribed walls and sculptures. The magic of the site was undeniable.
Karnak is enormous, constructed over a period of about 2,000 years beginning around 2000 BCE—roughly 400 years after the Luxor Temple. It was truly amazing, but after the peaceful solitude I had experienced at Luxor Temple earlier, I made my visit a quick one.
The parking lot teemed with tour buses, and the crowd—many dressed a bit too casually for the setting—was swelling fast. Inside, I was instantly dwarfed by massive, intricately inscribed walls and statues. The scale and history were breathtaking.
Built over 2,000 years starting around 2000 BCE, Karnak is vast and awe-inspiring. But after the serene magic of Luxor Temple earlier that morning, I kept this visit brief.
Ready to move on to Valley of the Kings or the balloon ride next?
By now, I had learned to politely wave off the many self-appointed guides who tried to lead me with incomprehensible chatter, hoping to earn a tip.
I later learned that there was an audio and light show that evening. I attended and was very impressed with the show, and there were very few tourists.
As I exited, my original buggy driver was waiting among several others, all calling out, “I give ride!”
I shook hands with him and called out to the others, “No—he’s my friend.” They walked away.
I asked my buggy driver how much it would cost to go to the Valley of the Kings. His price was fair, but it would be about a one-hour journey. With the heat intensifying, I hesitated, saying, “Too Long”, and walked toward the taxi area.
He followed me as I began negotiating with two taxi drivers. We agreed on a price of 500 EGP, with the promise of air conditioning. I slipped my buggy driver 50 EGP as a thank-you and hopped into the cab. Upon arrival my driver said he would be waiting for me. I insisted for him not to and off I went
As I left, my original buggy driver waited among others calling, “I give ride!” I shook his hand and told the others, “No—he’s my friend,” and they left.
I asked my buggy driver about a ride to the Valley of the Kings. His price was fair, but the hour-long trip in the heat made me hesitate. I walked toward taxis and negotiated a 500 EGP fare with AC.
I tipped the buggy driver 50 EGP and got into the cab. My driver said he’d wait for me, but I insisted he did not.
Rich Citro Adventures 