Dahshur Pyramids: Egypt’s Bent Pyramid & Red Pyramid Guide

Just 40 minutes south of Cairo, the Dahshur necropolis is one of Egypt’s most rewarding — and least crowded — pyramid sites. While Giza draws the biggest crowds, Dahshur offers a quieter, more personal encounter with two of the most architecturally significant pyramids ever built, both constructed by Pharaoh Sneferu, father of Khufu (builder of the Great Pyramid).

The Bent Pyramid

Instantly recognizable by its unusual shape, the Bent Pyramid changes angle partway up — from a steep 54° at the base to a gentler 43° near the top. This wasn’t a design choice: ancient builders had to adjust the angle mid-construction after realizing the original slope was structurally unstable. It’s considered the best-preserved pyramid in Egypt, still retaining much of its original smooth limestone casing. Uniquely, it has two separate entrances — one on its north face, one on its west — each leading to their own internal chambers.

The Red Pyramid

Built after the Bent Pyramid, the Red Pyramid is widely regarded as the world’s first successful true smooth-sided pyramid — the direct precursor to the Great Pyramid at Giza. Named for the reddish tone of its limestone (especially visible at sunset), it stands 105 meters tall, and unlike Giza’s pyramids, visitors can usually explore its internal chambers without the long queues found elsewhere.

Other Pyramids at Dahshur

The site also includes the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III and the pyramid of Senusret III, both from the 12th Dynasty and built of mudbrick rather than stone — less visually striking today, but historically significant, with Amenemhat III’s pyramid once housing an extraordinary collection of royal jewellery now on display in Cairo’s museums.

Visiting Dahshur

Dahshur pairs naturally with a visit to nearby Saqqara (home of the Step Pyramid) and Memphis, making for a full day exploring Egypt’s pyramid-building history outside the crowds of Giza. Most visitors combine all three sites in a single private day tour from Cairo.

Explore our Cairo tour packages →, including private itineraries covering Dahshur, Saqqara, and Memphis.