View over the Pyramids

THE PYRAMIDS

Up until 1874 the pyramids in Giza were the tallest buildings in the world and they could be seen from many locations in Cairo. However, it was not very easy to get there because there were no good roads and when the Nile flooded each autumn the ground between Cairo and the pyramids became waterlogged. At the time of the von Hallwyl's trip things looked entirely different. In October 1899 the electrical tram started running. It left every 40 minutes and made the trip between Cairo and the pyramids in 40 minutes.

It was common at this time to climb the pyramids. This was done with the aid of local people. According to Baedeker's travel guide you needed the help of three Bedouins, two to pull your arms and one to push you from behind. However, there are no indications that the von Hallwyls climbed them, they seem to have been happy with viewing these wonders from the ground.