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Province · Faiyum and Middle Egypt
Beni Suef
Beni Suef, in the Nile Valley south of Cairo: the Meidum pyramid, of Pharaoh Snefru, and the alabaster cave of Wadi Sannur.
In the photo: The remaining stepped tower of the Meidum pyramid.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Beni Suef
Beni Suef lies in the Nile Valley, south of Cairo, between the river and the desert. The capital, Beni Suef, is a town on the Nile’s bank, and the governorate consists of irrigated fields and villages along both banks.
In the northern part of the governorate, the Meidum pyramid rises alone on the desert’s edge. Attributed to Pharaoh Snefru, it has the shape of a stepped tower because the outer casing collapsed, and it marks the transition from step pyramids to smooth-sided ones. It is possible to descend to the inner chamber.
In the eastern desert, the protected area of Wadi Sannur shelters an alabaster cave with stalactites and stalagmites, open to visitors at scheduled times.
Beni Suef receives few tourists and lies on the route for those driving from Cairo to Middle Egypt. Visits to Meidum are often combined with Faiyum or with Saqqara and Dahshur.
When to go
From October to April the days are mild for desert sites. Summer is hot, with little shade at Meidum.
Getting there
Beni Suef is about 120 km from Cairo, on the southbound rail line and the Nile Valley road. Meidum is about 90 km from Cairo; the most practical way is by car with a driver.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Beni Suef
What is the Meidum pyramid?
It is a pyramid attributed to Pharaoh Snefru, on the edge of the Beni Suef desert. The outer casing collapsed, leaving it in the form of a stepped tower. It is possible to descend to the inner chamber.
How do I get to Meidum?
By car with a driver from Cairo, Faiyum or Dahshur. It is about 90 km from Cairo.
Can you see Meidum and Faiyum in the same day?
Yes. Meidum is about 40 km from Faiyum, and both visits can fit in a day if you leave Cairo early in the morning.
What is Wadi Sannur?
It is a protected area in the Beni Suef desert with an alabaster cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. Visits take place at scheduled times: confirm before you go.