When we hear the word “pyramid”, the first country that comes to mind is Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and the stories of pharaohs and mummies are the places we instantly think about. Egypt has built a strong global image around its ancient monuments, and its pyramids are world-famous. But what if I tell you that Egypt is not the country with the most pyramids?
Surprisingly, the country that has the largest number of pyramids in the world is Sudan.
Egypt’s pyramids are some of the oldest and most impressive structures ever built. The most famous ones are the Pyramids of Giza, especially the Great Pyramid of Khufu. These pyramids were built as tombs for the kings of ancient Egypt and are known for their massive size, precise design, and long history.
Tourists from all over the world visit Egypt just to see these pyramids. They are featured in movies, books, documentaries, and school textbooks. Even today, the Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.
Also see: Most Amazing Pyramids in Mexico to Visit
Sudan is a country located just south of Egypt. It is home to over 200 pyramids, which is more than double the number in Egypt. These pyramids were built by the Kingdom of Kush, an ancient African civilization that ruled parts of Sudan and even Egypt at times.
Most of the pyramids in Sudan are located in places like Meroë, Nuri, and El-Kurru. They are part of the Nubian culture and history, but sadly, they do not get the attention they deserve.
Difference Between Egyptian and Sudanese Pyramids
While both countries built pyramids as royal tombs, their designs are quite different.
| Feature | Egyptian Pyramids | Sudanese Pyramids (Nubian) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Massive and wide | Smaller and steeper |
| Quantity | Around 100 | Over 200 |
| Age | Older (as early as 2600 BC) | Slightly newer (around 800 BC) |
| Tourist Popularity | Very high | Less known and less crowded |
| Shape | Smooth angled sides | Narrow base, sharp pointed tops |
The pyramids in Sudan may not be as big, but they are equally fascinating. They show a different style and culture, and many still stand tall after thousands of years.
Are the Pyramids of Sudan Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely. If you love history and want to explore ancient architecture without huge tourist crowds, Sudan’s pyramids are worth visiting. Sites like Meroë offer a peaceful and raw experience. You can walk among the pyramids, take photos, and feel like you are discovering something hidden from the rest of the world.
However, due to political instability and lack of tourism infrastructure, not many travelers visit Sudan. But for true explorers, that is part of the adventure.
So, Which Country is the Real Land of Pyramids?
If we go by popularity, Egypt easily wins. Its pyramids are bigger, older, and more iconic. But if we go by numbers, then Sudan is the actual land of pyramids. So maybe it is time we update the way we look at history. Egypt gave us the famous pyramids, but Sudan gave us the most pyramids.
In the end, both countries have contributed greatly to human history, and both deserve to be celebrated as the true lands of pyramids.
Can You Plan a Trip to Egypt and Sudan Together?
If you want to see the Pyramids, it is possible to plan a trip that includes both Egypt and Sudan. Geographically, the two countries are neighbors. In fact, you can even travel overland from Egypt to Sudan through the Wadi Halfa border crossing near the Nile. There is also a ferry service from Aswan (Egypt) to Wadi Halfa (Sudan), which adventurous travelers often use.
However, this kind of trip is not for casual tourists. You need separate visas for Egypt and Sudan. While getting an Egyptian visa is fairly easy, a Sudanese visa requires more paperwork and is harder to obtain due to the ongoing conflict.
Right now, Sudan is not considered safe for tourists due to political instability and armed conflict in several parts of the country. Most governments, including India, the US, and the UK, have issued travel advisories asking their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Sudan.
Right now, it is better to plan only for Egypt. If Sudan becomes stable and safe again in the future, then a Nile-crossing adventure covering both Egypt and Sudan would be an amazing historical journey — from the Pyramids of Giza to the hidden pyramids of Meroë.