Which light show in Egypt - Pyramids or Karnak?
 

We're taking our first trip to Egypt in January and are trying to decide if we should attend one of the light and sound shows. Have read various reviews of both, but none of them were very recent. Which would you recommend and why? I understand they are fairly different with alot of walking at Karnak. Appreciate your thoughts and opinions!

We didn't go to the light show at Karnak but we went to the one at the Pyramids. While I wasn't completely blown away by it, if you have an evening to kill you might as well go and see it. There was no walking involved, they just have chairs set up like a theatre. If memory serves, it was about an hour long.

I agree with loru100 - we saw the show at the Pyramids in January and enjoyed it. It was reasonably entertaining and you get to see the pyramids at night, which I certainly enjoyed.

I loved the lights show at Karnak. First, there's a lot more to see at Karnak than at Giza, insofar as the temple is open and you get to walk around and see everything in a different light (sorry for the pun, couldn't resist). If it's up to just one light show, I say Karnak.

I agree the show at the pyramids you just sit like in a theatre and the show happens. I enjoyed it and agree it was nice to see the pyramids lit up.

Alund is right, you do see a lot more at Karnak but it is totally dark as you walk about and it was very crowded when we went so it was really rather dangerous. You also stand for several minutes at the show spots along the way and finally get to a place where you can sit.

I fell as Im just hopeless in the dark, so over all..unless you are young, w/ good eyes, and are sure footed.....maybe think twice about Karnak! :)

I wasn't impressed with the sound & light show at the pyramids. I thought it was pretty hokey, and kept falling asleep during it. Of course, we went on our first night in Cairo, when I was rather jet-lagged. I didn't see the one at Karnak, but went to the one at Philae Temple in Aswan. I felt that was more interesting because we walked around a little and saw the temple lighted up---plus got to take a boat across to the temple.

koryn

If you see just one, I would say the pyramids show would win. It is hokey (the music reminded me of a Godzilla movie), but it is relatively easy to put it into perspective. At the pyramids you sit in folding chairs and watch as the pyramids and sphinx are lit up along with the narration. They use a bit of laser technology too. It is important to arrive for the correct show since some shows are in German, French and a few other languages.

The show at Karnak (Luxor) was not as enjoyable mostly because it seemed to drag on a little too long. It does involve some walking. We were tempted to see the Philae show when we there last March, but didn't due to time restraints. I have heard it is a good one. There is also a Sound and Light show at Abu Simbel which is worthwhile.

It is always advisable to take a mini-flashlight with you when you expect to be outside at night. It can be handy to ensure your walkway is safe.

Pyramid Light Show..... I agree with others,it was no great thing....and you know what, in spite of the daytime temperatures being 104F , it got cool in the late evening at the Pyramid Light show.

Karnak Light Show... as has been mentioned it drags on too long.

The part by the Sacred Lake could have been omited.

Abu Simble Light Show....... this is the best of the three, too bad many visitors do not stay long enough at Abu Simble to see it .

My final opinion !..... if you are going to do one , then do the Pyramid one...it is shorter and if you get a bit bored or sleepy, you can look up at the sky ...the Pyramids...the Sphinx...and maybe get a glimps of the skyline of Cairo!!!

Thank you all for the great info. I think we'll stick with the show at the Pyramids!

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...rch_type=&aq=f

Here is a preview. I suspect if you search, you can find someone has put bits and pieces of the Karnak Show on YouTube too.