Seeing the pyramids has always required travelers to venture into the desert, but that’s about to change. Now you’ll be able to see the pyramids without ever leaving Cairo. The Cairo Eye, a new observation wheel that will be the largest in Africa — and fifth largest in the world — will bring sightseers 400 feet in the air above the Zamalek district on Gezira Island. From the top, you’ll be able to see as far as 31 miles, which includes views of the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx.
Photo: Invest Gate
The Largest Observation Wheel in Africa Is Coming to Cairo
According to Egypt Today, Cairo governor Khaled Abdel Aal said in a press conference, “Cairo Eye will play a strategic role in sustainable tourism development, in line with Egypt’s vision 2030. The project complements the efforts underway to reshape and upgrade the capital, including Ahl Misr Walkway project, which is currently being constructed on the Nile Corniche in Cairo, as well as other development projects.”
The $311 million project will include 48 cabins that can each hold up to eight sightseers, an on-site restaurant, boat dock, cafes, and events hall. The observation wheel is designed to bring more tourism to Cairo, which often loses visitors to the neighboring city of Giza.
The Cairo Eye is still a long way from realization, though. The idea was originally announced last month, with the goal of opening in 2022. Several issues must be addressed before construction begins, like Cairo’s notoriously gridlocked traffic and settling on a location. 