Discover another side of Cairo with our Cave Church and Garbage City tour. This private half-day experience takes you through Mokattam and Manshiyat Nasser. You’ll step inside the remarkable St Simon the Tanner Cave Church, a one-of-a-kind rock-cut church that people remember for its lovely carvings and tranquil mood. On the Private Garbage City and Cave Church tour, you’ll also move through the Zabbaleen community, where you can see their everyday routine and recycling customs. The cave church trip from Cairo is a nice pick for travelers who want to dig deeper into a less visited area of the city beyond the usual sights. Enjoy hotel pickup, a private air-conditioned ride, and a professional English-speaking guide. Make this part of your Cairo day tour and discover a unique side of the city. Book your Cairo Garbage City tour today!
Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Cairo or Giza in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and drives you toward Mount Mokattam. As part of your Cairo Garbage City tour, you pass through Manshiyat Nasser, known as Garbage City, home to the Zabbaleen community and their large-scale informal recycling operation.
At the Cave Church of St. Simon the Tanner, your St Simon the Tanner Cave Church tour continues as your guide walks you through the rock-cut chambers, explaining the monastery's history and the legend behind its construction. You're free to take your time inside; there's no group schedule to keep up with. Afterward, if you've requested it, there's a short optional stop for shopping before you're dropped back at your hotel in Cairo or Giza, roughly 4–5 hours after pickup.
Private, exclusive pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Cairo or Giza ; no shared transfers, no waiting on other travelers
Travel in an air-conditioned private vehicle for the full tour
All entrance fees to the Cave Church and monastery complex covered in advance; nothing to pay at the gate
A licensed English-speaking guide dedicated to your group only, walking you through the history of Saint Simon the Tanner and the Zabbaleen community
Free bottled water on board throughout the tour
Optional shopping stop available on request; nothing added to your route unless you ask for it
All service charges and local taxes included in the price you're quoted
Anything not listed in the tour itinerary
Gratuities for your guide and driver
Personal expenses
What to Expect Near Garbage City: The drive to the Cave Church passes through Manshiyat Nasser, where mounds of sorted waste are part of daily life for the Zabbaleen community. Expect strong smells and dusty conditions along this stretch of the route. Most travelers find it a genuinely eye-opening part of the tour, not something to skip past.
Dress Code: The Cave Church is an active place of worship, so shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Bring a light scarf or shawl if you're wearing sleeveless tops or shorts, just in case.
Physical Requirements: Reaching the main monastery complex involves a short uphill walk and some stairs. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended given the terrain.
Child Policy: This tour welcomes travelers of all ages, with no age restrictions.
Seasonal Pricing: Rates may differ during Christmas, New Year, and Easter periods in Egypt. Confirm current pricing for your travel dates when you inquire.
Itinerary Changes: Your guide may adjust the order of stops based on traffic or opening hours on the day, without changing what's included in your tour.
tour.price_subtitle
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Single | $160 |
| 2-3 Person | $120 |
| 4-6 Person | $100 |
| 7-10 Person | $80 |
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Wear comfortable and modest clothes, because the Cave Church is a place of worship. Comfortable shoes are recommended as well, so your steps stay easy during the visit.
Yes. Our private Cave Church tour in Cairo includes private transport and a professional guide. You can experience everything at your own pace, it also feels more personal, and more observant too.
Yes, the Mokattam Cave Church tour is private. That means you enjoy the visit with your own guide and vehicle, no strangers mixed in or anything.
On the St Simon the Tanner Cave Church tour you can see that rock-cut church which looks really beautiful. You will also spot stone carvings, plus the separate sections of the monastery. Your guide will explain the background and what makes it special, clearly.
The Cairo Garbage City tour takes around 4 to 5 hours, and yes it includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Cairo or Giza too.
It is a private half-day tour, to visit St. Simon the Tanner Cave Church in Mokattam, and pass by Garbage City. You’ll learn about the church, and also see the local area on the same day, in a more close up way.
