First Obelisk of Senusret – Matariya, Cairo

The short answer

The First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria Entry Ticket grants admission to the obelisk display area in Mataria, Cairo, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow

Self-paced

Travel style

Self-Guided Entry

Arranged by

Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt

Destinations

First Obelisk of Senusret, Mataria

Includes

Entry to the obelisk’s immediate viewing area · PDF entry ticket delivered by email

Best for

Independent visitors · Short heritage visits · Travellers exploring east Cairo

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01Located in Matariya (ancient Heliopolis), the Senusret I obelisk dates to c.1971–1926 BCE, Twelfth Dynasty.
• 02Entrance ticket included; the site is an open-air roadside monument requiring only a 15–20 minute visit.
• 03Unlike Giza Plateau visits, most guests spend under 30 minutes here, making it an easy half-day addition.
• 04The obelisk preserves hieroglyphic inscriptions naming Senusret I; our Egyptologists include translation highlights on-site.
• 05Small, exposed location with limited shade; we recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday sun.
• 06We avoid mass-group buses here; visits are scheduled as private or small-group, respecting the site's scale.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many wider Cairo heritage itineraries include several archaeological sites; this ticket grants access only to the obelisk and its immediate display area. Unlike an escorted visit, it does not include an Egyptologist or transport.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

1. 01

   Check official site information shortly before travelling, as opening hours and admission categories can change seasonally.

2. 02

   Arrive early if possible, since current opening hours are not specified here.

3. 03

   Check photography rules at the entrance rather than assuming cameras are permitted.

4. 04

   Print the emailed PDF ticket if you are unsure whether the entrance accepts a screen display.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The ticket covers the obelisk's immediate viewing area only, and no wider site circuit or additional visit option is specified. You can plan it as a short stop alongside other east Cairo sights, but transport and any interpretation must be arranged separately.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Tree of the Virgin Mary15 min walk
• Heliopolis Basilica4 km
• Baron Empain Palace5 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   Entry arranged for the obelisk’s immediate viewing area

2. 02

   PDF ticket sent by email after booking confirmation

3. 03

   A focused heritage stop in Cairo’s Mataria district

·In summary

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01Where is the First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria?

   The First Obelisk stands in Mataria, eastern Cairo, within the modern district of Al‑Matariyyah. It marks the site of ancient Heliopolis and is visible from adjacent streets. Expect a short roadside stop; allow 15–30 minutes. Our Egyptologists usually pair it with Baron Empain Palace or the wider Heliopolis circuit.
2. 02Do I need to buy a ticket to see the obelisk?

   There is generally no separate ticket for roadside obelisks; they are viewed from public spaces. Small fenced sites or nearby museums may charge entry, however. If you want a guided close‑up or access to controlled grounds we will confirm any fees and arrange permissions before travel.
3. 03Is the obelisk site wheelchair accessible?

   Accessibility at the obelisk is limited: pavements are uneven and kerbs are often high. There are no formal ramps or visitor facilities at the immediate site. If you need step‑free access we can suggest nearby accessible Heliopolis stops or arrange a vehicle drop‑off adjacent to the monument.
4. 04How long should I allow to visit the obelisk?

   Plan 15–30 minutes for the obelisk alone; allow longer if you add nearby Heliopolis sites. Our Egyptologists typically allocate 20 minutes for photographs and short interpretation. Remember eastern Cairo traffic and parking can add 20–40 minutes to your overall schedule.
5. 05Can I take photographs or fly a drone at the obelisk?

   Photographs from public areas are normally permitted; drone use requires approval from the national civil aviation authority. Commercial photography and drones usually need permits and local police clearance. We can apply for permissions and advise on close‑up photography rules and timing.
6. 06Can you include the obelisk in a private Cairo half‑day itinerary?

   Yes – we can include the obelisk as a short stop within a private half‑day Cairo itinerary. We treat it as a brief heritage stop rather than a stand‑alone attraction and do not operate obelisk‑only tours. Our drivers know local parking and drop‑off points and will factor traffic into the timing.