Audio Guide of the Heracleopolis Magna Necropolis

The necropolis is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except on Fridays when it closes in the afternoon. It is easily reached from Beni Suef by taxi or local bus; check the official website of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for updates.

Admission costs around 60 EGP for foreign adults (about 3–4 USD), and it is free for children under 6 and Egyptian students. Check updated prices on the official portal, as they may vary.

It is recommended to allow 1–2 hours to explore the main tombs and mastabas at a relaxed pace. If you use an audio guide like the one from IAudioguia, you can enrich the visit without adding much more time.

Heracleopolis Magna was the capital during the 9th and 10th Dynasties of Ancient Egypt, and its necropolis contains Middle Kingdom mastabas with unique funerary reliefs that show the evolution of Egyptian art. It represents a key point in the transition between the Old and Middle Kingdoms.

Winter (November to February) is ideal because of the cooler weather; avoid summer due to extreme heat. Go early in the morning (8–10 AM) for the best photographic light and fewer tourists.

The site is mostly sand and uneven ground, so it is not wheelchair accessible; there are also stairs in some tombs. Contact the local caretaker or the Ministry of Antiquities at +20 2 2577 5800 for limited options.

Nearby you will find the Temple of Herishef and ruins of the ancient city; 30–40 km away is the Faiyum Oasis with Lake Qarun and the site of Crocodilopolis. You can combine it with a visit to the Black Desert of Bahariya if you have more time.

Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen; hire a local guide for 200–300 EGP for detailed explanations. Download an audio guide from IAudioguia for information in English and visit with comfortable footwear for the sand.