TanisOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt
Tanis, the enigma of forgotten pharaohs
What to do in Tanis, this ancient capital of forgotten pharaohs? Dive into the heart of Egyptian history, where the remains of the Great Temple of Amun and the royal necropolises of the 21st and 22nd Dynasties tell millennia of mysteries. Tanis is a major archaeological site, less known than Luxor but just as fascinating, offering an authentic immersion into ancient Egypt. For an unusual activity and a playful discovery, our outdoor escape games invite you to transform your visit into a real treasure hunt. Every obelisk, every broken statue, every wall section becomes a clue in a life-sized scavenger hunt. It's an original way to explore the secrets of Tanis, away from the crowds. Discover our city game below, a unique experience to unravel the enigmas of the past.
Landmarks of Tanis
Monuments and sites covered by our escape games across the city.
Unusual things to do in Tanis
For an unusual activity in Tanis, our trails immerse you in the mysterious atmosphere of the pharaohs. Far from classic guided tours, you'll explore the archaeological site like a true archaeologist, searching for hidden clues among obelisks and colossal statues. Imagine deciphering a forgotten inscription on the ruins of the Great Temple of Amun or tracing the path of an ancient royal procession. It's an original outing that transforms heritage discovery into a thrilling adventure, revealing secrets that classic tour guides often overlook. A unique way to experience the millennia-old history of Tanis.
Things to do in Tanis with kids
What to do with the family in Tanis? Our outdoor escape games are an excellent option for a memorable kids' activity or teen outing. From age 8, the youngest can actively participate in searching for clues across the vast archaeological site. The game transforms the visit into a real treasure hunt, where everyone finds their role: children spot details, teenagers solve puzzles, and adults appreciate the historical context. It's a fun and interactive way to learn about ancient Egyptian history, far from traditional museums. An outdoor adventure that strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories.
Tanis for couples
For a couples' outing or a romantic getaway in Tanis, our trails offer an intimate and shared experience in the heart of ancient Egypt. Imagine yourselves hand in hand, exploring the majestic ruins under the Delta sun, solving the pharaohs' enigmas together. It's an unexpected romantic activity that fosters complicity and mutual discovery. Share unique moments deciphering hieroglyphs or searching for hidden symbols, then conclude your adventure with a moment of contemplation before a sunset over the millennia-old ruins. An original way to strengthen your bond while immersing yourselves in history.
What to do in Tanis when it rains
Even though rain is a rare phenomenon in Tanis, an overcast sky can add a dramatic and unique atmosphere to your exploration of the archaeological site. Our outdoor escape games are played outdoors, but the vastness of the site and the nature of the ruins offer a different experience when the weather is milder. A wet-weather activity, or rather a cloudy-weather activity, allows you to discover the ancient stones in a different light, revealing details that the blazing sun sometimes masks. Enjoy this particular ambiance to unravel the secrets of Tanis, away from the intense heat.
Where is Tanis, and where do the routes start?
Starting points of our routes and the places they pass through.
Route starting points
Places in Tanis
- Entrance to the Archaeological Site of San el-Hagar
- Remains of the processional avenue of the Great Temple of Amun
- In front of the ruins of the Great Temple of Amun
- Remains of the hypostyle hall of the Great Temple of Amun
- Outskirts of the royal necropolis sector
- Ruins of the Temple of Mut
- Approximate location of the entrance to tomb NRT III
- Shores of the Sacred Lake of the Amun complex
The history of Tanis
The Rise of a Northern Capital
Tanis, known as Djanet to the ancient Egyptians and Zoan in the Old Testament, was a city in the northeastern Nile Delta during the 19th Dynasty (around 1292–1189 BC). It served as the capital of the 14th nome of Lower Egypt. The city's prominence began around 1075 BCE, when the pharaohs of the 21st Dynasty established it as their royal residence and the capital of all Egypt.
This shift in power was due to environmental changes. The Pelusiac branch of the Nile, which had sustained the earlier capital of Pi-Ramesses, began to silt up, making its harbor unusable. Tanis, on the navigable Tanitic branch, became the new center of power for the 21st and 22nd Dynasties. The city was important as one of the closest ports to the Asiatic seaboard, facilitating trade and serving as a defensive station on Egypt's eastern border.
Echoes of Thebes and a Royal Necropolis
As capital, Tanis emulated Thebes, the southern capital. The city's main deities were Amun, his consort Mut, and their child Khonsu, forming a triad identical to that of Thebes. Scholars refer to Tanis as "The Northern Thebes." The Tanite pharaohs undertook building projects, constructing a Temple of Amun-Ra and other smaller temples dedicated to Mut and Khonsu.
Tanis's construction involved the reuse of monumental blocks, obelisks, and colossal statues from earlier sites, especially the abandoned city of Pi-Ramesses. This practice, due to the Delta region's lack of natural stone quarries, meant that many monuments at Tanis bear inscriptions of pharaohs like Ramesses II, even though they were erected centuries later by the Tanite kings.
The most significant archaeological discoveries at Tanis are the royal necropolises of the 21st and 22nd Dynasties, found within the Great Temple enclosure. These tombs, unearthed by French archaeologist Pierre Montet in the late 1930s and early 1940s, contained intact royal burials, a rare find in Egyptian archaeology, offering treasures including gold masks, silver coffins, and jewelry.
What to see in Tanis
- Entrance to the Archaeological Site of San el-Hagar, Tanis — This is the starting point, where the ancient city begins. You will see the initial markers and the overall layout of the monumental area.
- Remains of the processional avenue of the Great Temple of Amun — Walk along the remnants of a grand avenue, lined with carved stone blocks and fragments of colossal statues of Ramesses II. This shows the scale intended by the Tanite pharaohs.
- In front of the ruins of the Great Temple of Amun — Here, you will find granite blocks and the remains of the city's spiritual center. Look for the fallen obelisks that once marked the various pylons.
- Remains of the hypostyle hall of the Great Temple of Amun — Though largely ruined, you can discern the footprint of this hall. Imagine the columns and reliefs that adorned it, picturing the ceremonies that took place within these walls.
- Outskirts of the royal necropolis sector, Great Temple — This area marks the edge of where the royal tombs of the 21st and 22nd Dynasties were discovered, an unusual placement directly within the temple enclosure.
- Ruins of the Temple of Mut, near the Great Temple — Explore the smaller sanctuary dedicated to Mut, the consort of Amun. You will find carved blocks and statue fragments, offering a glimpse into the religious practices of Tanis.
- Approximate location of the entrance to tomb NRT III — While the treasures from these tombs are now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, seeing the entrance to one of the royal burial chambers, like NRT III (the tomb of Psusennes I), provides a connection to the pharaohs who ruled from Tanis.
- Shores of the Sacred Lake of the Amun complex — Observe the outlines of this ancient purification pool, lined with limestone blocks. This lake served ritual purposes for the priests of Amun.
When to visit Tanis
The best time to visit Tanis is from October to April. During these months, the weather is mild, making outdoor exploration comfortable. Temperatures are cooler, and there are fewer sandstorms compared to the hotter summer months. The light is clear for photography. Avoid visiting from May to September, as temperatures can be high, and the sun can make walking around the open archaeological site challenging. While Tanis is less crowded than other major Egyptian sites, the cooler months are preferable.
Getting around Tanis
Tanis, also known as San el-Hagar, is in the Nile Delta, approximately 103 miles (166 km) northeast of Cairo. The most convenient way to reach the site is by hiring a private car or taxi from Cairo, which takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Public transport options include taking a train from Cairo's Ramses Station to Zagazig, followed by a local bus or service cab to San el-Hagar, though this involves multiple transfers.
At the archaeological site, circulation is on foot. The ground is uneven, and much of the area is open, so comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are essential. There are no designated parking areas, but private vehicles can park near the entrance. It is recommended to hire a local guide at the site, as many areas lack detailed signage, and a guide can provide context to the ruins and hieroglyphs.
Things you probably do not know about Tanis
Verified details most visitors walk straight past.
- Great Temple of Amun
- Many of the colossal statues and obelisks you see at Tanis bear the name of Ramesses II. But did he actually build them here? No, Ramesses II did not build these monuments at Tanis. The pharaohs of the 21st and 22nd Dynasties, who made Tanis their capital, extensively reused and transported these massive stones from the abandoned city of Pi-Ramesses, which was about 20 kilometers south.
- Royal Necropolis
- The treasures found in the royal tombs of Tanis are said to rival those of Tutankhamun, yet they remained largely unknown for decades. Why? The incredible discovery of intact royal tombs by Pierre Montet in 1939 and 1940, including gold masks and silver coffins, coincided with the outbreak of World War II. Global attention was focused on the war in Europe, and the finds received comparatively little public notice at the time.
- Sacred Lake of the Amun complex
- This large rectangular basin within the temple precinct wasn't just for show. What was its primary function for the priests? The Sacred Lake served two essential purposes for the priesthood: ritual purification, where priests would bathe multiple times a day before entering the inner sanctuary, and cosmologically, it represented the primeval waters from which creation emerged.
- Obelisks Field
- Many of the obelisks at Tanis are found lying prostrate on the ground, all in a similar direction. What might have caused this widespread collapse? Archaeologists believe that a violent earthquake during the Byzantine era may have been responsible for knocking down many of the large obelisks, which now lie fallen across the site.
- Temple of Khonsu
- The Temple of Khonsu, though smaller than the main Temple of Amun, was strategically placed. What was its architectural significance? The architectural placement of the Temple of Khonsu allowed for processional routes that connected the child god Khonsu to the main Temple of Amun during specific astronomical alignments, playing a critical role during lunar festivals.
- Site as a whole (San el-Hagar)
- For a long time, archaeologists struggled to correctly identify Tanis, often confusing it with other ancient cities. What was the key to finally understanding its true identity? Early archaeologists often confused Tanis with the biblical city of Zoan or even Pi-Ramesses. The later rediscovery of the actual neighboring archaeological sites of Pi-Ramesses (Qantir) and Avaris (Tell el-Dab'a) made it clear that these earlier identifications were incorrect, confirming Tanis's unique legacy.
Questions about visiting Tanis
How much time should I allocate for visiting Tanis?
To explore the archaeological site of Tanis and appreciate its various ruins, including the Great Temple of Amun, the royal necropolis, and the other temple remains, plan for at least 3 to 4 hours. If you hire a guide, allow for more time to absorb their insights.
What are the transportation options to get to Tanis?
The most straightforward way to reach Tanis is by private car or taxi from Cairo, a journey of about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Public transport involves taking a train to Zagazig, then a local bus or service cab to San el-Hagar, which is less direct but more economical.
Is Tanis suitable for families with children?
Tanis can be an engaging visit for families with older children who have an interest in history and exploration. The open-air nature of the site allows for freedom to roam. However, younger children might find the extensive ruins less captivating without a dedicated guide to bring the history to life.
What is the best way to navigate the archaeological site?
The archaeological site is best explored on foot. The terrain is uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Consider hiring a local guide at the entrance; their knowledge of the site and hieroglyphs can significantly enhance your understanding, as many areas lack detailed informational signs.
Are there any facilities or amenities available at the site?
Tanis is a remote archaeological site, and amenities are limited. It is advisable to bring your own water, snacks, a hat, and sunscreen. There are no major restaurants or extensive shops directly at the site, so plan accordingly for your visit.
What is the typical budget for a day trip to Tanis?
A day trip budget for Tanis should account for transportation (private car being the most expensive, public transport the least), the entry fee (around 80 EGP), and potentially a local guide's fee. Food and drink should also be factored in, as options at the site are minimal.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an outdoor escape game in Tanis cost?
Our outdoor escape games in Tanis start at €12 per team (1 phone). This rate is ideal for a couple or a small family. For multiple players wishing to use their own phones, budget €19 for 2 phones and €25 for 3. There is only one trail available in Tanis for now, so no City Pass.
Are the Tanis escape games suitable for children?
Yes, our escape game in Tanis is perfectly suited for families with children aged 8 and up. The puzzles are designed to be solved in a group, encouraging collaboration. The youngest will love searching for visual clues on the archaeological site, while teenagers and adults will enjoy deciphering codes and connecting facts to history. The trail is GPS-guided, ensuring a safe exploration without the risk of getting lost on the vast site.
How long does an outdoor escape game in Tanis last?
Expect generally between 1h30 and 2h30 to complete our trail in Tanis, depending on your pace and the time you take to admire the ruins. Our games are self-guided, meaning you can start whenever you want and take breaks. This flexibility is valuable for fitting into your schedule and fully enjoying your visit to the site.
Do I need to book in advance?
Online booking is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to ensure a smooth experience. You receive an activation code instantly by email, usable whenever you wish — there is no expiry date. This allows you to start the game as soon as you arrive at the site, without waiting, and enjoy your adventure in peace.
What is Tanis famous for? / What to visit in Tanis?
Tanis is primarily renowned for its impressive archaeological site, often compared to a more intimate version of Luxor. You can visit the remains of the Great Temple of Amun, a monumental complex, as well as the royal necropolises of the pharaohs of the 21st and 22nd Dynasties, which yielded treasures comparable to those of Tutankhamun. The site is dotted with obelisks, colossal statues, and stelae, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egypt. Our escape game trail naturally incorporates these iconic locations into its plot.
When is the best time to visit Tanis?
The best season to visit Tanis extends from autumn to spring (October to April). During this period, temperatures are milder and more pleasant, ideal for exploring the outdoor archaeological site. Summer (May to September) can be very hot, so it's best to prioritize visits early in the morning or late in the afternoon if you're traveling during this time. The advantage of our outdoor games is that they can be adapted to your pace, allowing you to take breaks in the shade if necessary.