Dream Stele
Monument Ancient stele between the Sphinx's paws recounting Thutmose IV
A vertical stone stele set between the paws of the Great Sphinx on the Giza Plateau, inscribed by Pharaoh Thutmose IV; visitors study the monument alongside the Sphinx and pyramids.
The Dream Stele, often called the Sphinx Dream Stele, is an ancient Egyptian monument placed between the front paws of the Great Sphinx at Giza. It was erected by the pharaoh Thutmose IV in the New Kingdom period, around the 18th Dynasty (c. 1400 BCE), to record a dream in which the sphinx promised him kingship.
The stone tablet is carved with a hieroglyphic text and reliefs that recount the dream, the pharaoh’s commission to clear sand from around the Sphinx, and the deity’s blessing. The inscription was intended to legitimize Thutmose IV’s rule by linking it to a divine encounter with the Sphinx.
The stele sits on the Giza Plateau adjacent to the Great Pyramid complex, within the archaeological site commonly visited by tourists to Cairo’s western desert edge. It is visible from the Sphinx viewing area and forms part of the ensemble of monuments at Giza.
- Inscription content: Inscribed in hieroglyphs, the stele records a dream in which the Sphinx promises kingship to the future pharaoh and was raised to advertise that story.
- Viewing location: The stele stands between the paws of the Great Sphinx on the Giza Plateau and is usually viewed from the public area around the Sphinx enclosure.
How to Get to Dream Stele #
From central Cairo: take Al-Ahram Street west toward the Giza Plateau. Nearest metro is Giza (Line 2) - from there it’s a taxi ride of about 10-15 minutes to the complex entrance. Many guided tours stop directly at the Sphinx enclosure; on-foot access across the plateau requires paying the Giza archaeological ticket.
Tips for Visiting Dream Stele #
- Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for the warm light that sculpts the Sphinx and the Dream Stele's hieroglyphs.
- Bring binoculars - the stele sits low between the Sphinx's paws and the enclosure limits close-up access.
- Buy a combined Giza ticket that includes the Sphinx enclosure and the Pyramid of Khafre area to avoid separate lines.
Best Time to Visit Dream Stele #
Best in winter and early spring for comfortable temperatures and clearer skies; summer brings intense heat and stronger tourist crowds.
Weather & Climate near Dream Stele #
Dream Stele's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
