Reviewed by Zuzi Fort
Hold onto your camels because Sydney’s about to take you on a ride back in time – 4,500 years, to be precise. Forget dusty history books and dry museum exhibits; Horizon of Khufu brings a new meaning to the phrase “history comes alive.” This immersive VR experience isn’t just a glimpse of the past –it’s a full-blown leap into the world of ancient Egypt, where you’ll be walking alongside ancient giants, treading the paths of history's greats, and travelling with gods. You’ll feel the pulse of adventure stir in your bones as you follow in the footsteps of great explorers, awakening your inner child and channelling your inner Indiana Jones.
Brought to life by the brilliant minds at Excurio in collaboration with Fever, this virtual expedition gives time travel a serious upgrade. Picture this: you're standing on the Giza Plateau, but you’re not just any tourist with a fanny pack – you’re a towering avatar (yes, you get to be a GIANT) with the power to see Egypt in all its glory, minus the sand in your shoes.
Whether you're a history buff or someone who can barely remember what the Pyramids of Giza are, this experience turns even the most uninterested into eager explorers. And no sunscreen required!
First launched in Paris in 2022, Horizon of Khufu has earned rave reviews across the globe, making its way through the UK, US, and Canada before landing in Sydney. It's already enchanted over a million visitors, with an impressive 4.8-star rating. Why? Because this isn’t just any old VR experience – it's guided by Harvard Egyptologist Peter Der Manuelian, so you know you're getting the real deal. Every stone, every chamber, every jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the pyramids is meticulously researched and verified.
One of the many highlights of this 45-minute virtual journey? A sunrise flight over the Giza Necropolis. You’ll feel like a deity on holiday as you ascend the Pyramid of Khufu and gaze down at the sprawling city beneath you. Then, prepare to get up close and personal with the Sphinx – who probably won't answer any riddles but will leave you in awe.
The real magic happens when you explore the innards of the Great Pyramid. Not only do you get to witness an embalming ceremony, but you’ll glide down the same corridors where ancient royals once walked. Then, to top it all off, you’ll float down the Nile for King Khufu’s funeral – because what’s a trip to ancient Egypt without a dramatic send-off?
The VR technology here is nothing short of cutting-edge. You’ll move freely with your friends, see them in avatar form, and feel completely immersed in this ancient world. It’s as if you’ve travelled back in time and found your spirit of adventure, walking with pharaohs and witnessing history’s greatest moments unfold around you. I guarantee that this experience will have you questioning if you’re still in Sydney by the time you’re done.
Sessions run every day at the Fever Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park. To purchase tickets, head to horizonkheopsexperience.com/sydney
Get your tickets, and get ready to walk with history’s greatest legends. Khufu awaits – don’t leave him hanging!