Horizon of Khufu: A Fascinating VR Expedition

I cannot say enough good things about Horizon of Khufu! Though it did take my kids a few minutes to adjust to the world of VR (wearing the goggles, moving through the space, adjusting to the change of perspective), they had the best time by the end and didn't want to "leave" the Great Pyramid of Giza. The experience is located on the Atlanta BeltLine (inside the Illuminarium building).

You feel like you're climbing atop the Great Pyramids during the Horizon of Khufu VR experience. Photo courtesy Eclipso

Prepare for a VR Trip to Ancient Egypt

This VR experience is designed for ages 8 and over (stay true to that age restriction as the experience will be lost on anyone younger). Visitors to ancient Egypt spend 45 minutes virtually exploring pharaoh tombs, pyramids, the Nile River, and the spellbinding culture of this land.

Upon arrival to the 11,000-square-foot space, parents and kids set up their own custom character names (my kids and I stuck with our first names; however, my husband of course used "King Tut"). The staff enters your names as a group in the system, and then you're each fitted for a headset. Again, the staff is super helpful here making sure everyone is comfortable and can see and hear properly. This is probably the point where your kids will get slightly nervous or excited, as the perpectives totally change.

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It can be a little intimidating entering the VR experience with the headset on (especially if you or your kids don't play a lot of video games), so remind kids to listen to the virtual tour guide and perhaps hold their hand or shoulder to remind them you're still right by their side (that's how I helped my younger one). Within the experience, you should always be able to "see" your group with everyone's character names. At any time you feel overwhelmed, need a break, or maybe wander a bit too far, visitors can lift up their visors or raise their hands for staff assistance.

While your mind is traversing the deserts of ancient Egypt, your body stands firmly in Atlanta. Photo by author

King Khufu Meet Atlanta; Atlanta Meet King Khufu

Walk like an Egyptian, or at least watch ancient Egyptians walk, as you take a virtual journey through the wonders of this ancient land. Become an Egyptologist by exploring the intricate tombs of Pharaoh Kufu, visit the Giza Necropolis (home to the three Great Pyramids), take a boat ride down the Nile River, see mummification ceremonies, and attend the funeral of King Khufu -- the visionary behind the Pyramids of Giza.

Along the way, visitors will walk, crawl, and climb through the complicated layout of this ancient structure. And for those who like a little magic sprinkled into their history, there's a character along the way who transforms from regular street cat to Egyptian goddess -- she opens a portal and leads visitors through the pyramid and beyond, floating hundreds of feet in the air to the top of the structure. My kids loved her!

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Horizon of Khufu: Know Before You Go

• Designed for ages 8 and older with a run time of 45 minutes. Every child must be accompanied by an adult.
• Operating hours are Tuesday-Friday, 12-8pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; and Sunday 10am-8pm (closed Monday).
• Located in the Illuminarium building, at 550 Sommerset Terrace, Atlanta, GA 30306. Self-parking is available at an hourly rate, as well as valet and nearby street parking.
• Weekend ticket prices are $27 for children (ages 8-17) and $31 for adults (ages 18 and over); weekday ticket prices are $21 for children and $24 for adults.
• People who wear glasses can easily still use the headset; however, avoid hats and high ponytails as they can get in the way of a proper headset fit. Wear comfy clothes and sneakers since you walk the entire time.
• The Atlanta attraction will be offering birthday parties for kids (more information on birthday packages will be released soon).
• Store belongings in the free, on-site lockers so you can have your hands free to truly immerse yourself in the VR experience.
• Bathrooms available in the lobby. Before or after the VR experience, hungry patrons can walk along the BeltLine for food stands and restaurants, including nearby Ponce City Market's food hall.