Journey back to ancient Egypt with this brand new, thrilling Virtual Reality experience: Horizon Of Khufu, A Journey In Ancient Egypt.
Fly over the pyramids, sail down the Nile and meet with Pharaohs on this magical VR expedition that has just arrived in London. A unique and fascinating day out for older children, and one that brings history to life. Citizen Enfants joined the tour to step back in time.
What is Horizon of Khufu, A Journey in Ancient Egypt?
Horizon of Khufu, A Journey in Ancient Egypt is the latest virtual reality experience to arrive in London. Visitors step back in time to explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – all via a VR headset. Located at London’s Westfield Stratford City, this immersive journey lasts roughly 45 minutes, during which you’ll travel through space and time to see the treasures of Egypt’s Giza Pyramid, the resting place of Pharaoh Khufu.
Credits: Emissive / Excurio
On arrival, you’ll be fitted with a headset and backpack, and given a quick safety briefing. Next you are shown into a very large room (roughly the size of a couple of tennis courts), which is home to the experience. At first glance it looks like a big white space with black markings on the floor and walls – but once you put your headset on you are transported back to the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt, some 4,500 years ago.
A marked path appears on your headset, follow it to witness the sights and sounds of Egypt as you’ve never seen them before. You can walk around the room safely as other visitor’s avatars pop up so there is no risk of bumping into anyone else – or walls for that matter, which flash red as you approach them. If in doubt you simply raise a hand, and an attendant will appear to help. There are no budding twists and turns and it’s very easy to follow along.
Who is it for?
Whether you are a history enthusiast who wants to view the pyramids up close, a child who has studied the ancient Egyptians at school (and are excited to see your class work come to life), or a VR fan who loves being transported to the virtual world, Horizon of Khufu is incredibly interesting and entertaining. A group of up to four visitors can share the same session and several groups follow the expedition and travel together. You can talk to each other throughout, or hold hands if you want to stay close.
There is an age restriction; VR is not suitable for little ones as it involves special awareness and an understanding of the technology, and they may also find it confusing and possibly frightening. Children from eight years old who are 1.3 meters or taller can take part.
The Highlights
When you pop on your headset, you’ll meet your virtual tour guide – a local historian who welcomes you to Egypt and the Pyramid of Giza. Without giving too much away, she’s quickly replaced by a much more magical character who proceeds to plunge you deep into the depths of the ancient tombs before whisking you high above the ancient landscape to take in the spectacular views.
Credits: Emissive / Excurio
The true highlight, however, comes when you travel back in time and come face-to-face with ancient Egyptians as they take part in ceremonies and prepare their late King for the afterlife. Watch as Pharaoh Khufu’s loyal subjects place him in his final resting place. You’ll feel you can reach out and touch your VR companions while taking in the full 360-degree view of their surroundings – this is a history book brought to life, with realistic artistry and careful choreography that leaves you genuinely feeling as if you are a part of the scene.
Need to know
VR experiences can sometimes make you suffer slight vertigo or the feeling of motion sickness and dizziness. If that happens simply remove the headset for a few seconds and then try again. There are plenty of staff on hand to assist you. The immersive expedition equipment consists of an adjustable virtual reality headset and a backpack containing a three kilogram laptop. It’s not heavy, but it is worth noting that you will have to carry it around for the duration of the experience.
Credits: Emissive / Excurio
On booking you’ll be given a time slot, and we’d advise arriving 15 minutes before it. As the experience is not suitable for children under eight years old, it’s not possible to bring buggies into the space and there is no dedicated waiting area. This is an experience best visited only by those taking part.
Where is it?
The experience is located at Unit SU1060, The Street 1, Ground Floor, London E20 1EJ, just a short walk from Stratford tube station. There are lockers to store your belongings and you’ll find toilets on site. While there are no food or beverage outlets inside the experience, it is situated right next door to Westfield Stratford City with many restaurants to visit.
Lead image: Extérieur Khéops 1 © Emissive – Excurio
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