The Horizon of Khufu virtual reality experience opened its doors in late 2023, inviting the intrepid to journey back through time and explore the pyramids of Ancient Egypt. Located in Westfield Stratford, the digital expedition was created in collaboration with Harvard University’s Egyptologist Peter der Manuelian, ensuring a fusion of authentic visual spectacle and accurate insight into the customs, architecture and culture of the time. So, in need of a history refresher and some overseas travel, I headed over to experience it for myself. Here’s our Horizon of Khufu review…
Finding the Horizon of Khufu experience…
If you’re anything like us, your expedition will begin before you even cross the threshold of the venue. The crowded labyrinth of Westfield Stratford is not for the faint of heart (or those with a bad sense of direction). Emerging from the underground station we had to dig out our phones and map out our route, before setting off to wade through a sea of shoppers and swerve around daydreaming kids. Luckily, the instructions are fairly straightforward and once we figured out the right level (ground floor) to access ‘The Street’ it wasn’t long before we were standing in front of the doors of the Horizon of Khufu.
What can you expect?…
Like any expedition, you first need to gear up. Once we had named our avatars, we were led to a space where we received the VR equipment that would transport us back in time. Fittingly, the headset and system that we shimmied onto our shoulders was akin to wearing a hiking backpack and goggles (the latter may not be an expedition essential but let’s just pretend there’s a sandstorm) so we felt well prepared to travel to the time-bending wilds of Ancient Egypt. Just a note – I would recommend wearing comfy shoes because you can expect to be on your feet for over 45 minutes.
When we were all equipped and ready to go, we were given the lowdown on what to expect – there’ll be a few groups in a big room, don’t walk towards red walls, avoid bumping into other avatars etc. – and then we pulled on our headsets. Instantly, I was immersed in a black void and shuffling around like a baby learning to walk again, but after some digital (and mental) calibration I took my first steps into a new virtual reality universe.
I don’t want to give too much away but I had my highlights. First up, the blend of historical fact and mythology. While I have to admit, it took me a while to concentrate on what our virtual guide Mona was saying since I was consumed by the fear I’d bump into a stranger, once I realised that was very unlikely (considering you can see them as avatars wandering around), I soon tuned in. Designed with a bumbling charisma and eager passion for the subject Mona chirpily enlightened us about the story behind the titular ‘Horizon of Khufu’ – the name the ancient Egyptians had given to the Great Pyramid of Giza. The lines between reality and the digital world soon blurred as we journeyed deeper into the pyramid’s forbidden depths, but it was a comfort to see the other members of my group – with their names handily hovering above their avatars – were along for the ‘ride’ alongside me. Everyone might be sharing the sprawling space but each expedition was private and there was plenty of room for all of us.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll likely be distracted by the curious cat who accompanies you. I’m guilty of pointing at it a few times like a fascinated child. Well, much to our enjoyment that cat turns out to be more than just a nosy companion. Let’s just say the foray into the mythological side of things was a personal favourite part of mine – introducing you to the gods and goddesses of Ancient Egypt and shedding light on how myth and ritual are intertwined, particularly when it comes to death and the afterlife. In this case, the funeral rites of an Egyptian Pharaoh. You get to follow in the footprints of people who lived over 4500 years ago, seeing their customs and traditions unfold right in front of you. It’s a precious glimpse into history.
This virtual time travel is all made possible with cutting-edge technology. The visuals did their job at making me feel like I had stumbled onto the Giza Plateau. Like a high-def video game dialled up a notch, the looming height of pyramids felt just as gargantuan and impressive as described in history books. Plus, when we emerged outside at the cloud-brushing peak, there was even a touch of giddy vertigo, as if I had just clambered up a mountain and wasn’t in fact fumbling around a room in Westfield shopping centre.
The characters and animals also had natural movement, and watching the light-footed cat spring up time-worn rocks or a soaring bird circle us in the sky helped create a sense of awe rooted in reality, further adding to the magic of it all. A lot of the time my fingers were twitching to reach for my phone to snap a pic; as if I could capture the dusky sunsets, giant silver moon and stunning centuries-old structures laid out before me.
Keep in mind…
Like anything, there are a few factors that can affect the overall experience. One of which is when you visit. Now, we went slap bang in the middle of half term, so of course it was going to be slightly more crowded than your average day. This wasn’t an issue as the groups are staggered well, but there were some moments where the conversations of a louder group did make me lose track of the audio and on some occasions the digital guide, when I was trying to dodge around unfamiliar avatars. However this is likely a rarity, they do tell you to keep your voice down and I would ultimately chalk it up to the initial moment of them trying to find their footing in a virtual world. There are also staff members in the room to help keep everyone on track (aka avoid bumping shoulders and tripping over non-existent rocks).
Also, thanks to the efficacy of the digital effects, there were moments where it felt like you were gliding up to incredible heights – you don’t move a muscle but for someone with a fear of heights or motion sickness it might be something to consider. This goes for people with claustrophobia also. The exploration of the small and dark tunnels inside the pyramid could be discomforting for some, though you do have the freedom to remove your headset if it becomes too much.
In conclusion…
The Horizon of Khufu virtual reality experience is a remarkable gateway to Ancient Egypt that works as both a fun adventure and an educational expedition. It’s a great way to get your travel fix – see an endless expanse of golden sands and even embark on a mystical boat journey – all without stepping foot outside London. It’s also a perfect break from shopping: nothing like stepping back in time in between scouring stores for a new toaster.
