Egyptian Desert Escape

7 Daysย  |ย  From ยฃ1199pp

Egypt ( Best airport: Cairo)

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Escape into the stunning landscapes of Egypt on this exhilarating riding holiday. Galloping at the Pyramids of Giza and camping in the desert in Luxor are experiences youโ€™ll never forget! Visit the ancient temples on horseback, ride in the Theban Mountains and enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Nile.

Level of Riding and Fitness

You should be comfortable with the basics of riding (in control at the walk, trot, and canter). There are 4-7 hours of riding a day so a good level of general fitness is beneficial. Although there is an age limit of 16 years or older, younger riders may be considered if they have sufficient riding ability. The weight limit is 95kg.

Guides and Group Size

Your guide Ganun has made a name for himself in the horse world in Egypt. He is well-known around the streets of Luxor and canโ€™t go far without someone trying to sell him a horse!

Ganun has worked with horses since a young age and his understanding of them is remarkable. From Sharm El-Sheikh to Luxor, he has excelled as a guide leading horseback riding tours for over 16 years. He was even featured as a top tour guide in Luxor in 2016. In addition to leading tours, he has extensive experience training, breeding, showing, and rehabilitating horses.

The group size for this ride is limited to 2-8 people.

Any questions?

Contact us now on WhatsApp with any queries you have about this trail.

The Horses

All of the horses are Egyptian or โ€œBaladiโ€ horses, the type of horse most commonly found across Egypt. Baladi horses are native to Egypt but have mixed bloodlines with Arabian and European influences. They are spirited, quick, and versatile. They are ridden in English tack.

Many of the horses have been rescued from difficult situations and rehabilitated. They are forward-going and responsive with impressive stamina for long days in the saddle. Each horse has their own unique personality, and your guides will do their best to match horse to rider based on riding ability and personal preferences.

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Accommodation and Dining

In Cairo you will stay close to the pyramids at a boutique hotel in the heart of Giza, just across the Nile from Cairo. No matter which hotel you are in, you are guaranteed to have a once-in-a-lifetime view!

In Luxor, you will stay on the tranquil West Bank, the quieter side of the Nile with fewer tourists. The riding base is in a small village surrounded by farmland not far from the sights; the atmosphere is laid back and relaxing. You might be in a charming villa with traditional dome rooms, a vibrantly decorated guest house with views of the Nile, or your own fully equipped flat. In any of the places, you will be well accommodated while still feeling integrated with the local area. When camping, you will spend 3 nights in a Bedouin style tent or under the stars with sleeping bags alongside the horses.

Get a free Egyptian Desert Escape mini-brochure in PDF format.

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Itinerary

Day 1 You made it to the home of the pyramids! Pickup is at Cairo International Airport. You'll be staying in Giza, across the Nile River from Cairo. When you get to your hotel, take some time to get settled in, soak in the lively atmosphere, or relax with a drink. We'll meet you for a rooftop dinner with phenomenal views of the pyramids. Watch the Sound & Light Show as you enjoy your meal. It'll be a relaxed night so you're well rested for the first day of riding!
Day 2 After breakfast at the hotel, kick off your adventures with an exciting ride to the Pyramids of Giza! Your spirited Arabian will amaze you with their power, speed, and grace. The vast desert is perfect for long gallops and exhilarating races across the sand. As you approach the Giza plateau, the sight of the Great Pyramid will take your breath away. You will ride to the base of the pyramids on horseback and see just how massive these iconic structures are. Youโ€™ll have the chance to dismount and explore the complex on foot and marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. Get back in the saddle for more riding in the desert before heading back to the stable. At the hotel, relax over lunch and then pack up for a short flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in the late evening, you'll have dinner and unwind at your accommodation. Total length: 5 Hours Riding
Day 3 This morning you'll be welcomed to the stable and horses. You will get paired and acquainted with your four-legged partner before saddling up for your first sights of Luxor on horseback. Your ride begins through the lush green farmland along the Nile River. Trot through quaint village streets and get a glimpse of daily life in rural Egypt. Ride past incredible structures from ancient times including temples built by Ramses II and the massive Colossi of Memnon. Your ride then takes you up the mountain, where you can look across the Valley of the Kings and take in the stunning views of Luxor and the Nile River in the distance. You will then carefully make your descent and continue riding to a desert cave, where you enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, venture farther into the desert until you arrive at your campsite, where Bedouin tents await in a picturesque landscape. Dinner is prepared over an open fire as the sun sets behind the mountains. After a delicious meal, relax around the campfire under the stars with a glass of Egyptian tea, the horses resting around you. Total length: 7 Hours Riding
Day 4 Wake up to the crisp desert air and the sound of the horses munching on their breakfast. Youโ€™ll enjoy your own traditional breakfast of fava beans, sun bread, feta cheese, and fresh fruit with an amazing desert view. After breakfast, saddle up and ride all morning in the surrounding area including the โ€œValley of the Foxesโ€. If youโ€™re lucky and keep your eyes open, you may be able to spot a desert fox. Lunch is enjoyed back at camp. Take a brief rest before getting back in the saddle to make your way farther into the desert. It would be easy to believe you are getting lost amid the vast landscape as you explore new regions of the desert, but your knowledgeable guides are expert navigators. The horses are up for the sometimes challenging terrain and do not tire easily. In the rocky areas, make your way carefully, dismounting at times to pass over the hills. In the flat expanses, you can let loose and gallop your hearts out! You will arrive at your new campsite in the early evening for dinner and watch as delicious Bedouin food is prepared in front of you. Afterwards, enjoy some traditional Egyptian music while staying warm by the fire. Total length: 6 Hours Riding
Day 5 Today you will set out for your farthest ride into the desert. This is another full day in the saddle and lunch is packed to go in your saddle bags. Ride far off the beaten path; the wide open spaces will help you forget all your worries. The mountains still surround you but take on new appearances as you traverse the landscape. Deeper in the desert, the sand begins to become a bit softer and gives you plenty of opportunities for long canters and gallops. Ride back to camp as the sun begins to set and casts dramatic shadows on the mountains. For dinner, take part in the preparations, if you wish, roasting vegetables and meat over the fire while the horses enjoy their own well-earned meal. The rest of the evening is spent relaxing, the serene desert atmosphere letting you escape from it all for one last night. Total length: 6 Hours Riding
Day 6 Enjoy waking up in nature next to the horses again today. Say goodbye to your campsite after breakfast and begin your lengthy journey back to the stable. You'll experience the diversity of the landscape as the desert and mountains eventually turn to green fields, villages, and the Nile River. The lush farmland on the banks of the Nile is in stark contrast to the arid desert and a refreshing change of scenery. Back at the stable, you'll get untacked before going to your accommodation. After three nights camping, you'll appreciate the chance to freshen up! A late lunch is served at the accommodation. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to relax on your own. Once you're rejuvenated, youโ€™ll enjoy a private boat ride on the Nile River and be treated to a delicious meal on the water at sunset. In the evening, hang out at the stable and enjoy some drinks and music during your last night!
Day 7 If you have the time, tack up for a casual morning ride. Otherwise, relax at the stable with the horses, hang out by the Nile, or pick up some last-minute goodies to bring home. Our driver will take you to the Luxor Airport to catch your flight. Until next time - Ma'salaam (Goodbye)!

Egyptian Desert Escape

7 days / 6 nights / 5 riding days
ยฃ1199pp

Flights & Airport transfers

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

We recommend arriving in the afternoon or earlier on the first day. This allows time for you to get to your hotel and settle in before meeting the group for dinner to kick off your tour. However, we understand if this is not possible and we can still accommodate other travel plans.

This riding tour starts in Cairo and ends in Luxor; therefore you will need to book your own transfer flight. Flights between Cairo and Luxor operate at various times daily. The following flight time(s) should be booked:

Transfer Day: 6 pm flight from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Luxor International Airport (LUX)
Last Day of Tour: If you booked a roundtrip ticket to and from Cairo, we recommend booking a roundtrip flight between Cairo and Luxor as well. When picking your Luxor departure flight, make sure to plan enough time between arriving in Cairo and your Cairo departure time. We advise giving yourself at least 3 hours in case of delays.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Transfer from Cairo airport and transfers to and from Luxor airport
  • Other ground transportation
  • Entrance fees and cultural tour
  • 5 days riding
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Personal travel expenses
  • Visas
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Additional activities outside of the itinerary

Join a ride - Select your date:

28th September 2023 - 4 Saddles Available - ยฃ1210pp
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23rd November 2023 - 8 Saddles Available - ยฃ1210pp
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29th December 2023 - 8 Saddles Available - ยฃ1210pp
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