Pyramids and Oasis
Discover two very different sides of Egypt on this adventurous riding holiday, combining the iconic Pyramids of Giza with the remote beauty of Siwa Oasis.
Your adventure begins in Cairo with an unforgettable ride across the desert beneath the Pyramids. From here, travel west across the vast landscapes of Egypt's Western Desert to Siwa, a palm-filled oasis surrounded by salt lakes and the seemingly endless dunes of the Great Sand Sea.
Explore Siwa on horseback, ride to the ancient Temple of the Oracle and spend a thrilling day crossing the open desert on hardy local horses. There are plenty of opportunities for exhilarating canters and gallops, balanced with slower riding through villages and around the oasis.
Away from the saddle, swim at Cleopatra's Spring, explore the historic Shali Fortress and head deep into the dunes by 4x4, with the chance to try sandboarding. A varied and adventurous itinerary for confident riders.
itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo
Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel in Giza, where you will meet the Desert Dreams team and your fellow riders. This evening, enjoy your first taste of Egyptian cuisine with spectacular views towards the Pyramids. Overnight in Giza.
Day 2 – Pyramids Ride & Journey to Siwa
After breakfast, meet your horse for one of the most memorable rides of the holiday. Ride out into the desert surrounding Giza, with the Pyramids forming an extraordinary backdrop and plenty of open terrain for some faster riding across the sand. The ride lasts approximately 1½–2 hours. Afterwards, return to the hotel to freshen up and have lunch before beginning the journey west to Siwa Oasis. The drive takes approximately eight hours in an air-conditioned vehicle, with regular comfort and refreshment stops along the way. Overnight in Siwa.
Day 3 – Cleopatra's Spring & Siwa Ride
Enjoy a relaxed morning before visiting Cleopatra's Spring, one of Siwa's best-known natural springs, where there is time for a swim in the mineral-rich water. Enjoy lunch overlooking the spring before meeting the horses for an afternoon ride through the landscapes surrounding Siwa, passing palm groves and traditional settlements. Return to the guesthouse for dinner.
Day 4 – Temple of the Oracle & Desert Safari
After breakfast, set out on horseback towards the ancient Temple of the Oracle of Amun. Explore this fascinating archaeological site with your guide and learn about the pilgrims who once crossed the desert seeking the Oracle's advice. Later, swap horseback for a 4x4 and head deeper into the desert, travelling across spectacular dunes and vast expanses of golden sand. There will be time to climb the dunes for panoramic views and, for those who wish, try sandboarding.
Day 5 – The Great Sand Sea
Today brings one of the great riding experiences of the holiday as you set out for approximately 4–5 hours on horseback through the extraordinary landscapes of the Great Sand Sea. The vast expanses of open desert provide wonderful opportunities for long canters and gallops across the sand. With little but dunes stretching towards the horizon, this is desert riding at its most exhilarating and a real highlight of the trail.
Day 6 – Siwa Salt Lakes
Today's ride takes you towards Siwa's spectacular salt lakes, where intensely blue water and brilliant white salt contrast with the surrounding palm groves and desert. The lakes have an exceptionally high salt content, making it remarkably easy to float in the water, and there will be time to enjoy this unusual experience before continuing through the landscapes of the oasis and returning to your accommodation.
Day 7 – Shali Fortress & Return to Cairo
Before leaving Siwa, visit Shali Fortress, the atmospheric remains of the oasis's historic fortified town. Built using traditional local materials including mud, salt and sand, its maze of narrow passages offers a fascinating glimpse into Siwa's past. After lunch, begin the journey back across the Western Desert towards Cairo, reflecting on the week's adventures as the oasis gives way once again to the vast desert landscape. Spend your final night in Giza.
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and continue your onward journey. Airport transfers can be arranged locally according to your flight time.
know before you go
This holiday includes five days of riding, from a shorter ride beneath the Pyramids to longer adventures through the landscapes surrounding Siwa. The open desert provides fantastic opportunities for faster riding, with long stretches of sand suitable for canters and gallops. When riding through villages, palm groves and around the oasis, the pace is naturally slower.
One of the highlights is the 4–5 hour ride into the Great Sand Sea, where the vast open landscape provides an extraordinary sense of freedom. Riders should be comfortable and confident at walk, trot and canter in open country. This holiday is best suited to intermediate and advanced riders.
The Desert Dreams team is led by Mohamed, an experienced horseman with extensive knowledge of training and working with the local horses. Agnes, a former veterinary nurse, is also part of the team and brings considerable experience in horse care and welfare. Other members of the local team assist with the horses, riding and logistics throughout the holiday.
Groups are kept small, with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 riders.
The horses are predominantly Arabian and Egyptian Baladi horses. Arabians are renowned for their endurance, intelligence and ability to thrive in desert environments. The local Baladi horses are particularly well adapted to Egyptian conditions and are known for being tough, willing and responsive. The horses used on this trail are selected for their suitability for long rides and varied desert terrain.
English-style saddles and bridles are used.
English tack is used at this destination and each horse is fitted with their own saddle and bridle. Saddle bags are provided to carry your daily essentials.
Price includes
- 7 nights' accommodation
- All meals
- Guided horse riding as described in the itinerary
- Horse riding by the Pyramids
- Visit to Shali Fortress
- Visit to the Temple of the Oracle
- Visit to Cleopatra's Spring
- 4x4 jeep safari
- Transfers between Cairo and Siwa
- All transfers during the holiday
- Water, coffee and tea
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Egypt visa
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees to sites such as museums and temples
- Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
- Tips
Accommodation
Accommodation is in comfortable hotels with air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi and terraces or balconies offering views towards the Pyramids. Hotels may include Pyramids Valley Boutique Hotel, Nine Pyramids View or Gate Pyramids View.
In Siwa you stay in a traditional guesthouse surrounded by palm trees and the landscapes of the oasis. Accommodation is comfortable but characterful, with traditional architecture and a relaxed atmosphere. An outdoor swimming pool is available. Properties used may include Happy Oasis Hotel or Hotel Talid. Exact accommodation may vary according to availability and group size.
Meals are based around traditional Egyptian cooking and use fresh local ingredients wherever possible. Expect dishes featuring vegetables, chicken, meat, kofta, breads, salads and local sauces. During longer riding days, lunch may be served picnic-style with fruit, bread, snacks and dips. Water, tea and coffee are included.
Pyramids and Oasis
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Do not book your flights until you have received the confirmation email from saddletravel.com
Flight and transfer information
Arrival airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI) or Sphinx International Airport (SPX)
Arrival time: You can arrive at any time on Day 1. Hotel check-in is available from 14.00. We recommend avoiding a very late arrival as your first ride takes place the following morning.
Departure time: You can depart after breakfast on Day 8.
Transfer arrangements: Airport transfers can be arranged for approximately £35, payable locally in cash.
Single room supplement: £320 (payable if the rider requests a private room or if no same-sex room share is available)