“Authentic riding experience in Egypt”
8 Day Starlight Camping Adventure: Horse Riding Holiday in Fayoum, Black & White Desert, Dahab
Cairo, Egypt
Saber Special Horse Riding Tour in Egypt
Welcome to the Starlight Camping Adventure (Saber Special), a trip years in the making and now dedicated to the beloved guide, Saber, who will be your host on this adventure. Many of you already know and love Saber for his witty sense of humor and for and his ability to make everyone feel like family effortlessly. He delights in sharing his cultural insights and extensive knowledge with a warm smile. Ride Egypt wouldn’t be what it is without him, and this trip proudly carries his name.
Key information
- Rider weight limit: 220 pounds / 100 kilograms
- Tack type: English (you MUST be able to ride in an English saddle to join Ride Egypt's holidays)
- Horse breed: Egyptian horses
Highlights
- 4 days with horse riding
- Horseback riding to Magic Lake
- Visit Tunis, famous for its vibrant artistic community
- Jeep safari through Egypt’s Western Desert
- Admire the vibrant coral reefs at the famous diving site, Blue Hole
- Ride and enjoy the scenery at Wadi El Rayan National Park
- 7 nights accommodation
- Cozy camping experience in nature
Skill level
- Advanced
Styles
4 days with instruction
Airport transfer available:
Cairo International Airport (US$ 51 per person)
Cairo International Airport (US$ 51 per person)
Accommodation
- Cairo (night 1): Luxurious 5-star hotel
- Fayoum: Choice of camping under the stars or staying in a cozy guest house
- Bahariya Oasis: Option to camp in the desert or stay in a guest house
- Cairo (Day 5): Luxurious 5-star hotel
- Dahab: Picturesque sea-facing Bedouin guest house with a mix of camping and guest house options
Program
In this itinerary, the Ride Egypt team wanted to combine the incredible allure of the White Desert with enough riding to captivate horse lovers and riders. This year, they finally perfected it. They’ve long known about the beauty of Fayoum with its stunning, dreamy riding experiences—tried, tested, and loved. Located on the doorstep of Bahariya Oasis and the Black and White Desert, it is a match made in heaven. Adding to this, they’ve discovered the magic of Dahab, with its stunning landscapes and magnificent horses, completing their dream adventure. This itinerary also includes a camping option, something guests have been requesting for many years. Ride Egypt hopes you enjoy this wonderfully handcrafted trip as much as they enjoyed creating it.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Upon your arrival in Cairo, you will be transferred to your guest house for a relaxing night before your adventure begins.
Day 2. Transfer to Fayoum - sunset ride to Magic Lake - overnight camping
After breakfast, you head by road to Fayoum, a region renowned for its rich history, archaeological sites, and stunning landscapes, including magnificent dunes and fossilized remains, making it a wonderful riding destination. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch before saddling up for a four-hour horseback ride to Magic Lake. Known for its ever-changing colors caused by its high mineral content, Magic Lake offers a surreal setting amidst the desert landscape.
You will witness the breathtaking sunset over the mountains, splash in the lake with your horse, and gather around the campfire for dinner under the stars. The cozy 4 m x 4 m tents offer a comfortable desert camping experience.
Day 3 & 4: Black and White Desert camping
Wake up to a delightful breakfast before embarking on a two-day jeep safari through Egypt’s Western Desert, a vast landscape shaped over millions of years by elemental forces. Mother Nature has carved a masterpiece of artistry upon this extensive canvas. Over the next two days, you will visit Crystal Mountain, renowned for its sparkling quartz crystals that create a striking ridge rising from the desert. Next, you journey to the Valley of Agabat, a stunning area filled with towering limestone formations and golden sand dunes. The unique geological features here make it a photographer’s paradise.
Continuing your adventure, you’ll visit Wadi Santa, a beautiful valley known for its lush palm groves and ancient water springs. This serene spot offers a peaceful contrast to the surrounding desert. From there, you head to Ain Khadra, an oasis that has provided water to travelers for centuries. The greenery here is a welcome sight in the midst of the desert.
The absolute highlight of this part of the trip is camping in the White Desert, a surreal landscape where wind and sand have sculpted the limestone into otherworldly shapes resembling giant mushrooms, icebergs, and animals. Under the shimmering stars, the desert transforms into a magical realm.
On your return journey after breakfast, you travel through the Black Desert, characterized by its volcanic-shaped mountains and black volcanic rocks covering the yellow sand. You’ll stop at Bahariya Oasis, where you can bathe in the natural springs and enjoy a relaxing lunch before heading back to Fayoum for dinner.
Day 5: Morning in Fayoum, half-day ride in Wadi El Rayan National Park and transfer to Cairo
Start your day with a peaceful morning in the village of Tunis, a charming area nestled on the shores of Lake Qarun. Tunis Village is renowned for its vibrant artistic community, featuring numerous pottery workshops and art studios. You can enjoy a stroll through the picturesque streets, where you’ll find beautiful handcrafted ceramics and artwork. The serene landscapes, quiet atmosphere, and fields with grazing farm animals add to the village’s charm.
In the late morning, you will set off for a half-day ride in Wadi El Rayan National Park. This protected area is known for its stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls, expansive lakes, and rolling sand dunes. These wide open spaces are perfect for exhilarating gallops as you take in the breathtaking views of unspoiled nature.
After lunch, you’ll transfer by road to Cairo, where you’ll check into a four-star hotel and conclude the day with a much-desired cocktail and the luxury of fluffy bath towels.
Day 6: Breakfast in Cairo and flight to Dahab
After breakfast in Cairo, you take a short domestic flight to Sharm El Sheikh. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and taken on a scenic one-hour road journey to Dahab, a charming old fishing village overlooking the Red Sea. Nestled between majestic mountains and the azure waters of the Red Sea, Dahab is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant Bedouin culture, clear turquoise waters, and numerous water sports activities.
In the evening, enjoy a sunset introductory ride and a traditional dinner in the desert. You have the option to camp or stay in a guest house for the night.
Day 7: Blue Hole snorkeling and an afternoon ride in Wadi Qnai. Dinner and camping under the stars
Begin your day in Dahab with a visit to the famous Blue Hole. You’ll have the chance to snorkel and explore vibrant coral reefs and underwater wonders. Renowned as one of the most spectacular diving spots in the world, the Blue Hole is a captivating sinkhole plunging vertically to depths of around 94 meters (approximately 308 feet), with the ocean floor extending even deeper beyond that point. This area boasts crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life, including vibrant fish, majestic sea turtles, and beautiful coral formations. To recharge, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch amidst picturesque surroundings.
In the late afternoon, as the sun begins to set, you will go on a two-hour ride to Wadi Qnai Oasis, a picturesque valley characterized by rugged mountains, winding trails, and lush palm groves. Your day culminates with a traditional dinner in the oasis and an opportunity to camp under the starlit sky, where you’ll experience the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Bedouin culture.
Day 8: Sunrise ride at “Three Pools” with breakfast in mountain caves and departure
You start your last day with an early morning ride to the “Three Pools,” a scenic spot boasting a series of interconnected natural rock pools with sandy bottoms. After your ride, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast served near the local caves.
You will return to your guesthouse for a shower and to pack for your journey home. The team will then transfer you to Sharm El Sheikh Airport for your departure flight.
Trip information:
- Guest house nights: Please enquire for rates.
- Board Type: All meals & water.
- Rider levels: Advanced: This trip is designed for experienced riders who can handle longer saddle hours and enjoy high-paced rides.
- Suitable for beginners: No.
- Riding months: October to May.
- Recommended airports: Cairo International Airport for arrival and Sharm el Sheikh for departure.
- Flights: Guests are responsible for booking the domestic flight between Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh.
- Language: English. All guests must have a good level of spoken English.
Location
Food
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
Optional extension
Cairo extension: Giza Pyramids ride and Grand Museum visit
Arrive a day early to kickstart your adventure with an epic Pyramids ride! The Cairo extension package includes a one-night stay, a two-hour ride to the Pyramids, a tour of the Sphinx, lunch, a visit to one of the famous museums, and airport transfers for your arrival in Cairo and your next day departure to Sharm el Sheikh for the Dahab adventure with the rest of the group.
Upon arrival in Cairo, the team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The following morning, you’ll convene for breakfast at 8:15 a.m. to discuss the day’s plan. Departing from the hotel around 9 a.m., a short journey brings you to the horses, who wait patiently, eager to take you on your first adventure: an exciting ride across the desert to the pyramids at Giza.
Before you start, there is a safety briefing, and the guide will explain the history of horses in the area. These proud horses are in their element out in the sand dunes. Here, you will witness firsthand the incredible energy, bravery, and stamina of the Egyptian horse.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant in town, followed by a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. This newly opened museum, which will welcome visitors for the first time in 2024, holds some of the world’s greatest ancient treasures. Its location, just outside of Cairo on the Giza Plateau (and next door to the Pyramids), is considered not only the new crown jewel of Egypt, but also one of the largest, most modern, and most renowned museums in the entire world.
Following the museum tour, the team will provide you with transportation to the airport for your flight to Sharm el Sheikh. Multiple daily flights operate between Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh, each with a quick 55-minute journey time. Most guests opt for a domestic flight around 6 or 7 p.m.
Luxor extension
Day 1: Multi-option Luxor*, full day trail ride / or half-day with historical site seeing
Welcome to Luxor, home of Ride Egypt! Today, they offer you the choice of a full day in the saddle or a blend of sightseeing and riding. You will have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Luxor, home to ancient wonders like the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
Today, you will also have a chance to get acquainted with our Egyptian steed! The horses are spirited and forward-going, but they are also polite, sensitive, and willing to please. You will notice how they listen to you and are receptive to your voice and tone. Highly intelligent with expressive eyes and ears, it is easy to bond with them and understand their ways. All possess endless enthusiasm for the journey, and you will feel this as they carry you effortlessly for hours in the sometimes unforgiving heat. You will head out into the fields,, where you will see farmers working the land as their forefathers did. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant while the horses doze in the shade.
Historical sight-seeing: Accompanied by an Egyptologist, you will have the opportunity to visit three very different tombs, all representing the values of the pharaohs to which they belong. The choice is yours, whether you’re a saddle-junkie or a culture-vulture; Luxor has it all! Of course, if you prefer a relaxing morning by the pool combined with an afternoon ride, this is also an option, especially for returning guests who have already visited the sites.
Today allows everybody to enjoy what makes them happy. The activities are followed by a delicious dinner of typical Egyptian fare cooked by your wonderful hosts.
Day 2: Multi-option Luxor*, full day trail ride / or half day with historical site seeing
Continue your exploration of Luxor with another full-day trail ride or opt for a half-day historical tour to delve deeper into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Day 3: Sunrise balloons ride and lunchtime check-out / departure
You will rise with the morning call to prayer today as you head out for a truly magical experience—a sunrise balloon tour by horseback. The sight as they all take flight is simply breath-taking. Glide through the Valley of the Kings and the farms of the West Bank, watching the shadows fall away as the sun fills the sky with colour and light. This is a must-do activity when visiting Luxor.
You will next head to the Temple of Habu for breakfast and a tour of the site. Amun, the god of air, was one of the primordial Egyptian deities famously twinned with Ra the sun god, in later times. This memorial temple, built by Rameses III, is said to be the place where Amun first appeared, according to ancient belief. It is an imposing structure and boasts some beautifully preserved murals and hieroglyphs. You visit early in the morning before the crowds descend, so it feels like a well-kept secret!
Your final site of the day is the Temple of Hatshepsut, thought to be a masterpiece of the pharaonic era. It represents not only her devotion to her god Horus, the falcon-headed god, but is also a reflection of her peaceful and prosperous reign. It would later become her mortuary temple as the afterlife beckoned her forth. This is a magnificent example of the wealth and master craftsmanship of the time; the paintings are exquisite and the scale of the monument, truly astonishing—a spectacular finale to your journey through Egypt.
After a farewell lunch, it is time to say goodbye, unless you have booked one of Ride Egypt's fabulous extensions.
Aswan and Abu Simble extensions
For those seeking further adventure, extend your journey with an optional extension to Aswan and Abu Simbel from Day 9-10. You will travel by road to Aswan, stopping along the way at the Horus temple in Edfu & the temple of Sobek Kim ombo. This temple is dedicated to the crocodile-headed god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Horus the Elder. Dinner and overnight at our charming Nubian guesthouse.
Aswan
Aswan is known for its beautiful Nile Valley scenery, significant archaeological sites and its peaceful aura. Its weather is warm all year, which makes it a perfect winter destination. The city provides splendid views and attractions to sail through the Nile with a felucca (Egyptian sailboat).
Aswan sightseeing:
- Temple of Philae
- Unfinished Obelisk. 890. Historic sites, ancient ruins
- Aswan High Dam.
- Nubian Museum (evening opening times)
- Nubian Village
- Elephantine Island
- Cocktails Hotel Sofitel Legend Old Cataract (where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile)
- Overnight at your guest house
Abu Simble
Rise and shine brightly, and early today marks the highlight and “must do” when visiting Aswan, the UNESCO Abu Simble World Heritage Site.
Abu Simbel is a historic site comprising two massive rock-cut temples in the village of Abu Simbel (Arabic: أبو سمبل), Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt, near the border with Sudan. It is situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 230 km (140 mi) southwest of Aswan (about 300 km (190 mi) by road).
The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, during the 19th-century dynasty reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Their huge external rock relief figures of Ramesses II have become iconic. His wife, Nefertari, and children can be seen in smaller figures by his feet. Sculptures inside the Great Temple commemorate Ramesses II’s heroic leadership at the Battle of Kadesh.
After an awe-inspiring morning, you will stop off at a favourite local seafood restaurant for a delicious lunch before driving back to Aswan in preparation for your evening flight to Cairo and your onward journey home.
What's included
- 7 nights accommodation
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided on riding holidays
- Complimentary water bottles on riding trips
- Guides: Riding and non-riding guides are inclusive
- Horses & tack including saddle bags and water for each ride
What's not included
- Airfares (domestic / international), you are responsible for booking the domestic flight between Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh
- Pick-up and drop-off at the airport
- Soft drinks and alcohol (payable locally)
- Ticket entries are payable locally with a debit or credit card (no cash options)
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
- Cairo Extension: 350 GBP
- Luxor Extension: from 899 GBP (not including domestic flights)
- Abu Simble Extention: 950 GBP
How to get there
Recommended Airports
CAI
Cairo International Airport
18 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 51 per person
Airport: Cairo International Airport
Airport transfer available:
Cairo International Airport (US$ 51 per person)
Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 21 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.
134575
Similar Horse Riding Holidays you might like
Why choose BookHorseRidingHolidays.com
Largest Selection
Friendly Customer Service
Offers for every budget
Best Price