8 Day Bucket List Destinations Horse Riding Tour in Egypt's Cairo, White Desert, and Coastal Dahab
Private Horse Riding Tour in Egypt
This dual-destination holiday combines the breathtaking landscapes of the Black and White Deserts with the charm of the coastal town of Dahab (meaning gold in Arabic). Older than the Pyramids, as sublime as any temple, these deserts are a vast sweep of elemental beauty. Welcome to Ride Egypt’s Bucket List Destinations horse riding tour!
Key information
- Horse breed: Arabian + Baladi
- Tack type: English
- Max Weight: 100 kilograms
Meet the instructors
Read more
Highlights
- Adventurous riders seeking a unique and exclusive experience
- White Desert camping
- Black Desert and Agabat Valley
- Crystal Mountain and Bedouin Villages
- Bathing in the Hot springs of Bahariya
- Riding in Cairo by the Pyramids
- Grand Egyptian Museum
- 7 nights mixed accommodation, from guest houses to sleeping under the stars
Skill level
- Advanced
Styles
Accommodation
Your accommodation is based at the following locations:
- Pyramid Edge Hotel (Cairo)
- Tzila (Bahariya)
- Dahab Paradise (Dahab)
Program
Imagine soaking in Bahariya’s soothing natural hot springs, the northernmost oasis in the country, before galloping on elegant Arabians across otherworldly landscapes, from the surreal chalk-white formations of the White Desert to the volcanic wonders of the Black Desert.
Dahab makes for the perfect final chapter, with its world-renowned diving and snorkeling, relaxed Bedouin vibes, stunning sea views, and warm hospitality.
Trip matchmaking: This itinerary is for…
- Adventurous riders seeking a unique and exclusive experience - Ride Egypt is the only supplier in Egypt offering Bahariya and the Black and White Deserts as riding destinations!
- Those comfortable with longer hours in the saddle
- Riders who value a closer connection with horses, staying at a villa and stable in one location
- Fans of unique camping experiences under the stars
- Nature lovers who are ready to unplug - this isn’t the place for guaranteed Wi-Fi or phone signal
- Travelers looking to explore the next big riding destination, forecasted to surpass Fayoum in popularity
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Cairo
Welcome to Egypt! Your journey begins with an afternoon arrival in Cairo.
Day 2 - Riding by the Great Pyramids of Giza and transfer to Bahariya Oasis
Starting with a bang! Cairo is the ultimate destination for Egyptology and the history of the pharaohs. And what better way to start this adventure than with a trail ride at the foot of the Great Pyramids of Giza?
You will learn about the country's history and meet Ride Egypt's beautiful Arabian horses. Known for their endurance and elegance, these horses are as much a part of the experience as the incredible landscapes.
In the afternoon, you’ll travel by road to the stunning Bahariya Oasis, where your cozy lodge awaits. The journey will take approximately three and a half hours. Upon arrival, settle into your cozy lodge, enjoy a delicious dinner, and unwind.
The Bahariya Oasis is a lush paradise, filled with swaying date palms, vibrant fruit trees, and dozens of natural springs just waiting to be explored.
Over the course of three days, you’ll spend four to five hours a day riding, venturing deep into the heart of this enchanting oasis. During this exploratory ride, Ride Egypt will carefully select routes and itineraries that will showcase the best of this stunning location.
Ride Egypt is proud to partner with Tzila, a trusted name in Egyptian travel, with whom they’ve worked for many years. Together, they combine their exceptional horses and expert guides with authentic accommodations and immersive experiences to create unforgettable adventures.
The stables are conveniently located right next to the guesthouse, making it easy to bond with your horse throughout your stay. When not riding, you can unwind in the oasis’ soothing hot springs or simply take in the peaceful beauty of your surroundings.
This will be a place where you’ll not only deepen your connection with your horse, but also immerse yourself in the magical spirit of Bahariya.
Day 3 - Full day riding in the White Desert with optional camping under the stars
On this day, you’ll have the rare opportunity to do something very few have ever experienced: explore the breathtaking White Desert on horseback!
This area is a natural wonder, a surreal world of chalk formations sculpted by centuries of wind and sandstorms. These natural masterpieces rise from the desert floor like frozen waves, towering mushrooms, and surreal sculptures. Some describe it as an “outdoor museum of contemporary art.”
Along the way, you’ll pause for a delicious, freshly prepared lunch, cooked by Ride Egypt's team and local Bedouins, offering you an authentic taste of desert hospitality.
As the sun sets, you can choose to return to your comfortable lodge or opt for a night camping under the White Desert stars (extra charge: 100 GBP per person).
- Note: Camping is not compulsory, and those wishing not to camp will return to the lodge and have dinner at “home.”
Day 4 - Jeep safari and Black Desert sunset ride
On this morning, you will trade horseback for 4x4s, and head to the White Desert on a safari deep into its most spectacular landscapes. One of the highlights of your journey will be a stop at Crystal Mountain, a natural formation of shimmering quartz, glistening under the sun like a mountain of diamonds.
Following the jeep safari, you will have a chance to relax in Bahariya’s famous therapeutic hot springs, known for their soothing and healing properties. You’ll then return to the lodge for a delicious lunch.
For non-campers, there will also be the option to enjoy a morning ride from the lodge through the local Bahariya date farms and agricultural areas (please note that guests can choose only one activity for the morning: either the jeep safari or the local ride).
You'll saddle up again for sunset riding in the breathtaking Black Desert, where volcanic black hills rise dramatically against golden sands, creating a landscape so surreal that it feels like stepping onto another planet.
Along the way, you’ll witness the stunning black mountain and volcanic formations, a region shaped by ancient eruptions that left behind striking conical hills covered in shimmering basalt sills.
Day 5 - Sunrise ride in the Black Desert, return to Cairo, and transfer to Dahab
You'll go on a sunrise trail ride in the Black Desert with breakfast. Watching the sunrise rise over the mountains is a spectacular scenery that will stay with you for a lifetime. You will then return to the lodge at around 11:00 and pack up before having a hearty lunch and starting your way back to Cairo.
Depending on domestic flight times, you may go directly to the airport. Alternatively, you can stop off at the hotel in Cairo for a couple of hours if need be, to relax and have dinner before catching a very short domestic flight to Sharm El Sheikh. This will be followed by a short transfer by road to Dahab. Overnight stay will be in Dahab.
Day 6 - Snorkelling paradise and lunch at the world-famous Blue Hole National Park
Kickstart your adventure in Dahab with a visit to the famous Blue Hole. There, you’ll have the opportunity to go snorkelling, exploring the vibrant coral reefs and underwater wonders (note: for PADI-qualified divers, Ride Egypt offers an alternative program to dive instead).
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 afternoon, you will go on a two-hour introductory ride just as the sun begins to set over Wadi Canyons. Expect skyscraper mountains, fascinating canyons, and views across the sea to Saudi Arabia.
Your journey will culminate with a traditional dinner in the oasis under the stars, where you’ll experience the warmth and hospitality of the local Bedouin culture.
Day 7 - Full day ride and swimming with horses at the Blue Lagoon
Get ready for a full day of riding (from 09:00 to 15:00), including the unique experience of swimming with horses at the stunning Blue Lagoon.
This sheltered pond of clear, shallow, turquoise water is an iconic natural wonder: an oasis of azure waters nestled between rugged desert mountains and the sparkling waters of the Red Sea. The area also features long sandy stretches, perfect for exciting canter.
Dinner downtown will be at a local seafood restaurant along the marina.
Day 8 - Sunrise riding and breakfast at the “Three Pools,” journey onward home
You'll start your 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 local caves. Riding hours will be from 06:00 to 10:00, avoiding the heat of the day.
Later, you’ll head back to the hotel for lunch and some relaxing poolside time before you check out. Your journey with Ride Egypt ends there, but this isn’t goodbye forever. They'll make sure that you get to the airport comfortably and with a heart full of memories!
Instructors
Emma Levin
The owner and founder of Ride Egypt, Emma, devotes her time to showcasing the best of Egypt to her guests alongside ensuring the first-class welfare of her horses, many of which she has rescued and rehomed. Emma’s team, the Ride Egypt family, know the ins and outs of the local area and will bring the fun factor to your stay in Egypt - in-between looking after the horses of course!
Location
Cairo: Giza and Great Pyramids
A place that needs very little introduction - there’s no better way to begin an epic Egyptian adventure than with the Seventh Wonder of the World, the Great Pyramids of Giza, along with the wide-open deserts surrounding them.
White Desert National Park
Upon first glance at the 300-sq-km expanse of the White Desert National Park, you’ll feel like Alice stepping through the looking glass. Just 20km northeast of Farafra, on the east side of the road, blinding-white chalk rock spires rise almost supernaturally from the ground, each resembling a frost-colored lollipop.
Often described as an “outdoor museum of contemporary art,” walking through the White Desert feels akin to wandering through a surreal gallery. Recognized as a Natural Protectorate by the Egyptian government in 2002, this untouched wilderness will immerse you in the raw beauty of nature.
Black Desert: Crystal Mountain and Agabat Valley
Visiting the Black Desert is like stepping onto another planet. Its postcard-perfect golden dunes are surrounded by hills covered in a fine layer of black volcanic powder, creating a striking and unforgettable contrast.
Nearby, Crystal Mountain stands as a natural wonder: a massive rock made entirely of glittering quartz. Climbing to its summit offers a breathtaking panoramic view!
Agabat Valley, with its stunning white and gold limestone boulders, decorates the otherwise flat desert landscape with an almost dreamlike quality.
Bahariya Oasis and hot springs
During the Middle Kingdom and Roman times, the Bahariya Oasis thrived as a center of agriculture, producing wine that was traded as far as Rome. Its strategic position along the Libya–Nile Valley caravan route helped it flourish through the ages.
Today, the oasis remains a verdant haven of palm trees, fresh fruits, and inviting hot springs. Recent archaeological discoveries, such as the famed Golden Mummies, have added to its allure.
The hot springs, with waters over 40°C and a distinct sulfur scent, are believed by locals and visitors alike to have healing properties. They also provide a soothing, pleasurable way to relax amidst this lush desert escape.
Food
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on riding holidays. Soft drinks and alcohol are payable locally. Complementary water bottles on riding trips are also included.
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:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Pescatarian
- Hallal
Things to do (optional)
Ticket entry fees - all in local Egyptian Pounds:
- Pyramids area (700 LE)
- Egyptian Museum (550 LE)
- Karnak Temple (600 LE)
- Wadi al-Muluk (750 LE)
- Deir el-Bahari (440 LE)
- Luxor Temple (500 LE)
- Temple of Adfer (550 LE)
- Kom Ombo Temple (450 LE)
- Philae Temple (550 LE)
- Saladin Citadel (550 LE)
- Sakkara area (600 LE)
- The Obelisk (220 LE)
- Mit Rahina Museum (200 LE)
- Valley of Kings (220 LE)
- Tutankhamun’s tomb (700 LE)
- Temple of Habu (220 LE)
- Dahshwar (200 LE)
- Sultan Hassan (220 LE)
- Coptic Museum (280 LE)
- Kom El Shoqafa (200 LE)
- Qaitbay Citadel (200 LE)
- Alexandria Museum (220 LE)
- Kom el dika (200 LE)
- Mast column ( amod elsawari) (200 LE)
- Tomb of Seti I (2000 LE)
- Nefertari’s tomb (2500 LE)
- Beni Hassan Cemeteries (200 LE)
- Deir el-Medina Tombs (220 LE)
- Hill of el-Amarna (200 LE)
- Dendre Temple (300 LE)
- Hurghada Museum (200 LE)
- Sharm El Sheikh Museum (200 LE)
- Greek-Romanian Museum (400 LE)
- Abu Sambal (750 LE)
What's included
- 8 days of activities
- Horses and tack, including saddle bags and water for each ride
- 7 nights accommodation
- Meals
What's not included
- Flights: International and domestic flights are not included
- Airport transfers
- Ticket entries - payable locally with a debit or credit card (no cash options)
- Insurance: Ride Egypt requests that you take out travel Insurance; ask your local insurance company or travel agent about it; you will not be allowed to participate in the trail ride without having personal travel insurance
- Personal expenses
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Cairo International Airport
29 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
- Airport Transfers: Cairo + Dahab (110 GBP)
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.