Egyptian Desert Escape
EGYPTIAN DESERT ESCAPE
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 you’ll never forget!
Highlights
– Gallop at the Giza Pyramids
– 3 nights camping in the desert with the horses
– Ride to ancient temples in Luxor
– Sunset boat ride on the Nile River
Day 1 - Welcome to Egypt!
You made it to the home of the pyramids! Pickup is at Cairo International Airport. When you arrive at your hotel in Giza, take some time to get settled in, soak in the lively atmosphere, or relax with a drink. You’ll enjoy your dinner on the hotel rooftop with phenomenal views of the pyramids. It’ll be a relaxed night so you’re well rested for the first day of riding!
Day 2 - Pyramids of Giza Ride & Fly to Luxor
Kick off your adventures with an exciting ride at the Pyramids of Giza! You will have the opportunity for an exhilarating gallop with the pyramids as your backdrop – an experience you will never forget. We explore the surrounding desert, riding to a panoramic viewpoint that showcases the pyramids and the city of Giza beyond before heading up close to the base of the Great pyramid on horseback. We end our ride near the Sphinx, where you will meet your tour guide to learn about the fascinating history behind these ancient wonders. For lunch, we try Egypt’s national dish (koshary) and then get ready for a short flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in the late evening, you’ll have dinner and unwind at your accommodation.
Day 3 - Ancient Temples & Desert Camping
This morning you’ll be welcomed to our stable and horses – the heart of H&H. Saddle up for your first sights of Luxor on horseback, beginning with the lush green farmland along the Nile River. Trot through quaint village streets and get a glimpse of daily life in rural Egypt. We ride past incredible structures from ancient times including temples built by Ramesses II and the massive Colossi of Memnon. After the ride, you will return to the hotel for lunch and a bit of downtime. In the afternoon, it’s time to get back in the saddle and head to the desert to begin your camping adventure. You’ll ride all the way from the Nile until you reach the desert and the Theban Mountain. We enjoy an exhilarating gallop across soft sand before the ground turns rockier close to the mountain. We venture farther into the desert until we arrive at our campsite, where a Bedouin tent awaits in a picturesque landscape. Dinner is prepared over an open fire as we unwind after our ride. After a delicious meal, we relax around the campfire under the stars with a cup of Egyptian tea, the horses resting around us.
Day 4 - Desert Riding & Camping
Wake up to the crisp desert air and the sound of the horses munching on their breakfast. After your own hearty breakfast, we saddle up and begin riding back towards the village, taking a different route through the desert where we have the chance to enjoy some long canters. We stop for lunch at a restaurant on the outskirts of the desert, and enjoy some delicious food with views of Habu Temple. After a leisurely lunch, we return to the desert and ride into a new valley until we reach our next camp. By the time we arrive, the sun is beginning to set. For dinner, more delicious Bedouin food is prepared for us. Later we enjoy some traditional Egyptian music while staying warm by the fire.
Day 5 - Desert Riding & Camping
Today we set out to explore further inside the desert. We venture far off the beaten path and enjoy the wide open spaces. The mountains still surround us but take on new appearances as we traverse the landscape. The ground remains rocky, but we encounter remote paths used for archeological expeditions which give us opportunities for long canters and gallops. After the ride, lunch and a midday rest awaits back at camp. For our late afternoon ride, we venture up the rocky hills surrounding our camp to get incredible views and watch the sunset. The horses are up for the challenging terrain and do not tire easily. We make our way carefully back down through the hills and arrive at camp in the low light of dusk. We savor our last dinner in the desert while the horses enjoy their own well-earned meal. The rest of the evening is spent relaxing, the serene desert atmosphere letting us escape from it all for one last night.
Day 6 - From the Desert to the Nile
Enjoy waking up next to the horses on your last morning in the desert. We say goodbye to our campsite after breakfast and begin our 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. Upon your return, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch and get the chance to freshen up after three nights in the desert. After a little downtime at the hotel, you’ll be treated to a private boat ride on the Nile River at sunset. Dinner is a homecooked meal served at the stable with drinks and music to celebrate on your last night!
Day 7 - Ma'salaam (Goodbye)!
If you have the time, tack up for an extra morning ride. Otherwise, relax at the stable with the horses, have a drink by the Nile, or pick up some last-minute souvenirs to bring home. Our driver will take you to the Luxor Airport to catch your flight. Until next time!
Rates
Tour Price:
Shared Room: $1895 per person
Single Room: $2085 per person
Single Rider Tour: $2275
Extras:
Domestic Flight (Cairo to Luxor): Approx. $100 – $150
Entrance Fees (paid locally): Approx. $15 (subject to change)
Tip Budget: $100
Tipping is customary in Egypt. For your convenience, we have determined a total tip budget that covers all supporting personnel involved in your holiday including cultural tour guides, drivers, hotels, camping crew, boat drivers, riding guides, and stable staff.
Holiday Supplement (departures including the Christmas and/or New Years holidays): $150
Details
What’s Included:
- Accommodations
- Airport transfers
- All ground transportation (excluding flights)
- All meals (from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day)
- Drinking water
- Horse riding with our local guides
- Camping in the desert (equipment provided)
What’s Not Included:
- Flights to/from Egypt
- Transfer flight from Cairo to Luxor
- Egypt entry visa
- Soft drinks and alcohol
- Tips
- Travel and medical insurance
- Additional tours and services outside of the itinerary
Other Things To Know:
- You should be comfortable using English tack and with the basics of riding (in control at the walk, trot, and canter).
- Itineraries are flexible and subject to change at our discretion.
- For more info, visit our Trip Planning page!
Arrival, Departure & Domestic Transfer
Arrival: Cairo International Airport (CAI), Any time; 4 pm or earlier is recommended if possible (tour starts with dinner)
Departure: Luxor International Airport (LXR), Any time (tour ends after breakfast)
*Domestic Transfer: Flight from Cairo to Luxor on Day 2
*Please note you will need to book your own domestic transfer flight. We will tell you the specific flight to book after you’ve booked the tour. We try to get everyone on the same flight, and depending on availability, the specific flight we use may vary.
Cairo Accommodation
We stay close to the pyramids at one of the boutique hotels in the heart of Giza. No matter which hotel you are in, you are guaranteed to be wowed with a once-in-a-lifetime view!
Luxor Accommodation
In Luxor, we stay on the tranquil West Bank. This is the quieter side of the Nile where fewer tourists stay. We are in the small village of Ramlah, surrounded by farmland and close to the historical sites; 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.
Luxor Camping
When camping, we spend the night in a Bedouin style tent alongside the horses. The tent is equipped with mats, sleeping bags, pillows, and camel hair blankets. Individual pop-up tents are also available. Water is provided for washing up and the desert is our bathroom. Delicious, freshly cooked meals are prepared for us by our accompanying chef.
Gallery
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