Desert Horse Riding Holiday Escape in Egypt

7 Days, Multiple Departures

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Desert Horse Riding Holiday Escape in Egypt
  • About
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  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind
  • FAQ

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Galloping at the Pyramids of Giza and camping in the desert in Luxor are experiences you’ll never forget!

Highlights

Ride at the Pyramids of Giza

3 nights camping in the desert

Ancient temples on horseback

Ride in the Theban Mountains

Sunset cruise on the Nile

Campfires and Bedouin cooking

Our Horses

Our horses are the local breed commonly found across Egypt, referred to as Baladi or simply Egyptian horses. These horses are native to Egypt and have mixed bloodlines with Arabian and European influences. They are spirited, forward-going, and responsive with impressive stamina for long days in the saddle.

Each horse is unique, and we will do our best to match horse to rider based on riding ability and personal preferences. We hope you love them as much as we do!

Most of our horses have been rescued from difficult situations and rehabilitated. Their stories are unique and the mistreatment they’ve endured varies. Some arrived to us extremely malnourished, while others suffered from untreated wounds, abscesses, or other medical issues. We’ve also rescued horses that were severely mishandled, beaten, or the victim of cruel “training” methods. In some cases, they experienced a combination of these conditions. After time in our care with proper feeding, medical treatment, and gentle handling, they’ve become wonderful riding horses. Their resilience is truly remarkable.

About

Accommodations

Airport transfers (to/from Cairo International Airport and Luxor International Airport)

All 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)

Flights to/from Egypt

Transfer flight from Cairo to Luxor

Egypt entry visa

Travel and medical insurance

Soft drinks and alcohol

Tips

Additional tours and services outside of the itinerary

Food

Egypt’s cuisine has something for everyone! If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, don’t worry – we can easily cater to any diet. In fact, it’s a vegetarian’s paradise, and many of the most famous dishes are meatless: falafel, ful medames, and kosheri. Meat lovers will enjoy the fresh beef, chicken, and fish, usually served with rice. Not to mention, Egyptians have a huge sweet tooth, so there are plenty of tantalizing desserts, pastries, and fresh juices. (Ever had sugar cane juice?) You’ll be treated to a combination of homecooked meals and eating out at our favorite hand-picked restaurants.


Accommodation

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.

Cairo

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!

"When dreams come true 🤍 this has been one of the best trips I've ever done, I enjoyed every single minute with Ganun, Annmarie & their team & their amazing horses. If you are looking for the perfect horseback riding trip with happy horses (& dogs & cats etc.) combined with culture & good food & adventure & good conversations & a lot of laughter - Horses & Hieroglyphs is the place to go. Words can hardly describe the experience I've made. Riding next to the pyramids, sleeping in the desert, riding into the sunrise while admiring the balloons, riding bare back, cuddling with all kinds of animals and so on. Annmarie & Ganun made sure that I've been feeling comfortable and safe at all times. I learned so much about their horses & how they rescued them & how they are living a happy life now. I got so much more confident with horseback riding myself cause they are amazing teachers & they gave me all the time I needed. On top of that, the accommodations, the restaurants, the boat rides, the tours to the temples have been great. Everything has been planned perfectly. I couldn't stop smiling throughout 10 days . I'll be back in January & I just can't wait 🤍
PS to everyone reading that review - book that trip, you won't regret it, I promise!"

- Rhea B, Nov 2023

"This trek was one of the best I’ve ever done. It goes without saying that the history in Egypt is fantastic but this tour really took it to the next level. The horses are amazing and the team is always willing to cater to your needs. They have a ton of horses that fit all ability levels and love to let you try things out. Everybody really makes you feel like you’re at home and apart of the family there. I cannot wait to go back!"

- Lilly M, Nov 2023

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About The Host
Ganun Ahmed

Ganun Ahmed

Ganun has made a name for himself among the horse community in Egypt. He is especially well-known around his hometown of Luxor, where he is a go-to guy for any and all things horse related!

Ganun has loved and worked with horses since he was young, and his remarkable horsemanship is a testament to that. He now has over 16 years of experience guiding horse riding tours around Egypt, from Sharm El-Sheikh to Hurghada and Luxor. Far more than just a guide, he also trains, breeds, shows, and rehabilitates rescue horses.

Fun-loving and full of surprises, Ganun knows how to put a big “Egyptian smile” on your face!

Itinerary

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. 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 - Pyramids of Giza Ride & Fly to Luxor

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 we approach the Giza plateau, the sight of the Great Pyramid will take your breath away. We ride to the base of the pyramids on horseback and see just how massive these iconic structures are. You’ll have the chance to dismount and explore the complex on foot and marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. Your ride then takes you to the Sphinx, where you’ll do more sightseeing and part ways with the horses. 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 team. 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. We stop for lunch with views of Habu Temple and then begin riding into the desert, the Theban Mountain providing a stunning backdrop. We enjoy an exhilarating gallop across soft sand before the ground turns rockier closer 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 towards the village, taking a new route through the desert where we have the chance to enjoy some long canters. We return to the desert to arrive at our new camp, where we take our lunch and midday rest. After the refreshing break, we get back on the horses to explore the surrounding area. We venture up the rocky hills surrounding our camp to get incredible views. 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. For dinner, more delicious Bedouin food is prepared for us. After, 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. Lunch is back at camp. For our afternoon ride, we do more hiking on the horses in the surrounding hills as the sun sets and casts dramatic shadows on the mountains. 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!

Location
Things to keep in mind

Cancellations

In the event you can’t make your riding tour, please reach out to us as soon as possible. If a cancellation is necessary, refund eligibility is based on the timing of the cancellation request. Deposits are non-refundable and the refund amounts below refer to the remainder of the payment.

  • More than 60 days prior to the tour start date: Eligible for a full refund.
  • Between 30 and 60 days prior to the tour start date: Eligible for a partial refund. At 46 – 60 days prior, a 50% refund will be issued. At 30 – 45 days prior, a 25% refund will be issued.
  • Less than 30 days prior to the tour start date: Not eligible for a refund.

Please note: Any fees associated with processing the transfer will be deducted from the refund amount.

Rebooking your tour for a later date is also possible, with rebooking fees subject to the timing of the request.


Payments

A minimum deposit of 20% of your invoice total is due at the time of booking. Any remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days prior to the start date of your tour. The required deposit and remaining balance with the due date will be clearly stated on your invoice. If booking within 60 days of the start of the tour, payment must be made in full at the time of booking.

Please refer to the individual tour pages for what is / is not included in the price of the tour.

Riding Ability

Our tours are geared towards intermediate and advanced riders, but we can cater to beginners that are at least comfortable with the basics (in control at the walk, trot, and canter). To ensure everyone’s safety, please be honest about your riding ability at the time of booking so that we can plan accordingly. If you overstate your riding ability, we retain the right to deny or remove you from any ride or tour at our discretion.

Tour Restrictions

The following restrictions are in place to protect our guests, guides, and horses:

Maximum Group Size: 8

Age Requirement: 14 years or older (younger riders may be considered; must have sufficient riding ability and control over a horse)

Weight Limit: 195 lbs / 89 kg

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.

FAQ