Elle Feature

We reveal what a divine horseback journey through Egypt’s White Desert looks like.

Translation of the text:

We reveal what a divine horseback journey through Egypt’s White Desert looks like

After turning 40, Tuuli Shipster treated herself to a solo adventure she’ll remember for a lifetime: riding Arabian horses in their natural environment and exploring Egypt in a way few visitors ever experience. Exclusively for Croatian Elle, she shared her impressions of this unique journey. 

Interview by Phoebe Oliver

This is the story of Tuuli Shipster, who at 40 decided to travel alone for the first time — and not just anywhere. She chose a horseback journey through Luxor and Egypt’s White Desert with Ride Egypt, the only company offering this kind of experience in that part of the world.

This trip pushed her completely out of her comfort zone, but one thing she never doubted was the horses she loves — she couldn’t wait to ride through vast desert landscapes. Although it wasn’t an easy decision to travel alone, the chance to ride Arabian horses in their natural environment and experience Egypt in such a rare way was impossible to pass up. 

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Horses create an instant connection

What inspired you to travel to Egypt with Ride Egypt?

Interestingly, it was actually a horse that first drew me in. I followed Ride Egypt on Instagram and came across the story of a horse called Luna who had suffered a very serious injury. In most cases, a horse like that would be put down, but Emma (the founder) chose to take her to a specialist vet in Cairo and give her every chance to recover.

Luna now lives a calm, happy life where she is cared for and loved. That told me everything I needed to know about the company’s philosophy: the horses truly come first.

At the same time, I was seeing photos and videos of their White Desert trips. I had never seen a landscape like that and I desperately wanted to experience it. 

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You travelled solo — what pushed you to do that?

I’m married and have a big extended family, so I usually travel with others. But I think many riders will understand this: people around you don’t always want the kind of riding adventures you do.

When I turned 40, I realised I didn’t want to miss extraordinary riding experiences just because I was waiting for someone to join me. Riding holidays are actually one of the easiest ways to travel solo — you immediately have something in common with everyone: horses create an instant bond.

I was a little nervous before the trip, but also excited. As soon as I arrived and met the group, the nerves disappeared. Horse people are the best people. Even though I arrived alone, I never once felt lonely. 

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Did the trip meet your expectations?

I had ridden in Egypt about 20 years ago, in my early twenties, but only around the pyramids with my family. I knew the riding would be special, but I wasn’t prepared for how epic the desert experience would be.

One day in the White Desert, towards the end of the ride, we all became quite emotional. One of the guides, Yousef, said something that stayed with me — that people feel emotional there because the riding stays in your soul. And that’s completely true. 

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First impressions of the team and horses?

Honestly, it started even before I arrived — the communication from the Ride Egypt team was excellent. They make solo travel feel very easy and well organised.

When I landed, I already had clear instructions on where to find my driver and how everything would work.

At the stables in Luxor, the first thing I noticed was the level of care for the horses — that’s always the first thing riders look for.

I also met Luna, which was special after following her story. And I was really impressed by how carefully they match horse and rider. They don’t just want you to have a nice experience — they want you to improve as a rider. You leave feeling more confident and, I think, better. 

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Arabian horses are incredibly fast

What were the horses like?

They were outstanding. Arabian horses are incredibly athletic and perfectly suited to desert terrain. They’re sure-footed, have great endurance, and are extremely responsive.

And the speed is unbelievable. Riding through the open desert, you feel a powerful connection with the horse, the landscape, and the ground beneath you. 

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Did you have a favourite horse?

It’s impossible not to fall in love with all of them, but the one that stayed with me most was Amira. She’s incredibly sensitive and responsive — and very fast, which I love.

Emma says she gives you exactly the ride you’re looking for. With a horse like that, you really feel like you’re working as a team. 

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Most memorable moment?

Riding through the White Desert at sunset. The light changes the colour of the limestone formations and everything becomes incredibly still.

The landscape is so vast that you can ride for hours without seeing roads, buildings, or other people. Even now, thinking about it gives me goosebumps. 

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Riding by the pyramids is unforgettable

Any “I can’t believe I’m here” moments?

Many. The White and Black Deserts are incredible, but one moment that stood out was riding at dawn in Luxor while hot air balloons were rising into the sky.

I said, “I think I’m going to cry” — and I did.

And riding by the pyramids is, of course, unforgettable. Seeing them from horseback might be the best way to experience them. 

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How did you feel at the end of the trip?

Riding is a deeply meditative experience — it takes you out of your thoughts and brings you back into your body.

In landscapes like the White Desert, Luxor, or Dahab, that feeling is even stronger. You return feeling both rested and energised.

And with very little signal, you’re mostly off your phone — which is always a good thing. 

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What sets Ride Egypt apart?

A real sense of adventure. You travel through extraordinary landscapes on horses that are completely at home there.

The team takes care of absolutely everything, so you can fully surrender to the experience.

Alongside excellent organisation, there’s great food, evenings by the fire, and landscapes that feel like a privilege to witness.

By the end, you feel like part of the Ride Egypt family