Bucket List Destinations

8 days, 7 nights – £2550 (based on 2 sharing)
Cairo – White Desert – Coastal Dahab
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This dual-destination holiday combines the breathtaking landscapes of the Black and White Desert with the charm of the coastal town of Dahab (meaning gold in Arabic).
Older than the Pyramids, as sublime as any temple, Egypt’s Black & White desert is a vast sweep of elemental beauty. 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.
Welcome to Ride Egypt’s Bucket List Destinations!

Trip Matchmaking: This itinerary is for…

  • Adventurous riders seeking a unique and exclusive experience: we are 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

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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 & 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 our history and meet our 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, we’ll travel by road to the stunning Bahariya Oasis, where your cozy lodge awaits. The journey takes approximately 3.5 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 4–5 hours a day riding, venturing deep into the heart of this enchanting oasis. During this exploratory ride, we’ll carefully select routes and itineraries that showcase the best of this stunning location.

We’re proud to partner with Tzila, a trusted name in Egyptian travel with whom we’ve worked for many years. Together, we combine Ride Egypt’s exceptional horses and expert guides with authentic accommodations and immersive experiences to create unforgettable adventures.

Our 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’s soothing hot springs or simply take in the peaceful beauty of your surroundings. This is 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– The Black Desert

Today the adventure steps up a gear as we ride deep into the Black Desert, known locally as Bahariya. Golden sands stretch endlessly, broken by dark volcanic hills that rise like silent guardians. This is a landscape built for speed — wide open, thrilling, alive.

Our Arabians surge forward into long, powerful gallops, hooves drumming the desert floor, manes flying in the wind. The rhythm is addictive, a perfect harmony between rider and horse as the horizon rushes towards you. We pause for a picnic lunch in the stillness of the desert, before riding on again, tracing valleys and open plains until the light begins to soften.

As night falls, the pace slows. A campfire is lit, music and laughter drift into the night, and the desert sky — crowded with stars — becomes our ceiling.

Tomorrow, the scenery transforms completely, as the golden tones of the Black Desert give way to the surreal, chalky formations of the White Desert.

Day 4The White Desert

If the Black Desert is fierce and raw, the White Desert is a dreamscape. Here wind and time have sculpted the limestone into strange and beautiful forms — mushrooms, towers, and frozen waves of stone. Riding at speed between them is like threading through another world, your horse carrying you in bursts of canter and gallop across the glowing white ground.

We stop for lunch surrounded by these natural sculptures before riding on into the afternoon. As the sun sets, you may return to the comfort of the lodge, or choose something truly unforgettable: camping overnight beneath the stars.

Camping in the White Desert is an experience like no other. After the horses return home, the silence deepens. The limestone formations glow silver in the moonlight, their strange shapes casting long shadows across the sand. A fire is lit, dinner is served beneath a sky ablaze with stars, and the stillness of the desert feels almost sacred. You fall asleep on soft sand, wrapped in the magic of one of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth.

The desert dawn brings new adventures, blending ancient knowledge with modern thrills.

Day 5– Desert Secrets & Farewell

Morning greets you gently in the White Desert. Waking beneath a canvas of endless sky, the formations around you are bathed in soft golden light — a scene that feels almost unreal. After a simple camp breakfast, the day begins with exploration alongside Bedouin guides whose families have lived here for generations, sharing stories and hidden corners of their desert home.

Later, the tempo rises. 4×4 jeeps roar over the dunes, laughter follows as you sandboard down golden slopes, and finally there is the bliss of sinking into a natural hot spring, easing muscles after days of adrenaline-fuelled riding.

We return to the lodge for a refreshing shower and lunch before the onward drive back to Cairo. You leave with dust on your boots, warmth in your heart, and the memory of the desert’s wild gallops still echoing inside you.

Short domestic flight to Sharm El Sheikh.

Short transfer by road to Dahab. Overnight in Dahab.

Day 6– Snorkelling paradise and lunch at the world-famous Blue Hole National Park.

Kickstarting our 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, we offer 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, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch amidst picturesque surroundings.

In the afternoon, we will go on a 2-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.

Our journey culminates 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 &  Swimming with Horses at the Blue Lagoon

Get ready for a full day of riding (from 9 am to 3 pm), 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 canters.

Dinner downtown at a local seafood restaurant along the marina.

Day 8 – Sunrise riding and breakfast at the “Three Pools.” Journey onward home.

We start our 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 our ride, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast served near local caves. Riding hours are from 6 am to 10 am, avoiding the heat of the day.

Later, we’ll head back to the hotel for lunch and some relaxing poolside time before you check out. Your journey with Ride Egypt ends here, but this isn’t goodbye forever… we’ll make sure you get to the airport comfortably and with a heart full of memories!

Non-riders Welcome!

At Ride Egypt, everyone is welcome — riders and non-riders alike. Egypt is the perfect destination to share with non-riding friends or partners, and we design bespoke programs so they can enjoy the journey just as much as those in the saddle. You’ll come together for meals, social evenings, and special moments, while your days can be filled with adventures tailored just for you.

From jeep safaris across the desert to guided history tours, from extra sightseeing to sailing the Nile at sunset, our non-rider programs are crafted to give maximum enjoyment and unforgettable memories. And because no two guests are the same, we also offer an in-house holiday matching service, making sure everyone — rider or not — has their perfect program.

For more information, drop us a line — we’d love to help plan your ideal Egyptian adventure.

Trip Highlights

White Desert camping · Black Desert · Agabat Valley – Crystal Mountain · Bedouin Villages · Bathing in the Hot springs of Bahariya · Riding in Cairo by the Pyramids · Grand Egyptian Museum – Mixed Accommodation, from Guest Houses to Sleeping Under the Stars

Cairo: Giza & Great Pyramids

A place that needs very little introduction — there’s no better way to begin an epic Egyptian adventure than with the 7th 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 immerses you in the raw beauty of nature.

Black Desert : Crystal Mountain : 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 & 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.

Information

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  • Price & Duration: £2550 per person based on 2 sharing accommodation for 8 days / 7 nights.
  • Single person supplement: £550 (limited availability). Additional £50 if camping.
  • Optional camping night in White Desert: £100
  • Private tent for camping supplement: £50
  • Group Size: Maximum of 8.
  • Arrival and departure airports: Cairo
  • Rider levels: Advanced riders only
  • Non-Rider Packages: On request
  • Paces: Varied.
  • Equipment/Tack: English.
  • Optional extensions based on 2 nights and 3 days (including arrival airport transfers £850)
  • Single supplements for extensions: £350

Our information page has more details on what is and isn’t included as well as useful general advice.

Accommodation

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  • Cairo: Pyramid Edge Hotel
  • White Desert: Camping
  • Bahariya: Tzila
  • Dahab: Dahab Paradise

Other Riding Holidays at Ride Egypt

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