Dahab Paradise

From £1999 (based on 2 sharing) –  8 days, 7 nights

Ten years ago, Emma began her lifechanging journey in Dahab, captivated by her love for horses and the enchanting atmosphere of this Bedouin fishing village. Today, we invite you to join us and experience this original love story firsthand. Welcome to Dahab, the inspiration and birthplace of Ride Egypt. Here, you’ll ride beautiful horses through stunning landscapes and be hosted by local Bedouins known for their incredible hospitality. Come as a guest, and discover a magic you won’t find anywhere else on earth!

Curious about our next confirmed departures? Visit our travel calendar!

Day 1: Arrival to Sharm el Sheikh Airport, transfer to Dahab & Check in.

Upon arrival at Sharm El Sheikh airport, you’ll be greeted and taken on a scenic one-hour road journey to Dahab, a charming old fishing village overlooking the Red Sea. Nestled between majestic mountains and the azure waters of the Red Sea, Dahab is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, its vibrant Bedouin culture, clear turquoise waters, and numerous water sports activities. Your accommodations await at an authentic guest house with breathtaking views of the sea. Welcome to Dahab, where you Bedouin magic adventure begins.

Day 2. Blue Hole Snorkeling & Introductory Ride. Dinner under the Stars.

Kickstarting our adventure in Dahab with a visit to the famous Blue Hole. There, you’ll have the opportunity to go snorkling, exploring the vibrant coral reefs and underwater wonders. 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. 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 3: Full Saddle Day & 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, relaxing 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.

We’ll pause for lunch, enjoying a delicious meal surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Lagoon.

Day 4:  Off-Road Adventure and Hiking

We’re set for an exciting day of off-road exploration and hiking in the stunning White Canyons. Famous for its striking white rock formations and its narrow paths, this area offers a unique and otherworldly landscape.

We begin with an off-road safari, navigating the rugged desert terrain in our 4×4 Jeeps. Upon reaching the White Canyons, we’ll hike through the winding passages of soft white sandstone, sculpted by wind and water over millennia.

Following a satisfying lunch, we’ll head to a natural spa pool to relax and rejuvenate in the warm, mineral-rich waters.

In the evening, we’ll return to Dahab for dinner and a lively party at the Dahab Paradise Hotel, celebrating the day’s adventures with good food, music, and dancing.

Day 5: Discovering Wadi Qnai: Ride, Dine & Camp Under the Stars

Prepare for an adventurous day of riding through the stunning Wadi Qnai, a picturesque valley known for its rugged mountains, winding trails, and lush palm groves. Our riding hours are from 12 pm to 6 pm, giving us plenty of time to explore this landscape with its striking contrasts, from towering rocky cliffs to verdant oases dotted with palm trees.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a delightful dinner in the heart of Wadi Qnai.

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, there is the option to camp and sleep under the stars- where you can gaze upon the mesmerizing Milky Way from the warmth of your sleeping bag, adding an extra touch of magic to your experience.

Day 6: Boat Trip & Snorkeling at Ras Abu Galum National park (non-riding day)

In the morning, we set out on a private boat trip to Ras Abu Galum National Park, a protected area and natural reserve celebrated for its untouched coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful fish, sea turtles, and playful dolphins!

There’s something about Dahab that encourages both activity and relaxation. In the late afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from two options:

Option 1: Speed junkies can join a private quad bike safari through the desert terrain surrounding Dahab. Navigate sandy dunes and various terrains against the backdrop of the golden Sinai desert mountains.  Today’s adventure concludes with a delicious traditional Bedouin dinner.

Option 2: Alternatively, nature lovers can choose to relax and unwind in a sauna nestled within the oasis.  Surrounded by calm and tranquil, you can unwind and relax in the soothing heat.

Day 7: Sunrise Ride at “Three Pools” with Breakfast in Local Caves. Afternoon in Downtown Dahab and Seaside Dinner

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. The riding hours are from 6 am to 10 am, avoiding the heat of the day.

For lunch, we’ll return to the hotel where you can relax by the pool or opt for a pampering session at the spa.

In the mid-afternoon, we’ll head downtown for some shopping. Dahab’s streets are bustling with markets and boutique shops offering a variety of souvenirs and local treasures. Take your time to explore and soak up the lively atmosphere.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll head to the seafront for a delicious seafood dinner. Dahab is renowned for its fresh seafood, and there’s no better way to savor it than against a panoramic backdrop of the Red Sea.

Day 8: Last Ride Before Departure. Check out.

On our last day, we will go an early morning 3-hour ride 3-hour ride around the oasis to explore and soak in the beauty of our surroundings one last time.

Check-out from the hotel is at 11:30, marking the start of our journey back to Sharm El Sheikh airport. Its time to say goodbye for now unless you have booked one of our fabulous extensions!

** OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS**

CAIRO EXTENSION: Giza Pyramids Ride & Grand Museum Visit

Arrive a day early to kickstart your adventure with an epic Pyramids ride! Our Cairo extension package includes a one-night stay, a 2-hour ride to the Pyramids, a tour of the Sphinx, lunch, a visit to one of the famous museums, and airport transfers for your arrival in Cairo and next day departure to Sharm el Sheikh for the Dahab adventure with the rest of the group.

Upon arrival in Cairo, we’ll greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The following morning, we’ll convene for breakfast at 8:15 to discuss the day’s plan. Departing from the hotel around 9 am, a short journey brings us to the horses who wait patiently, eager to take you on your first adventure: an exciting ride across the desert to the pyramids at Giza.

Before we start there is a safety briefing and we explain the history of horses in the area. These proud horses are in their element out in the sand dunes. Here you will witness first-hand the incredible energy, bravery and stamina of the Egyptian horse.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant in town followed by a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum- This newly opened museum, welcoming visitors for the first time in 2024, holds some of the world’s greatest ancient treasures. Its location is just outside of Cairo on the Giza Plateau (and next door to the Pyramids) is considered not only considered the new crown jewel of Egypt, but is also one of the largest, most modern, and most renowned museums in the entire world.

Following the museum tour, we’ll provide transportation to the airport for your flight to Sharm el Sheikh. Multiple daily flights operate between Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh, each with a quick 55-minute journey time. Most guests opt for a domestic flight around 6/7pm.

LUXOR EXTENSION:

Day 1: Multi Option Luxor* Full day trail ride / or half day with historical site seeing.

Welcome to Luxor and home of Ride Egypt!  Today, we offer you the choice of a full day in the saddle or a blend of sightseeing and riding. You will have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Luxor, home to ancient wonders like the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.

Today, you will also have a chance to get acquainted with our Egyptian steed! Our horses are spirited and forward-going but they are also polite, sensitive and willing to please. You will notice how they listen to you, receptive to voice and tone. Highly intelligent with expressive eyes and ears it is easy to bond with them and understand their ways. All possess endless enthusiasm for the journey and you will feel this as they carry you effortlessly for hours in the sometimes unforgiving heat. We will head out into the fields where you will see farmers working the land as their forefathers did. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant while the horses dose in the shade.

Historical sight-seeing: Accompanied by an Egyptologist you will have the opportunity to visit three very different tombs all representing the values of the pharaohs to which they belong. The choice is yours whether you’re a saddle-junkie or culture-vulture, Luxor has it all! Of course, if you prefer a relaxing morning by the pool combined with an afternoon ride this is also an option, especially for returning guests who have already visited the sites.

Today allows everybody to enjoy what makes them happy, followed by a delicious dinner of typical Egyptian fare cooked by our wonderful hosts.

Day 2: Multi Option Luxor* Full day trail ride / or half day with historical site seeing.

Continue your exploration of Luxor with another full-day trail ride or opt for a half-day historical tour to delve deeper into the city’s rich cultural heritage. 

Day 3: Sunrise balloons ride & Lunchtime check out/Departure

We will rise with the morning call to prayer today as we head out for truly a magical experience – a sunrise balloon tour by horseback. The sight as they all take flight is simply breath-taking. Glide through the Valley of the Kings and the farms of the West Bank watching the shadows fall away as the sun fills the sky with colour and light. This is a must-do activity when visiting Luxor.

We will next head to the Temple of Habu for breakfast and a tour of the site. Amun, the god of air, was one of the primordial Egyptian deities famously twinned with Ra the sun god in later times. This memorial temple, built by Rameses III, is said to be the place where Amun first appeared according to ancient belief. It is an imposing structure and boasts some beautifully preserved murals and hieroglyphs. We visit early morning before the crowds descend so it feels like a well-kept secret!

Our final site of the day is the Temple of Hatshepsut, thought to be a masterpiece of the pharaonic era. It represents not only her devotion to her god Horus, the falcon-headed god, but is also a reflection of her peaceful and prosperous reign. It would later become her mortuary temple as the afterlife beckoned her forth. This is a magnificent example of the wealth and master craftsmanship of the time – the paintings are exquisite and the scale of the monument, truly astonishing – a spectacular finale to your journey through Egypt.

After a farewell lunch it is time to say goodbye unless you have booked one of our fabulous extensions.

ASWAN & ABU SIMBLE EXTENSION: 

For those seeking further adventure, extend your journey with an optional extension to Aswan and Abu Simbel from Day 9-10. You will travel by road to Aswan, stopping along the way at Horus temple in Edfu & The temple of Sobek Kim ombo, this temple is dedicated to the Crocodile Headed God Sobek and the Falcon headed God Horus the Elder. Dinner and overnight at our charming Nubian guest house.

Aswan:

Aswan is known for its beautiful Nile Valley scenery, significant archaeological sites and its peaceful aura. Its weather is warm all year round, which makes it a perfect winter destination. The city provides splendid views and attractions to sail through the Nile with a felucca (Egyptian sailboat).

Aswan sightseeing:

  1. Temple of Philae
  2. Unfinished Obelisk. 890. Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
  3. Aswan High Dam.
  4. Nubian Museum (evening opening times)
  5. Nubian Village
  6. Elephantine Island
  7. Cocktails Hotel Sofitel Legend Old Cataract (Where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile)

Overnight at your guest house.

Abu Simble:

Rise and shine bright and early today marks the highlight and “must do” when visiting Aswan, the UNESCO Abu Simble World Heritage Site.

Abu Simbel is a historic site comprising two massive rock-cut temples in the village of Abu Simbel (Arabic: أبو سمبل), Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt, near the border with Sudan. It is situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 230 km (140 mi) southwest of Aswan (about 300 km (190 mi) by road).

The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, during the 19th Dynasty reign of the Pharaoh Ramesses II. Their huge external rock relief figures of Ramesses II have become iconic. His wife, Nefertari, and children can be seen in smaller figures by his feet. Sculptures inside the Great Temple commemorate Ramesses II’s heroic leadership at the Battle of Kadesh.

After an awe inspiring morning we will stop off at our favourite local sea food Resturant for a delicious lunch before driving back to Aswan in preparation for your evening flight to Cairo and your onward journey home.

Accommodation & Information

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Information:
  • Price & Duration: £1999 price per person based on 2 sharing accommodation for 8 days / 7 nights. Single person supplement: £450.
  • Board Type: All meals & water.
  • Type of Ride & Paces: This is centre-based riding holiday
  • Rider levels: Confident intermediate.
  • Suitable for beginners: No.
  • Riding months: October to May.
  • Weight limit: 100kg.
  • Recommended airports: Sharm el Sheikh for arrival & departure.
  • Language: English. All guests must have a good level of spoken English.
  • Cairo Extension: £350
  • Luxor Extension: from £899 (not including domestic flights)
  • Abu Simble Extention: £950

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

Accommodation:

Your accommodation is based at the following locations:

  • Dahab: Dahab Paradise Hotel – Nestled between the Red Sea and the majestic Sinai Mountains, Dahab Paradise offers breathtaking views and tranquility.

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