White Desert Mini Break

Advanced Riders Only – 5 days, 4 nights – £1750 (based on 2 sharing)
Cairo – Bahariya – Black & White Desert
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The Ultimate Desert Horseback Mini-Break

Older than the Pyramids, as sublime as any temple, Egypt’s Western 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 some of Egypt’s most breathtaking landscapes—from the surreal, chalk-white formations of the White Desert to the volcanic wonder of the Black Desert.

And what makes this even more special? Our stables sit right on the doorstep of the Black Desert! For the first time ever, and as pioneers of horseback expeditions in Egypt, we invite you to ride with us through the legendary Western Desert. Combined with authentic accommodations, incredible food, and the warmest hospitality from our guides and hosts, this is more than a trip – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Don’t just take our word for it! Even BBC Travel sings the praises of Bahariya and Farafra, describing them as “some of the rarest landscapes in Egypt, making one forget, for a moment, that the Pyramids are the country’s biggest attraction.

A true trip of a lifetime, where legends ride with you.

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. Welcome to Egypt

Arrive into Cairo, where you’ll be personally welcomed by the Ride Egypt team. Settle into your hotel before gathering for a relaxed welcome dinner, a chance to connect with fellow riders and set intentions for the adventure ahead.

Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2. Pyramids to the Desert

An unforgettable morning riding through history. Saddle up beneath the Giza Pyramids, with the Sphinx as your silent witness. This is fast, exhilarating riding reserved strictly for confident, experienced riders.

After the ride, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Sphinx, followed by a rooftop lunch overlooking one of the most iconic landscapes on earth.

The afternoon is dedicated to culture at the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, before heading west as the scenery shifts dramatically.

Late-afternoon transfer into the desert to Bahariya Oasis. Overnight in the oasis.

Day 3. The Black Desert

A full day riding through the raw, volcanic beauty of the Black Desert. Long, open stretches invite powerful canters and gallops, broken by striking black hills and golden sand.

Lunch is served in the desert, followed by more riding as the light softens. As evening falls, gather around a campfire dinner with music, stories, and star-filled skies.

Overnight in the desert.

Day 4. White Desert Dream

Today is pure magic. Ride deep into the surreal landscapes of the White Desert, where wind-sculpted chalk formations rise like sculptures from another world.

This is immersive, soul-stirring riding — remote, silent, and unforgettable. As night falls, arrive at your private desert camp.

Dinner under the stars & overnight camping. Beds, private tents, and complete comfort — wrapped in silence and starlight.

Day 5. Adventure and Farewell

Wake to desert stillness before switching pace for a final day of adventure.

  • 4×4 desert safari
  • Natural hot springs soak
  • Sandboarding across golden dunes

Return to the lodge for lunch and check-out, then begin the journey back to Cairo, arriving at approximately 6:00 pm, where the programme ends.

Why This Trip Is Different!

Advanced riders only – fast, technical, and thrilling
Fully hosted by Ride Egypt
Exceptional Arabian horses
Iconic locations + hidden desert worlds
British-run standards blended with Egyptian soul

This isn’t a holiday. It’s a rite of passage.

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: £1750 per person based on 2 sharing accommodation for 6 days / 5 nights.
  • Single person supplement: £300 (limited availability).
  • 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

Other Riding Holidays at Ride Egypt

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