White Desert Mini Break

6 days, 5 nights – £1899 (based on 2 sharing)
Cairo – Bahariya – Black & White Desert
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Picture this: camping under a thousand twinkling stars in the magical White Desert National Park, soaking in the soothing natural hot springs of Bahariya, and experiencing the intoxicating freedom of riding elegant Arabian horses across some of Egypt’s most breathtaking landscapes. 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. Welcome to Ride Egypt’s Bahariya & White Desert Mini Break! 

But 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. 

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: Morning Arrival in Cairo & Transfer to Bahariya Oasis

Welcome to Egypt! Your journey begins with a morning arrival in Cairo. From there, we’ll travel by road to the stunning Bahariya Oasis, where your cozy lodge awaits. Shared transfers will depart from Le Méridien Cairo Airport at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM (rooms available to rent per hour for early arrivals).

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 2: Black Desert Morning Ride. Lunch at the lodge followed by White Desert Safari & Camping Under the Stars.

We will start our day with a half-day ride to the Black Desert, where volcanic black hills rise dramatically against the backdrop of golden sands—an otherworldly sight that feels like stepping onto a different planet.

After returning to the lodge for a delicious lunch, your adventure takes an exciting turn. Hop into a 4×4 and head deep into the desert to explore the White Desert, a surreal world of chalk formations sculpted by centuries of wind and sandstorms. Some describe it as an “outdoor museum of contemporary art”. Along the way, you’ll explore Crystal Mountain, a natural formation made entirely of glittering quartz—a truly unforgettable highlight of the journey.

End your day with a delicious dinner and camping under the stars in the White Desert.

Day 3. Return to Bahariya. Visit of the Hot Springs & Sunset Ride.

Today, we wake up in the white desert and enjoy the peace and tranquility before heading back to our hotel in Bahariya for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have a chance to relax in Bahariya’s famous therapeutic hot springs, known for their soothing and healing properties.

We will enjoy a beautiful sunset ride in the late afternoon in Bahariya Oasis.

Day 4. Sunrise Ride with Breakfast in the Desert. Afternoon Return to Cairo.

On your final morning in Bahariya, wake up early for a sunrise ride and a hearty breakfast in the desert. Afterward, you will return to the guesthouse to prepare for your journey back to Cairo.

You will arrive in Cairo in the afternoon, where you’ll stay overnight in preparation for the grand finale of your adventure.

Day 5. Riding in the Shadows of the Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum Visit

Ending your mini break with a bang- Cairo is the ultimate destination for Egyptology and the history of the Pharaohs. And what better way to end 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, you will visit the newly inaugurated Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the largest archaeological museums in the world, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts spanning ancient Egyptian history. Visitors can expect to see treasures such as the belongings of King Tutankhamun and other iconic artifacts that have been meticulously preserved and displayed for public viewing.

*NEW* Motor Paragliding: Our Cairo adventures just got even more exciting! You can now opt for an unforgettable paramotor flying tour above the iconic Pyramids of Giza! Available at sunrise (6 a.m.) or for early birds at 7 a.m. Contact us to book your spot!

Day 6. Check Out & Departure. Optional Extensions to the Red Sea

After breakfast, it’s time to check out and say goodbye. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories of Egypt’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and dreamy horses…

For those seeking more adventure, why not extend your journey with one of our fabulous Red Sea extensions?

Optional Extensions:

  • Red Sea – Hurghada Extension: £850 per person

Day 6 – Sunset riding or sunset photoshoot (flight dependent)

Day 7 – Full day riding OR full day dolphins’ trip.

Day 8:  Swimming with horses  and lunchtime departure.

  • Dahab Extension: £850 per person

Day 6: Arrive to Sharm el Sheikh –  Sunset ride

Day 7: Blue Hole Snorkeling and Afternoon Ride.

Day 8: Sunrise ride, check out and transfer back to Sharm el Sheikh.

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: £1899 per person based on 2 sharing accommodation for 6 days / 5 nights. Single person supplement: £650 (limited availability).
  • 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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