Depths of the Desert

On arrival you will be met at the airport by your driver and transported to your accommodations. The boutique hotel is located on the back streets of Giza, within walking distance of the stables, and just a few hundred metres from the Great Pyramids. The roof terrace offers stunning views of the Sphinx and Pyramids and is the perfect spot to watch Cairo’s Light and Sound show as you enjoy your first dinner in Egypt.

After a late breakfast, head to the stables to meet the horses who will take you on an awe-inspiring ride to the 7th Wonder the World – The Giza Pyramids. Your horses will be adorned with traditional protective necklaces and bridal-wear to set the theme for your authentic Egyptian adventure.

This bucket list trail ride will see you past the four most famous sights in Giza; the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure and the Sphinx. The entire area has an indescribable feeling. The horses are privy to the excitement too as they race across the golden sand surrounding these ancient monuments. On arrival to the site, you will have the opportunity to dismount and explore these breath-taking structures and the chambers within.

Lunch today will be served at a local restaurant. After lunch, the drivers will take you on your hour and a half transfer to Fayoum. Arrive just in time to hop back in the saddle for a stunning sunset ride through the charming village of Tunis. Enjoy a tasteful dinner and a good nights rest at our desert oasis accommodations.

A hearty breakfast is a must today, in preparation for a full day of horse riding to the accurately-named Magic Lake. This remote lake got its name thanks to its mesmerizing waters which, colors shift and change several times each day depending on the amount of sunlight it receives. It is also know to house a number of healing minerals. 

Take in the stunning Egyptian landscapes with a thrilling gallop through the vast desert or go for a refreshing swim in Magic Lake. Be sure to take some time to soak in the wonders of Fayoums famous waterfall! After a full day exploring the desert, settle down for a classic Egyptian dinner. Tonight, you’ll have the choice between turning in for the night at the hotel, or for the more adventurous travellers, to sleep out under the stars!

After breakfast, the horses will be loaded up, and you will be driven about twenty minutes to the heart of Wadi El Rayan, one of Egypts most famous nature reserves. This area is packed full of gorgeous views, cascading waterfalls and towering rock formations. It is also home to some of Egypts most exclusive wildlife, including white gazelle, foxes and rare eagles. Upon arrival to the preserve, you will saddle up and ride out. Wadi El Rayan is one of the best places for a day of epic horse riding adventure. Enjoy full gallops through the golden sands and long canter stretches through picturesque scenery. 

After a full day in the saddle you’ll drive with the horses back to the stables and head off to a lovely local dinner before turning in for the night.

Today you will get the opportunity to test out our second favorite mode of transportation; 4 x 4s! Play on the epic sand dunes and cruise all the way to Whale Valley. Whale Valley is one of the worlds most fascinating archeologic sites. Here you can find the ancient, fossilized remains of now extinct whales. These fossils date back as far as 37 million years and outlines one of the worlds major stories of evolution. 

Late afternoon, you will be driven back to Cairo by car. Grab dinner and check into your lovely guesthouse overlooking the pyramids.

Enjoy your last day in Cairo with a delicious breakfast before spending the morning exploring the Great Pyramids by horseback. Today the trails will take us around the back of these wondrous monuments and onto endless spaces of open ground. Share a thrilling gallop with your horse before a suptious lunch. All guests will fly from Cairo to Luxor around 17:30 (flight not included), arriving to the guest house in time to catch an authentic Egyptian dinner before settling in for the night.

Today is all about authentic Egypt. Take a short tuk-tuk ride (or walk) through the village where you’ll arrive at a local home. Meet some wonderful local women who will teach you to cook fish and bake bread in a traditional stone oven. This is a relaxed morning with ‘the family’ where you will have the opportunity to learn about the Egyptian way of life; you might even pick up a few words of Arabic!

After lunch, you’ll get back in the saddle and set off on your afternoon adventure to retrace the steps of two of the most powerful Pharaohs to ever rule. The ride will take you deep into the Valley of the Kings and with breathtaking views from horseback. You’re sure to get a feel for the vastness of the Valley from the unique perspective of your Arab’s saddle. Upon arrival, the team will tether up the horses and wait outside in the shade as you head off to explore the beautiful temples that have stood the ultimate test of time. Seti I was one of Egypt’s greatest rulers and builders, constructing one of the country’s most magnificent temples at Abydos and the Great Hypostyle Hall in Karnak, The artwork and architecture commissioned during Seti’s rule is rich and no expense was spared. You’ll also explore the royal palace and chapel built for Ramses I. Ramses II like his father was one of the greatest Pharaohs in ancient Egyptian history, and regarded as the most powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom. His successors and later Egyptians called him the “Great Ancestor”. After a full day of history and culture, settle down at the guest house where a local chef will come to prepare a delicious dinner.

Your morning visit is to the Valley of the Kings; no trip to Luxor would be complete without spending some time here. The tombs are evidence of elaborate preparations for the next world in which humans were promised continuing life and pharaohs were expected to become one with the gods. Mummification was used to preserve the body so that the deceased’s eternal soul would be able to reanimate it in the afterlife.

You will stop for lunch at a local and have some time to relax before a 4 x 4 trip into the desert. Your guides will show you hidden caves in the desert and fossils in the stones. We advise you wear good hiking shoes so you can watch the sunset from the top of the mountains!

After sunset you will drive a little further into the heart of the desert where local Bedouin friends have been preparing dinner over a fire. The camp is lit up by candlelight and the twinkle of the stars in the night sky. After a wonderful dinner you will leave the desert around 10pm to allow for a good night’s sleep ahead of the following day’s big adventures.

If you haven’t already, prepare to fall in love with both Arabian and Baladi (local breed) horses who are famed for their beauty and endurance. These longer trails allow you to experience the horses and country life here in more depth. From horseback you will see the farmers working the fields just as their ancestors did. Mid-morning prepare to be amazed as these sure-footed horses will take you behind the Valley of the Kings and guide you to the top of Mount Thebes so that you can see panoramic views of Luxor.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before your trail home takes you past the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. This is a wonderful opportunity for photos together with your horses.

A trip to Luxor would not be complete without a sunrise hot air balloon ride! This is an optional add-on that can be arranged at the end of your trip. If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity, plan to get out for an early morning and hover above the stunning Valley of the Kings as the sun rises and casts spectacular shadows over this exquisite piece of history. What better grand finale to end your Egypt adventure?! Upon return to the Earth, head back to your hotel to pack up and say ma’salama to Egypt…until next time!