Rider swimming with her horse in Egypt

From the Nile to the Red Sea

Embark on a beautiful trail ride between Luxor and Hurghada. On beautiful Arabian horses, ride across Egypt to the Red Sea and Makadi Bay. This trail ride is an excellent way to discover the land of the Pharaohs under a different light, with lots of opportunities for sightseeing too. After a few days in Luxor with the chance to experience the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and much more, head to the coast with plenty of exhilarating gallops to be had.
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Trail Riding
8 days (5 days riding)
From £1,899
  • Swimming with horses on a riding holiday
    Swim in the blue waters of Makadi Bay
  • Riders and horses swimming in Egypt
    Swimming with the horses is a fun addition to the programme!
  • Riding alongside the red sea on Arabian horses
    Explore the Red Sea coast on horseback
  • Temples seen from horseback in the Valley of the Kings
    Explore the Valley of the Kings in the saddle
  • Horse and riding enjoying the waters of the red Sea
    An exciting riding holiday in Egypt
  • Horses along the beach in Egypt
    Ride beautiful Arabian and Egyptian Arabian horses
  • Experienced riders on a trail ride in Egypt
    Riding spirited horses in open spaces
  • Riders going into the sea on horseback, Read Sea
    Enjoy a varied programme
  • Riders riding out into the sunset in Egypt
    A memorable riding holiday in Egypt

Itinerary

Highlights

- Explore astonishing archaeological sites around the Nile and Luxor
- Plenty of opportunities for wonderful gallops on long expanses of open ground
- Ride to the Red Sea and swim with the horses
- An excellent selection of beautiful Arabian horses
- Discover the local culture in company of your knowledgeable hosts and guides

Tailor-made rides can be organised throughout the season (summer months excluded). Please contact us if you have a riding holiday project in Egypt!
  • Day 1 1 : ARRIVE IN LUXOR

    Fly to Luxor (flight not included). Transfer to your guesthouse for the night. Dinner is not included.

    UK riders: Flights are available via EasyJet from Gatwick to Hurghada twice a week and it is possible for you to fly to Hurghada on Day 1. The drive from Hurghada to Luxor is very scenic (3,5hrs). Transfers costs from Hurghada to Luxor are not included - please see "Dates and prices".
  • Day 2 2 : LUXOR - 2-3 hrs riding

    Start your day with an introduction to the land of the Pharaohs. This non-riding morning gives an insight as to why the Valley of the Kings is so important - the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile Delta were the tombs of choice for pharaohs of Egypt's Old Kingdom, but those of the New Kingdom wanted to be closer to the source of their dynastic roots in the south. Consequently they built their crypts in the hills of this barren tract of land which lies west of Luxor, now called the ‘Valley of the Kings’ or the ‘Valley of the Dead’. You will have the chance to visit four amazing tombs, including the Tomb of Tutankhamun. Then you will continue your tour to the Temple of Hatshepsut, the most famous female in Egyptian history. Hatshepsut was a pharaoh of Egypt from roughly 1479 to 1458 BCE. She not only had the longest reign of any Egyptian female, but is also regarded as one of the most successful rulers in Egyptian history. Under Hatshepsut, Egypt explored, built, and grew. The trip will also take you to Carters House and The Valley of the Queens where wives of pharaohs were buried in ancient times.

    The afternoon sees the beginning of your first horse adventures. You will travel by tuk-tuk to the stables where the team will introduce you to their home and horses. The Bedouin-style yard, crafted by local Egyptians, is based on the West Bank of the Nile boasting several boxes and lush plantation fields. The facility is home to horses, donkeys and camels and very much holds a “farm atmosphere”. The first riding trip is relaxed and gives you a chance to get to know the horses in preparation for a full day trail ride the following day. Ride through the villages on horseback under the palm trees along to the River Nile. The Nile is incredibly peaceful and you can see the buffalo grazing along the banks. Transfer back to your hotel. Dinner will be around 8pm at a local Egyptian feast, eating with your hands whilst sitting on the floor on plush cushions is a must when in Luxor!
  • Day 3 3 : LUXOR - 5-6 hours

    Your first full day with the horses - prepare to fall in love with both Arabian and Baladi (local breed) horses who are famed for their beauty and endurance. These wonderful breeds are chosen for their ability to form a cooperative relationship with humans and they are good-natured, quick to learn and willing to please. You will see farmers working their fields just as their ancestors did. By mid-morning you will be riding behind the Valley of the Kings and to the top of Mount Thebes so you can see panoramic views of Luxor. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant and the trail home will take us past The Colossi of Memnon which are two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who reigned in Egypt during the Dynasty XVIII. They have stood in the Theban Necropolis for the past 3,400 years (since 1350 BC)! This is a wonderful opportunity for photos together with the horses.
  • Day 4 4 : LUXOR - 2hrs riding

    Rise and shine for a 7am departure, time to tick another item off the bucket list for many visitors to Luxor - a visit to Madinet Habu Temple! Leaving the stables around 7.30am, it takes about 2 hours to ride up to Habu Temple, passing through local villages and sugar cane fields. On arrival, you dismount and tether the horses outside in the shade before heading inside this magnificent complex to explore and learn more about its history. Built as a mortuary temple for Ramses III (1186-1155 BC), one of the great pharaohs of ancient Egypt, Habu Temple was built on land that was considered to have magical powers by local farmers long before his time. Ramses often lived in the adjacent palace but other deities resided at Medinet Habu permanently. During the Libyan invasions of the late Twentieth Dynasty, Medinet Habu sheltered the entire popular of Thebes.

    After a light brunch you will ride back in time to change for the afternoon adventures and a non-riding tour to the East Bank of Luxor, starting with the incredible Karnak Temple. Karnak is the largest religious complex on the planet. Forget all you have come to expect in regard to scale and space and be astonished by the Temples of Amun-Ra and his divine wife, Mut, and their son, Khonsu. We will be on hand to show you through the labyrinth and explain the purpose, meaning and history of the amazing ruins of Karnak. Many visitors walk right past one of the treasures of Karnak – its Open Air Museum. We will introduce you to some of the architectural wonders which have been re-erected in all their glory in this museum. Enter the Great Hypostyle Hall built by Seti I, father of Ramesses the Great – over 6000 sqm, 134 columns. The 12 which flank the processional way are 23m tall – words, facts and figures can never do justice to the experience that is Karnak. After Karnak you will visit Luxor Temple, largely built by the New Kingdom pharaohs Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BC) and Ramses II (1279–1213 BC). This temple is a strikingly graceful monument in the heart of the modern town. Also known as the Southern Sanctuary, its main function was during the annual Opet celebrations when the statues of Amun, Mut and Khonsu were brought from Karnak, along the Avenue of Sphinxes, and reunited here during the inundation. Your tour ends with a tour of Luxor Museum - this wonderful museum has a well-chosen and brilliantly displayed and explained collection of antiquities dating from the end of the Old Kingdom right through to the Mamluk period, mostly gathered from the Theban temples and necropolis. This is one of the most rewarding sights in Luxor and one of the best museums in Egypt. Riding time approx. 4 -5 hours. This is your last evening in this region and you will finish your Luxor adventures with a belly dancing show and an Egyptian BBQ dinner and music.
  • Day 5 5 : LUXOR - RED SEA - No riding

    Optional balloon ride (see dates and rates). Morning departure with arrival at the Red Sea for early afternoon. Check in and relax.
  • Day 6 6 : RED SEA - 5-6 hrs riding

    Full day trail ride on the “desert Arabians”. The horses in that part of the trip are chosen for their forward-going nature and their ability to gallop endlessly in the deserts. This a superb day of riding including the beach, sea and deserts of Makadi. Lunch is served out and about. For less experienced or fit riders there is an option to divide the day, riding two hours in the morning and then riding again in the afternoon with lunch at your hotel in between.
  • Day 7 7 : RED SEA - No riding

    Today takes you away from the land and into the crystal blue waters of the Red Sea where you will spend the day lapping up the sunshine and relaxing. However, this isn’t any old boat trip! Today you will have the opportunity to meet new underwater friends at Dolphin House where you will have the chance to swim with wild dolphins and stop off at two stunning snorkelling spots to see an array of beauty around the reefs of Hurghada – a truly once in a lifetime experience. Not only that, you will also be treated to an exquisite seafood lunch by the wonderful crew on board.
  • Day 8 8 : RED SEA - HURGHADA AIRPORT - 3-4 hrs riding

    No trip would be complete without swimming with horses in the Red Sea! After breakfast you will collected from your hotel and taken to the stables. You will enjoy a morning canter along the beach before taking the saddles off the horses and joining them for a swim. Please note: this activity is weather-dependent. If the weather is too cold then alternate activities or riding will be offered.

    Check out before lunch. Late check out is possible on request at the hotel.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.     

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride. 

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 15 international riders, plus guides. 

- More dates can be added for groups of minimum 2 riders, for dates from September to the end of May.

- There is no single supplement if you are willing to share a room with another guest of the same sex. To guarantee your own room there is a single supplement of €580/£500/$630.

- Airport transfers are not included and are £60/€70/€80 per person.

- Ticket entry fees are not included in the price and have an additional cost of approx. £95/€110/$120. Payable locally by card.

- Depending on your flight schedule on the last day, a hotel night in Hurghada may be necessary. We can help arrange this on request.

- Accompanied minors of 12+ are welcome on this ride.

- Rider weight limit: 90 kg - 14.1 stones - 198 lbs. Heavier riders may be accommodated by special arrangements, please do contact us!
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider
1 support vehicle
A team of grooms

Meals

Full board accommodation in guesthouses or hotel
Mineral water

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras
Dinner on the first day, lunch and dinner on the departure day

Transport

International flights
Return airport transfers

Extras

Tips to the local team (see "tips")
Park, museum and other site entry fees payable locally by card

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation
Visas and personal purchase. You will have to purchase a tourist visa at the airport (around £20)

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    12/10/2024 19/10/2024 £1,899 €2,184 $2,355
    Guaranteed departure
    Contact an advisor
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    18/01/2025 25/01/2025 £1,899 €2,184 $2,355
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

The herd comprises around 50 horses, mainly Arabian horses and Arabian crosses. They are sensitive, forward going, and well suited to the terrain and climate.

Guide & local team

Your main guides are Mohammed and Emma, accompanied by their team. They speak English and Arabic collectively. Your hosts and drivers all speak English.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You must be comfortable and secure in the saddle at a walk, trot and canter. You should be used to riding in open country and over different types of terrain. The horses used are sensible and well mannered to ride so they are well suited to people of intermediate riding ability and above. You should also be reasonably riding fit.

Rider weight limit: 90 kg - 14.1 stones - 198 lbs. Heavier riders may be accommodated by special arrangements, please do contact us!

Pace

A lot of the ride is at walk, but there are regular trots and canters when the terrain allows. The riding around Luxor is focusing on the cultural experience and slower, whereas the riding in Hurghada/the Red sea is faster with several opportunities for a good gallop!

Tacking ability and participation

The horses are groomed and tacked up for you. You can help with this (in Luxor especially) but this is not mandatory.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

Trail ride experience over several days is a bonus, but is not required. Reasonable health & fitness is required. You must be able to cope with long hours in the saddle.

This is a ride where you will really embrace the Egyptian culture: every effort is made to introduce you to the local customs and give you a glimpse of what real life in Egypt is all about.

Equestrian equipment

Endurance or English tack.
No saddlebags, expect on request in Luxor.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

Nights in a comfortable and hospitable guesthouse in Luxor. In Hurghada, you stay in a 3* hotel with wifi, TV and pool (an upgrade to a 5* resort is available upon request).

Meals

Breakfast: Pancakes, juice, bread, cheese and eggs, tea and coffee.
Lunch: salads, falafels, rice, aubergine, grilled chicken.
Dinner: hot meals (tajines with chicken, meat or fish), rice, salads, mussaka

Water and soft drinks are provided.

Climate

Expect hot temperatures, generally from averages of 18 – 23C in January to 33 – 37C in August, but it is not unheard of for it to be several degrees higher than this during the summer months. Rainfall is rare and sunshine is pretty much guaranteed all year round.

Despite the hot overall temperatures, you will find that it becomes much cooler at night time compared to in the day, especially when you are travelling in more remote areas or through the mountain regions. For this reason we do recommend that you take a few warmer items to keep you cosy at night time.

Tips

Tipping in Egypt is a way of life. It is considered a norm to leave small tips in services you have received, such as restaurants, hotels, drivers, tour guides, etc. A tip envelope of $150 (or the equivalent amount in euros or GBP) will be given to your guide on day 1 and distributed during the week to cover all of the tips mentioned above. This way you don't have to worry about currency exchange and wondering if you should have tipped or not.

Packing list

Head
- A riding helmet is strongly recommended. We recommend you take your own to ensure the right fit.
- Sun hat when not riding
- Sunglasses-with a cord attached so they don't fly away when galloping.
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust.

Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts to provide protection from the sun.
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper.
- Light waterproof jacket- although it doesn't rain much Egypt, it is better to be prepared.

Legs
- Lightweight riding trousers or jodhpurs. We recommend riding in them at home to ensure they won't rub during your holiday.
- Casual clothes for the non-riding days (jeans or walking trousers)

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may take long chaps or long boots.
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the non-riding days.
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas

Other useful items:
- Swimsuit and a small travel towel
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in your Check-in Luggage!!!!)

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent - a must in Egypt, please take a high quality spray
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Hand wash gel

Our Recommendations

- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc)
- Any liquids in your hold luggage, such as shampoo, moisturizer, over 100ml should be decanted into small, clear, plastic ziplock bag. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
- In your hand luggage take any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

Arabian horses are among the world’s most noble and oldest breeds, with archaeological evidence dating as far as 4500 years. As the name indicates, they originated in the Arabian Peninsula where they thrived in the harsh desert environment. These horses were considered an asset and deeply cherished by the Bedouin nomads who frequently took them inside their family tent for safety and shelter. Although they are often referred to as spirited, these horses have a sensitive and good-natured temperament and often form a deep bond with their riders. Although there are multiple strains of this breed, they are known to be quite easy to identify given its slender body, narrow and fine head and big expressive eyes. All Arabians, no matter their colour, have black skin which provides protection from the intense desert sun.