Rider galloping in the Egypt desert
NORTH AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST > 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
9 days (5 days riding)
From £1,379
  • Horse and a field of flowers in Egypt
    Explore the area around Luxor on horseback
  • 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
  • Trail riders and horses in Egypt
    Explore Egypt from horseback on a trail ride
  • 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 Dead 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 : UK - HURGHADA OR LUXOR

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

    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 you day with an introduction to the land of the Pharaohs. This non-riding morning gives 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 also will 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 - 2-3 hrs 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.



    OPTIONAL EXTRAS ON REQUEST:

    Guided tour and shopping at the souk markets (no charge)
    Sunrise Balloon tour $150
    Private Boat Dinner on the Nile (price on request)

  • Day 5 5 : LUXOR - RED SEA - No riding

    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 join 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.

    You can enjoy a relaxed lunch on the beach and a few relaxing moments before heading back to the hotel to prepare for your return flight home.

    Late check out is possible on request at the hotel.

    Please note: the cost of the hotel room is not included in the rate. As most flights leave late in the evening, this was not deemed necessary. If your flight leaves in the early morning on Day 9 and you would like your own room for a shower and a few hours of sleep, we can add this to your quotation upon request.

  • Day 9 9: HOME

    Arrive back in Europe.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Groups are made of 2 to 15 riders maximum

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

- Prices are based on two people sharing, the supplement to guarantee a single room during the ride is £350 per person. This is not invoiced if you are willing to share.

- Transfers:
> Transfers from Luxor airport on your first day and to Hurghada airport on your last day are not included and charged £50 in total.
> If you decide to fly in and out of Hurghada, this is £90.

- The last hotel night is not included (see notes in the itinerary). Depending on your flight times, we can book a room for you.

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

There is a small entry fee to the temples that may feature on your visit. Prices payable locally:

East Bank:

Karnak Temple – 100le
Avenue of Sphinxes – Free
Luxor Museum – 100le
Luxor Temple – 100le
Mummification Museum – 100le

West Bank:

Valley of the Kings – 150le
Seti I Tomb – 1000le
Tutenkamun Tomb – 200le
Carters House – 60le
Hatshepsut Temple – 80le
Colossi of Memnon – Free
Habu Temple – 60le
Stone Factory – Free
Valley of the Queens – 150le
Tomb of Queen Nefertari – 1000le
Nobles Tombs – 80le
Workers Tombs – 80le
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

Inland transport

Land transfers mentioned in the programme

Meals

Full board accommodation in guesthouses or hotel
Mineral water

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras

Transport

Return airport transfers
International flights

Extras

Tips to the local team - $100 given on the first day to the guide
Entry fees to sites mentionned in the itinerary (around £30-50)

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

  • November - December 2020

    Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    08/11/2020 16/11/2020 £1,379 Full
    21/12/2020 29/12/2020 £1,379 Full

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.

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 accommoted 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

Everyone helps looking after the horses and tacking up, although 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. Treeless and Western saddles are available, please ask.
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.

Guide and local team

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

Tips

Tipping in Egypt is very much a way of life. It is considered the norm to leave a small amount for the chambermaid/housekeeper if you have used their services during a hotel stay and perhaps to leave a small amount at the hotel desk for the staff that have looked after you. A tip envelope of $100 will be given to your guide on day 1 and distributed during the week to cover hotels, porters, guides, drivers, riding team, etc.

Packing list

Head
- Riding helmets are mandatory - and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust

Upper body
- Thermal long-sleeved tops are a lightweight way of providing extra warmth depending on the time of the year
- Long sleeved shirts to provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict even in Egypt and it's better to be prepared.

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermal leggings

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

Nightwear
- Pyjamas etc

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, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Tall riders may benefit from taking a pair of long stirrup leathers with them (the local stirrups are adjustable but are sometimes limited in length)
- Even if foam mattresses are provided, you may pack your inflatable mattress for comfort sake.
- Any liquids in your hold luggage, such as shampoo, moisturiser, 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!

Other useful items
- Swimsuit - there are pools on some nights
- Small backpack for accessing items required during the day (carried by support crew)
- 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)

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Swiss army knife or equivalent

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

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
- Handwash gel


Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- Please take your rubbish home with you. There are no recycling facilities, so take your used batteries, aerosols etc. back home and dispose of them appropriately. Try to leave excess packaging material at home before travelling
- If you prefer travelling light, please choose a biodegradable soap or washing powder/liquid to do you laundry once in the country

Visa & Health

Formalities

British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally require a visa.

For visits of up to 30 days, you can get a visa on arrival by cash payment. The visa fee is US$25 at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters. There’s no need to buy a visa from an agent. In many cases agents will charge more than US$25 for a visa. If you’re harassed by an agent, report the incident to the tourist police in the airport terminal.

Alternatively you can get a visa from an Egyptian Consulate outside Egypt before you travel.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Egypt.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt

Addresses of consulates

  • Ambassade d’Egypte
    56, avenue d'Iéna
    75116 Paris
    Tél. : 01.53.67.88.30
    Fax :
    paris_emb@mfa.gov.eg
  • Ambassade en Egypte
    29 Sharia al-Giza (Gizeh)
    BP 1777 Le Caire
    Tél. : +20(2)570 39 16
    Fax : +20 (2) 571 02 76
  • Ambassade d'Egypte
    Avenue de l'Uruguay 19
    1000 BRUXELLES
    Tél. : +32 (0) 2 663 58 00
    Fax : +32 (0) 2 675 58 88
    eg.sec.be@hotmail.com
  • Ambassade d'Egypte
    Elfenauweg 61
    3006 Bern
    Tél. : +41 31 352 80 12/13
    Fax : +41 31 352 06 25

Health

Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines available in the UK are considered controlled substances in Egypt and can’t be brought into the country without prior permission from Egypt's Ministry of Health; if you arrive in Egypt without this permission and the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed into the country and you may be prosecuted under Egyptian law; if you're travelling with prescription medication you should carry a medical certificate from your GP confirming that the medication has been prescribed for a medical condition.

Medical facilities outside Cairo and other major cities and resorts can be basic and in case of emergency you are advised to seek treatment in Cairo or the nearest town/city. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

You can find a list of most commonly used hospitals in Egypt on the British embassy website

In an emergency dial 123 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your travel company and your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

There are reports of some hotel doctors overcharging for treatment and medicines. Examine your bill closely and challenge excessive charges. Pharmacies outside hotels will often supply medication at lower prices.

Access to specialised treatment for psychiatric illness is limited and may not be available outside major cities.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/health

Insurance

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

Voltage

In Egypt the standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. In Egypt the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F (two prongs)

Budget and money

The Egyptian pound is the currency of Egypt. It is divided into 100 piastres, or ersh

Telephone and jetlag

Time zone: GMT+2
Phone code: +20