Desert Magic in Luxor
Upcoming Dates:
January 7 - 13, 2024
February 3 - 9, 2024
February 26 - March 3, 2024
March 22 - 28, 2024
April 15 - 21, 2024
Duration:
7 days / 6 nights
Difficulty:
Intermediate/Advanced
After galloping at the Great Pyramids of Giza, travel to Luxor and escape the hustle and bustle of the city as you venture into the desert, spending 3 nights camping in the Theban mountains.
Horses
Egypt is world-renowned for its Arabian horses. The horses we ride here are Egyptian “Baladi” horses, a local breed commonly found across Egypt. Baladi horses are native to Egypt and have mixed bloodlines with Arabian and European influences. They are spirited, quick, and versatile.
Many of the horses have been rescued from difficult situations and rehabilitated. They are forward-going and responsive with impressive stamina for long days in the saddle. Each horse has their own unique personality, and we will do our best to match horse to rider based on riding ability and personal preferences.
Riding
Intermediate-Advanced
Riders should be able to ride comfortably at all paces, and spend several hours in the saddle daily.
Accompanying non-riders are welcome!
Tack
Riders will ride English, and should be prepared for several hours in the saddle daily at all paces.
Accommodation
Accommodations will vary as we move locations during this itinerary. Several different accommodations are used depending on time of year, but all are equipped with modern comforts and amenities, Wi-Fi, swimming pool, TV, etc.
In Cairo, stay close to the pyramids at a boutique hotel in the heart of Giza, guaranteed to have a once-in-a-lifetime view!
In Luxor, stay on the tranquil West Bank in the small village of Ramlah, surrounded by farms and close to historical sites. You might be in a charming villa with traditional dome rooms, a vibrantly decorated guest house with views of the Nile, or your own fully equipped flat.
Spend three nights camping in a Bedouin-style tent in the desert alongside the horses. The tent is equipped with mats, sleeping bags, pillows, and camel hair blankets. Individual pop-up tents are also available. Water is provided for washing up and the desert is the bathroom. Delicious, freshly cooked meals are prepared over an open fire.
Dining
Explore local cuisine and traditional specialties throughout this itinerary.
Itinerary
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You made it to the home of the pyramids! Pickup is at Cairo International Airport. When you arrive at your hotel in Giza, take some time to get settled in, soak in the lively atmosphere, or relax with a drink. We’ll meet you for a rooftop dinner with phenomenal views of the pyramids. Watch the Sound & Light Show as you enjoy your meal. It’ll be a relaxed night so you’re well rested for the first day of riding!
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After breakfast at the hotel, kick off your adventures with an exciting ride to the Pyramids of Giza! Your spirited Arabian will amaze you with their power, speed, and grace. The vast desert is perfect for long gallops and exhilarating races across the sand. As we approach the Giza plateau, the sight of the Great Pyramid will take your breath away. We ride to the base of the pyramids on horseback and see just how massive these iconic structures are. You’ll have the chance to dismount and explore the complex on foot and marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. Your ride then takes you to the Sphinx, where you’ll do more sightseeing and part ways with the horses. For lunch, we try Egypt’s national dish (koshary) and then get ready for a short flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in the late evening, you’ll have dinner and unwind at your accommodation.
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This morning you’ll be welcomed to our stable and horses – the heart of H&H. Saddle up for your first sights of Luxor on horseback, beginning with the lush green farmland along the Nile River. Trot through quaint village streets and get a glimpse of daily life in rural Egypt. We ride past incredible structures from ancient times including temples built by Ramesses II and the massive Colossi of Memnon. We stop for lunch with views of Habu Temple and then begin riding into the desert, the Theban Mountain providing a stunning backdrop. We enjoy an exhilarating gallop across soft sand before the ground turns rockier closer to the mountain. We venture farther into the desert until we arrive at our campsite, where a Bedouin tent awaits in a picturesque landscape. Dinner is prepared over an open fire as we unwind after our ride. After a delicious meal, we relax around the campfire under the stars with a cup of Egyptian tea, the horses resting around us.
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Wake up to the crisp desert air and the sound of the horses munching on their breakfast. After your own traditional Egyptian breakfast, we saddle up and begin riding towards the village, taking a new route through the desert where we have the chance to enjoy some long canters. We return to the desert to arrive at our new camp, where we take our lunch and midday rest. After the refreshing break, we get back on the horses to explore the surrounding area. We venture up the rocky hills surrounding our camp to get incredible views. The horses are up for the challenging terrain and do not tire easily. We make our way carefully back down through the hills and arrive at camp in the low light of dusk. For dinner, more delicious Bedouin food is prepared for us. After, we enjoy some traditional Egyptian music while staying warm by the fire.
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Today we set out to explore further inside the desert. We venture far off the beaten path and enjoy the wide open spaces. The mountains still surround us but take on new appearances as we traverse the landscape. The ground remains rocky, but we encounter remote paths used for archeological expeditions which give us opportunities for long canters and gallops. Lunch is back at camp. For our afternoon ride, we do more hiking on the horses in the surrounding hills as the sun sets and casts dramatic shadows on the mountains. We savor our last dinner in the desert while the horses enjoy their own well-earned meal. The rest of the evening is spent relaxing, the serene desert atmosphere letting us escape from it all for one last night.
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Enjoy waking up next to the horses on your last morning in the desert. We say goodbye to our campsite after breakfast and begin our journey back to the stable. You’ll experience the diversity of the landscape as the desert and mountains eventually turn to green fields, villages, and the Nile River. The lush farmland on the banks of the Nile is in stark contrast to the arid desert and a refreshing change of scenery. Upon your return, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch and get the chance to freshen up after three nights in the desert. After a little downtime at the hotel, you’ll be treated to a private boat ride on the Nile River at sunset. Dinner is a homecooked meal served at the stable with drinks and music to celebrate on your last night!
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If you have the time, tack up for a casual morning ride. Otherwise, relax at the stable with the horses, have a drink by the Nile, or pick up some last-minute souvenirs to bring home. Our driver will take you to the Luxor Airport to catch your flight. Until next time!
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Stay an extra day and see the major landmarks in Luxor! Once the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor is home to some of the most extraordinary monuments from ancient Egypt. Today, the entire city and its necropolis is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This full day of touring includes visits to the impressive Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Temple of Hatshepsut with one of our knowledgeable guides. You won’t want to miss out on experiencing this incredible history!
Planning and Packing
Rider Resources:
Stories from the Saddle:
Dates
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Price Includes:
6 nights accommodations
Airport transfers to/from Cairo & Luxor Airports
Ground transportation between locations and activities
All meals
Drinking water
Cultural tours and entrance to activities in itinerary
All riding equipment and camping equipment
Does not include:
Airfare to and from Egypt
Transfer flight from Cairo to Luxor
Travel Insurance
Egypt entry
Gratuities and personal expenses
Additional excursions or activities not included in itinerary
Soft and alcoholic drinks