Looking for a unique horse riding holiday in Egypt? In May, I joined a week-long horseback riding adventure with Tal3t Kheal, a local equestrian travel company across Cairo, Fayoum and Dahab. From riding alongside the Pyramids of Giza to galloping through the desert and swimming with horses in the Red Sea, this trip offered one of the most unforgettable and unique ways to explore Egypt.
When most people think of Egypt, they picture ancient temples, bustling markets and the iconic pyramids. What they don’t usually imagine is galloping through the desert at sunrise, riding horseback alongside the Great Pyramids of Giza, or swimming with horses in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.
Over the course of one unforgettable week, we explored three completely different sides of the country: the historical wonders of Cairo, the remote desert landscapes of Fayoum, and the coastal beauty of Dahab. It turned out to be one of the most unique travel experiences I’ve ever had.
Riding Through History at the Pyramids of Giza
We arrived in Cairo and met the rest of the group. Our group consisted of people from all over the world, including Argentina, Belgium, Slovakia, the United States, Colombia and Puerto Rico. Despite coming from completely different backgrounds, we quickly bonded over our shared love for travel and horses. Most of us were in our twenties, with ages ranging roughly from 20 to 32, which created a fun and easy-going atmosphere from the very beginning.
Our adventure started almost immediately. After a quick meet-up and breakfast, we headed straight to one of the most iconic locations in the world: the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
I’ve seen countless photos of the pyramids before, but nothing compares to experiencing them on horseback. As the morning sun rose over the desert, we rode through the golden sands with the pyramids towering above us. There was something surreal about combining one of humanity’s oldest ancient wonders with one of its oldest forms of transportation.
Later that day, we visited the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to some of Egypt’s most impressive archaeological treasures, including artefacts linked to Tutankhamun. Afterwards, we ended the evening with a traditional Egyptian dinner cruise on the Nile River. Watching Cairo light up after sunset while sailing down the Nile was the perfect way to finish our first full day in Egypt. The dinner cruise had very delicious food and such a fun amusement with dancing and singing during sunset.
Desert Adventures in Fayoum
Leaving Cairo behind, we travelled to Fayoum, a region famous for its desert landscapes and natural beauty. This was a two hours drive from Cairo.
While Cairo impressed us with its history, Fayoum was where the adventure truly began. Our first ride took us deep into the desert during golden hour. For hours, we crossed endless sand dunes and remote landscapes that seemed untouched by time. As the sun disappeared behind the horizon, the desert transformed into a sea of warm colours. That evening, we enjoyed a traditional Egyptian dinner at a glamping site in the middle of the desert. The original plan was to spend the night there to watch the stars on the horizon, but the temperatures were simply too high, so we returned to our hotel in Fayoum instead.
Sunrise Gallops and Sandboarding in Wadi El Rayan
The following day started before sunrise. At 5 AM, we were already preparing our horses for a sunrise ride through Wadi El Rayan. Despite the early wake-up call, it quickly became one of my favourite moments of the entire trip. Watching the desert slowly come to life while riding through the silence of the dunes felt incredibly special. My horse during the Fayoum rides was incredibly energetic and clearly loved running through the open desert. By the end of the trip, I felt like we had developed our own rhythm together. After breakfast in the desert, we swapped horseback riding for a different kind of adventure: sandboarding.
Sandboarding down the dunes turned out to be much harder than social media makes it look, but it was impossible not to laugh while trying. We then jumped into 4×4 vehicles for an off-road safari through the surrounding desert. Our driver raced across the dunes, turning the safari into a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the desert.
The combination of horseback riding, sandboarding and exploring the desert landscapes made Fayoum one of the biggest highlights of the trip.
Discovering Dahab and the Colored Canyon
From the deserts of western Egypt, we continued our journey to the Sinai Peninsula, where Dahab is located. After flying from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh, we travelled to Dahab, a laid-back coastal town known for its stunning beaches, diving spots and relaxed atmosphere.
Our first activity was a horseback ride through the famous Colored Canyons. The rock formations displayed incredible shades of red, orange, yellow and purple, creating landscapes unlike anything I had seen before.
Snorkelling the Blue Hole
After several days packed with activities, we slowed things down. One of the highlights of our time in Dahab was snorkelling at the famous Blue Hole, one of the most well-known dive sites in the world. The visibility underwater was incredible, revealing colourful fish and vibrant coral reefs beneath the surface. Although my ears weren’t particularly happy afterwards (they popped underwater), the experience was absolutely worth it. We spent the evening exploring Dahab’s waterfront, browsing local shops and enjoying a delicious seafood dinner overlooking the sea.
Swimming with Horses in the Red Sea
Every trip has that one moment you’ll remember forever. For me, it happened on our final morning in Egypt. Before sunrise, we headed to the beach for one last ride. As the first light appeared over the Red Sea, we galloped along the shoreline before guiding our horses directly into the water.
I’ve been lucky enough to swim with horses before, but doing it at sunrise in the Red Sea was something else entirely. With the mountains of Sinai in the background and the sea glowing in the early morning light, it felt almost like a movie.
So, Is a Horse-Riding Trip Through Egypt Really Worth It?
Without hesitation: YES!
This trip showed me a completely different side of Egypt—one that goes far beyond the temples and tourist attractions most people know. We discovered a more authentic side of Egypt beyond the classic tourist route.
From riding alongside the Pyramids of Giza to exploring remote desert landscapes and swimming with horses in the Red Sea, every day brought a new adventure.
Of course, there were also early mornings, intense heat and moments of exhaustion. But those are often the experiences that make a journey memorable.
If you’re looking for a unique way to discover Egypt and love horseback riding, this type of adventure deserves a place on your travel bucket list. Because honestly, how many people get to say they’ve galloped through the desert with the pyramids in the background?
Why choose a horse riding holiday in Egypt?
A horse riding holiday in Egypt offers a unique combination of history, adventure and nature. Few destinations allow you to ride alongside ancient pyramids, explore vast desert landscapes and swim with horses in the sea during the same trip.
Practical Information
Which company did I travel with?
Tal3t Kheal, a local Egyptian horse riding tour operator. More information about the tours they organise you can ask directly to them.
Is this trip suitable for beginner riders?
This itinerary is best suited for confident riders who are comfortable riding for multiple hours and can control a horse independently. However, Beginners are also welcome and get really good guidance from the tour guide to gain more experience with horseback riding. So don’t be scared if you are a beginner!
When is the best time to visit Egypt for horse riding?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures.I went at the end of may, which is almost the end of the season, but it was still doable regarding the temperatures. The rides are adjusted depending on the weather. If it is too hot you will ride at hours when the temperature is much cooler (early morning or late in the evening)
How much riding is included?
Most days include between 2 and 5 hours of riding, depending on the destination and weather conditions.
