The 5 Best Horseback Riding Tours in Egypt (Updated 2024)

If there’s one country that has an ancient tradition of welcoming tourists, it’s Egypt. Since the time of Romans, who would arrive to marvel at the pyramids and the Nile 2,000 years ago, all the way to the present day, nothing has changed. It's a bucket-list destination for every traveller, but especially one for avid equestrians and explorers.

From exotic outdoor activities in Cairo to the historical wonders of Luxor and the tranquil shores of the Red Sea, if you’re looking for the best experience for horse riding in Egypt, we’ve compiled a thrilling list of options fit for any tourist-ancient Roman or otherwise. 

Recommendation 1 | Ride Egypt

Join Ride Egypt, a multi-award-winning British brand offering top-of-line horse riding holidays in Egypt.

With years of experience working with the finest Arabian horses and purpose-built facilities, Ride Egypt takes you off the beaten path to see Egypt like never before.

Owner and founder Emma devotes her time to showcasing the best of Egypt to her guests alongside ensuring the first-class welfare of her horses, many of whom she has rescued and rehomed.

Fairy-tale Fayoum 

Or sign up for the Fairytale Fayoum 9-day excursion with an Egyptologist to guide you through the 4,500-year-old secrets of the land and five-star hotel stays.

Head to the Magic Lake that changes color throughout the day ride hot air balloons, and see the famous Whale evolution fossils that track the evolutionary journey of Whales turning from land mammals to the ocean creatures we recognize today. All this on horseback, where you will have plenty of moments to gallop and canter to your heart's content.

Starlight Winter Wonderland

While many may think Egypt is a sandy desert, many must know the region's diverse landscapes. Head into the deep desert for eight days and camp under the Milky Way as you uncover the wonders of the Egyptian desert and its unbelievable natural wonders.

The Starlight Winter Wonderland tour will immerse you in nature as you bathe in hot springs and indulge in fresh open-fire meals, and it will take you to areas such as the Red Sea, oases that are thousands of years old where the original descendants will greet you, and even a 4x4 Safari. 

Recommendation 2 | Desert Dreams

Join Desert Dreams in exploring Egypt, from ancient temples, iconic pyramids, and the venerable River Nile. Ride in Egypt on the back of expertly trained Baladi stallions, a breed of Egyptian horse renowned for its speed, spirit, beauty, and loyal nature.

Desert Dreams offers various activities, from day-long adventures to escapades spanning multiple days each in Cairo, Fayoum, Hurghada, and Luxor. Desert Dreams is the consummate host as they arrange accommodations in small, peaceful villages to acquaint you with local Egyptian culture.

Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada Tour

Embark on a captivating horse riding adventure in Ancient Egypt, where you'll be transported back in time to a land steeped in rich history and awe-inspiring monuments. When riding through the ancient landscapes, you'll marvel at the majestic pyramids rising against the backdrop of the endless desert. As your horse carries you along the sandy shores, your eyes are greeted by a vast expanse of shimmering sea that stretches to the horizon.

The azure-blue waters beckon you, their crystal-clear depths inviting you to immerse yourself in their cool embrace. This extraordinary horse riding experience in Ancient Egypt promises to ignite your imagination and create cherished memories that will endure for a lifetime.

During the Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada Tour, you will get to indulge in delicious Egyptian cuisine, visit and bargain at Egyptian bazaars, enjoy the Red Sea, and be welcomed by Arabic hospitality as you stay with locals.

Recommendation 3 | Equestrian Dreams

The biggest equestrian service in the Red Sea region, Equestrian Dreams ensures professional and expertly planned tours around Hurghada. With wonderfully well-cared-for horses, this family-run business has over 35 years of experience in Italy and Egypt, so you can rest assured that all riding abilities will be catered to! Their sunrise desert rides are a must-visit and come with an enthusiastic recommendation by the team itself. 

Equestrian Dream is a family-run stable where the owners are very involved in the day-to-day activities. Guenda is an instructor, trainer, and guide, and Rambo, her husband, takes care of the logistics. Guenda Galimberti’s passion for horses has deep roots in her childhood. 

In the following years, her life continued revolving around the equestrian world, practicing showjumping for 25 years on competitive levels as well as participating in numerous stages with riders and “horsemen” like Monty Roberts, Michel Robert, Giorgio Nuti, and Luca Maria Moneta, among others. Rambo comes from a completely different working background, but thanks to his love for animals in general, in recent years, he has become more and more interested in equine welfare, focusing on horses’ feet. Following courses in farriery and then trimming and gaining experience with professionals in the sector, he is now able to take care of our horses in full.

Red Sea Unexpected

The Red Sea Unexpected Tour is an all-encompassing 7-day journey in Hurghada, where the desert's allure meets the Red Sea's tranquillity. This meticulously crafted itinerary blends relaxation and cultural exploration with exhilarating adventures. From the warm welcome on arrival to the captivating desert horseback rides, immersive Bedouin experiences, vibrant marine life encounters, and the enigmatic Ghost City exploration, every day offers a unique blend of experiences.  Whether reveling in landscape beauty, enjoying beach horseback rides, or savoring traditional cuisine beneath the stars, every moment contributes to an indelible tapestry of memories. 

Recommendation 4 | Horses and Hieroglyphs

Born out of a love story as Annmarie, a US engineer, fell in love with her Egyptian tour guide on holiday, Horses and Hieroglyphs is an equestrian service that continues that love story by giving a home to rescued horses.

Most of the horses at H&H have been helped from difficult situations and rehabilitated. They are enthusiastic and responsive, with impressive stamina for long days in the saddle. Tours with H&H run from September to May, including desert camping and travelling through history! 

Magic of Luxor

Once known as the ancient city of Thebes and thought to be guarded by the terrifying and clever Sphinx, legend has it that only the people who could answer the Sphinx’s riddles could be allowed to enter – or risk being eaten alive. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore, and even if it were, you would be in safe hands with the H&H tour guides who know Luxor like the back of their hands.

You can join the 5 days Magic of Luxor Tour and travel back in time to the city of Pharaohs, relax on the banks of the Nile, and immerse yourself in the local culture and the magic of the mythical city of Luxor. Embark on a captivating holiday that seamlessly weaves together the rich tapestry of Luxor's history with exhilarating equestrian escapades. Over three remarkable days, you'll experience the essence of Luxor – from its ancient temples and tombs to the vibrant life along the Nile.

As the sun bathes the landscape in a warm glow, your adventure unfolds with picturesque rides through lush farmland. Feel the rhythm of timeless traditions as you catch glimpses of rural Egyptian life that remain untouched by time.

The heart of Luxor's grandeur reveals itself in iconic temples like the Ramesseum – a monumental memorial temple built by Pharaoh Ramesses II. Guided tours will illuminate its historical significance, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of ancient warriors. At the Medinet Habu Temple, masterfully crafted by Ramesses III, history comes alive through intricate reliefs and awe-inspiring architecture.

Venture further into the essence of Luxor with a sight that will etch itself into your memory forever. The colossal Karnak Temple complex, the Luxor Museum's treasure trove of antiquities, and the mystique of Luxor Temple will leave you awe-struck and deeply connected to Egypt's past.

Throughout this journey, the rhythmic beat of hooves against the earth will mirror the heartbeat of Luxor itself. As the sun sets, bask in the glow of the Nile aboard a traditional felucca and dine at local eateries, indulging in the flavors that define Egyptian cuisine.

This holiday isn't just a visit – it's a plunge into Luxor's soul. Witness the marvels of its ancient past, feel the pulse of its present, and ride through landscapes that have witnessed the passage of time. Join us for an unforgettable experience transcending ordinary travel, where each moment is a page in your Luxor adventure.

Recommendation 5 | VIP Riding Luxor

Surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Theban Necropolis, the VIP Riding Luxor Stable is right in the heart of where you want to be. With personal pickup and drop off to - and - from your accommodation and the stables, you can be sure of the attentiveness of your guide, Kareem, as he takes you to visit historical sites such as Carter House, Valley of the Queens, and the ancient Tombs of Nobles and Workers as you unearth what life back in the day looked like (among many, many other attractions).

Watch the Sunrise on a Hot Air Balloon

The Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Viewing Ride is Perfect for the rider who wants to relax on holiday and invest in a low-effort and economic activity. Ride at dawn along palm-fringed paths and welcome the sun over the rural fields in the desert expanse as you witness countless hot air balloons take flight high up in the sky. 

Nile Swim and Ride 

For anyone curious to see the Nile up close and personal, sign up for the Nile Swim and Ride that will take you on a 3-hour horseback ride through picturesque rural fields, charming villages, and secluded, palm-shaded swimming spots. Here, you will immerse yourself in the gentle waters of the sacred River Nile. With bare feet and a bareback ride, feel completely refreshed and revitalized by the natural landscape and the playful energy of the horses. Finally, you will be whisked away on a little wooden row boat ride for ice cream before one final swim and the ride back to the stable.

Summary

Egypt has a bounty of options in the world of horseback riding tours. From the windswept deserts to the lush valleys and the timeless treasures to the vibrant culture, each tour showcased here promises an experience like no other. Whether galloping alongside iconic monuments or trotting through serene landscapes, these equestrian adventures allow us to weave our stories with the rich tapestry of Egypt's past and present. 

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