The horse stables are right at the Giza pyramids essentially. To ride from the stables to the pyramids takes maximum 2 hours if you fool around abit. Since the horses are technially not supposed to be in the park there at the pyramids you have to do a little sneaking around to get in...but everyone does it and I know where the current gates are. More time can be killed by going out into the desert and riding around. It's a lot of fun.
The ride to Sakkara is about 3 hours one way. You can hire the horses one way or do round trip, up to you. If you want to get right up to the Step Pyramid, special permission has to be applied for and received in advance to your trip. Generally when a stable sells you a trip to Sakkara they only take you to Sakkara Country Club which is actually before Abu Sir. It's not nearly the same ride.
To get clear down to Dashure, is going to take longer. If you are interested in talking to me about this, I'll ask about it.
Also want to say that the stable I use has horses for all abilities. You may need to demonstrate your ability to the owner before he'll put you on one of his best horses, but if you can ride, he'll give you a good horse. I found this stable through expat friends that board their horses there. He takes good care of his horses... as good as you'll see around the pyramids, anyway.
Also, don't know if you ride English or Western, but he also has plenty of Western saddles if you prefer this.
Contact me at my email address for more info about prices etc. if you are interested.
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www.casualcairodetours.pyramids.net for customized excursions in Cairo and beyond
Dds71@aol.com
[This message has been edited by Debbie (edited 25 February 2004).]
quote:
Originally posted by sybyrite:
Syb here. I'm planning a first trip to Cairo in May. Had planned on making this a riding tour. Any advice on GOOD stables to do long, at least 4 hrs. a day, horseback trips through the desert, to Pyramids, Sphinx, Sakkara, Abu Sier. I understand there are many horse rentals near Pyramids. Are these "pony-ride nags" or decent horses. I am an experienced rider and am looking for an adventure, not a line-them-up trail ride. Tour agents have not been much help. One company will do 4 hours daily for 6 days at a cost of $715. This seems high compared to other rates. Thank you for any tips on riding.
sybyrite,
give me the $715 and I buy u a horse
I am a keen horse-rider myself and made the most of it whilst living in Cairo last year. For sure you can get a better price! According to my calculations, you will be able to have a great time and on quality horses for between $450 and $500 MAX! The name of the stable is NB Stables and they are located by the pyramides, near the cemetary.
Unfortunately I haven't got their number or address - also had a look on the internet, but couldn't come up with anything, so maybe you want to try, or somebody else on this board, Debbie maybe, could be of assistance or find out for you?!
Believe me, I am fussy and have high expectations when it comes to riding and NB Stables fulfilled what I was looking for 100%. Good luck!
quote:
Originally posted by sybyrite:
Syb here. I'm planning a first trip to Cairo in May. Had planned on making this a riding tour. Any advice on GOOD stables to do long, at least 4 hrs. a day, horseback trips through the desert, to Pyramids, Sphinx, Sakkara, Abu Sier. I understand there are many horse rentals near Pyramids. Are these "pony-ride nags" or decent horses. I am an experienced rider and am looking for an adventure, not a line-them-up trail ride. Tour agents have not been much help. One company will do 4 hours daily for 6 days at a cost of $715. This seems high compared to other rates. Thank you for any tips on riding.
quote:
Originally posted by sybyrite:
Wow, Thank you for the great replies.
And Patrick, I have listing for an MG Stables, behind the Sound & Light Grandstand, is that the one you meant? Also have phone #'s for AA, Eurostables, and Omar Stables. Ever hear of the Starrides from Giza?
Patrick is right on. NB is the one I use too. They are the best. MG, although they managed to get listed in Lonely Planet ONCE sucks. Mohamed is a letcherous old man that is way way too friendly with female customers and the horses are not particularly good. He also embarrassed me badly with customers in 2000 that were good riders, had their own horses and he gave us some of the sadest old nags he had in the stable. I would NEVER recommend going to MG if you know what you are doing and are more than a backpacker that lives by Lonely Planet when you travel.
AA is the only one you mentioned that I've heard OK things about from other foreigners. Personally I've never used them and won't until NB burns me, and I don't expect they will.
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www.casualcairodetours.pyramids.net for customized excursions in Cairo and beyond
Dds71@aol.com
I thought you don't go horseback riding any more, I'd love to come along again.
I'll be back in Cairo in about two weeks, maybe we can hook up.
I usually wore sneakers and NB do provide chaps - this was sufficient. But I would have worn my riding boots if I'd had them with me as these are worn by the majority of serious riders. Have you decided yet which stable to give a try?
quote:
Originally posted by sybyrite:
Syb here again, thanks to all for your help. More queries on the riding. Boots would probably be too hot for lengthy desert rides. What is normally worn? Sneakers? Hiking boots?
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www.casualcairodetours.pyramids.net for customized excursions in Cairo and beyond
Dds71@aol.com
May I ask if your married or that u live in Cairo? (This because i'm interested in other people's experience with living in Cairo)
Basmalah
I took my short booties, not full-length and had no problems. Being comfortable is the key, especially since you are planning long rides. Yes, May can be very hot already in Cairo, so leave early and wear a hat (you see many of the expats in full riding gear throughout the year) - evening rides, even in total darkness, with just the moon's reflection in the sand, are something special you should definitely try. Ask the owner if you can have a go on his favourite mare, can't remember her name, but she's the best horse I've ridden there and very hot.
I might be going to Egypt myself during May sometime, what dates are you there?
quote:
Originally posted by sybyrite:
And Patrick, Would not riding boots be too hot in the desert? In May. Thank you.
quote:
Originally posted by bastet:
Hi again, had to change my name as I forgot my password, not actively using this forum enough...I took my short booties, not full-length and had no problems. Being comfortable is the key, especially since you are planning long rides. Yes, May can be very hot already in Cairo, so leave early and wear a hat (you see many of the expats in full riding gear throughout the year) - evening rides, even in total darkness, with just the moon's reflection in the sand, are something special you should definitely try. Ask the owner if you can have a go on his favourite mare, can't remember her name, but she's the best horse I've ridden there and very hot.
I might be going to Egypt myself during May sometime, what dates are you there?
And, Giggles, yes, you can be led around the pyramids as you like. Be careful though as the Egyptian knotheads that generally rent horses think running everywhere is great fun. If you really want to do it safely, let me take you, as I know better, but if you don't like the idea of that, just insist that they lead you on foot...that way they can't run.
P.S. At night will be tougher because they close the pyramids grounds for the Sound and Light show after the sun goes down.
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www.casualcairodetours.pyramids.net for customized excursions in Cairo and beyond
Dds71@aol.com
[This message has been edited by Debbie (edited 26 March 2004).]