Adventure Activities in Egypt

Egypt is not just about a place associated with the history but also one of the Middle East’s most diverse adventure destinations. The country has sea, mountains, desert, and river cruising options, so on your vacation to Egypt, you don’t just witness the history of pharaohs but also enjoy the adventure activities like diving and desert safari. From sandboarding to sea activities, you get to experience a diverse way of adventure while on the exploration journey.  

That is also one of the major reasons why Egypt tours’ durations are long, as they offer unmatched adventures. Tourists stay back a little longer but only return after trying enthusiastic and adventurous activities. In this piece of content we are mentioning some of the top adventurous activities that are must-try for tourists. Our guide also mentioned tips to follow while doing adventures in the desert and the Red Sea.  

Must-try Adventures in the Sahara Desert, Egypt

Desert Safari  

As you know, Egypt is a country that is 90% covered by the Great Sahara Desert, so missing out on desert activities is nearly impossible. Exploring the desert in itself is adventurous and one of the most joyous things you will experience on your trip to Egypt. While you are exploring the Giza Plateau, at that time you can take a desert safari; it’s a jeep ride in which you bash around sand dunes and witness the unseen desert landscapes. 

While on the jeep ride, be sure to keep the camera handy to record the magical transformations by sand in the desert. 

Sandboarding & Biking  

One of the most thrilling and widely famous desert sports is sandboarding. It is an activity in which the individuals slide downwards across massive soft sand dunes on quad bikes or on boards. Mostly these activities are conducted at the Siwa Oasis, the Great Sand Sea, Fayoum, the Sinai Peninsula, and also at the Bahariya Oasis.  

There are special boards used for sandboarding, which require balancing for a smooth glide over sand dunes. Whereas the bikes are specialized bikes with four wheels that are usually only designed for desert activities. They are like motorbikes on which tourists ride and glide over the sand dunes, offering a sense of thrill and adventure. 

Camel & Horse riding  

In the list of fun-filled quests, the next desert adventure is camel and horse riding. Near the Giza pyramids, taking a 2-4 hour camel ride is enjoyable and also makes exploration around the plateau easier. You can enjoy majestic desert views and can capture the moments with panoramic landscapes formed by the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. 

Camel riding is generally a family-friendly activity best for children and young adults, as it offers them thrilling experiences, and also they can have completely unique feelings. Horse riding is not very available near the pyramids, but while exploring Edfu Temple on your Nile cruise journey, prefer taking a horse carriage for a royal and fun-filled exploration experience. 

Tips to follow while on the Desert Safaris  

• Always prefer taking desert safaris from the organized tour partners, check reviews online, and book in advance for a safe adventure. 
• Do not wear black, as the Sahara Desert has hot weather, and during the day the color black absorbs more heat.  
• Drink plenty of water while on the desert activities to ensure that you do not face issues like dehydration due to the arid and dry atmosphere.  
• Apply plenty of sunscreen for protection of skin, and wear sunglasses and a head cover for enough protection from harmful UV rays of the sun. 

Must-try water sports in Egypt 

Kayaking & Boating 

When it’s a talk about water sports, the tourists usually only think about the diving or snorkeling. But in Egypt you also get a chance to have river sports as well, like kayaking and boating. It’s an eco-friendly activity performed in the Nile River. Majorly for kayaking, you can get boats from ports at Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. You can take the boats to capture magical sunset views in the Egyptian landscapes; also, while on the boat, you can feel the waters of the longest flowing river in the world.  

Majorly, kayaking or boating is best preferred for exploring Abu Simbel Temple or Philae Temple on Aglikia Island. It offers an entirely different tranquil experience of sailing than the cruises and dahabiya. These boating activities are only performed for an hour or two, mostly during sunsets or sunrises. As experienced travel agents, we prefer taking boats on the Nile for an authentic sailing experience in an atmosphere where you are surrounded by historical monuments. 

Scuba diving & Snorkelling 

The world’s most renowned and widely popular activity in the Red Sea that tourists should not miss is scuba diving and snorkeling. The geographical nature’s wonder, the Red Sea, is home to a variety of coastal reefs and algae that are unique and fascinating. Its underwater coral life is a must-see experience, and also the warm and clear water of the Red Sea makes exploration easier. 

The snorkeling is a surface-level water sport that is conducted under the guidance of experts, where individuals see the coral diversity with a diver; it is best for beginners or those who are doing it for the first time.  

Scuba diving is a professional activity, which offers a more unique experience and opportunity to explore the deep sea. Offers longer and in-depth exploration of coral and sea mammals like colorful, tropical fish, turtles, rays, reef sharks, and dolphins, but it requires prior training and experience. It is not suitable for first-time individuals; it requires good underwater swimming training to perform scuba diving. 

In Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab, and Marsa Alam are the top locations to perform water sports. These locations have protected beaches and dive sites where tourists can explore freely. You can perform water sport activities in Egypt around the year. Preferably from October to April is the prime time in Egypt to perform activities due to a rush of tourists during that time of the year. 

Tips to follow while doing water activities  

• Only perform activities under the guidance of experts and professionals for safety. 
• Get your life jackets and a pair of clothes for water sports with you. 
• Only prefer getting diving support from certified centers on the shores of the Red Sea.  
• Perform snorkeling with experienced divers and make bookings thoughtfully. 
• Take the assistance of the experienced travel agencies for making bookings for the sea sports for a reliable experience. 

Hot Air Balloon  

• In Luxor, taking a hot air balloon is also a fun-filled activity that must be taken by the tourists for witnessing the majestic views of the historical city of Luxor.  
• By taking a hot air balloon, you can see the large historical monument’s infrastructure from above. 
• The best time to have a hot air balloon ride is during sunrises and sunsets, as during that time the sky turns into colorful landscapes, creating a magical environment for capturing the unforgettable moments. 

Siwa Oasis  

• While on the adventurous journey to Egypt, do not miss a night’s stay at the Bedouin tents at the Siwa Oasis. 
• The clear skies of the desert at night turn into mesmerizing landscapes, full of stars, best for stargazing, as you silently stare at the sky and create memories to remember forever.  
• If you are planning for the night’s stay at Siwa Oasis, then you must keep warm clothes, as deserts at night turn cold, even during the hotter months. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

What is the safest adventure activity for beginners in Egypt? 

Snorkeling, guided desert tours, and river sailing are considered beginner-friendly activities. No prior experience is needed to perform these activities, and they can be performed by anyone, but tourists are advised to follow the guidelines of the experienced instructors while performing these activities for a fulfilling experience. 

Are adventure tours in Egypt family-friendly?

Yes, most of the adventures in Egypt are family-friendly, like jeep rides in the desert, stays at the Bedouin tents, camel riding, river sailing, and snorkeling. These are activities that elders can perform with the children easily without any worries. There are also a number of activities designed for children that are also available, like aquariums at the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea. 

Do I need experience for desert adventures in Egypt? 

No, desert activities are simple and fully thrilling; tourists do not require any prior experience. By just following simple instructions, from sandboarding to desert safaris, one can easily perform and enjoy activities in the desert. Everything you need, including equipment and safety gear, is made available by the desert adventure companies in Egypt. 

What should I pack for adventure activities in Egypt?

Essential items include sunscreen, sunglasses, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and a light jacket for evenings in desert regions. These are the most common things that one should pack for adventures in Egypt. For water sports, you can carry your own swim costumes and glasses with a head cover for safety. 

Is it safe to do water sports in Egypt? 

Yes, water sports are generally safe when booked through licensed operators. Professional instructors, maintained equipment, and clear safety procedures are standard at most tourist destinations. The reviews of the tourists also state that Egypt is a safe location for a number of water sports.