A trip to Egypt is like traveling back in time to witness an ancient world you’ve seen only in movies and books. The biggest (literally and metaphorically) attractions are the pyramids of Giza, which allow visitors to experience the reverence and veneration of ancient Egyptian royalty, both in life and especially death. Also popular are the city of Luxor with its ancient ruins, the Valley of the Kings, and the Valley of the Queens.
Despite the enormous size of the country, there are not that many options when it comes to cycle routes in Egypt. And why that is? Well, one of the first reasons would be of the monotony of the landscape. Egypt is 80% desert and there is not that much to do in the desert… and neither is there much water, much accommodation nor many cyclable roads.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t cycle through the desert at all ! One of the greatest cycle trips in Egypt is the one through the western (or Libyan) desert. Here you will find a string of oases settled besides various shades of desert, all located at a convenient cycling distance from one another. There are plenty of stops along the way, be it an ambulance station or a military check point; so you can always stock up on water.
Or what about a round trip through the Sinai? Or a leisurely ride along the banks of the Nile in Upper Egypt? Let us take you there ! Check out our recommended routes and see what is on offer for cycle tours in beautiful Egypt.
Egyptian culture has six thousand years of recorded history. Ancient Egypt was among the earliest civilizations and for millennia, the country maintained a strikingly complex and stable culture that influenced later cultures of Europe, the Middle East and other African countries. After the Pharaonic era, Egypt itself came under the influence of Hellenism, Christianity, and Islamic culture. Today, many aspects of Egypt’s ancient culture exist in interaction with newer elements, including the influence of modern Western culture, itself with roots in ancient Egypt.
Egypt’s capital city, Cairo, is Africa’s largest city and has been renowned for centuries as a center of learning, culture and commerce. Egypt has the highest number of Nobel Laureates in Africa and the Arab World. Some Egyptian born politicians were or are at the helm of major international organizations like Boutros Boutros-Ghali of the United Nations and Mohamed ElBaradei of the IAEA.
Examples of cycling tours
Nile by Bike and Boat
An unforgettable experience. Witness the Pharaonic temples and monuments of the Nile Valley that you’d expect to see, ride camels to the Tombs of the Nobles, the Aga Khan Mausoleum and St. Simeon’s Monastery in Aswan. Bike through the Nile Valley from Luxor to the Nile locks at Esna. Return each day to your 5-star Nile cruise boat, the Magic Serenade, and enjoy the creature comforts of the modern world.
Although this route is only small in comparison with the others, it doesn’t mean it is less interesting. As a matter of fact, the ancient history of Egypt is all around you when you cycle in Upper Egypt.
Western Desert Oasis
The western or Libyan desert route is undoubtedly the best known cycle route in Egypt. Due to its stunning landscapes, its remoteness and tranquility, the desert route is a great way to get from Cairo to Luxor and avoid the busy Nile river banks. The route takes you from the capital city, via the oases of Bahariya, Farafra,Dakhla and Al Kharga to Luxor in Upper Egypt; a trip of just over 1400 kilometres. Starting oasis is the Bahariya oasis, with it’s main hub being the town of Bawiti. It is the closest oasis to Cairo (apart from Fayoum) and therefore one of the busiest. Sinai Peninsula The Sinai, widget between Africa and Asia, is a region of stark beauty. Barren red-brown mountains and seas of sand make up the interior, while resort towns likeSharm El-Sheikh and Dahab hug the coastline of the Red Sea; renowned for its superb marine environment.
Cycling in Sinai is challenging: distances between the towns are enormous and the climate is extreme, but the rewards are just as great.
Note for those who want to visit the Sinai, but not any other part of Egypt: a visa is needed when visiting Egypt, except if you enter the Sinai peninsula from Israel or by air from outside Egypt; intend to stay no longer than 14 days and do not leave the peninsula; that said: you DO need a visa if you venture west of either Sharm el Sheikh, St. Catherine or Taba.
Organizing
if you are interested in this kind of tours, just contact us in order to provide you wit much details, like full itinerary, accommodation, food, distances between the different cities & costing.