Beyond the temples, Egypt is a country of vast deserts and extraordinary seas. You can sleep among the chalk formations of the White Desert, cross the Western Desert by 4WD to the remote oasis of Siwa, climb Mount Sinai in the dark to watch the sunrise, or dive the reefs and wrecks of the Red Sea.
Our adventure tours combine those experiences with the classic sights, and they stay private: your own 4WD and desert crew, licensed dive centres, and guides who know when to start and where to camp. Many travellers add one adventure element, a desert night or a few days of diving, to a classic Nile itinerary.
What to expect
- Desert camping in the White Desert, with the Black Desert and Crystal Mountain on the way
- The 4WD crossing between Siwa and Bahariya, with the permits arranged for you
- Red Sea diving and snorkelling, from Hurghada and Marsa Alam to Dahab
- A night climb of Mount Sinai for sunrise, and St Catherine’s Monastery
- Time-specific journeys such as the Abu Simbel Sun Festival in February and October
Adventure tours in Egypt at a glance
| Tour | Length | Pace | Ideal months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dahabiya Nile Sailing | 10 days | Relaxed | November to March |
| Egypt & Jordan in 14 Days | 14 days | Active | November to March |
| Egypt Family Adventure | 11 days | Moderate | November to March |
| Ultimate Egypt in 21 Days | 21 days | Active | November to March |
| Red Sea Diving Holiday in 10 Days | 10 days | Moderate | April to May and September to November |
| White Desert and Siwa in 9 Days | 9 days | Active | October to April |
| Sinai and the Red Sea in 8 Days | 8 days | Active | April to May and September to November |
| Abu Simbel Sun Festival Tour | 8 days | Active | November to March |
| Egypt for History Lovers | 16 days | Active | November to March |
| Cairo and Fayoum Oasis in 5 Days | 5 days | Moderate | October to April |
| Egypt Photography Journey in 12 Days | 12 days | Active | November to March |
Adventure tours in Egypt: FAQs
Is desert camping in Egypt comfortable?
More than most people expect. Our private camps use mattresses and bedding, with dinner cooked over a fire. Nights can be cold in winter, so bring a warm layer; see desert camping in Egypt.
Do I need a dive certificate for the Red Sea?
Not for snorkelling, which is superb. For scuba you can learn on an introductory dive or a course, or dive as a certified diver; our scuba diving guide explains the options.
How fit do I need to be to climb Mount Sinai?
Reasonably fit. The climb takes a few hours on a rocky path, usually starting late at night to reach the summit for sunrise, with a final section of steps. Camels can carry you part of the way.
When is the best time for an adventure trip to Egypt?
October to April for the desert and Sinai, when days are comfortable. The Red Sea is good almost all year, and warmest for diving from June to October.
