Cycling in Egypt
Including Dahab and Southern Sinai Gravel Trails, Faiyum Oasis and Lake Qarun Loop, and Sinai Peninsula Coastal and Mountain Route. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling here is a high-intensity challenge against aggressive traffic and relentless sun, suited only for those who thrive on chaotic, high-energy road conditions. Winter mornings offer the only comfortable window to ride before the intensity of the day sets in. It is a deeply local, DIY experience where you must be comfortable navigating alongside heavy transport and unpredictable urban flow.
Dahab and Southern Sinai Gravel Trails
South Sinai
Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Explore remote desert wadis and ancient camel tracks across the rugged interior of the southern Sinai Peninsula. Gravel and mountain bikers enjoy challenging mixed-surface routes connecting desert oases and hidden canyons.
Access. Fly into Sharm El-Sheikh and take a taxi or shuttle to Dahab, the primary hub for desert adventure guides and gear rentals.
Notes. Remote riding requiring GPS navigation, plenty of water, and ideally a local guide for backcountry routes.
Faiyum Oasis and Lake Qarun Loop
Faiyum
Lip Kee from Singapore, Republic of Singapore / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Discover lush green fields, salt lakes, and striking desert waterfalls just southwest of Cairo. The region offers scenic cycling loops around Lake Qarun and past ancient archaeological sites.
Access. Easily reached from Cairo via a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. Day trips and guided cycling excursions are widely available from Cairo-based cycling clubs.
Notes. Pleasant during winter and spring. Mix of paved rural roads and hard-packed dirt tracks.
Sinai Peninsula Coastal and Mountain Route
South Sinai
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Traverse dramatic desert landscapes, rugged canyons, and the sparkling coastline of the Red Sea. Cyclists experience iconic climbs through the high mountains around St. Catherine combined with sweeping coastal roads.
Access. Accessible via Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport. Bike rentals and support vehicles can be arranged through tour operators based in Dahab or Sharm.
Notes. Best ridden between October and April to avoid extreme summer heat. Carry ample water and watch for variable road conditions.
Siwa Oasis Desert Tracks
Matruh
Alyanumbers / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Navigate the remote and otherworldly landscapes of the Great Sand Sea surrounding Siwa Oasis. Riders can explore ancient salt lakes, palm groves, and limestone formations on challenging, sandy desert tracks that offer a true expedition-style experience.
Access. Accessible via long-distance 4x4 transport from Marsa Matruh; local guides are essential for navigation. Bike rental is extremely limited, so self-supported touring setups are recommended.
Notes. Best visited between October and April to avoid extreme summer heat. High difficulty due to sand and isolation.