Quick ride facts:

Ride skill level: intermediate/advanced
Ride type: loop
Ride length: approx 33 KM
Ride time: Approx. 3+ hrs
Trailhead: Entrance to the Wadi Degla park. See our main Wadi Degla page for more information on how to get there.
GPS track: coming very soon

Description: From the Maadi side Wadi Degla entrance, go up the the short climb up the South wadi wall about 70 m past the gate on the right. Follow the short singletrack leading to the jeep trail, then follow the jeep trail itself which climbs steadily eastward for about 2200 meters until you get to a big semi-circular cliff with a view of the wadi floor. With the cliff to your left, keep heading eastward following the trail which will take you on a south-easterly path that goes through a smaller wadi ending with what looks like a dead-end but you should be looking for the short climb to your right (co-ordinates  29°56’51.43″N  31°22’20.46″E). Now follow the obvious, southbound single track which will get you to a narrow asphalt/dirt road (the only road in this area). Cross the road (at   29°55’14.93″N and  31°24’37.56″E) and continue riding until you get to another narrow east-west runnig wadi. Turn right and follow the wadi westwards until you arrive at Box Canyon. Follow the singletrack on the right (northern) canyon wall, where you will start the ride back at  29°53’30.06″N  31°22’39.68″E. Follow the tire tracks northbound which will take you back to the same road you crossed earlier (there is a military installation that you will see and “do not approach” signs in Arabic, just keep your distance), follow the road to the west for about 800 meters, then exit once you see the obvious trail (at  29°55’9.37″N  31°22’25.34″E). Maintain a northbound course along the trail, which will take you to a steep descent into a north-south running wadi. Descend with caution or walk it. Ride northbound to the crescent cliff you saw earlier and take the easy ride to the short descent towards the entrance.

Although wildlife sightings has decreased due to the relative increase of traffic in the wadi, it is not uncommon to see many species of animals for which the area is a habitat. I have seen Red fox on multiple occasions and many have spotted Nubian Ibex.

“I want to start mountain biking in Egypt, but I am clueless. What do I do?”

MTB Egypt has a few things that should get you pedaling off-road in no time:

1. First thing you should do is check out our Frequently Asked Questions. This list of questions and answers will enlighten you on a few things that you might be wondering about.
2. Join us for a group ride: Look at the events calendar and see when beginners’ rides are scheduled. Ride details are often posted in the calendar. Make sure you read our group ride guidelines first. Email us with any questions.
3. Read the articles: We have a growing repository of articles that cover everything from mountain biking trails in Egypt to buying a bike.
4. Join the forums: Our forums bring together mountain biking enthusiasts in Egypt. Feel free to post questions and share information.

The one-minute primer on riding in Wadi Degla:

1. Here is how to get there and basic info on the trail.
2. Start riding no later than 7:30 a.m.  in the summer  to escape the worst of the heat. You can get away with later ride start times in the fall/winter.
3. This is a desert area, so even in pleasant weather always make sure that you are properly hydrated. Don’t go riding with less than 2 liters of water.

In the interest of having more organized, and thus more enjoyable, group rides, the following is a set of policies (or rather guidelines) that should be considered by anyone joining a group ride organized by MTB Egypt.

1) Ride difficulty/skill level:

There is a diverse background of riders with a very wide spectrum of skill level, experience and equipment. A group ride where the participating riders are on more or less the same skill level is more enjoyable becuase all riders are more comfortable being within a collective (or average) skill level of the group, and thus they know what to expect in terms of pace and difficulty. For example: beginner riders in an advanced ride will feel under pressure to “keep up” with more advanced riders, and the more skilled riders will feel the lesser experienced riders are “weighting down” the ride.

Group ride announcements will be labeled with one of the five difficulty levels below. Please bear in mind that descriptions of technical difficlty leves is subjective, and what can be rated as intermediate for one rider can be either easy or advanced for another. You are the best judge of your ability.

Easy/Beginner: Easy ride on a flat or relatively flat terrain. No prior mountain biking experience neccessary. All skill levels welcome. The only essential piece of equipment is your bike. Average ride time: 45-90 minutes

Intermediate: Faster-paced but still relatively easy ride. Climbs and descents of varying difficulty involved. You should have a bike in good shape and minimum kit (helmet, spare tubes, pump and tool set). Average ride time:60-120 minutes

Advanced: A more “spirited” ride with a pace that is a little faster than an intermediate ride. Requires some endurance and above-average fitness level. At this level you should ensure that you have your repair kit and know how to perform basic on-trail repairs. Average ride time: 2-3 hours

Expert: You should be adequately comfortable with technical and difficult sections (steep descents, rock-infested single tracks, knee-busting climbs, etc). Your bike should be suitable for use on very rough terrain (the frame and components will take a beating!) and you should know how to negotiate difficult terrain obstacles. You should have adequate ride kit, including helmet, hydration pack and food, tool set, spare tubes, etc (basic body armor, such as knee and elbow pads is also recommended).Average ride time: 2-3 hours

Epic/Long distance: This kind of rides require good pre-ride preparation, adequate ride kit, higher endurance levels, and commitment to a more demanding ride. Ride details will be announced at least two weeks ahead. You should have a complete kit ( and know how to quickly perform basic repairs on your bike. Average ride time: 5+ hours

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2) Policy on flats and dropped riders:

• A ride will be stopped to allow a rider to fix a flat.

• A ride will not be aborted for a rider with a problem that cannot be fixed on the trail and within hiking distance to the trail entrance
• Aborting a ride will only happen in the event of a rider experiencing a problem that cannot be fixed on the trail and which occurs at a distance too far from the trail entrance.

3) Equipment lists:

– Minimum kit list: Helmet, multi-tool, 1 spare tube, mini-pump

– Recommended kit list: Helmet, riding clothes (jersey+riding shorts), gloves, eye protection, 2 spare tubes, multi-tool, mini-pump, hydration pack (with at least a 2-liter capacity bladder), sun lotion

– Optional but important: Basic body armor for advanced rides, GPS, cycle computer.

Finally, you are responsible for your own safety. Ride sensibly and do not attempt something that you know is beyond your current skill level, stay on-trail and remember to bring your ride kit (it might save you from aborting a ride or a long hike back on foot). Happy riding.