Tel: 012 22118386
Location: Abu Sir, Badrashin, Giza
I’ll never forget my first trip to Al Sorat farm. I saw a reference to it online and it seemed to fit my requirements for an ideal outing: somewhere new, kid friendly, affordable, outdoors, and – best of all – I heard there would be horses. HORSES! What else could we want? My kids and I hopped into a minibus and several transfers later found ourselves in the lush farmland on the west side of the Nile. We spent a magical day riding horses, feeding goats, picking mangoes, making and devouring tinfoil lunches on the grill, and (the kids) running around madly until near exhaustion. Glorious.
Maryanne Stroud Gabanni established Al Sorat with the intention of providing families and school groups with an enjoyable and educational farm experience. I assure you: she succeeds 100 percent. Not only are there horses – which you can ride!! – you may enjoy all the farm animals (goats, sheep, donkeys, chickens, geese, turkeys, dogs, etc.), eat a delicious home-cooked meal or grill your own, play in the huge inflatable pool, or simply sip tea in a wicker chair in the shade and watch your friends and family having the best day ever.
Remember my first trip to Al Sorat? Truth: I got really lost that day. We wandered about the farms surrounding Al Sorat by tuk-tuk for quite a while. I have since been back to visit dozens of times and know exactly how to get there and by all forms of transportation. Read on until the very end for explicit transportation instructions and pro tips for planning your best trip.
Transportation: The most secure way to get to and from Al Sorat is to drive your own car. You may also consider booking a driver to drop you off and pick you up later. Keep Maryanne’s phone number handy just in case you get turned around, and if you need to ask for directions along the way, ask for “Maryanne’s farm.” You can also look or ask for the villa of “Dr. Magdy Agamawi”; Al Sorat is located directly behind.
You can also travel to and from the farm by Uber, but just know that it can be difficult sometimes to get a driver to pick up from Al Sorat. You will want to order your return trip early and confirm right away that the driver actually intends to come. Maryanne and her local staff are always happy to help communicate in Arabic with drivers if needed.
Whether you come by private car, Uber, or tuk-tuk, you’ll know you’ve arrived when you reach the gray metal gate, bordered by a green wall, painted with pictures of the dogs. (Ideally, enter from the front gate but sometimes people end up at the back green gate.) Rap loudly on the gate and the farm’s canine residents will hear you and alert the human staff. This leads me to my next topic: what you need to know in order to plan your best trip.
Know before you go: Al Sorat is home to approximately ten large local dogs, all of which are socialized and vaccinated. The dogs are one reason why most people adore Maryanne’s farm, but visitors should expect to be greeted by a pack of very loud and large dogs. After a few minutes of intense barking they tend to forget about you entirely and return to their place in the shade or happily romp about with your children. It can be startling, however, to be met by several big dogs barking loudly, so please prepare yourself and your children. I recommend you discuss proper dog greeting etiquette with your group before coming; Maryanne will also tell you what/what not to do.
(A horse for every rider at Al Sorat)
I can hear you saying: “Okay, the dogs sound great but what about the horses?” Alright, alright. After passing the canine sentinels you are free to explore the grounds and – when the grooms are ready – ride the horses. Children and hesitant adult riders can ride within the farm gates for about 10 minutes, accompanied at all times by a groom. Older and more confident riders can ride in a group led by a groom around the neighborhood for approximately 30 minutes. All riders should wear appropriate clothing for riding (shorts or pants long enough to avoid chafing) and those hoping to ride around the neighborhood should be dressed modestly (sleeved tops and capris or pants).
What if it is hot? Well, this is Egypt we are talking about here, so chances are if you visit between May and September, it will be hot. Excellent! When you are not riding horses, playing with dogs, feeding goats, exploring the gardens, or relaxing in the shade, you can play in a gigantic blow-up pool. Have your children bring their swimsuits and ask Maryanne to fill up the pool.
What about lunch? At Al Sorat you have several options. Bring a picnic lunch, cook up your own meat or veggies on the gorgeous local-style grill, or (my personal favorite) pre-order a home-cooked meal featuring locally grown ingredients. Pre-order, people! Call 012 22118386 or text Maryanne via Facebook at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to place your order.
Now, chances are at the end of your visit to Al Sorat you won’t want to leave. You might just want to move in with Maryanne. I know my kids do. Well, you are in luck; you can pitch a tent and camp in the garden! I have done this many times. You’ll be safely situated within the farm compound (remember the canine sentinels!) and have access to a fire pit, wood and charcoal, and bathrooms.
Well, friends, I’ve enjoyed reminiscing about my first time to Al Sorat. In fact, all this talk about the farm makes me want to book my next visit. I’ll see you there!
Quick summary of what you need to know to enjoy a memorable day at Al Sorat farm:
- Book your visit with Maryanne: call/text 012 22118386 or email msgabbani@gmail.com. If you want lunch, order it at that time (prices and menu depend on the local market). The day-use fee is currently 125LE for all guests 5 years old and up (250LE with lunch). You can pay Maryanne in cash anytime from the moment you arrive up until right before you leave. With admission you gain access to the lovely grounds and farm animals, the pool when in season, the outdoor grill and charcoal, bathrooms, filtered water and tea/coffee, and an unforgettable horse ride.
- Give the driver the farm location in advance and preview the route. Store the address and Maryanne’s phone number in a convenient place.
- Wear appropriate clothing for riding and sun protection.
- Bring a bathing suit, a water bottle (and refill with Maryanne’s filtered water), and prepared food or something to grill.
