Golf

There are more opportunities than you might expect in and around Cairo to hit the links. Close to the airport, try the JW Marriott, Heliopolis (tel. 02/24115588, 02/24118258, or 02/24091464 for the pro shop). The most historic course in Cairo is the one attached to Mena House Oberoi, Giza (tel. 02/33833222), which opened in 1889. This 18-hole, par-68 course abuts the Giza plateau where the pyramids are located. Less romantic but more modern, the Katameya Heights Golf and Tennis Resort, Katameya (tel. 02/27580512 or 02/27580517), has a 27-hole, par-72 course in the middle of a wealthy housing estate on the southeastern edge of the city.

Riding

There are few better ways to experience the space and atmosphere of the Giza plateau than on horseback, and riding is a popular pastime for visitors and expat residents of Cairo. It used to be that the crowded little village of Nazlet es-Samaan, around the feet of the Sphinx in Giza, was the place to go, and there is still a row of stables there. However, a recently built fence preventing access to the site around the pyramids has reduced the value of this excursion, and the place to go is now farther out on the ring road toward Saqqara. Take the Mounib Bridge south of Roda Island, and go straight on the highway until it ends, a little abruptly, in the desert. Here there will be signs to the International Equestrian Center (tel. 02/33820435 or 02/33820435), which is quite a large stable complex. They have quiet tree-lined driveways and around 100 horses in a series of stables. While they have a number of practice rings for instruction, most of their business is sending riders into the desert, which is just 100m (328 ft.) away. Expect to pay between LE70 and LE100 ($13-$18/£6.50-£9.25) per hour for a good horse and tack.

Tennis

The two cement courts at the Nile Hilton, 1113 Corniche el Nil (tel. 25780444), are next to the swimming pool and bar, which may give you some ideas of what to do when you're done with your match. Rates are LE77 ($14/£7.15) per hour in the morning and LE88 ($16/£8.15) per hour in the afternoon with a pro; prices are reduced to LE39 ($7.10/£3.60) per hour in the morning and LE44 ($8/£4.05) per hour in the afternoon without a pro. The Cairo Marriott's, 16 Saray el Gezira (tel. 02/27283000) popular and well-maintained hard-surface courts are tucked into a discreet corner of the resort's 6-acre garden. Rates vary from LE30 to LE50 ($5.45-$9.10/£2.75-£4.60) per hour, depending on whether you're staying at the hotel. The Marriott's balcony and pool are close by for some post-game refreshment.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.