1 Hour Guided Horse Riding Activity in Sharm El Sheikh

The best part of this outing is the chance to see the Sinai desert from horseback, not through a bus window. You ride for an hour, then pause at a Bedouin tent for tea or coffee before returning to Sharm El Sheikh. I like the small group, capped at 10 people, and the round-trip air-conditioned transfer, which keeps the outing simple.

I also like that complete beginners can join, while experienced riders may be given more freedom. The main thing to weigh is the short riding time: the full outing lasts about two hours, but only one hour is spent in the saddle. The optional photographer costs about $15, so confirm any photo price before agreeing.

Key points to know before you book

• One hour on horseback: The ride is the main activity, with another 10 to 15 minutes set aside at the Bedouin tent.
• Suitable for beginners and experienced riders: Trainers explain safe riding and remain available during the outing.
• Small groups up to 10 people: This should allow more direct attention than a large stable excursion.
• About 20 minutes to the desert: Pickup is provided from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Tea with a local Bedouin stop: Coffee or tea is included before you return to your hotel.
• Sunrise and sunset may be possible: Ask about the exact departure time when booking if light and temperature matter to you.

Leaving Sharm El Sheikh for the Sinai desert

This is a straightforward half-day-style outing without the time commitment of a full desert safari. Pickup is offered from your hotel, followed by a drive of roughly 20 minutes in an air-conditioned vehicle.

That transfer matters more than it may sound. You do not need to arrange a taxi to an unfamiliar stable or work out your own way back. The vehicle, riding fee, helmet, and taxes are included, so the quoted price of $25 per person covers the main pieces of the outing.

The exact pickup time depends on the option you choose. Sunrise and sunset rides may be available, and those times can change the feel of the trip. A morning ride may suit you if you want cooler conditions, while a sunset departure offers softer light over the sand. The supplied details do not promise a particular departure time, so confirm it before booking.

Meeting the horses and handlers

At the desert riding area, you meet the horses and their handlers before setting out. The horses are described as Arabian horses, a detail that will appeal to riders who want a distinctly regional setting rather than a generic trail ride.

You should expect an introduction to safe riding, especially if this is your first time on horseback. Trainers are on hand to help you mount, handle the horse, and ride with more confidence. The activity is designed for all ability levels, including complete novices and advanced riders.

That broad range is useful, but it also means the pace may depend on the group. Beginners need time to get comfortable, while experienced riders may want more speed or independence. One experienced rider reported being able to ride alone, but you should treat that as dependent on your ability and the trainers’ judgment, not as a guaranteed feature.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. One particularly positive account praised the beauty of the horses and the friendly guide service. The available information does not provide the guides’ names, so you cannot choose a particular instructor in advance.

One hour across the desert

The riding portion lasts about one hour. That is long enough to give a first-time rider a real taste of desert riding, but it is not an extended trek. I would view this as an introduction rather than a full equestrian expedition.

The setting gives the ride its character. You are on horseback amid the sand and open desert around Sharm El Sheikh, with the chance to enjoy the quiet and scale of the Sinai away from the resort streets. The ride may include walking or faster movement depending on your skill, the horse, and the group.

The description allows for galloping, but you should not assume that every participant will gallop. Safe riding comes first, and the trainers decide what is suitable. If you are experienced, explain your ability clearly before the ride begins. If you are new to horses, there is no need to feel embarrassed about staying at a slower pace.

The small-group limit helps here. With no more than 10 people, the trainers should have a better chance to notice nervous beginners and advise stronger riders. It also reduces the chance that you will disappear in a long line of riders. Still, group size is only one part of the experience. The number of beginners on your departure can affect how freely the group moves.

The Bedouin tent and a short tea break

After riding, you stop for about 10 to 15 minutes at a Bedouin tent. Coffee or tea is included, giving you a pause to rest before the drive back.

This stop adds a social element that a simple stable ride would miss. It gives you time to sit, cool down, and enjoy a traditional drink in a desert setting. The stop is short, so think of it as a refreshment break rather than a full cultural visit.

You should also keep your expectations measured. The supplied details do not promise a meal, a craft demonstration, a camel ride, or a long conversation with a Bedouin family. What you receive is a brief tent stop with tea or coffee. For a $25 outing, that is a pleasant extra, but it should not be the main reason you book.

How the $25 price measures up

At $25 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to try horseback riding in Sharm El Sheikh. The price includes the horse ride, helmet, air-conditioned transport, taxes and fees, and tea or coffee at the tent.

The transport adds real value. A similar self-arranged outing would require you to find the riding center, negotiate transport, and get back to your hotel. Here, the basic movement of the day is handled for you.

You are paying for a short activity, so the value depends on what you want. If you want an affordable first ride, a family activity, or a compact break from the pool, the price makes sense. If you are an accomplished rider looking for several hours in the saddle, one hour may feel brief.

Bring the cost of photos into your calculation. A photographer is available as an optional extra for about $15. I would ask the price before posing or accepting the service, particularly because one experienced rider advised negotiating costs before agreeing. That is sound practical advice for any optional add-on.

What the small group changes

The maximum group size is 10 people. That is not a private ride, but it is small enough to make personal instruction more likely.

For a beginner, this is probably the most useful feature after the trainer support. You can ask how to hold the reins, how to sit comfortably, and how to control your horse without feeling lost in a crowd. The handlers can also keep an eye on the group as it crosses the desert.

For an experienced rider, the small group may offer more flexibility than a large organized procession. The supplied information indicates that experienced participants may be able to ride more independently, although this remains subject to the guide’s decision and the group’s needs.

The tradeoff is that the group may contain mixed abilities. A beginner-friendly outing will not necessarily provide a fast, athletic ride. I would book it for the setting, the horses, and the relaxed introduction, not for guaranteed speed.

Sunrise, sunset, and choosing your timing

The activity can take place at different times during the day, including sunrise and sunset. These options are worth considering because desert light and temperature can shape your enjoyment.

Sunrise may suit you if you want an early start and a cooler ride. Sunset can offer a more dramatic setting and a pleasant end to the day. The details do not state that every departure is available every day, so check the time before you pay.

Timing also affects your hotel plans. The ride itself lasts about one hour, with pickup, the transfer, the tent stop, and the return journey bringing the total to roughly two hours. Leave some space around the stated duration rather than scheduling another activity immediately afterward.

What is included and what you should expect to provide

A helmet is included, which is important for a riding activity. The air-conditioned vehicle, taxes, coffee or tea, and one hour of riding are also part of the package.

The supplied details do not list clothing, footwear, water, or personal items. Since those items are not confirmed as included, you should plan your own practical riding outfit and ask the provider if you have specific needs. The activity is in the desert, so comfort and sun protection are worth considering, even though the exact recommended clothing is not provided.

You should also know what is not part of the base price. Photos are optional and cost about $15. No other optional services are specified.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people can participate. The tour is not described as wheelchair accessible, so you should contact Sharm Life Day Tours directly if accessibility is important for you.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this outing to a first-time rider who wants a manageable taste of horseback riding without giving up a full day. The guides’ presence, helmet, short transfer, and limited group size make the setup less intimidating than arranging a ride alone.

It also suits couples, families with participants who meet the provider’s requirements, and resort visitors who want something beyond water activities. The Bedouin tea stop gives the outing a little more local character than a simple ride out and back.

Experienced riders may enjoy it if they want a short desert ride and are happy to follow the group’s pace. One account described an experienced rider being allowed to ride independently, but that possibility should be discussed with the trainers rather than assumed.

I would hesitate if your priority is a long horseback journey, technical riding, or a guaranteed gallop. The outing is short, mixed-level, and designed to welcome beginners. Its strength is accessibility, not advanced equestrian challenge.

Booking, cancellations, and practical value

The experience is often booked about 10 days ahead, so booking early is sensible if you want a particular day or a sunrise or sunset time. The provider is Sharm Life Day Tours, and confirmation is sent at the time of booking.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. That policy is fairly clear, but check your pickup time carefully because the cut-off is based on local time.

The rating is listed as 5 out of 5 from four reviews, with especially strong praise for the horses, friendly guides, organization, and the chance for an experienced rider to enjoy more independence. That small sample should not be treated as proof that every departure will be identical, but it does point to the features most likely to make or break your day: horse handling, guide support, and clear pricing for extras.

Should you book the Sharm El Sheikh horse ride?

Book it if you want an affordable, beginner-friendly way to see the Sinai desert on horseback, with hotel pickup and a short Bedouin tea stop included. The $25 price is good for a two-hour outing that removes the hassle of arranging transport, and the 10-person limit should give you more attention than a large group ride.

Think twice if you want a long ride or a guaranteed gallop. You receive about one hour in the saddle, and the pace can depend on the mixed group. Before setting out, confirm the departure time, explain your riding level, and agree on the cost of any optional photos.

For a short desert activity with friendly support, attractive horses, and simple logistics, this is a sensible choice from Sharm El Sheikh.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The full activity lasts approximately two hours, including transport, the horse ride, and the Bedouin tent stop. The riding portion lasts one hour.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and return to your Sharm El Sheikh hotel are offered in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the drive to the desert?

The drive from the hotel to the desert takes approximately 20 minutes.

Is the activity suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for complete novices as well as experienced riders, and trainers are available to explain safe riding.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Is tea or coffee included?

Yes. Coffee or tea is included during the 10 to 15-minute rest stop at a Bedouin tent.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. A helmet is included in the tour price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.