From Hurghada: Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour

Makadi Bay’s best horse rides trade hotel pools for quiet desert tracks and Red Sea shallows. You ride at an easy pace with a guide, moving between sand valleys, open desert, and the coast rather than racing across the sand. Sunrise brings cool air and soft light, while sunset adds dinner, a show, and stargazing.

I like two things here: the horses are matched to your riding ability, and the guides stay close enough to help without making confident riders feel held back. Guides such as Mohamed, also called Didi, Yusuf, Hassan, Mahmoud, and Sabir have earned warm praise for patience and good handling. The photo and video help is another real plus, especially if you want beach and sunset memories without asking a stranger to hold your phone.

The main consideration is that this is a guided outing, not a free-riding lesson or a galloping expedition. Transfers can also take up to an hour from more distant resorts, and the two-hour options do not include a swim stop. For that, you need the private four-hour program.

Key points at a glance

• Ride from desert to sea: Routes combine Makadi Bay’s sandy interior with peaceful Red Sea shoreline.
• Horses matched to ability: Guides organize riders by experience, making the outing workable for first-timers and confident riders.
• Sunrise breakfast is time-specific: The Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM departure.
• Several formats are available: Pick a two-hour ride, quad bike and horse combo, sunset dinner with stargazing, or a four-hour VIP ride with swimming.
• Photos are part of the appeal: Guides and staff often take photos and videos during the ride.
• Price depends on the option: The advertised starting price is $20 per person, while private transfers, private guides, and longer programs cost extra.

What the $20 starting price gets you

At around $20 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to get out of Hurghada’s resort zone for a few hours. The price is especially good for a standard two-hour ride with shared transport, a professional horse guide, safety instructions, and desert and seaside riding.

Do check the exact option before booking. The price shown is a starting figure, not a promise that every format costs the same. Entry-only tickets suit independent riders, while shared-transfer options include hotel pickup and drop-off. Private transfers, private guides, dinner programs, and the four-hour swim ride change the cost.

I see the value in the setting. You are not paying only for time in a saddle. You get a change of pace from the hotel, access to desert and shoreline routes, a guide who selects a suitable horse, and the chance to ride at a memorable time of day. The sunrise and sunset departures make the same basic activity feel quite different.

The standard ride is also a manageable commitment. Two hours is long enough to enjoy the route but short enough for a first-time rider who is unsure about saddle comfort. If you want a fuller day, the quad bike and horse combination gives you one hour of each activity during the cooler early morning period.

From hotel pickup to the riding base

If you choose transport, pickup is shared and takes place at your hotel. You should wait in the lobby about 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, but keep in mind that the actual collection time may be 0 to 1 hour before the selected activity time. The exact pickup details are sent the day before.

Drive time depends heavily on your resort. From Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, allow roughly 25 to 30 minutes. Hurghada usually takes 40 to 45 minutes, while El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, and Al Ahyaa can take up to an hour.

That transfer time matters if you are booking an early sunrise ride or planning another activity later. A private vehicle is available for an extra fee if you want more control over the journey. You can also arrange your own way to the base and select the entry-only ticket.

At the entrance, the guide waits for you and greets you by name. If you cannot find the meeting point, WhatsApp or phone contact is available. Leave large bags and valuables at the hotel. The riding base has toilets, and you may find water, drinks, and face scarves for sale, but these are personal expenses.

Getting matched with a calm horse

You receive a short horse introduction, safety briefing, and driving test before setting off. The team groups riders by ability, then assigns horses suited to their experience. This is one of the strongest parts of the setup because a nervous beginner needs a very different horse and pace from an experienced rider.

Helmets are provided and must be worn during the ride. Safety equipment is available on request, and professional guides accompany the group throughout. The horses are described as calm, trained, and suitable for different levels. Several guide names come up in the strongest praise, including Didi, Yusuf, Hassan, Mahmoud, and Sabir, though your own guide will depend on the day and selected option.

A 15-minute rest period comes before the ride begins. That gives you time to settle in, meet the horse, listen to the instructions, and adjust your equipment. Do not rush this part. Even if you have ridden before, desert riding has its own rhythm, and the guide needs to see how you handle the horse.

The outing is designed as a relaxed guided ride. Confident riders may get a little more freedom within the group, but this is not a racing session. One account describes an experienced rider being tested up to a canter while the guide stayed with less experienced members of the group. That suggests the pace can be adjusted, but you should not book it expecting a private, fast-moving trail ride.

The two-hour route through Makadi Bay

The standard route can pass through sand valleys, open desert, and the coast. The desert portion gives you wide views, dry air, and a quiet break from the resort strip. It is not a sightseeing circuit with numerous formal stops. The pleasure comes from the movement between settings and the simple feel of riding through open space.

The shoreline is the more distinctive part. Depending on conditions and the route selected, you may ride beside the Red Sea or through shallow water. The beach setting gives you better photo opportunities than a plain desert track, especially in the low light of early morning or late afternoon.

A two-hour ride without a swim stop is the sensible choice if you want an introduction to horseback riding or have a busy Hurghada schedule. It also works well for families with mixed ability, provided every participant meets the physical requirements. The group is organized to keep beginners comfortable while allowing more capable riders a little room to enjoy the horse.

You should expect a steady, supervised outing rather than a long-distance trek. The guide leads the way, checks that riders are comfortable, and shares information about the area and local traditions. The small-group approach makes it easier to ask for help and easier for the guide to notice if you are struggling.

Sunrise, afternoon, and sunset have different rewards

The 5:00 AM sunrise departure is the most time-specific choice. It combines cooler air, early light, and an Oriental breakfast. The breakfast is included only with this departure, so do not assume that any morning ride includes food.

Sunrise can be a smart pick during hot months because the desert is more comfortable before the day heats up. It is also a good fit for families who want the ride finished early. The drawback is obvious: you must be ready for a very early pickup, and transfer timing can vary by hotel.

Afternoon departures offer a softer pace and warmer light. They may suit you if you prefer not to wake early, though summer heat is a practical concern. Wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. On windy days, long clothing helps protect you from blowing sand.

Sunset is the most atmospheric option. The ride finishes as the light changes, and the two-hour evening program can continue with an Oriental dinner, live entertainment, and stargazing. This turns the outing into a longer evening rather than simply a horse ride.

The sunset program is a good match if you want several experiences in one booking. It is less ideal if you prefer a quiet meal and an early night, or if you are mainly interested in riding time. The dinner and show add variety, but they also make the schedule longer and more structured.

The quad bike and horse combination

The one-hour quad bike plus one-hour horse ride is arranged during the cooler early morning period. You begin with the quad bikes, heading out into the desert toward Makadi Bay, then return to change over to the horses.

This is a useful choice if your group cannot agree between motorized desert fun and a slower animal-based ride. The two activities feel very different. Quad biking brings engine noise, dust, and a faster sense of movement. Horse riding is quieter and more dependent on the guide, horse, and rider working together.

Sunglasses are particularly useful here because dust can rise during the quad section. A face scarf is also practical, especially on windy days. Scarves and water are available at the base for an extra charge, but you can avoid surprise spending by bringing your own suitable protection.

The combination is also a good first taste for beginners. One hour on horseback is less demanding than a full extended ride, while the guide still gives you time to get comfortable. Just remember that you are doing two activities, not receiving a full two-hour horse excursion.

The four-hour VIP ride and Red Sea swim

The private four-hour option is the one to choose if the swim matters most. It includes an extended ride and a stop where you can swim with your horse in the Red Sea. This is not included in the regular two-hour tours, so check the wording carefully before booking.

The swim adds a memorable change to the route, but it also requires more time, more confidence, and swimwear. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and suitable clothing, then keep personal items to a minimum. The longer program is private, which gives you more control than a shared group ride.

I would not choose the four-hour option simply because it sounds like the biggest bargain. Four hours in the saddle can feel long if you are new to riding, and the swim does not remove the physical demands of the ride. It makes more sense for confident riders, people who specifically want the water element, or anyone planning a main activity around the experience.

Food, shows, and stargazing after dark

The dinner and show package begins with a sunset ride. Afterward, you have an Oriental meal, live performance, and time for desert stargazing. One particularly useful detail is that the dinner has been praised as generous and worth returning to, but you should still see it as an add-on experience rather than part of every booking.

The evening format gives the ride a stronger cultural side. You are not only crossing sand and shoreline, you are also spending time at the base after dark with food and entertainment. Stargazing is a simple but fitting finish in the desert, away from the brighter hotel zones.

Food is not included with the standard rides. The only clearly included meal is the Oriental breakfast attached to the 5:00 AM sunrise departure. If breakfast matters to you, select that exact timing rather than a general morning option.

Photos, guides, and the human side of the ride

The guides are central to the quality of this outing. Didi, Yusuf, Hassan, Mahmoud, and Sabir are among the names associated with especially strong experiences, with patience and careful horse selection coming up repeatedly. The team also takes photos and videos, which is helpful when you want a record of riding along the beach or through the shallows.

The photos may be one of the best practical benefits for couples and families. You can focus on the ride rather than trying to hold a phone while managing a horse. Photo quality and availability can vary by guide and group, so treat it as a welcome extra rather than a guaranteed professional photography service.

Small groups make the interaction more personal. The guide can watch the less experienced riders while giving confident riders a little more attention. If your group has very different ability levels, tell the team clearly at the start. Honest information about your experience helps them choose the right horses and pace.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 271 ratings, a solid result that fits the pattern of the activity: strong praise for the horses, guides, beach route, and clear pickup details, with the usual need to match expectations to the selected package.

What to wear and who should skip it

Wear comfortable clothes, closed comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Add long clothing if the weather is windy. Bring swimwear for the VIP water option, but do not carry luggage, large bags, jewelry, or unnecessary valuables.

Pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, and wheelchair users should not book this activity. The stated weight limit is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle, and pets, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted.

This ride suits first-time riders, families with older children who can follow instructions, couples looking for a scenic outing, and confident riders who want a short coastal route. It is less suitable if you want advanced riding instruction, an independent gallop, or a fully accessible activity.

Should you book the Makadi Bay ride?

Book it if you want an affordable break from the resort, a calm horse, a desert-to-sea route, and the option to choose your mood. The standard two-hour trip offers the best balance of price and time, while sunrise is the clever choice for cooler weather and breakfast.

Choose sunset dinner and stargazing if the evening atmosphere matters as much as the riding. Choose the four-hour VIP program only if swimming with your horse is a firm priority and you are comfortable spending longer in the saddle.

I would skip it if you dislike guided group activities or expect a serious riding lesson. For everyone else, the combination of well-matched horses, patient guides, Red Sea views, and flexible formats makes this a good-value Hurghada side trip. Just select the package carefully, confirm your pickup time, and bring sunglasses.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding activity last?

Options last from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the selected program. Standard rides last two hours, while the VIP horse ride with a swim stop lasts four hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included when you select a transfer option. Entry-only tickets are available if you arrange your own transport.

How long does the transfer take?

From Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, allow about 25 to 30 minutes. Hurghada takes around 40 to 45 minutes, and El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa can take up to an hour.

Is breakfast included?

Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise departure.

Can I swim with the horse?

A swim stop is included only with the private four-hour VIP horse ride option.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The team gives instructions, conducts a short driving test, and groups riders by ability. Horses are selected to suit different riding levels.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets are provided and must be worn throughout the ride.

Can I choose a sunset ride with dinner?

Yes. The two-hour sunset option can include an Oriental dinner, live entertainment, and desert stargazing.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, weather-appropriate layers, and swimwear if you select the swim option.

Who cannot join the activity?

The ride is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.