Review · SHARM EL SHEIKH

Horse riding in Sharm el sheikh desert

★ 4.0 · 4 reviews From $21 Operated by EgyptLand Excursions · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

A horseback ride through the Sharm el Sheikh desert gives you a welcome change from the resort routine. The ride takes place in the cooler evening hours, passes through a Bedouin village, and includes time for Egyptian tea and optional shisha. It is a short cultural outing as much as it is a riding trip.

I like the small maximum group of 15, which should give the guide more time to help with horse selection and basic instructions. I also like the practical package: hotel pickup, a 2 to 3-hour duration, and a price of $21.64 per person.

The main point to check is the pickup area. The experience is described as being in Sharm el Sheikh, but one part of the information refers to pickup from Hurghada. Confirm your hotel and transfer details before paying, especially if you are staying outside central Sharm.

Key points to know before booking

Horse riding in Sharm el sheikh desert - Key points to know before booking

  • Evening timing: The cooler part of the day makes desert riding more comfortable than a midday outing.
  • Horse matching: Your horse is assigned according to your riding experience, and the horses are described as calm, healthy, and well trained.
  • Bedouin village stop: You get a break from the saddle with Egyptian tea and the option to try a shisha pipe.
  • Small-group format: The group is capped at 15 people, a useful limit for a guided activity involving horses.
  • Good value: At $21.64, the price covers the ride, guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and cultural refreshments.
  • Flexible cancellation: You can receive a full refund when canceling at least 24 hours before the start time.

A cooler way to see the Sharm desert

Horse riding in Sharm el sheikh desert - A cooler way to see the Sharm desert

Sharm el Sheikh is best known for beaches, coral reefs, and resort pools. This outing gives you a different view of the area without taking up a full day. The desert ride lasts about 2 to 3 hours, so you can fit it around other plans.

The evening schedule matters. Desert heat can be tiring, especially on horseback, and a later ride should feel easier than one held in the middle of the day. You will still want practical clothing, closed shoes, and protection from dust, but the timing removes one of the biggest discomforts of desert activities.

This is not a long-distance riding expedition. It is a short introduction to riding in the desert, with a cultural pause built into the route. That makes it a good choice if you want something more active than a dinner show but less demanding than a full-day desert trip.

Pickup makes a short outing easier

Horse riding in Sharm el sheikh desert - Pickup makes a short outing easier

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which adds real value to a low-cost experience. You do not need to arrange a taxi to a stable or work out a return ride after spending time outdoors. For a two-hour activity, avoiding separate transport can make the whole evening much simpler.

There is one important wrinkle. The information describes the location as Sharm el Sheikh but also refers to pickup from Hurghada. Those are separate resort areas, so do not assume the transfer applies automatically to your hotel. Send the provider your accommodation details in advance and confirm the pickup time and area.

Communication has been handled through WhatsApp for some bookings, with changes and requests discussed directly. That can be useful if you want to clarify your riding level, arrange a private outing, or check the transfer details. A private trip was arranged for one booking, but you should treat that as an option to confirm rather than part of the standard package.

Choosing a horse for your riding level

At the riding location, horses are assigned according to experience. This is one of the most important parts of the outing, since a nervous beginner should not be placed on an unsuitable horse, and a confident rider may want something more responsive.

The horses have been described as vital, peaceful, obedient, and well trained. One account also praised the way the horses were cared for. Those are encouraging signs, though a short tour cannot guarantee that every horse will suit every rider perfectly.

Tell the guide honestly how much riding you have done. Do not exaggerate your ability because you want a faster ride. The best experience comes from a horse you can control comfortably, especially when riding in a group.

One rider described a particularly intense and fast experience. That may appeal to an experienced rider, but speed should not be the goal for everyone. Ask the guide what pace is suitable for your level and stay within your comfort zone.

The ride is suitable for most participants according to the available information, but no detailed physical requirements are provided. If you have concerns about balance, mobility, or riding for several hours, ask the provider before booking.

What the desert ride is really like

The main stop is the Sharm desert. You will ride with a guide who is described as an experienced rider, using a horse that has been schooled for the activity. The appeal is simple: you are not sitting in a vehicle looking out at the sand. You are moving through it at the pace of a horse.

The scenery is likely to feel spare and open rather than packed with sights. That quiet quality is part of the attraction. You get a sense of the desert setting through the changing light, the sound of hooves, and the rhythm of riding.

At the same time, you should set realistic expectations. The available details do not promise a long route, dramatic natural formations, or a particular viewpoint. This is a guided horseback outing in the desert, not a sightseeing circuit with several major stops.

The group size can reach 15 people. That is still manageable for a guided ride, but it is not the same as a one-to-one lesson or a private trail ride. If you want a slower pace, extra instruction, or more control over the route, ask about a private booking before you arrive.

The Bedouin village pause

The stop at a Bedouin village gives the outing more character than a simple ride out and back. You get time to leave the saddle, rest, and see a small part of traditional local culture.

Egyptian tea is included. This is a modest detail, but it changes the feel of the trip. Rather than rushing through a route, you have a chance to sit for a while and take in the surroundings.

You can also try a shisha pipe if you wish. This is optional, so you can skip it without missing the main riding experience. If you do not smoke, the tea stop still provides a useful break.

The village visit should be viewed as a brief cultural encounter, not a full historical tour. No detailed presentation, craft demonstration, meal, or extended village program is listed. The value lies in the pause and the setting, not in a long schedule of organized activities.

How much value do you get for $21.64?

At $21.64 per person, this is priced as an accessible short excursion rather than a premium riding experience. The cost includes the horse ride, guide, pickup and drop-off, and the village stop with tea. For a 2 to 3-hour activity, that is a fair package if the transfer works for your hotel.

The price is especially useful for couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants to add one extra activity without committing to an expensive full-day tour. You also get a taste of desert riding without giving up an entire day at the beach.

A low price can mean a basic operation, so do not expect a formal riding lesson, luxury transport, or extensive interpretation. The group may be close to the 15-person limit, and the precise riding time can vary with the pace of the group.

The horse care described in the available accounts adds to the value. Healthy, responsive horses make a larger difference than decorative extras. Still, horse welfare is worth checking for yourself when you arrive. Look for animals that appear alert and properly handled, and tell the guide if something feels wrong.

What the strongest points tell me

The most consistently positive elements are the horses, the organization, and the communication. Pickup was reported to work well, and the horse assignment process took riding experience into account. Those details matter because they shape your comfort from the first few minutes.

The horses are described as peaceful and obedient, while one rider enjoyed a faster, more intense ride. Together, those comments suggest that the experience can suit different riding styles, but only if you speak clearly with the guide about what you want.

The price also receives strong approval. At this rate, the outing is not trying to compete with a private equestrian program. Its strength is offering a straightforward ride and a small taste of Bedouin culture at a modest cost.

The published rating is 3.8 from four ratings. That is a respectable but not flawless result, and the small number of ratings means you should not read too much into the number alone. The practical details are more useful here: horse assignment, transfer confirmation, group size, and the evening schedule.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to you if you want to get beyond the hotel area for a short evening activity. It suits people who like horses, want desert scenery without a full-day commitment, or enjoy adding a small cultural stop to an outdoor outing.

It is also a sensible choice for a mixed group. Someone with riding experience can enjoy the horse itself, while a less experienced participant can take part at a gentler pace if the guide assigns an appropriate horse.

You may want to skip it if you are looking for a serious riding lesson, a private trail ride, or a long expedition. A group capped at 15 still means the route and speed must work for several people.

I would also be cautious if your plans are tightly packed. Desert activities can run on local timing, and the exact transfer details need confirmation. Leave some room around the tour rather than scheduling a meal or flight immediately afterward.

Booking, weather, and cancellation advice

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and a mobile ticket is offered. Keep the booking details available on your phone, but confirm the pickup location separately because of the Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada wording.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time.

The outing depends on good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached. These conditions make the activity fairly flexible, but they also mean you should keep a little space in your schedule.

Should you book the Sharm desert horse ride?

Book it if you want a short, low-cost desert outing with a horse ride, an evening schedule, and a Bedouin village stop. The combination of transport, tea, optional shisha, and a maximum group of 15 gives you good value for $21.64.

Before booking, confirm that pickup covers your hotel and explain your riding experience. Choose this for a relaxed taste of desert riding, not for a polished equestrian lesson or an all-day adventure.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride take place?

The activity takes place in the Sharm el Sheikh desert and includes a stop at a Bedouin village.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are offered. Because the information also refers to Hurghada pickup while identifying the activity with Sharm el Sheikh, confirm coverage for your specific hotel.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $21.64 per person.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is 15 participants.

Are the horses suitable for different experience levels?

The horses are assigned according to each participant’s riding experience. The available information describes the horses as well trained, peaceful, healthy, and obedient.

Is Egyptian tea included?

Yes, the outing includes Egyptian tea during the break at the Bedouin village.

Can I try shisha during the visit?

Yes, trying a shisha pipe is available as an optional part of the village stop.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

More like this

Desert Horse Riding, compared.

The full Desert Horse Riding list →
Red Sea & Desert Horse Riding Tour with Swimming
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 2,198 reviews· from $20

Red Sea & Desert Horse Riding Tour with Swimming

Read our review →
Sea & Desert Horse Tour, Stargazing, Dinner & Show
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 1,592 reviews· from $20

Sea & Desert Horse Tour, Stargazing, Dinner & Show

Read our review →
Arabian Desert and Sea Horseback Adventure
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 778 reviews· from $20

Arabian Desert and Sea Horseback Adventure

Read our review →
Cabo Desert Off-Road & Beach Horseback Combo and Tequila Tasting
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 751 reviews· from $100

Cabo Desert Off-Road & Beach Horseback Combo and Tequila Tasting

Read our review →
Sea & Desert Horse Riding tour/w Swimming&Transfer
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 649 reviews· from $17

Sea & Desert Horse Riding tour/w Swimming&Transfer

Read our review →
Desert Sunset Horseback Ride with BBQ Dinner
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 425 reviews· from $159

Desert Sunset Horseback Ride with BBQ Dinner

Read our review →
Almeria: Horse Riding Tour Through the Tabernas Desert
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 406 reviews· from $53

Almeria: Horse Riding Tour Through the Tabernas Desert

Read our review →
Sea and Desert Horse Riding Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 344 reviews· from $33

Sea and Desert Horse Riding Tour

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Where to ride next

Pick a coastline, a desert or a mountain trail.