Review · HURGHADA

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer – Hurghada

★ 4.5 · 37 reviews From $15 Operated by Noun Travel · Bookable on Viator
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Hurghada’s most unusual horseback ride leaves the dusty desert behind and takes you into the Red Sea on horseback. In roughly two hours, you ride across open desert terrain, then head into the water with a trainer close by. It is a striking change from the usual beach excursion.

I like the simple value here: hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and helmets, safety equipment, tea, and water are part of the package. I also like that beginners are not expected to arrive with riding skills. A trainer provides pre-ride coaching and stays available during the outing.

The serious consideration is horse welfare and personal comfort. Some accounts describe thin horses, scars, rude treatment, and safety concerns involving staff. Those reports conflict sharply with the enthusiastic account of guide Abd El Rahim, who was praised for making the ride fun and taking creative photos. Ask clear questions before you pay.

Key things to know before booking

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - Key things to know before booking

  • Desert and sea in one ride: You cover open desert ground before taking the unusual step of riding into the water.
  • Beginner-friendly setup: A trainer gives instructions, helmets are supplied, and most people can take part.
  • Abd El Rahim may be your guide: He was specifically praised for his good humor and creative picture-taking.
  • The advertised price is low: The $15 rate is attractive, but a €10 tax is payable in cash, with another €10 transfer fee for several resort areas.
  • The group may reach 30 people: That can affect the amount of individual attention you receive.
  • Check the horses first: Concerns about animal condition and staff conduct deserve a direct conversation before you ride.

From Hurghada pickup to the desert

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The included transfer is a useful part of the deal, since Hurghada is spread along the coast and horse stables may be outside the main resort areas.

The standard transfer covers Hurghada hotels. If you are staying in El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh, expect an extra €10 per person in cash. That fee matters because it can make the advertised $15 price look rather different at checkout.

The full outing lasts about two hours, including the riding program. Pickup times and the exact amount of time spent in the vehicle are not specified, so confirm those details when you book. If you have a short holiday schedule, ask when you will return to your hotel rather than assuming the two hours covers only time in the saddle.

Once you reach the riding area, the tour is designed to get you moving without a long formal introduction. You receive a helmet and safety equipment, meet the horse assigned to you, and get basic guidance from a trainer. The description calls the horses finely bred, but horse condition is the point I would inspect for myself before mounting.

More Desert Horse Riding in Egypt

Getting comfortable in the saddle

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - Getting comfortable in the saddle

You do not need to be an experienced rider for this outing. A trainer is available for pre-ride coaching and assistance during the route, which makes the tour more approachable for families and first-time riders.

That said, beginner-friendly does not mean every rider will feel instantly relaxed. Horses are living animals, and the tour takes place across two very different settings. If you are nervous, tell the trainer plainly that you want a calm horse and a slow pace.

A helmet is provided to every rider. That is an important basic safety measure, though a helmet cannot replace good supervision and suitable horses. With a possible maximum of 30 people, ask how many trainers will be present and how the group is divided. A large group can mean less time for individual coaching.

The activity is described as child-appropriate, and most people can participate. The available information does not give a minimum age, weight limit, riding ability requirement, or specific rules for children. Families should ask those questions before booking, especially if a child has never ridden.

Crossing Hurghada’s desert on horseback

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - Crossing Hurghada’s desert on horseback

The first major part of the ride takes you through Hurghada’s desert. This gives you access to broad, open ground that would be tiring to cover on foot, and the horse provides a slower, more grounded way to see it.

Do not expect a long expedition. The tour lasts about two hours in total, and the sea section is also part of that time. The desert ride is best understood as a scenic introduction rather than a full-day trek through Egypt.

The appeal is the setting. You are not looking at the desert from behind a bus window. You are sitting above the sand and moving at the pace of the horse. For many people, that is the main pleasure of the outing.

Your expectations should remain modest. The information does not promise a particular route, fast riding, galloping, wildlife sightings, or a remote desert camp. If you want speed or advanced riding, ask before booking. The tour is built around access and novelty, not technical horsemanship.

Tea and water are included, which is welcome in a hot, dry environment. Still, the supplied details do not state how much water is provided or whether meals are available. Bring any personal drinks or snacks you need, especially if you are traveling with children.

Riding into the Red Sea

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - Riding into the Red Sea

The sea ride is the feature that makes this tour different from an ordinary desert horseback outing. At some point, you leave the sand and take the horse into the water. That is a memorable idea, particularly if you have already seen Hurghada’s coast from a boat or beach and want a more unusual view.

The exact depth, duration, and riding conditions in the sea are not provided. Do not assume you will swim with the horse or spend a long time in deep water. Ask the trainer how far the horses enter, what footwear is suitable, and how the transition from sand to water is handled.

This part may not suit everyone. You should be comfortable getting wet and being around a moving horse in shallow water. If you have concerns about balance, tell the trainer before the sea section begins. A helmet is supplied, but you should still follow instructions closely and avoid trying to force your horse into the water.

The sea ride also makes horse welfare especially important. Salt water, hot sand, and repeated rides can be demanding for animals. Before you mount, look at the horses and ask whether they have water, shade, and rest periods. If a horse appears injured, very thin, distressed, or poorly treated, you have every reason to raise the matter and reconsider taking part.

The guide can shape the whole outing

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - The guide can shape the whole outing

The strongest personal praise attached to this activity concerns Abd El Rahim. He was described as fun, creative with photos, and helpful to riders who had trouble getting onto the horse. That kind of practical assistance matters more than polished commentary on a short ride.

A good guide should help you mount safely, explain how to control the horse, keep the group together, and watch beginners during the desert and sea sections. You should also expect the guide to answer questions about the horses without becoming defensive.

Not every departure will necessarily have the same guide. The tour is operated by Noun Travel, and the supplied details do not promise Abd El Rahim specifically. If his presence matters to you, ask whether he is scheduled for your date.

There are also troubling accounts involving alleged rude or sexually inappropriate conduct and concerns about women’s safety. These are serious allegations, not minor service complaints. I would book only after confirming who will lead the outing, how many staff will be present, and what procedure exists if you feel uncomfortable.

Traveling with a companion is sensible, particularly for a first-time rider or anyone uneasy about unfamiliar operators. You should never feel pressured to mount, enter the water, or continue with a horse or staff member that makes you uncomfortable.

What the $15 price really covers

At $15 per person, this is one of Hurghada’s cheaper organized excursions. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, the desert and sea ride, a professional guide, helmet, safety equipment, tea, and water.

That is good value on paper. A short riding outing with transport can quickly cost more when transfers, equipment, and instruction are separate. Here, the basics are bundled together.

But the price is not the final figure for everyone. A government tax and value-added taxes of €10 per person are payable in cash on the spot. That is a substantial addition to a $15 advertised rate. Resort transfers from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh add another €10 per person, also payable in cash.

Ask for the complete cost in your own currency before you confirm. Clarify whether the tax applies to every booking and whether the extra transfer charge is already noted on your reservation. Cash requirements are easy to overlook when you expect a prepaid activity.

Group size also affects value. The maximum is 30 people, which is a fairly large group for a hands-on riding activity. If the group fills, you may receive less individual attention and spend more time waiting for others. The low price may suit you if you mainly want the unusual desert-and-sea setting, but a smaller private ride could be better for nervous beginners.

Who will enjoy this horseback ride

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - Who will enjoy this horseback ride

This outing is a good match for you if you want a short, affordable activity with a strong visual hook. It suits first-time riders, families whose children meet the operator’s requirements, and horse lovers who want something different from a standard beach ride.

It also works well as an add-on to a Hurghada holiday. Two hours is short enough to fit around other plans, though the actual pickup and return time may extend the outing.

You may prefer another activity if you want a serious riding lesson, a long desert trek, fast riding, or a quiet private experience. The tour does not promise advanced instruction, a private guide, or a small group.

People with mobility concerns should ask the operator about mounting assistance and participation requirements. The information says most people can take part and that service animals are allowed, but it does not provide detailed accessibility arrangements.

Practical questions to ask before you go

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - Practical questions to ask before you go

I would send the operator a short message before booking or immediately after confirmation. Ask for the pickup time, the full price including taxes, the expected group size, and the name of the guide.

Ask how the horses are cared for and whether you can see the horse before riding. You can also confirm the rules for children, the sea depth, and what happens if weather or sea conditions prevent the water portion.

Wear clothing that can get wet and dusty. The supplied details do not specify a dress code, but the combination of desert sand and seawater makes delicate clothing a poor choice. Secure phones and cameras unless the guide provides a safe way to take pictures.

The activity offers mobile tickets and confirmation at booking, which makes the reservation process straightforward. Keep the confirmation available on your phone, and carry the required cash for the €10 tax and any applicable transfer fee.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that window, the payment is not refunded and changes are not accepted. That rule is worth remembering if your hotel plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Hurghada horse ride?

I would consider this tour if the idea of riding from desert to sea genuinely appeals to you and you are comfortable checking the practical details yourself. The low base price, included transport, helmets, beginner coaching, and unusual setting give it real appeal.

I would not book blindly. The additional cash charges change the value, a group of up to 30 can limit personal attention, and the serious animal welfare and staff conduct concerns need clear answers. If the operator cannot explain horse care, supervision, and safety arrangements, choose another activity.

For a confident decision, request the full cost, confirm the guide and group size, and inspect the horses before you ride. If those answers are satisfactory, this can be a memorable short outing. If they are not, the Red Sea and desert will still be there, and you have better ways to spend your holiday money.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

Does the tour include desert and sea riding?

Yes. The activity includes horseback riding in Hurghada’s desert and riding into the sea.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle are included for standard Hurghada locations.

Are extra transfer fees charged for some resort areas?

Yes. Transfers from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh cost an additional €10 per person, payable in cash on the spot.

Are taxes included in the advertised price?

A government tax and value-added taxes of €10 per person are payable in cash on the spot.

Do beginners need previous riding experience?

No previous experience is stated as a requirement. A trainer provides pre-ride coaching and assistance during the activity.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet and safety equipment are included for each rider.

Can children take part?

The activity is described as child-appropriate and family-friendly. The supplied information does not state a minimum age, so confirm the age rules before booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.

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Where to ride next

Pick a coastline, a desert or a mountain trail.