Hurghada: Sea & Desert Horse Tour, Stargazing, Dinner & Show

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the change of scenery: you ride from sandy desert trails to the Red Sea, with the horse’s hooves working through open plains and shoreline. I like the careful matching of horses and riders, and I like that guides such as Yusuf, Didi, Mahmoud, and Hassan help nervous beginners while giving confident riders room to canter.

I also like the choice of moods. A 5:00 AM sunrise ride brings cool air, golden light, tea, and Oriental breakfast, while an evening ride adds dinner, a show, and stargazing. The main caution is that the entertainment and telescope session are less reliable than the riding, especially when Hurghada’s lights or cloudy skies spoil the stars.

Quick points to know

• Ride from desert to sea: The changing scenery is the real prize, with photo stops across sandy valleys and along the Red Sea.
• Guides work with mixed ability: Beginners receive close help, while experienced riders may get chances to canter or gallop.
• Horse swimming is a separate option: The four-hour VIP program is the one that includes taking the horse into the Red Sea.
• Sunrise breakfast is time-specific: Oriental breakfast comes only with the 5:00 AM departure.
• Evening extras vary in quality: Dinner is generally a useful cultural addition, while the show and stargazing depend on conditions.
• Transfers save hassle: Shared pickup covers the main resort areas, but travel can take up to an hour from El Gouna, Al Ahyaa, Soma Bay, or Safaga.

Riding from Hurghada’s desert to the Red Sea

This is not a quick pony ride around a fenced yard. The standard program gives you about two hours on horseback, moving through desert routes and toward the coast. The setting changes enough to keep the ride interesting: quiet sandy valleys, open plains, and the broad edge of the Red Sea.

You begin with a short rest of about 15 minutes at the base. The staff introduce the horses, explain how to handle them, and carry out a short driving test before setting off. Helmets and safety equipment are available, and helmets must be worn during the ride.

I like the way the operation handles mixed experience. New riders are not simply placed in a line and forgotten. Guides walk or ride alongside the group, offer one-to-one help, and can change a horse if one seems too lively for a nervous rider. At the same time, confident riders may have the chance to canter or gallop where conditions allow.

That balance matters. This is a guided outing, not a riding lesson or a racing session. You should expect a controlled pace for part of the trip, especially while the group gets moving. If you want speed from the first minute, this may feel restrained. If you want a scenic ride where you can build confidence, it is a sensible format.

Why the horses and guides matter

The horse handling is one of the strongest parts of this experience. The horses are described as calm, healthy, and well cared for, and several programs pair riders with animals suited to their ability. That does not remove every risk of horseback riding, but it makes a big difference for a first-timer.

Guides named Yusuf, Didi, Mahmoud, Hassan, Abdul, Mohamed, Saber, and Mahmud have received particular praise for patience, humor, and practical help. They also commonly take photos and videos on your phone during the ride. This is useful because it lets you focus on holding the reins instead of trying to capture every shoreline moment yourself.

Still, set your expectations correctly. Photo stops are part of the appeal, but the quality and number of images depend on the guide, group, and timing. Keep your phone charged, use a secure case, and do not bring valuables you would worry about dropping in sand or seawater.

Long trousers or leggings are a smart choice. One rider specifically warned about saddle chafing, and even a comfortable horse can make two hours in the saddle feel longer than expected. Wear closed, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. On windy days, long sleeves or other covering clothing help keep blowing sand off your skin.

Choosing the right departure time

The time of day changes the whole character of the outing.

The 5:00 AM sunrise ride is the most atmospheric option. You leave before the heat builds, watch the desert brighten, and can have tea and an Oriental breakfast afterward. The breakfast is included only at this early departure, so do not assume that selecting a morning ride brings the same meal.

A morning ride is also a good choice if you prefer cooler temperatures and a shorter, more focused activity. The two-hour format with shared transfers gives you the horse ride without committing to an evening of dinner and entertainment.

Afternoon and sunset rides bring softer light and better photo conditions. The coast can look especially striking as the sun drops, and the evening program lets you continue directly to dinner and the show.

For families or first-time riders, cooler timing is usually more comfortable. Children have been accommodated in mixed groups, including a seven-year-old beginner, but the activity still requires enough balance and confidence to sit safely on a horse. The stated weight limit is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms, and people above that limit should not book the horseback option.

The four-hour horse swimming program

The VIP four-hour option is the unusual choice. After riding through the desert and toward the coast, you take the horse into the Red Sea for a swim stop.

This is the option to choose if horse swimming is your main reason for booking. It is not included in the ordinary two-hour tour, and you should not expect a swim stop simply because your route reaches the beach. The water portion can be adjusted for comfort. One rider who felt uneasy going deeper was still able to take the horse into the water below shoe level.

The swim stop is memorable, but it requires more preparation. Bring swimwear and a change of clothes, protect your phone, and expect sand and saltwater. You should also be comfortable with the physical demands of a longer ride. Four hours on horseback can be tiring even when the pace is relaxed.

I would choose this package for an experienced rider or a beginner who feels secure after a proper introduction. If you only want a scenic taste of riding, the regular two-hour program is better value and easier on your legs.

Sunrise breakfast, dinner, and the desert show

The food and entertainment options turn the ride into a longer cultural outing.

The sunrise breakfast is tied to the early departure and adds a simple local touch. Tea, a fire, and fresh food have made the early start worthwhile for many riders. The trade-off is obvious: a 5:00 AM pickup is not gentle on holiday sleep.

The sunset program begins with the ride and continues with an Oriental dinner, live performance, and stargazing. The meal is described as traditional, with barbecue and a mix of hot and cold dishes. Mineral water is available, while other drinks cost extra, so carry some cash for refreshments and gratuities.

The show can be entertaining, with dancing and a horse performance. It is not the main reason I would book this activity. Some riders found it fun and involving, while others considered it average. A dressage-style horse performance also made one person uncomfortable, so anyone sensitive to animal performances may prefer the riding-only choice.

Stargazing is similarly dependent on conditions. Telescopes may be used to view objects such as the moon and Jupiter, but you share the equipment and may have limited viewing time. Clouds can block the sky, and Hurghada’s light pollution can make faint stars hard to see. Treat this as a pleasant extra, not a serious astronomy session.

Transfers from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, and beyond

Pickup is optional. If you select shared transport, wait in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before the confirmed time. The exact pickup time is sent the day before, and the vehicle may arrive anywhere from zero to one hour before the chosen activity time.

Approximate transfer times are 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, 40 to 45 minutes from Hurghada, and up to an hour from El Gouna, Al Ahyaa, Soma Bay, or Safaga. Those longer journeys matter if you are booking a short two-hour ride, since a large part of your day will be spent in the vehicle.

Private transfers are available for an additional fee. They make more sense for families, small groups, or anyone staying farther from the base. Independent riders can choose the entry-only ticket and arrange their own transport, but confirm the meeting instructions before setting out. The guide waits at the entrance and can be reached by WhatsApp or phone.

Communication is important here. Use a phone number connected to WhatsApp, since pickup details and last-minute updates are sent that way. Leave large bags, jewelry, alcohol, and unnecessary valuables at the hotel. Pets are not allowed, and smoking is not permitted in the vehicle.

What the $20 price really gives you

At about $20 per person for the basic experience, this is strong value if you mainly want the ride. The price can cover a two-hour guided route, horse introduction, safety briefing, desert and seaside trails, photo stops, and shared hotel transportation when that option is selected.

The low headline price does not mean every version costs the same. The VIP four-hour horse swim, private transfers, private guide, and evening meal package are separate choices. Check exactly what is included before comparing prices.

For me, the best value depends on your aim:

• Choose the two-hour shared-transfer ride for a straightforward horse outing.
• Choose the sunrise option if breakfast and cooler air matter to you.
• Choose the VIP four-hour ride if swimming with the horse is the key attraction.
• Choose the sunset dinner and show if you want one combined evening rather than riding alone.

The basic ride is where the money works hardest. Dinner adds convenience and atmosphere, but the show and stargazing should be viewed as extras rather than guaranteed highlights.

Who should book, and who should skip it

This suits first-time riders, couples, families with suitable children, and experienced riders who want desert and sea scenery rather than a formal riding school. The guides’ close help is especially useful if you feel nervous about cantering or have not handled a horse before.

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone above 110 kilograms. You should also skip it if you dislike long periods in the saddle, sand, heat, or organized group activities.

The experience is not fully private unless you pay for that option. Group size and riding ability can vary, although the staff separate riders by skill and provide extra help when needed. That means your pace may sometimes be set by the least confident person in the group.

Practical booking advice for a smoother ride

Book the early departure if you want breakfast, not just a morning slot. Select the four-hour VIP package if swimming is essential. For the evening package, bring a light layer, since desert air can feel cooler after sunset.

Wear leggings or long trousers, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Bring swimwear only if your selected package includes the sea stop, and keep bags small. Your phone is useful for photos and pickup messages, but secure it carefully around horses and water.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour operates with English and German-speaking guides. Check the final pickup message the day before, since resort transfer times vary.

Should you book this Hurghada horse tour?

Book it if the horse ride is your priority. The desert-to-sea route, calm horses, patient guides, and chance to canter make the core activity a good buy at the basic price. First-timers get real support, while experienced riders are not forced to walk the whole way.

Choose the sunrise ride for cool air and breakfast, or pay for the VIP program if swimming with a horse is your bucket-list moment. I would add dinner and the show only if you like a full evening program. If stargazing is your main goal, choose a darker, clearer setting instead. For most people, the ride itself is the part worth remembering.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding activity last?

The main horse ride lasts two hours. The VIP horse swimming program lasts four hours. Total activity time can range from two to five hours depending on the package and added meal or show.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select an option with shared transfer. An entry-only ticket is available for independent transport, and private transfers cost extra.

How long is the transfer from Hurghada?

The drive from Hurghada is usually about 40 to 45 minutes. Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh are about 25 to 30 minutes away, while El Gouna, Al Ahyaa, Soma Bay, and Safaga can take up to an hour.

Is breakfast included with every morning ride?

No. Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise ride. Select that exact departure if breakfast is important to you.

Can beginners join the horse ride?

Yes. The guides give a safety briefing, introduce the horses, group riders by ability, and provide extra help to beginners. The activity is guided and is not a racing session.

Does every tour include swimming with the horse?

No. The swim stop is included only with the four-hour VIP horse riding option. The regular two-hour ride does not include swimming.

Can children participate?

Children have taken part, including first-time riders, but they must be able to ride safely and follow instructions. The supplied information does not state a minimum age, so confirm suitability when booking.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes, long trousers or leggings, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Long clothing is useful on windy days because of blowing sand. Bring swimwear for the VIP sea-swimming program.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets and safety equipment are available, and helmets must be worn throughout the ride.

Who should not take part?

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