From Hurghada: Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour

Makadi Bay gives you an unusual way to see the Red Sea: from the back of a calm horse, with desert sand on one side and open water on the other. The coastal ride and shallow-water sections provide the memorable moments, while the quiet desert routes keep the pace relaxed.

I like the careful matching of horses to riding ability, and I like the choice of timings. Yusuf has guided sunrise rides with breakfast, Mohamed and Didi are praised for patient instruction and photos, and Hassan has helped nervous riders gain confidence. The main drawback is simple: this is a guided riding experience, not a free gallop across the desert, and longer transfers can take close to an hour.

Key points to know before booking

• Ride from desert to Red Sea: Routes pass through sand valleys, open plains, and the coast, with photo stops along the way.
• Horses are matched to ability: Beginners receive calm mounts and extra guidance, while experienced riders may receive a short riding test.
• Sunrise is the breakfast option: The Oriental breakfast is included only on the 5:00 AM departure.
• Sunset adds the most extras: The two-hour evening option can include dinner, a live show, and desert stargazing.
• The four-hour VIP ride includes swimming: This is the only option with a swim stop alongside your horse in the Red Sea.
• Transfers vary by resort: Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh are about 25 to 30 minutes away, while El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, and Al Ahyaa can take up to an hour.

Why riding from Makadi Bay feels different

A hotel beach gives you one fixed view. This ride changes the view every few minutes. You begin near the horse base, then move through open desert before reaching the Red Sea coast. The contrast is the real attraction: pale sand, wide sky, and water appearing ahead as the route continues.

The pace is generally calm and controlled. Guides ride or walk with the group, and a short driving test helps them understand each person’s ability. Experienced riders may be allowed to canter briefly, but the focus remains on safety rather than speed.

I would choose this experience for the mix of scenery, not for serious equestrian training. You get a guided outing with a local feel, a chance to handle a horse in a new setting, and plenty of time for photographs. You do not get a long, independent riding session where you set the route or pace.

Choosing between the two-hour, four-hour, and combo rides

The standard two-hour ride is the sensible choice for most people. It gives you enough time to settle into the saddle and reach the desert or shoreline without turning the day into a major commitment. You can book it with shared hotel transport or choose the entry-only ticket if you have arranged your own way there.

The one-hour quad bike and one-hour horse ride is aimed at people who want more action in a shorter morning program. The quad section heads into the desert toward Makadi Bay, followed by the horse ride. This option works well for first-time riders who want variety, though it offers less time on horseback than the dedicated two-hour tour.

The four-hour VIP program is the most distinctive choice. It includes a swim stop with your horse in the Red Sea, something not included in the regular ride. The extra time makes it a better pick for a special occasion or for anyone who cares more about the horse-and-sea experience than keeping the morning short.

At the advertised $20 per person, the standard ride offers good value if hotel pickup, a guide, safety equipment, and the two-hour route are included in your selected option. Check the exact package before paying, since private transfers, private guides, dinner, breakfast, and the VIP swim program can change the final cost.

Getting to the horse base from Hurghada resorts

Pickup is shared unless you pay for a private transfer. You should wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the planned pickup, but keep your schedule flexible because the actual collection time may be 0 to 1 hour before the selected activity time. The exact pickup details are sent the day before.

From Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, the drive takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Hurghada usually takes 40 to 45 minutes. El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, and Al Ahyaa can take up to an hour, depending on the hotel and pickup route.

That timing matters. A two-hour ride may take a good part of your morning once transport and preparation are added. If you are staying close to Makadi Bay, the outing is easier to fit around a beach day. If you are staying farther away, the private transfer upgrade may be worth considering for comfort and control.

Independent visitors can choose the entry-only ticket. At the entrance, the guide waits for you and greets you by name. Keep your phone connected to WhatsApp if possible, since pickup updates and assistance are handled that way.

The arrival briefing and horse matching

A 15-minute rest period is provided when you arrive. This gives you time to use the facilities, settle in, and get ready before mounting. The base also sells drinks and face scarves, though these are extra purchases.

You receive a safety briefing, an introduction to the horse, and a short driving test. Helmets are provided and must be worn during the ride. Safety equipment is available on request, so ask before setting out if you need anything clarified.

The staff organizes groups by riding ability. This is one of the strongest features of the experience. Beginners are not simply placed on the first available horse and sent off. The horses are chosen to suit the rider, while more experienced participants may receive a little more freedom within the guide’s limits.

I would tell a nervous rider to speak plainly at the start. Several guides, including Mahmoud, Sabir, Hassan, and Didi, are noted for patience with beginners and children. That early conversation helps the team set the right pace and avoid an uncomfortable first few minutes.

Desert paths, open plains, and the Red Sea shore

The first part of the route may pass through sand valleys or open desert. This section is less about dramatic landmarks and more about the feeling of space. You hear the horse’s steps, feel the dry air, and watch the group move across broad, quiet ground.

The guides also share information about the area and local traditions. Do not expect a formal history lecture. The cultural touch is lighter and tied to the setting, which suits a short outdoor activity.

The shoreline brings the best visual change. Riding beside the Red Sea gives you open views and cooler air, especially at sunrise or later in the day. Some routes reach the shallows, allowing the horses to splash through the water. The exact route can vary by selected option and conditions, so the regular two-hour ride should not be booked solely on the assumption that it includes swimming.

The four-hour VIP option is the one to choose if swimming with your horse is essential. It specifically includes a Red Sea swim stop. Bring swimwear and a change of clothes, but do not bring large bags or valuables, since the activity asks you to carry only essentials.

Sunrise at 5:00 AM, with breakfast afterward

The sunrise departure is the best choice for cooler air and softer light. The early start also makes the desert feel quieter, and the changing colors are especially useful for photographs. You will need to be comfortable with a very early pickup, since hotel collection occurs before the ride begins.

The Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise departure. It is not a general feature of every morning ride. Select that exact timing when booking if breakfast is important to you.

Yusuf has guided sunrise rides for families and helped make the early outing comfortable for children. This option suits you if you want a gentle start to the day and prefer to return to the hotel before the strongest afternoon heat.

Sunset, dinner, live shows, and stargazing

The sunset program adds a different mood. The light softens, temperatures become more comfortable, and the return route can feel more atmospheric than a midday ride. You begin with the horse ride and then continue with an Oriental dinner, live performance, and desert stargazing.

Dinner is a useful add-on if you want one evening activity instead of arranging several separate outings. The food is served after the ride, and Mahmoud and Sabir’s group received especially positive feedback for the meal as well as the riding.

The show and stargazing are optional parts of the selected package, not automatic additions to every horse ride. Check the option name carefully. A standard sunset ride may not include dinner or entertainment.

This evening program is also a good fit for non-riders in your group only if everyone is comfortable with the horseback portion, since the activity is built around riding first. The base experience is not described as a separate dinner-only visit.

What the guides add to the experience

The horses matter, but the guides shape the day. Mohamed, also called Didi in some bookings, is praised for clear instruction, patient work with children, and taking photographs and videos. His ability to keep beginners comfortable while still giving experienced riders an enjoyable route is a real advantage.

Yusuf is associated with sunrise rides and family outings. Hassan is noted for matching horses to ability and helping nervous riders feel safe enough to try a faster pace. Mahmoud and Sabir are praised for kindness during the ride and for the dinner portion of the evening program.

You should still remember that guide assignment is not guaranteed. These names show the style of support available, not a promise that one specific person will lead your tour. The language listed for the activity is English.

Photography is another recurring strength. Guides or staff may take photos and videos during the ride, particularly along the beach. Confirm what is included before assuming every image is free, and keep your own phone protected from sand and water.

Practical clothing and comfort advice

Wear closed, comfortable shoes and clothes that allow you to sit securely in the saddle. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, since both desert glare and sea light can be strong.

A sun hat is useful before or after riding, but it may not fit comfortably beneath a helmet. On windy days, long clothing helps keep sand off your arms and legs. A scarf is also practical for the quad bike combination, where dust can rise behind the vehicles.

Bring swimwear for the VIP program or any option where a water stop is confirmed. Do not bring luggage, large bags, jewelry, alcohol, or valuables. Pets are not allowed, and smoking is not allowed in the vehicle.

The base sells basic face scarves and drinks. One booking recorded water at 50 EGP and a basic scarf at 200 EGP, with premium scarves costing more. Prices can change, so treat those figures as a useful guide rather than a fixed rate.

Who should skip this ride

This experience is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone over 110 kilograms, which is about 243 pounds. It is also not a good choice if you want a fast, independent riding session.

The horses are described as calm and well trained, but horseback riding still requires balance and physical comfort. Tell the guide about your experience level before mounting, especially if you are nervous or have never ridden before.

Families with children can choose it if the children meet the operator’s riding requirements and are comfortable following instructions. The staff has experience helping children, but the activity remains outdoors, with sun, sand, and time in the saddle.

Cancellation, flexibility, and group size

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve-now-pay-later availability keeps your plans flexible, which is useful when your Red Sea schedule depends on weather or hotel plans.

Small groups and private tours are available. A small group gives the guide more time to watch each rider, while a private tour makes more sense if your party has mixed abilities or you want the four-hour swim program at your own pace.

The standard ride is guided throughout. You should expect instructions, controlled pacing, and a route chosen for safety. That structure is a benefit for beginners, but experienced riders seeking technical training may find it too limited.

Should you book this Makadi Bay horse ride?

Book it if you want a relaxed way to combine desert scenery, Red Sea views, and a well-supported first or casual riding experience. The strongest reasons are the calm horses, ability-based matching, helpful guides, and choice of sunrise, sunset, quad bike, dinner, or swim options.

Choose the 5:00 AM departure for cooler air and Oriental breakfast. Choose sunset for softer light, dinner, live entertainment, and stargazing. Choose the four-hour VIP option only if swimming with your horse is central to your plans.

Skip it if you dislike organized group activities, cannot comfortably ride for two hours, or want a true galloping expedition. For most hotel-based visitors in Hurghada, though, the $20 starting price makes the regular ride a sensible outing, especially when you want more than another day beside the pool.

FAQ

How long does the Makadi Bay horse riding tour last?

Available programs last between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the option you choose. The standard ride lasts two hours, while the VIP horse ride with a swim stop lasts four hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select an option with shared transfer. Entry-only tickets require you to arrange your own transportation.

How far is the horse base from Hurghada?

The drive takes about 40 to 45 minutes from Hurghada. Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh are about 25 to 30 minutes away, while some resorts 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 departure.

Can I swim with my horse?

Yes, but only the four-hour VIP horse riding option includes a swim stop with your horse in the Red Sea.

Are beginners allowed to join?

Yes. Groups are arranged by riding ability, horses are matched to each rider, and professional guides provide a safety briefing and short driving test before the ride.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, weather-appropriate clothing, and swimwear if your selected option includes swimming.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people weighing more than 110 kilograms.