2 hours Horse Riding on The Sea and Desert- Hurghada

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the change of scene: you begin among dry desert ground and end on horseback in the Red Sea. The horses are calm, trainers offer basic instruction, and the pace can include walking or a little jogging. The sea ride is the star.

I like the modest price of $18.82 and the fact that two hours of riding are included, not just a short photo stop. I also like that the activity works for first-time riders, with helmets, trainers, and guides such as Hussain helping guests along. The main caution is that the desert section may pass through rough, stony ground or a building site, and the water ride is shallow rather than true swimming.

Key points to know before you book

• The Red Sea section is the highlight: You ride into shallow seawater with the horse, but do not expect a long swim.
• The desert is rough and realistic: Parts may look more like stony open ground or a construction area than a remote desert.
• Beginners are welcome: Trainers provide coaching, helmets, and support during the ride.
• Choose horse or camel riding: The included two-hour session is offered on either animal.
• Pickup is included in the main service area: Transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay cost extra.
• Allow about three hours overall: The riding itself lasts two hours, with transport and time at the stable bringing the outing to roughly three hours.

From Hurghada hotel to the horse farm

The experience begins with pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, assuming your hotel falls within the standard pickup area. Bottled water is included, which matters in Hurghada’s heat, especially before and after time in the saddle.

Pickup arrangements deserve a little attention. Transfers from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh cost an additional $5 per person. From Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay, the extra charge is $10 per person. Confirm your hotel location and pickup point clearly before the day, and keep your phone available for messages from the operator.

The total outing takes about three hours, but the riding portion lasts two hours. At the farm, you may wait briefly while the horses are prepared and assigned. One useful detail from the experience is that the start can feel informal. You might arrive, sit for a while, and wait for instructions before the horses are brought out, so do not expect a tightly scripted departure.

That pause is not necessarily a problem, but it can be confusing if nobody explains what is happening. I would arrive ready to ask where to wait, when the safety briefing begins, and which horse has been assigned to you.

Meeting the horses and getting ready

The tour provides helmets and pre-ride coaching. This is especially useful if you have not ridden for years or have only sat on a horse during a short holiday stop. A trainer should help you understand the basic controls and stay with the group during the ride.

The horses are described as well-bred Arabian or Egyptian desert horses. They are slimmer and more refined than the sturdy ponies many riders know from Britain or northern Europe. That does not automatically make them difficult, but their build and movement may feel different beneath you.

The strongest part of the service is the attention given to beginners and children. One family experience included careful help for a six-year-old child, and another rider returning after ten years away from horses was able to enjoy the two-hour route. Still, the activity requires a moderate level of physical fitness, so you should be comfortable mounting, balancing, and sitting in the saddle for an extended period.

Do not assume that every rider will be matched to the same level or that the group will move at a fast pace. The route begins calmly, and jogging may be offered when suitable. If you are an experienced rider hoping for long stretches of galloping, this may feel restrained. The focus is a guided outing, not an advanced riding lesson or a fast trail ride.

Crossing the stony desert outside Hurghada

The first riding section takes you across dry ground near the stable. The word desert can suggest wide, untouched dunes, but that is not what you should picture here. Parts of the route are described as rocky, sparse, and close to development. You may cross a road and pass through an area that looks more like a building site than a remote wilderness.

That may disappoint you if the desert is your main reason for booking. On the other hand, the rough setting gives you a more ordinary look at the edge of Hurghada, where open ground, new construction, roads, and the coast sit close together. It is not a polished desert show staged far from town.

The horses may walk for much of this part. The guide controls the pace, and you should follow instructions closely, especially when crossing roads or uneven ground. The dry heat can make even a gentle ride tiring, so take the bottled water and wear clothing that covers your legs comfortably.

I would not book this tour for dramatic dune scenery. Book it for the contrast between a short desert ride and the chance to take the horse into the sea. That distinction will help you set the right expectations.

Riding into the Red Sea

The water section is the reason many people choose this outing. After the dry route, the horses head toward the shore and enter the Red Sea. The water is described as clear and turquoise in places, with pale sand along the coast. One particularly fortunate outing even had a dolphin approach briefly, though that is a lucky accident, not part of the tour.

The horses appear to enjoy cooling off in the water, and this section offers the most unusual photographs and memories of the day. You remain mounted as the horse walks into the sea, creating a striking contrast with the dry country behind you.

There is an important practical limit: the water is shallow, around two feet in parts, and the activity is not a long swim with your horse. You ride out into the water for a relatively short time, then return to shore. The advertising language may sound more dramatic than the actual water portion, so I would treat this as a wading ride, not an aquatic horse expedition.

You should also be prepared for a change at the end of this section. Once you dismount, the horse may be taken away while you remove or return equipment. Keep track of your helmet and personal belongings, and follow the staff’s instructions rather than assuming you can walk off with the horse.

The guides, pace, and group size

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is small enough for a shared outing but large enough that the experience may not feel private. The quality of the day depends partly on the guide assigned to your group.

Hussain is singled out as a funny and engaging instructor who took photographs and helped make the ride enjoyable. Sara was also named as a horse assigned to one rider. Names and assignments can change, but the useful point is that the farm has staff who work directly with riders rather than simply sending you out alone.

Communication may not be consistent in every language. One booking expected a French-speaking guide but received a guide who spoke neither French nor English, while the organizer spoke English. If you need detailed explanations in a particular language, confirm this before paying. Do not assume that selecting a language on a booking form guarantees that the actual riding guide will speak it.

The guiding style can also vary. Some outings feel friendly and relaxed, with jokes and plenty of help. Others may feel less organized at the start. I would judge the experience mainly by your expectations: you are paying for a guided ride and support, not a private equestrian clinic with a carefully timed lesson plan.

Horse welfare and what to look for

Horse welfare is an important part of this choice. Several experiences described the horses as calm, healthy, and well cared for, and one family-run stable was praised for keeping its animals in good condition. Other comments raised concerns about thin horses and harsh handling.

That mixed picture means you should pay attention when you arrive. Look for horses that appear alert, comfortably fitted with tack, and able to walk without obvious distress. If you see rough handling or feel unsafe, speak to the organizer before mounting. A low price is not a reason to overlook poor treatment.

The tour description presents the animals as high-standard Egyptian or Arabian horses. In practical terms, the horses may be slimmer than you expect, and their appearance can vary. The strongest experience will be one where the staff match the horse to your ability and keep the pace controlled.

Is $18.82 good value?

At $18.82 per person, this is inexpensive for a two-hour horse or camel ride with hotel pickup offered, bottled water, a helmet, and trainers. The price becomes particularly attractive if you want a simple holiday activity rather than a full-day excursion.

The value depends on what you count as the main attraction. If you want two uninterrupted hours in a remote desert, the route may feel short on scenery. If you want to ride into the Red Sea and do not mind an urban edge, the price is strong.

Remember to add the transfer charge if you are staying outside the main Hurghada pickup area. The extra $5 from Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh is modest. The $10 charge from Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay is still reasonable, but it changes the final total.

Group discounts may be available, which can make this a practical choice for families or friends. The maximum group size is 15, so ask about the final group arrangement if you prefer a quieter ride.

What to wear and bring

Wear long trousers or other comfortable clothing that will not rub against the saddle. Closed shoes are sensible for mounting and walking near the stable, though the supplied information does not specify footwear requirements.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a way to protect your phone from water and sand. The sea portion is shallow, but splashing is possible. Take only what you need on the ride and listen when staff explain where to leave personal items.

A helmet is included, as is bottled water. You do not need to pay separately for those listed items, but check what happens to the helmet after the ride, especially if staff collect equipment immediately after dismounting.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, families with children who meet the operator’s requirements, and experienced riders who want a relaxed coastal outing. It suits people who like unusual holiday photographs and want to combine horses, desert ground, and the Red Sea in one short activity.

It is less suitable if you want a long gallop, a remote desert setting, or a proper swim with your horse. It may also disappoint you if you expect every guide to speak a chosen language or if you dislike informal waiting at the stable.

The activity requires moderate fitness. You should be able to sit on a horse for two hours and manage the basic physical demands of mounting and riding. If you are worried about your ability, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming the pace will be effortless.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Hurghada horse ride?

I would book this tour if the horse in the Red Sea is the image that attracts you and you are comfortable with a shallow water ride, a stony desert route, and a shared group. The combination is unusual, and the low price includes useful basics such as transport, water, a helmet, and trainer support.

I would skip it if you want untouched desert scenery or a long, athletic ride. Before booking, confirm your hotel transfer fee, the guide language, the pickup details, and exactly how long the horses stay in the water. With those points clear, this is a good-value Hurghada outing that offers a memorable coastal experience without taking up a full day.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The full outing lasts approximately three hours, including transport and time at the stable. The included riding session lasts two hours.

Can I choose between a horse and a camel?

Yes. The included two-hour session can be taken as horse riding or camel riding, according to your choice.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and an air-conditioned vehicle is included. Transfers from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh cost an extra $5 per person. Transfers from Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay cost an extra $10 per person.

Does the horse swim in the Red Sea?

The horse enters the sea, but the water section is shallow, around two feet in parts. You should expect a ride through the water rather than a long swim.

Are helmets and water provided?

Yes. A helmet and bottled water are included, along with trainer support.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?

Yes. Pre-ride coaching and assistance from trainers are provided, and the ride begins at a calm pace. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.